The bats are getting dusted off and the leather balls kneaded in preparation for the start of Vintage Base Ball season at the Hayes Presidential Center.

The center’s all-volunteer base ball team, the Spiegel Grove Squires play the sport according to 1860s rules. Club members wear reproduction uniforms and use period equipment as they compete and demonstrate what is lovingly referred to as America’s Pastime. The Squires take their name from the beloved estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, where the club’s home matches also are played. All Squires matches are free and open to the public.

The Spiegel Grove Squire’s 2010 season includes 11 matches with other historic base ball clubs. The schedule includes:

May 16 – 1 p.m., Wintergarden Park in Bowling Green with the Wood County Infirmary Inmates

June 6 – 2 p.m., at home in Spiegel Grove with the Carey Cayugas

June 12-13 – (time to be announced) Ghost Riders Tournament in Harrison Smith Park, Upper Sandusky

June 27 - 2 p.m,. at home in Spiegel Grove with the Forest City Base Ball Club

July 11 – (tentative), Carillon Park in Dayton with the Clodbusters Base Ball Club

July 25 - 2 p.m., at home in Spiegel Grove with the Wyandotte Ghost Riders

Aug. 1 – 1 p.m., Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills, Michigan with the Rochester Grangers

Aug. 14-15, World Tournament of Historic Base Ball at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan

Aug. 29 - 2 p.m., at home  in Spiegel Grove with the Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club

For more information about the Spiegel Grove Squires, visit www.rbhayes.org/hayes/volunteers or call 419-332-2081.

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is located at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont. The facility is affiliated with the Ohio Historical Society. Check the Hayes Presidential Center website www.rbhayes.org for a complete list of year-round special events or call 419-332-2081 or 800-998-PRES.

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