Travel Back In Time With Bisbee’s Copper City Classic

Baseball is the American pastime. Since its inception in 1846, the sport has been a staple of American culture for literal centuries.

While the game remains similar to the first games played in the 19th century, massive changes have still been made. While most of these changes have been welcomed with open arms, there are some that wish for Baseball to return to its true form.

The Copper City Classic

Hosted at Warren Ballpark in Bisbee, the Copper City Classic is baseball for those who haven't forgotten our country in its heyday. Teams take the field dressed as if they were plucked out of 1860, and take part in a tournament against several other Vintage Base Ball teams from the western United States.

Bisbee's home team is the Black Socks. Founded in 2009, the team plays in the Arizona Vintage Base Ball League. The team hosts this yearly tournament in order to raise funds to keep Warren Ballpark operational and clean.

The tournament typically takes place in early April.

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How Different is Vintage Base Ball?

All in all, Vintage Base Ball is very similar to the game we know and love today, with a few major differences. Firstly, the name Base Ball, as opposed to Baseball, as this is how it was spelled throughout the 19th century.

Rule wise, gloves are not allowed, and pitching is underhand instead of the modern overhand pitch. Bounces after hits are allowed, and if a ball is caught after a bounce, it's still an out. Balls and Strikes are also given a warning from the umpire before they begin counting.

Lastly, if a pitch is too close to call, the Umpire just leaves it alone. We didn't have instant replay in 1863!

[Copper City Classic][Arizona Vintage Base Ball League][Wikipedia]