America's favorite past time takes a literal turn on Sept. 5 and 6 when the 18th annual Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival comes to Columbus. Twenty five teams from throughout the United States will participate in this event that displays base ball's (which was spelled out in two words in the 19th century) classic rules, uniforms and camaraderie.

When the game was originated by the New York Knickerbockers in 1845, base ball was viewed as a social endeavor and a healthy way to get exercise and fresh air in the big city. Clubs played to promote the cause of sportsmanship and for the enjoyment of the crowd. Home runs were frowned upon and seen as rude bravado, players complimented each other on plays and the game was not always about winning but playing strategically.

This tradition and show of eloquence (most players speak in 19th century parlance) are what spectators can look forward to seeing at the festival, says Kim Schuette, communications and media relations Manager for the Ohio Historical Society.

“We want people to see the game the way it was meant to be played,” she says. “Vintage base ball was a gentleman's game with a code of conduct and different rules than today.”

There are several modifications that have been enabled in modern baseball from vintage base ball, but the most obvious may be that vintage players did not use gloves or other protective gear, and even the bats and balls used are differently than today. Schuette explains that players could catch a ball on the first bounce since they wore no protective gear and could not overrun first base like players do today.

Umpires did not need to know the rules of base ball, but were respected members of the community instead. Positions even had different names in vintage base ball - for example, a batter was called a striker and a pitcher was called a hurler.

“I think people who have never seen vintage base ball will be surprised at how much the game has changed,” says Schuette. “Everyone loves vintage base ball, and this event is really for the young and the young at heart.”

In addition to watching the games, retired Major League player John Romonosky will be in attendance. Romonosky played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Senators in the 1950s and will be available to talk with visitors from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.

Pheonix Bat Company will sell vintage bats and balls, and visitors can also have their tintype taken.

There will be 33 games played on Saturday and 26 on Sunday and the event will take place at Ohio Village and the 17th Avenue Fields from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Admission to the games is free, and guests who want to watch games are encouraged to bring chairs. Games will be played on five fields by 29 vintage base ball clubs from eight states.

Admission to the neighboring Ohio Historic Center is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for youth and free for OHS members. Parking is $4 and free for OHS members.

For more information, visit www.ohiohistory.org.