Come Out to the Old Ball Game -
at the Dayton at Bat! Vintage Games

Vintage base ball (yes, two words prior to the 1880s) is a version of America's pastime that captures the spirit of this sport when it erupted onto the national scene. Base ball in the 1860s featured underhanded pitching from just 45' away. No gloves were used in the field and scooping the ball up after one bounce retired the hitter, or 'striker'. Most surprisingly, players conducted themselves like gentlemen. Men in 1860 were attracted to the sport for exercise and camaraderie; competitive spirit was deemphasized and salaries were unheard of. Today, teams of volunteers travel the nation to play matches with other squads, challenge local groups at community events and host children's day camps and other educational events.

The Clodbuster Base Ball Club was founded in Dayton in 1989 and interprets the game as it was played in 1858, 1860 and 1867. The Muffins are the Columbus team which plays at the Ohio Village. Their goals are to educate the public on the history of our national pastime and demonstrate how today's game differs from that of the mid-1800s.

Clodbuster Base Ball Club	Ohio Village Muffins

In conjunction with Dayton at Bat!, the Clodbusters and Muffins will play two matches on Baujan Sports Field on the main campus of the University of Dayton. The games follow baseball lectures that will be held in the Dayton at Bat! exhibit area, so plan to come to all the exciting events on these days.

Games are free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 3, 2009
3:00 p.m. - Baujan Sports Field
The teams invite members of the Dayton sports media to pick a side and take on the opposing team by 19th century rules. The public is invited and families of our UD grads are welcomed to attend the afternoon of fun following the spring 2009 commencement ceremonies. Don't be surprised to find a few members of our UD family stepping up to bat as well.

NEW DATE AND TIME
Saturday, June 13, 2009
2:00 p.m. - Baujan Sports Field
This match will coincide with UD's Reunion Weekend as the Clodbusters invite alumni from the UD baseball team, members of the UD athletics department, and anyone from the UD family to drop their gloves and pick up bats in a friendly exhibition.

Want to join the fun and play on June 13th?
Think you are up to the challenge of playing by the old rules and taking on the vintage players? Let us know and we will sign you up for the game on June 13th. If you will be playing in the game, plan on arriving at Baujan Field no later than 1:30 p.m. on June 13th for instruction and warm ups.

Baujan Sports Field
Dayton at Bat! vintage games will be played on UD's Baujan Sports Field on the main campus of the University of Dayton near Frericks Way and Caldwell Streets. The field is within easy distance to and from the Dayton at Bat! exhibit and pre-game lectures. Visitors to campus may park in any single-letter lot. Lot "P" is most convenient to the playing field. View a map of campus.

Finding your way to the University of Dayton Campus
The UD Campus is located very near downtown Dayton. View complete directions.

Our thanks to the Dayton Clodbusters, Ohio Village Muffins, and the Ohio Historical Society for permission to share their web sites.

For further information about Dayton at Bat! please contact Jane Dunwoodie at (937) 229-4266 or jane.dunwoodie@notes.udayton.edu.