Cheer on Civil War-era 'base ball' game June 10

The McHenry County Historical Society and Grayslake Heritage Center are collaborating to stage a Civil War-era baseball game at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at Village Hall Park in Prairie Grove.

The McHenry County "Independants" (an actual team of that era) will host the Lake County Athletics as part of a home-and-home series.

Elmhurst History Museum Director Dave Oberg will umpire and emcee, explaining the rules and teaching the audience to cheer and jeer in proper 19th-century fashion.

The 1858 rules for 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.

Village Hall Park is located at Ames and Barreville roads, east of Route 31 and north of Route 176.

Fans, called "kranks" or "bugs" at the time, should bring their own chairs or a blanket to sit on. Bottled water will be available for purchase. There also are washrooms and ample parking.

For information, call (815) 923-2267, or visit www.gothistory.org.