By Garth Shanklin
Sports Editor
Tucked away at the corner of Augusta Street and Washington Street, just off the banks of the Ohio River in New Richmond, Clasgen Field sits, awaiting the next time fans flock to the yard for another display of diamond prowess.
Clasgen Field hosts the New Richmond Generals, a team consisting of volunteers who play baseball using 19th-century rules.
The Generals, named after General U.S. Grant, began play in 2014. The team was conceived as a part of the New Richmond Bicentennial celebration, where they would play against the Muffins from the Ohio Village in Columbus. Thanks to Dennis Carr and Joe Greeson, the team managed to pull together a group of players and play the game. According to Michael Findlan, who helps promote the team, the players liked the idea enough to form the Generals and register it with the Vintage Base Ball Association.
The VBBA formed in 1996 as an effort to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first recorded base ball match between organize teams, according to their website. The league’s site also states their mission is to “preserve, perpetuate and promote the game of base ball as it was played during its formative years.”
As such, there are several rules that differ from today’s game, according to Findlan.
“A fair or foul ball caught on the fly or one bounce was considered an out,” Findlan said. “The batter cannot overrun first base, as is done today. The teams wear period-appropriate uniforms and caps and the baseball is made to the specifications of the 1860s. It’s slightly softer than today’s MLB official ball and it’s stitched differently, but it is still a hard ball and a line drive will easily break a finger or two.”
Since gloves didn’t enter the rulebook until the 1880s, the players make all plays bare-handed. Pitching is underhand, and outs are recorded by catching hits off the bat or tagging bases.
The rulebook that the teams will use for their game is determined before play begins. There are over 15 different rule books to choose from, all of which are available on the VBBA website.
The events are family-friendly, as according to Findlan the game was considered a gentlemen’s game.
“The opposing teams will comment, clap or otherwise acknowledge a good play by the opposing team during games,” Findlan said. “By the 1880s, spectators at a game were expected to cheer for their favorite team, in the late 1850s to 1860s, the spectators were expected to cheer for any good play by either team.”
According to Findlan, the Generals are always looking for additional players. Interested parties over the age of 16 can contact team manager Joe Greeson at jgreeson22@yahoo.com or Dennis Carr at Carrdm1@yahoo.com.
On Aug. 14, the Generals will welcome four other teams to New Richmond for the Ohio River Tournament, which will begin at 10 a.m.
The Moscow Monarchs, the Vevay White Stockings, the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Belle River Base Ball Club from Rising Sun, Indiana will participate in the tournament, which will be held at the New Richmond Knothole Baseball Complex off of Old State Route 52 near the Rivertown IGA.
Games are expected to end around 4 p.m. and fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and something to protect them from the sun. Concessions are available, and donations are accepted.