By JAY BURNS
Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays
On July 31, 1878 the commander of Fort Hays issued Special Order #4—“Enlisted men are prohibited from walking on the grass of the parade ground except on duty, this order is not intended to interfere with ball playing; but the base must be changed each time of playing.”
From this order you can see how important ball playing was to the soldiers stationed at Fort Hays. The first game reported at Fort Hays was played in 1869, 150 years ago, although few details are known.
Soldiers stationed at various forts in Kansas played base ball (originally spelled as two words) to break the monotony of their daily routine and for the pure fun of the sport.
Games were played by soldiers stationed at the forts, whose opponents included other soldiers, civilian teams, and even American Indians.
Occasionally, troopers on patrol, including companies of the Seventh Cavalry, played each other, with pickets posted “to prevent being surprised by Indians.”
On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, visitors to Historic Fort Hays will have the opportunity to view four vintage base ball games. Late 1800s rules and uniforms will be used, as well as terms for the game. Players are ballists, a batter is the striker, pitches are hurlers,
and spectators are cranks.
The four games and their starting times are:
- 10 a.m. Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club, Wichita vs. Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association, Denver, CO
- 11:30 a.m. Post Nine (Historic Fort Hays Team) vs. Emporia Vintage Base Ball Club
- 1 p.m. Post Nine (Historic Fort Hays Team) vs. Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club, Wichita
- 2:30 p.m. Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association, Denver, CO vs. Emporia Vintage Base Ball Club
These games are free and open to the public. Please bring your lawn chair and enjoy the excitement of old-fashioned base ball. Food will be available on site.
For more information contact The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays, 1472 U.S. Hwy 183 Alt., Hays, Kansas 67601-9212
Telephone and Fax: 785-625-6812
E-mail: [email protected]
Fort Hays State Historic Site is located four miles south of I-70 exit 157 at Hays.