Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum Hosts Take Dad Out to the Ball Game 1864

Play ball! That's what the New York Mutuals will be doing at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum for the fourth annual Take Me Out to the Ball Game 1864! on Saturday of Father's Day weekend, June 18 at 1 p.m. Playing by 1864 rules, the 19th-century "base ball match," as the game used to be called, between the New York Mutuals and the Mineola Washingtons (both from Old Bethpage Restoration Village on Long Island), will feature historically accurate replicas of uniforms, bats, and balls. New York Mutuals president, Tom "Big Bat" Fesolowich, will serve as announcer, entertainingly explaining the differences between this earlier version and the current game. "With no gloves, just a ball and a bat to hit it with, this is baseball in its purest sense - when it was a gentleman's game," says Thom "Dirt" Fioriglio, the team's captain. "It's where love of history and love of the game meet." BPMM executive director Ellen Bruzelius adds, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game 1864! is a wonderful way to celebrate all the 'Dads' in our lives while enjoying America's favorite pastime."

After the game, there will be a raffle of the game ball, and team members will play rounders - baseball's precursor - with children on site. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children 6-17; for members, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children 6-17. Children under 6 are free. Tours of the 19th-century Bartow-Pell Mansion will be also be available. Food and other refreshments, by Aggie's Roll of City Island, will be available for purchase.

Reservations are requested. Email info@bpmm.org or call 718-885-1461. There is no rain date for the event. For additional information about the New York Mutuals, visit www.nymutuals.com.