White River Base Ball Club

05/04/2026

GAME RE-CAP 2-May-2026 vs Bluegrass Barons

(Lexington, Ky.) The White River Base Ball Club opened the 2026 season by travelling to the Commonwealth of Kentucky to play the Bluegrass Barons at Waveland State Historic Site. The Barons, a talented club all-around, looked in mid-season form in taking two 1869 rules games from the tourists, 24-1 and 40-1. The first game went the scheduled seven innings while the second was conceded after five innings in favour of sampling a certain Italian influenced dish compliments of our hosts.

Despite the lopsided scores, White River demonstrated defensive competence, especially in the first game. Whoop-la, manning right field, threw out five runners at first base across the two games. Moose, Scooter, Razor, Whoop-la and Sparrowhawk each made at least one manly catch in the field. Molasses recorded several put-outs at third base and Razor recorded several at second. The combination of Stout and Buck played a solid first base. The outfield trio of Whoop-la, Whopper and Buck/Stout did a yeoman job of keep most of the Barons hits in front of them despite their surgical placement of the ball seemingly wherever the outfielders were not. The final defensive inning of each game proved to be "White River innings", the unfortunate series of events where the team cannot get off the field, even when the opposing team is going station-to-station or batting "wrong handed". Minus these two innings where 9 and 15 runs were allowed, respectively, the scores allowed stand out less compared to the typical WR results with the 1869 rules.

Offensively, the bats looked rusty, but it means improvement is almost a lock in future games. White River recorded only 22 hits on the afternoon with, excluding the two runs scored, only two runners making it as far as third base. Sparrowhawk led the hitting chart at 4-for-6 with Stout and Razor each going 3-for-5. Stout and Moose scored the two runs. There were no extra base hits.

Special thanks to Moose and Whopper from the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings and Buck from the Batesville Lumbermen for playing in with us. Our three cranks, Caleb, Tracy and Tomi, should get medals for the unwavering support throughout the day! Thank you to the Barons for hosting and feeding us and for the sportsmanship exhibited in not throwing more coal into the furnace as the games went on. We look forward to hosting the Barons at the Strawtown Koteewi Park and The Taylor Center of Natural History in July for an 1886 overhand rules match. Pops, it was good to see you and we send wishes for a continued fine recovery. We also thank Mother Nature for only teasing us with a few moments of rain - whether in Indiana or Kentucky, our two clubs playing one another seem to attract only the hardest of rain and wind!

The Barons are next scheduled to host the Indianapolis Blues Vintage Base Ball Club on 30-May-2026 while White River next plays in Danville, Ill. against the Vermilion Voles Vintage Base Ball Club on 16-May-2026.

10/10/2025

The Vermilion Voles Vintage Base Ball Club and the White River Base Ball Club are playing Saturday afternoon, 11-Oct-2025, at Kennekuk County Park, 22296 Henning Rd., Danville, Ill. 61834. First pitch is noon CDT.

If you are in the area, stop in to see these two friendly clubs play the grand ol' game!

09/10/2025

If you are near West Baden Springs, Indiana this weekend, stop by the grounds of the historic West Baden Springs Hotel to see five different vintage base ball teams play games by the rules of 1864.

The Indianapolis Blues Vintage Base Ball Club, Vermilion Voles Vintage Base Ball Club, Belleville Stags, Mariah Hill Yanks and a combined team from White River Base Ball Club and the Batesville Lumbermen will take to the pitch beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, the 13th, and Sunday, the 14th.

Throwback teams will compete in an exhibition doubleheader from the era when “base ball” was two words and the sport was first gaining popularity in the mid-1800s.

08/25/2025

WHITE RIVER BBC: 21-Aug-2025 Game Re-cap

(FLORENCE, Ky.) The Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings and a team made up of the White River Base Ball Club and Batesville Lumbermen played a five-innings match last Thursday night at Thomas More Stadium before the Florence Y'alls and Mississippi Mud Monsters Frontier League tussle. The Y'alls provided an hour to play the game, very generous for pre-game activities, which the players on both sides greatly appreciated.

1869 fly-ball rules governed play as the White River-Batesville team edged the Red Stockings, 5-3. The Red Stockings were declared the home team and both teams scored twice in their first at-bats. The lead changed hands several times during the evening in a closely played affair. Rules which vanished as the game progressed through the 19th century played a part as an over-run at first base resulted in an out which cost White River-Batesville at least one run and a foul ball returned to play through the pitcher before base runners returned to their bag quelled a Red Stockings uprising. Sharp fielding by both teams made scoring a challenge.

On the White River-Batesville side, nine of the ten players collected at least one base hit with Pokey and The General each going 3-for-3 while Bubba and Stilts collected two hits apiece. Cowboy tripled for the tourists' only extra-base hit. Batesville was represented in the game by Bubba at pitcher; The General in right field; Ol' Red at shortstop and Shades at first base. White River's players were Stilts in left field; Whoop-la at third base; Pokey at second base; his nephew, Cowboy, in centre field; Razor at catcher and Sparrowhawk as the utilityman. Both teams enjoyed the experience and it was nice to be a part of the opening ceremonies where two founding members of the Red Stockings were honoured by throwing out the first pitch.

Many thanks to the Florence Y'alls for allowing us to play, for the tickets and food vouchers; and to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore and the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings for inviting us to be the opponent. Our two clubs have played a number of very close games in recent years with each side taking several matches which only adds to the enjoyment of playing the grand ol' game.

The Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings are next in action on Saturday, 20-Sep-2025, in Milford, Ohio vs. the Miami Township Fire Department team. The Batesville Lumbermen and White River Base Ball Club will again join forces the weekend of 13/14-Sep-2025 at the World Series of Vintage Base Ball at the West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden Springs, Indiana vs. the Indianapolis Blues Vintage Base Ball Club, the Mariah Hill Yanks, the Vermilion Voles Vintage Base Ball Club and the Belleville Stags.

Finally, the Y'alls' rally in the bottom of the ninth fell just short as the Mud Monsters prevailed, 3-2, in the evening's featured match.

08/12/2025

WHITE RIVER BBC: 26-Jul and 12-Aug-2025 Games Re-caps

(LEXINGTON, Ky. and NEW BRITTON, Ind.) As summer moved into its "Dog Days", the White River Base Ball recently participated in two events winning once and losing twice.

On Saturday, 26-Jul-2025, the team travelled to Lexington, Ky. to play two 1869 fly rules games. The first match featured a new-to-us opponent, the Bay City (Mich.) Independents, who broke open a close 6-4 game with eight runs in their third inning and 11 more in the fourth in route to a 25-7 victory. White River had climbed back into the game by plating four runs in the top of the third after Molasses, Hay Wagon, Razor and Calliope each singled and scored with the help of base hits by Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings guest Whopper and Digger. The only other White River runs scored in the top of the fifth after the result was cemented as Razor, Stilts, and Calliope singled and scored, aided by the bats of Whopper and fellow Red Stocking, Moose. Razor, Calliope, Whopper and Moose tallied two hits apiece to lead the WR hitting chart.

In the second game, the host Bluegrass Barons defeated White River, 13-4. Calliope, Stilts, and Hay Wagon scored single runs in the first, fourth and fifth innings, respectively, as the "Men in Wool" struggled to string together enough hits for any substantial scoring rally. Calliope was 3-for-3 in this game while brothers, Digger and Hay Wagon, and Razor each went 2-for-2.

Thanks to the Bluegrass Barons and their captain, Pops, for hosting the afternoon and for the post-game pizza; and to Whopper and Moose for playing in to complete the White River nine. Also, thanks to Stilts, Calliope, Digger, Molasses, Razor, Hay Wagon and Sparrowhawk for making the substantial trip down to the Commonwealth for the afternoon. It was fun to see Hay Wagon back behind the pitcher's line.

This past Saturday, 12-Aug-2025, White River hosted the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings at Conner Prairie. These two friendly rivals matched up for a nine-innings game played by the fly rules of 1869 in very warm and humid conditions. The Red Stockings' bench was a little short so Stilts and Sparrowhawk played in with the tourists. Acting Captain Calliope's home team won a lively 20-10 outcome.

White River batted first and immediately scored four runs. Calliope doubled to lead off the game followed by another double by Kid. Whoop-la singled home Calliope and Bosco sent Kid home. Pokey reached on a fielder's choice and later scored on a single by newcomer Lady (his moniker a cautionary tale on what happens when a player fails to select their own name fast enough). The lead was stretched to 7-0 in the third as Calliope reached on an error and Kid singled. Whoop-la doubled both home and scored on a Bosco double. After the Red Stockings rallied for four runs in their third and left the bases loaded, White River answered the challenge with a fine showing: seven runs to take a 14-4 lead. The outburst was more impressive considering it occurred after two outs were recorded. Lady opened the inning with a single. Razor singled but was erased as Jester reached on a fielder's choice. Stout singled and Scooter was tagged out at first. Eight consecutive hits followed, Calliope sent Lady home; Kid doubled home Jester and Stout; Whoop-la doubled home Calliope and Kid; Bosco singled in Whoop-la; Pokey singled; Rev singled in Bosco; and Lady singled for the second time in the inning before the third out was recorded.

The hosts plated three more in the fifth as Jester, Calliope and Kid scored. Kid's double scored Jester and Calliope while Whoop-la singled in Kid. Bosco also singled but no further runs scored in the frame. The Red Stockings put pressure on the hosts by scoring four times in their sixth to cut the lead to 17-9, but would get no closer on this day. White River scored a run in the eighth as Whoop-la singled home Kid and two final runs in the ninth as Pokey and Lady were sent home on singles by Razor and Jester.

While hitting was evident, White River also excelled in fielding. Several double plays were turned by the infield (including the game-ending pivot from Calliope to Razor to Stout), numerous manly catches were made by both infielders and outfielders and the pesky infliction of giving the other team extra outs was largely avoided. Scooter pitched eight innings while Whoop-la spelled him for one frame.

The hitting chart lit up with good performances on this day: Kid, 5 hits (4 doubles and a single); Whoopla, 5 hits (2 doubles); Bosco, 5 hits (one double); Lady, 4 hits; Calliope 3 hits, (one double); and Rev and Jester, 3 hits each. Stilts had 4 hits for the Red Stockings while Sparrowhawk chipped in three.

Thanks to Conner Prairie making the day go smoothly: especially Cara, our main contact; Bill, our announcer; the groundskeepers and the food tent workers. Special thanks to Judge from the Red Stockings for umpiring and to Hay Wagon for interpreting on the microphone and in-person amongst the crowd. Thanks to Calliope for serving as White River's captain so we could lend the Red Stockings some players (although we need to work on your post-game "hip-hips"!). We always enjoy playing our friends from Cincinnati and working with Perry and Hank from the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore, team captain, Tex, and players. We will see you several more times this season.

White River's record stands at two wins, five defeats and a mixed roster game with the Blues recorded as a tie. We have upcoming matches on Thursday, 21-Aug-2025, vs. these same Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings before the Florence Y'alls Frontier League game and 13/14-Sep-2025 in the World Series of Vintage Base Ball in West Baden Springs, Ind.

08/08/2025

The White River Base Ball Club and the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings will play at Conner Prairie this Saturday, 9-Aug-2025, with first pitch at noon. The match will be preceded by guests (kids will have priority but adults are welcome, too) taking swings of the bat at 11:00 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. These activities are free along with your regular admission to the park.

Enjoy the nine-innings matches played under the rules of 1869 featuring no gloves or catchers equipment, no called balls or strikes, the batter being out if the ball is played on the first bound in foul territory and underhand pitching.

Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, Ind.
46038.

The 2025 Historic Baseball season is back! Join us for amazing games featuring local baseball clubs playing by 1864, 1869 and 1886 rules. The event will start at noon with opening festivities, featuring the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” introduction o...

07/16/2025

WHITE RIVER BBC: 12-Jul-2025 Game Re-cap vs. Bluegrass Barons

(STRAWTOWN, Ind.) The White River Base Ball Club played its final scheduled game of the present campaign this past Saturday on the picturesque pitch of Strawtown Koteewi Park and The Taylor Center of Natural History. The opponent was the Bluegrass Barons from Lexington, Ky. and, to none of the players' surprise, a match between these two clubs involves copious amount of rain. There has been but one occasion when these two teams have played either in the Commonwealth or the Hoosier State when rain has not occurred!

This edition of the grand old game, planned for nine innings by National League rules of 1886, started with lightning on the part of the Baron bats as they quickly scored three runs and loaded the bases before heavy rain and torrential winds caused suspension of play for about half an hour. Once tents were repaired and equipment dried off, the game resumed with the Barons continuing their strong first inning rally for a total of 13 runs. White River found itself in a chasm it would not escape this afternoon falling further behind, 20 to 0, before finally scratching the scoresheet in its third frame. Stilts, Calliope, Whoop-la, Kid and Digger crossed the plate as the Men in Wool hit 7 singles, a double and drew a walk in their best showing of the day. After surrendering 9 runs in the fourth, Sparrowhawk scored in the fourth. The Barons scored a single run in their sixth and four more in the seventh while White River's Stilts, Calliope, Whoop-la and Kid plated runs in the seventh to conclude the scoring at 34 to 10 in favour of the tourists. At this point, more storms bore down on the field and the two teams retreated to the farmhouse for post-game food and fellowship.

Stilts, Calliope and Digger each went 3-for-4 on the day; Kid tripled; Stilts and Digger tallied doubles and Rev drew a walk. White River's fielding was not as sharp as two weeks ago, but much credit is given to fine hitting by the Barons who skillfully hit the ball where the fielders were not all afternoon.

Many thanks to the cranks from both sides who persevered through the weather, to Hay Wagon for umpiring the contest, to Strawtown Koteewi Park for hosting us again this season, and to Whoop-la for cooking the delicious pulled BBQ chicken which was the mainstay of the post-game meal.

Both teams are off until Saturday, 26-Jul-2025, when they will once again play each other, this time at Waveland State Historical Site near Lexington, Ky. Please join us for a 1:00 first pitch if you are in the area.

07/08/2025

The Bluegrass Barons from Lexington, Ky. will travel north to Strawtown Koteewi Park and The Taylor Center of Natural History and play the White River Base Ball Club this Saturday, 12-Jul-2025. First pitch is 1:00 p.m. for a 9-innings game played by the overhand base ball rules of 1886.

These rules and time period feature early fielding gloves and catching equipment; seven balls to earn a walk; the batter calling their strike zone; normally a high number of runs scored; and a high value on virtuous play and sportsmanship.

Stop in and watch us play! The park is located at 12308 E. Strawtown Ave., Noblesville, Ind. 46060 (1/4 mile west of the State Road 37/Strawtown Ave. roundabout). Please note the State Road 37 closure is beyond Strawtown when coming up from Noblesville and Fishers.

06/30/2025

WHITE RIVER BBC: 28-Jun-2025 Game Re-cap vs. Vermilion Voles Vintage Base Ball Club

(STRAWTOWN, Ind.) The Vermilion Voles and White River Base Ball Club met this past Saturday at Strawtown Koteewi Park to renew their friendly rivalry on the pitch. The week-long heat-wave abated and provided a fine, if not still quite warm, afternoon to play the glorious game. The host White River team won the coin toss and elected to take the field first for the nine-innings, 1886 overhand rules tussle.

The Voles batted first and found their bats very lively from the trip east by plating three runs. White River responded with their most productive inning in some time by tallying nine runs to take the lead, 9 to 3. Nine of the first eleven batters singled with Digger doubling during the hitting spree. Stilts, Whoop-la, newcomer, Kid, Calliope, Digger, Pokey, Stout, Sparrowhawk and Scooter were the run scorers. The proceedings remain unchanged until the bottom of the fourth when Kid rifled a lead-off triple to right. He scored on Calliope's double who crossed the plate on Digger's single to extend the White River lead to 11 to 3. Each team scored in the fifth through eighth innings with the Voles scratching out a run in their fifth, then four in the sixth, two in the seventh and four more in the eighth. Meanwhile, for White River, Sparrowhawk and Scooter scored in the fifth, Calliope and Digger came home in the sixth, and Kid homered to score Stilts and himself in the seventh. As White River began batting in the bottom of the eighth, the Voles, to nobody's surprise, had closed the gap to 17 to 14 and momentum seemed to swing to the tourists. However, the hosts rallied one final time as Pokey, Stout and Sparrowhawk scored to extend the lead to six runs. The Voles put two batters on in the ninth, but neither scored and the game ended at 20 to 14.

Leaders on the White River hitting chart: Kid (4 for 5, 3 runs, triple and home run); Calliope (4 for 5 with a double and 3 runs scored); Sparrowhawk (4 for 5 with 3 runs); Pokey (4 for 5 with 2 runs); Digger (3 for 5 with two doubles and 2 runs scored); Whoop-la, Molasses and Scooter (each 3 for 5); Stilts, Digger, Stout and Scooter each scored twice; Rev reached three times (2 singles and drew the lone White River walk). Scooter pitched six innings and earned the win while Sparrowhawk relieved for three frames. Each player earned kudos for his overall fielding - a few errors but a very clean effort.

These two clubs, similar in so many ways, put on another fine display of hitting and fielding despite warm conditions. The outcome broke a somewhat lengthy string of the visiting club defeating the hosts at its particular rules, so we'll see if this begins a new tradition. The teams next meet in West Baden Springs, Ind. during the World Series of Vintage Base Ball and at Kennekuk Meadows outside Danville, Ill. in October for the Razor Rumble.

Many thanks to the Voles for coming over again and to their hearty cranks for adding to an impressive turnout. Thanks to White River fanatics and the park visitors who joined in watching this fine match. "Chef" Whoop-la smoked pulled chicken for the post-game meal and we appreciate his culinary skill. Finally, thanks to Scooter and Strawtown Koteewi Park for making arrangements to host the game and to Hay Wagon for donning full umpire regalia and arbitrating this affair.

The Voles next are scheduled to host the Valparaiso (Ind.) Lookouts on Sunday, 13 July 2025 while White River will host the Bluegrass Barons from Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, 12 July 2025.

06/26/2025

The Vermilion Voles Vintage Base Ball Club will travel to Strawtown Koteewi Park and The Taylor Center of Natural History to play the White River Base Ball Club this Saturday, 28-Jun-2025. First pitch is 1:00 p.m. E.D.T. when these two very friendly rivals will play a 9-innings game by the overhand rules of 1886. These rules and time period feature early gloves and catching equipment; seven balls to earn a walk; the batter calling their strike zone; normally a high number of runs scored; and a high value on virtuous play and sportsmanship.

Please stop in and watch us play. The park is located at 12308 E. Strawtown Ave., Noblesville, Ind. 46060 (1/4 mile west of the State Road 37/Strawtown Ave. roundabout).