Batter up! Historic baseball is coming to Bethlehem
MARCH 2, 2023 — While the Phillies and IronPigs are slugging away in sunny Florida, Lehigh Valley baseball fans can warm up for the start of the season with a special "home game" featuring a rather classic matchup.
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS) is hosting a vintage baseball game 11 a.m Saturday, April 1 at The Christmas City's scenic Burnside Plantation along Monocacy Creek (1461 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem). The event is $10 for HBMS members, $12 for non-members, and $5 for kids (18 and under).
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT HISTORICBETHLEHEM.ORG
Take a step back in time with this historic 1800s-style exhibition game featuring the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia and the Brandywine Base Ball Club of West Chester. For the day's event, Historic Bethlehem is transforming the Colonial farm into our unique version of a "Field of Dreams" — complete with old-time equipment, uniforms, and the authentic charm of America's favorite pastime.
Baseball has always been fun to watch and play, but the game looked much different 150 years ago. Believe it or not, back then players hit the field without padded gloves or protective gear. They even used a bat that was flat on one side. Also, the earliest baseball games were played without foul lines or a three-strike rule.
Between innings, visitors can explore the Burnside Colonial farm in the city — complete with vegetable/flower gardens, rustic barns, and a (soon-to-be blossoming) apple orchard. The grounds are tucked in between tall treelines and the rippling Monocacy Creek.
The exhibition game will take place in the lower (east) meadow, near the creek.
The event includes an activity for kids to make their own baseball pennant to cheer on their favorite team.
Admission to the Vintage Baseball Game includes same day admission to the Kemerer Museum and Moravian Museum to experience the classic toys and games at the Marbles to Make-Believe: Let's Play! exhibition.
So, make a plan to find a seat along the basepath, grab a bag of peanuts, a box of Cracker Jack, and a hot dog, then enjoy a classic day of historic baseball at Burnside. You may even get a chance to take a swing yourself!
VINTAGE BASEBALL GAME AT BURNSIDE
- When: 11 a.m Saturday, April 1
- Where: Burnside Plantation
- How much: $10 for HBMS members, $12 for non-members, and $5 for kids (18 and under)
- Tickets: historicbethlehem.org
