The Springfield Long Nine is a vintage base ball (baseball was spelled using two words prior to 1880s) team that plays by the rules and customs of the 19th century. Sunday they take on the Decatur Ground Squirrels at Center Park, located between the beach house and the zoo. Their name comes from the nickname given to Abraham Lincoln and eight others who represented Sangamon County in the Illinois General Assembly during the 1836-37 legislative sessions. All these men were at least six feet tall and shared similar political principles, hence the “long nine” appellation. Check out the Springfield Long Nine game schedule (the season lasts until October), history and team roster at their Web site, www.springfieldlongnine.com.
Springfield Long Nine Game
Sunday, April 11, 1pm
Center Park, Lake Springfield
Free
This article appears in Apr 8-14, 2010.
