Cheer on Civil War-era 'base ball' game Aug. 26

It's nearly time to "lay that willow on that onion" … again.

No, this has nothing to do with cooking or gardening. Rather, "willow" refers to a "base ball" bat. The "onion", "apple," "horsehide" or "pill" refers to the ball - at least in 1859.

Following a home victory in June, "club nines" from the McHenry County Historical Society and Grayslake Heritage Center will face off once again at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Central Park in Grayslake. To get there take Route 120 east to South Lake Avenue. Turn left and then take another left into Grayslake Central High School to park. Walk across the street to Central Park to find the ball field.

Fans, called "kranks" or "bugs" at the time, should bring their own chairs or a blanket to sit on.

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.

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.

The match will be followed by another free event: the fifth annual Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival. It features hot air balloons being inflated and competing in a "Fox and Hounds" contest in which competing balloons seek to land closest to the "Fox." Balloons will be retrieved and return to the park and after dark they will be internally illuminated by their burners or glow. Also enjoy family activities, live music and food vendors.

For more information, or if you are interested in playing old-fashioned base ball, visit www.gothistory.org or call manager Kurt Begalka at (815) 923-2267.

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