Free information session to be held this Sunday
The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball will host a player and volunteer recruitment and information session at 2:00 p.m., EST, Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Historic Ramsey House, 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37914. Players from the Knoxville Holstons and the Emmett Machinists will be on hand to answer questions about how individuals can get involved in playing and supporting historic baseball in Knoxville. Following the information session, players will conduct an 1860s-era batting practice for all who would like to participate.
“We encourage baseball fans of all ages and experience levels to consider playing 1864 base ball,” says Lynn “Hawkeye” Bates, co-captain of the Knoxville Holstons. “This league is filled with individuals who play for the joy of the game and who care about preserving the history of our national pastime.”
Knoxville’s vintage base ball clubs are entering their fifth season as members of the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball. All of Tennessee’s teams play by the rules and customs of 1864 on the grounds of historic sites in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Nashville. The regular season runs from March to September.
“At it’s core, vintage base ball is about education,” adds Steve “Cannonball” Cordle, co-captain of the Knoxville Holstons. “We endeavor to involve the crowd in the matches, making sure their afternoon outing is historic and fun.” Sportsmanship is also a key tenet of the matches.
Additionally, Knoxville’s vintage base ball clubs, along with their home grounds, the Historic Ramsey House, are in need of non-playing volunteers who would like to help with information tables, concession sales, and general match day support. Period dress is encouraged but not required for volunteers.
Information on how to sign-up and play for the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball in 2018 will be available at Sunday’s session or can be found online at http://tennesseevintagebaseball.com/2018-new-player-registration/.
The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball (TAOVBB) is a 501(c)3 organization, established in 2012 to entertain and educate communities through base ball events that use the rules, equipment, costumes, and culture of the 1860s. The TAOVBB provides enrichment programs to youth and adults that emphasize honor, team play, respectful conduct, and community pride. Its goals are to exemplify the values that are lacking in modern-day athletic programs and encourage a sense of belonging regardless of race, gender, religious conviction, or physical ability.
