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MILWAUKEE CREAM CITYS BBC
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2013 HANDBOOK
The Milwaukee Cream Citys BBC Mission and Purpose
The Milwaukee Cream Citys Base Ball Club was established in 2004 to educate the community about the
origins of our national pastime, base ball. The Cream Citys are fashioned after Milwaukee's first
professional team, the Milwaukee Cream Citys, which was formed in 1869 and joined the National League
in 1878 before going bankrupt during their first season.
The Milwaukee Cream Citys inaugural season was a big success although we only played a total of four
games, the first being an inter-squad game to open the season at Helfaer Field. The other three games
pitted the Cream Citys against Civil War troops at re-enactments in the southeastern part of the state.
The Cream Citys were the only vintage base ball team in the state of Wisconsin in 2004. One of our team
goals is to draw interest in vintage base ball with the hopes that other groups will establish teams in the
area and throughout the state. The Eagle Diamonds formed in 2005 in Old World Wisconsin with the
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assistance of the Cream Citys. The 5 Wisconsin Volunteers, the Civil War troops we have played over the
past three years, have now officially formed into another team, and the Greenbush Dead Citys of the Old
Wade House were established in 2006. The Milwaukee Grays begin play this season!
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2008 signifies the Charter season for the 19 Century Base Ball Clubs of Wisconsin. The Cream Citys are
proud to be joined by the Eagle Diamonds, Greenbush Dead Citys, and the Milwaukee Grays as charter
members.
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The Milwaukee Cream Citys are members of the Vintage Base Ball Association and the 19 Century Base
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Ball Clubs of Wisconsin. Together with the VBBA and the 19 BBC of WI, the Cream Citys join in their
mission and purpose:
The mission and purpose of the Milwaukee Cream Citys BBC and the Vintage Base Ball
Association shall be to preserve, perpetuate, and promote the game of base ball as it
was played during its formative years in the nineteenth century and other historic eras.
This worthy objective shall be accomplished by the following activities and endeavors:
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Presenting the game of base ball as it was actually played in accordance with
the rules, equipment, uniforms, field specifications, customs, practices,
language, and behavioral norms of the period.
Supporting the formation and strengthening of vintage base ball clubs by sharing
vintage base ball information, setting standards of historical accuracy and
participation, and providing a means to recognize and communicate with other
vintage base ball clubs.
Encourage research and disseminating information in order to recreate the
game in keeping with the highest levels of accuracy and authenticity.
Educating the public regarding the character, history, and growth of the game
with attention to the historical context in which it originated and developed.
In order to achieve its goals and sustain the traditions and values which it seeks
to honor and emulate, the Association and all of its members will conduct all
matches, meetings, and other activities--both on and off the field--according to
the highest standards of sportsmanship, gentlemanly behavior, courtesy, and
respect for others which characterized the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club,
established, September 23, 1845.
The Origins of Base Ball in Milwaukee
In the mid 1800s, Milwaukee had a community cricket team that
tried, but failed, to survive in league play. Since it was evident that
cricket was not going to catch on and become a national sport, a
group, led by Rufus King, the Milwaukee Sentinel’s editor, brought
base ball to Milwaukee. On November 30th, 1859, a handful of
gentlemen, led by King, braved the winter weather to play the first
organized game of base ball in Milwaukee at the Old State Fair
Grounds on Spring Street, which is now the site of Marquette
University. The game only lasted three innings but sported a robust
score of 40-35. Milwaukee Sentinel editor, Rufus King, played in
the game and stated: “The game now so popular in the East, is about
to be introduced in our city. A very spirited match was played at the
Fair Grounds, Spring Street Avenue, yesterday afternoon.” The
Milwaukee Sentinel went on to report two other base ball matches
played later in December. Rufus King, who played in the first
game, was a perfect example of the gentlemanly type of ballist who
played in the early days of base ball in Milwaukee.
General Rufus King
King saw the potential and interest that was generated by this and formed the city’s first base ball club on
April 5, 1860. The team only lasted for one season, playing at a ball diamond on Spring Street Hill.
General King and many of the players traded their bats for arms and went off to fight in the Civil War, thus
ending Milwaukee’s first attempt at fielding a base ball team. Some criticized this as a “feeble excuse”
since “everybody knows the war’ll be over in three months. So why break up the ball club?”
Eventually the war did end and when survivors returned, a team called the Cream City Club was organized.
The team developed over the years and won the state championship in 1868, beating the all-German team,
the Monitors. Gaining recognition, the Cream Citys were able to attract the Cincinnati Red Stockings,
America’s first professional nine, to Milwaukee. The Red Stockings defeated the Cream Citys 85-7 on July
30, 1869, on their way to an undefeated 65 game tour around the nation. The Red Stockings extended their
streak to 130 games before losing in 1870. In 1870, the Cream Citys schedule included a match against the
Chicagos of Chicago, losing 71-19. The Chicagos would eventually evolve into the Chicago Cubs.
Eight years later, the Cream Citys, aka Grays, joined the
National League. The Cream Citys played their home
games at the Milwaukee Base Ball Grounds. Poor crowds
and little money led to the team filing for bankruptcy after
only one year in the league. The Cream Citys finished the
1878 season with a record of 15-45. In 1884, a team from
Milwaukee called the Cream Citys (also known as the
Grays, Unions, and the Brewers) joined the minor league
Northwestern League. After going 42-30 in one season
ending August 2 and 11-4 in a second season ending
September 3, the team joined the major league Union
Association on September 27, finishing 8-4 in their third
1884 manifestation. During the rest of the 19th century,
Milwaukee participated in a variety of leagues, both at the major and minor level. At the major league level,
the city was a part of the American Association (1891) in the circuit’s last year of existence as a
replacement franchise for Cincinnati in August. At the minor league level, Milwaukee showcased teams in
the Northwestern (1886-87) and Western Leagues (1885, 1892, 1894-99) as well as the Western
1868
Association (1888-91).
RULES OF BASE BALL: AS ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASE BALL PLAYERS
IN NEW YORK CITY, MARCH 14, 1860
SEC. 1. The ball must weigh not less than five and three-fourths, nor more than six ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less
than nine and three-fourths, nor more than ten inches in circumference. It must be composed of india-rubber and yarn, and covered
with leather, and, in all match games, shall be furnished by the challenging club, and become the property of the winning club, as a
trophy of victory.
SEC. 2. The bat must be round, and must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of
wood, and may be of any length to suit the striker.
SEC. 3. The bases must be four in number, placed at equal distances from each other, and securely fastened upon the four corners
of a square, whose sides are respectively thirty yards. They must be so constructed as to be distinctly seen by the umpire, and
must cover a space equal to one square foot of surface. The first, second, and third bases shall be canvas bags, painted white, and
filled with sand or sawdust; the home base and pitcher's point to be each marked by a flat circular iron plate, painted or enameled
white.
SEC. 4. The base from which the ball is struck shall be designated Home Base, and must be directly opposite to the second base,
the first base must always be that upon the right-hand, and the third base that upon the left-hand side of the striker, when
occupying his position at the Home Base.
SEC. 5. The pitcher's position shall be designated by a line four yards in length, drawn at right angles to a line from home to the
second base, having its center upon that line, at a fixed iron plate, placed at a point fifteen yards distant from home base. The
pitcher must deliver the ball as near as possible over the center of the home base and for the striker.
SEC. 6. The ball must be pitched, not jerked or thrown to the bat; and whenever the pitcher draws back his hand, or moves with the
apparent purpose or pretension to deliver the ball, he shall so deliver it, and he must have neither foot in advance of the line at the
time of delivering the ball; and if he fails in either of these particulars, then it shall be declared a baulk.
SEC. 7. When a baulk is made by the pitcher, every player running the bases is entitled to one base, without being put out.
SEC. 8. If the ball, from the stroke of the bat, is caught behind the range of home and the first base, or home and the third base,
without having touched the ground or first touches the ground behind those bases, it shall be termed foul, and must be so declared
by the umpire, unasked. If the ball first touches the ground, or is caught without having touched the ground, either upon, or in front
of the range of those bases, it shall be considered fair.
SEC. 9. A player making the home base, shall be entitled to score one run.
SEC. 10. If three balls are struck at, and missed, and the last one is not caught, either flying or upon the first bound, it shall be
considered fair, and the striker must attempt to make his run.
SEC. 11. The striker is out if a foul ball is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the first bound;
SEC. 12. Or, if three balls are struck at and missed, and the last is caught, either before touching the ground or upon the first bound,
SEC. 13. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball is caught either without having touched the ground, or upon the first bound;
SEC. 14. Or, if a fair ball is struck, and the ball held by an adversary on the first base, before the striker touches that base.
SEC. 15. Any player running the bases is out, if at any time he is touched by the ball while in play in the hands of an adversary,
without some part of his person being on a base.
SEC. 16. No ace nor base can be made upon a foul ball, nor when a fair ball has been caught without having touched the ground,
and the ball shall, in the former instance, be considered dead, and not in play until it shall first have been settled in the hands of the
pitcher; in either case the players running the bases shall return to them, and may be put out in so returning in the same manner as
the striker when running to the first base.
SEC. 17. The striker must stand on a line drawn through the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three feet either side
thereof, and parallel to the line occupied by the pitcher. He shall be considered the striker until he has made the first base. Players
must strike in regular rotation, and, after the first innings is played, the turn commences with the player who stands on the list next
to the one who lost the third hand.
SEC. 18. Players must make their bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying (or on the first
bound), the first base must be vacated, as also the second and third bases, if they are occupied at the same time. Players may be
put out on any base, under these circumstances, in the same manner as the striker when running to the first base.
SEC. 19. Players running the bases must, so far as possible, keep upon a direct line between the bases; and, should any player run
three feet out of this line, for the purpose of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, he shall be declared out.
SEC. 20. Any player, who shall intentionally prevent an adversary from catching or fielding the ball, shall be declared out.
SEC. 21. If the player is prevented from making a base, by the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled to that
base, and not put out.
SEC. 22. If an adversary stops a ball with his hat or cap, or takes it from the hands of a party not engaged in the game, no player
can be put out unless the ball shall first have settled in the hands of the pitcher.
SEC. 23. If a ball, from the stroke of a bat, is held under any other circumstances than as enumerated in Section 22, and without
having touched the ground more than once, the striker is out.
SEC. 24. If two hands are already out, no player running home at the time a ball is struck, can make an ace if the striker is put out.
SEC. 25. An innings must be concluded at the time the third hand is put out.
SEC. 26. The game shall consist of nine innings to each side, when, should the number of runs be equal, the play, shall be
continued until a majority of runs, upon an equal number of innings, shall be declared, which shall conclude the game.
SEC. 27. In playing all matches, nine players from each club shall constitute a full field, and they must have been regular members
of the club they represent, and of no other club, for thirty days prior to the match. No change or substitution shall be made after the
game has been commenced, unless for reason of illness or injury. Position of players and choice of innings shall be determined by
captains previously appointed for that purpose by the respective clubs.
SEC. 28. The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting balls, bats, bases, and the pitcher's and striker's positions, are
strictly observed. He shall keep record of the game, in a book prepared for the purpose; he shall be the judge of fair and unfair play,
and shall determine all disputes and differences which may occur during the game; he shall take especial care to declare all foul
balls and baulks, immediately upon their occurrence, unasked, and in a distinct and audible manner.
SEC. 29. In all matches the umpire shall be selected by the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the duties
enumerated in Section 28, except recording the game, which shall be done by two scorers, one of whom shall be appointed by
each of the contending clubs.
SEC. 30. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or player, shall be, either directly or indirectly, interested in any
bet upon the game. Neither umpire, scorer, nor player shall be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both parties
(except for a violation of this law), except as provided in Section 27, and then the umpire may dismiss any transgressor.
SEC. 31. The umpire of any match shall determine when play shall be suspended; and if the game can not be concluded, it shall be
determined by the last even innings, provided five innings have been played, and the party having the greatest number of runs shall
be declared the winner.
SEC. 32. Clubs may adopt such rules respecting balls knocked beyond or outside of bounds of the field, as the circumstances of the
ground may demand; and these rules shall govern all matches played upon the ground, provided that they are distinctly made
known to every player and umpire, previous to the commencement of the game.
SEC. 33. No person shall be permitted to approach or to speak with the umpire, scorers, or players, or in any manner to interrupt or
interfere during the progress of the game, unless by special request of the umpire.
SEC. 34. No person shall be permitted to act as umpire or scorer in any match, unless he shall be a member of a Base-Ball Club
governed by these rules.
SEC. 35. Whenever a match shall have been determined upon two clubs, play shall be called at the exact hour appointed; and
should either party fail to produce their players within fifteen minutes thereafter, the party so failing shall admit a defeat.
SEC. 36. No person who shall be in arrears to any other club, or who shall at any time receive compensation for his services as
player, shall be competent to play in any match.
SEC. 37. Should a striker stand at the bat without striking at good balls repeatedly pitched to him, for the apparent purpose of
delaying the game, or of giving advantage to a player, the umpire, after warning him, shall call one strike, and if he persists in such
action, two and three strikes. When three strikes are called, he shall be subject to the same rules as he had struck at three fair
balls.
SEC. 38. Every match hereafter made shall be decided by a single game, unless mutually agreed upon by the contesting clubs.
Henry Chadwick is a member of the
National Baseball Hall of Fame. As an
early pioneer of the game, Chadwick
made his mark through his skills in
journalism. He was editor from 1860 to
1881 of Beadle’s Base-Ball Player. The
first issue contained the Rules and
Regulations shown on these pages. His
Hall of Fame plaque reads:
HENRY CHADWICK
BASEBALL'S PREEMINENT PIONEER WRITER
FOR HALF A CENTURY.
INVENTOR OF THE BOX SCORE.
AUTHOR OF THE FIRST RULE-BOOK IN 1858
CHAIRMAN OF RULES
COMMITTEE IN FIRST NATION-WIDE
BASEBALL ORGANIZATION.
Overview of Vintage Base Ball Rules
Rules: The rules for 1860 Base Ball resemble the modern game, with the following exceptions.
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Pitching: The ball must pass below the pitcher’s waist.
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Hitting: The striker may call for a high ball (shoulders to waist), a low ball (waist to knees) or a fair ball
(shoulders to waist).
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Fair or Foul: A ball is considered fair or foul depending on where it first lands. It does not have to pass
first or third base. Fouls are not considered strikes.
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Strikes and Balls: A strike is called only if the batter or striker swings at the ball and misses. A batter
may wait for his pitch. If however, he abuses this privilege, the umpire may begin to call strikes.
Likewise, the umpire will not call balls on a pitcher unless he continually throws bad pitches and abuses
his time on the mound.
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Outs: A ball is considered out if the player strikes out, if the ball is caught in midair or if the ball is
caught on the first bounce in fair or foul territory. If the batter connects with any part of the ball and the
catcher manages to catch it on the bound, even behind home plate, the batter is considered out. If a ball
is caught in mid-air, the striker is out and runners must return to base along the baseline or be tagged
out. Runners may not tag up and advance on a caught fly. If the ball is caught on the first bound, the
striker is out, but runners may advance.
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Other: A dropped third strike is treated as a fair ball. The striker and runners may attempt to advance.
If the dropped third strike is caught on the bound, the striker is out, but runners may still advance.
Runners may attempt to steal bases, but not home plate, should the catcher miss a pitched ball. A run
scored on the third out may stand so long as the striker is not put out and the run is made before the third
out. Runners may not over-run first base. A player may request a substitute runner, who will wait until
signaled by the umpire to run. Traditionally, the player to make the last out acts as the designated
runner.
Customs: In the interest of capturing the true flavor of the game, the Marauders observe the following
customs of the age. While not hard and fast rules, this is how the game was played.
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Fielding: Left, right and center should play straight back in the center of their position until the ball
is struck, at which point they may move. The shortstop can play on either side of the pitcher. First,
second and third should play one step off base until the ball is struck.
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Stealing Bases, Sliding and Leading Off: Did not occur.
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Runs: Players politely ask the scorekeeper and to “please tally my ace.”
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Gentlemanly Conduct: Base ball was considered a gentleman’s game, and players were expected to
act courteously, refrain from foul language, observe the highest standards of sportsmanship and
even assist the umpire by calling themselves out!
Equipment
Balls:
SEC. 1. (1860 Rules)The ball must weigh not less than five and three-fourths, nor more than six ounces avoirdupois. It
must measure not less than nine and three-fourths, nor more than ten inches in circumference. It must be composed of India-rubber
and yarn, and covered with leather, and, in all match games, shall be furnished by the challenging club, and become the property of
the winning club, as a trophy of victory.
In keeping with the rules of 1860, the Milwaukee Cream Citys make their own
balls to the specified measurements. With the exception of the Cream Citys
Festival, we do not provide a ball as a trophy of victory.
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ats: SEC. 2. (1860 Rules) The bat must be round, and must not exceed two and a half inches in diameter in the thickest part. It must be made of wood, and
may be of any length to suit the striker.
In 2006 we were fortunate to come across a wood turner who spun two beautiful bats, typical of
1860, for us. Dave “Boomer” Vrany not only produced the bats, but also joined the club. The
Milwaukee Cream Citys use a variety of vintage-style bats which show the progression of the
development of bats in the 19th century. Some of the bats used are:
This knobless model reflects a refinement from the earlier
Civil War-era bats. A thinner handle and more
pronounced, almost knob-like flair reduced weight and
provided better control despite the still-gradual taper from the straight barrel.
The ball-balanced bat was meant to provide a
“counterweight” to the heavy, stiff barrel delivering
better control of the bat.
The mushroom bat was introduced at the turn of the century and
featured a mushroom shaped knob to offset the heavy barrel of the bat.
The double-knobbed bat. The second ring on
the handle was called the shoulder. It was advertised that batters
had a much better grip and better bat control when they hit with
their hands apart and the shoulder between their hands. If a player
was to grasp the bat up on the handle (choke up), he could use the shoulder in place of the knob
and again enhance his grip and control. This bat that was introduced in the late 1860s.
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ases: SEC. 3. (1860 Rules) The bases must be four in number, placed at equal distances from each
other, and securely fastened upon the four corners of a square, whose sides are respectively thirty yards. They
must be so constructed as to be distinctly seen by the umpire, and must cover a space equal to one square
foot of surface. The first, second, and third bases shall be canvas bags, painted white, and filled with sand or
sawdust; the home base and pitcher's point to be each marked by a flat circular iron plate, painted or enameled
white.
Our bases have been hand stitched and filled with sawdust. They
are fastened to the ground on the four corners with metal spikes.
Our home base and pitcher’s point are iron plates with large
spikes, generously made and donated by Blementhal Sheet Metal
of Houston, TX in 2005 and refurbished last year by Steel Craft Corp, of Hartford, WI.
Tally Bell:
Although not supported in historical record, when an ace is tallied, it is customary in
1860 vintage base ball to ring a tally bell. This indicates to the spectators that an ace has been
recorded. Upon touching home base, the ballist should report to the Talley Keeper and request that
a tally be recorded, the Keeper will then tell the ballist to ring the bell.
The Uniform
Our 1860-style uniforms and the period dress worn by our ballists, umpires and mascots are a key
element in the success and popular appeal of vintage base ball. Our uniforms create the feeling
that the spectator is stepping back in time; therefore we want to do all we can to present the game,
as it would have looked in the 1860s.
The Milwaukee Cream Citys BBC play by the rules of 1860, the first year that base ball was
organized in Milwaukee. Our uniforms are replicas from the first picture know of the Milwaukee
Cream Citys, taken in 1868.
Shirts:
Base ball shirts were typically made of wool and had
a shield on the fronts, adhered by a series of buttons. The “Old
English” CC follows the typical of the practice of noting the
club’s name, not the city name or full club name as in later
years. The original photo also shows some players wearing
ties, something that was common in the 1860s in various
sporting activities (golf, tennis, hunting, fishing, etc.). Players
do not typically roll up their sleeves and can only do so after
making a request of the ladies in the audience. The shirts
should be tucked in at all times.
Pants:
The Cream Citys wear long brown pants with a
cream colored striping along the seams. The knicker-style
pants with tall stockings did not come into fashion until the
late 1860s.
Belts:
Some clubs wore their team name on their belt and buckled the belts in the back. The
original photo from the Cream Citys shows a striped belt with a large buckle. To this point, we ask
that ballists wear a solid colored brown belt with a metal buckle in the front.
Caps:
The Milwaukee Cream Citys sport the
Boston Club Style Star cap. This was replicated
from the original Cream Citys photo. All early
photographs of clubs from the early era show
players wearing or holding caps. This practice is in
keeping with adult men in uniforms or civilian
clothes always wearing hats when outdoors.
Shoes:
In the 1860s ballists wore both smooth-soled shoes and cleated shoes. Unfortunately, it
is difficult to find replica shoes at affordable prices, so, in the interest of safety, we allow our
ballists to wear modern athletic shoes with rubber cleats. However, all shoes should be completely
black in color with no trace of modern logos. Black shoe polish, black edging, or even black spray
paint can be used to wipe out any markings. Brown socks are to be worn with the shoes to match
our pants.
Umpires:
This is a gentlemen’s game and the umpires were “dressed to the nines” for all
matches. Our umpires sport the fine wear of gentlemen in the 1860s. Top hats or bowler hats
were common and the umpires usually sported a fancy coat, vest, tie and cane. Gold chain watches
and kerchiefs can also be part of the outfit.
Mascots:
The mascot in the 1860s was the equivalent of today’s batboys. They assist the ballists
with their bats, fetch balls, and hand out programs and base ball cards to the cranks. Mascots can
dress in period dress (plaid shirt, jeans, suspenders, and dark shoes) or a Cream Citys uniform.
Please let us know if you have someone who would enjoy being a mascot for a match.
Presentation of the Vintage Game of Base Ball
Dress the Part: It is important that the Milwaukee Cream Citys arrive for the match fully dressed
in period attire. Ballists and supporting members should dress at home, in a changing room or
discreetly in the parking area. The bench area is not the place to don one’s uniform.
Ballists, umpires, mascots, and other members should always be in period attire while on the playing
field. Family members and friends should not go onto the field or be in the bench area before,
during, or immediately after the match, unless they are in period clothing.
All participants should remain in full dress throughout the match and through the closing
ceremonies (congratulatory speeches, exchange of huzzahs, etc.). These events are important parts of
the 1860s game and many photos are taken. Once the game is finished spectators are invited onto
the field to strike the ball and run the bases. Ballists should remain in full uniform at this time so
that spectators may take pictures.
Bench Area: Period illustrations and photographs do not typically show benches for players. The
ballists are usually standing or sitting on the ground. Depending on the location of the match, the
Cream Citys may have benches, bales of hay, or in many cases, no benches at all.
To keep with the look and feel of the 1860s, participants need to be mindful not to bring modern
items to the bench area. Items that are not typical of the 1860s can be left in your mode of transport
and placed into the Tally Keeper’s case. Items such as watches, sunglasses, car keys, cell phones,
walkman, etc. were not around in 1860 and should not be seen around the bench area. Ballists also
would not have brought backpacks or vinyl gym bags to a match. The basic idea is that the
spectators watching the match from behind the bench should not see anything under or on the
bench or playing field that is obviously not authentic to the 1860s.
Water: It is important to drink water, especially on hot days. The Cream Citys are hoping to get an
1860s period water container and cups for the bench area. Until that time, modern plastic
containers and bottles should be kept back away from the bench area. We usually will have a
water cooler or cooler with water bottles located behind some trees or bushes so they are out of sight.
Having plastic bottles or paper cups lying around the bench area detracts from the period look of
the game.
Remember, the Milwaukee Cream Citys are playing a vintage game of base ball. We want to make
sure that we portray this vintage game to the best of our abilities, as it would have been in the 1860s.
Period dress, behavior, and language are all part of what we are all about. We want the spectators
to not only enjoy watching a game of base ball, but we want them to feel as though they have
stepped back in time, back to when base ball was first being played in Milwaukee.
2010 Uniforms
All Uniforms Must Match
Stripes on Pants
(we have extra striping if you need it)
Left Rear Pocket Removed
Right Rear Red Tag Off
Black Sox
Brown or Black Belt
Black Shoes
(no white shoes or white showing)
No Watches
No Sunglasses
(unless prescription kind that turn into sunglasses)
No Visible Cell Phones
Membership in the Milwaukee Cream Citys BBC
Full Cream Citys Membership (Option 1: First Year $135.00 ~
Purchase own uniform top, pants and hat; Once you have your
own uniform, the yearly dues will be $40; Option 2: Pay $40
and use club’s uniform) Full-fledged vintage club members who
commit to play at least ten matches a year. Each full club
member receives two votes on issues. Full club members will receive
their own vintage uniform top and hat. Members are responsible to
obtain their own pants and shoes. Each year, one full member will
represent the Cream Citys at the VBBA Annual Convention.
Associate Cream Citys Membership (Yearly dues $20) For
those who are unable to commit to that many matches or do not wish to
be full club member. Each associate club member will recieve one
vote on issues. Associate club members will be allowed to use the
club's uniforms for the games they play.
Friend of the Cream Citys Membership (Yearly dues $10) For
individual ballists who can only play a match or two, civilian
interpreters, base ball historians, fans, etc. who wish to support the
mission of the Milwaukee Cream Citys and the VBBA. Individual
members do not have voting privileges. Friends of the Cream
Citys will be allowed to use the club's uniforms for the matches they
play.
Ballists interested in experiencing vintage base ball who wish to play
in a match are always welcome. These players will be allowed to use
the club’s uniforms and equipment without any cost. It is hoped that
they will catch the vintage fever and join up after experiencing
playing base ball as it was meant to be played.
Membership with the Cream Citys also includes membership into the:
Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA)
As a member of the VBBA, the Cream Citys hope to be able to take
advantage of the association’s non-profit status as a means of fundraising. If not, Smokey of the Grays, has put in a lot of work towards
establishing the 19th Century Base Ball Clubs of Wisconsin as a
non-profit group. If you know of anyone interested in being a
sponsor for our club or the 19th CBBCW please direct them to
contact us. The Cream Citys are a volunteer organization that is
reliant on yearly memberships and sponsorship from individuals
and organizations to assist us in providing the Milwaukee area and
the state of Wisconsin with an authentic portrayal of base balls
origins in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
Not only does the club provide matches throughout the Midwest it
also is actively involved in educational programs throughout the
state. Presentations have been given, free of charge, to:
Cameron Public Schools
New B erlin Public Schools
Pewaukee Public Schools
Reclaiming Our Heritage School Days
Role of the Umpire
By Ed "Honest" Searle
Umpire, Akron Black Stockings Base Ball Club
A. Preparation
1) Field Layout
o Ample area for the behind
o Chair for umpire, if desired
2) Players
o Review rules - final decision is the umpire's
o Remind them of purpose of activity
o Answer questions
o Remind them to enjoy themselves
B. Pre-game
1) Set the Stage
o Explanation of vintage base ball and history of base ball
o Explanation of historical time period (era, politics, social issues, etc.)
2) Brief Explanation of the Rules
3) Introduction of Team Captains and Clubs
4) Determine the Striking Order
o Flat rock
o Coin Flip
C. Game
1) Explain the Calls as They Are Made
2) Only Indicate Foul Balls
3) Review the Rules (forget all you know about the present day game)
4) Announce Ticks, No Strike / No Tick, Strikes
5) Announce the Score
6) No Hand Gestures
7) Interact with the Fans
8) Levy Fines
9) Be Sure You Can Be Heard
D. Post Game
1) Remarks From Each Club
2) Appreciation to the Tallykeepers
3) Appreciation to the Fans
4) Reminder of Upcoming Matches
5) Opportunity For Children to Try Striking
*A successful umpire is 50% Management & Rules, 50% Theatrics
Expectations of an Umpire for the Milwaukee Cream Citys BBC
• To Arrive, in Fine Dress, in Time to Address the Ballists and
Spectators on the Rules of the Match
• Introduce Team Captains and Nines
• Determine the Order of Striking
• Announce Tick/No Strike; No Tick/Strike
• Call, in a Loud Voice Foul Balls, Keep Silent on Balls that are Fair
• Levy Fines, No Swearing, Spitting, Scratching, or Wagering; One
Week’s Pay Which is Two Bits
• Announce Score
• Make No Calls of Hands Out Unless the Ballists Cannot Come to
Agreement; Ballists are either Out or Not Out, the Word Safe Was
Not Used
• Announce the Final Score, Thank Contestants and Fans
•
Announce Up-Coming Matches
Below is a good reference to refer to when addressing ballist
who are swearing. This can be in the form of a pre-game
warning, when delivering a fine for swearing, or when
addressing the cranks prior to the game.
Red Wing (Minnesota) Sentinel.
September 24, 1859, page 1, col. 5.
WHY SHOULD ANY MAN SWEAR?
I can conceive no reason why he should but ten thousand reasons why he
should not.
1. It is mean. A man of high moral standing would almost as soon steal a sheep
as swear.
2. It is vulgar; altogether too mean for a decent man.
3. It is cowardly; implying a fear either of not being believed or obeyed.
4. It is ungentlemanly; A gentleman, according to Webster, is a genteel man.
Well bred—refined. Such an one will no more swear, than go into the streets to
throw mud with a clod-hopper.
5. It is indecent; offensive to delicacy, and unfit for human ears.
6. It is foolish. “Want of decency is want of sense.”—Pope.
7. It is abusive; to the mind which conceives the oath, to the tongue which
utters it, and to the person at whom it is aimed.
8. It is venomous; showing a man’s heart to be a nest of vipers, and every time
he swears, one of them sticks out his head.
9. It is contemptible; forfeiting the respect of all the wise and good.
10. It is wicked; violating the divine law, and provoking the displeasure of Him
who will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.