A Glimpse Into Baseball’s Roots
On July 4, the Columbus Buckeyes took the field in Mount Vernon, Ohio, for a vintage baseball exhibition that transported spectators back to 1867, when the sport was still defined by its rudimentary equipment and rules.
The game adhered strictly to the regulations of that era, featuring underhand pitching, ungloved fielding and heavy, hand‑crafted wooden bats, while a single leather ball was used throughout the contest, never replaced even after a home run.
Local talent from Mount Vernon, including the Hedrick brothers — Michael, Tyler and Drew — joined veteran players such as Paul Cunningham, Jarrod Laslo, Zack Calabretta and Kolton Wilson, forming a roster that blended community roots with seasoned experience.
The exhibition was organized in collaboration with Jeff Derr, Mount Vernon’s Parks and Recreation Director, who emphasized the educational value of showcasing how baseball looked before modern gloves and synthetic materials.
The Buckeyes, recognized as Columbus’ first professional baseball team dating to 1883, travel across Ohio and the broader Midwest, participating in tournaments that celebrate the sport’s heritage while educating new generations about its historical nuances.
Their next challenge arrives in Dearborn, Michigan, where they will compete in the World Tournament of Historic Base Ball, a prestigious gathering that draws enthusiasts from across the country, and the team is eager to capture the championship that has so far eluded them.