The magical era of "Base Ball" exploded with enthusiasm across northeast Ohio in 1867. Base Ball clubs sprung up in every city, small town, and hamlet. Challenges to "matches" flew through the area. Perhaps Base Ball matches were a form of escapism during the Civil War, but baseball seemed to bring out the best in Americans-bravery, good sportsmanship, self-discipline, and a striving to do one's best. The author's original research focused on the quest of the Ravenna Star Base Ball Club to win its own trophy, "the Rosewood Bat and the Silver Ball," at the Portage County Fair in 1867. In order to present a better picture of the atmosphere in which the Star Club played, as well as satisfy historical inquisitiveness, other areas of Base Ball have been included. Contemporary newspaper articles preserve the aura, the excitement, the high value of sportsmanship, the humor, and the community pride that accompanied our National Pastime. Vintage photographs enliven the text.
Richard J Staats
2003, 5½x8½, paper, index, 164 pp.
ISBN: 9780788424663
101-S2466
