LEMONT – The McHenry County Historical Society’s “Independants” base ball club will travel to Lemont July. 22 for a round-robin tourney with the DuPage Plowboys and Valparaiso Lookouts – two experienced clubs with experienced strikers … as opposed to our “mighty muffins.” Suffice it to say, the outcome was less than we had hoped. The company, on the other hand … The match begins at noon on the field at 13860 Main St, Lemont, IL 60439.

Formed in 2013, the McHenry County “Independants” (spelled that way in a newspaper article more than 150 years ago) follow 1858 rules. That means no gloves, lemon-peel baseballs (stitches meet at the top), no pitched balls from the “hurler” and called strikes only if “striker” swings and misses. A ball caught on the first bounce is considered an out and a ball is ruled fair or foul based solely on where it first touches the ground.

Those interested in playing should contact the office 815-923-2267. All we ask is that you are fit enough to run the bases (even slowly, for you “ice wagons!”) and commit to playing in a handful of matches throughout the year. Huzzah!

Saturday, July 22, 2023 – 12:00pm