STATEHOUSE NEWS

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For the third consecutive year the West Lawn of the Ohio Statehouse will host vintage “base ball” (historically two words), as members of the 130th Ohio General Assembly take on the Ohio Village Muffins Tuesday, May 7. Reminiscent of barnstorming tours of yesteryear, the match begins at 5:30 p.m. as the “Capitol Cannons” challenge the “Ohio Village Muffins” in an exhibition game of vintage base ball. The event is free and open to the public.

Members of the 130th Ohio General Assembly, representing the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, will take a break from partisan politics as Republicans and Democrats, come together and cross the aisle to form the “Capitol Cannons.”

The “titanic struggle” takes place Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. on the West Lawn (High Street) of the Ohio Statehouse. The two teams will be fighting for bragging rights and the all-important symbol of victory, the Statehouse Memorial Award. Prior to the game, the Statehouse’s 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will provide a cannon firing demonstration and discussion of leisure activities Civil War soldiers would have used to pass the time in camp.

About the Ohio Village Muffins and vintage base ball
Formed in 1981, the “Ohio Village Muffins” were the first vintage base ball team in America to play a set summer schedule, and the Muffins also hosted the founding meeting of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA). The Muffins play in uniforms period correct to the 1860s; the uniform consists of plain long pants, a white shirt with a bright shield containing the team emblem, a pill box hat, a leather belt and a bow tie. Recreational activities, especially base ball, were becoming more ingrained in American society during the middle part of the 19th century. The Muffins represent a changing America and highlight a game that would transcend all others and become America’s National Pastime.

Using vintage base ball equipment, the game is scheduled for seven innings and will be governed under The Rules and Regulations of the Game of Base Ball Adopted by the National Association of Base-Ball Players, March 14, 1860. Major rule differences between vintage base ball and modern baseball are listed below.

• The ball is pitched underhanded from anywhere behind the pitcher's line.
An out is declared if:
• A hit ball is caught on the fly or the first bound, including foul tips to the catcher.
• A base runner overruns any base (including first) and is touched by the ball in the hands of an adversary.

Enjoy an evening downtown, as you watch the Ohio General Assembly “Capitol Cannons” host the “Ohio Village Muffins” in an exhibition vintage base ballgame. Come early and enjoy a ball park dinner. Concessions will be provided by the Capitol Cafe, operated by Milo’s Catering and Banquet Services.

Support for this event is provided by the Ohio Lobbying Association, the Ohio Village Muffins, the Ohio Village Singers, the Capitol Square Foundation and the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A.

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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