Celebrities to Take the Field in Historic Baseball Match
On June 14, the historic lawn behind the Hayes Home will host an unusual baseball contest that blends vintage sport with community celebration.
The Spiegel Grove Squires, a reenactment team that plays by 19th‑century rules, will face a lineup of local luminaries who have been invited to participate.
Civil War‑Era Rules Revived on the Field
The match will be played under Civil War‑era regulations, with participants using only their bare hands and adhering to rules that predate modern equipment.
This unique approach emphasizes authenticity, requiring players to field and swing without gloves or protective gear.
Among the confirmed celebrity players are Sandusky County Engineer Carlos Baez Sr., Fremont Fire Battalion Chief Shawn Brickner, and the Rev. Matt Frisbee of St. Joseph and St. Ann Catholic Churches.
The roster also includes Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton, Gibsonburg Golden Bears softball standout Brynn Hoffman, Chamber of Commerce President Tyler Kneeskern, school principal Joshua Matz, Special Olympics coordinator Ed McClain, County Commissioner Scott Miller, Ohio State superfan Jon Peters, and YMCA CEO Jeremiah Wagner.
Additional participants such as principal Joshua Matz and community leader Jon Peters add a diverse mix of public servants and educators to the lineup.
Admission is free, and organizers hope the event will draw families and history enthusiasts to the scenic grounds of the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums.
The game promises a blend of nostalgia, community pride, and a rare glimpse into how baseball was once played.