The community is invited to experience vintage base ball as it used to be played during the Civil War era as the Brandywine Base Ball Club (BBC), a Chester County-based organization, faces the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg on Sunday, June 1, at noon at East Goshen Park, 1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester.

Teams in vintage base ball (how it was originally spelled) play the 1860s version of the game, taking the field without gloves and no modern equipment and wearing authentic uniforms.

Additionally, only one ball is used during the course of the game. "All of the vintage balls are hand-sewn, and traditionally you used one ball because they did not have a lot of them," said Jess Berzon, BBC marketing officer. "They are traditional lemon peel balls, and they have this really interesting pattern. They are a little bit softer than a traditional baseball, which makes it easier for the players to catch it with their bare hands."

For spectators, attending a game is a way to experience a living history lesson. "They can cheer (on the players), and the spectators get engaged with the games," Berzon said, noting that the team members are available to provide information about the game. "If you ask questions, it's not like a formalized game, where you can't talk to the players."

In fact, players frequently interact with the crowd and explain different aspects of the game. "During one home game, they got people up batting with them. (They invited) people to try and hit," Berzon noted. "They want people to play and people to learn."

BBC, which is open to both men and women, is currently seeking additional players. "Players can give it a try before joining," said Berzon. "If you are interested and don't have a lot of time, we are accepting players with different schedules."

The BBC, which includes players from Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties, plays a team from Philadelphia and Rising Sun, Md., as well as the Diamond State team from Delaware, among others. "This team is basically the closest (vintage) team for many people," Berzon said, noting that East Goshen Park is the club's home field. "Most people are in driving distance from East Goshen Park."

Even though the games are historically accurate, the players still enjoy winning. "The Brandywine BBC doesn't just play - they celebrate vintage base ball," Berzon added. "(The games are) as much about camaraderie as competition ... and a tribute to the origins of America's favorite pastime."

For more information about the Brandywine Base Ball Club, visit www.brandywinebbc.org or www.facebook.com/BrandywineBBC. Prospective players may send a message to the team on Facebook, fill out the contact form on the website or email brandywinebbc@gmail.com.