An 1860s-style exhibition base ball (two words) game will be played on Blennerhassett Island State Park Sunday, June 12, 2016. The game will start at 2:30 p.m. and will take place in front of the Blennerhassett mansion. The teams will be the Ohio Village Muffins versus the Blennerhassett Island Belles.
“This is an exciting game of old-fashioned base ball played by 1860s rules,” said Pam Salisbury, events coordinator for the state park. “You will hear a booming voice calling out on the mansion lawn – “Striker to the line” (batter up); “foul tick” (foul ball); or player “dead” (put out). And a home run could wind up in the river!”
The Muffins, part of an Ohio Historical Society educational program, will play nine innings against the Island Belles, composed of staff from Blennerhassett Island and other state parks, along with State Parks Chief Sam England.
The Island Belle sternwheeler leaves for the island from Parkersburg’s Point Park each hour starting at noon and returns on the half hour. The only cost to see this exhibition is the boat ride ticket, which is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12. Boat tickets can be purchased at the Blennerhassett Museum at the corner of Second and Juliana streets in downtown Parkersburg. The museum opens at 11 a.m.
For more information about events at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, call the park office at 304-420-4800 or visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
