Washington Park is one of Santa Clara’s true gems as it dates back to the early days of baseball. Throughout the years this field has seen many great games, great teams, and even baseball greats like the one and only Babe Ruth. Though many adult teams have come and gone over its 77 year existence, the field is primarily used now for youth baseball.
However, this weekend (Saturday, August 4th and Sunday, August 5th) the residents of Santa Clara will be able to turn back the clock to the late 1800s as Washington Park will host the 2012 Vintage Base Ball Cal Cup. Vintage base ball (yes, baseball was originally spelled as two words) is a nostalgic “turn back the clock” type of league where players known as “ballists” wear the baggy style uniforms of old and even use vintage 1886 equipment. The Cal Cup is the state championship tournament that will feature Santa Clara’s own home team… The Santa Clara Stogies.
Festivities will begin at 11:30 am on Saturday, August 4th and extend throughout the day. There will be baseball match-ups at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday featuring teams from all over California. There will be BBQ, souvenirs and plenty of baseball. So take your family out to the ball game, buy some peanuts and crackerjacks, and see how the game was originally played.
Washington Park is located at 270 Washington St. Santa Clara, CA 95050
For more information about vintage baseball, please visit www.californiavintagebaseball.com
This photo was taken at the 75th anniversary celebration of Santa Clara’s own Washington Park Ball Field. As you can see by the grandstands in the background, this field is a tangible look into history. This special event featured the Mayor of Santa Clara, all of the parks and recreation staff, Miss Santa Clara and even historians who provided the great history behind the ball park.