1860s-Style Base Ball Games Set For Oct. 3 In Durham

Vintage Base Ball Returns To Historic Durham Athletic Park

DURHAM, N.C. – Baseball fans will get a chance to see the game played the way it was more than 150 years ago when vintage base ball returns to the historic Durham Athletic Park on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Duke Homestead State Historic Site and the Duke Homestead History and Education Corporation will host three games featuring players in period uniforms, using 19th-century-style equipment and following rules from the 1860s. Organizers note that during that era, “base ball” was commonly written as two words.

The Durham Station Lucky Strikes, representing Duke Homestead, will face the Shiners Base Ball Club of Rockingham, Virginia, along with a special team from the Durham Fire Department.

Games are scheduled for 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Spectators are encouraged to wear historical, vintage or retro-inspired clothing. Between games, children will be able to run the bases and take part in historic games with costumed interpreters.

Old-fashioned concessions will also be available for purchase throughout the day.

Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission is $10 for ages 5 and older. Children age 4 and younger are admitted free.

Tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite, at the Duke Homestead visitor center or at the gate on game day.

The Durham Athletic Park is located at 500 W. Corporation Street. Free parking will be available at 412 Morris Street, with directions provided at the ticket and check-in table. Limited accessible parking will be available at the ballpark.

The event is hosted by the Duke Homestead History and Education Corporation, the nonprofit support organization for Duke Homestead. Proceeds will support special events, site maintenance and staff development.

The Durham Athletic Park has hosted baseball since 1926, although organized baseball in Durham dates back even further.