Since returning home from attending my first vintage base ball game (Deep River Grinders) and doing some additional research, I have discovered a very cool network of Vintage Base Ball folks. I reached out to a number of vendors, players, league representatives and have received nothing but warm and friendly responses back. Wow, what an incredible find this is for me and I cannot wait to share my dialogues and communications with you regarding the people, equipment, fields, places, and happenings of the Vintage Base Ball Community. Case in point, the man known to many as Bulldog.

Bulldog, aka Michael Paes, was one of the first vendors to return my vintage base ball emails. In his first response, Bulldog, a baseball bat and protective chest gear vendor, mentioned that he not only was a vendor, he had been an active player and umpire for nearly 2 decades. His knowledge of the game, his knowledge of vintage base ball is tremendous. I responded with a few questions and he got back to me earlier with some history of the genre, as well as some specifics on bats, gear, fans, and what the game means to him. Here is more from Bulldog himself on the vintage base ball community.

In Michael’s words, “To start, there is no one ‘vintage base ball’.  Teams usually pick the rules of a specific year, as the rules changed, and even had regional differences. Many teams play based upon rules from the 1860s.  The major differences from modern ball are as follows:

• Pitchers threw underhanded.
• 3 balls, 3 strikes (a warning for each had to be given by the umpire prior to calling either).  The strike zone was not like a modern strike zone – if the ump thought it could be fairly struck, it was a strike.  When I umpire games, I generally go from the neck to the shins, and give some leeway on both sides of the plate.  Umpires started calling balls and strikes around 1864.
• Foul balls are not strikes.  Foul/fair is determined by where the ball first hits the ground.
• By 1864, any ball caught on one bounce is an out (even a foul tip).  By 1867, only foul balls caught on the bounce are outs.
• No gloves or other protective equipment.

Some teams, mostly on the west and east coast, play by 1886 rules, which allow overhand pitching.  It uses the modern foul ball rule.  Players call either for a low (knees to waist) or high (waist to shoulders) strike zone.  Rules are much closer to modern ball.”

In researching Vintage Base Ball leagues and teams, I have discovered that it’s not just the uniforms and the baseball that is period specific.  The player’s vocabulary, the way they celebrate a good hit or a strikeout, nothing must resemble a modern player’s demeanor.  So, in keeping with this, does the Vintage Base Ball world have a period specific bat that they suggest to players? 

Bulldog – “I don’t have one specific bat that I recommend.  When asked, I give a recommendation based upon the player’s size, the rules they generally play by, and what bats they are used to using.  In the 1860s, 40 inch bats were common, and are an option I sometimes suggest for that game when asked. Take a look at photos from the era, and you will see mostly longer bats.  I use different woods to have different weights available. For the 1880s game, bats around 35” were more common.“

What are the common bat specifications?

Bulldog – “In the 18th century, bats tended to be heavier, have thicker handles, and tended to have a straighter taper compared to modern bats (look at my V90 to give a good example).  Books of the 1860s tended to suggest between 30-40”, and about 38 ounces.  Rules in the 1880s limited bats to 42” length, and 2.5” diameter.“

I recall doing a story years ago on a dinner hall in Narragansett, Rhode Island (The Towers) which had some hurricane damage to the roof and structure.  The Towers staff consulted a period specific carpenter to reconstruct the roof and shingles just as it was built some 100 years ago.  Are the bats you manufacture made in this manner or do you use modern woodworking tools and technology?

Bulldog – “Although I use a modern lathe, it works just like a lathe from the era.  Each bat is made by hand, just as it would have been back in the 19th century.  There are some bat makers who use modern computer controlled lathes.  It’s quicker, but not as authentic.“

And the chest protectors, what goes into that process?

Bulldog – “Chest protectors are made by hand, although I have a seamstress who uses an electric sewing machine.  When I started, I went to the hall of fame, and took measurements and photos.  I also use materials as close to original as possible (cotton fabrics, thread, and webbing).“

I recall at a recent Deep River Grinders game there was quite a gathering of fans in attendance.  Probably filled the perimeter of the field from home plate out to at least part of the center field area.  In your experience as a player, umpire, and vendor, what do you feel is the major draw to Vintage Base Ball?

Bulldog – “Most fans start coming either as a request from a player, or by curiosity.  For a fan, the game is faster and more interesting than slow pitch softball, but easier to follow than trying to watch a 90 mph pitch in a modern game.  The history angle is also a draw.  Many historical sites, such as Old Bethpage on Long Island, New York, regularly have games.  Baseball is a part of our country’s history.“

What is/was your favorite field to play on during your Vintage Base Ball career?

Bulldog – “I have two favorite places to play.  Each year in July, Gettysburg has a large festival, with about 5 fields set up next to actually battlefields.  That is the period when baseball first spread across the nation, and many men learned to play in Army camps, or even prisoner camps.  I also used to play on a team that had a field at a local winery – herb garden in right field, huge oak tree in deep center field, and a stone wall separating the fans along the third base line.“

What is the best way(s) for folks to get in contact with you about placing a bat order or just have a friendly chat about vintage base ball?

Bulldog – “My website is bulldogbatsonline.com.  Anyone is free to take a look, and contact me if they have questions on anything.  Most vintage players are more than willing to discuss the game and answer questions.“

Huge thanks to the Bulldog Bats Company and Vintage Base Ball player, umpire, and vendor Michael Paes, better known to many as Bulldog. It was great learning about the rules, the bats, and why so many fans choose to attend a vintage base ball game on any given day. And don’t forget to visit www.bulldogbatsonline.com today to learn more about Bulldog’s quality vintage base ball products!