Happy birthday to our American cousins on this lovely sunny Sunday, July 4. Today Black Creek Pioneer Village is holding an 1860s baseball game. It’s great fun to watch, but, even better, you and the kids can join in the game. The rules weren’t exactly the same then: there were four bases plus home, rather than the three bases we have today.

Batter up! 1860s baseball at Black Creek Pioneer Village

To help everyone get oriented, the game will begin with players in period costume assuming the roles of the “Fisherville Sportsmen” taking on our hometown “Black Creek Champions.” Fans will get pennants, so they can cheer on their favourite team.

But the action is not just on the field. It seems there is tension simmering between the two teams. Of late, Fisherville has been dominant whenever the rival teams have met. On this day it will be revealed that Fisherville, in a shocking breach of 1860’s sports etiquette, has quietly added a professional to their roster.

At the time, being an amateur athlete was considered honourable and fair, whereas going professional was somehow unsportsmanlike, and fielding on professional on an amateur team was downright cheating. Something tells me it happened all the time.

Visitors can join in the game.

Once the fans have got a handle on how the game is played, Visitors can join in and try out the old style bats and the extra base path for themselves.

If you can’t make it to the Village today, the game (with all the drama) will be repeated on July 24.