Grays vs. Rockinghams: Twin Bill Celebrates Rockland at 150

ROCKLAND, Mass. - Join us for an exciting historic base ball doubleheader as the Providence Grays (2-2) host the Portsmouth (N.H.) Rockinghams of the Essex Base Ball Association at Rockland Memorial Stadium on Sunday, May 5th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This event marks the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the town of Rockland, Massachusetts, and promises to be a day filled with thrilling action and nostalgic charm.

The Grays and the Rockinghams are set to face off in a rematch following their first-ever meeting last season at Rocky Point. In that memorable encounter, the Grays emerged victorious in both the 1864 and 1865 games, showcasing their skill and resilience on the field against the outstanding club from up north. Now, the Rockinghams are eager to turn the tables and claim victory this season.

Both teams have rich histories rooted in the early days of base ball. The Providence Grays Historic Base Ball Club, founded in 1998, honors the legacy of the original Providence Grays (1878 – 1885), a National League club in Rhode Island that won the pennant in 1879 and 1884 and achieved the first win in an interleague, postseason series, defeating the New York Metropolitans three games to none in 1884. 

Providence Grays, National League and World Champions, 1884

Known for their strong camaraderie and commitment to the sport, the modern-day Grays embody the spirit of historic base ball. The club plays a hefty schedule each season following a variety of 19^th century rules, from the 1860s to the 1880s.

The Rockinghams of Portsmouth

Similarly, the Portsmouth Rockinghams pay homage to the original Rockinghams Club, which played games in 1866 and 1867. The fourth and newest club of the Essex Base Ball Association, the Rockinghams play their season as part of the Essex organization at the Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts. The Essex clubs play by the rules and customs of the 19^th century and work to educate the public on the early years of the National Pastime. Current teams include the Newburyport Clamdiggers, the Lynn Live Oaks, the Lowell Nine, and the Rockinghams.

The Rockland Celebration doubleheader will feature games played under 1864 and 1865 rules, providing spectators with a fascinating glimpse into the early days of base ball. For those unfamiliar with the nuances of 1864 base ball, here's a brief summary of the rules:

• Home plate is round
• Pitching is done underhand from 45 feet between two 12-foot lines 3 feet apart
• Stealing is allowed
• Gloves are not worn
• The umpire stands to the opposite side of the batter
• Wherever the ball first strikes the ground determines whether it is fair or foul
• Foul balls are dead balls, and the runner cannot advance
• The runner can be put out on a force once the pitcher has held the ball
• Catching the ball on a bounce is an out in 1864 (only foul balls caught on the bound count as an out in 1865; fair balls must be caught on the fly)
• Bases are 90 feet apart
• Balls and strikes may be called by the umpire after warning either the pitcher or the hitter, then it is three balls for a walk, three strikes for an out
• Foul balls are not strikes
• Batters cannot overrun First base or else be put out by a tag

Check out more rules from the 1800s provided by the National Association of Historic Base Ball Clubs.

So come out to celebrate the town of Rockland’s 150^th anniversary and support New England historic base ball as we showcase the skills and passion for the game in this nostalgic doubleheader. It's sure to be a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and fond memories of America's favorite pastime. Follow the Grays on Facebook and Instagram to catch the action.