Want to play 1860s base ball?

If you've ever wondered what it was like to play baseball in 1860, here is your opportunity to find out.

The McHenry County Historical Society's "club nine," the McHenry County "Independants," will hold a practice session from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13, at Prairie Grove's Village Hall park, off Ames and Barreville roads, just east of Route 31.

Prospective players are invited. You must be fit enough to run the bases, even slowly, commit to at least one practice and play in two Saturday exhibition games: at 2 p.m. June 20 at Village Hall Park in Prairie Grove and at 4 p.m. Aug. 29 in Grayslake. Both games will be against the Grayslake Athletics.

This type of Civil War-era baseball, or "base ball" as it was called, differed radically from today's rules. Players did not use gloves. A ball caught on the first bounce was considered an out and a ball was considered fair or foul based solely on where it first touched the ground.

Those interested in playing should contact historical society administrator Kurt Begalka at (815) 923-2267 or email him at kurt@mchenrycountyhistory.org.