Maricopa Revisits the 1860s with an Epic Game of Ball

In a nostalgic return to baseball’s roots, the Arizona Vintage Base Ball League hosted a unique game at Pacana Park on December 7, 2024. Teams from across Arizona, including Tucson, Buckeye, and Mesa, gathered to showcase their skills in a vintage format of the sport.

This event was not just another baseball game; it adhered to rules reminiscent of the 1860s. Brian “Biscuitpants” Skerven, a player for the Mesa Miners, explained, “We play by the original rules, the first written rules of baseball.” Players enjoy a game that emphasizes traditional techniques rather than the modern approach.

The games feature underhand pitching, the absence of gloves, and the exclusive use of wooden, round bats. For those interested in the intricacies of the sport, detailed rules are available on the league’s website, managed by Skerven himself.

Among the competing teams is the Maricopa Maidens, an all-women’s team established three years ago by San Tan Valley resident Michelle “Roxy” Shaw. They proudly made Pacana Park their home field and hosted their inaugural game there last year.

While the players hail from various locations, they embrace Pacana Park as their field. Shaw expressed her enthusiasm for the league, stating, “I love how it brings you back to the origination of how the game started. We’re getting grass stains on our dresses every so often, and bloody knees, and I just love how it brings everyone together.”