Royal Oak Vintage Base Ball Begins a New Season

Well before the days of multimillion dollar salaries and big downtown stadiums, men gathered in open fields for a gentlemanly game of baseball.

The Wahoo Base Ball Club of Royal Oak attempts to recapture some of that original spirit, competing by the rules of 1867.

"We're kind of recreators of this era of the sport," said Terry "Sawdust" Utley, the team manager. 

Uniforms, rules, equipment, nicknames and even behavior are all consistent with the era. For example, gloves are not used and pitches are thrown underhand.

In preparation for the 2013 season, the Wahoos held their first practice Thursday at Starr Jaycee Park, which is also the team's home field.

For more information about the Wahoos, visit the Wahoo Base Ball Club of Royal Oak website.

Catch a game

• May 5: Home vs. Welkins 
• May 18: Away vs. Walker Tavern at Walker Tavern
• May 27: Home Memorial Day vs. Dexter and Chelsea. Parade and Gatling style match
• June 1: Away, Silas Cup In Grand Rapids
• June 8: Away vs. Grangers at Van Hoosen Farms
• June 23: Away vs. Independence, Mansfield Ohio
• July 7: Away vs. Welkins in Port Huron
• July 14: Away vs Sylvania Great Black Swamp Frogs, at Lutheran Home, Toledo Ohio
• July 27: Away vs Monitors at Chelsea
• Aug. 3: Away, Kilwins Fudge Bucket Classic in Bayview/ Petosky. Hosted by the Potosky Mossbacks
• Aug. 4: Possible match in Mackinac City. (Our discretion)
• Aug. 10: Away, Dexter Days Festival parade and match vs. Union
• Aug. 17: Dream Cruise/ Hoppalong Annual Bash
• Aug. 18: Away, Greenfield Village
• Aug. 25: Home vs Walker Tavern
• Aug. 31 - Sept. 1: Away, Ohio Cup, Columbus OH
• Sept. 15: Home, Fourth Annual Wahoo vs. Wahoo Match