Stepping Back in Time: The Southwest Community Concert Band Brass Ensemble Performs at Vintage Base Ball Match
What do brass music, wool uniforms, underhand pitching, and cries of "Huzzah!" have in common?
On Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Stellwagen Farm in Orland Park, IL (map), People from all around came together for an afternoon that transported spectators back more than 160 years.
The Southwest Community Concert Band Brass Ensemble, a traditional Brass Quintet, had the pleasure of providing pregame entertainment for a Vintage Base Ball match featuring two of the Midwest's premier clubs: the Chicago Salmon and the Valparaiso Lookouts. For many in attendance, it was their first introduction to one of America's most fascinating living history experiences.
Vintage Base Ball isn't simply baseball played in old uniforms. It is a recreation of the game as it was played during the 1860s, complete with period rules, equipment, language, customs, and sportsmanship. Players are known as "ballists," teams are called a "nine," pitchers are "hurlers," batters are "strikers," and a run is an "ace." Most players compete without gloves, pitches are delivered underhand, and the emphasis is as much on gentlemanly conduct as it is on winning the match.
Before the first pitch, our Brass Quintet helped set the stage with music appropriate for the occasion, including an arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner from the 1860s, the earliest published version that people would have recognized during the Civil War era. It was a fitting way to begin an afternoon devoted to history.
Mother Nature Nearly Had Other Plans
Just before the match was scheduled to begin, dark clouds rolled overhead and a moderate rain sent everyone searching for cover. Fortunately, after about an hour's delay, the weather system drifted to the southeast, the skies began to brighten, and play commenced without any additional interruptions. In a way, the delay only added to the experience. It reminded everyone that outdoor sporting events in the 1860s had no weather radar, no retractable roofs, and no instant forecasts—only patience and optimism.
Once the match finally got underway, spectators were treated to a wonderful display of historical baseball. The pace of the game, the authentic uniforms, the friendly banter between players, and the period terminology all combined to create an atmosphere unlike any modern sporting event. Rather than simply watching a baseball game, fans experienced a living history lesson that was both educational and entertaining.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Vintage Base Ball is the interaction between the players and the crowd. Spectators are encouraged to cheer with authentic period expressions like "Well struck, sir!" and "Huzzah!" The players often respond in kind, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming, humorous, and surprisingly interactive.
As musicians, we especially appreciated how music and baseball have always been closely connected in American culture. Brass bands were a familiar part of community gatherings throughout the nineteenth century, making our participation feel like a natural extension of the day's historical setting. It was easy to imagine that, had we stepped through a doorway in time, the afternoon might have looked and sounded very much the same.
Wrap-Up
The Southwest Community Concert Band would like to thank the event organizers, the Chicago Salmon, the Valparaiso Lookouts, and everyone who attended for allowing us to be part of such a memorable afternoon.
If you've never attended a Vintage Base Ball match, we highly recommend adding one to your calendar. It's a unique opportunity to experience America's pastime as generations before us knew it. You'll gain a new appreciation for the history of the game, enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, and before long, you may find yourself cheering right along with the crowd...
"Huzzah!"
