Two New Jersey "farm teams" will take to the field on Saturday, June 22, when the Mercer County Park Commission hosts its 25th Annual Old Time Baseball Game.

The match-up features the Howell Farm Hogs vs. the Jersey Bulls, teams that play according to the rules that governed baseball in those early days when bats were made of axe handles and wagon tongues, and when pitchers (called "throwers") could be fined for delivering unhittable balls.  The public is invited to watch or play in the game, which is scheduled for 1:30pm, at Howell Living History Farm.   Rules will be taught to prospective players during  an ongoing practice period beginning at 11am.  

In the overall competition, which began in 1988, the Bulls are ahead two games, with a record of 12 wins and 10 losses.   There was no game in 1999 due to players being needed to bring in a crop of hay.

In addition to town ball, an 1864 base ball (two words at the time) game will take place at 12:00 between the Flemington Neshanocks and the New York Gothams.  Both teams will be in period attire.  Prior to this game, Brad Brooklyn Shaw, of the Neshanocks, will narrate “Casey at the Bat”, and give a history of the 1864 game.

Children's craft program: Baseball Print Bean Bag
On a walk-in basis (Groups of eight or more must pre-register)
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Approximate time to complete project: 20 minutes
Materials fee: $2.00