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"Base-Ball" in 1744; Earliest Reference

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1744
Location London/Berkshire
Data

"Base-Ball" is the title of a page in a children's book that also bears an illustration showing three youths (one holding a ball), and two bases. No bat is shown. A short poem follows: "The Ball once struck off, Away flies the Boy, To the next destin'd Post, And then Home with Joy."

Notes

No known copies of the 1744 edition have survived. The earliest known copy is a 1760 10th edition in the British Library; it is assumed, but not certain, that the base-ball page originated with the 1744 edition. The MCC Cricket Museum in London owns a children's handkerchief printed with images from A Little Pretty Pocket-book. It includes the base-ball poem and image, but the latter is a redrawn copy of the one that appears in the book. The handkerchief is undated but appears to date from the 18th century. John Newbery was born and raised in the small Berkshire village of Waltham St. Lawrence.

Sources

A Little Pretty Pocket-book, John Newbery, London, 1744 (presumed)

"Base-ball" Mentioned in Lady Hervey's Letter: November 14, 1748

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, November 14, 1748
Location London/Buckinghamshire/Suffolk
Data

A letter from Mary Lepel (Lady Hervey) of Ickworth Hall, Suffolk, to Rev. Edmund Morris of Hampshire mentions "base-ball" being played in London by the family of Frederick, Prince of Wales: "…in a large room they divert themselves at Base-ball, a play all who are or have been schoolboys are well acquainted with; the Ladys (sic) as well as Gentlemen join in this amusement..."

Notes

The original of this letter cannot be located and may no longer exist. The copy in the Suffolk archive appears to date to the 18th century but whether it was taken at the same time as the original cannot be determined. It is not in Lady Hervey's hand. Frederick's son George, age 10, (the future George III) was almost certainly among the ball players. Although Lady Hervey observed the prince's family playing baseball at Leicester House in London, they spent most of the year at Cliveden, their estate on the Thames at Taplow in Bucks.

Sources

Copy of letter dated Nov. 14, 1748 found among Hervey family papers in the Suffolk History Centre, Bury St Edmunds. Also, reprinted in "Letters of Mary Lepel, Lady Hervey," London, 1821, John Murray, pp. 139-140

Prince of Wales Plays "bass-ball": September 19 1749

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 19, 1749
Location London/Surrey
Data

A newspaper reported a game of "bass-ball" at Walton (most likely Walton-on-Thames), Surrey: "On Tuesday last his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and Lord Middlesex, played at Bass-Ball, at Walton in Surry (sic); and notwithstanding the Weather was extreme (sic) bad, they continued playing several Hours."

Notes

This is the earliest known mention of baseball in a newspaper, as well as the earliest reference to the game for which the original document has survived (the British Library holds the Whitehall Evening Post issue, and the Remembrancer issue exists in the collections of three or four libraries). Curiously, it was the second mention of baseball within a year's time to be associated with Frederick, Prince of Wales. His playing partner, Lord Middlesex (Charles Sackvile, the future second Duke of Dorset), was Master of the Horse in the prince's court, and the two were close personal friends and political allies. Lord Middlesex had a country home at Walton-on-Thames that was about 20 miles downriver from the prince's Cliveden estate.

Sources

Whitehall Evening Post or London Intelligencer, Sept. 19-21, 1749, p. 3; also, The Remembrancer (London), Sept. 23, 1749, p. 3

"Base-Ball" Mentioned in 1755 Novel

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1755
Location London
Data

Reference to a game of "Base-Ball" in the satirical novel The Card, written by John Kidgell, a clergyman, but published anonymously: "…the younger Part of the Family…retired to an interrupted Party at Base-Ball, (an infant Game, which as it advances in its Teens, improves into Fives, and in its State of Manhood, is called Tennis.)"

Notes

The book has a publication date of 1755, but a newspaper account indicates it was already in production by Christmas, 1754. It was reviewed in a literary journal in February, 1755. All this is to say that it predated the baseball entry in the Bray diary by a few months. Given the highly satirical nature of The Card, it is hard to know whether to take Kidgell's characterization of baseball literally.

Sources

The Card, John Newbery, London, 1755, p. 9 (There was also a Dublin, Ireland, reprint edition published in 1755.)

Surrey Youth Cites "base-ball" in Diary: March 31 1755

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, March 31, 1755
Location Surrey
Data

Reference to a game of "base ball" in a young man's diary entry for Easter Monday, March 31st, 1755. "After dinner went to Miss Jeale's to play at Base Ball with her, the 3 Miss Whiteheads, Miss Billinghurst, Miss Molly Flutter, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Ford, H. Parsons & Jolly. Drank tea and played till 8."

Notes

William Bray was a well-known Surrey historian and antiquarian. He lived to the age of 96 and kept diaries his entire adult life. The baseball entry appeared in a volume covering his 18th and 19th years that had been separated from the rest of his papers. He was living near Guildford, Surrey, in 1755 when he wrote the entry that mentioned baseball. The original diary surfaced in 2007 and a high resolution copy was created by the Surrey History Centre. The original has since disappeared and its whereabouts remain unknown.

Sources

William Bray's Diary, 1754-1755, privately owned

London Dictionary Defines "Baseball" in 1768

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1768
Location London
Data

A dictionary entry and definition for the word "baseball": "(From base and ball) A rural game in which the person striking the ball must run to his base or goal." Also, as one of the definitions for the word "base": "A rural play, called also Baseball; as, Lads more like to run the country base. Shakesp."

Notes

This work is unusually rare for a major dictionary; only two library copies have been located. The identities of the authors are unknown. The citing of the Shakespeare quote demonstrates that confusion between the games of prisoner's base and baseball began at a very early date.

Sources

A General Dictionary of the English Language, by a Society of Gentlemen, London, 1768, printed for J. and R. Fuller, p. 66 (approx., unpaginated)

Comment

"A Society of Gentlemen" was the same rubric used by the authors of the first  Encyclopedia Britannica, also published in 1768. This Dictionary was apparently intended to be a companion work by those men, or perhaps a copycat work by imitators (the Britannica was essentially Scottish and first printed in Edinburgh), though evidently an unsuccessful one.- Bill Hicklin

Query

Can the Shakespeare citation be located?

Yes. The cite is to Cymbeline, Act 5, Scene 3. [ba] 

"He with two striplings—lads more like to run
The country base than to commit such slaughter,"
 

Journal Article Cites "baste-ball" in 1788

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, December 13, 1788
Location London
Data

Mention of "baste-ball" in a journal article praising the attributes of the character Nausicaa in Homer's Odyssey: "…she is the very pattern of excellence,…she drives four in hand and manages her whip with utmost skill, …she sings most charmingly, and, in fine, is not above playing a game of baste-ball with her attendants."

Notes

"Baste-ball" is one of several alternate spellings of baseball that are found in 18th and 19th century writings. "The Trifler" was a weekly satirical literary journal that ran for less than one year. Its authors, writing under the nom de plume Timothy Touchstone, were reputed to be two Cambridge students and two Oxford students, all under the age of 20.

Sources

"The Trifler," by Timothy Touchstone, Number XXIX, Dec. 13, 1788, p. 374

"Englische Base-ball" Described in 1796 German Book

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1796
Location Schnephenthal, Duchy of Gotha (presentday Germany)
Data

Seven-page description of a game called "Ball mit Freystäten (oder das englische Base-ball)" in a German book on games and sports. This is the earliest description of a game called baseball and it details the familiar elements of pitching batting, base running and fielding.

Notes

The first edition of this book appeared in April, 1796 and the second edition appeared in October of the same year. Gutsmuths' source for the information about English baseball is not certain, although one very likely candidate is an English student, Samuel Glover, who was a student of his in Schnepfenthal between 1788 and 1791. A surviving letter from Gutsmuths to a friend of Glover's documents that the English student was a favorite of his and had a close relationship to the author's family. It may be that the game described by Gutsmuths was incipient rounders rather than English baseball in its pure form, as the latter is not known to have been played with a bat. Glover came from the west of England where rounders first appeared.

Sources

Spiele zur Uebung und Erholung des Körpers und Geistes für die Jugend, ihre Erzieher und alle Freunde Unschuldiger Jugendfreuden, by J.C.F. Gutsmuths, Schnepfenthal, 1796, pp. 78-83

Jane Austen's Cousin Mentions "base-ball" in 1799 Novel

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1799
Location London
Data

Mention of "base-ball" in the novel Battleridge, written by Cassandra Cooke but published anonymously: "I came to bid adieu to my old playmate, Sir Ralph Vesey: how kindly did he part with poor Jack Jephson, as he called me! 'Ah!' says he, 'no more cricket, no more base-ball, they are sending me to Geneva.'"

Notes

Cassandra Cooke's maiden name was Cassandra Leigh, the same as Jane Austen's mother (they were first cousins). The novel is set in the mid-17th century during the period of the English civil war; it is improbable that dialog from that era would include the word "base-ball," belying the claim in the novel's subtitle that it is "founded on facts."

Sources

Battleridge: an Historical Tale Founded on Facts, (2 vol.), By "A Lady of Quality" (Cassandra Cooke), London, 1799, G. Cawthorn, Vol. I, p. 2

Oxfordshire Churchwarden Encourages "base-ball" for Girls in 1816

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1816
Location Oxfordshire
Data

“Base-ball,” as an outdoor means of recreation for girls, was praised by an English churchwarden in a manuscript history of the Oxfordshire village of Watlington. The writer, John Badcock, made his point despite having it almost swallowed within an unusually convoluted sentence: “It is contrary to reason and common sense to expect that the most sober-minded, if wholly restrained from a game of cricket, or some other amusement--& the other sex from base-ball, or some recreation peculiar to themselves, & exclusively their own, would fill up every leisure hour of a fine summer's evening better, or perhaps so well, in any other way.” Mr. Badcock went on to argue that the lord of the manor, or some other landowner, should take a section of otherwise unusable land and create appropriate playing fields for boys and girls.

Sources

An Historical & Descriptive Account of Watlington, Oxfordshire, by John Badcock (1816), handwritten manuscript in the collection of the Oxfordshire History Centre, PAR279/9/MS/1, (former reference: MSS.D.D.Par.Wat-lington c.11)

Jane Austen Character Embraces "base ball" In Northanger Abbey: 1818

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1818
Location London/Hampshire
Data

Jane Austen employed the term "base ball" in a description of her character Catherine Morland in the novel Northanger Abbey: "It was not very wonderful that Catherine, who had by nature nothing heroic about her, should prefer cricket, base ball, riding on horseback, and running about the country at the age of fourteen, to books."

Notes

It is believed that Austen initially drafted the work that would become Northanger Abbey in the years 1798 and 1799, but it was not published until after her death (in conjunction with Persuasion). Austen in her younger days often visited her mother's first cousin, Cassandra Cooke, who also used the term baseball in her writings. In addition, one of Austen's childhood playmates in rural Hampshire County was Mary Russell, the mother of writer Mary Russell Mitford who also mentioned baseball in her works.

Sources

Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, by Jane Austen, London, 1818, John Murray, Vol. I, p. 7

"Base-ball" Cited in 1819 Science Textbook for Girls

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1819
Location London
Data

Use of the term "base-ball" in a physics text tailored toward female students. In the book, a student named Emily offers an example to explain the principle of inertia: "In playing at base-ball I am obliged to use my strength to give a rapid motion to the ball; and when I have to catch it, I am sure I feel the resistance it makes to being stopped."

Notes

Jane Haldimand Marcet was a groundbreaking author who wrote a series of highly popular physics, chemistry, and economics text books aimed at female students that were up-to-date and on the mark with their subject matter, yet also easy to read.

Sources

Conversations on Natural Philosophy; by Mrs. Marcet (Jane Haldimand Marcet); London; 1819; Longman, Rees, Orme and Brown, p. 13

"Base Ball" Named as "old-fashioned" in 1821 Book

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1821
Location London
Data

The game of "Base Ball" is itemized among a footnoted list of additional amusements for young children in a book devoted to their education: "A few others, old-fashioned, it is true, but ever interesting to childhood, may be added. Blind man's buff; Puss in the corner; Questions and Commands; Forfeits; My Lady's Toilette; Hunt the Slipper; Prison Bars; Base Ball; Hide and Seek; Cross Questions; and Riddles; but these last should be selected with great care for tender and innocent minds.”

Notes

Elsewhere in the book, on page 213, the author comments that the game of "bat and ball" is an appropriate sport for little boys and girls.

Sources

Early Education; or, The Management of Children Considered with a View to Their Future Character, by Miss (Elizabeth) Appleton, London, 1821, G. and W.B. Whittaker, p. 384

Girls and Boys Play "bass-ball" in 1821 Essay

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1821
Location London
Data

Mention of "bass-ball" in a religious-themed essay entitled "A Game at Skittles" that takes aim at the evils of gambling and liquor: "A village green, with its girls and boys playing at bass-ball, and its grown-up lads at cricket, is one of those English sights which I hope no false refinement will ever banish from among us."

Notes

"Bass-ball" is another of the alternate spellings for baseball used occasionally in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sources

"A Game at Skittles," (author identified as "Editor K.," published within a larger work entitled The Plain Englishman, Vol. II, London, 1821, Hatchard and Son, p. 267

1823 Glossary Lists "Base-ball" as Local Suffolk Game

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1823
Location Suffolk
Data

A glossary of "lingual localisms" used in the English county of Suffolk names "Base-ball" among a long list of local games: "We have…a great variety of games, active and sedentary…Omitting games so universal as Cricket, Leap-frog, Marbles, etc., we have...Bandy, Bandy-wicket, Base-ball, Bandy-ball, Bubble-hole...Foot ball, Hocky (sic)..." and so on.

Sources

Suffolk Words and Phrases, by Edward Moor, Woodbridge (Suffolk), 1823, J. Loder for R. Hunter, p. 238

Mary Russell Mitford Mentions "baseball" Twice in 1825 Short Story

Block Game English Baseball
Date Sunday, January 9, 1825
Location Berkshire
Data

Mention of the game of "baseball" (twice) in a short story written by Mary Russell Mitford that was variously entitled "A Village Sketch" or "Jack Hatch": "Then comes a sun-burnt gipsy (sic) of six,…her longing eyes fixed on a game of baseball at the corner of the green...;" and, a few paragraphs later: "Then the little damsel gets an admission to the charity-school,...her thoughts fixed on buttonholes and spelling books,...despising dirt, baseball, and all their joys."

Notes

The dating of this item is not straightforward. The story appeared in numerous publications, as well as in the second volume of Miss Mitford's series of village stories entitled Our Village. A manuscript of the story was submitted to publisher Ackermann for inclusion in the 1826 edition of his annual Forget Me Not anthologies of stories and poetry, which was published for sale in the autumn of 1825. Miss Mitford mistakenly dated the letter accompanying the ms., Jan. 26, 1826; she obviously wrote it a year earlier on Jan. 26, 1825. The story appears to have first been printed in the Forget Me Not, followed shortly by several literary journals and Our Village (see below).

Sources

Manuscript of "A Village Sketch" included in a letter from Mary Russell Mitford to the publisher R. Ackermann sent from Three Mile Cross, Berkshire, and dated Jan. 9, 1826 (see notes), in the collection of the Houghton Library, Harvard University

Miss Mitford Mentions "base-ball" Again in 1826 Story

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1826
Location London/Berkshire
Data

Use of the term "base-ball" in a short story written by Mary Russell Mitford entitled "The Tenants of Beechgrove" and published in the second volume of her collection of Berkshire village stories Our Village: "Better than playing with her doll, better even than base-ball, or sliding or romping, does she like to creep of an evening to her father's knee."

Sources

Our Village, Vol. II, by Mary Russell Mitford, London, 1826, Geo. B. Whittaker, p. 28.

Man Identifies Place He Played "bass-ball" in 1826 Novel

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1826
Location Essex, London
Data

“Bass-ball” is mentioned in a four-volume novel concerning the comings, goings and doings of various high-born society types. In one scene a married couple, who have been having an argument while traveling in their coach, approach a stately house, the husband's boyhood home. The wife is sullen and grumpy, but her husband is excited because he has not been there in a long while: “'Is this the house?' said she, determined not to be pleased with any thing. 'Yes: look, Cary—there's where I have played trap-ball and bass-ball many a time.'”

Notes

An amusing review of this book appeared in the Sept. 30, 1826 issue of "The London Literary Gazette; and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, &c.": “We have heard of ladies changing their names, but never before met with a lady who had given up her name for initial letters as Miss M'Leod seems to have done. She dates her preface, however, from a place which sounds extremely matrimonial, viz. Fing-ring-ho Hall, Essex; and we dare hope that E.H.P is as happy as the late Miss M'Leod could wish her to be. So much for the author; and we have little more to say about the book. As drudging critics, we cannot be expected to know aught of Fashionable Life; and we can only guess that the Lords, Ladies, Honourable Mr.'s, Mistresses and Misses, Counts, Baronets and other great folks who figure in these pages, are drawn to the Life.”

Sources

Geraldine Murray, A Tale of Fashionable Life, Vol. III, by E.H.P., late Miss M'Leod, London, 1826, A.K. Newman, pp. 212-213

Girls under 14 Play Baseball at 1826 Eton Festival

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 12, 1826
Location Berkshire
Data

A baseball contest for girls under the age of 14 was one of the competitions at the Eton Brocas Festival, held on the Brocas meadows in Eton, Berkshire, across the Thames from Windsor Palace. A local newspaper in 1826 reported the presence of 200 boys and girls at the festival, but it wasn't until 75 years later that the same paper provided greater detail about the event, having discovered an original window bill that had been circulated to promote the festival. The 1901 followup article reported that the bill specified the amusements to take place at the festival, including: “Girls under 14 years of age to play at Baseball; the Winners to receive 1s. each and a Ribband; the losers a Ribband each.” Gender pay equity seems to have taken hold among the festival planners, because the promised rewards for boys under 14 who participated in the cricket contest were the same as those received by the girls.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Aug. 12, 1826, p. 4; and Windsor and Eton Express, Nov. 9, 1901

Girl in 1827 Short Story Scolded for Playing "Bass Ball"

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1827
Location London/Durham
Data

Mention of "bass-ball" in a short story entitled "The Gipsey (sic) Girl," that appeared in The Amulet, an anthology of stories and poems. In the story a school mistress is scolding a young girl: "You can't say three times three without missing; you'd rather play at bass-ball, or hunt the hedges for wild flowers, than mend your stockings."

Notes

Although dated 1828, this work was published in mid-1827 and was reviewed in the October 13, 1827 issue of "The London Literary Gazette; and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, &c.," p. 657. The story appears to have been set in southern Durham County along the River Tees.

Sources

"The Gipsey (sic) Girl," by A.M.H., appearing in The Amulet: or, Christian and Literary Remembrancer, London, 1828, W. Baynes & Son, p. 423

Surrey Physician Recommends "bass-ball" for Girls in 1827

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1827
Location Surrey, London
Data

The game of "bass-ball" was recommended for girls in a book on education by Surrey physician William Newnham. Following a sentence where he commended cricket and football as suitable activities for boys, the author added: "with regard to girls, these amusements may be advantageously supplanted by bass-ball, battledore and shuttlecock, and similar active and playful pursuits."

Sources

Principles of Physical, Intellectual, Moral and Religious Education, Vol. I, by William Newnham, London, 1827, J. Hatcher and Sons, p. 123

Women's Prowess at Baseball Noted in 1827 Book Review

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 24, 1827
Location London
Data

Reference to "base-ball" (or "baseball") appearing in the review of a book about calisthenics for women that appeared in a literary journal. The reviewer criticized the book's Italian author for not being aware of the many athletic activities that English women pursue. Among the games itemized by the unnamed reviewer were "base-ball, a nonsuch (sic) for eyes and arms."

Notes

The word "base-ball" appeared at the end of a line of text and wrapped to the next line, so it is not clear if the writer intended it to be hyphenated or if the hyphen was inserted solely for the wrap.

Sources

Review of A Treatise on Calisthenic (sic) Exercises, Arranged for the Private Tuition of Ladies, by Signor Voarino, appearing in "The London Literary Gazette; and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, &c.", March 24, 1827, London, p. 183

Miss Mitford Cites Girls Playing Baseball in 1828 Story

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1828
Location London/Berkshire
Data

Another reference to "baseball" in the works of Mary Russell Mitford. This one appears in the introduction to her third volume of village stories, Our Village, in which she updates readers to changes in the village: "And yet they have light hearts too, poor urchins; witness Dame Wilson's three sun-burnt ragged boys who with Ben Kirby and a few comrades of lesser note, are bawling and squabbling at marbles on one side of the road; and Master Andrew's four fair-haired girls who are scrambling and squalling at baseball on the other!"

Sources

Our Village, Vol. III, by Mary Russell Mitford, London, 1828, Geo. B. Whittaker, p. 4

Magazine Writer Bemoans Lack of "bass-ball" Venues in 1828

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 23, 1828
Location London
Data

The word "bass-ball" is found in an entry from the "Diary for the Month of July," a monthly feature of "The London Magazine." The entry for July 23rd decries the disappearance of playing grounds caused by growing city congestion, stating: "The unhappy boys of the metropolis are sadly off in this particular. Where can they assemble for cricket, or trap-bat, or bass-ball?"

Sources

"Diary for the Month of July," appearing in "The London Magazine," August, 1828, London, p. 117

"Baste Balling" Featured at Village Whitsuntide Fair in 1830

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, May 17, 1830
Location Berkshire
Data

"Baste Balling" was listed in a newspaper notice as one of the diversions to be offered at the annual celebration of Whitsuntide in the village of Knowl Hill in Berkshire: "Whitsuntide Amusements...There will be a Cricket Match, at the Seven Stars, Knowl Hill, on Whit-Tuesday; wickets to be pitched at eleven o'clock.--Donkey Racing, Baste Balling for Ribbons, and a great variety of other amusements."

Sources

Reading Mercury and Oxford Gazette, May, 17, 1830, p.1

"Base ball" Competition Returns to Village Fair in 1831

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, May 23, 1831
Location Berkshire
Data

"Base ball" again was one of the attractions advertised to take place at the Knowl-hill (sic) (Berkshire) recreations: "The Knowl-hill Yearly Recreations will take place on Whit Tuesday, when the lovers of sport will find ample amusement. To commence with a Cricket Match, at 9 o'clock, for ribbons; Base Ball for ditto; Donkey Racing, Running in Sacks, Gingling (sic), Dipping for Eels, Climbing for a Hat, Bowling for a Cheese; a Female Race for a new Gown-piece, and a variety of other Amusements."

Sources

Reading Mercury and Oxford Gazette, May, 23, 1831, p.2

English Baseball in London/Sussex in 1833

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1833
Location London/Sussex
Data

The word "base-ball" appears in a memoir written by Rev. J. Young. describing a visit to the Sussex countryside of his youth, he recalled: "…my mind turned mechanically to the period when upon the beautiful lawn…I had viewed, with a moment's pleasurable sensation, my friends bounding over the enameled earth, like the fawns by which they were surrounded, while playing at base-ball, and then, retiring..., refreshed themselves with wine and fruit..."

Sources

Literary Recreations; or, Scenes from Real Life, by the Rev. J. Young, London, 1833, Whittaker & Co., p. 291

"Base-ball" Cited in 1833 Juvenile Story

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1833
Location London
Data

"Base-ball" is mentioned in a story entitled "Robert Wilmot" published as part of a book of similar juvenile stories: "After this they were rather at a loss for a game. They had played at base-ball and leap-frog; and rival coaches, with six horses at full speed, and had been driven several times around the garden, to the imminent risk of box-edgings and the corners of flowerbeds: what were they to do next?"

Sources

"Robert Wilmot," anon., appearing in The Parent's Cabinet of Amusement and Instruction, London, 1833, Smith Elder and Co., p. 106

Pize Ball in West Yorkshire on July 27 1833

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, July 27, 1833
Location West Yorkshire
Data

“Pies ball” was the game being played by group of teenage girls in Leeds, West Yorkshire, when they were allegedly attacked by several young men, according to testimony in a rape trial where the defendants were ultimately acquitted because several witnesses said they saw the girls laughing with the men after the supposed attack took place. “On the evening of the 10th of June, (Sarah Smith) got home about seven o'clock from her work. She remained at home about half-an-hour, and then went to Richmond-hill, with Fanny Shaw, Harriet Dunwell, Alice Varey, Ann Dunwell, and others, to play at 'pies ball.'

Sources

Leeds Intelligencer, July 27, 1833, p. 3

English Baseball in London/Berkshire in 1835

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1835
Location London/Berkshire
Data

Yet another reference to "base-ball" in the works of Mary Russell Mitford. This one comes in a story called "The Carpenter's Daughter" in volume I of Belford Regis, a further, three-volume collection of Berkshire county stories and sketches. Following a description of a cricket game, she wrote: "What can be prettier than this, unless it be the fellow-group of girls--sisters, I presume, to the boys--who are laughing and screaming round the great oak; then darting to and fro, in a game compounded of hide-and-seek and base-ball. Now tossing the ball high,...now flinging it low along the common, bowling as it were almost within reach of the cricketers."

Notes

Illustrating the irregularity of the era's spelling standards, Miss Mitford's works of the 1820's and 30's spell baseball variously as "baseball" (one word), "base-ball" (hyphenated), and "bass-ball."

Sources

“The Carpenter's Daughter,” appearing in Belford Regis, Vol. I, by Mary Russell Mitford, London, 1835, Richard Bentley, p. 137

English Baseball in Leipzig, Saxony (Germany) in 1837

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1837
Location Leipzig, Saxony (Germany)
Data

The word “base-ball” was briefly defined in an English-German dictionary as “das Ballspiel mit.” The literal translation is “the ballgame with.”

Notes

I'm not sure how to interpret the translation.

Sources

A New and Complete Dictionary of the English and German Languages, Part I, English-German, J. H. Kaltschmidt, Leipsic (Leipzig), 1837, Charles Tauchnitz, P. 53

English Baseball in London on December 7 1839

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, December 7, 1839
Location London
Data

The term "base-ball" was cited in an entry from an British sports encyclopedia (An Encyclopædia of Rural Sports) entitled “Games of the Ball” that was previewed in an Irish newspaper. After describing hand-ball as as an appropriate game for young people of both sexes, the author of the encyclopedia added: "There are few of us of either sex but have engaged in base-ball since our majority; and the gravity of middle age is pleasingly broken in upon by the feats of pat-ball, as we see it practised among our children."

Notes

The earliest edition of the encyclopedia is dated 1840, yet the excerpt taken from it appeared in December, 1839, suggesting that the book was released earlier than its publishing date or that the newspaper received an advance copy. The name “pat-ball” is a generic term for games in which two players strike a ball back and forth between them, and later in the 19th century was applied derogatorily to lawn tennis by some racquets and court tennis players.

Sources

Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier, Dec. 7, 1839, p.4 (excerpted from An Encyclopædia of Rural Sports, by Delabere P. Blaine, London, 1840, Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans, p. 131

English Baseball in London/Buckinghamshire on October 23 1841

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 23, 1841
Location London/Buckinghamshire
Data

The term "bass-ball" appeared in a magazine column called "Railway Rambles" that was a regular feature of "The Penny Magazine." The article laments recent changes to the pretty, south Buckinghamshire village of Stoke (now called Stoke Poges): "There was a village green some twenty years ago—the prettiest of greens; but now there is a straight road between two hedgerows; and the cheerful spot where the noise of cricket and bass-ball once gladdened the ear on a summer eve is now silent."

Sources

"Railway Rambles," appearing in "The Penny Magazine," Oct. 23, 1841, London, p. 412

Tut Ball in West Yorkshire on May 19 1842

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Thursday, May 19, 1842
Location West Yorkshire
Data

“Tut ball”, according to a newspaper report of local Whitsuntide festivities, was the game played at one such activity held in Keighley, a parish of the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire: “The Keighley district Visiting Society were treated with tea and its accompaniments at the Rectory, by the Rev. W. Busfeild, after which they amused themselves with 'tut ball'.”

Sources

Bradford Observer, May 19, 1842, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on September 30 1843

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 30, 1843
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was played as part of the annual treat for boy and girl students of St. Lawrence's Sunday School in Reading, Berkshire: “The children, above 200 in number, assembled in a meadow adjoining the Forbury, where they amused themselves with cricket, base ball, and other recreations during the afternoon, and were afterwards assembled at the school room in the churchyard and were regaled with buns and tea.”

Sources

Berkshire Chronicle, Sept. 30, 1843, p. 3

Ball Bias in London in 1844

Block Game Ball Bias
Date 1844
Location London
Data

“Ball-bias” was mentioned in a religious-themed, young adult novel in which a Jewish teenager was a principal character. The pertinent sentence read: “Emilie...anxiously looked in all directions for Edward, whom she at length espied, at a short distance before them, superintending a game of ball-bias.”

Notes

The novel presents the girl, Rebecca, very positively, suggesting she is the smartest and best looking student in the school.

Sources

Rebecca Nathan; or, a Daughter of Israel, anon., London, 1844, James Burrill, p. 81

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 26 1845

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 26, 1845
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "Base ball" was played at a festival of the South Bucks Friendly Society in High Wycombe: "They there spent the remaining part of the day in the greatest good humour, order, and decorum, some at cricketing, others at trap and bat, base ball, four corners, &c."

Sources

Bucks Herald, July 26, 1845, p. 4

Ball Bias in Kent on September 21 1847

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Tuesday, September 21, 1847
Location Kent
Data

“Ball bias” was among the games played at the annual festival of the Maidstone (Kent) Literary and Mechanics's Institution held on the large estate of one of the members located in the nearby village of Tovil. A newspaper reported that “the amusements consisted of quadrille and country dancing, to separate bands, drop handkerchief, ball bias, &c., in which a large portion of those present heartily participated.”

Sources

Maidstone and South Eastern Gazette, Sept. 21, 1847, p. 6

English Baseball in Norfolk on December 11 1847

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, December 11, 1847
Location Norfolk
Data

"Base ball" was remembered at a reunion of former students of the Norwich Free Grammar School who gathered to dine together and to recall their school days of 30 years earlier: "Here was the true English character exhibited, all the frost, and stiffness, and foolery of etiquette gave way before the good old English feeling of boyish reminiscences. Here met again the rival leaders in cricket, camp, hocky (sic), fives, or base ball."

Sources

Norfolk News, Dec. 11, 1847, p. 4

English Baseball in Surrey, London in 1848

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1848
Location Surrey, London
Data

Mention of "base-ball" in a novel by Albert Smith: "...they went over to Bushey (sic) Park, where most of the party from the van had collected. And they were having such games! base-ball, and thread-the-needle, and kiss-in-the-ring, until their laughter might have been heard at Twickenham."

Notes

Bushy Park is the second largest of London's Royal Parks, located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames. It was part of Surrey in the 19th century. Twickenham is a nearby town in the same borough.

Sources

The Struggles and Adventures of Christopher Tadpole at Home and Abroad, by Albert Smith, London, 1848, Richard Bentley, p. 121

Tut Ball in East Yorkshire in 1848

Block Game Tut Ball
Date 1848
Location East Yorkshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was named as a game played on Ash Wednesday in a local history book's description of the local customs observed on various holidays in the seaside town of Hornsea in East Yorkshire. “Of these are, the eating of 'eggs and callops' on Shrove Monday—pancakes on Tuesday—and on Wednesday, a curious custom of playing at 'Tut-ball' (elsewhere called hand-ball or stool-ball). At present, this is only practised by children, but, within the memory of persons yet living, old as well as young turned out in the closes or on the Common for this play, and it was a saying that they who did not play at Tut-ball on Ash-Wednesday would be sick in harvest time.”

Sources

An Account of Hornsea in Holderness in the East-Riding of Yorkshire, Hull, 1848, William Stephenson, p. 90

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 2 1848

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 2, 1848
Location Suffolk
Data

"Baste ball" was identified as one of the games played at the Boxford National School fete in Boxford, Suffolk: "After the repast the party engaged in various sports, consisting of cricket, baste ball, dancing, &c."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Sept. 2, 1848

English Baseball in London/Surrey in 1850

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1850
Location London/Surrey
Data

"Base-ball" is mentioned in the three-volume novel The Younger Sister by Catherine Anne Hubback: "...Emma, drawing little Charles towards her, began a confidential conversation with him on the subject of his garden and companions at school, and the comparative merits of base-ball and cricket."

Notes

Mrs. Hubback was born Catherine Austen. She was the niece of Jane Austen, the daughter of Jane's brother Francis. The Younger Sister is based upon Jane Austen's unfinished manuscript The Watsons which Catherine Hubback took upon herself to complete. By mentioning baseball she becomes the third member of the novel-writing Leigh/Austen family to do so. The story is set in an unnamed village in Surrey, possibly Dorking.

Sources

The Younger Sister, Vol. I, by Catherine Anne Hubback, London, 1850, Thomas Cautley Newby, p.166

English Baseball in Kent on May 25 1850

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 25, 1850
Location Kent
Data

A newspaper reported that "base-ball" was played at the "Grand Whitsuntide Chartist Holiday" excursion to Gravesend in Kent: "The spacious grounds of the Bat and Ball Tavern being reached, the company separated--some to visit Windmill-hill and admire Rosherville, whilst others engaged at an exhilarating game of cricket, base ball, and other recreations."

Sources

The Northern Star and National Trades Journal (London), May 25, 1850, p. 1

Pize Ball in Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria on May 25 1850

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, May 25, 1850
Location Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria
Data

“Pie ball” was played by students of the St. John's Sunday School of Gateshead Fell, Durham, who had travelled to the village of Gilsland on the Northumberland-Cumbria border for their customary Whit-Monday outing: “On arriving at Rose Hill station, they proceeded up the stream to enjoy themselves with the amusements of sack racing, foot racing, and pie ball, of which Mr. Atkinson took an active part in keeping good order.”

Notes

“Pie ball,” I believe, was the Geordie name for the game otherwise known as pize-ball, pise-ball or pies-ball in the area of Leeds.

Sources

Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury, May 25, 1850, p. 4

Ball Bias in Kent on July 9 1850

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Tuesday, July 9, 1850
Location Kent
Data

“Ball bias” was named in a newspaper advertisement as one of the amusements to be offered at the upcoming Grand Temperance Rural Festival to be held near Maidstone, Kent. According to the ad, “various amusements will be permitted during the day, as cricket, archery, ball bias, &c. &c.”

Sources

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, July 9, 1850, p. 1

English Baseball in Hampshire on August 3 1850

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 3, 1850
Location Hampshire
Data

It was reported that "base ball" was played at an outing hosted for several hundred school children in Andover, Hampshire, by the local vicar's daughter in celebration of her birthday: "After tea, the boys amused themselves by playing at cricket and other games, and the girls by playing at base ball, &c."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Aug. 3, 1850, p.2

English Baseball in Norfolk on August 2 1851

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 2, 1851
Location Norfolk
Data

A game called "base" (that was clearly baseball) was referenced in an extremely long newspaper article reporting the testimony in a trial in Norwich, Norfolk, to determine whether a deceased man named Bailey Bird had, while alive, been mentally competent to marry. One witness described his boyhood: "He was desirous of playing with us boys, but he was not able, he did not comprehend the game. We used to play base, striking a ball and running to places called homes. Have heard the boys say to him, 'now Bailey, count five,' his reply was, 'don't know'."

Notes

From the context of the article it is apparent that the baseball incident reported by the witness took place in the early 19th century.

Sources

The Norfolk Chronicle and Norwich Gazette, Aug. 2, 1851, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 25 1852

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, August 25, 1852
Location Suffolk
Data

“Bass Ball” was played at a picnic in Ickworth Park, near the town of Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, according to a breathless journal entry written by a 13-year-old girl who would later become a well-known novelist: “...we lighted the fire and then spread the cloth on the grass (and) we had glorious fun for the little spiders got into the tea and all manner of disasters happened—some cows then frightened Grandma and Arnie by coming near us but we frightened them in return with the Cornet and they all took to their heels, after that we had a game of Bass Ball then Rick got on the donkey and I made it gallop and finally we all returned home.”

Notes

Maria Louise Ramé was an English novelist who wrote under the pen name Ouida. She had 40 works published, including the novel Under Two Flags. Several years' worth of her youthful journals were published among the memoirs of Henry G. Huntington, who was a shameless name dropper. Huntington wrote in 1911 that the original journals were the property of W. Campbell Spence of Florence, but their current whereabouts are unknown. Ms. Ramé was born and raised in Bury St. Edmonds. The picnic location she chose is meaningful in that Ickworth Park then and now surrounds Ickworth House, the hereditary estate of the Hervey family and home for many years of Lady Mary Hervey, author of the well-known 1748 letter mentioning baseball.

Sources

“Maria Louise Ramé's Journals,” entry for August 25th, 1852, as excerpted within Memories, Personages, People, Places, by Henry G. Huntington, London, 1911, Constable and Co., Limited, p. 258

Tut Ball in Derbyshire/South Yorkshire on August 28 1852

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Saturday, August 28, 1852
Location Derbyshire/South Yorkshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by students of the Wicker Sunday School of Sheffield, Yorkshire, who were brought to the grounds of an estate in the town of Bolsover in nearby Derbyshire. “By three o'clock they had congregated, and having received a hearty welcome from their kind-hearted host, the proceeded to entertain themselves at games of cricket, tut-ball, etc.”

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Aug. 28, 1852, p. 6

English Baseball in London/Hampshire in 1853

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1853
Location London/Hampshire
Data

Reference to a game of "bass-ball" in a naturalist-themed, fictional work for young readers: "The rest of the party strolled about the field, or joined merrily in a game of bass-ball or rounders, or sat in the bower, listening to the song of birds."

Notes

The author's juxtaposition of the words "bass-ball" and "rounders" can be read two ways: he could have been indicating two separate games or providing alternate names for the same game. I tend to favor the former; indeed, baseball and rounders were two distinct games. The author's use of the singular "game" rather than "games" is stylistic, as shown by his use of the singular "song" in the sentence's ending phrase. The story appears to be set in Hampshire.

Sources

A Year of Country Life; or, the Chronicle of the Young Naturalists, anon., London, 1853, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, p. 115

English Baseball in London/Berkshire on June 1 1854

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 1, 1854
Location London/Berkshire
Data

"A Game at Baste Ball" is identified as the name of one of the paintings listed in an art magazine's review of the works displayed at the 86th Exhibition of the Royal Academy: "No. 265. 'A Game at Baste Ball,' W. H. KNIGHT. As this seems to be a game of activity as well as address, the point of the picture is action. In execution it is worked up to an enamel surface, and it is rich in colour."

Notes

This painting is sometimes referenced as "Boys at Bass-Ball," but is now more commonly identified as "A Game of Base-Ball." William Henry Knight was a well-known English artist of the mid-19th century. His works often focused on children's play. He was born and raised in Newbury, Berkshire. The painting depicts five or six boys playing ball on a village street. No bat is evident in the scene. The painting's current whereabouts are unknown. (See also article in The Reading Mercury, Nov. 3, 1855, p. 4)

Sources

"The Art-Journal," June, 1, 1854, London, p. 163

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 1 1854

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 1, 1854
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played at an outing of about 100 impoverished school children and their teachers from the Union Workhouse of Newbury, Berkshire. A newspaper reported “they were most hospitably entertained by the respected chairman of the Board of Guardians on the lawn of Shaw House, where piles of plum cake and other good things were speedily demolished, after which various sports were introduced, viz., cricket, trap bat, base-ball, kite flying, racing, &c., till night-fall came, when the national anthem being sung, and vociferous cheers given, the juveniles marched off, gratified for that benevolence which had not overlooked the orphan and destitute.”

Sources

Reading Mercury, July 1, 1854, p. 4

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on August 19 1854

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Saturday, August 19, 1854
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Tutball” was among the games played at a big party given to honor Henry Wilkerson, a local industrialist, by his employees who held him in very high regard, if you believe what the newspaper story had to say. “The presentation concluded, the party spread themselves in groups over the park, and engaged in cricket, football, dancing, tutball, and other amusements, until shortly after three, when they were summoned to a substantial dinner.

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Aug. 19, 1854, p. 10

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 14 1855

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 14, 1855
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported "base ball" being played at an outing of children from the National and Infant School of Taplow, Buckinghamshire, to nearby "Burnham Beeches": "The children after enjoying themselves for several hours, the boys with cricket, foot ball, &c., and the girls with base ball, trap bat and swings, returned at 9 o'clock under the care of their much respected master and mistress, singing as they came into the village, "God save the Queen."

Sources

Reading Mercury, July 14, 1855, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 18 1855

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 18, 1855
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was announced as one of the amusements that would be offered at an upcoming rural fete to raise funds for the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Literary and Mechanics Institute, to be held on the grounds of Stoke Park. A newspaper reported that “the grounds would be thrown open at noon, and amusements, consisting of Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Trap and Base Ball, Rural Dancing, &c., will commence at One o'clock.” One week later, a second newspaper reported on the event itself, mentioning that all of the above amusements were part of the day's enjoyment, adding that they “presented an interesting picture of old English sports.”

Notes

This fundraiser for the Slough institute was an annual affair, and newspaper reports describing the event in subsequent years often named baseball as one of the activities.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Aug. 18, 1855, p. 1; West Middlesex Herald, Aug. 25, 1855, p. 15

English Baseball in London in 1856

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1856
Location London
Data

"Baseball" was mentioned in a book-length anonymous poem entitled Darby and Joan: "Joan. Oh, slur not our men, Darby, I would not in joke, A runaway Briton's a bottle of smoke; They'll run at the fire, and dash from the keel, They'll spring up the rigging, and struggle with steel; They'll pant with exertion at cricket or fame, They'll hasten to die for a glorious name; They'll dash on the housetop, or down in the flood, Go through fire or water to serve flesh and blood. But runaway ne'er, unless 'tis in fun, When at baseball we play, and after them run."

Notes

According to Wikipedia, "Darby and Joan" is a proverbial phrase for a married couple content to live a quiet shared life. The paired names have appeared many times in English and American literature, dating back at least to 1735.

Sources

Darby and Joan, A poem, Part I, by Euphony, London, 1856, Saunders and Otley, p. 29

English Baseball in London on March 28 1856

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, March 28, 1856
Location London
Data

A game called “bat-ball base” was referenced in an angry letter written by a factory owner to the editor of a London newspaper complaining that the police were not cracking down on youngsters playing games on the street in front of his business. “...a considerable army of young gentlemen are, during the whole day, disporting themselves after the manner of our English youth, in flying kites, to the terror of all horses on the road, in playing at bat-ball base, the chief enjoyment of which appears to consist in sending a hard wooden ball into the face of every stray passenger they can hit...”

Notes

It is possible that “bat-ball base” may refer to trap-ball, rather than baseball, because of the mention of a bat and because the ball is described as being hard and made of wood.

Sources

Morning Advertiser (London), Mar. 28, 1856, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on June 4 1856

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, June 4, 1856
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base ball” was one of the game played by teachers and older students of the Wesleyan Sabbath School of coastal town of Lowestoft, Suffolk, on an outing held to celebrate the conclusion of the Crimean War. According to a newspaper account, “After cricket, base ball, &c., and other juvenile games had been carried on for some time with high glee and great spirit, the party proceeded along Whapload way to a yard at the back of Mr. Tuttle's residence. Several pieces of music were then sung and a short and appropriate address on 'The Peace' was delivered by the superintendent.”

Sources

Norwich Mercury, June 4, 1856, p. 3

Ball Bias in East Sussex on June 6 1856

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Friday, June 6, 1856
Location East Sussex
Data

A newspaper described that ”ball-bias” was played as part of a huge festival staged in Hastings, East Sussex, celebrating the end of the Crimean War: "There were scrambling for nuts, marbles, &c., and racing amongst the girls as well as boys for toys, footballs were bounding all over the hill, blindman's buff engaged one circle, and drop-handkerchief excited some interest in others, while ball-bias (see note) and other games engaged the attention of the rest."

Notes

It is not quite clear whether use of the word “ball-bias” was intentional or whether the writer or editor confused it with baseball. This very same newspaper article was reprinted 30 years later, on Jan. 8, 1887, in the Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, and the reprinted article is identical in all respects to the 1856 original excepting that the word "ball-bias" was changed to "base-ball." So which was correct?

Sources

Hastings and St Leonards News, June 6, 1856, p. 3

English Baseball in East Sussex on June 6 1856

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, June 6, 1856
Location East Sussex
Data

A newspaper described that ”ball-bias” (base-ball) was played as part of a huge festival staged in Hastings, East Sussex, celebrating the end of the Crimean War: "There were scrambling for nuts, marbles, &c., and racing amongst the girls as well as boys for toys, footballs were bounding all over the hill, blindman's buff engaged one circle, and drop-handkerchief excited some interest in others, while ball-bias (see note) and other games engaged the attention of the rest."

Sources

Hastings and St Leonards News, June 6, 1856, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 12 1856

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 12, 1856
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was again one of the activities offered to those attending the annual Grand Rural Fete held at Stoke Park in Slough, Buckinghamshire, as a fundraiser for the Literary and Scientific Institute of that city. According to a newspaper report: “On arriving in the grounds the party deployed into sections, each taking the portion of the park allotted, whee some betook themselves to cricket, some to archery, base-ball, and other amusements.” A display advertisement promoting this event, and announcing that baseball would be played at it, appeared in the same newspaper a week earlier.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, July 12, 1856, p. 3

English Baseball in Surrey on August 16 1856

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 16, 1856
Location Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was one of the recreational offerings at a Fête Champetre consisting of a flower show, fancy fair, archery and other amusements that was held in the town of Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey. The event was well attended, despite a rain shower, and according to a newspaper: “Cricket, base ball, and other games, had their share of admirers.”

Sources

West Middlesex Herald, Aug. 16, 1856, p. 8

English Baseball in London/Hampshire on February 1 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Sunday, February 1, 1857
Location London/Hampshire
Data

The game of "bass ball" was mentioned in the second chapter of a long story entitled "My Three Aunts; or, Lowminster" that was serialized in a monthly church youth publication: "I think the thing which made me most uncomfortable at first, was not being able to play at their games. I could get on with my lessons, but it was very sad to stand out alone and watch them amusing themselves. Bass Ball, Thread my Needle, Ladies' Toilet, and many others, of which I have forgotten the names, were great favourites with the girls, and as soon as I learnt how to play them, I was as fond of them as anybody."

Notes

The person speaking this dialog was describing events that happened "a great many years ago." The story appears to be set in Hampshire, near Upham.

Sources

"My Three Aunts; or, Lowminster," Chapter II, appearing in "The Monthly Packet of Evening Readings for Younger Members of the English Church," London, Feb. 1, 1857, p. 168

English Baseball in West Sussex on April 18 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 18, 1857
Location West Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was played at a large gathering of “the teetotallers” held in and near the village of Washington in West Sussex. According to a newspaper report, after attending church they proceeded to the nearby Highden Clump, “where nearly 200 met and enjoyed a dance on the green sward; others amused themselves at cricket and base ball.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, April 18, 1857, p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 11 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 11, 1857
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by attendees at the annual Rural Fête of the Mechanics' Institution of Basingstoke, Hampshire, held at Malshanger Park in the nearby village of Oakley. According to a newspaper, a large contingent of people traveled by train and road to the festival site. “On their arrival the party soon spread themselves far and wide in wandering through and admiring the beautiful and picturesque grounds and gardens, which were unreservedly thrown open to them, while many engaged in various rational amusements, such as cricket, foot-ball, base ball, trap-ball, bowls, quoits, &c. &c. much to the gratification of both players and spectators.”

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle, July 11, 1857, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 11 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 11, 1857
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was, once again, among the amusements made available for the crowds of people in Stoke Park attending the annual rural fete benefitting the Literary and Scientific Institute of Slough, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “the sports, in addition to the music and dancing, included cricket, archery, quoits, trap-ball, base-ball, together with, for a miscellaneous company, that rather questionable amusement—kiss in the ring.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, July 11, 1857, p. 3

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on July 11 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 11, 1857
Location Bedfordshire
Data

"Base ball" was one of several games mentioned in a newspaper account of an outing by members and friends of the Luton (Bedfordshire) Harmonic Society: "About one hundred of the members and their friends in holiday trim engaged in various pic-nic recreations. Quoits and cricket in one part of the field, and base ball, thread-the-needle and the like in another for a time divided the attention of the company."

Sources

Luton Times and Advertiser, July 11, 1857, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 25 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 25, 1857
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was mentioned in a letter written to the editor of the local newspaper in Windsor, Berkshire, by a member of the Windsor and Eton Mechanics' Institution wondering why that organization couldn't stage a fundraising fete similar to the annual fete held to benefit a similar institution in the neighboring city of Slough. Within the body of his long letter, the correspondent noted that “there need be no lack of amusements. For music we have at least equal facilities with neighbouring places. Dancing (not however to the exclusion of other amusements and other music), recitations, songs, even a speech or two (if not dry), trap and base ball, and dozens of ways of passing a pleasant afternoon will suggest themselves to every one.”

Notes

Apparently this letter was very persuasive, because the suggested fete was organized and held within a month's time (see entry below).

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, July 25, 1857, p. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 22 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 22, 1857
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was, indeed, played at the first “Fête Champêtre” held by members and friends of the Windsor and Eton Literary, Scientific and Mechanics Institution on the grounds of St. Leonard's. The local newspaper reported that “in addition to cricket, a variety of other amusements had been provided by the committee, with the view of meeting the various tastes of the assemblage. Scattered in groups over the ground might be seen numerous devotees of other pastimes. Among which may be enumerated archery, quoits, trap-bat, base-ball, &c.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Aug. 22, 1857, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 29 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 29, 1857
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "bass ball" was played at an afternoon outing of more than 100 citizens and tradesmen of the town of Chesham in Buckinghamshire: "Cricketing commenced at about one o'clock, and from that time to the close of the day continued with little intermission. There were also several games, such as bat-and-trap, and bass ball, which occupied the attention of the majority of the ladies during the afternoon."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 29, 1857, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 29 1857 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 29, 1857
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base” was among the pastimes played alongside cricket at the autumnal festival of the Chalvey and Slough Temperance Society held at Chalvey in Buckinghamshire. The main feature of the festival was a cricket match between 11 members of the society and 11 members of the Slough Mechanics' Institution Cricket Club. According to a newspaper, “during the progress of the match, the company were variously engaged at trap, base and foot-ball, &c., the larger number, however, preferring to be spectators of the match.”

Notes

Chalvey was within Buckinghamshire in 1857, but was transferred to Berkshire in 1974.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Aug. 29, 1857, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on September 5 1857

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 5, 1857
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Bass-ball” was one of the sports enjoyed by a group of 150 adult music lovers at a picnic in Chesham, a Chiltern Hills market town in Buckinghamshire. The unusual event first offered a round of sports and games for the attendees. This was followed by a tea and then by several choruses of Handel's Messiah. A newspaper noted that “In addition to the usual sports upon such occasions, such as cricket, bass-ball, &c., vocal and instrumental music was in requisition.”

Sources

Bucks Chronicle and Bucks Gazetter, Sept. 5, 1857, p. 2

English Baseball in Kent on May 4 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, May 4, 1858
Location Kent
Data

“Baste ball” was one of the amusements to be offered at the upcoming “grand picnic party” for members of the New Brompton and Gillingham (Kent) Reading and Lecture Room Society, according to a newspaper announcement. The article mentioned that the event was to be held on the spacious grounds of an inn in the nearby town of Sittingbourne, adding that “cricket, baste ball, a concert, and dancing on the green, with other sports of a rustic character will form part of the day's amusements.”

Sources

Kentish Gazette (Canterbury), May 4, 1858, p. 6

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 19 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 19, 1858
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base” was included among a list of “olden time” games in a Norwich, Norfolk, newspaper commentary that appears to belittle the current sports played by boys when compared to sports of old. The writer's precise meaning is a little obscure due to his use of the term “æsthenic.” He wrote: “A little go of sports had been got up by the little boys of the present day, in a meadow near the Ferry, which, as far as they went, showed a certain amount of agility and strength. Such play has been honoured by the fine name of 'æsthenic,' but is as far from the athletic sports of olden time as base, cricket, bandy, and camp, and the jumping, where broken shins, and sometimes broken heads and arms were got, and where determined energy of character, and vigorous activity of muscle, were brought into play unfettered, as the amusements of an age of hardihood can differ from an age of words. 'Æsthenics' were not then invented, but nature found the strength and the power, and boyhood the energy and the spirit, which has continued to maintain the glory of England in India, and in the Crimea, and on the broad blue ocean, under a less sounding title than æsthenic.”

Notes

There is a possibility that “base” in this instance could be prisoner's base, but that game had faded in popularity by the 1850s whereas baseball, by comparison, had become well established in East Anglia. I also note that the author referred to the game of camp-ball by the single word “camp.” The author's use of “æsthenic” is a bit confusing. It is not in the dictionary. The word “asthenic” means “weak” but it seems what the writer probably had in mind was the word “sthenic” which means “tending to produce vital energy.”

Sources

Norwich Mercury, June 19, 1858, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 26 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 26, 1858
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Base-ball" was again listed as one of the offered activities at the annual Grand Rural Fete of the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Mechanics', Literary, & Scientific Institution, to be held at Stoke Park. The newspaper announcement specified that: "Amusements, consisting of Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Trap and Base Ball, Dancing, &c., will commence at Twelve and terminate at Half-past Seven o'clock." A subsequent article reporting on the fête two weeks later, on July 10, 1858, confirmed that the game had been played. It read: “On arriving in the grounds, the visitors deployed into various sections, some betaking themselves to cricket, some to archery, quoits, base ball, kiss in the ring, swings, or other amusements.”

Notes

Slough, too, was formerly part of Buckinghamshire, but is now part of Berkshire.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, June 26, 1858, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 3 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 3, 1858
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played at the annual rural fete of the Mechanics' Institute of Basingstoke, Hampshire, held on the grounds of Oakley Hall, a manor house in the nearby countryside. A newspaper described how “the grounds were gaily decked with flags of all colours and nations, which had a very striking and cheering effect. The party were soon seen dispersing themselves among the inviting and beautiful walks with which the park abounds, and which excited universal admiration. Cricket, bowls, quoits, base-ball, and other rational amusements were included in the programme of the day's proceedings, and were heartily engaged in and enjoyed by a large portion of those present.”

Notes

Oakley Hall, the site of this event, was built in 1795 by the Branston family. Jane Austen became close friends with the Branstons and visited them often when she was living with her parents at the rectory in Steventon, only three miles away

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle, July 3, 1858, p. 5

English Baseball in Kent on July 27 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 27, 1858
Location Kent
Data

“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed by children attending the National School Fĕte of the village of Minster-in-Thanet located in the northeast corner of Kent. A newspaper reported that the children, joined by their teachers, were first treated to a tea. “After tea the company repaired to the abbey green and grounds, and the children engaged in cricket, base ball, trap ball, scrambling for fruit, &c. The villagers, in their holiday garb, took part in the amusements, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasures of the gathering.”

Sources

South Eastern Gazette (Maidstone), July 27, 1858, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 7 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 7, 1858
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper announced that "base ball" would be one of the amusements planned for "The Annual Fete Champetre" of the Windsor and Eton Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution to be held August 17th on private land near the village of St. Leonard's in Buckinghamshire, all in celebration of the birthday of Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent. The announcement stated that the event would offer many different forms of music and entertainment, and added: "The amusements will consist of Dancing, Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Foot, Trap, and Base Ball, &c."

Notes

This was to be a major event requiring a paid admission plus additional charges for refreshments and transportation from Windsor. A number of newspapers covered the actual event, and all of those reports mentioned base-ball.

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, Aug. 7, 1858, p.6

English Baseball in Surrey on August 21 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 21, 1858
Location Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games offered to youngsters attending the Annual Festival held in connection with the day and Sunday schools of the district of St. Paul's, Addlestone, in Surrey, along with schools in the neighboring town of Chertsey. A newspaper reported that “on arriving at the rendezvous a profusion of attractive amusements were presented, such as foot ball, trap and base ball, cricket, racing for prizes, etc.”

Sources

West Middlesex Herald, Aug. 21, 1858, p. 8

English Baseball in Berkshire on September 11 1858

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 11, 1858
Location Berkshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of several amusements enjoyed at the Bray-wick Rural Fete, an annual gathering in the Berkshire village of Bray-wick, just outside of Maidenhead, that provided “entertainment to the children of the Holyport Boys' School, the Bray-wick Girls' National School, the children and old people connected with the Cookham Union, as well as the inmates of the Asylum at Bray.” While a cricket match was going on in one field, “other portions of the assemblage were scattered over various parts of the ground, engaged with games such as base-ball, trap-ball, foot-ball, swings, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., &c.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Sept. 11, 1858, p. 3

English Baseball in London in 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1859
Location London
Data

A passing mention to "bass-ball" appears in a three-volume Victorian novel that depicted itself as the "autobiography" of a young woman. Characterizing herself as a child as having been very attuned to the thoughts and feelings of all around her, the subject of the novel explained: "...I was then, and had long been, more qualified to 'pick up' precise information from an unguarded look, or a broken sentence, than many a girl of seventeen, who had spent her time in jumping over daisy chains and playing at bass-ball with others."

Sources

The Lees of Blendon Hall, an Autobiography, by the author of "Alice Wentworth" (Noelle Radecliffe), London, 1859, Hurst and Blackett, Vol. I, p. 131

English Baseball in London on January 22 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, January 22, 1859
Location London
Data

A casual reference to “base-ball” appeared in a brief article in a sporting journal about a horse named “Poodle.” In describing the horse's qualities and justifying the high price paid for it, the writer stated that “this horse's own brother Pelion, is one of the finest animals in the kingdom; he has enormous limbs, a back broad enough to play at base-ball upon, and was a capital runner.”

Notes

Given the early date, it is almost certain that the game referred to was English baseball.

Sources

The Review, the Country Gentleman's Journal, London, Jan. 22, 1859, p. 475

English Baseball in Hampshire on April 30 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 30, 1859
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed during the Easter holidays by merrymakers who had ventured to the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight: “Good Friday was beautifully fine, and the Recreation Field was well thronged by lads and lasses at their favorite amusement--'trap' which includes cricket, base ball, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., &c. These sports during the three days at Easter cause both high and low, rich and poor, to congregate and enjoy the Old English pastimes.”

Notes

It is not at all clear what the writer meant by stating that “trap” (presumably trap-ball) includes cricket, baseball and kiss-in-the-ring. Given that he put the word in quotes, it may have been his attempt at a pun, perhaps implying that the visitors were trapped by the fun of playing these games. Or not. In any case, he exhibited some democratic enthusiasm by stating that these “old English pastimes” were enjoyed by all levels of society.

Sources

Isle of Wight Observer, April 30, 1859, p. 3

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on June 18 1859

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Saturday, June 18, 1859
Location South Yorkshire
Data

Attempting to retrieve a ball in a game of “tutball” almost led to a boy's death in the Hillfoot neighborhood of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. A newspaper reported that the boy, William Lamb, “was playing at a game called 'tutball' with several other lads, when the ball was knocked into the river at Hillfoot. Lamb went over the side of the river to recover the ball, and, overbalancing, fell into the water.” Fortunately, he was rescued from the water and taken to an infirmary where he recovered from the “asphixia” caused by being immersed.

Sources

Sheffield Daily Telegraph, June 18, 1859, p. 2

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 2 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 2, 1859
Location Norfolk
Data

It was reported that "base" was among the games played at an annual treat of workers from a Norwich textile factory that was sponsored by their employer and held in the small village of Whitlingham, Norfolk: "…there, joined by members of the firm and their friends, the sports began in good earnest with rowing and running matches, jumping, quoits, base, trap and ball, and other out-door amusements, which in conjunction with fresh air and the delightful scenery of the neighbourhood, fully prepared them to do ample justice to a most splendid dinner..."

Notes

It is highly likely that "base" here refers to baseball, as prisoners base by this date was nearly always referred to by its full name, and because there was an established history of baseball being played in East Anglia.

Sources

Norfolk Chronicle, July 2, 1859, p. 5

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on July 9 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 9, 1859
Location Bedfordshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the sports enjoyed at the annual treat for children attending the Sabbath Schools of the Edward Street Tabernacle of Dunstable, Bedfordshire. According to a newspaper report, after traveling to the countryside to a spot in Dunstable Downs known as “The Beech Trees,” the students sat down for a tea. Following this, the teachers and other friends took tea themselves, “while the youngsters in the meantime were enjoying themselves at base ball, trap and bat, cricket, &c.”

Sources

Dunstable Chronicle and Advertiser for Beds, Bucks, and Herts, July 9, 1859, p. 4

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 13 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 13, 1859
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base” was again a featured game at an annual treat for workers from Norwich at an annual treat held in Whitlingham, Norfolk. This time the celebrants were employees of “Messrs. Clark and Hunter,” a company of upholsterers and carpet layers. According to a news report, “after dinner the men enjoyed themselves for a time at cricket, base &c.”

Sources

Norwich Mercury, July 13, 1859, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 16 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 16, 1859
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of many games enjoyed at the rural fete of the Basingstoke (Hampshire) Mechanics' Institute held at nearby Hackwood Park. According to the paper, “during the afternoon various amusements were introduced, consisting of cricket, archery, bowls, lawn billiards, foot-ball, quoits, base-ball, and other innocent recreations, which were carried out with right good humour and unflagging spirit by old and young, who all appeared determined to devote the few hours provided for them to real enjoyment, free from the cares and toils of every-day life, and a most gratifying spectacle it was to see so many hundred happy faces and merry hearts, of both sexes and all ages, thus brought together to participate in the cheering and exhilarating pleasures which such social meetings, when properly conducted, are sure to afford, and which never could be experienced in greater variety or purity than on this occasion.”

Notes

Evidently, the writer of these words was so moved by what he/she witnessed that nothing less than this incredibly long sentence could convey his/her enthusiasm.

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle, July 16, 1859, p. 3

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 23 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 23, 1859
Location Berkshire
Data

"Base-ball" was among the pastimes enjoyed by Sunday school students, teachers and friends of the Independent Chapel of Maidenhead, Berkshire, at their anniversary outing. A newspaper reported that tea and cake were served to the children who then "went to their amusements. The teachers and friends then sat down to a similar repast," and "having been done to their refreshments, they repaired to different parts of the field to join the children in their innocent pastimes, consisting of trap bat, cricket, foot-ball, base-ball, &c."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 23, 1859, p. 5

English Baseball in West Sussex on August 2 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 2, 1859
Location West Sussex
Data

“Base-ball” was mentioned within a young man's diary entry describing a romantic outing with his future wife. The diarist was an 18-year-old medical student named John Henry Salter, then a resident of Arundel, West Sussex. He wrote: “Aug. 2. A boating party with myself as Captain. After dinner, archery, and cricket, then separation and a stroll. Laura and I found a beautiful sequested (sic) spot, and never did time pass more quickly and delightfully. She vowed she loved me—God knows I do her. She gave me a ring to wear for her sake when absent, and I will wear it too so long as I have a finger. After tea base-ball and bat-and-trap. After a bit the damp came on and it was time to pack up and be off.”

Notes

Though born and raised in West Sussex, Dr. Salter spent the last 70 of his 92 years in Essex. He was described as a “medical man, freemason, sportsman, sporting-dog breeder, and horticulturist.” He began keeping diaries at the age of eight and continued doing so without significant interruption until his final days. It is fortunate that they were transcribed and published in 1933, because his original, hand-written manuscripts were destroyed in a World War II bombing raid. Though being an avid cricketer, this entry indicates he was happy to engage in a social game of baseball when in mixed company.

Sources

Dr. Salter of Tolleshunt D'Arcy in the County of Essex, entry for Aug. 2, 1859, compiled by J. O. Thompson, London, 1933, John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., p. 19

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire on August 13 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 13, 1859
Location Buckinghamshire, Berkshire
Data

"Base ball" was again to be played at a grand birthday celebration for the Duchess of Kent, this time her 73rd. A newspaper announced that the party would be held on the grounds of the Ankerwycke estate in Wraysbury, Buckinghamshire, near the spot where the Magna Carta was signed: "The Amusements will consist of Dancing, Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Trap-Bat and Ball, Foot and Base Ball, Swings, &c., 4-oared and Sculling Matches, and an entertainment under the direction of Mr. Nelson Lee, the caterer for the nobility's and Crystal Palace fetes."

Notes

Wraysbury was transferred to Berkshire in 1974.

Sources

Reading Mercury, Aug. 13, 1859, p. 5

Ball Bias in Kent on August 23 1859

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Tuesday, August 23, 1859
Location Kent
Data

“Ball bias” was one of the games played at the annual festival of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Tunbridge Wells, Kent: “The children to the number of 120 assembled with their teachers at the school, and thence proceeded straight to the play grounds just mentioned, the procession being adorned by a goodly number of beautiful banners. Cricket, ball bias, racing, &c. were engaged in till about five, when the scholars were assembled in the booth, and had tea, cake, &c., after which they resumed play till dusk.”

Sources

Sussex Advertiser, Aug. 23, 1859, p. 3

English Baseball in Berkshire on December 31 1859

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, December 31, 1859
Location Berkshire
Data

The word “base-ball” appeared in a corny joke contained within a newspaper announcement of a recent ball that was held by the Windsor and Eton Mechanics' Institute in Berkshire. It began as follows: “A MECHANICS' BALL was announced to be held on Tuesday last as the Institute. As the wording of the announcement was somewhat unusual, some were doubting what kind of ball it was likely to be—whether a cricket-ball, or base-ball, or fives—mechanics have been so fond of strikes. It proved to be a foot ball, and right merrily was it set going, under the able conductorship of Mr. R. Creswell...”

Notes

Given the early date and the location, it was almost certainly English baseball that the jokester had in mind.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Dec. 31, 1859, p. 3

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 2 1860

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 2, 1860
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games played at a Whitsuntide treat hosted in Carrow, Norfolk, by J. J. Colman, Esq., for his employees and their families, numbering nearly 1300 people altogether, on the meadows behind Carrow Abbey. A newspaper article reported that: “The young men had a game of cricket, the boys played at base ball and other games. Kissing in the ring appeared to be the favorite sport of the girls and children, while the men smoked their pipes and watched the games in calm enjoyment.”

Notes

The village name “Carrow” no longer exists, with the site and the ancient abbey having been incorporated into Bracondale, a neighborhood of northeast Norwich.

Sources

Norfolk News, June 2, 1860, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 30 1860

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 30, 1860
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was again mentioned as one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual rural fête held at Stoke Park to raise funds for the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Literary and Scientific Institution. The festivities proceeded for many hours, notwithstanding unfavorable weather. A newspaper reported that “in the cricket match that was commenced in the morning between the Slough and Egham clubs, the players enjoyed some hours, if not of sunny weather, at least of immunity from the heavy rain which commenced falling between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, the time at which visitors in the greatest numbers poured into the park. . .Those engaged in trap and base ball seldom deserted their posts, while the swings provided for the juvenile portion of the crowd were unoccupied only during the heaviest showers.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, June 30, 1860, p. 3

English Baseball in Herts, Bedfordshire on July 14 1860

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 14, 1860
Location Herts, Bedfordshire
Data

“Base-ball” was among the activities enjoyed by members and friends of the Luton (Bedfordshire) Harmonic Society at their annual fête held at Lilley Hoo, a large, commons area in nearby Hertfordshire. A newspaper reported that “the games of cricket and base-ball were carried on with manly spirit, and dancing to the excellent music of the brass band, wound up a very pleasant meeting.”

Notes

The words “manly spirit” suggest that baseball was played by men on this occasion, something not usually noted about English baseball during this time period.

Sources

Luton Times and Advertiser, July 14, 1860, p.4

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on July 17 1860

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Tuesday, July 17, 1860
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was one of the pastimes enjoyed at the annual dinner held for the masters and workmen in the employ of the Atlantic Works, a quality producer of knives and cutlery in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Following a cricket match in the afternoon, the workmen, who were joined by their wives, sat down for a dinner and tea. “These having been disposed of,” a newspaper reported, “the party adjourned to the green. Skittles, bowls, tut-ball, and other such amusements were again the order of the day.”

Sources

Sheffield Daily Telegraph, July 17, 1860, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 18 1860

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 18, 1860
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "bassball" was one of the games played at the annual festival of the parochial schools of Chesham, Buckinghamshire: "…the meadows were well filled with the townspeople and others from the surrounding neighbourhood, and the usual games such as cricket, football, bassball, and bat-trap, were entered into with great zest and continued till the close of day..."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 18, 1860, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 25 1860

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 25, 1860
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper mentioned that "base-ball" was played at the annual feast of the Church Sunday School of Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire: "After partaking of beef and plum pudding, the children adjourned to a meadow kindly lent them by Mr. Gurney, and were soon scattered in every part--some playing cricket, foot-ball, and base-ball; whilst others were racing for handkerchiefs, kindly given by Mrs. Edwards."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 25, 1860, p. 5

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 15 1861

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 15, 1861
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base” was named as an athletic sport of “olden time” in the introduction to a Norwich, Norfolk, newspaper article giving the results of the local grammar schools sports competitions. “In Olden Time,” the writer stated, “the Athletic Sports of Boyhood were Hockey, Base, Cricket, Camp, Racing, and now and then a little Wrestling. Now-a-days, however, athletic exercises are become as regular an affair of study and practice as any other part of education, and the Gymnasium is once again in active force in public schools.” The article went on to provide the results of various races held on the recent “public day.”

Notes

“Base” as a single word representing baseball was not uncommon in Norfolk, although there is a small possibility this could be a reference to prisoner's base.

Sources

Norwich Mercury, June 15, 1861, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 6 1861

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 6, 1861
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Base-ball" was played at a Band of Hope meeting in Marlow, Buckinghamshire: "The committee arranged to give juveniles a treat, and the games of trap-ball, base-ball, cricket, swinging, &c. were indulged in until the tea and cake were spread on the grass, when nearly a hundred congregated, and all heartily enjoyed the repast."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 6, 1861, p. 4

Pize Ball in Northumberland on July 25 1861

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Thursday, July 25, 1861
Location Northumberland
Data

“Pie-ball” was among the amusements offered at the annual gala picnic of the friends of the Young Men's Temperance Association of Gosforth, Northumberland, which at the time was a suburban area of Newcastle. “For the entertainment of this vast host, a great number of varied means of amusement were provided. In one part of the grounds Aunt Sally reared her venerable but much-abused head; in another, archery and rifle-tunnels were the chief attractions; whilst quoit, crickets (sic), and pie-ball all found their ardent supporters. The green sward was covered with groups of young folks, either footing it merrily to strains of a violin, or engaged in the favoured sports of tarzey, and kiss-in-the-ring.”

Notes

Tarzey?

Sources

Newcastle Journal, July 25, 1861, p. 2

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 27 1861 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 27, 1861
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was a featured game at the annual treat held for children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that as soon as the children arrived at a local park, “they commenced playing at cricket, foot and base-ball, &c., and the usual games resorted to on such occasions.”

Sources

Bucks Chronicle and Bucks Gazetter, July 27, 1861, p. 2 (same issue as above)

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 27 1861

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 27, 1861
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played at the annual tea meeting of the members, friends, and children of the Union Chapel of High Wycombe, a large town in Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “upwards of 200 sat down to tea; after which amusements of cricket, foot and base-ball, &c. were indulged in.”

Sources

Bucks Chronicle and Bucks Gazetter, July 27, 1861, p. 2

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on August 10 1861

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 10, 1861
Location Bedfordshire
Data

Games, including “base ball,” were among the amusements offered to those attending the annual festival of the Temperance Society of Luton, Bedfordshire, held in a meadow at the top of Upper George Street. A newspaper reported on the various activities at the festival, describing a band concert and copious refreshments, and mentioning that “there being plenty of room to engage in all sorts of games, cricket, trap bat, base ball, French tag, and kiss-in-the-ring, were indulged in pretty freely.”

Sources

Bedfordshire Mercury (Bedford), Aug. 10, 1861, p. 5

Pize Ball in West Yorkshire in 1862

Block Game Pize Ball
Date 1862
Location West Yorkshire
Data

The words “pize” and “pize-ball” were defined in a glossary of the local dialect of the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire. “Pize. To throw a ball gently for another to bat with the open hand, as at the game of “Pize-ball,” in which the 'pizer' 'pizes' the ball to a number in succession, who run to different places called 'hobs,' where they remain till they have a chance of escape. If one of them is hit with the ball while running, he or she becomes the 'pizer.' If all happen to be 'pized out,' the 'homey' is 'burnt,' i.e,the ball is thrown straight to the ground, and the last in the 'ring' has to go back, pick it up, and become the 'pizer.'

Sources

The Dialect of Leeds and Its Neighborhood, by Robinson C. Clough, London, 1862, John Russell Smith, pp. 385-386

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on April 12 1862

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Saturday, April 12, 1862
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Touch ball” was mentioned in a letter to the editor of a Barnsley (South Yorkshire) newspaper in which the writer was defending his position upholding religious singing in Sunday schools. “A Sunday-school . . . is a fitting place of psalm and hymn singing. I would as soon think of mixing mustard for dinner in a place of worship, during service, as I would bring the religious exercise of singing into a gala-park or playground, amongst young persons whose thoughts and intentions are on cricket, touch ball, terzy, &c.”

Sources

The Barnsley Chronicle, and Penistone, Wath, and Hoyland Journal, April 12, 1862, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on April 26 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 26, 1862
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported "base ball" being part of an outdoors celebration of Good Friday by children from the Tadley Chapel Sabbath and Day Schools in Basingstoke, Hampshire: "The day was fine and the party very much enjoyed the entertainment provided for them; after which they amused themselves at the well-known games of base ball, cricket, &c."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, April 26, 1862, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on April 26 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 26, 1862
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed on a Good Friday outing by 200 boys and girls of the Lower Meeting House schools of Amersham, a town in the Chiltern Hills area of Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “after tea, they adjourned to a meadow close by, where base ball, drop glove, and other innocent amusements were freely entered into, not only by the young but by those advanced in years.”

Sources

Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, Aug. 1, 1863, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on June 7 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 7, 1862
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed on Whit Monday at the annual gala of the Temperance Society of Ipswich, Suffolk, held two miles west of town on the grounds of The Chauntry. According to a newspaper report: “The Rifle Band, under the direction of Mr. Gunning, was in attendance, and to their music not a few 'led the merry dance,' whilst foot-ball, base-ball, cricket, swinging, see-saws, Aunt Sally, and, of course, kissing in the ring--(this being a great occasion for such mutual interchanges)--were going on in different parts.”

Sources

Supplement to The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Pize Ball in Durham, Northumberland on June 28 1862

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, June 28, 1862
Location Durham, Northumberland
Data

The game of “pie-ball” was among the entertainments enjoyed at a large picnic held on the grounds of Brancepeth Castle near the city of Durham by a combined group of teachers, friends and students of the U.P. Church Sabbath School and the Sunday Schools connected with the St. James Chapel, both of Newcastle, Northumberland. “The company amused themselves in rambling around the park, visiting the objects of interest in the grounds, and in various games. Cricket, football, pie-ball, and other games had their supporters, and were all carried out with unflagging till the close of day, when the company betook themselves to the train and safely arrived in Newcastle at half past ten.”

Sources

Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury, June 28, 1862, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire on July 4 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 4, 1862
Location Buckinghamshire, Berkshire
Data

“Baseball” was played at the annual outing for children of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Cookham, Berkshire, to the woods and greenery of Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that: “After arriving at the Beeches games were started, such as cricket, baseball, swinging, &c. About 4 o'clock an excellent tea was provided..., after which the games were carried on with renewed vigour till about 8 o'clock.”

Sources

South Bucks Free Press and South Oxfordshire Gazette (Wycombe), July 4, 1862, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 5 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 5, 1862
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A planned game of “base-ball,” along with other amusements, was washed out by a rainstorm at the annual rural fête held in Stoke Park to benefit the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Literary and Scientific Institution. A newspaper reported that: “A game of cricket was commenced in the morning between the Mechanics' Institution and the Chalvey clubs, but the rain soon compelled the contestants to retire, and play was not resumed until evening. The games of base-ball, foot-ball, trap-ball and quoits, which were to have been played during the day, on the north front of the mansion, as well as archery, Aunt Sally, and other amusements, in the ground on the south front . . . had likewise to be abandoned to a great extent.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on July 11 1862

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Friday, July 11, 1862
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was referenced in a newspaper piece describing a day's cricket outing by members of the Sheffield Corporation (city council) in which the writer defended the virtues of men playing ball. “They entered into the game heartily,” he wrote, “not as scientific cricketers, but mainly we suppose for a day's recreation, in the pursuit of which they would no doubt have found a similar amount of enjoyment in the less dignified pastimes of “tut-ball' or 'kiss-in-the-ring;' thus proving that the spirit of juvenility remains with man throughout his life.”

Sources

Sheffield Daily Telegraph, July 11, 1862, p. 2

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 2 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 2, 1862
Location Suffolk
Data

"Base ball" was played at the annual fête, or “gipsy party,” of the Orwell Works, a large agricultural machinery factory in Ipswich, Suffolk, that employed thousands. A newspaper article described some of the entertainments: “The usual preparation had been made for the amusement of young folks. Round-a-bouts had been improvised out of the works of horse thrashing machines and stout beams; swings were suspended from some of the stoutest trees; and cricket, base-ball and other games were freely indulged in; and that game of games in which both sexes can take part, and which, be it said, seemed to be highly relished—kissing in the ring; whilst for those who felt inclined to 'trip the light fantastic toe,' ground had been staked off and roped off, so that the merry dance could go on without interruption.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, Aug. 2, 1862, p. 9

English Baseball in Surrey on August 9 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 9, 1862
Location Surrey
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by fifty boys and girls at the annual treat for students of the Meadrow Sunday School of Godalming, Surrey. A newspaper, in one weighty sentence, reported that: “The children and their teachers assembled at the school at two o'clock, and immediately repaired to an adjacent meadow, where cricket, trap, base-ball, football, drop handkerchief, kiss-in-the-ring, scrambling for sugarplums, and such like innocent and mirth-provoking amusements, were indulged in to the intense delight of the children, their little faces beaming with happiness, and many of the parents enjoying themselves in seeing the pleasures of the juveniles.”

Sources

West Surrey Times (Guildford), Aug. 9, 1862, p. 3

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 6 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 6, 1862
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the games played at the amalgamated fête hosted by the Odd Fellows and Foresters societies of Ipswich, Suffolk, held at Wherstead Park located two miles south of the city. A newspaper article described some of the activities: “The usual games were early on the move. It was evident that those present determined to make the most of it; and it was pleasant to see the family parties picnicing (sic) under the shadows of the trees, enjoying not only their food with a good relish, but the spectacles around them. Cricket, base-ball, swinging—and, need we add, kissing in the ring, appeared to afford much gratification; and the pleasures of the day were further heightened by the Rifle Band, which played a variety of pieces in its usual capital style.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, Sept. 6, 1862, p. 9

English Baseball in Berkshire on September 6 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 6, 1862
Location Berkshire
Data

"Bass ball" was one of the games played at an afternoon's outing of Sunday school teachers and other friends of the Reading (Berkshire) Sunday School Union: "About 200 assembled during the afternoon, and after taking part in games of cricket, archery, bass ball, throwing the hammer, &c., they were well prepared for the tea which they had bountifully provided for their refreshment."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, Sept. 6, 1862, p. 5

English Baseball in Norfolk on November 15 1862

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, November 15, 1862
Location Norfolk
Data

The word "base-ball" appeared in a speech given by the Sheriff of Norwich, Norfolk, in an awards ceremony for students in the city who had scored highly on competitive examinations. A newspaper reported that the Sheriff urged the boys and girls "to be fairly in earnest in any matter they undertook, whatever it may happen to be. Whether it were in competitive examinations or in their ordinary school lessons, let them not go to work in a half-hearted way. If they were playing a game of cricket or base-ball, they would not say 'thank-you' for a fellow who did not play in earnest, but laid down and took no part in the game; so in their studies let them take care that whatever they took in hand they did it fairly and earnestly."

Sources

The Norfolk News, Eastern Counties Journal, and Norwich, Yarmouth and Lynn Commercial Gazette, Nov. 15, 1862, p. 2

English Baseball in Suffolk on March 21 1863

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 21, 1863
Location Suffolk
Data

A newspaper reported that "bass ball" was played in Benhall, Suffolk, as part of that village's celebration of the recent wedding of the Prince of Wales: "After this the men and youths of the parish resorted to a meadow lent by Mr. Tummer, and most heartily did they pitch the wicket, and handle the bat, while others amused themselves with bat, trap and bass ball which continued till the time of the royal salute, which took place at twelve o'clock..."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Mar. 21, 1863, p. 3

Pize Ball in Northumberland on June 25 1863

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Thursday, June 25, 1863
Location Northumberland
Data

“Pie-ball” was played at a picnic by members of a large party of literary and theological students who had taken a train from Newcastle to a park in the town of Alnwick, Northumberland, for the occasion. “The day was remarkably fine, and the park, so famous for his beauty and extent, presented a gay appearance, relieved as its natural advantages were with the associations of tersie, cricket, pie-ball, &c. The admirers of mediæval remains strolled in groups to the old abbey, and others whose tastes were less romantic were content to amuse themselves in the pastimes to which reference has been made.”

Notes

Tersie or terzy is an elaborate tag game that was popular in Tyneside. There was no ball involved.

Sources

Newcastle Daily Chronicle, June 25, 1863, p. 2

Pize Ball in Northumberland on June 26 1863

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Friday, June 26, 1863
Location Northumberland
Data

“Pie-ball” was again played at a picnic in rural Northumberland, this one held for members and friends of the United Methodist Free Church of Newcastle, along with students attending the church's Sabbath schools. The large party traveled by train to the coastal village of Warkworth with its historic castle and hermitage. Following a very delightful meal, according to a newspaper report, “the excursionists set about enjoying themselves, and by their hearty manner it was apparent that their 'outing' was going to be made the most of. Pie-ball, tarsey, 'the widow,' and other games were freely engaged in, as well as foot-ball, quoits, and others more masculine in their character, till tired nature was obliged to seek a moment's rest before commencing again the almost endless round of amusements.”

Notes

Notwithstanding their considerable similarities, this was not the same event as the one reported in the same newspaper a day earlier; the parties were difference and Warkworth is a good eight miles distant from Alnwick. The game “tarsey” is the same the one called tersie above. “The widow” is a children's singing game.

Sources

Newcastle Daily Chronicle, June 26, 1863, p. 2

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 11 1863

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 11, 1863
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was mentioned amid a large display advertisement announcing “A Grand Temperance Demonstration and Annual Festival of the Christchurch Temperance Society.” Christchurch, on England's southern coast, was then part of Hampshire but has since been reassigned to Dorset. The ad specified many activities for the day, among them: “For Juveniles there will be Merry-go-round, Gymnasium, swings, See-Saw, Rounders or Base Ball, Jumping Stocks, Mechanical Models in motion: -Windsor Park, a Railway Train, Musical Bells, &c., &c.”

Sources

Christchurch Times, July 11, 1863, p. 1

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 25 1863

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 25, 1863
Location Berkshire
Data

"Base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper report of the Baptist Sabbath School's anniversary celebration in Newbury, Berkshire: "The children were highly amused by playing at cricket, base-ball, &c.; tea and cake were provided for them in one of the barns, which was very prettily decorated with flowers and evergreens."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 25, 1863, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 1 1863

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 1, 1863
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

It was reported that "base ball" was one of the entertainments offered at the Annual Tea Meeting of the teachers and children of the Primitive Methodist Schools of Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: "The children, in procession, paraded the town at one o'clock, with flags and banners flying, bearing suitable mottos, and headed by the Saxe-horn Band, proceeded to the ground, where, after tea, amusements of foot and base ball, cricket, &c. were entered into."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, Aug. 1, 1863, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 1 1863 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 1, 1863
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements offered to youngsters at the Annual Festival of Parochial Schools of Chesham, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “various games were indulged in, such as cricket, base ball, bat and trap, drop glove, &c.”

Sources

Uxbridge & Drayton Gazette, Aug. 1, 1863, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 29 1863

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 29, 1863
Location Berkshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "base ball" was played at the annual Band of Hope Festival in Reading, Berkshire: "The youthful teetotalers, who numbered several hundred,…then proceeded to a spacious meadow at the rear of the Hospital, where they were soon supplied with an excellent tea, after which, cricket, base ball, French romp, kite flying, and other amusements were indulged until dusk."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, Aug. 29, 1863, p. 5

English Baseball in Surrey on October 3 1863

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 3, 1863
Location Surrey
Data

“Base-ball” was played by carpenters in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company at their annual holiday held in the village of Shalford just south of Guildford in Surrey. According to a newspaper report, “The party, numbering about ninety, arrived at the railway station at eleven o'clock, and immediately proceeded to the common, where cricket, trap-bat, base-ball, quoits, Aunt Sally—the old lady's first appearance at Shalford, need we add she was warmly received—and other games were carried on with immense vivacity, till dinner was announced. . .”

Notes

“Aunt Sally” is a game whereupon players attempt to knock a model of an old lady's head off a platform by throwing sticks at it. A modified version is still played to day in some southern English pubs.

Sources

West Surrey Times (Guildford), Oct. 3, 1863, p. 3

Pize Ball in Durham on October 29 1863

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Thursday, October 29, 1863
Location Durham
Data

A game of “pie-ball” was played as a grim act of defiance by some of 1200 striking miners and their family members who were being evicted from their homes in the pit town of Willington, county Durham, by policemen working on behalf of the colliery owners. “During the whole of the morning and afternoon the wretched work was carried on actively by those engaged in it, and as the day began to draw to a close, the number of houses with closed doors and windows in the village became very noticeable. But all the time the indifference displayed by the miners was never changed. Whilst the policemen and their assistants were busily engaged removing the furniture in one street, in front of the next row of houses might be seen a score of men and boys playing at pie-ball, with as much zest as though they were enjoying a pleasant and well-earned holiday.”

Sources

Newcastle Journal, Oct. 29, 1863, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 25 1864

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 25, 1864
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base-ball” was announced as one of the amusements that would be offered to those attending the upcoming Grand Rural Fete to be staged in Christchurch, Hampshire, by the Working Man's Institute. A newspaper advertisement heralded the event, to be staged at the local Pleasure Gardens, Flower Gardens and Park. It announced that “in the Park, the following amusements have been provided—Archery, Cricket, Croquet, Quoits, Football, High Jumping, Merry-go-round, Gymnasium, Swings, See-saw, Rounders or Base-ball, Skittles, Aunt Sally, &c.”

Notes

It is not clear what is meant by the wording “rounders or base-ball,” whether the writer intended to indicate that the words represented two names for the same game, or that attendees could choose between the two.

Sources

Christchurch Times, June 25, 1864, p. 1

English Baseball in Bedfordshire Herts on June 28 1864

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, June 28, 1864
Location Bedfordshire Herts
Data

Water "base ball" was highlighted in a London front-page newspaper advertisement promoting an upcoming swimming competition: "CRYSTAL PALACE.-- Great Swimming Fete and Competition, Monday next, Aug. 24 at four o'clock. Swimming Races 100, 200, 400 yards, and one mile. Aquatic Steeple-chases. Water Base Ball. Pole Walking. Exhibitions of Ornamental Swimming by Professor Beckwith and others."

Sources

Leighton Buzzard Observerer and Linslade Gazette (Bedfordshire), June 28, 1864, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 16 1864

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 16, 1864
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

It was reported that "base ball" was played at the school treat of the Sunday and National Day Schools of the village of Lane End in Buckinghamshire: "After tea, a variety of games were introduced, such as cricket, 'Aunt Sally'--which appeared to be the most liberally patronised by the young people--while others found amusement in base ball and various sports."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 16, 1864, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 19 1864

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 19, 1864
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games played at an outing for students attending the Wesleyan Sunday School, located in the small village of Wenhaston in northeastern Suffolk. On this occasion, according to a newspaper report, the youngsters were first served a tea, and then “after they had partaken of the good cheer they adjourned to a meadow . . . where they enjoyed themselves in games of cricket, base ball, running, jumping &c., till nearly dusk.”

Sources

The Halesworth Times and East Suffolk Advertiser, July 19, 1864, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 20 1864

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 20, 1864
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste ball” was identified as one of the activities enjoyed at the annual “gipsy party” held for the families of workmen of the Orwell Works of Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “various games, such as cricket, baste ball, and the much patronised one of kissing in the ring, &c., were heartily indulged in.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, Aug. 20, 1864, p. 5

English Baseball in East & West Sussex on August 25 1864

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 25, 1864
Location East & West Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was played when the fishermen and boatmen of Brighton (East Sussex) and Worthing (West Sussex) along with their families and friends enjoyed their annual excursion to East Grinstead in West Sussex. After arriving by train, the party of 400 attended church and then sat down to a dinner that was followed by various speeches and presentations. According to a newspaper report, “the company then dispersed through the field and town, and all seemed to enjoy themselves greatly. Baseball, cricket, bowls, and a variety of other games were carried on with much vigour, while the elder portion smoked their pipes and were highly amused with the various sports.”

Sources

Brighton Gazette, Aug. 25, 1864, p. 7

Pize Ball in Northumberland on April 28 1865

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Friday, April 28, 1865
Location Northumberland
Data

“Pie-ball” was one of the games played at a day-long celebration of a wedding in the small village of Earsdon in Northumberland, just northeast of Newcastle. A newspaper reported that “the afternoon was spent by the young people of Earsdon at a field in the east end of the village, from whence a beautiful view of the sea was obtainable, in a variety of innocent games, such as foot-ball, kite-flying, pie-ball, and the like.”

Sources

Newcastle Journal, April 28, 1865, p. 2

English Baseball in Suffolk on June 17 1865

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 17, 1865
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste ball” was named as one of the outdoor games played at a “conversazione” hosted by gentlemen who had taken part in the Reading and Musical Entertainments the previous winter in Framlingham, Suffolk. The newspaper covering the event reported that the guests, comprising sixty male and female friends, first sat down for a tea. Then, “the tables were spread with choice fruits; and speeches, recitations, music and singing, with outdoor games of croquet, baste ball, kissing in the ring, dancing, etc., took place and were heartily entered into.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, June 17, 1865, p. 1

English Baseball in East & West Sussex on June 22 1865

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 22, 1865
Location East & West Sussex
Data

It was announced that “brace ball” would be among the entertainments at the upcoming annual picnic of the Brighton (East Sussex) Sacred Harmonic Society to be held in Henfield, a town in nearby West Sussex. According to a newspaper report, “a match of cricket is to be played between the married and single gentlemen. Trap, brace ball, and singing, will form some of the amusements of the day.”

Notes

This is one of four examples where “base ball” was spelled “brace ball.” Henfield was (is) friendly territory for safe haven ball games. It sports one of the oldest cricket clubs (1771) and has been a hotspot for stool-ball since the mid-19th century.

Sources

Brighton Gazette, June 22, 1865, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 30 1865

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, June 30, 1865
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was reported to be among the games played at the annual fete for members of the Mechanics Institute of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The festivities were held on the vicarage grounds where, following a concert by Mr. John Youens and his celebrated Saxhorn Band, “the company now began to assemble and swinging,, trap bat, base ball, drop glove, &c. were the order of the day.”

Sources

South Bucks Free Press and South Oxfordshire Gazette (Wycombe), June 30 1865, p. 2

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 15 1865

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 15, 1865
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base ball” was among the amusements offered at the annual fete for children of the Wesleyan Sunday Schools of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. After assembling the children paraded through the village to a private park called Kilson's Meadow (“kindly lent for the occasion by Lady Dashwood”), “where they amused themselves, as children best know how, in swinging, base ball, cricket, &c., until tea was ready.”

Sources

South Bucks Free Press and South Oxfordshire Gazette (Wycombe), July 15, 1865, p. 2

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 26 1865

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 26, 1865
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the games enjoyed at the annual fête of the Mechanics' Institution of Maidenhead, Berkshire. The proceeding began with a cricket match followed by dinner at local hotel. Toasts were given, and then, according to a newspaper report, “the company dispersed to the athletic games and sports, which consisted of cricket, quoits, trap, and base-ball, kiss-in-the-ring, &c.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Aug. 26th, 1865, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on September 2 1865

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 2, 1865
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the games played by children of the Church Sunday Schools of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat. After proceeding the the vicarage grounds and playing for a while, they sat down to a tea. “The usual amusements were then continued, many of the elderly matrons joining with great spirit with the children at base ball, drop glove, &c.”

Sources

South Bucks Free Press and South Oxfordshire Gazette (Wycombe), Sept. 2, 1865, p. 2

English Baseball in London in 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1866
Location London
Data

An strange mention of "base ball" is found in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek magazine article about London's Whitecross Street Prison. The writer describes the place--a debtor's prison--as if it were some sort of hostelry, and characterizes the inmates as "knights." At one point, the warden, or "governor," is explaining the prison's routine to a group of new inmates. Done with this, in a complete non sequitur, he pronounces: "And now gentlemen, I shall wish you good morning, as I am engaged in a match of base-ball."

Notes

Apart from the oddity of the context, it was a bit unusual for an adult male Londoner to identify with baseball in that era.

Sources

"Records of Whitecross Street Prison," appearing in "The Sixpenny Magazine," June, 1866, London, p. 284

English Baseball in Suffolk on May 26 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 26, 1866
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was among the many amusements offered at the annual fête of the Odd Fellows and Foresters societies of Ipswich, Suffolk, held on the grounds of The Chauntry. The newspaper coverage of the event reported that “here the most popular game was, as usual, 'Kiss in the ring,' which was carried on with untiring energy at several rings during the whole of the afternoon. Dancing, too, was entered into with great gusto . . . whilst in another part of the grounds there were foot races, archery, &c. Besides these more public amusements, in various nooks and corners one came upon family parties engaged in at base-ball and other games, and all appeared to be doing their best to enjoy themselves, and to succeed admirably.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, May 26, 1866, p. 9

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on May 26 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 26, 1866
Location Bedfordshire
Data

“Base” balls were among the wares advertised for sale in a newspaper listing by a Luton, Bedfordshire, manufacturer and purveyor of wooden implements for various purposes, including bats, wickets, etc. for cricket, croquet and trap-ball. At the bottom of his display advertisement, after listing his prices for traps and trap bats, and for cricket bats of all sizes, the tradesman, John Spratley, added a final line which read: “All Kinds of Cricket Balls supplied. Also Trap, Tennis, Base and Foot Balls.”

Notes

It is quite startling that an ad for baseballs would appear in an 1866 English newspaper. It is improbable that these baseballs would have been for the American version of the game, as the earliest known appearance anywhere in Britain of that form was in northern Scotland in 1870. it is more likely these balls were for English-style baseball, but even that is surprising since there is no evidence the English game was ever organized or used standardized or commercially manufactured equipment.

Sources

Luton Times and Advertiser, May 26, 1866, p. 2

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on July 21 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 21, 1866
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Bass-ball” was one of the pastimes enjoyed at an outdoors anniversary celebration held for families and friends of members of the Providence Lodge of Ancient Shepherds of Soham, a small town in eastern Cambridgeshire. After an indoor lunch and speeches, a newspaper reported that “the members, accompanied by the Soham band, adjourned to the orchard, and were then joined by their wives, children and friends to the number of about 2000. Rural sports were commenced in great variety, and carried on with much spirit, including pony, mule, and donkey races, jumping in sacks, foot races, hurdle races, aunt sally, &c., concluding with a wheelbarrow race in the river, for all of which good prizes were given. Mr. Wilkerson burnt a variety of coloured fires. Kiss-in-the-ring, bass-ball, and other games were introduced, and the Soham band frequently played some good music.”

Sources

Bury Free Press, July 21, 1866, p. 11

Tut Ball in Shropshire on July 25 1866

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Wednesday, July 25, 1866
Location Shropshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was played at the annual school festival in the small rural Shropshire parish of Chetwynd. According to a newspaper report, the school children were first served tea and then “after the repast, the girls formed several of those 'select circles' which are always to be seen at similar gatherings as the present; while the boys betook themselves to cricket, rounders, tut-ball, blind-man's buff, &c.”

Notes

That tut-ball was played side-by-side with rounders supports the theory that the former was a bat-less game, similar to English baseball.

Sources

Eddowes's Shrewsbury Journal; Advertiser for Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the Principality of Wales; July 25, 1866, P. 6

English Baseball in East & West Sussex on July 26 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 26, 1866
Location East & West Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was among the many activities on offer to employees of Hannington's Department Store of Brighton, East Sussex, who, along with their families, were treated by their employer to an afternoon's outing at Little Park in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. “Arrived on the ground it was found that a large tent had been erected, casks of beer were visible, as were bottles of ginger beer, by the gross, and various other comestibles, evidently intended for the day's consumption,” read a newspaper report of the event. “The 'weed' was freely indulged in, and all parties prepared themselves for the amusements of the day. Some betook themselves to a game at quoits, others to trap and base ball, others fond of 'the gentle art' betook themselves to ponds and lakes in the vicinity and proved themselves apt disciples of Isaak Walton.” This all was followed by cricket matches and various races.

Notes

Hannington's was a major commercial enterprise with more than 200 employees, and was nicknamed “the Harrod's of Brighton.” It closed in 2001 after 200 years of operation. It is unlikely that the “weed” being enjoyed at the event was what the term now conveys, but more likely was cigars or some other form of tobacco.

Sources

Brighton Gazette, July 26, 1866, p. 6

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 28 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 28, 1866
Location Hampshire
Data

"Base-ball" was one of the games played at a festival held at a nearby farm for children of the London-street Congregational Chapel Sunday School of Basingstoke, Hampshire: "Arrived at the meadows, the children lost no time in starting the various out-door games usual on such occasions, such as cricket, base-ball, swinging, jumping, &c., which were kept up with great spirit till about four o'clock, when the children were liberally supplied with plum cake and tea, for which their afternoon's sports had given them excellent appetites."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 28, 1866, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 8 1866

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 8, 1866
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed at the combined annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Sabbath School and the Band of Hope in the market town of Framlingham in coastal Suffolk county. A newspaper reported that, at first, a heavy rain delayed the children's celebration. However, the skies cleared, and “having assembled at the Wesleyan Chapel they marched in procession through the principal streets of the town, flags and banners flying, to the Castle yard, where the afternoon was passed in various games such as swinging, cricket, baste-ball, kissing in the ring, racing, jumping &c. At five they were all regaled with buttered rolls, plum cake and tea.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 8, 1866, p. 1

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 29 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 29, 1867
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements offered to the boys and girls attending the Slough (Buckinghamshire) British Schools on a “pleasure excursion” to nearby Langley Park. According to a newspaper report, “upon their arrival at the park the children amused themselves by cricket, kiss-in-the-ring, base-ball, and other congenial sports, and were afterwards regaled with a bountiful supply of tea, cake, &c.”

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, June 29, 1867, p. 3

Ball Bias in Kent on July 1 1867

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Monday, July 1, 1867
Location Kent
Data

A game of “ball bias” was among the entertainments offered to a gathering of as many as 500 people at the annual Church Festival in West Malling, Kent. Following a church service and the consumption of a lavish meal, a newspaper reported that “amusements of various kinds, the Rifle Band (39th Kent), singing, croquet, trap bat, ball bias, promenading, &c., were enjoyed and carried on by various parties with much spirit until dusk.”

Sources

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, July 1, 1867, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 11 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 11, 1867
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was listed as one of the activities enjoyed by youthful members of the Band of Hope of Newbury, Berkshire, at their annual open air festival. A newspaper reported that “The afternoon and evening of the day were spent in various field sports, amongst which cricket and other amusements and sports such as football, base ball, sliding and swinging, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., seemed to find plenty of votaries amongst the juveniles present, and throughout the day the meadow presented a continued scene of mirth and activity.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, July 11, 1867, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 13 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 13, 1867
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "base ball" was played on an excursion to Netley, Hampshire, by 170 students, parents and friends of the British School in Basingstoke: "Having rested and partaken of their dinners, the children proceeded with their sports--the girls to croquet, base ball, &c., and the boys to cricket and other games usual on such occasions."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 13, 1867, p. 5

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on July 27 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 27, 1867
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Base” was listed as one of the games enjoyed by children and teachers attending the Independent Sunday School Festival of Soham, a small town in eastern Cambridgeshire. A newspaper reported that “French tag, base, jolly miller, and other games were freely indulged in, and all present appeared heartily to enjoy the amusements.”

Notes

“Base” in this context was almost certainly baseball.

Sources

Bury Free Press, July 27, 1867, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 3 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 3, 1867
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was enjoyed along with other amusements at the annual amalgamated festival of the Independent Wesleyan Sunday School and the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk. The children marched from the Wesleyan Chapel to a nearby meadow where, according to a newspaper report, “the afternoon was passed in youthful games, viz., cricket, football (kindly lent by the Rev. A.C. Daymond), swinging, trap-ball, baste-ball, racing, kissing-in-the-ring, scrambling for nuts, apples, &c.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Weekly General Advertiser and County Express, Aug. 3, 1867, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 6 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 6, 1867
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the entertainments available to the large crowds in attendance at the Parochial Schools Festival of Chesham, a market town in Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “Cricket, base ball, drop glove, and various other games were kept up in different parts of the Grove, and the bells of the church rang out their merry peals at intervals during the day.”

Sources

Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette, Aug. 6, 1867, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 17 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 17, 1867
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the featured amusements made available to those attending the Berkhampstead and Chesham Temperance Societies Festival held in a large field near Chesham, Buckinghamshire. According to a local newspaper, “On arriving at the meadows, the usual out-door games, such as cricket, football, base ball, drop glove, French tag, and other games, including croquet, were resorted to by those who delight in such amusements.”

Sources

Uxbridge & Drayton Gazette, Aug. 17, 1867, p. 8

English Baseball in London on August 20 1867

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 20, 1867
Location London
Data

“Base ball” was one of the attractions for the large crowds in attendance at the Uxbridge Mutual Improvement Society's rural holiday held at Cowley House near Uxbridge in far west London. According to newspaper coverage, “Games were numerous and had many votaries; whilst some preferred the mutilation of 'Ancient Sarah,' in erring attempts to frustrate her imitative enjoyment of a tobaccoless pipe, others played at trap bat or base ball, or tried their abilities at archery, generally missing the targets with great precision, and wondering more and more at the dexterity of the William Tell that had been a favourite hero of their youth.”

Notes

The game “Ancient Sarah” appears to be a variant of the better-known Aunt Sally.

Sources

Uxbridge & Drayton Gazette, Aug. 20, 1867, p. 5

English Baseball in London on July 18 1868

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 18, 1868
Location London
Data

“Base ball” was again to be featured at the annual rural fête staged by the Uxbridge Muitual Improvement Society of West London. A local newspaper reported that “bands will parade the streets, and march in procession to the grounds, where Aunt Sally, bat and trap, base ball, archery, quoits, and other pastimes will be provided and a quadrille band has been specially engaged to enhance the pleasures of the dance.”

Sources

Uxbridge & Drayton Gazette, July 18, 1868, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 25 1868

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 25, 1868
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste ball' was named as one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual picnic of the Church of England Young Men's Christian Association held in Woolverstone Park near Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper article reported that 200 members and friends of the society traveled to the park by a steamboat engaged for the occasion, and that “cricket, croquet, baste ball, and other sports had been provided, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, July 25, 1868, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 22 1868

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 22, 1868
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste ball” was one of the many enjoyments made available to attendees of the annual “out” of the Framlingham, Suffolk, Mutual Improvement Society. The newspaper covering the event reported that “the grounds were thrown open to the public, at a charge per head, at 2:30 and several hundreds entered and roamed over the pretty park, and entered with zest into the following games, which were provided by the committee, “viz. Cricket, quoits, archery, croquet, swinging, red-white-and-blue, foot and baste ball, &c.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 22, 1868, p. 4

English Baseball in London on October 24 1868

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 24, 1868
Location London
Data

The fact that "base-ball" was originally English was briefly acknowledged in a journal column of short news blurbs entitled "Our Weekly Gossip": "The English cricketers are reported to have taken to the 'American game' of base ball. This game was English before it was American. 'Multa renascentur (apud Unitedstatesienses) quæ jam cecidere (apud nos).'"

Notes

The Latin roughly translates to: “many things grow again among the Americans that have already fallen to us.” This was an unusually early commentary from an English source that baseball originated in that country.

Sources

The Athenæum, Journal of English and Foreign Literature, Science and Fine Arts, Oct. 24, 1868, p. 536

English Baseball in Norfolk on March 27 1869

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 27, 1869
Location Norfolk
Data

"Base ball" seems to have been a criminal activity in Norfolk, according to a newspaper report of court proceedings: "Robert Gay and James Rix, of Thorpe St.Andrews, laborers, were summoned . . . for playing a certain game called 'base ball,' with a stick and ball, on the Norwich and Yarmouth turnpike road, to the annoyance and obstruction of passengers on that highway, on Sunday afternoon, the 14th inst. The case having been proved, police-constable Hardingham, of Thorpe, said he had repeatedly cautioned the defendants and other young men of their playing 'base ball,' and their general bad conduct on Sunday afternoon, but to no effect. The defendants, who denied the offence (sic), were were each fined 7s. 6d., and the costs 13s. 6d.”

Notes

Thorpe St. Andrews is a suburb of Norwich. Other than the Gutsmuths book, this is the only known example where a reference to what appears to be traditional English baseball included the mention of a bat.

Sources

Norfolk News, March 27, 1869, p. 2

English Baseball in Hampshire, Berkshire on June 26 1869

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 26, 1869
Location Hampshire, Berkshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by students of the British School of Reading, Berkshire, on their annual outing, with this year's destination being the grounds of Netley Abbey on the south coast of Hampshire near Southampton. After a train journey, the children “marched to the Abbey, and having explored the ruins there proceeded to the grounds where cricket, football, running, jumping, base ball, and various other games amused them until time for tea.”

Sources

Berkshire Chronicle, June 26, 1869, p. 5

English Baseball in Kent on July 10 1869

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 10, 1869
Location Kent
Data

A game called "base" was among the recreations offered at the annual treat held for children of the various schools in the Holy Trinity parish of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. After marching from their schools to the grounds of a local churchman's estate, the children enjoyed a tea, and then, afterwards, “all kinds of games were indulged in by the youngsters—cricket, base, racing, scrambling, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., &c.”

Notes

“Base,” in this instance, is almost certainly baseball, given that prisoner's base was rarely played by this late date and was invariably identified as “prisoner's base” or “prison bars.”

Sources

Maidstone Telegraph, July 10, 1869, p. 7

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on July 17 1869

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 17, 1869
Location Bedfordshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games enjoyed by students and their parents of the Church Sunday School of Woburn, Bedfordshire, at their annual holiday and treat. According to a newspaper article, the children marched from the school to a nearby farm where they were served a tea. “Tea being over they dispersed to join in various juvenile games, also racing for a number of useful and amusing articles. While they were thus amused, a great number of visitors and parents of the children sat down to tea, afterwhich (sic) they also dispersed, some to watch the children, others to join in various games, such as base ball, French romp, &c.”

Sources

Croydon's Weekly Standard (Newport Pagnell, Bucks), July 17, 1869, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 24 1869

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 24, 1869
Location Hampshire
Data

"Base-ball" was again played at another annual festival of the London-street Sunday School of Basingstoke (see above): "The children, to the number of about 320,…soon commenced the usual games, including swinging, jumping, base-ball, croquet, &c."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, July 24, 1869, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 24 1869 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 24, 1869
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by youngsters of the Framlingham (Suffolk) Band of Hope at the celebration of their annual festival. Each child was given a bun before they set off to rural Letheringham Mills where they would spend the day. According to a newspaper report, “after being presented with another bun, they dispersed and with their attendants spent the afternoon in various games in a meadow near to the watermill. The games included swinging, cricket, croquet, baste-ball, trap ball, bathing, boating, kissing-in-the-ring, up-and-down, racing in sacks, scrambling, &c. About five o'clock, the whole company sat down under the shady willow tree beside the running stream and enjoyed a good tea.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, July 24, 1869, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 24 1869

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 24, 1869
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual treat for children attending the Sunday school connected to the Nicholas-street Chapel of Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that 400 students “betook themselves to various sports, such as cricket, foot-ball, base-ball, swings, and racing for pocket- handkerchiefs, braces, &c. Tea took place about five, after which they returned to their games.”

Sources

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, July 24, 1869, p. 5

English Baseball in West Sussex on July 26 1870

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 26, 1870
Location West Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was named in a display advertisement as one of the entertainments available to those visiting the Chinese Gardens, a public attraction located in Hurstpierpoint, a village in West Sussex. The ad highlighted a number of amusements for visitors, including boating, fishing, archery, bowls, croquet, skittles, and lawn billiards. Additionally, “Trap, Quoits, Giant's Stride, Base Ball, Boat, Plank and other Swings” were available.”

Sources

Surrey Gazette, July 26, p. 1

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 13 1870

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 13, 1870
Location Suffolk
Data

A newspaper reported that "baseball" was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual fete of the Mutual Improvement Society in Framlingham, Suffolk: "From the lawn in front of the house is a beautiful slope, studded with trees, and well adapted for fetes and pic-nics, and when enlivened with flags, marquees, and nearly a thousand persons engaged in various sports, of croquet, quoits, baseball, cricket, football, and youngsters swinging under the shady branches of the trees, formed a beautiful picture of English enjoyment on a gala day."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 13, 1870, p. 5

English Baseball in London in 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1871
Location London
Data

"Base-ball" was mentioned in a story entitled "Along Fleet Street" that appeared in a children's magazine: "Arthur wanted to know where the old Fleet Prison used to stand, and if it was the veritable place where Mr. Pickwick went to, and if it wasn't where he met Mr. Jingle, and whether people did not play racquet and base-ball there, and pay for their own lodgings, etc."

Notes

This suggestion that baseball is mentioned in The Pickwick Papers is a somewhat creative leap. The text of Dicken's novel mentions that an open area within the Fleet Street prison served as an impromptu 'racket ground', and describes: "…a number of persons…playing at ball with some adventurous throwers outside, others looking on at the racket-players, or watching the boys as they cried the game." The "playing at ball" reference is a bit ambiguous, but more likely was meant to indicate rackets rather than baseball.

Sources

"Along Fleet Street," by "Old Merry," appearing in "Merry & Wise: An Illustrated Monthly Magazine for Young People," London, April, 1871, p. 245

English Baseball in Berkshire, Oxfordshire on March 8 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, March 8, 1871
Location Berkshire, Oxfordshire
Data

A writer recalled observing "bass-ball" being played a half-century earlier in the Kine Croft Hills near Wallingford, Berkshire, as he described in a newspaper column under the heading “Rambles in Wallingford.” He wrote: "Games also were annually held here on Mayday, and many a comely and buxom girl have I witnessed on such occasions vigorously throwing the bass-ball to a fellow maiden near her, and all were full of frolic. This latter game I have discovered is nearly, if not completely, gone out of fashion now about here which is to be deplored, as I am one who would willingly see a revival of such like harmless sports."

Notes

This column originally appeared in the Abington and Reading Herald (date unknown). The author, William Allnatt, later included the text of this column in a book entitled Rambles in the Neighbourhood of Wallingford, published in Wallingford in 1873 (S. Bradford). The town of Wallingford was transferred from Berkshire to Oxfordshire in 1974.

Sources

Oxfordshire Weekly News (Chipping Norton), March 8, 1871, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 24 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 24, 1871
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

Games, including “base ball” were enjoyed by children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School of Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, at a summer outing. A newspaper reported that “upwards of 200 children and 30 teachers sat down to as many good things as in 30 minutes satiated, and after, notwithstanding falling showers, every one had (by fatigue in running matches, foot ball, base ball, cricket, twos and threes, French tag, and other games) fully gratified their appetites.”

Sources

Bucks Chronicle and Bucks Gazette, June 24, 1871, p. 3

English Baseball in Kent on July 8 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 8, 1871
Location Kent
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games played at the annual “ragged” treat for children attending the the evening and Sunday schools held at Lower Waterside in the town of Dartford, Kent. According to a newspaper report, the children were first treated to a “substantial tea.” This was followed by a procession to a meadow “where balls and other articles connected with juvenile sport were distributed. Soon the meadow became an animated scene of enjoyment, the children, nearly without exception, being dressed in so smart a manner, that one could scarcely realise the fact of a 'ragged' school treat.” Following a pause for a musical program, “toys were plentifully distributed, and cricket, base ball, and other games enjoyed, till between eight and nine o'clock when the fete terminated.”

Sources

Gravesend Reporter, North Kent and South Essex Advertiser, July 8, 1871, p. 5

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 29 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 29, 1871
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base” was played at an excursion to Coldham Hall, a grand country house, by workmen in the employ of Mr. Welton, a coach builder in Norwich, Norfolk. A newspaper mentioned that “After spending a most agreeable day at cricket, base, and other sports, they say down to a well-spread table furnished by Mr. Welton.”

Notes

“Base” was almost certainly baseball in this context, as it was a common alternate designation in East Anglia.

Sources

Norfolk News, July 29, 1871, p. 7

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 5 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 5, 1871
Location Suffolk
Data

“Basteball” was identified as one of the amusements offered to students of the Wesleyan Reform Sabbath School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A newspaper reported that “the afternoon was passed in various outdoor games, viz., cricket, trap-ball, swinging, croquet, up-and-down, basteball, racing, kissing-in-the-ring, &c. &c.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 5, 1871, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 16 1871

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 16, 1871
Location Suffolk
Data

"Basteball" was listed as one of the games played at the annual treat of the Church Day and Sunday Schools of Easton, Suffolk (near Framlingham): "Having mustered, they marched in procession to The Rookery, the residence of Rev. W.W. Wood, the rector, where they passed the time in various games, such as racing, jumping, basteball, &c., the winners being presented with appropriate toys as prizes."

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 16, 1871, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on April 3 1872

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, April 3, 1872
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "base" was played on the Isle of Wight during the Easter holidays: "…the youthful part of the inhabitants betook themselves to the Recreation Ground, where two or three swings were erected, and cricket, base, trap, &c. were fully enjoyed by scores of youths."

Notes

It is likely that "base" in this instance refers to baseball, as the game of prisoners' base had somewhat faded in popularity by this date. Also, the writer was consistent in not appending the word "ball" to either "base" or "trap."

Sources

Hampshire Advertiser, April 3, 1872, p. 3

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 10 1872

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 10, 1872
Location Suffolk
Data

"Baste ball" was played at another annual treat of the Church Sunday School, presumably of Easton, who this year joined with the "Sir R. Hitcham's Scholars of Framlingham and Saxtead." A newspaper reported that: "The Saxtead scholars, between 40 and 50 in number, were conveyed in waggons (sic) to Framlingham, and the united schools mustered to the number of about 250 on the Rectory Grounds at 2 o'clock, when the boys dispersed for cricket and racing, and the girls for kissing in the ring; baste ball, &c."

Notes

Although this report does not indicate that the church school was located in Easton, it seems likely it is the same as from the above entry.

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 10, 1872, p. 7

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 17 1872

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 17, 1872
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Bass ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the Congregational Sabbath Schools of Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat. The local newspaper reported that “During the afternoon games consisted of croquet, cricket, foot ball, bass ball, were entered into with great spirit, and at five o'clock the children were regaled with tea current cake, buns, &c. &c.”

Sources

Buckingham Express, Aug. 17, 1872, p. 5

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on October 23 1872

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Wednesday, October 23, 1872
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was used as a basis of comparison in trying to explain (and denigrate) baseball to a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper audience by an arrogant columnist covering the American tour of the All-England Eleven cricket team. “Base-ball (a kind of “tut-ball,” played with hedge-stakes), however, being less laborious, not at all scientific, and soon over, will continue to please the youthful Americans most; just as euchre takes the place of whist, and spirits the place of wine. Something simple, requiring no thought, soon over, and at which one can talk, is preferred in this superficial land.”

Notes

This sort of open contempt for the U.S. was not commonplace in British newspapers of this period. The reference to hedge-stakes is more likely a put-down of spindly baseball bats (as compared to cricket bats), rather than a reference to the stakes used as bases in the Massachusetts game.

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Oct. 23, 1872, p. 3

English Baseball in London, Normandy on March 29 1873

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 29, 1873
Location London, Normandy
Data

“Baste ball” was included among a list of “Ye anciente sports of Albion” by the writer of a newspaper column entitled “Here and There” who was musing on the reactions of people in the London district of Putney to crews of rowers practicing on the Thames. In an aside, the author wrote: “I remember once seeing a rowing match in Harfleur (a seacoast town in Normandy). There are not many English people who stay at Harfleur, but those who do have innoculated (sic) the natives with Ye anciente sports of Albion. They have taught the Frenchmen to play cricket and even football; they have made the lovers of dominoes leave the café and dance the fandango known as 'baste-ball;' they have educated them into tip-cat, and, in fact, every other game except ring-taw...”

Sources

South London Chronicle, March 29, 1873, p.2

Ball Bias in East Sussex on August 2 1873

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Saturday, August 2, 1873
Location East Sussex
Data

“Ball bias” was played at a treat for children belonging to the Hastings Juvenile Temple of Good Templars of Hastings, East Sussex. “They mustered at the Temperance Hall, Castle-road, in the afternoon, and forming in order of procession, marched with banners flying to their destination, which being reached the children amused themselves with various sports, such as running, swinging, ball bias, &c.”

Sources

Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, Aug. 2, 1873, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 16 1873

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 16, 1873
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed by students of the Greenham School of Greenham, Berkshire, together with the Newbury Workhouse children, at their annual treat. According to a regional newspaper “there were amusements consisting of swings, cricket, base ball, bobbing for sweets in flour bags, &c.”

Sources

Reading Observer, Aug. 16, 1873, p. 4

Ball Bias in West Sussex on August 19 1873

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Tuesday, August 19, 1873
Location West Sussex
Data

“Ball bias” was one of the games played at a picnic and “gipsy party” organized by an unnamed grouping of 40 adults and children, and held in a park near Cuckfield, a village near the eastern border of West Sussex.The ladies in the group prepared tea, but, according to a newspaper report, “just as the beverage was being served a shower brought umbrellas, mantles and rugs in request; but they kept it up merrily at stoolball, trap, and ball bias, there being swings on the branches for the little ones.”

Sources

Chichester Express and West Sussex Journal, Aug. 19, 1873, P. 2

English Baseball in West Yorkshire on August 21 1873

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 21, 1873
Location West Yorkshire
Data

That "baseball" was original to England was mentioned in a somewhat condescending newspaper article discussing the prospects of cricket taking hold in the United States: "Wherever an Englishman has 'put his foot down,' either as an abiding colonist or a temporary resident, there has cricket grown up and flourished. Causes not altogether removed from the domain of politics of the White House have militated against the spread of the game amongst the mixed races of the United States. It has been gravely stated by an influential Yankee journalist that cricket, being the pet diversion of an 'effete British aristocracy,' will never do for America! Baseball (the British original of which may be seen in operation on the nearest and most juvenile playground) is in his opinion the most appropriate game for a go-ahead people"

Sources

Huddersfield Chronicle, Aug. 21, 1873

Tut Ball in West Yorkshire on July 31 1874

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Friday, July 31, 1874
Location West Yorkshire
Data

“Touch-ball” was referenced in newspaper article about the British tour of American professional baseball players. “Base ball, as we were prepared to find, is an American modification, and of course an 'improvement,' of the old English game of 'rounders,' or, as it is called in the West Riding, 'touch-ball.' The children in those districts play it without a bat or club; they strike the ball with the open hand, and have posts or stones at the corners of the playground, which correspond to the 'bases' of the American game. If the ball was caught before it reached the ground, or the fielders could hit the striker with it before he reached the 'touch,' he was out.”

Sources

Manchester Guardian, July 31, 1874, p. 5

English Baseball in Essex on August 7 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 7, 1874
Location Essex
Data

"Baseball" and rounders were both played at the annual picnic of the Epping church and Town Hall choirs, held on the grounds of a manor house in Epping Forest, Essex. At first, the festivities appeared to be at risk because of a heavy thunderstorm, but it soon cleared. "The storm over, the 'call' sounded, and the enjoyments of the party began in earnest, with various sports, such as cricket, rounders, baseball, egg in hat, paper chases, &c., interspersed with songs, 'March of the men of Harlech,' 'Rule Britannia,' 'God bless the Prince of Wales,' &c., concluding with 'God save the Queen.'"

Notes

This is one of the few examples of English baseball and rounders being played side by side, supporting the contention they were two distinct games.

Sources

Chelmsford Chronicle, Aug. 7, 1874, p. 2

English Baseball in London/Suffolk on August 13 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 13, 1874
Location London/Suffolk
Data

On the same day as above, a letter entitled "The Game of Base Ball" appeared in another London paper: "Sir,--The notoriety recently acquired by our Transatlantic cousins in connection with the above game...(has) led to the belief on the part of many... that the game owes its origin to America...It may inform some and remind others that base ball is thoroughly English, and during the 16th century occupied a foremost place in the list of our national sports. It is alluded to by Shakespeare and other writers as an old rustic game, and was an indispensable accompaniment to the amusements provided for the festive May-day gatherings on village greens during the reign of the Merrie Monarch and...his successors...However, the game of base ball gradually lost its patrons, and is now known to a comparative few. The knowledge of the game...lingers chiefly in our most remote rural districts, including some villages in the county of Suffolk, where, more than thirty years since, it was a common game between the lads and lasses...In Cambridgeshire it is known by the name 'Tut'."

Notes

Another rare recognition that baseball was originally English. Likely the writer was wrong about English baseball dating from the 16th century—confusing it with prisoner's base as have many since—but was unusually well informed in knowing that the game was still being played in rural districts, including Suffolk. This letter is also the only known historical source to equate English baseball and tut-ball, and by locating the latter game in Cambridgeshire expands southward the territory where it was known to be played. Interestingly, the day after this letter was published, a short article appeared in a Yorkshire newspaper, the Bradford Observer, in which the writer appeared to have merged the contents of this letter with the letter in The Times from “Grandmother.” The Yorkshire article lifted whole phrases from this letter, such as the stuff about the 16th century and the Merrie Monarch, as well as the Lady Hervey quotation from The Times' letter.

Sources

Daily News (London), Aug. 13, 1874, p. 3

English Baseball in London on August 13 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 13, 1874
Location London
Data

Under the heading of "Base-Ball," The Times of London published a letter to the editor from someone identified only as "Grandmother" at the time of the 1874 tour: "Sir,--Some American athletes are trying to introduce to us their game of base-ball, as if it were a novelty; whereas the fact is that it is an ancient English game, long ago discarded in favour of cricket. In a letter of the celebrated Mary Lepel, Lady Hervey, written in 1748, the family of Frederick, Prince of Wales, are described as 'diverting themselves with base-ball, a play all who are or have been schoolboys are well acquainted with'."

Notes

Almost all of the many British newspaper accounts of the 1874 tour of American baseball players stated that the game was an elaborated form of rounders. This is one of the few that recognized baseball as being originally English. "Grandmother," however, was exaggerating a bit about the game being "ancient," and it seems she was unaware that it was still being played.

Sources

The Times (London), Aug. 13, 1874, p. 10

English Baseball in North Yorkshire on August 18 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 18, 1874
Location North Yorkshire
Data

"Base-ball," according to a newspaper article, was a traditional Yorkshire game. "Base-ball, which the American's claim to be their national sport, is known to every inhabitant of the North Riding of Yorkshire and to most of the North of England as a game in which both sexes enjoyed on the old holidays---Easter Monday, Shrove Tuesday, and others. Some of the rules are slightly altered, the most important is the striker; the originals strike the ball with the hands, the Americans with a mallet. As regards the Bases which give the American name to the game the Yorkshire people call them the holds, signifying the stoping (sic) places, what the American's (sic) call their bowler, was called by us the potcher (sic), who stood nearer to the striker than the American's (sic) do, doing the American's (sic) wicket keeper part also. The Yorkshire party was all out with the first person, the American's (sic) with the third. All the other rules are the same."

Notes

Among the several newspaper notices at the time of the American players' tour claiming baseball to be English in origin, this one is unique in asserting the game to be a product of Yorkshire and other northern counties. It is also distinctive in comparing rule differences between the English and American versions of baseball, and provides additional evidence that English baseball batters struck the ball with their bare hands.

Sources

The York Herald, Aug. 18, 1874, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 22 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 22, 1874
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported "base ball" being played at the annual treat of the Church Sunday Schools of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: "The…children…, forming in procession to the number of 120…, proceeded round the hill and through the village to the vicarage grounds, where they soon dispersed: the boys to cricket, and the girls to swinging, base ball, and other amusements."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 22, 1874, p. 6

English Baseball in London on August 22 1874 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 22, 1874
Location London
Data

Water "base ball" was highlighted in a London front-page newspaper advertisement promoting an upcoming swimming competition: "CRYSTAL PALACE.-- Great Swimming Fete and Competition, Monday next, Aug. 24 at four o'clock. Swimming Races 100, 200, 400 yards, and one mile. Aquatic Steeple-chases. Water Base Ball. Pole Walking. Exhibitions of Ornamental Swimming by Professor Beckwith and others."

Sources

Morning Post (London), Aug. 22, 1874, p. 1

English Baseball in London on August 22 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 22, 1874
Location London
Data

“Base-ball” was played in the 16th century according to the writer of a letter published in a London-based sporting newspaper who was taking exception to the viewpoint that the game currently being showed off by visiting American players was something original. Under the heading “The Game of Base-ball,” the writer, Mr. J.C. Reed, expressed the following: “The notoriety recently acquired by our Transatlantic cousins in connection with the above game...[has] led to the belief on the part of many... that the game owes its origin to America...It may inform some and remind others that base ball is thoroughly English, and during the 16th century occupied a foremost place in the list of our national sports. It is alluded to by Shakespeare and other(s) as an old rustic game, and was an indispensable accompaniment to the amusements provided for the festive May-day gatherings on village greens during the reign of the Merrie Monarch and...his successors...However, the game of base ball gradually lost its patrons, and is now known to a comparative few. The knowledge of the game...lingers chiefly in our most remote rural districts, including some villages in the county of Suffolk, where, more than thirty years since, it was a common game between the lads and lasses...I have no desire to depreciate the ability and skill of the Americans in playing this game, being only anxious to remove the prevailing impression that it is an importation from another country.”

Notes

Mr. Reed was incorrect in placing baseball in the 16th century and in claiming Shakespeare alluded to it. He most likely was confusing baseball with prisoners base.

Sources

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, Aug. 22, 1874, p. 23

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 29 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 29, 1874
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was the subject of a brief news squib in the Barnsley (Yorkshire) Independent, in which the paper reported that “English ladies have taken to playing the American base ball game. Eleven ladies of the parish of Nash, Buckinghamshire, have beaten a similar team from Great Harwood, by 115 against 86 runs and an innings to spare.”

Notes

This curious report undoubtedly reflects the writer's confusion, but also may reveal important details. It is improbable that a group of women in Bucks would be playing American-style baseball in 1874, even taking into account that the English tour of American professional ball players had just concluded. Bucks was among the English counties associated with the indigenous form of the game. The author mentioning eleven players to a side, and use of the term “runs” as a measure of scoring, are significant indicators about the game in that place at that time, assuming the writer wasn't confused about those as well.

Sources

Barnsley Independent, Aug. 29, 1874, p. 6

English Baseball in London/Suffolk on August 29 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 29, 1874
Location London/Suffolk
Data

"Base ball" was lampooned in Punch Magazine in the form of a mock letter, purportedly written by a Suffolk villager, that derides Londoners for gullibly accepting American baseball as a novelty, and not recognizing it as a traditional Suffolk game. The letter is written in a highly exaggerated country dialect: "I'm night furty year oad, and I ha' plaed base ball, man and boy, for more un thirty-five year, as any o' yar folks up there could hev sen if tha'd ha come to our village--or fur the matter o' that, to furty other villages hereabouts--any evenin' a summer time." It goes on to explain how the game was played in Suffolk, an account that is, in some aspects, plausible.

Notes

Given the energetic effort to make fun of both the touring American baseball players and the way Londoners received them, it is hard to know how much credence to give Punch's description of Suffolk baseball. It may be that the writer, who was undoubtedly a London-based contributor to Punch, if not a staff person, had some knowledge of Suffolk baseball, although it is also possible that he simply invented a rustic version of the American game. The description makes no mention of soaking, which would have been part of Suffolk baseball, but does suggest that the striker could use a bare hand. This, coupled with the unusual awareness that English baseball was still played in Suffolk, gives the piece a touch of credibility.

Sources

Punch (London), Aug. 29, 1874, p. 86

English Baseball in Essex on September 11 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 11, 1874
Location Essex
Data

A newspaper reported that "base ball" was one of the amusements engaged in at a festival celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Brentwood Court of Unity of the Ancient Order of Foresters held at Brentwood in Essex: "…the members then formed in front of Town Hall and marched in procession to a field at the rear of the Lion and Lamb, lent by the landlord, where, joined by their wives, sweethearts, and friends, they engaged in cricket, quoits, base ball, Aunt Sally, kiss-in-the-ring, and other amusements..."

Sources

Chelmsford Chronicle, Sept. 11, 1874, p. 6

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 12 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 12, 1874
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat for children and teachers of the Sabbath School connected with the Wesleyan Methodists of Framlington, Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, after waiting out a rainstorm “the afternoon was then uninterruptedly spent in various games of cricket, base-ball, racing, scrambling, &c., but swinging was the favourite amusement.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 12, 1874, p. 4

English Baseball in West Yorkshire on September 15 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, September 15, 1874
Location West Yorkshire
Data

A "game of base ball" was identified in a newspaper account as one of the events competed for at a swimming fete held at the Dewsbury Corporation Baths in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Little more was written about it except to provide the name of the winner (an individual), and to describe it as "a game of base ball in the water."

Notes

The precise nature of this "base ball" is far from clear, especially given that the winner was identified as an individual and not a team.

Sources

Huddersfield Chronicle, Sept. 15, 1874

English Baseball in Liverpool on September 21 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, September 21, 1874
Location Liverpool
Data

A report in a newspaper advised that "base-ball" would be one of the many entertainments offered at the coming week's Stanley Hospital Fete, a major fundraising event to be held in conjunction with a royal visit to Liverpool: "There are to be balloon ascents every day by the noted aeronauts Messrs. Yonens and Son; dramatic performances by the cream of local theatrical companies; the inevitable Richardson's Show; athletic sports; old English sports; base-ball and polo matches; pony hurdle races; a bazaar on a large scale; pyrotechnic displays, &c., &c."

Notes

It is not certain whether the base-ball matches planned for the fete were to be English baseball, as the game was not known to be played in Merseyside and the touring American players had visited the area seven weeks earlier.

Sources

Liverpool Mercury, Sept. 21, 1874, p. 6

English Baseball in London/Brussels on September 22 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, September 22, 1874
Location London/Brussels
Data

"Base-ball," according to a newspaper report, was apparently one of the amusements scheduled to be played in Brussels at the Belgian National Fetes, a huge celebration of that nation's 44th anniversary of independence: "The Royal Museum of Painting, Armoury, and Natural History, and Wiertx Gallery, the Agricultural and Horticultural Exhibition, and the Exhibition of the Linnaean Society of Brussels, will be open gratuitously; whilst the communal administration have organised meetings for archery, crossbows, base-ball, nine pins, and quoits, open to all the world."

Notes

It is quite unexpected that baseball of any sort would be played at a Belgian festival at such an early date; it is at least as likely that this would be English baseball as American.

Sources

London Standard, Sept. 22, 1874

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on September 28 1874

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Monday, September 28, 1874
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Tut-ball” was defined within a serialized publication of the local Hallamshire Vocabulary that appeared in a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper: “Tut-ball—a local game played with a soft ball, in which the players have to make their way to certain homes or stations, called 'tuts.' If hit with the ball while running from one tut to another, their side is out. Called pize ball in the neighborhood of Leeds. The American base-ball seems to be an elaboration of the game.”

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Sept. 28, 1874, p. 4

Pize Ball in West Yorkshire on October 10 1874

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, October 10, 1874
Location West Yorkshire
Data

The name “pie-ball” was mentioned in a traveller's journal that was serialized in a Leeds, West Yorkshire, newspaper. The writer described his stay at an inn in the Swiss Alps where he was reading through the guest book and coming across the names of friends of his who had stayed there previously. “Here is the well-known handwriting of Jack my old schoolfellow, who has become famous since we played together at pie-ball and prisoner's base.”

Sources

Leeds Mercury, Oct. 10, 1874, p. 12

English Baseball in London on October 24 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 24, 1874
Location London
Data

"Base-ball" was mentioned in a long newspaper article discussing the impact of a decision by the directors of the Midland Railway Company to eliminate certain classes of rail travel. The article delved into the social impact of such a change, how rich people and poor people would be compelled to seat together, and lamented how rail travel, though practical, lacked the aesthetics of the open road and made it more difficult for travelers to seek exercise: "It is useless, however, to sigh after the departed past, and the only thing that can be done is to bring manly amusements more within the reach of the people of great cities...No one will walk from London to Newcastle to practise his trade there, and gather knowledge of life and manliness of character on the way, when he can go third class. There seems no reason, however, why such pastimes as are popular in certain parts of England--cricket in Yorkshire and Notts, and base-ball in some of the southern counties--should be beyond the reach of young men in our large towns."

Notes

The words "from the Daily News" appear at the top of the article, but further down, in an open space between paragraphs, appears the seemingly contradictory words: "from the Saturday Review." Both of these newspapers were based in London. I tried to determine which of these statements was true, but could not locate the article in either one of the papers. Also of note, this article suggests that English base-ball was a manly sport for young men, which is not how it was typically portrayed.

Sources

Alnwick Mercury (Northumberland), Oct. 24, 1874, p. 3

English Baseball in London on November 20 1874

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, November 20, 1874
Location London
Data

The subject of "base-ball" came up in a London newspaper article that discussed how certain words that are assumed be Americanisms were actually derived from other languages, or were imported English provincialisms: "These terms flourish on American soil, till their use is taken for a sign of American nationality, just as the old English game of base-ball met us this summer with a new face as a native Transatlantic institution."

Notes

One more of the few examples of a Briton pointing out that baseball--in the wake of the tour of American players--was originally English.

Sources

Daily News (London), Nov. 20, 1874, p. 5

Ball Bias in London in 1875

Block Game Ball Bias
Date 1875
Location London
Data

The term “ball-bias” was linked to cricket, base-ball and rounders in a London magazine article examining the English use of sticks, i.e., walking sticks, sporting sticks, etc. After stating that “in Kent and Sussex...the stick is called a 'bat',” the author proceeded to write that: “cricket, born in the south of England,has naturally adopted the same nomenclature. The cricket-bat is simply the 'crooked stick;' it is merely a development of that game of ball, other forms of which exist in ball-bias, base-ball, rounders, hockey, cum multis aliis. Originally the person of the player is aimed at whilst he is running from station to station, and if struck he and his side are 'out;' and hence you have the 'run' in cricket as the standard of success.”

Notes

The inferences we must take from this are that ball-bias was played with a bat, and that the author was referring to American baseball. The inclusion of hockey makes little sense since it is not a safe haven game like the others.

Sources

“Upon Sticks,” appearing in “Belgravia: A London Magazine,” Sept. 1875, pp. 434-435

English Baseball in London in 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1875
Location London
Data

A children's book, Jolly Games for Happy Homes, includes two separate game descriptions, one of "base ball" (two words), and one of "base-ball" (hyphenated). The first, on page 110, begins: "This is a healthy exercise and a never-tiring game." After explaining how to choose which team is "in" and which "out," it continues: "The party who is "out" throws the ball, which the one who is "in" receives "in" her hand as if it were a bat, bats it away and starts for the first base, or station. The garden or field has previously been divided into bases or stations, duly marked at convenient distances. The business of the followers of the leader who is "out" is to...catch up the ball...and hit the runner with it as she passes from base to base. If she is so hit she is "out." The second description, of "base-ball," on pages 247-248, appears to be modeled on the rounders page from The Boy's Own Book of 1828, but also makes clear that the players are girls and that the ball is struck by hand.

Notes

The book's publication date is not indicated, but its title was mentioned in an article on "gift books" that appeared in the London Standard newspaper dated Jan. 7, 1876, suggesting that it was likely in print prior to the end of 1875. It is unknown why the author chose to include two separate descriptions of baseball. The two are clearly the work of different writers, but agree on most particulars. They are the only two known descriptions of English baseball other than the German one published in 1796 by Gutsmuths.

Sources

Jolly Games for Happy Homes, by Georgiana C. Clark, London, 1875 (est.), Dean & Son., pp. 110, 247-248

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on February 13 1875

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Saturday, February 13, 1875
Location South Yorkshire
Data

That “tut-ball” and other spring games were being played by children on Shrove Tuesday despite snowy and freezing weather was praised in a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper column entitled “Spectator in Hallamshire.” After mentioning that in days of old the typical holiday sports were violent ones such as foot-ball and cock-fighting, he wrote: “To this have succeeded in our day the innocent shuttlecock and tut-ball, and the law of habit seems like a law of nature, the boys and girls being as sure to resort to the usual games as the early lambs are to be seen beside their dams.”

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Feb. 13, 1875, p. 7

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 21 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, June 21, 1875
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was named in a newspaper story submitted by a London journalist visiting the British Army training base at Aldershot in Hampshire. The article delved into the daily routine of the militiamen who were bivouacked there, and lauded their high level of fitness. “They would achieve a march of twenty miles, if called upon, without difficulty; their litheness after a long drill tells you of their strength; they are ready to furbish their arms, boil their camp-kettle, or play at base-ball—a favourite game in camp—after they have been for two or three hours under arms and in constant movement, as though they had done nothing at all during the day, and play was their only employment.”

Notes

Identifying baseball as a “favourite game” of the soldiers raises a question of whether this would be the original Engish game or the American version, although there are no specific indicators pointing to the latter.

Sources

Daily Telegraph (London), June 21, 1875

English Baseball in London on June 26 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 26, 1875
Location London
Data

A "base-ball" game was part of the program at the opening of the new Brixton and Clapham Swimming Bath in London. Following an exhibition by Captain Boynton of "the lifesaving suit in which he braves alike Channel waves or the stormy Atlantic,…the rest of the programme comprised displays of swimming, racing and diving...Harry Parker (swimming master to the establishment) and his youthful sister went through their wonderful feats, and much amusement was created by a game of base-ball between members of the North London Club."

Notes

This baseball game almost certainly was played in the water.

Sources

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, June 26, 1875, p.3

English Baseball in Hertfordshire on July 3 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 3, 1875
Location Hertfordshire
Data

A “base-ball” and a horse were at the heart of a violent dispute between two women whose respective children, a boy and a girl, had themselves gotten into a physical argument. One of the mothers took the other to court, and according to a newspaper report on the proceedings, the complainant said “that her child and the defendant's were playing at base-ball together, when the ball got under a horse's foot and was burst.” The girl then struck the boy, claiming he had thrown the ball under the horse deliberately, the boy complained to his mother, and both mothers then got into a violent fight.

Sources

Herts Advertiser, July 3, 1875, p. 6

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 10 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 10, 1875
Location Norfolk
Data

The game of “base” (almost certainly baseball) was among the pastimes enjoyed by the City Norwich Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars on outing to celebrate its second anniversary. After boating down a river in a steam boat, the group landed in Whitlingham and, according to a newspaper report, “enjoyed themselves at cricket, trap-ball, base and other amusements.”

Sources

Norwich Mercury, July 10, 1875, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 31 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 31, 1875
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Bass ball” was among a selection of games played at the annual Parochial Schools Festival held in the town of Chesham, Buckinghamshire. According to a newspaper report, “a great variety of amusements had been provided for the children, and also for the public, including pony and donkey riding, a merry-go-round, toy stalls, swings, and various races, both for boys and girls, the successful competitors receiving a number of useful articles.” In the evening “there were groups engaged at bass ball, drop glove, bat and trap, cricket, and many other similar sports.”

Sources

Bucks Herald, July 31, 1875, p. 6

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on August 7 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 7, 1875
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Baseball” was among the entertainments enjoyed by children attending the Trinity Church Sunday School of Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire) and those from other schools in surrounding villages at a Sunday School Festival. A newspaper reported that “they dispersed to indulge in the games that had been provided for them in such variety; croquet and baseball parties in one place, cricketing in another, football, bat-and-trap, and swings such as delighted the hearts of the younger children, and not a few of the older ones.”

Sources

Cambridge Independent Press, Aug. 7, 1875, p. 4

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on August 14 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 14, 1875
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the Church Schools Festival in the town of St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. A newspaper reported that “after partaking of tea, etc., the youngsters dispersed themselves over the grounds, where every provision had been made for their enjoyment in the shape of swings, base ball, &c., which were patronized with the utmost zest.”

Sources

St. Neots Chronicle and Advertiser, Aug. 14, 1875, p. 1

English Baseball in Herts/Bedfordshire on August 21 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 21, 1875
Location Herts/Bedfordshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "base ball" was one of the games played at the annual outing of the Lea Lodge of Good Templars. The lodge was located in Luton, Bedfordshire, but the outing took place in a small village called Aubray that can no longer be located, but was in the vicinity of Ashridge House in Hertfordshire: "After tea, various games, including croquet, base-ball, &c., were indulged in, and the excursionists left Aubray for their return home at 8 o'clock."

Sources

Luton Times and Advertiser, Aug. 21, 1875, p. 4

English Baseball in Essex, London on September 8 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, September 8, 1875
Location Essex, London
Data

“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual treat of the Congregational Church Sunday School of Little Ilford, Essex: “Upwards of 100 children were regaled with a substantial tea. During the afternoon and evening a variety of amusing games were indulged in, including cricket, base-ball, swinging croquet, football, &c.”

Notes

At various times located in the administrative districts of West Ham and East Ham, which at the time were incorporated into Essex, Little Ilford is now considered part of Greater London.

Sources

Stratford Times and Bow and Bromley News, Sept. 8, 1875, p. 8

English Baseball in Worcestershire, Monmouthshire on September 25 1875

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 25, 1875
Location Worcestershire, Monmouthshire
Data

“Base-ball” was among the games played by family, friends and members of the Hanbury Volunteer Corps. of Hanbury, Worcestershire during their daylong excursion to historic Raglan Castle, located some 63 miles distant in Monmouthshire, Wales. After the party arrived at the castle and the nearby village, a newspaper reported that “some went to inspect and admire the ruins, others to play at foot-ball and enjoy themselves in a variety of ways, such as base-ball, fencing, &c.”

Sources

Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills (Monmouthshire, Wales), Sept. 25, 1875, p. 4

English Baseball in London on March 25 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 25, 1876
Location London
Data

It was announced that a "base ball" match would comprise part of the season-opening entertainment at another London swimming pool, this time the Paddington Public Baths, Queens-Road, Bayswater. According to a newspaper notice, a series of swimming races would be held for prizes, and "Professor Whyte and Son will give their unrivaled exhibition. Diving for plates, Siamese twin race, Base Ball Match by members of the North London Swimming Club," and other attractions would complete the program.

Notes

Again, this would have been a water baseball game.

Sources

Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, March 25, 1876, p.5

English Baseball in London on July 7 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 7, 1876
Location London
Data

"Base ball" was mentioned by a newspaper gossip columnist who was protesting the threatened enclosure of Plumstead Common located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in South London. The writer was describing some of the features of the common and the people who frequent it: "Then come the apple, nut and gingerbread women, who sit out the whole day long, insensible to wind and weather, careless of who wins or who loses at quoits, cricket or base ball, every one of which games are being briskly pursued around, so long as the players need the refreshment their little stalls can offer."

Notes

This column was a reprint. It is entitled "London Gossip," and was attributed to "the Lady Correspondent of the Evening Telegraph." At the time, the only newspaper in the British Isles bearing the name “Evening Telegraph” was also published in Dublin.

Sources

Freeman's Journal and Daily Commercial Advertiser (Dublin), July 7, 1876, p. 7

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 15 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 15, 1876
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

It was reported that "bass ball" was one of the pastimes offered at the annual festival of the Sunday Schools belonging to the Nonconforming bodies of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, a gathering of 900 children in all. "The weather was delightfully fine, and in the evening the number of visitors continued to increase. Games at cricket, bass ball, pony riding, swings, and the various other pastimes usual on such occasions were kept up with spirit till the shades of evening compelled them to relinquish them."

Sources

Bucks Herald, July 15, 1876, p. 6

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 22 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 22, 1876
Location East Sussex
Data

"Base-ball" was one of the pastimes enjoyed by members of the Wellington Square Chapel choir of Hastings, East Sussex, at their annual outing held at Little Park Farm in Battle, East Sussex. Battle is so named because it was the site of the Battle of Hastings. "A capital meat tea was provided, and was partaken in real pic-nic style on the grass. After tea various games were indulged in---cricket, base-ball, French-tag, &c."

Sources

Hastings and St Leonards Observer, July 22, 1876, p.5

English Baseball in Herts on July 22 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 22, 1876
Location Herts
Data

“Base-ball” was among the enjoyments offered to the older children attending the Church Sunday School of Boxmoor, Hertfordshire, at their annual treat held on the grounds of the nearby stately home of Ashridge Park. A newspaper reported that the students traveled to the estate by wagon, and a tea was provided to them at four o'clock. “The amusements of the day were swinging, base-ball, bat and trap, cricket, French tag, etc., but the chief attraction was ascending the monument.”

Notes

The monument referred to is a tower on the estate built in 1832 in memory of Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater. It is 108 feet tall, with 172 steps inside.

Sources

Hemel Hempstead Gazette and West Herts Advertiser, July 22, 1876, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 26 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 26, 1876
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Base ball" was among the games played at the annual fete for the benefit of the Literary Institute held in West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire. The newspaper reporter writing about the event was not impressed: "Except for a cricket match between the employees in Messrs. North's factory, West Wycombe, and Messrs. Hutchinson's, High Wycombe, in which the former were victorious, with five wickets to fall, and the usual rural games of base ball, swinging, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., there was nothing provided to attract visitors. The day also turned out showery, which kept many away."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 26, 1876, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on October 7 1876

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 7, 1876
Location Suffolk
Data

“Basteball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children of the Free Methodist Sabbath School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A local newspaper reported that “the afternoon was happily passed in swinging, cricket, basteball, racing, trap-ball, and other sports.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Oct. 7, 1876, p. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on January 31 1877

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, January 31, 1877
Location Berkshire
Data

A location called the “Base-ball Pit” in the village of Cookham, Berkshire, was where a man named William Brothers hanged himself from a tree. A newspaper reported that the body was found suspended by a cord from the branch of a tree by a ploughboy named Harry Willis. Apparently, the deceased had been recently depressed.

Notes

It is not clear how the “Base-ball Pit” got its name.

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, Jan. 31, 1877, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on April 4 1877

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, April 4, 1877
Location Hampshire
Data

"Base" was identified as one of the amusements enjoyed by people vacationing on the Isle of Wight on the Easter Monday bank holiday: "The attractions here, except the natural beauty of the place, are, however, not many. Some preferred the Green, with the beautiful beach at its foot. Others, beat on what they considered merrier scenes, visited the recreation ground, where cricket, base, trap, rounders, swings, and the varied paraphernalia of the now almost forgotten fairs, were in existence to the enjoyment of hundreds, some of whom wended their way up to the ground at a very early hour.”

Notes

This mention of "base" was almost certainly a reference to baseball, as was a similar mention five years earlier in the same locale on the same holiday. Also, the appearance of English baseball and rounders side-by-side is unusual, but confirms they were two separate games.

Sources

Hampshire Advertiser, April 4, 1877, p. 3

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 10 1877

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 10, 1877
Location East Sussex
Data

“Base-ball” was the principal game played by students of the Rural Deanery of Hurstpierpoint gathered for their annual prize-giving celebration in the hamlet of Westmeston, East Sussex. A church service and several speeches preceded the awarding of prizes, followed by a substantial tea. According to a newspaper “after the tea had been heartily enjoyed, the children amused themselves (and the older persons present joined in the games) by base-ball, &c.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 10, 1877, P. 3

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 26 1877

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 26, 1877
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was among the games offered to children of the Union Workhouse of Newbury, Berkshire, at a special treat on the rectory grounds sponsored by the Rector of Newbury. According to newspaper coverage, “A bountiful tea was provided, to which the little folks did ample justice; when swinging, base-ball, merry-go-rounds, and other amusements were indulged in.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, July 26, 1877, p. 4

English Baseball in East Sussex on September 1 1877

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 1, 1877
Location East Sussex
Data

A newspaper reported that "base-ball" was among the pastimes played by students of the Silverdale School of Hastings, East Sussex, at a treat. After leaving the school and marching "with banners flying" to a meadow, "they were distributed, according to their classes, in detachments, and delighted themselves with all sorts of amusements, such as racing, jumping, base-ball, &c."

Sources

Hastings and St Leonards Observer, Sept. 1, 1877, p.5

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 1 1877

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 1, 1877
Location Suffolk
Data

“Basteball” was one of the amusements offered at the annual treat for children of the Sabbath School connected with the Congregational Chapel of the town of Framlingham in Suffolk.The local newspaper reported that “the afternoon was passed in various games, such as cricket, swinging, basteball, croquet, scrambling for apples, pears, nuts and sweets.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 1, 1877, p. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on May 25 1878

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 25, 1878
Location Berkshire
Data

That they were playing "baseball" was the alibi offered by four boys who were accused of damaging a fence in the village of Greenam, Berkshire. A police constable testified, according to a newspaper report of their court hearing, that he caught the defendants running through the fence "where about 20 boys and girls had been pulling down the boughs of trees and shrubs, and getting flowers. Each denied damaging the fence, alleging that it was done by some girls several days before. They themselves were playing baseball." The magistrate said they were among the group that caused the damage and fined them 5 shillings each.

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, may 25, 1878, p. 4

English Baseball in London on June 25 1878

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, June 25, 1878
Location London
Data

The game of "base-ball" was cited in a London newspaper article discussing the origin of tennis. The author mentioned the theory that the character Nausicaa in Homer's Odyssey was the originator of tennis, but pointed out that Chapman claimed the game she played was stool-ball. The author continued: "The sober critic will admit that Nausicaa played neither tennis, nor stool-ball, but rounders, or base-ball, and that she threw at, and missed, an opponent who was running between bases."

Notes

It would seem the base-ball referred to here was English baseball, given that the ball was being thrown at a runner between bases (soaking), a feature that would not be associated with American baseball by a British writer of the period.

Sources

London Daily News, June 25, 1878, p. 4

English Baseball in London on July 13 1878

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 13, 1878
Location London
Data

“Base ball” on horseback was reported to be one of the outdoor amusements contested by members of the Ranelagh Club of southwest London at a club gathering. According to an article in a sporting newspaper, “The members of the Renelagh Club on Tuesday last enjoyed some outdoor sports, consisting of tilting at the ring on polo ponies, base ball on horseback, and military pastimes. The principal competition was tilting at the ring for the ladies' prize, when thirteen members contended the prize, a beautiful silver cup... The base ball was a most interesting feature, especially as the generality of the competitors were renowned horsemen.”

Notes

The Ranelagh Club was formed in 1878 as a split-off from the Hurlingham Club, and by 1894 had become the largest polo club in the world. It is not clear what sort of baseball this horseback game was modeled upon, although the American version was still little known in Britain at that time.

Sources

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, July 13, 1878, p. 411

English Baseball in Somerset on August 26 1878

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, August 26, 1878
Location Somerset
Data

It was reported that "baseball" was one of the amusements at the annual treat of the parish schools of Clevedon in Somerset: "On arriving at the Vicarage several games were indulged in. About 500 sat down to a substantial tea...The children entered with spirit into the games, consisting of swings, cricket, football, baseball, running, jumping, &c., until evening, when they were marched to the front of the Vicarage-house to receive a bun each from Mrs. Marson."

Sources

Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Aug. 26, 1878, p. 6

English Baseball in Berkshire on September 12 1878

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, September 12, 1878
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by teachers, children and friends of the Temperance Hall Baptist Sunday School of Newbury, Berkshire, at their annual outing, a “water party” that commenced with a two-mile barge ride down a canal. After landing at a meadow they were provided a tea, and then, according to a newspaper account, “The cake, &c., formed an industrial occupation for about a half-an-hour, after which the usual formalities of cricket, base ball, boating, &c., were entered into with great zest by old and young.”

Sources

English Baseball in Kent, London in 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1879
Location Kent, London
Data

“Base-ball” was mentioned in a Victorian novel of the type that conveyed moral lessons to its young adult readers. In one scene a young woman was reading a poem to some of the children in her care: “She had just finished, when one of the servants appeared to relieve her of her charge, and the children, repaying her with eager thanks and kisses, rushed off to the fresh delights of a game of base-ball, leaving Margaret free to follow her own inclinations.”

Notes

The novel appears to be set in a small fictitious village along the southern coast of Kent.

Sources

Some of Life's Lessons, by Mary Jefferis, London, 1879, Remington & Co., pp. 134-135

English Baseball in Berkshire on March 13 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, March 13, 1879
Location Berkshire
Data

A game of “ base-ball” in the small village of Crookham, Berkshire, was at the center of a legal complaint that was heard at the County Petty Sessions in Newbury. A newspaper summary read as follows: “Charles Pocock, a young man described a haybinder, was charged with using threatening language towards Andrew Webb, at Crookham, on the 2nd of March. Mr. Charles Lucas appeared for complainant, and stated that his client lived on Crookham Common. It was the practice of defendant and his companions to assemble near Webb's house on Sunday afternoons, and, much to the latter's annoyance, indulge in various games, such as 'base-ball,' &c. On Sunday they were busy with their usual diversions, when, upon complainant remonstrating with them, defendant offered to fight, and used serious threats toward him.” Verdict, guilty, and defendant was fined ₤5.

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, March 13, 1879, p. 7

English Baseball in Norfolk on May 3 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 3, 1879
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base-ball” was among the usual street games enjoyed by boys in the Norfolk coastal town of Yarmouth before being chased away and pursued by a policeman who appeared to have gone insane. The tale was related in a newspaper article headlined “A Mad Policeman” that reported: “The most convincing proof that he had 'gone wrong' was the unwonted energy that he displayed in the attempt to capture a number of boys who were playing about the streets, and who as a rule are allowed to enjoy their games of whip-top, base-ball, and other pastimes in the middle of the public streets unmolested by 'Mr. Bobby.' [The policeman], however, had apparently conceived an idea that this normal state of things should be stopped, and he at once put in practice his conviction by 'running in' several boys who playing about the streets.” It was suspected that something was wrong with him, and following a police surgeon's examination he was declared insane.

Sources

Yarmouth Independent, May 3, 1879, p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire on May 13 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, May 13, 1879
Location Hampshire
Data

Readying the grounds for “base ball” was reported by a newspaper to be among the new improvements being made to a park in Portsmouth, Hampshire: “The Play-Ground in the Park.--Very great improvements are now being made by the Park Committee in the portion of the ground allotted to the children. The rough stones have all been removed to make room for fine gravel which is now being rolled in. Orders have also been given for fixing some stones to act as bases for the games of rounders and base ball.”

Notes

It is notable that “base ball” and rounders are mentioned side-by-side, re-confirming they were separate games.

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, May 13, 1879, p. 2

English Baseball in Hampshire on May 15 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, May 15, 1879
Location Hampshire
Data

Entitled “Ball Throwing Nuisance,” a complaint about “baseball” play in the Landport district of Portsmouth was the subject of a letter to the editor of a local newspaper: “SIR,--By the medium of your paper, I should like to ask how much longer the inhabitants of Landport are to be subject to the above nuisance which in some places has become unbearable? Take Central-street or Church-path for instance. Every evening for the past two months or more, from about half past six, a party of youths from sixteen to twenty years of age, make it a practice to indulge in a game of baseball until it is too dark for them to see. If you escape being knocked down by them or struck by the ball you cannot close your ears to the disgusting and obscene language which they make use of at the same time, and until the police make their appearance. Unless the ringleaders are made an example of we cannot hope that it will be much better. Hoping it will not be very long before something is done. I remain yours truly, A RESIDENT.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, May 15, 1879, p. 3

Ball Bias in East Sussex on June 28 1879

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Saturday, June 28, 1879
Location East Sussex
Data

A newspaper reported that “ball bias” was among the games played at the annual excursion of the Young Men's Christian Institute affiliated with the Congregational Chapel of Hastings, East Sussex. The members of the society choose the small village of Sedlescombe for their outing, traveling by train or by waggonette. “When the party arrived at their rendezvous, cricket, ball bias, and other games were immediately entered into with great spirit, and carried on up till five o'clock, when tea was partaken of in a large marquee in a field.”

Sources

Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, June 18, 1879, p. 5

Ball Bias in East Sussex on July 5 1879

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Saturday, July 5, 1879
Location East Sussex
Data

“Ball bias” was among the games enjoyed at the annual treat for children attending the Sunday School of the Robertson-street Congregational Chapel of Hastings, East Sussex. The scholars, to the number of about 500, assembled at the schools early in the afternoon, and marched to the valley under the guidance of the teachers. On their arrival they were dismissed and indulged in a variety of games, such as cricket, ball bias, swinging, racing, &c., till four o'clock when they were summoned for tea.”

Sources

Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, July 5, 1879, p. 7

Ball Bias in East Sussex on July 26 1879

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Saturday, July 26, 1879
Location East Sussex
Data

Following an unusual incident, the game “ball bias” was played at the annual outing to the nearby town of Battle (where the Battle of Hastings was fought) by children attending the St. Leonards Congregational Sunday Schools of St. Leonards, East Sussex. “We soon arrive...and the youngsters make a rush for the meadows. In one of these the hay has only just been cut, and here a large number of adults, as well as juveniles, amuse themselves for the space of two hours, when two gentlemen in blue make their appearance, and the party is requested—of course, in the politest manner possible—to adjourn to the next field. Why the police should be sent to do this we cannot imagine; but, surely, as the request of any other person would have been acceeded (sic) to with as much cordiality, it would have been better not to have brought the police into the question. Other games were then resorted to—cricket, 'tagger,' swinging, and ball bias.”

Sources

Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, July 26, 1879, p. 2

Pize Ball in West Yorkshire on August 9 1879

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, August 9, 1879
Location West Yorkshire
Data

“Pise-ball” was compared to rounders and baseball in a Leeds, West Yorkshire, newspaper article entitled “Child Life in America: “The national game of America is 'rounders' or 'pise-ball' developed to a science. It is more exciting than cricket. Whether it requires as great a degree of skill is a question which the country of cricket is not likely to decide in favour of the country of base-ball; but there is no doubt that when played according to rule—and it is seldom played otherwise—it is a game in which spectators take almost an equal interest with the participants.”

Sources

Leeds Mercury, Aug. 9, 1879, p. 1

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 30 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 30, 1879
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Bass ball" was played at an outing of the choir, teachers, district visitors and other church workers of St. Mary's Parish Church in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Following a cricket match, and games of tug of war, "the remainder of the day was devoted to bass ball, croquet, thread the needle and other games, til the shades of evening fell."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 30, 1879, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 6 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 6, 1879
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste” (ball) was played by girl members of the Framlingham, Suffolk, Band of Hope at their annual treat. The newspaper covering the event reported that “girls without any delay betook themselves to swings, croquet, baste and trap ball; and the boys to swinging and cricket, and thus the afternoon was passed on the green sward with a splendid summer sun shining upon them.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 6, 1879, p. 4

English Baseball in London on September 8 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, September 8, 1879
Location London
Data

“Base ball” was featured twice in a schedule of upcoming swimming fixtures that was published in a London sporting newspaper. It reported that the West London Club would hold a “base ball competition” on the 9th of September, and that the final heat of the competition would be held on Sept. 16th.

Notes

There was no information provided about precisely how these water baseball competitions were to be played.

Sources

The Sportsman (London), Sept. 8, 1879, p. 1

English Baseball in Scottish Borders on September 11 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, September 11, 1879
Location Scottish Borders
Data

“Base ball” was among the the games played at a Saturday picnic for students of the Free Church Sunday School in the village of Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders council area of Scotland. A newspaper reported that “the weather being exceptionally fine, there was a large turn-out of children, teachers, and friends. Football, cricket, base ball, races, leaping, swings, skipping, and number of other games were gone into with great spirit.”

Notes

It is a bit unusual to find English baseball played in Scotland

Sources

Southern Reporter (Selkirk, Scottish Borders), Sept. 11, 1879, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on September 13 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 13, 1879
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that "base ball" was one of the games played at the annual treat for 90 students of the British School of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire: "Among the sports were cricket, base ball, races, and scrambles, the latter for a good stock of sweets and biscuits."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Sept 13, 1879, p. 7

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 13 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 13, 1879
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was one of the games offered at the annual treat for students of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk. According to the local newspaper, the youngsters marched from the school to a nearby meadow “Where the afternoon was passed in swinging, cricket, trap ball, racking, baste-ball, &c.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 13, 1879, p. 4

English Baseball in Somerset on September 17 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, September 17, 1879
Location Somerset
Data

A suggestion that a game similar to “baseball” would be played on horseback was made in a gossip column appearing in a Somerset newspaper. It read: “Polo has had its innings, its sensations, and, I regret to add, a heavy score of victims. A new sort of joust or tournament ả cheval is, I hear, about to be started soon. It will not be unlike the old school-boy game of baseball but a hurdle or two will be introduced into the enceinte.”

Sources

Weston-super-Mare Gazette and General Advertiser, Sept. 17, 1879, p. 4

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on November 1 1879

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Saturday, November 1, 1879
Location South Yorkshire
Data

Stating that children should be provided space to play “tut-ball” and other games, a newspaper writer in Sheffield, Yorkshire, argued against the local Hallamshire council spending money to make a new park more suitable for adult sports: “I hope the Town Council will not think it necessary to spend money in levelling (sic) the land it is to acquire at Crookes moor. If it were to be a ground for cricket and football matches, no doubt a lot of money would have to be spent upon it. But I look to the children far more than to adults. For the children, a piece of ground, though rough, is sufficient, where they can fly their kites, and play little games at tut-ball, cricket, football, &c. If men were to have the ground for their matches that would mean clearing the children out of their way, which is far from my notion of what is right and desirable.”

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Nov. 1, 1879, p. 6

English Baseball in Cumbria on November 15 1879

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, November 15, 1879
Location Cumbria
Data

“Base ball” was mentioned when an apprentice and his employer traded accusations in the course of a court hearing in the Cumbrian coastal town of Whitehaven a dispute over wages. The employer accused the apprentice of neglecting his work and employing his time instead playing marbles. According to a newspaper, the apprentice “denied playing marbles except during meal times and after the legitimate hours of work. He also alleged that his master had often played marbles and base ball during working hours, and had encouraged [the apprentice] to play with him.”

Sources

Carlisle Express and Examiner, Nov. 15, 1879, p. 2

English Baseball in London on April 14 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, April 14, 1880
Location London
Data

The words "base ball" appeared among the lyrics of a song entitled "Polling" that were published in the London satirical magazine "Fun." The song expressed the complaints of the women of Mayfair at how their men's focus on the current election campaign was interfering with the balls and cotillons that comprised the local social season. The lines of the chorus (of "Mayfair Maids and Matrons") read as follows: "Polling, polling, Keep the base ball rolling, Never mind your sisters, nor your cousins, nor your aunts, So you 'stump' for, 'Split' or 'plump' for Candidates that mock you with their miserable vaunts."

Notes

It is unclear to me why the songwriter chose to invoke the term "base ball" in this context, although it is worth noting that elsewhere, his lyrics mention other sports, including lawn tennis, polo and cricket. The phrase -- "never mind your sisters, nor your cousins, nor your aunts" -- was an homage to a similar line in Gilbert and Sullivan's popular operetta HMS Pinafore, which had completed its initial run of 571 performances only two months prior to the publication of "Polling." The magazine "Fun" was a rival to the better known "Punch," appealing to a lower middle class audience as compared with Punch's upper class readership.

Sources

Fun (London), April, 14, 1880, p. 147

English Baseball in Essex on May 18 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, May 18, 1880
Location Essex
Data

“Baste-ball” was noted as one of the amusements enjoyed by large crowds of people from London's East End celebrating Whitsuntide in the Epping Forest of Essex. The author of a long piece in a London newspaper described how thousands of people deserted the East End to join public celebrations held in both the Epping Forest and Victoria Park, with the greatest number going to the former. There, he wrote, “In rings for kissing, at cricket and baste-ball, at racing and jumping, and here and there in courting, they amused themselves with an energy which spoke volumes for their contentment...”

Sources

The Daily Telegraph, May, 18, 1880, p. 2

English Baseball in Oxfordshire on May 21 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, May 21, 1880
Location Oxfordshire
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by youngsters attending the annual treat of the Congregational Sunday School of Blackthorn, Oxfordshire. A newspaper reported that the children gathered in a field and played various games, after which they adjourned to the chapel for a tea. The, “after tea they returned to the field, where they again joined in the games, including cricket, base-ball, swings, &c., until eight o'clock.”

Sources

Bicester Herald, May 21, 1880, p. 8

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 5 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 5, 1880
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base-ball” was mentioned by a correspondent writing to a Norwich, Norfolk, newspaper in response to another letter published in the same paper which had complained strongly about children playing games in the streets. The second writer said that it was natural and proper for children to play, and citizens of the city should help make more playgrounds available for them. He added: “No one can blame children for wanting to play, even on Sunday, and unless their desires and the means of gratifying them are helped into a more healthy groove we shall still have the tip-cat, base-ball, &c., in the back streets and squares as much as ever.”

Sources

Eastern Daily Press (Norwich), June, 5, 1880, p. 3

English Baseball in London on June 21 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, June 21, 1880
Location London
Data

The subject of “base ball” was raised in a Parliamentary debate over whether the playing of ballgames should be legalized in Hyde Park. One member, a Mr. Hopwood, “asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the arrest and prosecution of a delinquent aged twelve years for the misdemeanour of playing at 'rounders' or 'base ball' in Hyde Park; and whether he would consider if it would not be for the public advantage that such games should be allowed in some part of the Park appropriated for the purpose?” A Mr. Adams responded to the effect that the boy arrested was 17 and not 12, and moreover he believed that Hyde Park was too heavily used by the public to permit ball play.

Notes

Use of the phrase “'rounders' or 'base ball'” could imply one of two possible intentions. The speaker might have been uncertain which of the sports the boy had been playing; or he mentioned both names because he thought the sport could be identified by either. In either case, it is unlikely he would have had American baseball in mind since it was not known to be played in London by children at such an early date.

Sources

Hansard's Parliamentary Debates, Third Series, 43° & 44° Victoriæ, 1880, Vol. CCLIII, London, 1880, Cornelius Buck, PP. 428-429

Ball Bias in East Sussex on July 10 1880

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Saturday, July 10, 1880
Location East Sussex
Data

“Ball bias” was one of the amusements offered at an outing to nearby Fairlight Glen for high school students and friends of the St. Leonards School, of St. Leonards, East Sussex. “On arriving at their journey's end, various amusements, such as croquet, ball bias, and &c., were indulged in, and the refreshments, which had been taken in a van, were done full justice to.”

Sources

Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, July 10, 1880, p. 6

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 31 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 31, 1880
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was named as one of the games played at the annual outing for young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, that was held in a park made available by J. Tetley, Esq. A newspaper reported that “The company having entered the park they formed into a half-circle and game three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Tetley, in true juvenile fashion; after which they dispersed for games, including swinging, baste-ball, trap-ball, cricket, &c.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, July 31, 1880, P. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 7 1880

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 7, 1880
Location Berkshire
Data

"Base-ball" was played at the annual fete of the Newbury Temperance Society, Newbury, Berkshire: "A variety of games was provided, enjoyment being found in swings, cricket, archery, base-ball, &c."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, Aug. 7, 1880, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on April 23 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 23, 1881
Location Suffolk
Data

"Baseball" was among the games enjoyed at an Easter Monday celebration in Southwold, Suffolk: "The common was the centre of attraction where the youth of all ages assembled, and baseball, cricket, football, and other merry games heartily entered into."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, April 23, 1881, p. 8

English Baseball in South Glamorgan on May 7 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 7, 1881
Location South Glamorgan
Data

“Baste ball” was played in Cardiff Gaol circa 1820 according to the first of a three-part series on the jail's history that appeared in two Cardiff newspapers. The writer, citing two prison documents made available to him by the current governor, described the relatively comfortable conditions for prisoners, primarily debtors under the administration of the former governor Charles Le Breton (or Lebreton). Beer, wine, and spirits were permitted if passed in from the outside, he wrote, and added: “For amusement during the day they were allowed in fine weather to play at baste ball, rounders, or other outdoor amusements, in the courtyard at the back of the prison. The new governor, Mr. Le Breton, found many irregularities which he endeavored to check, and on some occasions he considered it necessary to 'stop supplies' when the debtors would persist in playing 'baste' against his orders, or in refusing to to give up the ball when he demanded it.”

Notes

As of writing this I have not yet located the two original documents cited by the writer of this article. However, the article has a strong ring of authenticity to it, including an explanation of how he came to be given the documents by the current governor. Charles LeBreton administered Cardiff Gaol between the years 1819 and 1821. If the facts in this article are borne out by the original documents, it would be the earliest mention of baseball in Wales, and also the earliest mention of the word rounders anywhere.

Sources

Cardiff Times, May 7, 1881, p. 5, and South Wales Daily News, May 7, 1881, p. 2

English Baseball in Berkshire on June 2 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 2, 1881
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was named in a newspaper announcement of a bank holiday Whitsuntide event to be held in the village of Thatcham, Berkshire. It read: “BANK HOLIDAY, THATCHAM. On Whit-Monday a Temperance Demonstration will take place at Thatcham, commencing with a Cricket Match (between North Heath and the Thatcham Star Cricket Club), Base Ball, and other Sports on the Marsh.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, June 2, 1881, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 16 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 16, 1881
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements played at the annual treat for children of the Church of England Temperance Society, Juvenile Branch, of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. According to a newspaper report, after a “sumptuous tea,” the girls went to a garden “where they enjoyed themselves much with bat-and-trap, croquet, and the usual games, while the boys adjourned to a meadow . . . and indulged in cricket, base ball, races, and other rustic sports.”

Sources

Banbury Guardian, June 16, 1881, p. 8

English Baseball in London on June 18 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 18, 1881
Location London
Data

The word “base-ball” was worked into a sermon given by a preacher commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Acton (West London) Baptist Sunday School. A newspaper account of his text included the following excerpt: “God might have filled the land with stinging nettles instead of beautiful flowers, and thus have caused people to say that it was a dreary wilderness, but He never intended people to be miserable, but merry and wise. Cricket, base-ball, and rowing were amusements that they might all enjoy consistent with Christian character.”

Sources

Acton Gazette, June 18, 1881, p. 6

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 21 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 21, 1881
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the activities provided for children attending one of several Wesleyan Society Sunday Schools at an annual treat that was held in a park in the Berkshire village of Donnington. The schools represented societies from four villages surrounding the market town of Newbury: Chievley, Stockcross, Thatcham, and World's-end. A newspaper reported that “the children dispersed about the park, a marked rush being made upon the refreshment tent where ginger beer, ginger ale, lemonade, sweets, buscuits, &c., were dispensed, the more hardy ones however entering at once into cricket, swinging, base ball, and other games which had been provided.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, July 21, 1881, p. 8

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on July 26 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 26, 1881
Location Bedfordshire
Data

“Base-ball” was among the amusements enjoyed at the Sunday school feast held for children and families of the village of Hockliffe, Bedfordshire. After a procession led by a brass band, the children went to the church for a small service, which was followed by an “excellent” tea, and then some game-playing. A newspaper reported that, following some further speeches, “the various games and amusements were then again indulged in, including cricket, swings, base-ball, bat-and-trap, races for prizes, and dancing to the strains of the band that played at intervals throughout the evening.”

Sources

Leighton Buzzard Observerer and Linslade Gazette (Bedfordshire), July 26, 1881, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire, Wiltshire on July 28 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 28, 1881
Location Berkshire, Wiltshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the treats awaiting children of the Newbury (Berkshire) Primitive Methodist Sunday School on a special school excursion to Marlborough Forest at Savernake in Wiltshire, Britain's only privately-owned forest. A newspaper reported that, after traveling by train and wagon, “the forest was reached soon after ten; and an hour afterwards each child received a large bun and was supplied with lemon syrup. Cricket, swings, base ball, and other games were provided, and rambles were made to the mansion, the column, the ruins,, the king oak, and various green retreats and sylvan shades, for which the forest is well known.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, July 28, 1881, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 6 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 6, 1881
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was part of the fun for young members of several Band of Hope groups associated the Newbury Temperance Society at their annual fête held in a meadow at Donnington, Berkshire. A newspaper reported that “arrived at the meadow, various games such as archery, cricket, racing, base ball, &c. were freely indulged in, and at four o'clock the children were regaled with an excellent tea.”

Notes

Sources

Reading Observer, Aug. 6, 1881, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 3 1881

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 3, 1881
Location Suffolk
Data

“Basteball” was identified as one of the games played at the annual treat of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk. A local newspaper reported that “members of the society met and passed a fine afternoon in the park in the usual outdoor games of cricket, swinging, basteball, &c.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 3, 1881, p. 4

Pize Ball in South Yorkshire on September 10 1881

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, September 10, 1881
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Pies ball” was one of the games played by youngsters attending the Sunday School connected to the United Methodist Free Church of Barnsley, a large town in South Yorkshire, at an afternoon celebration of the school's anniversary. The children were directed to a nearby cricket field, where, according to a newspaper report, “a plentiful supply of nuts and fruit was indiscriminately distributed among the scholars, and a number of games, including football, leap-frog, kiss-in-the-ring, and pies ball, were extensively indulged in.”

Sources

Barnsley Chronicle, Sept. 10, 1881, p. 8

English Baseball in Dorset on April 28 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, April 28, 1882
Location Dorset
Data

"Baseball" was mentioned in a newspaper article eulogizing a recently deceased vicar of a church in the town of Gillingham, Dorset. The article praised the vicar for putting an end to desecrations of the Sabbath permitted by his predecessor: "Frequently, old people tell us on Sunday afternoons men would come down from other places and play baseball with men of this parish against the church tower. Happily, such scenes as that have passed away."

Sources

Western Gazette (Yeovil, Somerset), April 28, 1882, p. 8

English Baseball in Lincolnshire on July 7 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 7, 1882
Location Lincolnshire
Data

"Base-ball" was part of the celebration of the Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary in Winteringham, Lincolnshire: "Football, cricket, base-ball, and other sports of various kinds were kept up to a late hour."

Sources

Hull Packet, July 7, 1882, p. 7

English Baseball in London on August 2 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, August 2, 1882
Location London
Data

Boys playing “base-ball” was one of the complaints raised at a meeting of the Shoreditch Vestry, a neighborhood in the East End of London. According to newspaper coverage, a member representing the Hoxton district of Shoreditch decried the “hideous noises of the 'wretched Ranters and the ill-behaved Blue Ribbon people,' boys in the bye-streets playing at base-ball to the danger of females passing by, &c.”

Notes

The “Ranters” and “Blue Ribbon people” scorned by the complainant were members of evangelical Christian organizations who proselytized aggressively in the streets.

Sources

Hackney and Kingsland Gazette, Aug. 2, 1882, p. 3

English Baseball in Leicestershire on August 12 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 12, 1882
Location Leicestershire
Data

“Brace ball” was named in a newspaper article as one of the pastimes offered at a bank holiday gathering in Leicester: “Shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon a large number of persons assembled in Mr. Spencer's fields on the Burton-road, where games of various kinds were provided, such as cricket, quoits, brace ball (sic), swings, &c.”

Notes

Despite the unusual spelling, there is little doubt that the word “brace ball” is a reference to baseball. The same spelling showed up exactly one week later in the same newspaper, suggesting that a member of the staff was unfamiliar with the term and spelled it as he or she heard it. Given the setting, it seems likely that the game being played was English baseball, although it should be noted that Leicestershire was the only known location in England where clubs formed to play American-style baseball in the aftermath of the 1874 tour.

Sources

Leicester Chronicle, Aug. 12, 1882, p. 7

English Baseball in London/Surrey on August 12 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 12, 1882
Location London/Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by large numbers of bank holiday celebrants from the south London town of Croydon who ventured to rural areas in nearby Surrey. According to a local newspaper: “Picnic parties without number were dotted about these charming resorts, while, wherever suitable places were found, cricket, base ball, quoits, kiss-in-the-ring, and other games found plenty of votaries.”

Sources

Croydon Guardian and Surrey County Gazette, Aug. 12, 1882, p. 5

English Baseball in Leicestershire on August 19 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 19, 1882
Location Leicestershire
Data

“Brace ball” was again identified as one of games played at a large outdoor gathering in Leicester, this time at a well-attended Church of England Sunday School Festival: “On arriving at the grounds, games of various kinds were provided for the youngsters, such as cricket, football, swings, Punch and Judy, round-about horses, brace ball (sic), &c.”

Sources

Leicester Chronicle, Aug. 19, 1882, p. 6

English Baseball in Northampton on August 26 1882

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 26, 1882
Location Northampton
Data

A newspaper mentioned that a "base ball" contest had been scheduled as part of a swimming competition in Kettering, Northamptonshire: "It was announced that there would be a base ball competition, but this fell through, and the company appeared to be anxious to leave, as the rain, which had ceased for a time, came on again."

Notes

A rainout. Presumably, this "base ball" would have been played on water.

Sources

Northampton Mercury, Aug. 26, 1882, p. 7

English Baseball in Yorkshire, London in 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1883
Location Yorkshire, London
Data

“Base-ball” was named in a novel as one of the games practiced by students on a playground adjoining a private school situated in rural Yorkshire in 1825. The author wrote: “The playground . . . was large, . . . it must have comprised a few acres, since though not actually set apart for the purpose, an adjoining field, known as the calf-garth, was in constant use for all special games, such as base-ball, chevy, shinty, or any sport requiring extra space.”

Notes

The author claimed this book was based upon his “personal experience” and that “although written in novel style” is “in the main . . .a relation of facts.” The game of “chevy” is a reference to “chevy chase,” a tag-like pastime that is related to prisoner's base.

Sources

Grumbleby Hall, Vol. I, by E. Lloyd, London, 1883, Remington & Co., p. 252

English Baseball in Sussex in 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1883
Location Sussex
Data

“Brace-ball” was identified in a county archeological journal article as one of the traditional games played in Sussex on Easter Monday. The author, describing the folklore and customs associated with every holiday and feast day, wrote the following: “(Easter Monday.) Mr. Rolf tells me that skipping takes place on this day as on Good Friday, and this the second 'Long-Line Day' for the women, whilst the fishermen indulge in 'brace-ball' (base-ball).”

Notes

The author's parenthetical insertion of the word “base-ball” demonstrates that he intended to indicate that “brace-ball” was the traditional spelling of the game in Sussex.

Sources

“Sussex Folk-Lore and Customs Connected with the Seasons,” by Frederick Ernest Sawyer, appearing in “Sussex Archaeological Collections, Relating to the History and Antiquities of the County,” Vol. XXXII, 1883, Lewes, Sussex, p. 242

English Baseball in Northampton on July 7 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 7, 1883
Location Northampton
Data

A "base-ball" game on water was reported at another swimming event in Kettering, Northamptonshire: "There was also an 80 yds. race in clothes, and a base ball competition between members of the Kettering and Uppingham Swimming Clubs." And then: "The entertainment concluded with a base-ball competition, from which much amusement was derived, but as the sides were not clearly distinguishable, it was hard to tell which of the two gained the advantage."

Sources

Northampton Mercury, July 7, 1883, p. 7

Pize Ball in South Yorkshire on July 28 1883

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, July 28, 1883
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Pie's Ball” was identified as on of the amusements enjoyed by adults and children at a fundraising garden party hosted by the sewing circle of the United Methodist Free Church of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. After tea, a number of attendees took part in games of cricket and Aunt Sally while, according to a newspaper report, “in other parts of the grounds such games as 'Jolly Miller,' 'Pie's Ball,' and 'Tease 'em' were extensively indulged in, whilst a mixed, though select, company were observed to be wandering about in a state of unsettled rest. Eventually they retired to an obscure place, and commenced a game known as 'Kiss in the Ring.' Although this was not largely or popularly attended, many seemed to be anxiously looking in the direction in which the game was practised, and yet had not the courage of their convictions.”

Sources

Barnsley Chronicle, July 28, 1883, p. 8

English Baseball in Surrey on August 11 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 11, 1883
Location Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was among the entertainments enjoyed at a treat for the students of a private Sunday school called Burningfold Farm, the project of a saintly farming woman and located outside of the tiny village of Dunsfold, Surrey, just north of the Sussex border. A local newspaper reported that “All sorts of amusements were arranged to take place—such as stool-ball, trap-and-bat, base ball, &c.”

Sources

West Surrey Times (Guildford), Aug. 11, 1883, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 16 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 16, 1883
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was again one of the activities provided for children attending an annual treat sponsored by several Newbury area schools that was held in a park in the Berkshire village of Donnington. A newspaper reported that arriving in the park “A few hymns were sung, and then the children dispersed to the games, which included cricket, aunt Sally, swings, base ball, &c.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, Aug. 16, 1883, p. 5

English Baseball in London, Yorkshire on September 7 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 7, 1883
Location London, Yorkshire
Data

Londoners in the 17th century played "Base Ball" on Shrove Tuesday according to a newspaper article entitled "Old English Sports and Customs": "The games of 'Football' and 'Base Ball' in this day used to be played in the streets of London in the 17th century. Billet, or tip cat, was also a favourite game for this day, and in some parts of the North of England it is customary for the girls to occupy some part of the festival by the game of battledore and shuttlecock."

Notes

The suggestion of baseball in 17th-century London is an intriguing one, but there is no supporting evidence for the claim. The article was the second of a three-part series that was taken from a speech given by a local alderman to the blind members of the Hull Mutual Improvement Society.

Sources

Hull Packet and East Riding Times, Sept. 7, 1883, p. 6

English Baseball in Derbyshire on October 6 1883

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 6, 1883
Location Derbyshire
Data

"Base-ball" was cited in a newspaper discussion of the history of tennis: "Successive Kings, from Henry V down to the bluff Hal Tudor and the "Merry Monarch" made it [tennis] their favourite pastime, the two latter not being at all particular who occupied the opposite court so long as they were adepts. The game is known in France as 'paume' (being formerly played, like base-ball, with the palm of the hand instead of a racquet), and it was probably from our southeastern neighbors that we got our knowledge of it."

Notes

Of significance because it confirms that English baseball was played without a bat.

Sources

Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald, Oct. 6, 1883, p. 8

English Baseball in Cumbria on February 1 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, February 1, 1884
Location Cumbria
Data

“Base ball” was put forward as one of the pastimes cited in a lecture presented before the Working Men's Institute in Bowness-on-Windermere in England's Lake District (now Cumbria). The topic of the talk, given by Mr. J. W. Ballantyne, RM, of Edinburgh, was school hygiene and overstrain in education. Mr Ballantyne was a powerful advocate for the role of sports and games in education, saying “A school without a playground, a gymnasium or public park near, I look on as a garden without sunshine or a boat with one oar,” according to a newspaper report on his lecture. He disagreed with those educators calling for a return to classic Greek sports such as racing, wrestling, discus, etc., saying “such are very good in their way, but can never equal in excellence the games we have in vogue in our public schools. The training of the muscles, eyesight, will, and all the bodily functions in cricket, football, rackets, base ball, hare and hounds, &c., is unequalled by any stereotyped exercise in racing round a race course, or swinging rhythmically backwards and forwards on a bar for so many hours a day. No, our old games are manifestly superior to any such cut and dried exercise. Let all our old sports and pastimes be encouraged in schools.”

Notes

The lecturer was clearly referring to English baseball as he unlikely would be including American baseball among the “old games” or the “old sports and pastimes.”

Sources

Lakes Chronicle and Reporter, Feb. 1, 1884, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 21 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 21, 1884
Location Hampshire
Data

"Base ball" was played at a "temperance fete" of the Little London Temperance Society in a meadow outside Pamber, Hampshire: "In other parts of the ground sports were held, including cricket and base ball."

Sources

Reading Mercury, Oxford Gazette, Newbury Herald, and Berks County Paper, June 21, 1884, p. 4

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 5 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 5, 1884
Location East Sussex
Data

"Base-ball" was one of a number of amusements enjoyed at the "scholars' annual treat" of the Robertson Street Congregational Church Sunday School of Hastings, East Sussex, which consisted of a train excursion of hundreds of children to Rye, East Sussex: "The children were soon quite at home, and passed away the time in the manner usual to school treats. Boys indulged in cricket and black-rabbit, shot arrows with bows at distant targets, and kicked a football round the fields. Girls played at lawn tennis, shuttlecock, base-ball, double-tag, and kiss-in-the-ring, and other delightful amusements. Those who did not indulge roamed about the place and watched those who did."

Sources

Hastings and St Leonards Observer, July 5, 1884, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 19 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 19, 1884
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was one of entertainments offered to children attending the Parish Elementary and Sunday Schools of the villages of Burnham, East Burnham and Cippenham in southern Buckinghamshire at their annual treat held at Burnham Beeches, a large natural parkland. A newspaper reported that “the children, about 500 in number, quickly dispersed to the various games of their choice, some preferring a game of cricket, others base-ball, whilst some went for races. The teachers and friends meanwhile took rambles into many pretty spots.”

Notes

In more recent times, a number of popular movies were filmed in Burnham Beeches, including Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves; the Crying Game; First Knight; Goldfinger; the Princess Bride; and two of the Harry Potter films.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, July 19, 1884, p. 3

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 26 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 26, 1884
Location East Sussex
Data

"Base-ball" was among the games played at the Silverhill Presbyterian Sunday School treat at a farm outside Silverhill (near Hastings), East Sussex: "Of course the usual games incidental to such affairs were indulged in by most of the little folks. Some were swinging under the trees, others playing base-ball, kiss-in-the-ring, and tag, whilst a few wandered down to the ponds and watched the fish disporting in the waters, or strolled about the farm buildings...The elder boys and many of the male teachers played matches of cricket, and indulged in other manly games."

Sources

Hastings and St Leonards Observer, July 26, 1884, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 26 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 26, 1884
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Bass ball” was played along with other games at the annual summer treat for children of the Congregational Band of Hope of the town Buckinghamshire, held on a nearby estate. A newspaper reported that “the weather, though cloudy, was fine and pleasant, and from 2 o'clock till 4-30 various games including cricket, bass ball, captain, French tag, &c., were freely indulged in and thoroughly enjoyed.”

Sources

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, July 26, 1884, p. 4

English Baseball in Oxfordshire on August 1 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 1, 1884
Location Oxfordshire
Data

It was noted that “base ball” was a primary activity for nearly 100 girls and young women who attended the annual treat of the Girls' Friendly Society of Bicester (Oxfordshire) Rural Deanery held in Middleton Park. A letter to the editor of a local newspaper expanded upon the paper's brief notice of the event, and mentioned, among other things, that a storm had temporarily halted activities, adding “the rain having passed over for a time, swings and base ball became the order of the day till about six o'clock.”

Sources

Bicester Herald, Aug. 1, 1884, p. 7

English Baseball in Norfolk on August 2 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 2, 1884
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games enjoyed at the annual treat for students of the Church Sunday School of Gorleston-on-Sea, a community on the Norfolk coast near Great Yarmouth. A newspaper reported that “Before and after an ample tea the children indulged to the full in cricket, base ball, swings, &c., until the shades of evening, and before separating hearty cheers were given for all those who had so generously contributed to the happiness of the young folks.”

Sources

Norwich Mercury, Aug. 2, 1884, p. 6

English Baseball in Norfolk on August 2 1884 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 2, 1884
Location Norfolk
Data

On the same date as above, the same newspaper reported that “baseball” was played at a treat held for Sunday School students of the Poringland parish, Poringland being a small village just south of Norwich. The article stated that “before and after tea they had some capital foot races and also some good donkey races. After doing full justice to the refreshments provided, they again indulged to the full in cricket, baseball, jumping in sacks, flat racing, hurdle racing, throwing the cricket ball, swings, see saw, &c.”

Sources

Norwich Mercury, Aug. 2, 1884, p. 9

English Baseball in Berkshire on August 7 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 7, 1884
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements provided for juveniles associated with one of the local Band of Hope contingents participating in the annual fete of Newbury Temperance Society. A newspaper reported that the 600 persons in attendance first proceeded to the fete grounds, and that “here a variety of sports was provided, including swings for both juveniles and adults, cricket, base ball, cocoa nuts, archery, bran pie, &c.”

Notes

“Cocoa nuts” involved throwing stones or other objects at cocoanuts on sticks, a game similar to Aunt Sally. “Bran pie” was a game involving tubs full of bran in which simple presents or sweets were hidden.

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, Aug. 17, 1884, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 9 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 9, 1884
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Base ball" was played at the annual holiday outing of the Church-workers and teachers of St. Mary's Church of Chesham, Bucks: "The two boats on the lake were utilised most of the time, and there were games such as cricket, base ball, and other out-of-door sports."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 9, 1884, p. 5

Ball Bias in Kent on August 9 1884

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Saturday, August 9, 1884
Location Kent
Data

“Ball-bias” was one of the games enjoyed by 200 children at the annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Chapel Sunday Schools of Goudhurst, a village in Kent near the Sussex border. A newspaper reported that “the amusements provided for the children included swinging, cricket, the tug of war, ball-bias, bat, trap and ball, and some of the children of a larger growth amused themselves and the bystanders by playing French tag, &c.”

Sources

South Eastern Gazette (Maidstone), Aug. 9, 1884, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire/Wiltshire on August 16 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 16, 1884
Location Hampshire/Wiltshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of the ways that militiamen of the Second Wilts Volunteers entertained themselves while training with regular army troops at the major military encampment at Aldershot in Hampshire. An article entitled “The Second Wilts Volunteers at Camp” detailed the daily schedule of the visiting soldiers, noting that “in the evening, the men being at liberty, amused themselves with cricket, quoits, base-ball, &c.”

Sources

Swindon Advertiser and North Wilts Chronicle, Aug.14, 1884, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 26 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 26, 1884
Location Suffolk
Data

A newspaper column called "Town and Country Gossip" mentioned "base-ball" in the course of listing all of the former playgrounds and ball fields for children that were no longer available for use in the vicinity of Ipswich, Suffolk, and making an argument that the local authorities make new ones available: "As for the Racecourse, that best of all playgrounds, who does not remember the summer evenings when cricket, base-ball, 'hunt-the-hare,' and football, without its 'scrimmages,' 'touch downs,' &c., were favourite games on both sides of the course, and where literally hundreds of children of both sexes were engaged in joyous play unmolested?"

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 26, 1884, p. 2

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on September 12 1884

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 12, 1884
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of several games, including rounders, that were enjoyed by some 460 children of the Buckingham (Buckinghamshire) National Schools at their annual treat and holiday, held in a nearby meadow. After a church service, according to a newspaper report, “the joyous juveniles made their way to the meadows and, in about as little time as it takes to place the fact on record, the children commenced to amuse themselves in a selection of games, including cricket, trap and base ball, rounders, &c., while the merry-go-round of horses and carriages . . . specially engaged for the day, tickled the fancies, and caused the eyes of hundreds of youngsters to sparkle with pleasure.”

Sources

Bicester Herald (Oxfordshire), Sept. 12, 1884

English Baseball in Liverpool on June 16 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, June 16, 1885
Location Liverpool
Data

"Baseball" was played by members of the Liverpool Association of Science and Art at their first meeting of the summer season which was devoted to an outing in the countryside near Birkenhead: "After returning from a ramble along the Dee side a very substantial repast was provided. An adjournment to the lawn followed, where several games of old English sport rapidly and cheerily succeeded each other, the ladies proving the victors in the game of baseball..."

Sources

Liverpool Mercury, June 16, 1885, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 20 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 20, 1885
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Bass-ball” was among the amusements offered to attendees of the United Temperance Pic-nic, an event organized for the various temperance and Band of Hope societies in the Aylesbury Vale district of Bucks, and that was held in Claydon Park near the town of Winslow. A newspaper reported that “after the refreshments, the company dispersed about the Park. There was no restriction. Some proceeded to the lakes, and with a rod and line baited for fish, others . . . pitched wickets and enjoyed a game at cricket, others played quoits, bass-ball, and other sports, indeed it may be imagined with the large company the amusements were of endless variety.”

Notes

Claydon Park comprised the grounds of Claydon House, a grand country house that was then occupied by the sister of Florence Nightengale, who often stayed there herself.

Sources

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, June 20, 1885, p. 4

English Baseball in Birmingham on July 10 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 10, 1885
Location Birmingham
Data

"Base-ball" was mentioned in a novelized account of the life of Birmingham historian William Hutton. Prior to publication, the novel was serialized in several Midlands newspapers. In chapter XXXII, an apprentice in Hutton's book warehouse was trying, unsuccessfully, to convince a co-worker that, despite his low wages, he was in a good situation: "I am better off than other 'prentices in the High Town. If I do work hard, so doth master. I am neither starved nor beaten, and I have good clothes." His friend replied: "And never a shilling to spare for a cock fight, or a dance? Never an hour for a game of base-ball, or bowls, or nines?

Notes

The novel was also serialized in the Birmingham Weekly Post. In the second half of 1885 it was published in two-volumes by F.V. White, London, with the baseball reference appearing in Vol. II, p. 209. Of note is that William Hutton, the real-life subject of this novel, lived and worked in the 18th century, with the scene mentioning baseball likely taking place in the 1750's or 1760's. There is no mention of baseball in William Hutton's actual autobiography.

Sources

In His Own Hand by Mrs. G. Linnaeus Banks (Isabella Varley), as serialized in the Nottinghamshire Guardian, July 10, 1885, p. 11

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 8 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 8, 1885
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Bass-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed by teachers and students of the Wesleyan Sunday School of the town of Buckinghamshire at their annual treat held in a nearby field. According a newspaper report, “the scholars met at the Schoolroom about half-past 1 o'clock, and marched in procession through the town to the field, where various games, including cricket, bass-ball, races, swings, &c., were indulged in by the children till 4 o'clock, at which time they all sat down to tea.”

Sources

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, Aug. 8, 1885, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 11 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 11, 1885
Location Suffolk
Data

A report that "base-ball" was enjoyed at the annual summer treat of the Band of Hope in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, where 100 children played various games and sports before being served tea: "After the tea swinging, cricket, base-ball, and other pastimes were again indulged in till eight p.m."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 11, 1885, p. 2

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 22 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 22, 1885
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Base-ball" was among the games played at the annual treat given to the Middle, Steeple, and East-cum-Botolph Claydon day and Sunday school scholars in Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire: "The scholars, numbering about 250, met at the lodges and marched to the lawn, where various games including football, cricket, base-ball, swings, races, rowing on the lake, &c., were indulged in till about half-past four o'clock, when the children sat down to tea on the lawn. The repast being finished, the games resumed."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 22, 1885, p. 5

English Baseball in Monmouthshire on August 28 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 28, 1885
Location Monmouthshire
Data

An historic reference to “base ball” appeared in a newspaper report of a field outing by members of the Cambrian Archaeological Association to Monmouth in Wales. Upon visiting St. Thomas church, the vicar pointed out the hagioscope at the side of the chancel arch, “and mentioned that some years since the street front of the building, now showing a beautifully-restored late Norman doorway, consisted of a blank wall, which served as the goal for players of base ball.”

Notes

In January, 1886, a similar reference to the former use of the church wall for baseball appeared in a scholarly article in the Journal of the Cambrian Archæological Association. See below.

Sources

South Wales Daily News (Cardiff), Aug. 28, 1885, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 29 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 29, 1885
Location Suffolk
Data

"Baseball" was played at the annual treat for the students of Middleton Church Sunday School in the small village of Middleton, Suffolk: "The scholars and their parents had tea on the lawn, the choir and congregation in the Rectory dining room. After tea cricket, baseball, racing, &c., were indulged in until dusk, when the Rector gave each child a present..."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 29, 1885, p. 5

English Baseball in Herts on September 19 1885

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 19, 1885
Location Herts
Data

“Base ball” was mentioned in an article entitled “Great Tournaments or The Chivalry of the Olden Times” that appeared in a newspaper for boys, and delved into the history of a medieval castle in Hertfordshire: “Time has worked marvellous (sic) changes in the castle of Berkhamsted. In the courtyard where knights and nobles mounted on horses used to battle, the grammar-school boys play at base ball, and toddling youngsters make daisy chains under the peaceful sunny skies of spring time.”

Sources

The Boy's Leisure Hour, London, Sept. 19, 1885 p. 76

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on November 2 1885

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Monday, November 2, 1885
Location South Yorkshire
Data

The game “tut-ball” was mentioned in a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper article discussing some events from the childhood days of Robert Leader, the paper's former proprietor. In one tale, related from a diary entry, the young Robert was visiting a farm with his father: “A humbler game than lawn tennis was then in vogue. 'Mister Wells has got a house at Steel bank, and I have engaged to go, and have a game at tut-ball with him and his ladies.'”

Notes

This tut-ball event transpired in the late 1820's.

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, Nov. 2, 1885, p. 4

Tut Ball in Lancashire in 1886

Block Game Tut Ball
Date 1886
Location Lancashire
Data

A brief definition of “Tutball” was included in a published glossary of local words and phrases from the market town of Rochdale and the district of Rossendale, both traditionally part of Lancashire county. “Tutball, n. A child's hand-ball.”

Sources

A Glossary of Rochdale-with-Rossendale Words and Phrases, by Henry Cunliffe, Manchester, 1886, John Heywood, p. 93

English Baseball in Monmouthshire in 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1886
Location Monmouthshire
Data

Prior to 1830, “base-ball” had been played against one wall of the ancient church of St. Thomas located in the village of Over-Monnow in Monmouthshire, Wales, according to an article in a Welsh archeological journal: “The west door is quite modern, having been first erected in 1830. Old people tell me that they remember the church, with simply a blank west end wall which served for the purposes of the game of base-ball.”

Notes

Baseball played against a wall is unusual.

Sources

“Notes on the History of Monmouthshire,” appearing in “Archæologia Cambrensis, the Journal of the Cambrian Archæological Association,” Jan., 1886, p. 41

English Baseball in Devonshire on February 26 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, February 26, 1886
Location Devonshire
Data

"Base-ball" was listed in a serialized newspaper glossary of local words entitled "Provincial Words and Expressions Current in Devonshire": "Base-ball -- A game at ball, usually played against the wall of a building."

Notes

Like the above entry, this is unusual both in its description of baseball as an against-the-wall game and in its placement of English baseball so far to the west.

Sources

Western Times (Exeter), Feb. 26, 1886

English Baseball in Hampshire on May 8 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 8, 1886
Location Hampshire
Data

A "base ball" crime was reported in the Southsea holiday area of Portsmouth, Hampshire: "Base Ball in the Streets -- Thomas Willis, 15, Robert Cole, 17, William Cole, 14, George Blundell, 16, Henry Coughlin, 15, and Richard John Stanfield, 14, were summoned for playing base ball in Gloucester-street, Southsea, on April 24th.--Constable Carpenter proved the case, and said the defendants Cole had previously been complained of, but not the others.--The Coles were each fined 2s. The others were discharged with a caution."

Notes

The likelihood is that this was English baseball, not American.

Sources

Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, May 8, 1886, p. 6

English Baseball in Hampshire on May 13 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, May 13, 1886
Location Hampshire
Data

Another crackdown on "base ball" was reported, this time in the Fratton area of Portsmouth, Hampshire: "Games in the Street.--George Lean, William Vesey and John Baker, youths, were summoned for playing base ball in Manor-road, Fratton, on the 6th inst., to the annoyance of the residents and passengers.--There had been many complaints of the bad language and misconduct of the youths at the spot named, and two detectives were told off by the Chief Constable, and had ascertained the truth of the complaints.--The defendants were warned, and as Lean did not appear he was fined 2s.; the other two were each fined 1s."

Notes

A regular crime wave.

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, May 13, 1886, p. 3

English Baseball in Cornwall on June 17 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 17, 1886
Location Cornwall
Data

“Base-ball” was a popular game in Jacobean times according to a Penzance, Cornwall, newspaper article entitled “Whitsuntide Amusements.” The writer began with the claim that “when King James I ascended the throne, he encouraged the people in their Whitsun customs, including the drinking of the celebrated Whitsun ales, of which we have heard so much and know so little.” He then alleged that “outdoor amusements naturally predominated, and we read of gay picnic parties, and rude musical gatherings and games of every kind of sport were freely indulged, one of the most popular being base-ball.”

Notes

While the writer's claim is improbable, it is interesting that of all the games he could have chosen to highlight he picked on baseball. Stool-ball, for example, would have been a more logical choice. Still, there's little doubt that he had English-style baseball in mind as his nominee for a popular, Shakespearian-era sport. However, notwithstanding this and occasional similar claims by others, there is no evidence that baseball was played as early as the 17th century.

Sources

The Cornishman (Penzance), June 17, 1886, p. 7

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 7 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 7, 1886
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Sunday in the town of Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. After singing hymns at the school the students proceeded to a field adjoining a nearby stately home. According the paper, “on reaching the field the procession broke up, and games were at once entered into, including cricket, base-ball, French tag, and many others too numerous to mention.”

Sources

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, Aug. 7, 1886, p. 6

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 7 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 7, 1886
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was among the games enjoyed by 150 students and teachers of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. After assembling at the school, the party marched to a meadow and barn made available by Mr. Calvin Smith. A newspaper reported that “after singing a hymn on his lawn, the company repaired to the meadow, where cricket, trap-ball, baste-ball, and other games were soon entered into with juvenile zest.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 7, 1886, p. 4

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on August 10 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 10, 1886
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

"Base-ball" play was reported at an open-air fete of the Conservative Party-associated Primrose League in Bottisham, East Cambridgeshire: "During the afternoon selections of music were played by the Sawston brass band, and numerous sports, such as quoits, base-ball, &c., were indulged in. Tea was also provided. A cricket match between "married and single" elevens of the Bottisham and Swaffham people was played in the afternoon and resulted in favour of the "single" eleven."

Sources

Bury and Norwich Post, Aug. 10, 1886, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 14 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 14, 1886
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball” was among several game enjoyed by young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, who were joined by a contingent of fellow members from Earl Soham, also of Suffolk, for an outing celebrating the abstinence organization's anniversary. After gathering at the Free Church they marched to a nearby park. A newspaper reported that “Here fine spreading oaks formed splendid standards for a number of swings; and the spacious pasture a capital ground for cricket, baste-ball, trap-ball, etc.”

Notes

Despite their similarities and proximity of dates, this outing was not the same as the one of Aug. 7th by the Free Methodist Sunday School. Every year, both the Band of Hope and Free Methodist Church in Framlingham held their treats within a week of each other, and seemed to have some overlap in membership and organization.

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 14, 1886, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 21 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 21, 1886
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was again enjoyed at a children's outing in the town of Buckingham, Bucks, this time as one of the games played at the Juvenile Templars' treat held on a nearby field. According to a newspaper report, “on arriving at the field the children soon began to make the best use of their time, and to thoroughly enjoy themselves in various games, including cricket, base-ball, kiss-in-the-ring.”

Sources

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, Aug. 21, 1886, p. 4

English Baseball in Devonshire on October 16 1886

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 16, 1886
Location Devonshire
Data

The term "base-ball" was briefly mentioned in a young adult novel that was serialized in a weekly newspaper for boys. The story was set in a fictitious village in Devonshire, where at one point a boy was trying to explain an earlier deception: “The other day, sir, as I was playing base-ball with some of the fellows, I struck the ball out of bounds, and Carstone, seeing me do it, said he would tell you of it. I begged him not to, and at last he consented, on a condition that I should fag for him during the following week. I joyfully consented, for I had lost a ball out of bounds before, and I didn't know what Doctor Wright would do with me.”

Notes

The boy's fearful response to striking a ball out of bounds possibly meant that the ball was deposited in a body of water or some other inaccessible location.

Sources

“Ralph Trevor's Schooldays,” as serialized in The Boy's Champion Paper, London, Oct. 16, 1886, p.69

English Baseball in London on March 28 1887

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, March 28, 1887
Location London
Data

"Base ball" was mentioned in a letter to the editor of the Daily News of London in which the writer complained that new rules imposed by the local governing authority on Wandsworth Common, a large park in south London, would severely limit children's access to this traditional ball playing venue: "Rounders, base ball, bat and trap, games as old as cricket, will be forbidden under irksome regulations and rules by which thousands of children will be deprived of that pure innocent pleasure which these games afford."

Notes

This reference is notable for linking baseball and rounders together as "games as old as cricket." Wandsworth Common today remains a major site for ball playing.

Sources

Daily News (London), Mar. 28, 1887, p. 3

Ball Bias in Kent on July 29 1887

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Friday, July 29, 1887
Location Kent
Data

“Ball bias” was played along with other games at the annual summer festival of the Mount Pleasant Congregational Sunday School of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. According to a newspaper report: “The children began to assemble at 2:30 p.m. and a lively scene soon presented itself, cricket, ball bias, racing for prizes, scrambling for sweets, donkey riding and a variety of other amusements were freely indulged in, to the great delight of the youngsters.”

Sources

Kent & Sussex Courier (Tunbridge Wells), July 29, 1887, p. 5

English Baseball in London in 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1888
Location London
Data

An English history book mentioned "baseball" in a section discussing some of the games and pastimes that were popular during the 14th century: "The present games of schoolboys and children had also their prototypes in those days. Thus the game of hoodman-blind is the medieval form of blindman's buff, baseball and stool-ball, etc. are perpetuated in hockey, trap-ball and similar games, and even cricket was not unrepresented."

Notes

The author's suggestion that baseball was played in 14th-century England is a fanciful one. Nonetheless, he must have had English baseball in mind.

Sources

The Illustrated History of England from the Earliest Times to 1887, by Henry William Dulcken, London, 1888, Ward, Lock & Co., p. 386

English Baseball in Waterford (Ireland) on March 28 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, March 28, 1888
Location Waterford (Ireland)
Data

“Bass ball” was played historically in Ireland if we are to believe the unusual claim made in a speech by the chairman of the YMCA in the city of Waterford, Ireland, to the annual reunion of the Essay and Debating Department of the Y in that city. As reported by a local newspaper, the speaker emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for athletic sports in order to deter youths from “being allured into places where no Christian young man ought to be seen.” He continued, “We must remember that we are a Young Men's Association, and while our forefathers were satisfied with a game of bass-ball, we must suit ourselves to the times by establishing those innocent amusements and keeping them in our own hands which are in many of our homes, such as tennis-court, gymnasium, etc.”

Notes

There is no evidence that baseball was played in 19th century Ireland or earlier, as this speaker suggested. It's also not clear what he was saying about baseball, possibly implying it was a children's game and not up to the athletic standards of healthy young men.

Sources

Waterford Standard, March 28, 1888, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 30 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 30, 1888
Location Hampshire
Data

"Base-ball" was played at the midway point of a late afternoon and evening bike ride by the Y.M.C.A. Cycling Club of Portsmouth, Hampshire: "The party left Portsmouth at 3 p.m., and arrived at Bursledon Bridge at 5:15 p.m., where a halt was made for tea. Afterwards the members adjourned to a neighbouring field, where they indulged in a game of base-ball. At 7:30 p.m. the order was given to mount, and a smart run was made for home."

Notes

Sources

Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, June 30, 1888, p. 2

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 11 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 11, 1888
Location Suffolk
Data

A game of "baseball" was mentioned in a newspaper article about the annual treat for students of the St. Margaret's Sunday Schools of Ipswich, Suffolk, who, 400 in number, boated on the River Orwell to Felixstowe where they enjoyed sailing and playing games: "Donkey riding, round games, bathing, boating, and the like were all patronised and thoroughly enjoyed...The indulgence in such a round of pleasures was greatly favoured by the weather, which was neither too cold for a bathe or a sail, nor too warm for a good frolic at baseball or some other game."

Sources

Daily Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser (formerly Ipswich Journal), July 11, 1888, p. 2

English Baseball in Northampton on July 14 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 14, 1888
Location Northampton
Data

A newspaper reported that "base-ball" was one of the amusements offered to almost 400 students of the Unitarian Sunday School of Northampton who traveled to Blisworth Gardens for their annual treat: "Dancing, bowls, cricket, tennis, base-ball, &c. were...indulged in."

Sources

Northampton Mercury, July 14, 1888, p. 6

English Baseball in Yorkshire on July 28 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 28, 1888
Location Yorkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was the subject of a grouchy columnist's complaint which appeared in an issue of the Barnsley (Yorkshire) Independent within a column entitled “Fitful Flashes.” “There are a good many nuisances to put up with in this world,” he wrote, “and one of them is the continual playing of base-ball in the public streets, or, rather, bye-streets. Ancient fathers, middle-aged aunts and uncles, and the patriarchs of the whole group (including paterfamilias) look on and wonder. The marvel in which they are all really interested is as to the particular window the energetic propellers are going to break. Sometimes there is a fracture of glass, and then a regular stampede takes place—not of the glass but of the evil-doers. Nobody can ever catch one, and it is not likely he can do when the parents join in the exceedingly interesting pasttime (sic). Really sometimes a case might be made out for obstructing the pavement. The nuisance, I am told, in some of the side-streets, is something abominable.

Notes

This may well be a complaint against American-style baseball, given the violence of the game and its location in Barnsley, a place well distant from English baseball's traditional territory. Yet because its date comes months before the arrival of the Spalding tour, consideration must be given to the possibility that these violators were playing English baseball.

Sources

Barnsley Independent, July 28, 1888. p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire on August 4 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 4, 1888
Location Hampshire
Data

Entitled "A Picnic for Lunatics," a newspaper article reported that "base-ball" was played when members of the Southsea Rowing Club, Portsmouth, Hampshire, took male patients from the Borough Asylum at Milton for an unusual outing to Portchester: "Once there, wickets were soon pitched for cricket on the green under the shadow of the ancient Castle, and the contest 'Southsea Rowing Club v. Lunatic Patients' was commenced amid a good deal of interest...The party had then another stroll around the green, and while many of the ladies and gentlemen resumed the game of base-ball, the patients were greatly amused with shying at cocoa nuts.""

Sources

Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, Aug. 4, 1888, p. 6

English Baseball in London on August 10 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 10, 1888
Location London
Data

A reference to “base-ball” appeared in a brief and mildly amusing observation about kissing in the “Society” column of a London magazine. “Men have an idea that their kisses are appreciated. They are most immensely mistaken. The average man gives a kiss just as he throws a base-ball—with too much force. It needs to be as delicate as a rose-leaf. Almost a memory in a second. It need not suggest a postage-stamp or a porous plaster.”

Notes

Mentions of baseball in this type of context and appearing in London publications are normally allusions to the American game, but considering that the writer of this example was obviously a woman, and that her complaint of too much force implies the presence of soaking, I suggest that this, more likely than not, was a reference to the original English game.

Sources

Bow Bells Weekly: a Magazine of General Literature and Art for Family Reading, (London), Aug. 10,1888, p. 86

English Baseball in Kent on September 8 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 8, 1888
Location Kent
Data

A newspaper reported that a man playing “base ball” in the historic Dane John Gardens in Canterbury, Kent, had a mishap: “On Friday afternoon, some visitors to Canterbury were playing base ball on the Dane John, when one of the gentlemen accidentally fell and broke his ankle. He was conveyed to Mr. Sadler's surgery, where his injury was attended to.”

Sources

Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, Sept. 8, 1888, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on October 20 1888

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 20, 1888
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A "base ball" bank was reported to have been on display at a sale held by the Congregational Church of Winslow, Buckinghamshire: "There were in addition various devices for making money. Master Wilfrid French had two ingenious toys, known as a mule bank and a base ball bank: Mr. W. Turnham, a cross-bow competition; Mr. Arthur Clear, an electrifying machine; and Mr. A.J. Clear, a powerful magic lantern in the lower room..."

Notes

A racist caricature baseball bank called "Home Town Darkies" was manufactured in the United States at about this time, but it seems unlikely that one of those would have found its way to a small, Buckinghamshire market town.

Sources

Supplement to the Bucks Herald, Oct. 20, 1888, p. 1

English Baseball in Lincolnshire in 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1889
Location Lincolnshire
Data

"Base ball" was advertised as one of the attractions of the seaside holiday town of Sutton in Lincolnshire: "The sea-shore at Sutton, as we have stated elsewhere, is a capital place for cricket, tennis, base ball, and other games, and in the season there is plenty of this kind of amusement for visitors."

Sources

Ruscoe's Illustrated Guide to Mablethorpe, Sutton, Louth, Alford, &C., Louth (Lincolnshire), 1889, E.H. Ruscoe, p. 77

English Baseball in Hampshire on March 30 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 30, 1889
Location Hampshire
Data

"Baseball" was cited in a newspaper article about "Summer Sport and Amusements, in and around Portsmouth." It read: "With the disappearance of the frosts and the advent of summer days there are preparations in every direction in and about Portsmouth for resorting to the games which are suitable for summer weather, at the head of which still stands the national pastime of cricket, though baseball may come to the front more than it has in past years. Among ladies last year it found many supporters, and with the stimulus which has been given to it by the recent visit of Americans and Canadian colonists to this country there is little doubt that the pastime will be more than ever indulged in."

Notes

The immediate impression one gets from reading this is that it is a reference to American-style baseball, given its direct nod to the 1889 tour. However, English baseball, especially among women, had a long history in Hampshire, so it is not altogether improbable that the author did not discern the difference between the two versions of the game.

Sources

Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, March 30, 1889, p. 2

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on April 27 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 27, 1889
Location Bedfordshire
Data

A game of “baseball” was played by some of the guests attending a garden party celebrating the season opening of the Lansdowne Tennis Club of Harlington, Bedfordshire. A newspaper covering the event reported that “Early in the forenoon the game was in full swing on the two courts, whilst in the afternoon members and friends turned up in the number of 40, and those who were not able to wield the racquet could participate in a game of baseball, which took place at the farthest end of the ground, or bowls on the lawn.”

Notes

Seems likely to be English baseball since it was played by “those who were not able to wield the racquet.”

Sources

Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette. April 27, 1889, p. 7

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 4 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, June 4, 1889
Location Norfolk
Data

“Baseball” was mentioned in an angry newspaper article that complained about how hundreds of children had overrun a park in the coastal Norfolk city of Yarmouth. The author of the piece reported that St. George's Park had been carefully maintained, and that users previously had remained on the paths except for permitted play of lawn tennis. But complaints that children were being denied access to a suitable playing ground “resulted in the free use of the park by hundreds of children, who for the past week or two have taken possession of the place, and done more damage than good . . . , and have undone in large measure what has taken years to do at considerable expense. The tennis-courts have been made use of for football, baseball, and other juvenile games, the nets enclosing one of the courts has been torn to pieces, and damage has also been done to the flowers and trees.” Several remedies were discussed by local ratepayers, according to the article's author.

Sources

Eastern Daily Press (Norwich), June, 4, 1889, p. 3

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 29 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 29, 1889
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base ball” was played at an outing of students and teachers of the Sayer's Street Sunday School of Norwich, Norfolk, to a park in nearby Whitlingham. According to a newspaper report, after taking a short river boat cruise on the Jenny Lind, “the grounds being reached, cricket, base ball, and other games were engaged in until five o'clock, when the ample tea provided was found both refreshing and appetising.”

Sources

Eastern Daily Press (Norwich), June 29, 1889, p. 5

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 29 1889 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 29, 1889
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base” was among the pastimes enjoyed by those attending the annual summer party of the Sun Lane Sunday School of Norwich, Norfolk. The local newspaper reported that “Various games, including cricket, base, trapball, football, &c., were indulged by the teachers and scholars.”

Notes

Baseball was often referred to as “base” in Norfolk.

Sources

Norfolk News, June 29, 1889, p. 7

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 9 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 9, 1889
Location Norfolk
Data

“Baseball” was one of the amusements offered to members of the Norwich Seventh Ward Liberal Association at their annual outing to the large park in nearby Whitlingham. Accompanied by their wives and sweethearts, the party totaled more than 500, according to a local newspaper's coverage, which added, “On arriving at their destination the company found ample amusement provided for them in the form of sports, quoits, swings, baseball, &c.”

Sources

Eastern Daily Press (Norwich), July 9, 1889, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 13 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 13, 1889
Location Hampshire
Data

It was reported that "base ball" was played at an outing of some 150 members and friends of the Portsmouth (Hampshire) Ladies' Liberal Association to the grounds of Blackwood Grove: "Arrangements had been made to provide the visitors with tea under the shadow of the trees, and a delightful al fresco repast preceded the robuster joys of base-ball, cricket, archery, and so on."

Sources

Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, July 13, 1889, p. 6

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on July 13 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 13, 1889
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Base ball” was featured at the Sunday School Festival of Gamlingay, a village in southwestern Cambridgeshire near the Bedfordshire border. A newspaper reported that “The children ran races for articles of wearing apparel, and the elder ones indulged in various popular games, such as base ball, round tag, &c.”

Sources

Bedford Record, July 13, 1889, p. 8

English Baseball in Surrey, London on July 13 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 13, 1889
Location Surrey, London
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the pastimes provided for a party of nearly 400 students and teachers of the Mallinson Road Sunday School of Battersea in southwest London as they took their annual excursion to St. George's Hill in Weybridge, Surrey. A newspaper reported that, after reaching their destination, “in the morning a cricket match was played, teachers v. scholars. The children being provided with swings, skipping ropes, base-ball, &c., there were ample means for enjoyment.”

Sources

South London Press, July 13, 1889, p. 7

Ball Bias in East Sussex on July 26 1889

Block Game Ball Bias
Date Friday, July 26, 1889
Location East Sussex
Data

“Ball-bias” was among the games enjoyed by members of the Band of Hope of the town of Wadhurst, East Sussex, on their annual treat. A newspaper reported that after a rainstorm had passed the children began their organized amusements. “The boys' races were exceedingly well contested, and the three-legged races, sack races, and obstacle races caused a great deal of merriment. The visitors and elder children appeared to enjoy themselves immensely with French tag, ball-bias, the jolly miller, and other games, while many swings and see-saws were in constant requisition.”

Sources

Kent & Sussex Courier (Tunbridge Wells), July 26, 1889, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 3 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 3, 1889
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements offered at a church treat given to students of the Day and Sunday Schools of St. Mary's, Princes Risborough, to the junior members of the choir, and to those in attendance at the Longwick National Schools, all situated in Buckinghamshire: “After tea, cricket, base ball, rounders, races, jumping, scrambles, &c., were held, affording considerable amusement, not only to the children but to the large number of neighbouring residents and parents of the scholars who were now present.”

Notes

References to English baseball appeared often in this area of Buckinghamshire, but this is the only documented example where it was played side by side with rounders.

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 3, 1889, p. 7

English Baseball in Berwickshire on August 6 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 6, 1889
Location Berwickshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by teachers and children connected with the Free Church Sabbath School of the Scottish Borders town of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, at their annual picnic held on a grassy field six miles outside of town: “The green sward was soon enlivened by gay and happy groups engaged in racing, leaping, football, baseball, rope-skipping, swinging, &c.”

Sources

Berwickshire News, Aug. 6, 1889, p. 2

English Baseball in Durham on August 30 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 30, 1889
Location Durham
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat of the Rockhope School, a small rural village in County Durham: “On Friday, the annual gathering of Vicar, wardens, teachers, scholars, parents,and the young men of the village took place in the Vicarage field, where a substantial tea was enjoyed. The customary games of cricket, base-ball, wrestling, races of all sorts, long ropes, and the high jump were indulged in.”

Notes

The location of this reference is much farther to the north than would be expected for English baseball. Notwithstanding this, and despite its appearance shortly following the 1889 tour, it most certainly is not referring to American baseball. The latter would never have been called a "customary game;" nor would it have been found in such a small, remote village.

Sources

Northern Echo (Darlington), Aug. 30, 1889, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on August 31 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 31, 1889
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed at a large outing arranged for the citizens of Winchester, Hampshire, and held at Longwood House, the estate of the Earl of Northesk (a Scottish peer). A newspaper reported that some of the party played cricket, and, additionally, “various games were indulged in, those not engaged in cricket participating in a game of lawn tennis, quoits, base ball, bowls, etc.”

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle (Winchester), Aug. 31, 1889, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on September 4 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, September 4, 1889
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games played by a group of 80 young members of the Buckingham Band of Hope at a rescheduling of their annual sports day which had previously been cancelled because of poor weather. A regional newspaper reported that “Some entered into the game of cricket, base ball, &c. The boys and girls ran for prizes, including gloves, belts, handkerchiefs, neckties, &c., purchased by the generosity of a number of friends interested in the promotion of temperance among the younger members of the congregation.

Sources

Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire Telegraph, Sept. 4, 1889, p. 4

English Baseball in Surrey on September 21 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 21, 1889
Location Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the annual treat of the St. Martin's Parish Church Sunday School of Dorking, Surrey. A newspaper reported that after sitting down to an “excellent tea,” the children “were amused by various games, including cricket, base ball, scrambling sweets, and pony riding; swing boats were also erected on the grounds.”

Sources

Surrey Mirror, Sept. 21, 1889, p. 6

English Baseball in Essex on October 5 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, October 5, 1889
Location Essex
Data

“Base ball” was played at a treat provided for the boys' choirs of the St. Nicolas and All Saints' Churches in the town of Witham in Essex: “A cricket match was played between the choirs...The St. Nicolas choir won by a few runs. Base ball was also indulged in. After these sports the youngsters partook of a capital tea in the Chipping Hill Schools.”

Sources

Essex Newsman (Chelmsford), Oct. 5, 1889, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on December 5 1889

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, December 5, 1889
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base balling” was mentioned in a heated letter to the editor of a newspaper on the Isle of Wight defending the town of Ryde and its pier when compared to the facilities in the town of Cowes. In the midst of the correspondent's argument, he wrote: “We are urging our point when we contend that the Y.M.C.A. should come out of their shell and formulate athletics, foot and base balling, rackets and cricketing.”

Notes

It is not at all clear that the writer had English baseball in mind, but the game had a history on the island the American game had no documented history there at such an early date.

Sources

Isle of Wight Times, Dec. 5, 1889, p. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on June 19 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 19, 1890
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the various games and entertainments made available to students of the St. John's Sunday Schools of Newbury, Berkshire, at their annual treat. A local newspaper reported that “Upon their arrival at the meadow, the children were entertained with various games including cricket, base ball, swings, etc., while egg and spoon, wheelbarrow, donkey, consolation, hopping, foot races, etc., and tugs of war, were also provided, prizes being awarded.”

Sources

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser, June 19, 1890, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire/Berkshire on June 25 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, June 25, 1890
Location Buckinghamshire/Berkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was among the entertainments offered to families attending the annual fete of the Great Western Railway Temperance Union of Maidenhead, Berkshire, held in the lovely nearby Buckinghamshire village of Bourne End. A newspaper report mentioned some of the activities of the day, including “a steam circus (galloping horses), shooting galleries, a bottle-smashing saloon, cocoa-nut enclosures, Aunt Sally, a toy stall, and 'all the fun of the fair,' while there was ample room for games at cricket, base-ball, &c.”

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, June 25, 1890, p 4.

English Baseball in Norfolk on June 27 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, June 27, 1890
Location Norfolk
Data

“Baseball' was part of the entertainment for hundreds of children attending the Sun Lane Sunday School of Norwich, Norfolk, as they celebrated their annual treat in a nearby park. According to a local newspaper: “On arriving at the park the children soon dispersed, and amused themselves at cricket, baseball, and other sports until four o'clock, when the junior portion of the school partook of tea.”

Sources

Eastern Evening News (Norwich), June 27, 1890, p. 3

Tut Ball in South Yorkshire on July 10 1890

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Thursday, July 10, 1890
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Tut ball” was asserted to be the local name for rounders in the view of a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper writer who was reviewing the current issue of an American children's magazine: “St. Nicholas is bright and fresh as ever—full of stories and adventures, and practical papers on sports. 'Bat, ball and diamond,' is an American elaboration of rounders, or (locally) 'tut ball' into a scientific game.”

Sources

Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, July 10, 1890, p. 2

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 15 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 15, 1890
Location East Sussex
Data

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was among the amusements enjoyed by volunteer soldiers of the Nos. 1 and 6 batteries of the Brighton Artillery on an excursion to the village of Ringmer in East Sussex. “Upon arrival in Ringmer, arms were piled, and the amateur soldiers engaged in cricket, baseball, &c., or patronised the “Aunt Sallys,” shooting galleries, and other adjuncts of a rural festivity, which had been provided by the enterprise of a caterer from Crawley.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 15, 1890, p. 3

English Baseball in Kent, Surrey on July 19 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 19, 1890
Location Kent, Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was one of many amusements made available to employees of a large firm on a summer's day outing provided for them by their employer, Mr. Alderman Allder of Croydon, Surrey. The gathering was held on the grounds of a country residence in Edenbridge in nearby Kent, where a newspaper reported that “every amusement conceivable was here supplied, swings, lawn tennis, cricket, base ball, cocoanuts, quoits, and many other games being indulged in by the company.”

Notes

Croydon was then in Surrey but is now part of London. The article does not mention the nature of Mr. Allder's business. The game of “cocoanuts” mentioned in the article is somewhat obscure, and apparently involved players throwing objects (balls? rocks?) at cocoanuts attached to stakes from a distance of thirty feet and trying to get them to fall into small baskets underneath.

Sources

Croydon Advertiser and East Surrey Reporter, July 19, 1890, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire/Berkshire on July 22 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, July 22, 1890
Location Buckinghamshire/Berkshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games offered to students of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School of Maidenhead, Berkshire, at their annual treat held on the grounds of Taplow Court, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “the youngsters emptied their pockets of spare cash at some of the stalls, which were laden with toys, fruits, sweets, and refreshments . . . while others patronised Peter Cooley's cocoa nuts, &c. After dinner, French Tag, Base Ball, Cricket, and other games were indulged in.”

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, July 22, 1890, p 5.

English Baseball in Lancashire on July 23 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 23, 1890
Location Lancashire
Data

"Base ball" was played at an annual outing to a country hotel by staff members of several newspapers from Burnley and other towns in Lancashire, as well as some from West Yorkshire: "Some wandered along the banks of the Ribble and Calder, other patronised the bowling green, while the remainder disported themselves in a variety of games--including football, cricket, and base ball--in a field kindly placed at their disposal by the host and hostess."

Sources

Burnley Express, July 23, 1890, p. 2

English Baseball in Monmouthshire on August 2 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 2, 1890
Location Monmouthshire
Data

A group of youngsters played “base ball” and other amusements at the annual summer treat of the Band of Hope in Monmouth, the county town of Monmouthshire, Wales, located two miles from the English border. A newspaper reported that “various amusements were provided, and at 4:30 the children sat down to tea which was very much enjoyed. After tea, races, swings, base ball and other games attracted attention, an amusing feature being a tug of war between 10 boys and 10 girls, the latter succeeding in pulling the boys over twice out of three times and thereby became the victors.”

Sources

Monmouthshire Beacon, Aug. 2, 1890, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 13 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, August 13, 1890
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base ball” was among the sports enjoyed at the annual summer treat for children attending the Sunday school of the Primitive Methodist Chapel of Hadleigh, Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, “Notwithstanding the intense heat, cricket, base ball, and all kinds of outdoor sports were freely engaged in, and an American trapeze set up for the occasion was largely patronised.”

Sources

Suffolk and Essex Free Press, Aug. 13, 1890, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 16 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 16, 1890
Location Suffolk
Data

The game of “baste ball” was one of the amusements offered to young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A newspaper article began as follows: “On Wednesday afternoon the annual treat was held by permission of Mr. Jas. Maulden, at Hill Farm, in a pasture studded with fine elm trees, which afforded shelter from the sun and good arms on which to fix swings. The weather was delightfully fine for the event; and the afternoon was passed in cricket, football, swinging, trap-and-bat, baste ball, &c.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 16, 1890, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 23 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 23, 1890
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste ball” was again a featured game at the annual treat for students attending the Sunday School connected with the Free Methodist Church of Framlingham, Suffolk. According to the newspaper report, “At 1:30 the children assembled at the schoolroom and marched in procession to a meadow kindly lent by Jas. Scott, Esq., of Fairfield House, where cricket, swinging, baste ball, trap ball, and football were engaged in with youthful zest.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 23, 1890, p. 4

English Baseball in Aberdeenshire on September 6 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 6, 1890
Location Aberdeenshire
Data

It was reported that "base ball" was played at the annual picnic of 200 students of the Established Church Sabbath School of Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: "A very pleasant afternoon was spent in running, jumping, base ball, and other games, for which prizes were liberally given by the Rev. Mr. Johnstone and others."

Notes

English baseball in Scotland; or, perhaps, Scottish baseball?

Sources

Aberdeen Weekly Journal, Sept. 6, 1890, P. 6

English Baseball in East Sussex on September 6 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 6, 1890
Location East Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was among the pastimes enjoyed by members of the Church of England Temperance Society of Newhaven, East Sussex, at an outing to the nearby hamlet of Bishop Stone. A newspaper reported that “the field was reached at about three o'clock, where stoolball, cricket, swinging, baseball, and other games were indulged in until five o'clock, when the company, numbering about 80, sat down to an excellent tea prepared by Mr. S. Stone. After tea the games were resumed until dusk, when the party returned to Newhaven by road, a very enjoyable time having been spent.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, Sept. 6, 1890, p. 6

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on September 17 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, September 17, 1890
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Baseball” was identified in a brief newspaper report as one of the amusements enjoyed by children of the Congregational Sunday School of Chalfont St. Giles, a village in the Chiltern district of southeastern Buckinghamshire, at their end of summer treat. The paper said that “games, consisting of cricket, baseball, etc. were most heartily enjoyed.”

Sources

Buckinghamshire Examiner, Sep. 17, 1890, p. 8

English Baseball in Sussex on September 17 1890

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, September 17, 1890
Location Sussex
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the highlights of what a local newspaper described as an”excursion of blanchisseuses,” (which I've learned is the French term for washer women). The paper reported that 46 employees of the Beach Laundry of Eastbourne, an East Sussex seaside resort town, were treated to an outing in the countryside by their employer. Following dinner “came a series of games in the meadow. Tea was provided at 5:30, after which all engaged in base-ball, dancing, nice walks and long walks.”

Sources

Eastbourne Gazette, Sept. 17, 1890, p. 8

English Baseball in Oxfordshire in 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1891
Location Oxfordshire
Data

A history book mentioned "base ball" in a discussion of ancient hunting rights in the town of Burford in Oxfordshire: "From time immemorial the townsmen had possessed the privilege of hunting in Wychwood Forest on Whit Sunday. The custom, no doubt, originated in the early days of the Church, and when the Sabbath was not so rigorously kept as it is now. So long as Mass was attended in the morning, every one was free, as on other days, to indulge in base ball, football, or any other game."

Sources

History of Burford, by W. J. Monk, Burford (Oxfordshire), 1891, C. W. Swatman, p. 20

English Baseball in London in 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1891
Location London
Data

The "base ball" playing ability of Robert Browning, Senior, the father of the famous poet, was acknowledged in a biography of the son: "Mr. Browning enjoyed splendid physical health. His early love of reading had not precluded a wholesome enjoyment of physical sports; and he was, as a boy. the fastest runner and best base-ball player in his school."

Notes

The author of this biography, Alexandra Leighton Orr, was a friend of the Browning family. It appears that the poet's sister, Sarianna, was Mrs. Orr's source for information about her father, and this lends some credibility to the baseball claim. The senior Browning would have passed his school years in the 1790's.

Sources

Life and Letters of Robert Browning, by Mrs. Sutherland Orr, London, 1891, Smith, Elder, p. 15

English Baseball in Oxfordshire on March 26 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, March 26, 1891
Location Oxfordshire
Data

“Bass-ball” was a traditional local game according to a columnist for a newspaper in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. He wrote: “Our readers will remember that Good Friday used to be the red-letter day in the year's calendar of sport, and marked the opening day of all kinds of out-door amusements. The Kine Croft was alive with townsfolk engaged in games of all descriptions, cricket, quoits, bass-ball, &c., each claiming its large quota of devotees. In those times football was not, much less the ubiquitous cycle, and winter was then a true period of hybernation as regards sport.”

Sources

Berks and Oxon Advertiser (Wallingford), March 26, 1891, p. 4

English Baseball in Oxfordshire on June 6 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 6, 1891
Location Oxfordshire
Data

“Base ball,” not football, protested one of the boys accused of playing the latter game in George-street in Oxford, and who were summoned to court in response to complaints leveled against them. “They pleaded not guilty,” according to a newspaper report. The arresting policeman said they “were playing with a small ball,” and “one of the boys said they were playing base ball,” the newspaper added. Nevertheless, they were found to have abused “the privileges of the streets,” and were fined.

Sources

Oxford Times, June 6, 1891, p. 7

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 2 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 2, 1891
Location Norfolk
Data

A game of “base ball” was part of the entertainment at the annual fete for young members of the Band of Hope and Gospel Temperance Society of Sheringham, a seaside town in Norfolk. After tea and photographs, a newspaper reported that “the various sports and games provided for the young people were then entered into with much zest. A cricket match was played between the Upper and Lower Sheringham members, the former winning easily. Races, tugs of war, scrambles for nuts and sweets, base ball, &c., were heartily enjoyed.”

Sources

Eastern Daily Press (Norwich), July 2, 1891, p. 5

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 3 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 3, 1891
Location East Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was among the games enjoyed by the youthful members of the Young Recruits Lodge of the Independent Order of Grand Templars (IOGT) at their annual retreat in Newhaven, East Sussex. According to a newspaper: “The members, numbering about 80, met on the green in front of Mrs. Williams' (superintendent) at two o'clock and proceeded to the hill above the workhouse, where cricket, baseball, bat and trap, and other games were indulged in until teatime.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 3, 1891, P. 5

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 17 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 17, 1891
Location East Sussex
Data

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was among the games enjoyed by several hundred children at the annual treat of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Lewes, East Sussex, before a big storm sent them all to seek shelter. “The sun was now shining splendidly, and the sky gave no warning of the subsequent storm which so militated against the enjoyment of the young folk. The children were soon engaged in various games—cricket, baseball, stoolball, see-saw, &c. The weather had in the meanwhile, however, entirely changed. Black, ominous clouds filled the skies, and the children had scarcely finished tea before the threatened rain descended in torrents, and the little ones fled in all directions for shelter.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 17 1891, P. 5

English Baseball in Lincolnshire on July 18 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 18, 1891
Location Lincolnshire
Data

“Base-ball” was named as one of the pastimes enjoyed at the annual outdoor feast for students attending the National Sunday School in the village of Waltham, Lincolnshire: “From the church, the children marched with their many-coloured banners to the Rectory grounds, where they sat down under canvas to a well-provided tea . . . Tea over, groups were formed for various games, and cricket, jumping, base-ball, &c., were freely indulged in.”

Sources

Grantham (Lincoln-shire) Journal, July 18, 1891, p. 8

English Baseball in Herts on July 25 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 25, 1891
Location Herts
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual festival of the Marlowes Wesleyan Sabbaths School of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. According to a newspaper report, the teachers and scholars met at the school and then marched in procession to a nearby park, “where various games of cricket, bat and trap, base ball, swings, etc. were very heartily engaged in.”

Sources

Hemel Hempstead Gazette and West Herts Advertiser, July 25, 1891, p. 4

English Baseball in Chesire on August 1 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 1, 1891
Location Chesire
Data

“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed by some 200 people attending the annual Astbury Garden Party held in the village of Newbold Astbury in the county of Cheshire. According to a newspaper report, “The beautiful grounds and gardens of the Rectory were thrown open and were greatly appreciated. Various games were also provided, including jumping, football, bowling, base ball, croquet, swings, and also old Aunt Sally, all of which were heartily indulged in, and were the cause of much pleasurable pastime and amusement.”

Notes

Cheshire was a little far afield for English baseball, but in this context and this early, American baseball was unlikely.

Sources

Congleton & Macclesfield Mercury, and Cheshire General Advertiser, Aug. 1, 1891, p. 8

English Baseball in Surrey on August 15 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 15, 1891
Location Surrey
Data

“Baseball” was among the games played at the annual treat for students of the Marshall Road Sunday School of Sutton, Surrey, which was held at nearby Cheam Park. A newspaper reported that after the children arrived at the park, “the various amusements provided were entered into with great gusto, the swings, roundabouts, &c., coming in for a large share of patronage. At 12:30 a substantial luncheon was provided for the children, which they heartily enjoyed. In the afternoon the superintendent, Mr. Carpenter, and several of the friends of the scholars indulged in cricket, baseball, &c. until five o'clock when tea was provided for both scholars and friends.”

Notes

Sutton was then in Surrey but is now part of London. It is interesting to note that apparently, in this instance, baseball was not played by the students themselves but by the superintendent and “friends” of the scholars, who, presumably, were adults or older boys who had previously attended the school. This admits to the small possibility that the baseball played may have been American-style.

Sources

Croydon Advertiser and East Surrey Reporter, Aug. 15, 1891, p. 8

English Baseball in Banffshire on September 22 1891

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, September 22, 1891
Location Banffshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the pastimes made available to 420 students of the Established Church Sabbath School of the town of Keith, Banffshire, at their annual picnic. A newspaper reported that “the weather was delightful, and every meas possible were provided for the enjoyment of the youngsters, who were all keenly alive to take advantage of same, and to make the best of the few hours allotted for their sports. Prizes were liberally given to competitors in games of football, cricket, racing, jumping, and base ball.”

Notes

Keith is a small town in northeastern Scotland that was located in the former historic county of Banffshire, but since 1975 has been part of the Moray council area. The baseball played on this occasion was likely some form of English baseball, given the nature of the event and the youth of the players.

Sources

Elgin Courant and Morayshire Advertiser, Sept. 22, 1891, p. 5

English Baseball in London/Midlands in 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1892
Location London/Midlands
Data

A novel for young readers fleetingly mentioned "baseball' in the context of a domestic scene: "They felt somehow as if the mistress of the house was blaming them for their large appetites, there was a hint of reproach in the tone with which she said, 'More meat, Tom?' so that even that rather reckless youth felt glad to have finished and to scuffle off to the fields for a game of baseball."

Notes

The novel was set "back some hundred years" in a fictitious Midlands village named "King's Marston."

Sources

Many a Year Ago, by Mrs. Herbert Martin, London, 1892, Ward and Downey, pp. 18-19

English Baseball in West Midlands on January 20 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, January 20, 1892
Location West Midlands
Data

The word "base-ball" was mentioned in a poem eulogizing the late Prince Albert Victor, the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, that appeared in a Coventry, West Midlands, newspaper. Entitled "The Death of the Duke," the poem began with these lines: "'The Duke is dead!' So ran the cheerless Tidings round the whole domain---entering Hall and cot, and laying its heavy Burden upon us all. Rude boys---alas! Accustomed to street cries--yet mindless Of the due import of that they told to-day--- Tossed the sad intelligence from each to Each---as though they played at base-ball Mid sunshine..............”

Notes

The Duke of Clarence was the eldest son of Albert, Prince of Wales and grandson of Queen Victoria and, as such, second in line to the British throne. He died of influenza at the age of 28 only six days before this poem was published. It is not clear why the author of the poem chose to use a baseball metaphor, and whether he intended it to refer to the English or American version of the game.

Sources

Coventry Evening Telegram, Jan. 20, 1892, p. 3

English Baseball in Durham on May 3 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, May 3, 1892
Location Durham
Data

The term “base ball” was used analogously in a review of the New Alhambra Theatre that appeared in a newspaper in the North Sea town of Hartlepool in County Durham. The pertinent sentence reads as follows: “Mr. Macdonald opened the second half of the programme, and made way for the Avringny Trio, jugglers of no mean ability, who flung round lighted torches with all the ease of children playing at base ball.”

Sources

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, May 3, 1892, p. 4

English Baseball in Aberdeenshire on June 2 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 2, 1892
Location Aberdeenshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual picnic of the Ravenscraig Lodge of the International Order of Good Templars of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, that was held in the small, nearby village of Inverguie. According to a newspaper report, “A most enjoyable day was spent. Some of the party had a game at cricket; others played football, baseball, with other games and amusements of various kinds.”

Sources

Aberdeen Journal, June 2nd, 1892, p. 3

English Baseball in East Sussex on June 3 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, June 3, 1892
Location East Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was among the the games played at the annual outing of the juvenile branch of the Nottingham Unity of the Ancient Order of Oddfellows of Newhaven, East Sussex, held at the seaside town of Seaford. A newspaper reported that: “about 30 members and a number of adult friends proceeded to a field near the beach, where cricket, baseball and other games were indulged in until tea time. Tea was capitally served in the field, and after it the games were resumed, and races for various prizes took place.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, June 3, 1892, P. 5

English Baseball in North London on July 14 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 14, 1892
Location North London
Data

“Base ball” was one of the entertainments offered to girls attending the Islington-area (North London) centers of the Sunday Evening Recreative Class Society on their summer outing to New Southgate. The party was about 40 in number, and according to newspaper coverage, “after tea, and down to the time fixed for departure, various games were indulged in, including lawn tennis, base ball, &c.”

Sources

Islington Gazette, July 14, 1892, p. 3

English Baseball in Hertfordshire on August 6 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 6, 1892
Location Hertfordshire
Data

“Base-ball” was part of bank holiday festivities in the town of Harpenden, Hertfordshire. A brief notice in a local newspaper read as follows: “BANK HOLIDAY. Owing to the large number of holiday makers visiting Harpenden on Monday, the common presented quite an animated appearance. Cricket, base-ball, and various other games were started, and the visitors appeared to enjoy themselves.”

Sources

Herts Advertiser (St. Albans), Aug. 6, 1892, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 3 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 3, 1892
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baste-ball was played at the annual treat for students of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “swinging beneath fine spreading elms, cricket, football, baste-ball, trap-ball, racing, &c. filled up a very pleasant afternoon and evening.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 3, 1892, p. 4

English Baseball in London on September 16 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 16, 1892
Location London
Data

“Baseball” was named in a newspaper article as one of the games played in Petersham Park, located in the town of Richmond, Greater London.This observation was made because the park was the destination of a day-long excursion by boy and girl students of the Hendon Congregational Sunday School of Hendon, a northwest suburb of London: “Petersham Park is a portion of Richmond Park, and is admirably adapted for a school excursion. It contains some very fine old trees. It is level on the Petersham side, and here boat-swings, cricket, baseball, skipping, etc. can be indulged in.”

Notes

This was most likely English baseball given the young age of the party. Petersham Park is located only eight miles from the site of the earliest recorded outdoor baseball game played in 1749 at Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.

Sources

Middlesex Courier, Sept. 16, 1892, p. 2

Pize Ball in Lancashire on October 8 1892

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, October 8, 1892
Location Lancashire
Data

The game “pize ball” appeared as an analogy in a newspaper column about a football match between the Burnley (Lancashire) team and Sheffield. The writer was critical of the shots taken by one of the Burnley forwards, and referring to the Sheffield goalie wrote: “A critic declares that some of the shots which Allen had to clear reminded him of his youth when he played at 'pize ball.' In other words, they were far too gentle.”

Sources

Cricket and Football Field (Burnley), Oct. 8, 1892, p. 2

English Baseball in Kent on November 25 1892

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, November 25, 1892
Location Kent
Data

A clergyman suggested that “baseball” was among the games played by Edward VI, the “boy king” who ruled England in the mid-16th century. A Kent newspaper published a series of lectures given by the Reverend George J. Blore on the subject of the English Reformation. In one of them, the reverend alluded to a diary kept by the young Edward VI: “...he recorded his experiences in a curiously methodical journal, where he entered with equally matter of fact brevity great matters of State, and the games of baseball got up for his amusement.”

Notes

If this mind-boggling assertion of 16th century baseball seems too good to be true, be assured that it is. Edward VI, the young, highly intelligent son of Henry VII did, indeed, keep a detailed journal during his short life (he died from pneumonia at the age of 15). The journal entries that Rev. Blore interpreted as baseball were entered by Edward on two days in the year 1550. The first, on March 31st, read: “A chaleng made by me that I, with 16 of my chaumbre, shuld runne at base, shote, and rune at ring with any 17 of my servauntes, gentlemen in the court.” The outcome of the challenge was revealed the next day, April 1st: “The first day of the chaleng at base, or running, the King wane.” Plainly, these entries make reference to the game of prisoner's base, not baseball. Reverend Blore would not be the first nor the last to get the two confused.

Sources

Kent & Sussex Courier (Tunbridge Wells), Nov. 25, 1892, p. 6

English Baseball in Hampshire on April 13 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, April 13, 1893
Location Hampshire
Data

A letter to the editor complaining about “baseball” play in Portsmouth was summarized in a newspaper column. “'FELLOW SUFFERER' writes to emphasise the necessity of official notice being taken of the prevalent annoyance of Portsmouth householders by boys playing baseball in the streets, and breaking windows and committing other damage.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, April 13, 1893, p. 3

English Baseball in Suffolk on June 10 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 10, 1893
Location Suffolk
Data

"Base ball" was one of the games enjoyed at the annual ride and gathering by members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Bicycle Club at Orwell Park, a property of its president, Capt. E.G. Pretyman, located on the banks of the river Orwell in the village of Nacton. "After allaying their thirst, the cyclists dispersed through the grounds; some indulging in cricket, others in base ball, bowls, &c."

Notes

Suffolk was one of the last bastions of English baseball.

Sources

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, June 10, 1893, p. 6

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on July 8 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 8, 1893
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the activities enjoyed by adults attending the annual Baptist School Festival in Gamlingay, a village in south Cambridgeshire. A newspaper reported that after the children separated for races and sweets, “the friends amused themselves with the round tag, baseball, Captain and round games, and had a lively and busy time of it keeping up the fun till the field was cleared at 10 p.m.”

Sources

Ampthill & District News (Bedfordshire), July 8, 1893, p. 5

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 2 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, August 2, 1893
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was enjoyed by 40 to 50 youngsters attending the annual summer outing of the Chiltern House School of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper account reported that “after tea, various sports were indulged in, such as racing, jumping, base-ball, etc.”

Sources

Buckingham Examiner, Aug. 2, 1893, p. 2

English Baseball in Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire on August 12 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 12, 1893
Location Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games enjoyed by members of the Luton Industrial Co-operative Society of Luton, Bedfordshire, at a picnic held a three-hour carriage ride away in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire. A newspaper reported that “cricket, base ball, French tag, and other sports were engaged in till seven, when a start was made for home, which was reached soon after ten.”

Sources

Herts Advertiser (St. Albans), Aug. 12, 1893, p. 7

Pize Ball in West Yorkshire on August 19 1893

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Saturday, August 19, 1893
Location West Yorkshire
Data

“Pise-ball” was mentioned in a letter written by an 11-year-old girl from Earlsheaton, West Yorkshire, that appeared in a Leeds newspaper column entitled “The Children's Corner,” the letter apparently having been submitted as part of some sort of contest. “ Went to a farmhouse to our teas, it was out of the park, and we saw a lot of flowers and a peacock, and it got to the top of the house. We played at rings and pise ball, we went in a waggonette, and we saw a man's and a woman's head made of stone.”

Sources

Leeds Times, Aug. 19, 1893, p. 2

English Baseball in Suffolk on August 19 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 19, 1893
Location Suffolk
Data

"Baseball" was again played at Orwell Park in Nacton, Suffolk, this time at the first annual outing of about 100 children belonging to the Ipswich Junior Foresters of the Ancient Order of Foresters, of whom Capt. E.G. Pretyman was an honorable member: "On arrival at Orwell Park a good dinner was served, after which the boys adjourned for the afternoon amusements, which consisted of cricket, football, baseball, swings, etc."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, Aug. 19, 1893, p. 3

English Baseball in Surrey on August 26 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 26, 1893
Location Surrey
Data

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was played on the grounds of Burstow Hall in the village of Burstow, Surrey on an outing by members of the Horley (Surrey) branch of the Y.W.C.A. “Tea was partaken of in the open at five o'clock, and afterwards, until seven o'clock, the beautiful grounds were inspected and games of cricket, baseball, &c. indulged in”

Sources

Surrey Mirror, Aug. 26, 1893, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on December 9 1893

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, December 9, 1893
Location Suffolk
Data

The game of "base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper column complaining about the fencing off and posting of "no trespassing" signs by the town council at the "Old Recreation Ground," a popular play field on the banks of the river Orwell in Ipswich, Suffolk: "For several years past the youngsters have here, unchecked by frown of officious caretaker in brass buttons, indulged in the hearty enjoyment of their games of cricket, football, base-ball, and many other healthful pastimes which are the delight of every true juvenile Briton. Here were no trees to damage, no grass on which they might not tread, no flowers to pluck, no seats to damage, and consequently they were left entirely alone, unable to do any kind of mischief, as there was nothing they could possibly harm. No wonder, then, that when the schools were closed this patch of ground became a perfect elysium to the liberated youngsters."

Notes

Even at this very late date, describing baseball as a pastime that is a delight of every true juvenile Briton makes it evident that this is a reference to the original English form of the game.

Sources

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, Dec. 9, 1893, p. 5

English Baseball in London in 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1894
Location London
Data

A “base-ball” court in an 18th century London debtors' prison received mention in a novel by Henrietta Kiddie, a well-known and prolific 19th century Scottish writer. In the story, the eponymous wellborn heroine visits her debtor husband in one of the dank prisons of Southwark, in London. The story continues: “She knew every grimly solid piece of furniture in the receiving room; which was at least spacious enough for the various incongruous groups that were wont to be congregated there; she could have made her progress unguided, as she went—the tall, nodding feathers in her beaver hat adding to her height, her train drawn through her pocket-hole—smilingly picking her way in her high heeled shoes past the base-ball court and the skittle ground, acknowledging the humble salutations made to her with the unwearying affability of one born to state and condescension.”

Sources

Lady Jean's Vagaries, anon. (Henrietta Keddie), London, 1894, Richard Bentley and Son, p. 142

English Baseball in Northumberland on March 31 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, March 31, 1894
Location Northumberland
Data

“Baseball” was among the games played at the annual outdoor gathering of students and teachers of the “North Seaton Weseylan (sic) Sunday School” at a field in the village of North Seaton, Northumberland: “They met at the school, where the children were presented by their teachers with two oranges each, after which they marched to the above field, where the fun started. The smaller scholars ran races for nuts and sweets, given by their teachers, and the girls contested by skipping for their share. Some amused themselves with the football, and some with the game of baseball, also some with kissing-ring.”

Sources

Morpeth (Northum- berland) Herald, March 31, 1894, p. 3

English Baseball in Northumberland on May 19 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 19, 1894
Location Northumberland
Data

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was listed on the advance program for the upcoming North of England Temperance Festival to be held on the Town Moor in Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland: “...it appears there will be military sports, open sports, kite contests, games for the deaf and dumb, base-ball, children's games, cricket, other sports, and public meetings.

Sources

Newcastle Courant, May 19, 1894, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on June 9 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 9, 1894
Location Suffolk
Data

"Base ball" was again played at the annual ride of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Bicycle Club that included a leisurely outing at Orwell Park: "A cricket match was played, when Mr. Smith's side beat Mr. Pepplewell's side by five runs and five wickets. Bowls, lawn tennis, and base ball were also freely indulged in, and an exceptionally jolly afternoon was spent."

Sources

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, June 9, 1894, p. 3

English Baseball in West Sussex on June 30 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 30, 1894
Location West Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by members of the Juvenile Temple of “Try Again” Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars of Littlehampton, West Sussex, at their annual outing held at the tea gardens in the village of Goring. A newspaper reported that: “After indulging in various amusements, including cricket, base ball, etc., the party partook of tea, and commenced the return journey, a very enjoyable day having been spent.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, June 30, 1894, P. 6

English Baseball in Cambridgeshire on July 7 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 7, 1894
Location Cambridgeshire
Data

“Base ball” was again played by adults attending the annual festival for Baptist Sunday Schools in Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire. According to a newspaper report, “In the evening the children scrambled for nuts, sweets, and biscuits, and ran races for prizes while their elders indulged in round tag, base ball, and other popular games until dark.”

Sources

Ampthill & District News (Bedfordshire), July 7, 1894, p. 8

English Baseball in Sussex on July 26 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 26, 1894
Location Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was among the sports chosen by some newspaper employees of the Brighton Gazette of East Sussex who were participating their annual “wayzgoose,” which is a traditional outing unique to printers. According to a report in their own newspaper, “a party of about twenty took advantages of a trio of conveyances and journeyed to Arundel (West Sussex). It proved a most pleasant drive through beautiful scenery, which was much enjoyed, while a comfortable tea was partaken of at the 'Black Rabbit,' on the Arun bank. Others of the company preferred to play quoits, cricket, bat and trap, or base ball.”

Sources

Brighton Gazette, July 26, 1894, p. 6

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 26 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 26, 1894
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was played at the second annual outing to the village of Finchdean, Hampshire, for employees of the Paragon Bakery of Portsmouth and their families. “The party proceeded to Finchdean in a brake, and, the weather being fine, an enjoyable holiday was spent. Cricket, baseball, and other games were played, and tea was served at the George Inn.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, July 26, 1894, p. 2

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on July 27 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 27, 1894
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the entertainments for students attending the Congregational Sunday School of Burnham, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat. According to a newspaper report, after traveling to a park, “cake was distributed amongst the children, who then made off for play. All kinds of diversion could be indulged in. Some played cricket, others base-ball, etc.”

Sources

South Bucks Standard (Wycombe), July 27, 1894, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on August 4 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 4, 1894
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was enjoyed members of the “Mothers' Meeting,” a group of mothers who supervised the Girls' Friendly Society of Hannington, a village in Hampshire between Basingstoke and Newbury. The Mothers had been invited to tea at the local Rectory to honor them for their work on the day following a similar event that had been held for the children in their care, including students of the local Sunday and Day Schools. At the children's event, the amusements included rounders, tug-of-war and races. However, at the adult event, a newspaper reported that, following their tea, “'the Mothers' entered with the greatest zest into some of the old games of their childhood—base ball, oranges-and-lemons, &c., and enjoyed them even more than their little ones had done the day before.”

Notes

Clear distinction between rounders and English baseball.

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, Aug. 4, 1894, p. 6

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on August 17 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 17, 1894
Location Bedfordshire
Data

“Base ball” was one of the activities enjoyed by members of the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, at a “rambling picnic.” A newspaper report stated that “all kinds of games were indulged in, including base-ball, blind man's buff, tugs of war, &c.”

Sources

Luton Times and Advertiser, Aug. 17, 1894, p. 5

English Baseball in BedfordshireBucks on September 21 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 21, 1894
Location BedfordshireBucks
Data

It was reported that “base ball” was among the amusements offered at the annual outing for members of the choir of the Park Street Baptist Chapel of Luton, Bedfordshire. For their outing they traveled more than three hours to Aston Clinton, the lavish residence of Lord Battersea who had gained the property from his late father-in-law, Baron Anthony de Rothschild: “After partaking of a luncheon in the pavilion, . . . the party enjoyed themselves by playing cricket, base ball, &c., and rambling through the grounds.”

Sources

Luton Times and Advertiser, Sept. 21, 1894, p. 5

English Baseball in Sutherland (Scottish Highlands) on September 25 1894

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, September 25, 1894
Location Sutherland (Scottish Highlands)
Data

“Base-ball,” surprisingly, was one of the games played by students attending the Free Church Sabbath Schools of Rogart, a small village in the Scottish Highlands, at their annual summer treat. According to a report in an Inverness newspaper, “After tea, all set off to the glebe, where a most pleasant afternoon was spent in skipping, playing base-ball, running exercises, and other games.”

Notes

English baseball so far north is unusual, but still it is unlikely that this was an American-style game.

Sources

Inverness Courier, Sept. 25, 1894, p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire, West Sussex on April 13 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 13, 1895
Location Hampshire, West Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was played by men and women of several bicycling clubs from Portsmouth, Hampshire, who enjoyed a day's excursion to the village of Rowland Castle on the Hampshire-West Sussex border. “Altogether there could not have been fewer than 100 wheelmen at the village,” reported a newspaper, “and the place was en fete in the afternoon when base ball and other games were held on The Green.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, April 13, 1895, p. 3

English Baseball in Nottinghamshire on May 18 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, May 18, 1895
Location Nottinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was played at the annual treat for students of the Board School of Cropwell Bishop, a village in Notttinghamshire. Journeying to the grounds of a local stately home that had been lent to them for the occasion, “the young people quickly commenced their various games of cricket, skipping, base-ball, &c.”

Sources

Grantham (Lincoln-shire) Journal, May 18, 1895, p. 3

English Baseball in Suffolk/Norfolk on June 15 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 15, 1895
Location Suffolk/Norfolk
Data

“Base ball” was one of several games enjoyed by employees of the King Street Old Brewery of Norwich, Norfolk, on their annual outing which this year took them by river boat, first to the small village of Bramerton about five miles south of Norwich, and then on to historic Coldham Hall in Suffolk. According to a newspaper report: “Here various games were indulged in, including cricket, base ball, tug of war, and walking the greasy pole for a pig.”

Sources

Eastern Evening News (Norwich), June 15, 1895, p. 4

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 19 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, June 19, 1895
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Baseball” was listed as one of the activities enjoyed by children attending the Congregational Sunday School of Burnham, a small village in southern Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat held in the nearby woodland of Burnham Beeches. A newspaper reported that “soon after their arrival various diversions were entered into—cricket, baseball, French tag &c.”

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, June 19, 1895, p 8.

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 20 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 20, 1895
Location Hampshire
Data

“Baseball” was played at an excursion by members of the Portsmouth police force, along with friends and family to the number of 300, to the village of Brockenhurst, Hampshire, in the New Forest area. “Tea was served early in the afternoon, the tables being laid in a large marquee in the park; and here, under the shade of the majestic trees beautifying Mr. Morant's estate, the policemen and their friends afterwards engaged in various sports, cricket, baseball, and races for the children included in the programme.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, June 20, 1895, p. 2

English Baseball in East Yorkshire on June 24 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, June 24, 1895
Location East Yorkshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the games played at a grand outing to Weldon Dale in East Yorkshire that was provided for the students of the Hull Deaf and Dumb Institution: “Here, after the luncheon had been partaken of on the slopes commanding views of the Humber and the Lincolnshire coast, cricket, base ball, tennis, and other exercises were heartily indulged in until about 3.30, when the whole party left the Dale.”

Sources

Hull Daily Mail, June 24, 1895, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire on July 17 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 17, 1895
Location Buckinghamshire, Berkshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the games played by children attending the “Brethren” Sunday school of Maidenhead, Berkshire, on a half-day outing to the Burnham Beeches woodland in nearby Bucks. A newspaper reported that “About eighty children and friends started arriving in conveyances at about 1 o'clock, and arriving at the Beeches various games, including cricket, baseball, skipping, &c., were indulged in, after which tea was provided.”

Notes

The “Brethren” could refer to any one of several religious organizations that adopted that title.

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, July 17, 1895, p 3.

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 24 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 24, 1895
Location Berkshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played at a summer treat hosted for the more than 600 students of the St Luke's Sunday Schools of Maidenhead, Berkshire. After marching through town to the Crauford College meadow, the children played a variety of games and then had tea. Afterwards, according to a newspaper report, “cricket, base-ball, racing, &c., occupied the evening till about 8 p.m., and the playing of 'God save the Queen' brought a most successful school treat to a close.”

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, July 24, 1895, p 8.

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 3 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 3, 1895
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was one of the games enjoyed at the annual treat of the St. Paul's Church Sunday School of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: “A short service was held at St. Paul's, and on leaving the church various games—cricket, baseball, &c.--were indulged in till the drum called the children to tea.”

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 3, 1895, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 10 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 10, 1895
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base-ball” and rounders were played by some of the many visitors to a day-long event in Seer Green, a village in south Buckinghamshire, an event that was primarily focused on an exhibition of flowers, vegetables, needlework and knitting. A newspaper reported that “Cricket, base-ball and rounders, and other games were freely indulged in during the afternoon, while later in the evening a successful series of athletic sports were carried out.”

Sources

Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette. Aug. 10, 1895, p. 5

English Baseball in Kent on September 6 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 6, 1895
Location Kent
Data

“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by members of the Conservative Associations of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, Kent, held at The Home Farm in Colebrook Park just outside of Tunbridge Wells. Following a cricket match between the two clubs, a newspaper reported that: “Many of the visitors indulged in rounders, base ball, and quoits, while others preferred a stroll through the hop garden, and inspected the crop which appeared to be thriving remarkably well.”

Sources

Kent & Sussex Courier (Tunbridge Wells), Sept. 6, 1895, p. 8

English Baseball in Wales on November 29 1895

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, November 29, 1895
Location Wales
Data

An indication that “base ball” was played historically against walls in Wales was conveyed in a Gloucestershire newspaper column that related a story about a Methodist Englishman bicycling in Wales on a Sunday who found an otherwise Sabbath-observing Welshman willing to repair his broken bicycle. The columnist went on to write: “The above true anecdote reminds me of a fact that was impressed on my memory last summer that in 'ye olden times' Welshmen were not so straight-laced as regards Sunday observance, as instanced by the fact that churchyards still show that the sacred edifice was used as the wall against which base ball or fives were played; and that in the walls of old fabrics are to be found niches into which a football would be put during divine services, but as soon as the service was over there was generally a rush among the young men for the ball—the game being played in the churchyard.”

Sources

Stroud News and Gloucestershire Advertiser, Nov. 29, 1895, p. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 11 1896

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 11, 1896
Location Berkshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the entertainments offered children of the Carey Sunday School of Reading, Berkshire, at their annual summer outing. A newspaper reported that “useful prizes were given to the scholars for racing, &c. Others indulged in donkey rides, cricket, football, baseball and other amusements.”

Sources

Reading Observer, July 11, 1896, p. 5

English Baseball in Oxfordshire on July 23 1896

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 23, 1896
Location Oxfordshire
Data

“Baseball” was among the entertainments offered to students of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Hook Norton, an Oxfordshire village near the Cotswolds, at their annual treat. Tea was provided upon the lawn, according to a newspaper report, and then following some hymns and speeches, the students “returned to the field where racing, pony rides, swings, baseball, cricket, and (notwithstanding the heat) football were vigorously pursued, closing with an amusing tug of war”

Notes

Given the context, this was more likely English baseball than American

Sources

Banbury Advertiser, July 23, 1896, p. 5

English Baseball in West Sussex/Surrey on July 7 1897

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 7, 1897
Location West Sussex/Surrey
Data

A “base-ball” match between teams made up of men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, was part of a sports day held at the “North Camp,” a locale that may have been in either Sussex or Surrey (see note). The day's program included a series of running and specialty races, and then, according to a newspaper report, “during an interval Messrs. Brewer and Bott game some clever examples of step-dancing. A base-ball match took place between Officers and Sergeants, the teams being composed as follows: Officers.--Captain Crawford, Lieutenants Griffin, David, Crawley-Boevey, Richards, Bazett, and Surgeon-Captain Winter, A.M.S. Sergeants.--Colour-Sergeants Willis, Wayman, Sergeants Plews, Weston, G. Kemp, Eldgridge, and Brewer. The latter team won after a close and exciting game by seven points to five.”

Notes

The location of this match is unclear. The article states it took place at the “North Camp,” which research suggests was part of the Aldershot military encampment in Surrey. Yet other indications in the article, including its headline, seem to place the activity in Broadwater, a village near Worthing on the West Sussex coast. It is more likely that the type of baseball being played here was of the original English variety rather than American, given that the score was tallied by points rather than runs, and that the teams were comprised of seven players each. And whether the venue was in Surrey or Sussex, it fell within the traditional territory of English baseball.

Sources

Worthing Gazette (West Sussex), July 7, 1897, p. 3

English Baseball in Wiltshire on August 7 1897

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 7, 1897
Location Wiltshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played at the annual treat for sunday school students of the Wesleyan Chapels of Swindon, Wiltshire. After marching to a nearby park, the children “enjoyed themselves with swinging, cricket, base-ball, and other suitable games.”

Sources

Swindon Advertiser and North Wilts Chronicle, Aug. 7, 1897, p. 4

English Baseball in London in 1898

Block Game English Baseball
Date 1898
Location London
Data

“Base-ball” was recommended as one of the games suitable for girls by the author of a handbook on rescue work directed at “missionaries, superintendents of homes, committees, clergy, and others.” Within his section on activities for girls, he wrote: “In summer-time it is well in the evenings, when circumstances favour it, to let them have games in the garden such as Base-ball, Oranges and Lemons, Tick, Puss in the Corner, Nuts in May, etc., after the work is done.”

Sources

Hints on Rescue Work, by Arthur J.S. Maddison, Reformatory and Rescue Union, London, 1898, pp. 159-160

Ball Bias in Kent/London in 1898

Block Game Ball Bias
Date 1898
Location Kent/London
Data

“Ball-bias” was briefly defined in The English Dialect Dictionary in an entry provided by a correspondent from Kent. “Ken. Ball-bias, a running game, much like 'rounders,' played with a ball.”

Sources

The English Dialect Dictionary, Vol. I, by Joseph Wright, London, 1898, H. Frowde, p. 143

English Baseball in Surrey on June 18 1898

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 18, 1898
Location Surrey
Data

“Base ball” was played by holiday makers of every age when members of the Kingston Total Abstinence Society enjoyed a summer outing to St. Ann's Hill in Chertsey, Surrey. After traveling from Kingston in a large char-a-banc, the party arrived at the lovely hilltop park and promptly sat down for a tea. In the words of a writer covering the event: “Whether due to the exhilarating effect of the atmosphere or to the influence of the beverage just partaken of, after tea nearly all of the company from about three score years downwards became suddenly imbued with the taste for base ball and other games, keeping them alive till after 7 o'clock.”

Notes

At the time, Kingston-on-Thames was in Surrey; now it is part of greater London. The location of St. Ann's Hill was just five miles west of Walton-on-Thames where Prince Frederick played baseball nearly 150 years earlier.

Sources

Surrey Comet, June 18, 1898, p. 3

English Baseball in London on July 16 1898

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 16, 1898
Location London
Data

“Baseball” was one of the games played by some of the 450 children participating in the Providence Sunday School Festival in the Uxbridge area of far northwest London. A newspaper report described the roundabouts and swings that had been erected for the youngsters, then added: “Besides these never-failing amusements, for they were full all day, there were games of all sorts, including cricket, baseball, &c.”

Sources

Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette. July 16, 1898, p. 4

Tut Ball in West Sussex on August 1 1898

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Monday, August 1, 1898
Location West Sussex
Data

“Touch ball” was mentioned in newspaper coverage of a court case where an injunction was sought against a boys' camp for using the village green of Wisborough-Green, West Sussex, as its playground. The article reported that the plaintiff's (the chairman of the parish council) complaint of nuisance appeared to be that on one occasion a cricket ball passed very near his bicycle, and on another occasion, while playing at touch ball, the ball went very near his white horse.”

Sources

London Evening Standard, Aug. 6, 1898, p. 3

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 2 1898

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, September 2, 1898
Location Suffolk
Data

“Baseball” was mentioned in a nostalgic poem published in a Diss, Norfolk, newspaper about an aging workman returning to the location of his childhood home in the north Suffolk village of Redgrave and wallowing in sadness both because the signs of his boyhood had largely disappeared and yet the plight of working people had not improved. It's title is “Doggerel Lines by the Son of a Labourer,” and this is the first stanza: “Now 64 years from my own native home, Had a wish to visit once more The haunts of my childhood, I longed to roam Recalling the days of yore; I know all the places, and names can tell Where we played at the close of each day, Baseball, prison bars, and cricket as well, Quite green in my mind now I'm grey.”

Notes

Given that this is a reminiscence of some 50 years earlier, there is no doubt the reference is to English baseball.

Sources

Diss (Norfolk) Express, Sept. 2, 1898, p. 5

English Baseball in London on September 3 1898

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 3, 1898
Location London
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the pastimes played by the young people of the Hackney Wick Wesleyan Band of Hope of Hackney (northeast London) on their annual excursion to Hainault retreat. A newspaper reported that after arriving at their destination, “donkey rides, swings, etc. were then indulged in.” This was followed by a tea and “a ramble through the woods.” During the evening, the story continued, “nearly 30 prizes were competed for in running, skipping, three-legged and other races, the elder ones indulging in base-ball.”

Notes

The late date and the London location might imply American baseball, but the fact the participants were children suggests the strong possibility they were playing the English game.

Sources

Shoreditch (Hackney) Observer, Sept. 3, 1898, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on June 24 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 24, 1899
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

It was reported that "baseball" was enjoyed by students of the Baptist Sunday School of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat: "On the following day (Monday), the annual treat was given to the scholars in a field kindly lent by Mr. T. Bailey. The scholars met early in the afternoon, and at once commenced the day's enjoyment with baseball and other games."

Sources

Bucks Herald, June 24, 1899, p.6

English Baseball in Hertfordshire on June 24 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 24, 1899
Location Hertfordshire
Data

“Base ball” was enjoyed by students of the Union Chapel Sunday-school of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, at their annual outing. A newspaper noted that “Racing, cricket, base ball, and numerous other pastimes were participated in, till the tea-bell found their appetites whetted.”

Sources

Herts Advertiser (St. Albans), June 24, 1899, p. 8

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 1 1899 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 1, 1899
Location Hampshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by children attending the Sunday School connected to the All Saints Church of Fleet, a town in eastern Hampshire, at their annual summer outing to nearby Odiham Woods. A newspaper reported that “on arrival all were regaled with refreshments, after which they soon dispersed, some to find enjoyment in the various glades and shady nooks so abundant there, some to enjoy a game of cricket, some to the swings which had been quickly fastened up, while games of baseball &c., were indulged in by others.”

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, July 1, 1899, p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 1 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 1, 1899
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the games enjoyed by members and friends of the Independent Order of Good Templars of Basingstoke, Hampshire, at their summer outing. According to a newspaper report, the party consisted of 45 adults and 30 children, and that “cricket, base-ball, and other amusements were freely indulged in during the afternoon and evening.”

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, July 1, 1899, p. 5

English Baseball in East Sussex on July 14 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 14, 1899
Location East Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was part of a “mixed game” played by members of the Lewes (East Sussex) Cyclist Club as part of a day's outing to the village of Newick, also in East Sussex. After enjoying a strawberry tea and hearing some remarks from a club officer in a marquee set up in a meadow behind the King's Head public house, “a move was then made, and various amusements indulged in, which included a mixed game of cricket, base ball, twos and threes, &c. Soon after 8.0. (sic) p.m., machines were out out and a start made for home.”

Notes

“Twos and threes” is a sort of tag game with players arranged in circles. It goes by several other names, including round tag, tersy (tarsy), and thursa.

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 14, 1899, p. 4

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 14 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 14, 1899
Location Suffolk
Data

A “base-ball” game made for a nice diversion for members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Cruisers Cycling Club in the middle of their round-trip day outing to the village of Scole on the Suffolk-Norfolk border. A newspaper reported that after the party arrived at their midpoint in Scole and enjoyed a “substantial tea,” they “adjourned to the courtyard [of an inn], sides being picked for a game of base-ball.”

Notes

This being Suffolk, the game was probably English baseball

Sources

Diss (Norfolk) Express, July 14, 1899, p. 4

English Baseball in Kent on July 14 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 14, 1899
Location Kent
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the games played at a high school charity “Strawberry Fete” held in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, to benefit the Children's Country Holiday Fund that enabled poor London children to spend a fortnight in the countryside. Held on the grounds of a hotel, “a large table loaded with strawberries and cream was under the trees in the centre of the ground, and ices could not be made fast enough to supply the demand, Base-ball and rounders were played very energetically by the High School girls; potato, egg and spoon, sum, and needle and thread races, open to all comers, were very popular, and afforded much amusement to the visitors.”

Notes

An example of English baseball and rounders played side by side. Interestingly, this entry and the one below comprise two strawberry-themed events held on the same day.

Sources

Kent & Sussex Courier (Tunbridge Wells), July 14, 1899, p. 5

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 14 1899 (2)

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 14, 1899
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base ball” was among the amusements offered to youngsters at the united and annual treat held by the Diss Friends' Sunday School in conjunction with the Roydon and Diss Heywood Young People's Meeting at a farm near Diss, Norfolk. A newspaper reported that after the groups met up at the farm, “hearty cheers were given as the field games were entered upon, which included swings, cricket, base ball, football, high jumping, racking balloons, scrambling, &c.”

Sources

Diss (Norfolk) Express, July 14, 1899, p. 4

English Baseball in Norfolk on July 29 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 29, 1899
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base-ball” was among the games played at a united outdoor gathering of the Bands of Hope of Stow Bardolph, a village in eastern Norfolk. According to a report in a local newspaper, “sports and amusements, including cricket, a scramble for nuts and sweets, swings, base-ball, and other games, were enjoyed until the hour for tea arrived, at 4 p.m.”

Sources

Thetford & Watton Times, July 29, 1899, p. 4

English Baseball in West Sussex Hampshire on July 31 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, July 31, 1899
Location West Sussex Hampshire
Data

A “base ball” match was the featured game at an outing of employees of Mr. W. Beuttell, whose gas fitting business was located in the Landport district of Portsmouth, Hampshire. The employees were driven in a “char-a-banc” (sic), an early motorized vehicle, to the coastal village of Bosham in West Sussex. After having their tea in a hotel, “the party adjourned to a spacious meadow opposite, where games were indulged in including a match at base ball between married and single.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, July 31, 1899, p. 3

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 26 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 26, 1899
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

"Base ball" was one of the amusements enjoyed by members of the Band of Hope (affiliated with the Baptist Church of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire) at their annual treat: "After an excellent tea, games were freely indulged in, such as base ball, bat and trap, &c., the older folk apparently enjoying the fun quite as much as the youngsters."

Sources

Bucks Herald, Aug. 26, 1899, p. 6

English Baseball in Suffolk on September 2 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 2, 1899
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” and other games were played at the annual Church Sunday School treat in the village of Ousden, located in west Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, “after the distribution of prizes, which consisted of Church services, hymn and prayer books, as well as other suitable books, the children adjourned for games of cricket, base-ball, tug-of-war, and other sports.”

Sources

Bury Free Press, Sept. 2, 1899, p. 7

English Baseball in Berkshire on September 30 1899

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, September 30, 1899
Location Berkshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the pastimes offered to a large party of guests entertained by Lord and Lady Edward Spencer-Churchill at their estate, Queensmead, in the royal town of Windsor, Berkshire. This seemingly democratic gathering included--according to a local newspaper report—policemen, postmen, porters, telegraph boys, and others, as well as their wives. The paper reported that “the visitors arrived shortly after three o'clock, and foregathered on the lawn, where numerous games were indulged in. There were plenty of easy chairs for those who did not care to play at either tennis, cricket, baseball, etc.”

Notes

American baseball is a possibility here, although Windsor was smack in the middle of traditional English baseball territory.

Sources

Windsor and Eton Express, Sept. 30, 1899, p. 5

English Baseball in Berkshire on January 6 1900

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, January 6, 1900
Location Berkshire
Data

He was only playing “base ball” was the excuse given by a boy accused of assaulting a woman in the town of Reading, Berkshire. A newspaper reported on testimony at a court proceeding where “the defendant said he struck the complainant accidentally as he was playing base ball. They had to touch a base and this happened to be close to Mrs Simon's step.” The court rejected the excuse and fined the defendant 10 shillings or 7 days imprisonment.

Sources

Berkshire Chronicle, Jan 6, 1900, p. 3

English Baseball in Hampshire on May 14 1900

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, May 14, 1900
Location Hampshire
Data

A newspaper reported that several young men were fined for playing “baseball” on the Isle of Wight. “BASEBALL IN THE STREET. Edward McGabey, Bertie Knapp, Jas. Hayles, Ernest Chiverton and Wm. Taylor, East Cowes apprentices, were each fined 1s. and 4s. costs for playing baseball in Park-street, East Cowes, where windows and street lamps were stated to have been broken.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, May 14, 1900, p. 2

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 11 1900

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, June 11, 1900
Location Hampshire
Data

Under the same title “BASEBALL IN THE STREET” as in the above entry, another group of youths were fined for playing baseball, this time in Portsmouth: “Ernest Taylor, 15, Albert Ball, 15, George Smart, 17, and George Eisey, 17, were charged with playing baseball in Willis-road on the 3rd, and were mulcted in a penalty of 1s. each.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, June 11, 1900, p. 3

English Baseball in Shropshire on August 17 1900

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 17, 1900
Location Shropshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played by children whose families were inmates or staff of the Ludlow Workhouse in Ludlow, Shropshire, on the occasion of the annual public sale of goods manufactured by the inmates. According to a newspaper report, a tea was provided in the workhouse for attendees, and then “shortly after five the children were brought to the Castle Green under the charge of [the assistant matron], and were soon engaged in cricket, base-ball, tennis and foot racing.”

Notes

Shropshire was not a typical venue for English baseball. It is also true that Ludlow was not far distant from some of the first clubs organized to play American style baseball in England. Yet there is no evidence that children had begun playing the American game this early.

Sources

Shrewsbury Chronicle, Aug. 17, 1900

English Baseball in Surrey on December 7 1900

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, December 7, 1900
Location Surrey
Data

A “base-ball” captain was one of the officers elected at the annual meeting of Monotype Athletic Club of Salfords, Surrey. A newspaper reported that Mr. W. Denning was recipient of this honor, joined by other individuals who were chosen captains for football, cricket, tennis and cycling respectively.

Notes

Given the formality of this election, it is possible the club was playing American-style baseball, notwithstanding that the original English game was still being practiced in Surrey and other southern English counties at the time. The Monotype Athletic Club appears to be have been succeeded long ago by the current Perrywood Sports and Social Club of Salfords.

Sources

Surrey Mirror, Dec. 7, 1900, p. 7

English Baseball in London on July 13 1901

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 13, 1901
Location London
Data

“Base ball” was played by boys attending the Sunday School connected to the Working Lads' Institute in the Whitechapel district of east London on an excursion to a retreat in Chingford in northeast London. According to a newspaper story: “Everything was done to help the children to have a happy day. Some were sent for donkey rides, some for brake rides, some put in swings, and such games as football, skipping rope, base ball, and hunt in the Woods were engaged in.”

Notes

American baseball by organized clubs of adult men were already known in London by this date, but these players were young children at my guess is that they were playing the traditional form of the game.

Sources

East London Observer, Muly 13, 1901, p. 5

English Baseball in Norfolk on August 31 1901

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 31, 1901
Location Norfolk
Data

“Base-ball” was enjoyed by members of the church choir of the small market town of Acle, Norfolk, at an event hosted by the rector and his wife. A newspaper reported that “after tea, croquet, tennis, and base-ball were much enjoyed, until darkness set in.”

Sources

Norfolk Chronicle, Aug. 31, 1901, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 7 1902

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 7, 1902
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base-ball” and rounders were among the games played by school children in the village of Oakley in Hampshire when school was cancelled and a celebration begun after news of peace in the South African war had arrived. A newspaper reported that “a band of ringers were summoned and the Church bells rang out their joyful and rejoicing sounds in honour of the glad event. The school children were engaged in games of cricket, rounders, base-ball, &c., with their teachers for the morning, and at 12 o'clock some very hearty and lusty cheers were raised.”

Notes

Another example of baseball and rounders played side by side. Oakley, near Basingstoke, is less than three miles from Jane Austen's home village of Steventon.

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, June 7, 1902, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on July 19 1902

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 19, 1902
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was played at the annual treat for students of the Sunday School connected to the Free Methodist Church of Framlingham, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “Having met at two o'clock at the School Room, they marched with flags flying up to Hill Farm, where Mr. Brown placed a newly mown meadow at their service. Swinging, cricket, base-ball, up-and-down, trap and bat, racing and scrambling were among the pastimes indulged in.”

Sources

Framlingham Weekly News, July 19, 1902, p. 4

English Baseball in Berkshire on July 23 1902

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, July 23, 1902
Location Berkshire
Data

The playing of “base-ball” was part of complaint lodged in a letter to the editor of a newspaper written by a citizen who objected to the “indecorous and unseemly behaviour of big boys” in a local park in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Sunday afternoons and evenings. “The shouting and behaviour generally are most reprehensible,” he wrote, “and should not be tolerated on a Sunday in any well-conducted town. Base-ball, cricket, and football are played as if Sunday were a Bank Holiday, and to those of us who reside within sight of the park it is positively painful and decidedly annoying.”

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, July 23, 1902, p 6.

Tut Ball in Staffordshire on August 12 1902

Block Game Tut Ball
Date Tuesday, August 12, 1902
Location Staffordshire
Data

A young adult novel set in the Staffordshire potteries district described “tut-ball” as one of the games organized by one of the teachers at a school treat : “Another diversion which he always took care to organise was the three-legged race for boys. Also, he usually joined in the tut-ball, a quaint game which owes its surprising longevity to the fact that it is equally proper for both sexes. Within half an hour the treat was in full career; football, cricket, rounders, tick, leap-frog, prison-bars, and round games transformed the field into a vast arena of complicated struggles and emulations.”

Notes

Clearly, tut-ball was considered a separate game from rounders in this locale. The “five towns” referred to in the title are fictional stand-ins for the six towns of the Staffordshire potteries district.

Sources

Anna of the Five Towns, by Arnold Bennett, London, 1902, Chatto & Windus, p. 205

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on August 12 1902

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 12, 1902
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

“Base ball” was enjoyed at an annual treat for students of the Church Sunday School of Ivinghoe, a village in Buckinghamshire near the borders of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. According to a newspaper report, after gathering at the school, “a procession was formed and marched to the Vicarage Field where cricket, base ball, and other games were played until tea was served.”

Sources

Bedford Record, Aug. 12, 1902, p. 4

English Baseball in East Yorkshire on August 12 1902

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, August 12, 1902
Location East Yorkshire
Data

"Baseball" was named in a news story as possibly contributing to a young woman's death in the town of Hessle, East Yorkshire. Appearing under the heading "Playing at Base Ball" was the following: "The tragic death of Edith Eliza Fennellow (21), 9, John-street, Hull, at the Cliff, Humber-side, Hessle, on Saturday, formed the subject of an inquiry at the Admiral Hawke Hotel, Hessle, on Monday. She had gone for a stroll, and was playing baseball when she fell and expired. Dr. S. H. Johnson testified that death was due to syncope, and a verdict of 'Natural causes' was returned."

Sources

Hull Daily Mail, Aug. 12, 1902, p. 2

Pize Ball in West Yorkshire on March 23 1903

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Monday, March 23, 1903
Location West Yorkshire
Data

A newspaper writer worked the term “pise-ball” into a critical newspaper report of a football game between the Hunslet club of Leeds, West Yorkshire, and the Oldham club of Manchester. In an apparent putdown of the home club, he wrote: “Then again, the passing of the Hunslet backs resembled pise-ball more than anything else.”

Sources

Leeds Mercury, March 23, 1903, p. 8

English Baseball in Buckinghamshire on April 11 1903

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, April 11, 1903
Location Buckinghamshire
Data

A complaint about “base-ball” was leveled by a councilman in the town of Buckingham, Bucks, as part of his motion to stop the play of various games on Church Hill in the nearby village of Akeley. According to a newspaper report, he proposed that “no football, hockey, cricket, or dangerous games be allowed on the Church Hill.” He argued that these game endangered mothers walking with young children, and the elderly. Regarding the players, “he was not now speaking of the little lads, but of older boys, 14 or 15 years of age, and he was sorry to say that their language was at times very bad. The other day they were playing base-ball at the east entrance to the Hill, and the ball hit the grand east window, and if it had not been for the wire-netting with which it was protected the stained glass would have been broken.”

Notes

Possibly American baseball, although there is little evidence it had replaced the original English version in Bucks by that date

Sources

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, April 11, 1903, p. 2

English Baseball in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire on July 16 1903

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 16, 1903
Location Oxfordshire, Warwickshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played by members and friends of the Wanderers Athletic Club of Banbury, Oxfordshire, on an outing and picnic held at Edge Hill in southern Warwickshire. After arriving at their destination, according to a newspaper report, “At the Tea Gardens a cricket match was played between ladies and gentlemen, the ladies being victorious by three runs. Base-ball and other amusements were also entered into with spirit, and the natural beauties of the historic neighborhood also claimed attention.”

Sources

Banbury Advertiser, July 16, 1903, p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 25 1903

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 25, 1903
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was among many activities enjoyed by youngsters attending the Children's Festival of the Co-Operative Society of Basingstoke, Hampshire. According to a newspaper account of the festivities, the large party proceeded by foot to the festival site where “arriving at the meadow the tent which had been erected for the disposal of minerals, cakes, sweets, etc., was stormed by thirsty children, and those waiting upon them had a very lively time of it. Games were indulged in for a time, such as cricket, base ball, etc., and there were swings erected for those who were thus inclined.”

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, July 25, 1903, p. 5

English Baseball in Bedfordshire on June 21 1904

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, June 21, 1904
Location Bedfordshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played as part of large garden party held in conjunction with the Ladies' Sewing Society associated with the Wesleyan Chapel of Grovebury, a neighborhood of Leighton Buzzard, a town in Bedfordshire. Newspaper coverage noted that “the tennis court was continually occupied by exponents of the popular summer game, whilst bowls and 'bumble puppy,' or 'tether ball' as it is sometimes called, each attracted their moiety of devotees. Tea was provided in the large games room behind the house, a tasty and satisfying meal being enjoyed by all, and at its conclusion an adjournment was made by the young folk to a field near by, where base-ball and other open air games made the hours pass all too swiftly.”

Notes

American baseball is a possibility, although there is no previous evidence it being played at this type of social event in this era.

Sources

Leighton Buzzard Observer and Linslade Gazette, June 21, 1904, p. 5

Pize Ball in South Yorkshire on July 25 1904

Block Game Pize Ball
Date Monday, July 25, 1904
Location South Yorkshire
Data

“Pise-ball” was named as one of the games played at the annual excursion for children of the St. Philip's Church of Sheffield, South Yorkshire: “After tea, the children passed an enjoyable afternoon in an adjoining field playing at cricket, pise-ball, skipping, etc.”

Sources

Sheffield Daily Telegraph, July 25, 1904, p. 5

English Baseball in Hampshire on August 25 1904

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, August 25, 1904
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base-ball” was played at the annual outing of “the employes (sic) of Messrs. J.E. Whittle and Co., cycle and motor engineers” of Portsmouth, held at the village of Rowland's Castle, Hampshire: “After the meal, sides were chosen for football, and the match between G. Whittle's team and F. Whittle's resulted in a draw 2-2. During the evening base-ball and various games were played, whilst some strolled into Rowland's Castle.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, Aug. 25, 1904, p. 5

English Baseball in Surrey, Hampshire on August 9 1905

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, August 9, 1905
Location Surrey, Hampshire
Data

A game of “base ball” was one of the activities enjoyed by members and friends of the Mizpah Gospel Mission of Southsea (Portsmouth), Hampshire on their annual outing to Haslemere, located some 35 miles away in Surrey. A newspaper reported that after arriving by train, “the party, headed by the Mizpah brass band, marched to the Congregational Lecture Hall where refreshments were provided, after which the party dispersed, some going for a stroll, while a large number made their way to the recreation ground, where various games were indulged in, including a football and cricket match, and also a good game of base ball.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, August 9, 1905, p. 5

English Baseball in Surrey on August 11 1905

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 11, 1905
Location Surrey
Data

Two boys were charged with playing “baseball' on a public road in Reigate, Surrey, according to a newspaper report: “Robert Gardiner and Percy Frost, two lads, were summoned for playing baseball on the highway. Inspector Jeffrey said that on the 27th ult. He saw defendants playing baseball with other boys in Holmesdale-road. When spoken to they said they were sorry.--Fined 1s. each or seven days' hard labour.”

Sources

Surrey Mirror, Aug. 11, 1905, p. 4

English Baseball in East Sussex on December 1 1905

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, December 1, 1905
Location East Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was mentioned in a local council discussion about the cleanliness of the Whitehill School of Crowborough, East Sussex, as reported in a local newspaper. The medical officer, Mr. Stott, complained the school was not being cleaned adequately. Another participant, Mr. Corfe, “said the schools were swept and cleaned every night. When Mr. Stott called there was a little sand in one of the basins, and that was caused by a child washing its hands after playing baseball. He went to the school after Mr. Stott had left, and he denied that there had been any neglect on the part of the caretaker.”

Sources

Kent & Sussex Courier (Tunbridge Wells), Dec. 1, 1905, p. 8

English Baseball in Suffolk on May 25 1906

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, May 25, 1906
Location Suffolk
Data

“Base-ball” was played by members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Early Closing Cycling and Recreation Club on an outing. According to brief newspaper notice, “[They] cycled to their meadow on Woodbridge Road on Wednesday, for cricket, base-ball, etc.”

Sources

Evening Star (Ipswich), May 26, 1906, p. 4

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 2 1906

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 2, 1906
Location Hampshire
Data

A game of “baseball” was played by some of the 200 students of the Council Schools of Basingstoke, Hampshire, as part of their “Summer Ramble,” an annual field trip to the countryside to study nature and play games. A newspaper reporter accompanied the party, and in his ensuing story described how the students took a long nature walk, and then “westward we go, till close to the school, hidden in its clump of trees, we find the much desired spot and soon sides are chosen and cricket and baseball are in full swing.”

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, June 2, 1906, p. 6

English Baseball in Surrey, South London on June 16 1906

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 16, 1906
Location Surrey, South London
Data

“Base ball” was played by men and women of the Whitehorse-road Cycle Club of Croydon in South London while stopping at Burgh Heath near Banstead in Surrey at the midpoint of a day's ride. A brief newspaper notice mentioned that “on the heath, a game of base ball was taken up and good fun was got out of it.”

Sources

Croydon Guardian and Surrey County Gazette, June 16, 1906, p. 8

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 28 1906

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, July 28, 1906
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was enjoyed by children participating in the annual summer outing connected with the Village United Total Abstinence Band of Hope Society of King's Somborne, a village in Hampshire near Winchester. A newspaper reported that “on arriving at their destination . . . games such as cricket, rings, base ball, and swings were freely indulged in till the call for tea came.”

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle (Winchester), July 28, 1906, p. 10

English Baseball in Hampshire on June 22 1907

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 22, 1907
Location Hampshire
Data

For playing “base-ball” in a farmer's field near Basingstoke, Hampshire, six boys pleaded guilty to damaging the grass. According to a newspaper notice, a policeman “found the defendants playing base-ball in the long grass in a field near to the Worting-road allotments.”

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle (Winchester), June 22, 1907, p. 7

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 15 1907

Block Game English Baseball
Date Monday, July 15, 1907
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base-ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by students of the Boys Secondary School of Portsmouth, Hampshire on their annual outing held at the resort of Seaview on the Isle of Wight. A newspaper reported that “the boys and teachers had a very enjoyable time. They boys broke up into parties for cricket, base-ball, swimming, boating, and photography.”

Sources

Portsmouth Evening News, July 15, 1907, p. 5

English Baseball in Surrey on August 9 1907

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 9, 1907
Location Surrey
Data

Under the heading “Sunday School Field Day,” a newspaper reported that “baseball” was played in the town of Redhill, Surrey: “In connection with the Redhill Primitive Methodist Sunday School a most enjoyable field day was held on Wednesday in a meadow lent by Mr. E. Burgess. Cricket, baseball, swinging, etc., were heartily indulged in by both old and young, and a large company partook of an excellent and well-arranged tea.”

Sources

Surrey Mirror, Aug. 9, 1907, p. 5

English Baseball in East Sussex on February 8 1908

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, February 8, 1908
Location East Sussex
Data

A reference to “baseball” appeared in a prize essay entitled “Value of Open-Air Games” that was written by Alice West, age 13, of the Iford and Kingston School near Lewes, East Sussex, and that was published in the “Our Little Contributors” column in a local newspaper. One passage read: “Most people, especially children, like to play games, such as football, hockey, cricket and tennis, which are all healthy games. The most favourite game among boys at our school is the game of hockey or soldiers. Our governess and teacher tell us how important health is, for there is nothing more dearer (sic) than our lives. Skipping, baseball, hoops, rounders, fox and hounds, and rings, are the usual games for the girls.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, Feb. 8, 1908, p. 7

English Baseball in Surrey on June 13 1908

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, June 13, 1908
Location Surrey
Data

“Baseball” was one of the activities enjoyed my members of the Wesleyan Bible and Physical Culture Classes of Farnham, an ancient town in far western Surrey, on a camping experience on the slopes of Hindhead, the hilliest area in Surrey. A newspaper reported that one morning “after breakfast, cricket was indulged in by the campers and other friends from Farnham, and baseball and other games occupied attention during the afternoon.”

Sources

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, June 13, 1908, p. 8

English Baseball in Hampshire on August 1 1908

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 1, 1908
Location Hampshire
Data

“Base ball” was among the recreational choices for students of the United Free Methodist Church Sunday School in the Hampshire village of King's Somborne at their annual summer outing. According to a newspaper report, the children traveled on wagons to a nearby park. “After alighting, the children soon made themselves at home, and games of almost every description were indulged in. Some went for the swings . . ., while others preferred cricket, base ball, &c.”

Sources

Hampshire Chronicle (Winchester), Aug. 1, 1908, p. 8

English Baseball in East Sussex on December 26 1908

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, December 26, 1908
Location East Sussex
Data

The word “base ball” appeared in a criminal case in Battle, East Sussex, where two young men were facing charges from an incident at the Westfield School. According to a news report, a witness stated that “on the day in question, at recreation time, the boys [students of the school] were playing base ball in the playground when a young man and a big boy came along. The ball was knocked down towards the gate and the young man came through the gate, picked up the ball, and kicked it in the playground.” The report went on to say that when the school boys complained, the intruders threw rocks at them, and when the schoolmaster attempted to intervene they threw rocks at him too and also got into a brief scuffle with him. The accused failed to appear in court, but were fined “₤2 each plus costs, or in default, a month's imprisonment with hard labour.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, Dec. 26, 1908, p. 5

English Baseball in Devonshire on March 16 1909

Block Game English Baseball
Date Tuesday, March 16, 1909
Location Devonshire
Data

"Base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper column entitled "Christian Endeavor Echoes," which cited one writer's opinion that churches should offer amusements and recreational opportunities for members who might otherwise be tempted to seek them in less wholesome locales: "...he has expressed the hope to see the day when every church will have, as a matter of course, not only its library and social parlour always open to all its members, but also a generous playground, with provision for base-ball, croquet, and lawn-tennis, and games for the younger children."

Notes

A date this late would tend to cast doubt on this being a reference to English baseball. Still, the context of the passage, and the fact that there is little evidence that American baseball was played in the west of England at the time this was written, suggest the possibility that the writer had English baseball in mind. Another possibility is that this referred to Welsh-style baseball as an exhibition match of that form of the game had been played at Teignmouth, Devonshire in 1907.

Sources

Western Times (Exeter), Mar. 16, 1909, p.6

English Baseball in Essex on June 2 1909

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, June 2, 1909
Location Essex
Data

“Base ball” was one of the games chosen by some of the many holiday makers from the Hackney district of London who streamed to the sylvan settings of Epping Forest in Essex to celebrate the Whitsuntide bank holiday. A newspaper reported that “tennis, bowls, cricket and base ball were the favourite pastimes in the parks.”

Notes

This may seem a trifle late for English baseball, but this report is very similar to one about a Whitsuntide celebration in Epping Forest, published on May 18, 1880, and it may be that the traditional form of the game was part of the customary observation of the holiday.

Sources

Hackney and Kingsland Gazette, June 2, 1909,, p. 3

English Baseball in Berkshire on June 2 1909

Block Game English Baseball
Date Wednesday, June 2, 1909
Location Berkshire
Data

“Baseball” was part of the fun for members of the Wesley Institute of Maidenhead, Berkshire, who spent the holiday romping in Maidenhead Thicket, the wooded area west of town. A newspaper reported that “they spent the afternoon until 4 o'clock on such games as baseball and cricket, and at that hour sat down to a much-appreciated tea.”

Notes

It is probable they were playing English baseball as the game had a long history in Maidenhead and environs.

Sources

Maidenhead Advertiser, June 2, 1909, p 5.

English Baseball in London on August 6 1909

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, August 6, 1909
Location London
Data

“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual outing for choir members of the Christian Endeavour Society of West Hendon in northwest London. After traveling to the far west London village of Harmondsworth, a newspaper reported that “here cricket, base-ball and many other games were entered upon till tea time, when a splendid spread was placed before them.”

Sources

Hendon & Finchley Times, Aug. 6, 1909, p. 7

English Baseball in East Sussex on June 10 1910

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, June 10, 1910
Location East Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was played at the first annual outing of the “Newhaven Fort” Lodge of Good Templars of Newhaven, East Sussex, that was held in the small milling village of Barcombe Mills. A newspaper reported that: “arriving at their destination, cricket, baseball and other games were indulged in.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, June 10, 1910, p. 3

English Baseball in West Sussex East Sussex on July 8 1910

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 8, 1910
Location West Sussex East Sussex
Data

“Base ball” was enjoyed by students of the Newhaven Baptist Sunday School Bible Class of Newhaven, East Sussex, at their annual outing to Victoria Gardens in Burgess Hill, a town in West Sussex that borders on East Sussex. The children traveled by train, and, according to the newspaper article, “upon their arrival at Victoria Gardens games, cricket, base ball, &c., were indulged in, and the large lake came in for its share of their enjoyment.”

Sources

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 8th, 1910, p. 6

English Baseball in West Sussex on June 27 1912

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, June 27, 1912
Location West Sussex
Data

“Baseball” was one of the activities offered at an amusement park in the seaside village of Littlehampton in West Sussex, that a neighbor complained about in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. Under the headline “Fair or Unfair,” the neighbor wrote: “Dear Sir.--A rifle range open, swing boats in full swing, baseball, bowls (tournament at 7:30 p.m., prizes for the highest score), a large tent filled with 'Penny in the slot' machines, a crowd of young people, a miniature fair; this is what I am obliged to look out upon as I sit in my rooms in Empress Maud-road, Liottlehampton, this (Sunday) evening.” The writer went on to protest how the noise of the attraction was disturbing the peace of the otherwise quiet village, and that it was especially scandalous that its hours were not limited and that it was open on Sundays.

Notes

Although we cannot know what type of baseball was offered at this fair, it more than likely did not resemble formal American baseball.

Sources

West Sussex Gazette (Arundel), June 27, 1912, p. 3

English Baseball in London on August 9 1913

Block Game English Baseball
Date Saturday, August 9, 1913
Location London
Data

“Base ball” was played by children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School of Uxbridge, West London, at their annual treat. According to a newspaper report, about 130 students and adults spent “a happy time,” adding “throughout the day the scholars enjoyed themselves at cricket, base ball, and other games, and races were also indulged in.”

Notes

From the setting and location, this would appear to be traditional English baseball.

Sources

Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette. Aug. 9, 1913, p. 8

English Baseball in Hampshire on July 31 1914

Block Game English Baseball
Date Friday, July 31, 1914
Location Hampshire
Data

“Baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by 200 children and friends attached to the Portsmouth and Gosport Seamen's Mission who went to their annual outing at a farm in coastal Hill Head. The newspaper article about the event reported that “after tea, the Sports Committee entertained the children with swings, cricket and baseball, and various races, in which every scholar secured a prize.”

Sources

Hampshire Telegraph, July 31, 1914, p. 6

English Baseball in West Sussex on July 8 1915

Block Game English Baseball
Date Thursday, July 8, 1915
Location West Sussex
Data

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at an outing for residents of Woodcote, a neighborhood in Graffham, a village in West Sussex. A newspaper reported that: “The inhabitants of Woodcote and neighbourhood spent yet another very pleasant time at Fairacre on Wednesday last week by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. D. Guillond. Tea was served in the grounds, followed by bowls, base-ball, &c., for which prizes were given.”

Notes

Appears to have been traditional English baseball.

Sources

West Sussex Gazette (Arundel), July 8, 1915, p. 9

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