It was during the Civil War that men from Cecil County, who fought on both sides of the conflict, learned the sport of base ball.  In 1866 The Eclipse Base Ball Club of Elkton was formed and has been playing ever since.  

The current Eclipse Base Ball Club of Elkton is set up just as its predecessor was in 1866, as a social and athletic club that shows the public how base ball was played in the 19th century and, yes, Base Ball was originally two words.   They are part of the Vintage Base Ball Association, an international association of vintage ball clubs which promotes the game.   A break-off team, the Cecil Base Ball Club of Chesapeake City has also formed, and we watched them play the Dauntless BBC of Havre de Grace a few weeks ago.

Rules differ according to the playing year which is being used.  In rules of years prior to the 1880’s the ball is pitched underhand, there are typically no fences, and the ball can be played off of one bounce to get a striker out.  No gloves are used, and the uniforms are vintage.  Most importantly, the game continues to be played with the original spirit of gentlemanly sportsmanship. 

Follow the Eclipse BBC of Elkton on Facebook or at their website.  Games are played at Terrapin Station Winery in Elkton, MD

Huzzah! 

 Nice uniforms, Cecil BBC !

Fielding for Dauntless BBC - Women play too!