Local lawmakers, vintage team to face off in benefit 1800s baseball

State lawmakers and a team of vintage baseball players will gather Saturday for a game of 1800s baseball to benefit veterans.

The Eastwood Iron Horse Base Ball Club — a group of men who play baseball, the old-fashioned way, barehanded — will face off against state Representatives Rick Perales, Jeff Rezabek and Jim Butler, and Ohio Sen. Bob Hackett.

“We would like to say thank you to the many men and women protecting our country,” said organizer Bob Behr in a statement.

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Lawmakers said they enjoyed the time spent with the baseball club, even if last year’s game was a blowout.

“I think we got beat 20-2 last year,” said Hackett. “It’s a lot of fun, and we play 1860s rules.”

Of course, playing with older rules means there’s a learning curve.

“These guys actually explain what they’re doing,” said Perales. “It’s a learning experience, too.”

Last year’s game attracted about 100 people and raised around $1,000 for area veterans.

The Eastwood Iron Horse Base Ball Club is a nonprofit organization.

Saturday’s game will be held at 3 p.m. at the Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St., Dayton.

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