James R. Tootle

Ahhh! Vintage Baseball. I was a little fooled by the title thinking I was going to hear about the OLD players and their game, some of which I did, but I was surprised to get an in depth study of the REAL beginnings of baseball and the phenomena of playing that "era style" of baseball. That "era style" includes authentic uniforms, rules, etiquette, language and fields of the era. Mr. Tootle has taken this relatively new old sport and given us everything that we need to participate in a new show more national pasttime. If you want start your own ball club, you have everything here to be able to do that. What this book lacks in suspense, drama, and surprises it makes up for in reality, attention to detail and rules. This book is not for the old duffer, but for the new duffer who want to play in the old style, and learn all about it. show less

Not what I was expecting from the title, but I was pleasantly surprised at the detail on the rules of the early game and etiquette was overwhelming, and quickly became immersed therein. It is rare I read a sports book now-days, and actually feel like I have learned something. A high recommendation to all fans of baseball and how it was originally played.

Any lover of the game of baseball will find this an excellent addition to their library. It opened a new world of baseball to me and to the people who keep alive the beginnings of the game that we follow today. It is a how to book of setting up and playing vintage base ball.

It is interesting to see how the rules have changed and to come to the realization that the game started as a way for people to get exercise and enjoy the company of others. Of course in the early days sportsmanship show more played a more important role then it does today. Not many batters today will tip their cap to a fielder for an excellent play that kept them off of base. It truly started out as a gentleman's game.

I look forward to seeing a vintage base ball game one of these days. It will be fascinating to watch the players recreate the game as it was first played. They are more then just reliving the beginnings of the game we love today, they are keeping the foundation of the game alive. show less

This book will make for a fantastic gift for any baseball enthusiast or player.

It is informative and has detailed information about the history of baseball. Although most of the book is about playing the game, particularly by the old-school rules, there are chapters on uniform & etiquette to round it out.