Vintage Baseball Returns to John Deere’s Historic Site | 1850s Rules, No Gloves & Living History

Step back in time and experience baseball the way it was played in the 1850s!

In this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Mark Herman, manager and captain of the Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Baseball Club, and Brandon Jens, Manager of John Deere Attractions and Historic Sites, to explore the fascinating world of vintage baseball and the history behind the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour.

Learn how the sport evolved from its earliest days, why players compete without gloves, how honor played a central role in the game, and what makes vintage baseball one of the most unique living-history experiences in the Midwest. The conversation also highlights the upcoming vintage baseball game at the John Deere Historic Site, where visitors can watch authentic 1858-style baseball in a historic setting.

⚾ Vintage Baseball Game
📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 John Deere Historic Site, Grand Detour, Illinois
🎟️ Free Admission

Watch the Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Baseball Club take on the DuPage County Plowboys using authentic 1858 baseball rules. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the shade of the historic grounds, and experience America's pastime as it was originally played. Concessions including hot dogs, ice cream, and beverages will be available.

In this episode:
⚾ The history of John Deere and Grand Detour
⚾ How vintage baseball began and why it's growing in popularity
⚾ The unique rules of 1858 baseball
⚾ Playing without gloves and using period equipment
⚾ The Oregon Ganymedes' travels across the country
⚾ What visitors can expect at the June 13 game

The John Deere Historic Site is open seasonally from April through October and features guided tours, live blacksmith demonstrations, archaeological exhibits, and a replica blacksmith shop.

Learn more about the John Deere Historic Site:
https://about.deere.com/en-us/explore-john-deere/visit-us/historic-site

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🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

1:13 The history of John Deere in Grand Detour

2:40 Exploring the John Deere Historic Site

5:08 How vintage baseball came to Grand Detour

6:35 Attendance and growth of the annual event

7:05 Origins of vintage baseball in America

8:23 The original 1858 baseball rules explained

9:18 No gloves, underhand pitching, and honor system gameplay

11:18 Unique rules and historic baseball traditions

12:37 Playing around trees, buildings, and natural obstacles

15:33 Vintage baseballs and handmade equipment

16:18 Why baseballs changed from brown to white

17:37 Authentic vintage uniforms and equipment

19:44 How vintage bats differ from modern bats

21:03 Strange early baseball rules you won't believe

22:24 Why vintage baseball is so fun to watch

24:03 Meet the DuPage County Plow Boys

25:07 Traveling across the country for vintage baseball

25:31 The Historic Base Ball Tournament at The Henry Ford Museum

26:39 Where to follow the Oregon Ganymedes

28:14 Other events at the John Deere Historic Site

28:39 Final invitation to attend the game

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