HUMBOLDT — With its baseball heritage extending more than a century, Humboldt often enjoys taking a look back at the formative years of America’s Pastime.
Such an event is in the offing once again, when the Humboldt Historic Preservation Alliance will host a vintage baseball game Sept. 17.
The fun starts at noon at Walter Johnson Field with an 1860s-era baseball game between the Topeka Westerns and the Wichita Bull Stockings.
There are several differences between the modern game, explained Tom Rutledge of HHPA.
“The ball is soft enough that it can be handled by your bare hands,” he said. “In fact, most guys go barehanded, but the ball is firm enough that you can pop it pretty well.”
But the biggest differences lie in the balls and strikes, and then after the ball is hit.
For example, a batter (or striker) is asked to specify where the pitcher (hurler) should deliver the pitch.
And any ball that’s caught after a single bounce still counts as an out.
An umpire will explain the rules variations during the game.
A free lunch will be served.
Humboldt’s Wayne Smith, 91, will deliver the ceremonial first pitch as well.
Humboldt has hosted vintage baseball competitions in recent years, Rutledge said.
He noted the Westerns also have been invited to play an exhibition next summer on the “Field of Dreams” complex in Dyersville, Iowa, site of the famed 1989 Kevin Costner movie of the same name.
