MIDDLETOWN, VA — On Saturday, May 17, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation (CCBF) will host its inaugural 1864 Rules Base Ball Festival, a day-long event celebrating the roots of America’s pastime with Civil War-era flair.
Held on the historic battlefield grounds in Middletown, Virginia, the event invites visitors to watch teams play baseball under the original 1864 rules, using authentic uniforms and period-appropriate equipment. Players will pitch underhand, no gloves are allowed, and the spirit of camaraderie takes center stage in this tribute to the game as it once was.
Three teams will participate in the event:
The Gettysburg Generals
The Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg
The newly formed Middletown Maulers, a hometown team making its debut
“We’re mostly out here for the fun of it,” said Middletown Mayor Charles Harbaugh IV, who also serves on the CCBF board and plays for the Maulers. “Though we plan to look great while getting thoroughly embarrassed. Come cheer us on, laugh with us—or at us—and enjoy a truly unique day in Middletown.”
In addition to the baseball games, the CCBF Museum will unveil a new Civil War Baseball Exhibit featuring historical artifacts, interpretive signage, and collectible memorabilia. William “Candy” Cummings, widely credited as the inventor of the curveball, will be featured on souvenir T-shirts and baseball cards commemorating the festival.
Located just minutes from Winchester and roughly an hour from Washington, D.C., the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation has long been known for its commitment to historical preservation and education. The Foundation maintains over 350 acres of battlefield and hosts one of the nation’s most respected Civil War reenactments every October.
This new baseball initiative adds a vibrant and family-friendly event to the Foundation’s annual programming. It honors a game that soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies once shared in camps and prisoner-of-war compounds as a source of comfort, connection, and entertainment during wartime.
Event Details: Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Location: Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation
Address: 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA 22645
Gates Open: 10:00 AM
First Game: 11:00 AM
Admission: $10 (Children 10 and under are free)
Parking: Free
Civil War reenactors in uniform will be admitted free of charge
Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Food, drinks, and memorabilia will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact info@ccbf.us or call (540) 869-2064. Press inquiries are welcome.
Edited by Dan McDermott
dan@route11news.com
