Be a true 'krank' and support your team

PRAIRIE GROVE - It's nearly time to "lay that willow on that onion."

No, this has nothing to do with cooking or gardening. Rather, "willow" refers to a " base ball" bat, "onion, apple, horsehide or pill" refers to the ball … at least it did in 1860.

The McHenry County Historical Society and Grayslake Heritage Center are collaborating to stage a Civil War-era baseball game at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Prairie Grove's Village Hall park located off Ames and Barreville roads, just east of Route 31.

The McHenry County "Independants" (the name of an actual team of that era) will host the Lake County Athletics as part of a home-and-home series. An away game occurs at 4 p.m. Aug. 29 in Grayslake. Visit www.gothistory.org for more details.

Grayslake Heritage Center Executive Director Dave Oberg will umpire and emcee, explaining the rules and teaching the audience to cheer and jeer in proper 19th-century fashion. 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.

Fans, called "kranks" or "bugs" at the time, should bring their own chairs or a blanket to sit on at this free event. Popcorn, Cracker Jack, water and lemonade will be available for purchase.