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This Saturday, I make my time-traveling baseball team debut. Come to Governors Island, Parade Ground A, 11am-2pm, to watch. And maybe join me.

Context: In 2024, I got to see a vintage base ball game -- hobbyist re-enactors using old-timey bats and baseballs, wearing period uniforms, and playing baseball with the 1864 rules. (Including: Catching the ball on a bounce is an out.) nymutuals.com/rules-and-differ…

#NYC

1/n

A pitcher, standing on a patch of dirt, pitches underhand to a batter near a catcher. In the background is a fielder standing on a grassy field, then many lush trees beyond. All the people are in old-timey clothes and hats; the pitcher's shirt has a big H on it. Photo from https://hobokennine.jimdofree.com/2026-photos-videos/

Mutual Base Ball Club

Playing base ball by the rules of the 19th century. See more about rules here
Mutual Base Ball Club
#nyc
in reply to Sumana Harihareswara

Sumana Harihareswara
mastodon - Link to source
Sumana Harihareswara
• •

It was utter fun. Players took breaks to come to the sidelines, give us little history lessons, and let kids hold the equipment.

This year, I noticed that the New York Mutuals were set to play the Hoboken Nine on Governors Island on Saturday, May 16th. nymutuals.com/2026-schedule

But I didn't see it on the govisland.com events page, so I emailed the Governors Island admin and the two ball teams to check: is this game actually happening?

The ball teams replied to say: yes it is.

Then one of them replied again, to tell me they might be short a few players, and would I like to play?

2/n

[screenshot of portion of email] Sumana, Let me know if you are interested in playing on Saturday. We may be short a few players.

Mutual Base Ball Club

Playing base ball by the rules of the 19th century. See more about rules here
Mutual Base Ball Club
This entry was edited (1 week ago)
in reply to Sumana Harihareswara

Sumana Harihareswara
mastodon - Link to source
Sumana Harihareswara
• •

Thus: in a few days I join the Hoboken Nine for the only vintage base ball game this whole summer in New York City.

And I've been instructed: "If you have any other friends that want to play, let me know. I will have uniforms for you and anyone else."

Or just come for free to watch me remember how hand-eye coordination works.

3/3

in reply to Sumana Harihareswara

Sumana Harihareswara
mastodon - Link to source
Sumana Harihareswara
• •

Join me tomorrow! The Manhattan ferry to Governors Island is free that day before 11am!

govisland.com/plan-your-visit/…

[poster showing a batter in front of bright lights] Saturday 16th May Governors Island, NYC 19th Century Base Ball Match Hoboken BBC vs NY Mutuals Noon start on the Parade Grounds hobokennine.jimdofree.com

Ferry | Governors Island (en-US)

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in Upper New York Bay, approximately 800 yards from the southern tip of Manhattan.
Governors Island (en-US)
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