Vintage Baseball Game to return to Elmhurst University

ELMHURST – The Vintage Baseball Game will be back in Elmhurst for a game at 1 p.m. Sept. 26.

The game will be played by the wildly different rules of 1858. Fans, known as kranks, will learn to cheer and jeer in Victorian fashion as two Elmhurst clubs play for their favor.

This year, a special Town versus Gown game will pit a team of locals from the city of Elmhurst against Elmhurst University players.

The 2021 Vintage Baseball Game is presented by Elmhurst University, the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation as part of the celebration of Elmhurst University’s 150th anniversary, a museum news release stated.

The game is open to the public and takes place on the Elmhurst University Mall, 190 S. Prospect Ave., in front of Hammerschmidt Chapel. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnics and refreshments. The first 100 fans can enjoy free hot dogs and Italian ice. Free parking is available in the Elmhurst University parking lots.

Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin will serve as captain of the city of Elmhurst team. Elmhurst University President Troy VanAken will take the helm of the Elmhurst University team. Elmhurst History Museum executive director Dave Oberg will lead activities in the role of “barrister” (an umpire by today’s standards) and share the rules and slang with the audience.

The Elmhurst History Museum will open a new exhibit, “An Ever-Widening Circle: Elmhurst University at 150,” on Sept. 24 as part of the yearlong sesquicentennial celebration.

“We’re very excited to take an active role in sharing Elmhurst University’s history through our new exhibit, and by bringing the Vintage Baseball Game back to town,” Oberg said in the release. “Vintage baseball brings the history of America’s favorite pastime to life in an engaging and immersive way. It honors the traditions and history of a sport that everyone knows so well, and allows players and fans to learn about the origins of the game. With this year’s Town versus Gown twist pitting local players against the university, there is no doubt that it will be a great time.”

For information, visit the museum’s website at www.elmhursthistory.org or call the museum at 630-833-1457.

The museum, a department of the city of Elmhurst supported by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, is located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. Admission is free.