Play a Game of Civil War Base Ball at Appomattox Court House NHP

Join Appomattox Court House National Historical Park for a day of ‘base ball’ (spelled with two words in the 1860s) at your local National Park on Saturday, July 5, 2025. All visitors are welcome to physically join in playing a game of ‘base ball’ following Civil War era rules. Games will be held, weather permitting, at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM respectively and are held for 1-1.5 hours.

Historic rules include that the batter is out if a hit ball is caught on one bounce and also by ‘soaking’ (hitting the runner with the ball between bases). The ball is much softer than it is today. There is no need to bring a mitt, as they were not used, but the Park will provide period correct bats and balls. Both Federal and Confederate soldiers enjoyed escaping from the tedium of war by playing what would become America’s favorite pastime.