New Brunswick Old-Timey Baseball Club Looking For Players

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Middlesex County’s Liberty Base Ball Club of New Brunswick is looking for players!

The club plays base ball (originally two words) by 1850s rules, using period-accurate replica uniforms, bats, balls, bases and other equipment. The club competes against other historically accurate opponents across the tri-state area and strives to remain true to the time they represent while maintaining a competitive presence on the field.

Players of all genders with an interest in history and/or baseball, and are 18 years of age or older, should contact Captain Lawrence Major at [email protected]. Previous baseball experience is preferred. You do not need to live in Middlesex County.

The season opener will take place on Saturday, April 2 when the Mutuals of New York take on the Liberty Base Ball Club at the Liberty’s home field in Piscataway.

They play their home games on the field adjacent to the East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway. The Liberty competes against other historically accurate opponents ranging all the way from Maine to Maryland, along with four other clubs within New Jersey, and strive to play in strict accordance to the rules and customs of the time they represent while maintaining a competitive presence on the field.

The Liberty plays home games on the Liberty Field at East Jersey Old Town Village, located at 1050 River Rd., Piscataway.

For more information on the Liberty Base Ball Club of New Brunswick, visit: https://arcg.is/1T55mG For the full schedule, find the club on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LibertyBBCofNB/

“Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy playing baseball, this is a great opportunity to play ball the way it used to be played back in the 19th century," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios.

Originally conceived in 1857, the Liberty Club exclusively played local New Jersey teams until the inception of the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP, of which they helped found) in 1858. The Liberty played formidable clubs from around the New York/New Jersey region, most notably the fearsome Atlantic Base Ball Club of Brooklyn and established themselves as a reputable and highly skilled club.

The onset of the Civil War saw the Liberty members disperse, but shortly after war's-end they were back on the field. By the early 1870's the Liberty had all but disappeared, however their legacy on the game of baseball, both nationally and within New Jersey, is well documented.

Get great local news. Sign up to get Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: [email protected]