Those Hazy Lazy Days of Summer

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Sorry about the delay in journaling. Only three weeks remain, and we are off to Poland. Time passes so quickly. I have been busy purchasing items for my trip, as well as cleaning the house in preparation for my friend who will be staying with the "kids" while I am away. Summer is in full bloom and so are the many activities that take place in the park across the street. This past weekend the Kent Base Ball Club hosted their annual Silas K. Pierce Cup Tournament. This is not the "baseball" we are familiar with today. This "base ball" is the base ball of the 1860s: no gloves; no metal bats; no overhand pitches; no balls or strikes; only one umpire; and best of all, no player salaries! In my opinion, the professional sports of today are all about money. As a consequence, I will not watch professional sports on television or in person. Athletes should play for the love of the game not the huge purses for which they bargain.

I have posted several photos of "America's True Past Time". If you ever get an opportunity to watch base ball in its purest form, I highly recommend that you do. I guarantee you will love it. You will be pleasantly surprised by the outstanding sportsmanship you see. The number one rule for this base ball is "All matches are to be played with the highest respect for the opponent, courtesy, and above all - gentlemanly behavior."

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Photos

Kent Base Ball Club
The Grand Rapids Base Ball Club of the 1860s

Bay City Independents v. Akron Black Socks
A gentlemanly meeting begins and ends the match.

The Umpire
The "ump" explains the rules and makes the necessary anouncements.

Akron Pitcher
An good underhand pitch is the name of the game.

Akron Fielders
With no gloves, each player must be ready to field the "line drive".

Bay City Pitcher
Striker to the line!

Bay City Fielder
Now that's a ballist!

The Umpire's Place
The umpire remains behind home base and slightly off to one side. He is only appealed to for a judgement call.

A Lusty Cheer
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!