Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg
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On June 27th, 1862, a group of prominent citizens gathered at the Pennsylvania Railroad depot in Harrisburg to form the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg. Electing Samuel D. Young as President, the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg played its first documented game on August 20, 1862, defeating the Mountain Club of Altoona by a score of 41–38 in a spirited ten-inning match. Umpire Col. D. W. C. Moore of Philadelphia commended both clubs for their quality of play, particularly given their limited time to practice. Additional recorded matches include contests against the Allegheny Club of Allegheny on September 9, 1863, and the Tyrolean Club of Harrisburg on July 4, 1866.
Carrying forward the spirit of the early game, the Mechanicsburg Nine was established in 2010, reintroducing historic base ball to the Harrisburg, PA area. Participating in the Mid Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League (MAVBBL), the Mechanicsburg Nine offered spectators a firsthand glimpse into the game as it was played in the mid-19th century, providing an authentic, educational, and engaging experience for both its members and the public. Through continued research into the region’s early base ball history, the original Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg was rediscovered, inspiring the modern team to adopt its historic name and honor its legacy in 2013.
As proud members of both the National Association of Historic Base Ball Clubs (NAHBBC)—formerly the MAVBBL—and the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA), the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg is dedicated to sharing the rich history of early baseball within the community. By honoring the traditions of the early game, our club fosters sportsmanship, encourages community engagement, and inspires a deeper appreciation for the origins of baseball—ensuring that the legacy of the Keystone Base Ball Club endures for generations to come.
The Excitement of Sports: The Keystone Base Ball Club of harrisburg
