The Colebrookdale Railroad is getting ready to host a vintage baseball game at Memorial Park – the community is invited to come out and ride through the Secret Valley Line with the players.
This historical experience is being presented on Sunday, Aug. 9, by the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia in partnership with the railroad. These players will be travelling from Philadelphia with their 1864 rules and standards.
“It’s as if we’ve stepped back in time,” says Michele D. Barrett, Assistant Director of the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust.
The train will be leaving Boyertown at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, arriving in Pottstown for the games which are expected to start between noon and 1 p.m. at Memorial Park in Pottstown.
“Baseball players will be on the train – interacting,” Barrett explained. “We’re hoping folks come with blankets and chairs – there will not be bleachers and the team will not be playing on the traditional diamond, but instead on the grassy field along the riverbank.”
The entire experience seeks to send attendees back to late 1800s (or early 1900s), when baseball was just started to get its footing and before the professional aspect began to take hold.
“We produce a specific type of baseball,” said Daniel Gordon, president of Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia. “We try to represent the 19th century without being characters and actors – our first priority is the game. It’s not the same as the modern game.”
He says it will be interesting for people to see where baseball came from.
“People will see the hidden ball trick, heroic bare-handed catches; can’t overrun first base – exciting plays, lots of base stealing and sliding,” said Gordon.
He also noted that the players will be in authentic uniforms made of wool – handmade from a 19th century supplier based out of Gettysburg.
“We’re hoping people fall in love with the vintage baseball experience,” said Barrett. “We’d love to bring it back annually. It’s going to be a full show.”
In regards to the league, Gordon explains it as a club of hobbyists, travelling from venue to venue promoting the vintage game.
“This one for Colebrookdale is more involved,” he said, making mention to the commercial that was created with the railroad to promote the event – a project which inevitably forged a partnership that all parties hope to maintain. “It’s a huge opportunity for us.”
Gordon said that the teams usually just show and play. While the Aug. 9 event will require a bit more involvement for the players, Gordon says “We’re tremendously excited to ride the train through the valley.”
The train ride itself was teased to the team during the filming of the commercial.
According to Barrett, President of the Colebrookdale Preservation Trust Nathaniel Guest has been wanting to do a vintage baseball event – an idea which is now coming to fruition.
In addition to the train and the game, vendors will be offering fresh-squeezed lemonade and other amenities to add to the overall experience.
Ticket purchase includes a hot dog, an old fashioned Soda, train admission and admission to the baseball game. Tickets are on sale now at <https://www.dynamicticketsolutions.com/cbdrr>.
For more information about the club itself, visit <phillyvintagebaseball.org>.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, helping to complete the infrastructure and other components to make the line fully operable.