If we turn the calendar back to the 1890s, there will be a classic baseball game hosted by the National Park Service (NPS) in Lackawaxen on Saturday, August 24th at noon.
The game will be played on the baseball field at Veterans’ Memorial Park across from the fire station. The Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River NPS reports that it is hosting this event in honor of famous western novelist Zane Grey, who lived in the house that the NPS operates as a museum, just a short walk from the ball field.
Before beginning his writing career, Gray attended the University of Pennsylvania on a baseball scholarship, where he studied dentistry. “Grey’s passion and talent for baseball led him to play for the Orange Athletic Club in New Jersey after graduating from college. Although Gray’s minor league career was short-lived, his time on the field and his love of the game led him to write books such as The Red Headed Outfielder, The Short Stop, and The Young Pitcher,” the NPS states.
Saturday’s 19th-century-themed baseball exhibition will feature the Mountain Athletic Club and the Elizabeth Resolutes. The Wallenpaupack Area Little League will operate the concession stand. They will serve popcorn, walking tacos, assorted candy, chips, cold drinks and ice cream in souvenir helmets, according to the Upper Delaware Council.
The old teams play according to the rules of 1871 and 1895.
There are photo opportunities with the vintage baseball teams and a life-size cutout of Zane Grey in his University of Pennsylvania baseball uniform.
Lawn chairs are recommended as there is no seating available on the ball field. Free parking, including handicapped parking, is available in the Veterans’ Memorial Park parking lot or in the nearby Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission parking lot at the Zane Grey Museum.
The Zane Grey Museum, located at 135 Scenic Drive in Lackawaxen, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the game, meet members of Zane Grey’s West Society to learn more about Grey and receive a free Zane Grey baseball trading card as a souvenir.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent and its predecessor publications since 1994. He can be reached at [email protected] or 570-253-3055, ext. 1588.
