IVintage Base Ball game FOR Loveland Sesquicentennial Celebration Saturday, May 16th -POSTPONED

By Chuck Gibson (Misty Clark, City of Loveland contributed to this story) 

LOVELAND, OH (UPDATED May 16, 2026) – The City of Loveland and the Reds HOF 1869 Red Stockings have officially announced the GAME IS POSTPONED for Saturday, May 16, 2026 kicking off Loveland’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations. MAKE UP DATE TO BE DETERMINED! 

Reds HOF 1869 Red Stockings coming to Loveland Saturday, May 16, 2026

The vintage base ball game is scheduled to be played at Phillips Park with activities beginning at 12-noon and first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m. featuring the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings taking on the Loveland Frog Legs Base Ball Club. As we reach the evening hours of Friday, May 15, 2026 and taking into consideration an ominous weather forecast (possible rain showers throughout the day Saturday) city leaders and event organizers have made the decision to go ahead with plans to play the game Saturday.  

It promises to be a full afternoon of “old-fashioned” fun as the two teams take the field and exhibit base ball the way it was played in 1896 with the first professional base ball team – the Red Stockings of Cincinnati. There’s sure to be plenty of community spirit and hometown entertainment.

Loveland is offering free hot dogs, chips and water for all the “cranks” (that’s what fans were called back in 1869) to enjoy. Loveland will also have commemorative baseball’s and sticker available for purchase at the city tent on site. Loveland Dairy Whip will also be on hand offering up their savory soft serve taste treats. Guest parking is at the Loveland High School where a complimentary shuttle service will be available to get you across the street to the park – of course you can walk if you choose. Limited bleacher seating will be available (though you would never have seen that in 1869) but everyone is encouraged to bring your own chair or blanket and set up like it is 1869. 

NOTE: The vintage game is subject to weather cancellation, but we encourage all to sing along with us: “Rain, rain go away come again some other day!  Play Ball! Watch the city social media outlets for any notification of cancellation of the game or other events which may be impacted by inclement weather.

Here’s more from the City of Loveland on the events of the weekend:

The fun continues Saturday evening with our Decade Party in downtown Loveland! Dress in your favorite decade attire, enjoy live music, themed fun, and celebrate 150 years of Loveland memories with the community. https://lovinlifeloveland.com/events/sesquicentennial-decade-themed-parties-downtown/

Be sure to also check out the Bourbon Raffle for a chance to win a commemorative bottle of bourbon. https://lovinlifeloveland.com/events/city-of-loveland-150th-anniversary-celebration-commemorative-bourbon-bottle-raffle/

On Sunday, May 17, downtown Loveland will come alive with a full day of festivities featuring:

  • Anniversary Car Show | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Talent Show | 1 p.m.
  • Pie Bake-Off | 2 p.m.
  • Birthday Cake | 3:30 p.m.
  • Live Music featuring Rooster Ridge | 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Plein Air Artists throughout downtown
  • Food, shopping, family activities, and community fun throughout the day.

Whether you stop by for a few hours or spend the whole weekend, the City of Loveland invites you to come on out and enjoy the celebration and experience the incredible community spirit of Loveland.