‘Town vs. Gown’ Vintage Baseball Game
Sunday, August 30, 2026
2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Elmhurst University Mall
Contact Information
Dave Oberg
dave.oberg@elmhurst.org
Vintage Baseball Returns to the Mall on August 30
On Sunday, Aug. 30, the Elmhurst University campus will host the “Town vs. Gown” Vintage Baseball Game, a throwback competition played by the old-school rules of the 1850s.
With fans (known as “kranks”) expected to be out in force to cheer and jeer the proceedings, teams from the City of Elmhurst and Elmhurst University will face off in their annual showdown beginning at 2:00 p.m. on the University Mall.
In the 19th century, baseball, or “base ball” as it was called at that time, was a gentlemen’s game, with wildly different rules and customs. Teams applauded each other for good play, players demonstrated courtly behavior on and off the field, and the game was played bare-handed.
The Elmhurst History Museum’s executive director, Dave Oberg, will lead the activities in the role of “barrister” (an umpire by today’s standards) and share the rules and slang with the audience.
Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnics and refreshments to enjoy during the game. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required. Free parking is available in the Elmhurst University parking lots. This event is sponsored by the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation.
For more information, visit the Elmhurst History Museum web site at elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.