Vintage Base Ball game at Bee Family Centennial Farm on Sept. 15

Come enjoy America’s national pastime as the Berthoud Blues once again challenge the local Wellington Buzzards in a vintage base ball — spelled with two separate words back then — match-up. The outcome of the game is not as important as its educational and entertainment goals. Late 1800s rules and terminology are used for the game — players are ballists, a batter is the striker, pitches are hurls and spectators are cranks. Base ball became popular after the Civil War, and Denver had organized teams by 1866.

The game will be played in the field at the Bee Family Centennial Farm Museum at 4320 East County Rd 58, Fort Collins. Come join the fun, bring a picnic lunch, there will be antique cars and concessions. You can also learn about early farm history on the farm tour and children’s activities. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the game. Game time is 1:30 p.m. and other activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fees are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 60+, $3 for children 3-12 and free for children under 3.

A Model T Ford belonging to Arleigh Bee, son of the farm’s original owners John and Fanny Bee, has been brought back to the farm and will be on display.

The Berthoud team is part of the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association. The association is a non-profit organization founded in 1993 and is dedicated to the preservation of the history of 19th Century base ball in Colorado. Their goal is to educate the public through “matches” or living history performances. You can learn more history, terms and rules for the game on their web site at www.cvbba.com.

The museum is open May through October on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment for groups of 10 or more. Please visit beefamilyfarm.org or call 970-482-9168 for more information and directions.