Community Park set to host Vintage Baseball tournament over weekend

By Ryne Turke on June 17, 2016 at 1:01pm

A long-standing General Grierson Days tradition will take place at Community Park over the weekend.

The Rock Spring Ground Squirrels out of Decatur, Springfield Long Nine and Vandalia Old Capitals are set to compete in the annual Vintage Baseball round-robin tournament.

Arbiter Allen Stare will be tasked with enforcing the original 1858 rules, which are quite a bit different than the baseball seen today.

“There are no called balls or strikes. The hurler, better known as the pitcher, is suppose to deliver the ball so the striker can hit it. Virtually every pitch is a hit. It is very exciting and fast moving game. These guys are playing without gloves. You could allow the ball to hit the ground one time, and if you can snag it after the first bound, that is an out,” says Stare.

Stare also paid his respects to Grierson Days pioneer Ron Gray, who passed away last week.

“I mean if it weren’t for Ron there would be no Grierson Days and without Grierson Days we wouldn’t have gotten together to do Vintage Baseball in the park. I’m sure we are dedicated the day to him.”

The first game begins at noon on Saturday. Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the event all afternoon.