Grays Ready for Rocky Point

The original Providence Base Ball Association—affectionately known as the Grays—held court at Messer Street for eight seasons (1878 – 1885), slowly fading into the mists of the state’s colorful past. When the stadium disappeared from the West End well before the turn of the last century, no one could have predicted that, at the close of the 20^th century, the gray flannel would once again be donned in the Biggest Little State in the Union. In 1998, a small band of local base ball enthusiasts would breathe new life into the old club. What started out as the fulfillment of a dream to recreate the first World Championship of 1884 turned into twenty-five years of travel, camaraderie, rivalries, education, and top-notch historical competition.

In 2022, the Providence Grays celebrate the twenty-fifth season of historic base ball in Rhode Island. This season’s Rocky Point Historic Base Ball Festival—with an expanded schedule of games across two days featuring 12 clubs from six different states—is the culmination of all these years of adventure. To commemorate a quarter century of base ball history, we honor all those who have taken the field to revive the spirit of the old club. We especially give thanks to Tim Norton, the founder, former president, and current board member, whose vision led us to where we are today. We also celebrate the contributions, commitment, and eccentricities of Dave “Grandpa” Watson, who remains the only player to appear on the roster in every season from 1998 to the present. Grandpa carries the heart of Norton’s club with him into every encounter on the field, keeping alive our own traditions as we build toward another quarter century and beyond.

Last Time Out: Doc Adams Festival

The Grays come in to Rocky Point after a trip to New York’s Old Bethpage Village Restoration on August 5-6.  Providence won two of its four games, along with a tie against the always strong Brooklyn Eckfords. The one loss on the weekend came against the Cornshuckers of Canton, Michigan, 16-4, in an 1884 contest.

Providence defeated the Elizabeth Resolutes, 18-6, playing by the rules of 1864. Another ’64 match followed, this time against the Monmouth Furnace BBC, which the Grays won 31-3. The Rhode Islanders trailed early against the Eckfords, storming back late to tie the score at nine before time constraints ended the battle. The 2-1-1 showing improved Providence’s record to 16-10-1 on the season.

The Slate at Rocky Point

The Providence Grays present the Rocky Point Historic Base Ball Festival on Saturday, August 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Twelve historic ball clubs from six different states will play games following rules from the 1850s, 60s, 70s, and 80s on three fields with action throughout both days. Admission is free and all are welcome. Bring a basket of food, chairs, and blankets, and join us for a glorious weekend celebrating the history of our National Pastime.

Rhode Island welcomes the Atlantic BBC of Brooklyn, New York Mutual Base Ball Club, Connecticut Base Ball Club, Boston Union Vintage Base Ball Club, Elizabeth Resolutes, Brandywine BBC of West Chester, Bovina Dairymen, Mountain Athletic Club, Westfield Wheelmen, Knickerbocker Experience and the Lisbon Tunnelmen as they join the Grays for this festival by the bay.

Providence takes on the Mountain Athletic Club at 9 a.m. on Saturday to open the festival with an 1884 matchup. The hosts follow with an 1870-rules clash with Elizabeth at 2 p.m. before closing the day 1858 style against the Knickerbockers. The Grays begin things early on Sunday with an 8 a.m., 1884 meeting with Bovina and play the fifth and final game of the weekend at 2 p.m. versus Brandywine (1884).

Come and see the action in person or follow along on the Grays’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.