A 19th‑Century Game Finds New Life
Paul Hill, a lifelong baseball enthusiast, first discovered the charm of vintage baseball after relocating to Redondo Beach in 2019 and joining an 1886‑era team. The experience sparked a deep fascination with the 1860s version of the sport, a style markedly different from today’s game and steeped in its own terminology and customs.
On July 12 and August 9, Hill plans to host exhibition matches at Veterans Memorial Park’s Babe Ruth Field in San Benito County. The events will be open to anyone interested, regardless of skill level or physical ability, and will forgo trophies or prizes in favor of a relaxed, community‑focused atmosphere. Hill will also provide food to enhance the communal vibe.
The 1860s version of baseball featured distinctive rules: overhand pitching in the later 1886 iteration, seven balls and three strikes, and a scoring system that treated foul hits differently. Players were required to use bare hands for outs, and equipment was limited — no batting helmets and only prescription sunglasses were permitted. These nuances give the game a unique flavor that Hill believes will intrigue modern participants.
Hill’s target demographic includes men and women in their 30s and 40s, a group he hopes will embrace the sport’s inclusive nature and help lay the groundwork for a regional league. He envisions teams forming in nearby towns such as Gilroy, San Juan, and Salinas, creating a network of clubs that can sustain the revived tradition.
Beyond competition, Hill emphasizes the social benefits of the game. By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, the exhibitions aim to foster camaraderie, encourage physical activity, and celebrate a piece of baseball history that often goes unnoticed. The initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve cultural heritage through sport.