Bisbee Bees Vintage Base Ball Club

Our Friends from the Land from the Rising Sun

2011-03-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

March 10, 2011 : Bisbee, Arizona Territories.

As Spring approaches the Queen Mining Camp in the Mule Mountains, the lads in blue prepare to take up bats against the other clubs from the Arizona Territories Vintage Base Ball League. Scheduled for March 19 and 20, the Bees will play in 3 Matches and will be filmed on Japanese Public Television! A nice lady from BBI World TV contacted Scrap Iron via telegram to discuss recording the matches at the ball park in Lowell, and the history of the young league. As excitement grows, we welcome our New Friends from the Land of the Rising Sun, and wish them all a hearty and heart-felt Huzzah!!!

Bees Cross Bats with Old Friends and New Foes

2010-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Glendale Township, A.T.

With a cool breeze blowing, the lads in blue assembled on the ball grounds in Glendale Township to take on thier old friends, the Glendale Gophers and to cross bats with the upstart club, the Latin Stars.

The first match, held at high-noon, featured the Bees and Gophers - renewing thier friendly rivalry on the diamond. The Bees elected to defer the bat toss and elected to strike first. The top half of the first frame saw the the Bees tally no aces. As the frames continued, it was a tight contest with each club scoring few aces. Althought the Bees gave a mighty effort, they were not to be victorious. The final tally was Bees 3 Gophers 5.

The second match of the afternoon, held after a brief rest and chance for the lads in blue to get some refreshments saw action from the new club, the Latin Stars. The Stars are a new club to the league this season, and were playing this game to benefit one of the schools in the Territory. The match proceeded quickly, and in the end the Bees were out-matched on the ball field. The final tally reflected the Bees inability to field the ball and strike the pill to score aces. Final Tally: Latin Stars 14 Bees 4.

The Bees had a rough outing on the diamond, and are not scheduled for any more matches for another two weeks. Hopefully this extra time will allow for much needed practice and rest for those ballists on the club that are suffering from injuries sustained on the glorious field of play.

Bees Have Week Off

2010-11-11T22:16:00.000-08:00

Bisbee, Arizona Territories.

With League play commencing a week past, and the victorious start to the season by the hometown lads in blue - Bisbee takes a week off to enjoy some much needed rest from the club's activities.

Several ballists from the club will no doubt be in attendance for the other matches in League Play. This may help the bees gain knowledge about their future opponents of whom they will cross bats in the near future.

The Bees wish the other clubs in the league good luck in the upcoming games.

Huzzzah!!

Bees Begin Season Victorious!

2010-11-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

Glendale Township, Arizona Territories.

With the beginning of a new season, the Bisbee Bees crossed bats with the Bisbee Black Sox and the Tucson Saguaros. In the first match of the afternoon, contested at Gopher Field under warm and partially cloudy skies saw the Bees take a commanding lead in the early frames which lead to an 11 aces to 3 victory over the Black Sox.

The second match played later in the afternoon saw the bees offense come to life after a sluggish start in the early frames of the match. Superb defense, and a 9 ace rally with two hands down led the boys-in-blue to a 21 aces to 1 ace victory.

The Bees start the season with two well earned victories. The club does not have any games scheduled for next week.

Huzzah for a great season ahead!

First Season Scrimmage

2010-10-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Glendale Township, Arizona Territories.

In the cool of the morning, ballists from the Bees and Glendale Gophers gathered on the lawn known as the " Gopher Hole" to practice the National Game of Base Ball. We tossed the ball around a little to get in the spirit of the game, and then played 9 innings - with one side against the other. There were many fine displays of grit and ginger displayed by both clubs in both fielding and striking. There was no official tally recorded, but the result of today's impromptu match is one of comraderie and fellowship between both clubs. Hopefully this builds a fine friendship between the Bees and Gophers that will last for many years to come. A fine display of sportsmanship indeed!

The Bees have a tentative practice match scheduled for one week from today versus thier long-time rivals, the Phoenix Senators.

Practices Begin, Bisbee Club Takes Shape.

2010-10-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Glendale Township, Arizona Territories.

With the first practices taking place at Gopher Field, the returning ballists and new club members take to the field to sharpen fielding skills lost during the off-season. The Bees hold first practices of the new season at thier new home-away-from home, Gopher Field in Glendale Township, Arizona Territories. These practices hope to hone the club into shape in preparation for the Opening Day matches on November 6th.

When asked about the club's prospects this season, Captain Mike " Death-to-Flying-Things" Dietrich replied: " I expect great things from this ball club, we have a good group of ballists and should get better with the addition of a few new gentlemen. We should have a fine season".

The Club welcomes three new ballists to its ranks! Robert and Kevin Gentner - sons to Jim " Stretch " Gentner, 1st sack for the Bees. Both gentlemen have previous experience as ballists and will be a welcome addition to the club. Robert will play full time, while Kevin Gentner will serve as a subsitute for the first nine. The practices should prove useful in determining what points these new gentlemen will take on the field. Great things are expected from these Gents, Huzzah!!

The efforts of all the ballists to get back into playing form, will help sort out the line up and help gaurantee the Bees chances for Victory this season.

Huzzah Indeed!!

Off Season Rumors

2010-09-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Bisbee, Arizona Territories.

With the new season on the horizon, the beloved lads in blue are starting to gather from different parts of the territories in anticipation of the new season. There's talk that the Bees will have two new Ballists join the club as well. The competition will surely be fierce, as a few new clubs have joined the league including; the Tolleson Pistoleros, Tucson Saguaros, Bisbee/Douglas Blacksox and the Gilbert Nickerbockers.

Many around town say that the Bees should have taken the Territorial Championship last season. The club expects to have all of the ballists return this year and welcome back former club Captain "Scrap Iron" Tenney to the line up from a season long absence.
What will the future season hold for the Bees? The first match is on November 6th, versus the Nickerbocker club of Gilbert. Match time is High Noon, with the action being held at Liberty Field in the township of Sun City West, Arizona Territories.

Huzzah!!

New Season Looms Large - Bees Start to Stir.

2009-09-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Bisbee, Arizona Territories

With the return of their fearless leader from the First Annual Captains meeting held in the Capital City of Phoenix, the Bees are getting set to start spring training and try outs for new ballists. This reporter was able to catch up with the Bees Captain John " Scrap Iron " Tenney to get his take on the new season that lies ahead.

Scrap Iron was sent to represent the lads in blue at the meeting of captains, and reports that several key items were discussed and that the Arizona Territories Vintage Base Ball League is beginning to take shape. " I'm real happy to see that a couple new clubs will be joining league play this season, but that doesn't mean we're gonna go easy on em. We'll be ready to play ball, that's for darn sure!!" With the addition of three new clubs to the league, the base ball action this season should be as good as ever, and new rivalries should emerge. The Glendale Gophers, NW Valley Prospectors and the Keystones of Sun City should prove to be worthy opponents indeed, giving our lads in blue a run for their money.

This reporter thinks that the club should do very well this year, with all of the Bees roster returning for action this season. The Bees are slated to compete in no less than twelve matches by the time Christmas is upon us. There are also three tournaments scheduled in the upcoming season, which ends in April of next year. It sounds like the Bees will be busy for sure, fighting it out for League supremacy and glory on the fabled diamond.

Will the Bees be in fighting shape come October? This reporter seems to think that the Bees have some scores to settle with them rotten Senators, not forgetting the opening round loss conceded by the Bees in the first match of the Territorial Championship held this past Spring at the hallowed Warren Ballpark.

The first round of matches is slated for October 17th, when the Bees travel northward to Glendale Township to compete in the First Annual Glendale Harvest Festival and Season Opening matches to be held at Gopher Field. Scrap Iron says that he's seen that field, and it looks to be a good patch to play ball on, with high hopes that his strikers should do well. The defensive efforts of the Bees should improve with practice, which this reporter is told will start soon. I've been assured by Scrap Iron that he will work the Bees hard to get prepared for the fierce competition that lies ahead.

The town of Bisbee is excited and ready to play ball, to cheer their favourite lads and lasses in blue on to victory and glory for the fine city of Bisbee, Queen of the Copper Camps. The whole town has been talking about the new season, still remembering the victories of the past year and aching over the close losses, clearly being as hungry as the ballists for the chance of victory and glory for thier beloved home town. " The Bees are askin our own cranks to make the journey up to Glendale Township, to cheer us on. We want to do our townsfolk proud!" declared Scrap Iron, who will be in his third season as both Captain and behind for the Bees. Last season proved to be a tumultuous one, with the passing of Scrap Iron's father from the dreaded cancer and a serious neck injury he got during a near fatal accident in one of the mine shafts during a shift in the Copper Queen mine near Brewers Gulch. The whole town is behind Scrap Iron, wishing him and the Bees a victorious season ahead.

Huzzah Indeed!! Huzzah!!

Bees Victorious in Season Ending Matches

2009-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

Sun City West, Arizona Territories.

With the Spring gales blowing all around them, the Bees swarmed into Sun City West for the season ending matches to wrap up the inaugural season of Base Ball in the Arizona Territories. This reporter, hearing the match report 2nd hand from Jeremy " The Hammer" Gerber, is pleased to find out that Bisbee ( with other ballists in their ranks) were victorious in a lop-sided route with a final tally of 14 aces to 2 aces.

With other matches going on, the Phoenix Senators took their lumps, being handed a whoopin with the final tally of the second match being 16 aces to 6 aces in favor of the Arizona Miners.

While there is much grumbling going on about the final show-down of the season that is on the horizon in May, at Warren Ball Park, the crown jewel of ball parks in the territories one thing is for sure - the last matches between the Bees and Senators should be good.

" We aim to show those city-slickers how to play ball when the come down here. They'll be in our back-yard, then we'll show em who's best." Cap Tenney responded when this reporter asked him what he thought the match out come would be. It seems that trouble may be abrewin in the border town of Bisbee.

Well, we wait till May and find out who emerges from this contest. The base ball should be good, the crowd rowdy, the beer cold and flowing freely. Huzzah!!

Bees Sting Senators for First Series Win

2009-02-22T15:59:00.001-08:00

Varney Park - Peoria Township, Arizona Territories.

Under a warm, yet cloudy sky the Bees took to the field against their long time rivals the Phoenix Senators. The Senators opened the match with sparse hitting, pushing across the first ace of the match. The next inning the Bees came back, and tied the match at 1 ace per club. Over the following frames, the Bees drove in ace after ace, at one point getting 5 aces in a single rally! The Bees defensively played well, never giving up more than 3 runs in any frame, and holding the explosive Senators offense to an unusually low tally. Notable play from the Bees gardeners, who did not let a single ball pass them, recording several hands down for the lads in blue. Behind the plate, Cap Tenney recorded several outs on foul ticks, including the final out of the match.

During the match, he Bees Short Scout, Jeremy " The Hammer " Gerber, battered the Senators fielders in to submission -driving in several aces, accounting for 4 consecutive " inside-the-park " home runs! Hammer's play was extremely valuable to the Bees, both at the plate and on the field. Notable striking came from the Bees Right Gardener, Aaron Huxtable who put down a perfectly bunted ball down the first sack line to move the Bees runners on base. This proves that the Bees are dangerous opponents at the plate, who can employ the use of "small ball" tactics to confuse their opponents. Jim " Hustle " Roth made several good plays at 2nd Sack, showing steady hands under pressure to make the play when it counted most. "Stretch" Gentner, the Bees first sacker showed his usual prowess at his position, making several good plays.

Also, both John " Socks " VanCuyk and Cap Tenney both hurled/caught for both sides, as the Senators were short handed several ballists for this match. Both clubs played hard, which is expected of any contest between these two clubs. The final tally was 18 aces to 8 aces in favor of the Bees. This makes two wins in a row for Bisbee. Could a turn of fortune be in the cards for the Bees?? Only time will tell, but with sparkling play similar to what was showcased today, the Bees can compete with any club in the Arizona Territories.

The Bees have the next weekend off, then travel into Senators territory for another re-match. The captain of the Bees tells this reporter that the lads in blue will keep practicing, so they can keep up their winning ways. This newspaper man has a feeling that this rivalry is just beginning to heat up. A great match between two clubs of gentlemen ( and gentlewomen too) was displayed today, much to the delight of the small crowd of cranks that came out to watch.

Three Cheers for the Victorious Bees! Huzzah!! Huzzah!! Huzzah!!

Bees Split Impromptu Double Header

2009-02-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

February 15, 2009. Sun City Grand Township, Arizona Territories.

After losing the Consolation Championship match against the Arizona Aces, the Bees found themselves taking on the Arizona Miners under cool breezes and a cloudy sky. In the opening frames, the Miners struck first scoring 6 aces in the opening frames of the match. Determined not to fall short, " Cannonball" McNatty successfully hit an inside-the-park home run. The Miners responded with timely hitting and good defense. In the middle frames, the Miners striker Ron " Big Bird" Danowski hit a towering shot to left field, only to be robbed by the sure hands of Mike " Mojo " Dietrich, who recorded the out by making the catch. The Bees led a late frame charge, but fell short with the final tally being 11 aces to 7 in favor of the Miners.

The Bees were then offered to stay on, and be the opponent for a mixed squad, made up of ballists from the Arizona Aces, Sun City West Blackstockings and Sun City West Redstockings. The Bees opened the match striking first, and stinging their opponents for 5 aces in the first two opening frames. The Bees played patient, and well timed defense, cutting short a rally by the opposing ballists. More aces came on solid hitting, with notable striking from Jeremy " the Hammer" Gerber, who hit a fair bound over the center garden fence for a 2 sack hit that drove in 2 aces. Defensively, the bees were solid with an outstanding play coming from Right Gardener Aaron Huxtable who charged in to field a lazy fly ball, diving to make the catch for an out on the bound.

The final tally was 11 aces to 4, in favor of the Bees. The win came at a good time, and the Bees showed their capabilities on the field. A grand time was had by all.

The Bees return back to their home field to face their arch-rivals, the Senators next week.

HUZZAH!!!

Bees Lose Close Match in the New Year

2009-01-12T10:44:00.001-08:00

Tempe Township, Arizona Territories.

Sunday, January 11th - High Noon.

With the sun shining bright, and the weather favorable, the Bees took on their rivals the Phoenix Senators in the first match of the new year. In the opening frames of the match, the Bees jumped out to a quick lead, scoring 3 un-answered Aces. In the middle frames, the Senators scored an Ace here, and a couple of Aces there to take the lead 4 Aces to 3. Timely hitting and solid fielding skills from both clubs left the Tally tied at 6 Aces per club going into the bottom of the 9th inning. The Bees put up a courageous effort, but in the end it wasn't quite enough to win the day.

The Senators scored the winning Ace, with two hands down in the latter half of the last frame to notch the win with the final tally being recorded as 7 to 6.

The notable fielding plays from the Bees was a double play turned single handedly by 3rd Maintainer Jeremy " Hammer " Gerber, who caught a drive to third on a single bound for one hand down, then relayed a quick throw to home plate for the tag to record the second hand down in the bottom half of the 5th Inning. Hammer's striking skills were put on display later in the match, while coming close to recording the first ever home-run within the league.

Co-Captain Mike " Mojo " Dietrich led all of the Bees with his striking efforts, driving in several of the Bees 6 Aces in the match.

Ballists from both clubs commented afterward that the match was quite enjoyable, and competed within the true spirit of the game. Both clubs hope to do better in the Winter Classic Tournament to be held in one week.

Huzzah!!

Winter Classic Tournament Invitation Announced

2008-12-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

Sun City West Township, Arizona Territories

An invitation has been extended for the Bisbee Bees to compete in the upcoming Winter Classic Tournament, on January 17th and 18th of 2009. On the first day, opening round of play the first match of the day will feature the Bisbee Bees versus the newly formed club, the Arizona Miners. Match time is scheduled for 10:30 in the morning.

1860 Rules will be the order of the day, and all matches will be played by those rules for the entire tournament.

Results will be posted after the conclusion of the tournament.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Huzzah!!

Holiday Tournament Results

2008-12-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Surprise Township - Arizona Territories.

It was a sunny, yet crisp afternoon as the venerable Bisbee Bees took the field against the Sun Cities Red Stockings in a Thanksgiving Holiday Base Ball Match in part of the Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament.

The Bees lost the bat-toss to decide who was the home club, and it was decided that the Bees were the Visitors of the day. The Bees led off the opening frame with strong striking, scoring 3 aces to open the match. On the bottom half of the frame the Bees showed a stingy defense, recording a quick three hands down to end the 1st frame. The following frames of the match featured the same, timely striking, fleet footed sack running and dandy fielding by all of the maintainters and gardeners on the field.

The Redstockings, showed signs of life late in the match, scoring 2 Aces and made an attempt at a miraculous comeback. The bees shut the door to the match, which was called in the 7th frame to notch the well played victory with the final tally of 19 Aces to 2 Aces in favor of the Bees.

Upon asking the club Captains, Mojo and Cap - who's only reply was " It's about time!!" and adding that this was the break through game that clearly show-cased the Bees abilities on the field of play.

In the last match of the evening, the two club Captains, Mojo and Cap represented the Bees as ballists comprising the Valley Stars Base Ball Club. The Stars were comprised of ballists from the Bees, the Phoenix Senators and the Sun Cities Redstockings, all of whom took on the newly formed Arizona Aces. The Aces played a very well rounded match, displaying good striking skills and solid fielding. The Stars mounted a late comeback, but fell short, losing the final match by a tally of 6 Aces to 4.

A great tournament was witnessed by ballist and crank alike. The Bees look forward to a similar arrangment next year.

Huzzzah!!

2008 - 2009 Season Schedule

2008-10-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Bisbee, Arizona Territory - October, 1885.

The town Base Ball Club the Bisbee Bees have announced their new schedule for this upcoming season within the newly formed Arizona Territories Base Ball League. The dates, locations, opponents and game times read as follows:

November 2nd - Season Opener Double-header in Sun City West : Bees v. Blackstockings.
Game Time: 1 O'Clock in the afternoon. ** PBS FILMING **

November 9th - Bees V. Senators at Varney Park, Peoria - Arizona Territory.
Game Time - 1'O Clock in the Afternoon.

November 15th - American Heritage Festival Exhibition Game, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek.
Game Time - To Be Announced.

November 23rd - Bees v. Senators at Papago Park, Tempe Township, Arizona Territory.
Game Time - To Be Announced.

November 29th - Willow Canyon School Benefit Event - Double Header w/ Championship
Match. Held at Willow Canyon Highschool - Surprise. Game Times
to be decided.

December 7th - Bees v. Senators, Varney Park - Peoria, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - 1'O'clock in the Afternoon.

January 11th - Bees v. Senators, Papago Park - Tempe Township, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - To Be Announced.

January 25th - Bees v. Senators, Varney Park - Peoria, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - 1 O'clock in the Afternoon.

February 8th - Bees v. Senators, Papago Park - Tempe Township, Arizona Territories.
Game Time to be Announced.

February 22nd - Bees v. Senators, Varney Park - Peoria, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - 1 O'Clock in the Afternoon.

March 8 - Bees v. Senators, Papago Park - Tempe Township, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - To be Announced.

March 29 - Bees v. Senators, Varney Park - Peoria, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - 1 O'Clock in the Afternoon.

May 10th - WORLD SERIES PLAYOFFS: Bees v. Senators, Warren Ballpark -
Bisbee, Arizona Territories.
Game Time - To be Announced.

This schedule was agreed upon after months of negotiations with town officials and the respective club captains from the Bees and Senators. All respective Ladies, Gentlemen, and youngins' are invited to attend the games. Music, Libations and the Grand Old Game will be a pleasure to partake. Best of luck to all the clubs in the 2008 - 2009 Season!

Huzzah!!

Club Announces new Co-Captain

2008-07-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Bisbee - At the Historic steps leading into the Copper Queen hotel, Captain John Tenney made the following announcement relating to the management of the dominant Bisbee Base Ball Club. " Today we welcome Mike "Mojo" Dietrich to duties as Co-Captain. He will help wrangle the rowdy ballists, encourage them to practice and help organize matters relating to the new Arizona Territories Base Ball League, with of course the best interests of the club" Mr. Tenney went on to add " Mike is a talented Gardener and is well respected amongst the boys. He'll do fine. Good day". And with that announcement, Mr. Tenney headed out from the hotel cane in hand and disappeared amongst the crowded masses on Brewers Gulch, presumably headed to the Opera House for the afternoon's performance. The Bisbee lads finished at the top of the league last season, and expect to do very well this season.

Bees Finalize New Ballist Trade Deal.

2008-06-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Bisbee Bees have finalized the trade deal, that would acquire Jim Netcott from the Phoenix Senators for a few un-named free-agent ballists. This is a great addition to the Bees line-up, Jim will be a great addition to the club at any position on the field!

An invitation has been extended by the National Radio Show : Vintage Base Ball This Week to attend the 1st Annual Chicagoland Vintage Base Ball Pickup game on Sunday July 20th. Any volunteers to go and represent the Arizona Territory would be most welcome to make the journey. More details forthcoming!

Also, Captain John Tenney was interviewed as a part of this past edition of Vintage Base Ball This Week ( dated 06/17/08). A fine interview, that lasted about 20 minutes or so updating the rest of the country about the progress of the league despite the challenges faced. Give a listen below. Huzzah!!

Practices continue to go well, with all ballists making great advances in their fielding and striking skills. This season should prove to be a victorious and productive one.

Bees In Talks to acquire Legendary Striker from Senators!

2008-06-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

The Bisbee Bees Base Ball Club are in formal talks to acquire a legendary power striker, Second Sacker Jim Netcott. We're pleased to announce that the deal will finalize soon, and welcome Jim to the Club. Huzzah Jim! Welcome!

Practices are going well, and continue to be held at Varney Park. We continue to sharpen our skills for the greatest season to come!

Great News!!

Bees and Senators Clash in Pre-Season Match

2008-06-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night, May 28th 2008 - the Bees and the newly formed Phoenix Senators had their first ever Match. The game went a full 7 innings, played to the rules of 1886. The final tally:

Bisbee - 20 Aces.

Phoenix - 9 Aces.

Although this is only the first meeting between the two respected clubs, it certainly won't be the last. The game was played under the lights of the Bees "home-away-from-home" field, Varney Park in Peoria. The weather was perfect, temperatures cool for the start of another hot desert summer.

The game was a well played match between both clubs. Bisbee's bat's drove in plenty of runs to stave-off a late inning charge from the Senators. A grand time was had by all, and for the first time - John Tenney made his debut as an umpire.

Huzzah!!

Fort Verde Game Part 2

2008-04-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 12th, we held our last regular season game as a part of the Annual History of the Soldier event held at the Fort Verde State Historic Park. After an abbreviated game of 5 innings as agreed to by both Captains, the final score was 18-6, with Bisbee coming out Victorious. This improves our Season Record to 2-2-1.

A great game, I will post photos when I recieve them. I didn't take any photos myself, otherwise - I'd have done this sooner.

Great game, and a good way to end the season. Huzzah!!

Double Header Results

2008-03-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

We had our double-header versus both the Blackstockings and Redstockings. We lost both games.

Game 1 - 8-5 L

Game 2 10 - 6 L

This brings our season schedule to 1-2-1. But we're not quite done this season. We still have a game vs The Fort Verde Excelsiors on April 12th, and possibly another rematch against either the Redstockings or Blackstockings before or after that date.

We played well, both our adversaries hit the ball were we weren't. So Congrats to them for a fine performance.

The article that the Arizona Republic did can be seen at the following link:

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/azetc/articles/0322vintagebase.html

Podcasts and Spring Games

2008-03-15T21:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, since the last post there have been some developments. And its all good news. Here goes.

First, our next game - Saturday, March 22nd @ 12:30PM. This is a Double-Header! Both games at Liberty Field in Sun City West.

Game 1 - Bees Vs. Blackstockings.

Game 2 - Bees Vs Redstockings.

Hopefully both games will go 9 innings so we can record the results.

Now, onto other news. Thanks to Jason "Gypsy" Kladiva of the Iron Diamonds BBC has graciously featured the Bees in the March 11th broadcast, for This Week in Vintage Base Ball. To listen to this broadcast and previous ones go to:

http://www.1859america.com/ - The podcasts are on the website. Excellent listening!! There's alot covered in each podcast, featuring results from games across the country, as well as a segment on little known rules of the Vintage Game. Well worth checking into each week and giving a listen. Huzzah!!!

Also, last but not least - We're having a Sports Reporter from The Arizona Republic come to cover the Game on March 22nd. So, hopefully that will help drive recruiting for new teams in the area.

See you at the Games!!

HUZZAH!! HUZZAH!!!

Next Game in March

2008-02-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

We've scheduled the next game. It looks like the Bees will take on not one opponent, but two. It will be a double-header on
March 22nd, 2008. Here are the details.

Game 1 Bees vs. The Sun Cities Blackstockings

Start Time 12:30 PM

Location: Liberty Field, Sun City West AZ.

Game 2 Bees Vs. The Sun City Redstockings.

Time: ETA of 2:15 PM or so ( after game 1 is finished)

Location: Same location, same field.

That's the next game. We may have another training clinic come up between now and then for the new team, the Redstockings and a new Club Nine from Sun City Grand. If we do this, look for details here.

Bees Vs. Blackstockings - Chapter 2

2008-02-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

This past sunday afternoon, February 17th we participated in a "training clinic" of sorts with our good friends and rivals The Sun Cities Blackstockings.

It was a fine game, lasting a full 9 innings. The final score:

Bisbee Bees 9

SC Blackstockings 5.

With stingy defense, and timely hitting we were able to pull ahead for the victory. A great performance by all on the field, with excellent on field manners and gentlemanly behaviour being present at all times. We had a great time, and are looking forward to doing it again!!

Check out the photos above. Great game!

Huzzah!!

Update

2008-01-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

Ok folks, here's an update on what's going on in the new year.

1. We have new teams forming now!! We have 3 new teams from Sun City, they are: The Sun Cities Blackstockings, The Sun Cities Redstockings. The team representing the Sun City Grand community has yet to take a name. I will update the post when I find out more.

2. Practice Game/ Training Clinic - On January 27th, 2008 at 1:30PM out at Liberty Field in Sun City West we will be doing a training clinic and practice game for the gentlemen that compose the new teams. We will be on hand to help explain rules, and coach the new players on hitting, and fielding skills.

3. New League starts soon!! Tentatively scheduled games are to start on February 10th, 2008. Game time and opponent schedules are yet to be announced.

Stay Tuned!!

Christmas Break

2007-12-15T10:26:00.001-08:00

We're on our Christmas Break. We will re-form as a team in January 2008 for the new year. Some things we're working on:

1. Recruiting. Still working on getting more players out for the new year.

2. A re-match against the Black Stockings! Gotta WIN the next one.

Stay tuned until the next year. Happy Holidays!

1864 Rules Game Results

2007-12-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 25th we had our 2nd game. We played an 1864 Rules Match against the Sun Cities Black Stockings. The Black Stockings were a team formed from a traveling softball team, made up of guys all in their 60's. The game went really well, and below are some photos of the game. Also, below is an article written by a reporter from a local Sun Cities Newspaper that used 19th Century verbiage to describe the game. Very well written! Take a read of the article below.

A report on the Big Match of Vintage 1864 base ball match between the venerated
Bisbee Bees Club Nine and the most venerable Black Stockings Club Nine
of Sun City West.

Written By Tony DiBiasio.

The scoreboard showed only eight aces for the local favorites but, alas, nine aces for the esteemed Bisbee opponents, who had journeyed from far across the valley for the Big Match.
‘Twas the bottom of the ninth and the situation quite dire for the hometown favorites. The nattily attired umpire adjusted his straw hat and gave out the call “Striker to the line!” as the partisan cranks in the stands at Liberty Field in Sun City West cried “Huzzah, Huzzah!”
The beloved Black Stockings faced a two player dead situation, when one of their ranks managed to leg it to the third sack, a play that was contested, but only for a moment, when all were reminded that “gentlemen shall forbear from commenting on the umpire’s decision”.
The home town Striker at the plate already had two foul ticks facing him. The Bisbee Behinder gave the sign to his Hurler, who hitched up his knickers and gave forth with a fine pitch. The determined Black Stockings Striker drove the pellet deep to the Right Gardner, allowing another ace in to tie the game.
Then a hush fell over all in the stands as one of the mightiest of Black Stockings came to the plate. He thumped his wood bat soundly into the dirt and glared, albeit in a friendly way, at the Hurler. The hard rubber-like ball was thrown, and the Striker swung, mightily and with great resolve. The Cranks in the stands rose as one and watched, and watched still, but with deepening dismay as the struck ball rolled ever so gently, perhaps with one bounce, to the Bisbee Mid-Stopper for three hands dead--and the end of the match.
Final score: Bisbee Bees Club 10
Black Stockings Club 10
‘Though it was a less than satisfying end, and not to the liking of some, those few were quickly calmed by the quick action of the Ace High Gunfighters, all dressed in vintage 1860s clothing, who had accompanied the Bisbee Bees on their trek.
across the valley.
And so it transpired, on a cool Sunday afternoon, that men and women came together to play in and watch a vintage base ball game, played by the 1860s rules and etiquette. And it shall happen again, soon.

Also, here are a few photos from the game. Both teams, and a shot of in game action. Great game. We're working on getting something together for next year!

Our Next Game 1860's Rules

2007-11-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Our next game will be on Sunday, November 25th @ 2:15PM at Liberty Field in Sun City West. We will be doing an Exhibition game against The Sixties Sidewinders, and playing to the rules of 1864. It Should be a great time. Look for more photos to come.

See you at the game.

Huzzah!

More Fort Verde Game Photos - Part 2

2007-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here are more game photos from the game in Fort Verde. Better quality of photos here than the last ones that were posted. Note both team photos during and after the game. Also, not all of the Bees were present for this game. A full team photo will be added later.

More Fort Verde Game Photos.

2007-10-24T16:55:00.001-07:00

Here are more game photos from the game in Fort Verde against the Excelsiors.

Camp Verde Vintage Game

2007-10-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

On the weekend of October 13th, the Bees played a brief game against the Fort Verde Excelsiors. We played only 2 innings due to time constraints, but the innings we did play were fun! The final score was Bisbee 22 Fort Verde 9. We had a small crowd on hand to watch the action on the field. The weather was pleasant for October, with some cloud cover, some light wind and temperatures in the low 70's.

Above are a couple of shots of in game action, as well as a team photo. All in all everyone enjoyed the game, and as it stands, we have an open invitation to play another game in April 2008. Huzzah!!

Vintage Base Ball in Arizona Recruiting NOW!!

2007-10-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is the official page for the Vintage Base Ball team, the 1895 Bisbee Bees. We'll post pictures, and record events to include games, practices and such. We play Base Ball according to the rules of the 1880's and 1890's. Interested? Come to a practice and find out what we're doing! We need more players to form other teams to play against.

Do you enjoy playing baseball and love the history of the game? Is that softball league you're in just not cutting it as far as "real" base ball goes? Do you still want to play base ball but you've lost a step or can't hit the curve-ball anymore? Well you don't have to be a softball all-star or an ex-professional baseball player to play in the 19th Century League.
We only have a few requirements. One, that you be eighteen or older; and two, that you enjoy the history of the game! Our players are of all abilities and ages from 23 to 53. The great thing about vintage base ball though, is that you don't need to be 20 years old and in the prime condition of your life! In the 1880s the hurler (pitcher) would throw the ball so that striker (the batter) would put it in play. The spit ball or even the curve ball had not yet been invented. You won't see any 80 mph throwers out there either. You don't have to be a power hitter either. While it helps in some situations, for the most part, the 19 th century game was about putting the ball in play and hitting it where the fielders weren't. It will take some time to learn the 19 th century skills, but once you start to perfect them, you will never go back to softball again! If you want to participate, but just don't feel like you can play, we still need you....

So come to practice, talk with the players on the Bees and learn more!