The Ohio Historical Society announces the 2009 season of the Ohio Village Muffins, the nation’s premiere men’s vintage base ball club. The opening game is April 5 at 2 p.m. at the Ohio Village.

The Muffins play 1860s base ball based on the original rules of the game as created by the New York Knickerbocker Club in 1845. Players umpires and scorekeepers dress in period attire and play base ball “as it was meant to be played,” according to James R. Tootle, historian and longtime Muffin player.

The Muffins subscribe to the philosophy of 19th century sports legend Walter Camp, who once said "Base ball is for every boy a good and wholesome sport. It rests his eyes, strengthens his lungs, and teaches him self-reliance and courage."

Muffins play by a Victorian Gentleman’s code of conduct: A Muffin can do nothing to offend a lady, such as spitting or using uncivil language. He can dictate where the pitcher will throw the ball as well as announce his intention of where it will go, such as Babe Ruth calling a home run. Everyone plays not for victory, but for both the cause of sportsmanship and the enjoyment of the crowd.

Players range in age from 16 to over 60. The Muffins play slow pitch and travel to 11 Ohio counties and two states during their season.


Muffin players use wooden bats that are no bigger than 2.5 inches in diameter, but may be of any length. The ball is covered by a single piece of leather. There are no gloves or protective equipment.

Admission to the game is $8 for adults and $4 for youth ages 6-12. Ohio Historical Society members are free.

For more information about the Ohio Village Muffins, including the full 2009 schedule, or the Lady Diamonds, the vintage base ball club for women, visit www.ohiohistory.org/muffins.