Sports

Civil War Era Base Ball Game Comes To Life

Local players get into the spirit of a very civilized game of "base ball" played as it was during the Civil War era.

"Madam, Scorekeeper, I greatly apologize for the error on my behalf," said one of the ball players in the 19th-century style baseball game, demonstrating how player maintained a quaint sense of civility.

Dave Oberg, director of the , brought the past to life recently through a historical re-enactment of an old-time base ball game at Grayslake Central Park.

The crowd was encouraged to use 19th-century style words to cheer or jeer as needed:

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  • apple or onion - the ball
  • blooper or banjo - a weak fly ball
  • bowler or twirler - pitcher
  • kranks or bugs - fans
  • kranklet or charming deadheads - female fans

Players and fans alike enjoyed the day. Oberg was the quintessential 19th-century umpire. Charlotte Renehan, president of the Historical Society, wore a beautiful historical dress and carried a parasol.

Ray Russell of Grayslake, also known during the game as The Finley Flash, yelled, "That was a corker!" (translation: That was a very surprising play!)

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"It is fun to be out here for this game, with all of these people watching," Russell said. "The rules are a little bit different, like it can bounce once before it's out."

played with enthusiasm.

"This is the most fun I've had in years," he said from the dugout. "Look around - everybody is just out here to have a good time."


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