Ruth and Gehrig played in South Orange at Cameron Field in 1929. Courtesy South Orange Public Library.
Who’s on first? It could be one of the crowd favorite South Orange Villagers or one of the famous Flemington Neshock, playing at Cameron Field for one historic game only in September.
South Orange’s Historic Preservation Committee hosts the Flemington team on Saturday, September 20, South Orange’s first for a baseball game played by the rules and customs of 1864. The game celebrates both the centennial of Cameron Field and the joy of vintage baseball.
It’s the “bound game,” explains “Brooklyn Brad Shaw” of the Flemington team, whose rules are dictated by the Vintage Baseball Association. Players will not wear gloves, and will be garbed in the style of the 1860s. Teams can replace players throughout the game, so onlookers are likely to see many familiar South Orange residents at bat.
A baseball enthusiast and historian, Shaw will lead the crowd and the two teams in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and will perform “Casey at the Bat.”
“I have been doing Casey for more than 10 years and have done the poem for thousands of people and for ESPN,” explains Shaw.
While more details – including a surprise guest – will be announced shortly, locals and baseball fans can save the date. Pre-game events will begin at noon, with the first pitch thrown at 1:30 p.m.
The historic baseball game is part of South Orange’s first PlayDay weekend.
