Geneva Rovers set baseball game, nineteenth century style

On Sunday, Oct. 3, the Geneva Rovers will once again take the field in Geneva, courtesy of the Geneva History Center.

In 1867, the Geneva Rovers became the community's first baseball team, playing games every Saturday from April through September. Each year, the Geneva History Center stages a nine-inning, 19th-century rules game to commemorate the original Rovers and call attention to Geneva's baseball heritage. Last year, the Geneva Rovers played an epic, nine-inning game against the Batavia Bat Men, losing by two runs in the ninth inning after a well fought match. Now, the Rovers are looking for revenge.

A crack team has once again assembled to play for the honor of Geneva. Old hands are returning, but new players are invited to participate as well.

A formal game against the Batavia Bat Men is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3 at Peck Farm Park, Field 2, 38W199 Kaneville Road. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, with all proceeds benefiting the Geneva History Center. Spectators are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs.

Those who attended last year's game noted that it was a spirited but gentlemanly game. The rules of 19th-century baseball are markedly different from today's sport. Major differences include: the ball is considered fair or foul based solely on where it first touches the ground; a ball caught on the first bounce is considered out; and a strike is called only on a swing and a miss.

For information, call Dave Oberg, executive director, at (630) 232-4951 or via e-mail to Exec Dir@genevahistorycenter.org.