UPDATE TO PREVIOUS STORY: lOVELAND VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME CANCELLED

By: Chuck Gibson

LOVELAND, OH (REVISED June 25, 2026) — EARLY THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 25th, THE CITY OF LOVELAND ANNOUNCED THE CANCELLATION OF THE VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST! REPEATING: VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME IS CANCELLED!  

The City of Loveland Sesquicentennial (150 year) Anniversary celebration is well underway with the Classic Car show, talent contest, pie-baking contest and Loveland Commemorative Bourbon Bottle Raffle already in the rear-view mirror or ongoing and still anticipation builds with the fast-approaching Loveland July 4th Celebration and the Vintage Base Ball Game this Saturday, June 27, featuring the Reds Hall of Fame 1869 Red Stockings visiting the Loveland Frog Legs Base Ball Club at Phillips Park.

Festivities for this vintage-style clash of the titans begin in the park at 12-Noon Saturday. Mayor Bailey is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at 1 PM. You’ll see native Loveland athletes from past and present don the Loveland jersey to test their vintage base ball skills against the 1869 Red Stockings. The game will be played with the rules that guided the first professional base ball club 157 years ago. It’s sure to raise a “huzzah” from all the cranks in attendance when the two teams take to an open field (no fences, no stands, no chalked baselines and home plate looks like a dinner plate). 

Players will field ground balls, line drives, fly balls, throws and pop-ups with no gloves – yes, barehanded! There were no baseball gloves in 1869. No umpires either, just one judge – mostly there to settle and disputes – who will not be calling balls and strikes. Some things will look the same as the game you see today with 90 feet between bases, but the hurler/pitcher will deliver from only 45-50’ away from home plate. Ahh, that’s enough for now. Come out and see for yourself. Bring the family and your own lawn chairs for seating – no stadium so no seats.

Check in at LovinLifeLoveland to learn more details and how you can join in the fun.

Hot Dogs, chips and water will be served up free – as long as supplies last. So come early and enjoy a dog, chips and a cold bottle of water. Mayor Bailey will be on the microphone offering commentary during the game along with Big Doc (The Judge) from the Reds Hall of Fame who will settle any disputes during the game – keeping things friendly in a gentlemen’s way; as well as offering insightful commentary about the unique rules of the 1869 game of base ball. Many of you know this game was originally postponed from the May 16th launch of the Loveland 150 year anniversary celebration. With all the pomp and circumstance leading up to that day (before rainstorms caused cancellation) Loveland Police Chief Mike Gabrielson talked all about the Vintage Base Ball game and other Sesquicentennial Celebration events planned as featured guest on Loveland Beacon Talks – A podcast.

CLICK on the video link below to hear Chief Gabrielson with host Chuck Gibson as he shared the story on the Loveland Beacon Talks Podcast leading up to the original game day of May 16.

NOTE: Run time is approximately 30:00 minutes.  

LOVELAND CELEBRATES 150 YEARS

 A Vintage Base Ball Classic

• Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Phillips Park (Rich Rd. across from Loveland High School)
• Activities begin: 12-NOON
• First Pitch: 1 PM (9 inning game or 4 PM finish whichever comes first)
• Mayor Bailey will throw out the ceremonial first pitch
• Free hot dogs, chips and water (as long as supply lasts)  
• Admission: FREE to the public (Bring your own lawn chair or blanket)
• Parking: High School lot – Free shuttle provided or walk across to the park

The Loveland Beacon Talks Podcast is a production of Loveland Beacon Digital Media presented by Loveland Beacon and Gibson Communications, LLC

Thank you for reading and listening here on Loveland Beacon.