Play Like It’s 1864! Hudson Valley Team Looking For New Members

There's a "new" sport gaining traction in the Hudson Valley. The only catch? It's actually from 1864.

Baseball is America's pastime, and New York has had its share of champions. The sport we know as baseball, however, was a little different when it was first started in the 1800s. Now, some devoted Hudson Valley residents are going back to its roots.

Vintage Base Ball Teams in the Hudson Valley, NY

Across the Hudson Valley, "vintage" baseball teams have been playing the game the way it was originally described in a 1864 rulebook. The focus, however, seems to be in Ulster County with the Kingston Guard vintage team (below) as well as another team who is actively recruiting new members.

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The Brickmakers Base Ball Club of Saugerties

The Brickmakers Base Ball Club of Saugerties (baseball used to be spelled with two words) was founded in 2022, and has been quickly spreading the love for the vintage version of the game New Yorkers know and love.

What's Different About Vintage Base Ball?

"Vintage base ball is not a reenactment, which many may think until they come to a game", explained Will “Quigs” Quigley, the founder of the Saugerties Brickmakers. "It's a very challenging and exciting version of the game, which should be experienced to really grasp." Some key differences:

Rules for Vintage Baseball

• No baseball gloves are used. Players field the ball with their bare hands
• Fly balls can be caught from the air or after one bounce. Both are counted as "outs"
• Pitching is done underhand
• Runners may not overrun first base

Join the Brickmakers Base Ball Club of Saugerties

Players also compete in period-correct uniforms and even carve their own wooden bats. The Brickmakers are currently searching for new members to join the team. Quigley shared on Facebook that the club is free to join and uniforms for players are also provided. Home games are played on Glasco Firemen's Field in Saugerties.

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Hudson Valley residents interested in taking a swing at vintage baseball are encouraged to contact the team at saugertiesvbbc@gmail.com or find more information on their Facebook page.