Geneva Rovers ready to relive a little history

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. For the past two years, the Geneva History Center has staged a nine-inning, 19th-century rules game against the Midway Marauders, a visiting team from Rockford. This year, the Rovers will take on the Batavia Bat Men, a local club sure to revive old rivalries between the two cities.

Two crack teams have been assembled to ensure a competitive and good-natured game. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at Sunset Park, 710 Western Ave. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and members, with all proceeds benefiting the Geneva History Center. Spectators are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs.

Those who attended previous games noted that they were spirited but gentlemanly matches. 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, a strike is called only on a swing and a miss.

For information, contact Dave Oberg, executive director, at (630) 232-4951 or via e-mail at Exec_Dir@genevahistorycenter.org.