16th Ohio Cup Vintage Baseball Festival
Ohio Village - September 1 & 2 Columbus Ohio

They came together for one reason, to celebrate America’s pastime the way it was meant to be played. They arrived in Columbus from all four corners of the State and beyond. They where from hometowns like Akron, Cincinnati, Forest City and Sylvania. Others arrive from St. Louis, Indianapolis and even as far away as Colorado making this the largest gathering of vintage base ball clubs in the country.

For two days, they played the game. Without equipment other than a ball and a bat they gather in fields with club names like the Great Black Swamp Frogs, the Deep River Grinders and the Muffins. Each team wore period uniforms reflective of the enchanting names they held.

Their shirts show no sponsorship yet each of the players is representing a time when sportsmanship and integrity ruled the game. It is known as vintage baseball. It is easy to follow since there are but 33 rules and historic interpreters wander about adding color and answering all questions. What better way to slow down a busy life than to enjoy a beautiful day in Ohio watching baseball.

2007 Ohio Vintage Baseball Clubs

• Akron Blackstockings

• Carey Cayugas

• Champion City Reapers

• Cincinnati Buckeyes

• Cincinnati Red Stockings

• Columbus Capitals

• Fulton Mules

• Hoover Sweepers

• Ohio Village Muffins

• Sycamore Grasshoppers

• Sylvania Great Black Swamp Frogs

2007 Beyond Ohio Baseball Teams

• Colorado Territorial Olde Stars

• Deep River Grinders

• Douglas Dutchers

• Genesee County Museum

• Indianapolis Blues

• Marmont Saints

• Rock Springs Ground Squirrels

• Rockwood Mainliners

• St. Louis Perfectos

• St. Louis Unions

Did you know...

The first professional baseball team in America was the Cincinnati Red Stockings and they began play in 1869. The first nationwide professional league was founded in 1871.

Baseball fans were shocked, then outraged when the president of the Red Stockings decided to pay his amateur players. The captain received a salary of $1400! The other players received between $600 - $100 each. After initiating this pay for play, game day tickets skyrocketed from 25 to 50 cents each, further angering Cincinnati baseball fans. That was is 1869. After the 1870 season, the Red Stockings were disbanded (later to re-emerge as the Cincinnati Reds). The reason for disbanding the team: the owner couldn't afford to pay the players' salaries— TV rights hadn't yet been awarded to help the owner out of his dilemma.