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The Northeast News & Tribune
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Little League turns back the clock
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Published: November 4, 2009
TEMPLE TERRACE - The Little League is finding ways to give back to the community.
The Temple Terrace Little League's board of directors has decided to host a vintage base ball game at the field on the final day of the season.
Anyone interested in playing on a team for an inning or more on Nov. 14 is encouraged to contact the league.
Vintage base ball, originally spelled with two words prior to the 1880s, refers to the game with different rules and terminology than what we use today.
No one would want "bugs" at a baseball field today, but 125 years ago a team could not make it without them, because that is what fans were called in those days.
The game was played differently. The fielders did not use gloves, and if the ball was caught on the first bounce, it was called an out. The 19th century rules reflect a gentlemanly game. No spitting, cursing or gambling was allowed; if it occurred the umpire would impose a small fine.
Vintage base ball is so old that it has become a new sport. Florida has only a few teams, but the phenomenon is growing nationally. There are more than 225 teams in 32 states.
On Nov.14, the league has three regular games scheduled and two Vintage Base Ball games. The first game will begin at noon and the second at 2 p.m.
"This is just one of the many ways that we work to give something back to our community," league president Betsy Clark said.
Thousands of young players have come through the program, which was chartered in 1957, and have grown up to become community leaders here and across the country.
"By hosting this vintage base ball game, we can provide an opportunity to give something unique back to the community and provide an educational experience for our community," said Richard Schmidt, player agent for the league. "It is our way of thanking this wonderful community for their continued support for our league through the years."
For information on how to participate in the game, check the Temple Terrace Little League Web site at www.templeterracelittleleague.com.
The writer is the vice president of baseball operations for Temple Terrace Little League.
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