These teams play base ball like it used to be -- way back

Members of teams in Southern California Vintage Base Ball pose for a group photo after a recent scrimmage. Photo courtesy of Mark Marsolino

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Imagine traveling back in time in the world of baseball. Back before replay review, artificial turf, and the designated hitter. Back before Jackie Robinson, Yankee Stadium and Ty Cobb.

Back to a time when the baseballs were softer, gloves were much smaller and the players wore heavy wool uniforms. Back when the Civil War was still a recent memory. Back when it took seven balls for a batter to earn a walk.

It’s the baseball world of 1886. And if you’re into that sort of “time travel”, you can experience it with a small group of players in a league all their own.

Southern California Vintage Base Ball, founded in 2018, strives to be as realistic as possible in playing games under 1886 rules. The league even refers to the sport in two words, as “base ball” was commonly referred to in its early days. So far there are six teams, including the Temecula Dear Bros (the name will be explained later).

This throwback version of base ball displays the sport of that time period, when the object of the pitcher-batter matchup was not as much for the pitcher to overpower the batter as it was to put the ball in play.

“Back then, the key wasn’t as much to strike guys out, but to show each other what you could do with a batted ball,” said Brian Bock, a member of the Dear Bros.

True to the rules of 1886, pitchers in the Vintage Base Ball league do not pitch off a mound. They work in a "box" on flat ground. In fact, pitches were delivered underhand until 1860, Bock explained. Pitchers used very little leg kick in their delivery. As a result of these things, fastball speeds were not nearly as fast as today’s version of the game.

“Some guys can get up to about 70 mph with some stuff on it. That’s about it,” Bock said.

The umpire, referred to only as “Sir”, stands behind the pitcher’s box. The batter then requests either a high strike or a low strike be delivered. If the pitch doesn’t hit the requested strike zone, it’s called a ball. And it takes seven balls for a walk.

“Basically, it’s half the strike zone that a pitcher has to work with,” Bock said. “And a hit by pitch doesn’t get you to first base. It’s just a ball. So you could get hit seven times before you could go to first. A foul ball is not a strike; it’s like a do-over.”

Mark Marsolino, who manages the Dear Bros, described fielder’s gloves (right) as a much smaller predecessor to today’s gloves, being “more like a gardening glove.”

“The gloves don’t have much padding,” he said. “Catching the ball is going to hurt, but every time you make a play, it’s a success story. Line drives are a whole different animal, and anything that’s a one-hopper is a tough play.”

The ball used is somewhat softer than today’s lively baseball, and the bats are typically 35 inches long and weigh 40 ounces – much heavier than today’s major leaguers use. Catchers use a less protected mask and do not wear shin guards.

The old-style equipment is manufactured by a company on the east coast. Uniforms – which are part wool like the old uniforms but are actually a cotton blend – are handmade. Players wear old style caps with a shorter bill.

As they prepare for the opening of the new season, the Temecula Dear Bros are waiting for their custom-made uniforms to arrive. Many of the other teams in the league – which includes the Riverside Smudge Pots, Fullerton Fire Knockers, Perris Prospectors, Crestline Highlanders and a team called Wes77 – are already wearing the vintage uniforms. “Sir” wears a vest and top hat.

There is such an effort to make the atmosphere realistic, some fans attend wearing suits and straw hats and with parasols to watch the games.

“It’s a little different than a recreational baseball league,” Bock said. “You have to have the right person – someone who not only wants to play, but who appreciates the history. You’re literally playing on a Field of Dreams.”

Marsolino explained that the Temecula team – which also draws from Murrieta, Menifee and surrounding areas – was named after the Murrieta Dear Bros team of the 1880s. The Dear family owned a large ranch on the Santa Rosa Plateau and included several brothers who formed the team.

The league is open to players 18 years and older. Marsolino said he is the oldest on his team at age 60. They only have eight players on the roster, however, and are looking for others interested in joining them. They typically practice once a week on a field in Winchester.

Those seeking more information about the Temecula Dear Bros may check out their Facebook page or call Marsolino at 909-208-8232.

The umpire, referred to as "Sir", watches from behind the pitcher's box as a batter prepares to swing. Photo courtesy of So Cal Vintage Base Ball

Mark Marsolino (center) of the Temecula Dear Bros is looking for more players with a sense of baseball history.

Some fans who come out to watch Vintage Base Ball take their role seriously. Photo courtesy of SoCal Vintage Base Ball