Step back in time as teams get ready to play ball at the "Almost Spring Vintage Base Ball Tournament" on February 27. The event will last from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park. Games will take place roughly every hour and a half.
In 2009, several Houston-area vintage baseball teams, including the Richmond Giants, were matched against each other in the all-day tournament. Other teams included the Montgomery Saw Dogs and the Houston Babies (named after Houston's first professional team).
"We play by 1860s rules," said Bryan McAuley, volunteer captain for the Richmond Giants. "No gloves or underhand pitching are the biggest changes from the modern game."
Wessendorff Insurance has generously underwritten the costs to provide new gear and uniforms for the Richmond Giants. The uniforms are loosely modeled after turn-of-the-century photos showing the Richmond club that T.W. Davis (Polly Ryon's grandson; Mamie George's brother) was involved with, McAuley said. The team will wear their new uniforms for the first time at this tournament.
For more information, call (281) 343-0218.