Vintage Baseball at Carnton Plantation

UPDATE 5/31/13: Vintage Base Ball this Weekend – The Tennessee Vintage Base Ball Association (base ball is two words, as it was in the 1860s) has announced that the Franklin Farriers will host the Nashville Maroons on their home field at Carnton Plantation Sunday, June 2nd at 11 a.m. instead of 12 p.m. So far this season, the Farriers and the Maroons are tied at 1-1, winning their respective home games.

Original Post:

The Franklin Farriers will be calling Carnton their Home field this season. Games will be played between two vintage baseball teams and games will alternate on each team’s Home field. An open field west of the plantation will now become a vintage baseball field.

The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball – two words as it was in the 1860s – has announced the inaugural season of vintage base ball between its current two teams, the Franklin Farriers and the Nashville Maroons. This new summer attraction will transport players and spectators to the Civil War era, as the game will be played according to the rules and traditions of baseball at that time. Players will pitch underhanded, and the game is played without gloves, which weren’t introduced to the sport until around 1875.

Another key difference that baseball fans will notice is that the presence of umpires in vintage base ball is more of a formality than necessity, as calls such as “safe” or “out” are expected to be resolved between the players themselves. “This is going to be one of the most unique, fun events we have ever offered,” said Chief Operating Officer of the Battle of Franklin Trust, Eric A. Jacobson.  “Baseball is America’s pastime, and to see the sport on our historic grounds will be a special experience.”

Games are free to the public and will take place from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Carnton Plantation on May 5th, June 2nd, June 30th, July 28th, August 25th, and September 29th. For more details on the games at Carnton Plantation visit www.battleoffranklintrust.org or www.tennesseevintagebaseball.com for more information on the league.