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After several weeks of research, we were able to locate a manufacturer in Connecticut that made uniforms for vintage leagues called the Vintage Baseball factory. (www.vbbf.com )
With much discussion, we decided to go with the early 20th Century era baseball, commonly referred to as "The Dead Ball Era". There were earlier examples of uniforms and equipment, but since Springfield's real heyday was just after the great fire in 1901, the more modern example of baseball seemed to be a better fit.
Over that same period of time we were able to locate and purchase era specific gloves, bats, and balls. The gloves were the biggest learning curve for the players. With no "pocket" to speak of, we had to learn how to catch a ball in our hand.
For the last three weeks leading up to the game, the players practiced every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This was in its self a big challenge as every person playing has a career, family, and home that require much of their time.
The Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department was also instrumental in helping get the field ready for the game. Adding 30 feet of clay and turning an oddly shaped softball field into a decent baseball field. While there were some bumps in the process, we are still very grateful for all of the work and effort that went into getting the field ready.
The game was a ton of fun to play in, and the spectators that came out were phenomenal. John Allen, of Boomtown Theatre fame, took the microphone for MC'ing duties, and did a great job keeping the fans in the game, including a stirring rendition of the National Anthem.
The Eastside put up a significant lead early on, leading 12-1 after 4 innings, the Westside tried to make a game of it, and came within 4 runs at one point. There was a lot of impressive play including a 300+ foot homerun into Hogans Creek by Eastside pitcher/outfielder Jimmy "The Howitzer" Holbrook, with two runners on base, and "Fast" Eddie Liberatori got them off to a great start throwing two scoreless innings.
For the Westside Mark "Buster" Shinn proved to be a vacuum at 3rd base, eating up any ball that came within range, and "Shoeless" Jimmy Gilliland threw an impressive 7 innings of baseball including several strikeouts..
The final score was 16-10, Eastside
There will be a rematch on July 4th, the location will be announced at a later date.
The full gallery can be viewed here: http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/gallery/7079103_sjyzQ
Thanks to Dan Blanchard for the game writeup.
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vicupstate
May 09, 2007, 08:20:48 AMThis is a neat idea. Looks like a lot of fun too.
zoo
May 09, 2007, 09:25:46 AMI attended and watched the game. Considering the equipment, the quality of play was much better than I expected! Will there be hot dogs, peanuts, ice cream, beer/water/sodas at the 4th of July game, too?
For anyone who appreciates a ball game or a day in the park with the kids, this is a great way to spend a day -- the old-time feel of it is priceless!
Jason
May 09, 2007, 09:42:08 AMGreat pics!!
How did you guys get a hold of all the throwback equipment? Those mitts are great!
Russell "The Stick" Box
May 09, 2007, 10:18:19 AMWe had a complete blast playing the game and are looking forward to the upcoming 4th of July game. We are trying to get other teams from around the city so we can start a small type of baseball league, so get some friends together and make a team and make a run of it.
Deuce
May 09, 2007, 10:21:53 AMI thought the game was great too. I think we should take it to the next level and challenge Riverside/Avondale to a game in Klutho park. This would serve to draw more people from outside the neighborhood into the neighborhood. SPAR vs RAP sounds cool!
downtownparks
May 09, 2007, 11:02:45 AMJason,
Javier Herrera, one of the principle organizers for the event was able to find a bunch or resources online. There are Vintage Leagues in other areas of the country, though I think ours is the first "dead ball era". Most of the other leagues focus on the late 1800's, while ours was focused on the early 1900's. We used at 1910 Era ball, and 1919 Era gloves.
Everyone out there was great to work with. I had an absolute blast working with, and playing with these guys, and several of the players stepped up and spent time, money, and used their trade to improve the outcome. Russ Box, Jesus Ceda, and Javier Herrera merit special mention because they paid for, and built that that awesome scoreboard.
Jim Gilliland and Jim Ricard did a great job finding the players.
And the players themselves for giving their time to help pull this whole event off. Everyone out there has family, houses, and jobs that came into play, and they all made it a point to come out as often as they could, including three time a week practices for the last three weeks.
Great Job guys. Thanks!
downtownparks
May 09, 2007, 11:04:21 AMOh, and I sent an email today to Riverside, San Marco, Murray Hill, and St Nicholas. If you are part of any of those organizations, or from downtown and want to try to help build a vintage league, please email me at downtownparks@gmail.com
Adam B
May 09, 2007, 12:44:43 PMnice job, guys. i was up there for the first couple of innings, but martha was getting really tired and she needed a nap and some water. great seeing other dogs out there though.
Jason
May 09, 2007, 04:35:58 PMIs this a sign to steal third??
downtownparks
May 09, 2007, 04:42:19 PMI think that the sign of either an itchy ass or a pulled hamstring...