Vintage base ball game to be played at Fort Mackinac on July 23

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Catch the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats take on the Mackinaw City Boys in a match of vintage base ball on Saturday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. on the old ball field behind Fort Mackinac, presented by Mary’s Bistro Draught House.
Catch the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats take on the Mackinaw City Boys in a match of vintage base ball on Saturday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. on the old ball field behind Fort Mackinac, presented by Mary’s Bistro Draught House.

MACKINAC ISLAND — Catch the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats take on the Mackinaw City Boys in a match of vintage base ball on Saturday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. on the old ball field behind Fort Mackinac, presented by Mary’s Bistro Draught House.

“The vintage base ball game began in 2003 as a special event with the Summer of Sports, that numerous museums around Michigan took part in,” said Phil “Pops” Porter, former Mackinac State Historic Parks director and co-founder and shortstop of the current Never Sweats. “We played a game of vintage base ball not knowing it would become an annual tradition. It is a fan favorite and really enjoyed by the staff and local residents that participate. It’s a fun way to share another chapter of Fort Mackinac’s really interesting part of history.”

The vintage base ball game showcases the game of “base ball” as it was meant to be played— barehanded and by gentlemen’s rules. Guests will learn an old-fashioned cheer, watch players fined for smoking cigars on the field, and enjoy a good old-fashioned rivalry. The players will also play using 1880s “base ball” terminology.

“The soldiers really did play base ball on the field out there and teams throughout Michigan,” said Porter. The Fort Mackinac team historically played a game against a team from Mackinaw City, so it’s fitting to have them over for a match.

ViCurrently used by boy and girl scouts across Michigan, since 1934, the field was originally utilized by Fort Mackinac soldiers dating back to the 1870s, who continued to develop the field until the fort closed in 1895. Local residents and summer workers played baseball at the “fort ball grounds” throughout the 20th century.

The cost of the game is by donation. A small set of bleachers will be arranged for the game, and guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs to the match. Grand Hotel will offer concessions, and Never Sweat merchandise will be available. Music will be provided by the Straits Area Concert Band. Baseball cards, offered free of charge, will be available to the Never Sweats players on a first come, first served basis. The game will also be livestreamed by 9&10 News.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Vintage base ball game to be played at Fort Mackinac on July 23