Vintage Baseball Steps To The Plate On Memorial Day In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — Vintage baseball returns to Pickering Field at Jefferson and North Chancellor streets on Memorial Day through the sponsorship of the Council Rock Newtown Athletic Association.

The step back in time begins at 12:0 p.m. weather permitting with the posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 440 Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Newtown Borough Mayor Tara Grunde-McLauglin will throw out the first pitch in a game that will see the Newtown Strake take on the visiting Neshanock Base Ball Club of Flemington, N.J., in a vintage ball game played by 1864 rules.

The teams will play by 19th-century rules - pitching is underhand; players are not allowed to overrun first base; three balls are a walk; and catching the ball on one bounce is considered an out, although not a “manly” out.

“It’s an absolute blast to play,” says Bob Musto, a member of the Strakes. “And to be at Pickering Field on Memorial Day and to play before the crowds that we get, it’s really an awesome, awesome day."

During the seventh inning, the poem “Casey at the Bat” is traditionally read and everyone will have a chance to stretch. The game will also include the traditional singing of the baseball anthem, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

The event is free and open to the public.