Summon the “strikers” up to “the dish” and let the “kranks” hiss and boo!
The Vintage Baseball Game is back in Elmhurst for an exciting competition on September 26, 2021, with a rousing game played by the wildly different rules of 1858. Fans (known as “kranks”) will learn to cheer and jeer in fine Victorian fashion as two Elmhurst clubs play for their favor.
This year, a special Town vs. Gown game will pit a team of locals from the City of Elmhurst against players from Elmhurst University. The 2021 Vintage Baseball Game is co-presented by Elmhurst University, the Elmhurst History Museum, and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation as part of the celebration of Elmhurst University’s 150th anniversary.
The game is free and open to the public, and takes place on the Elmhurst University Mall (in front of Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel) on Sunday, Sept. 26, starting at 1:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnics and refreshments to enjoy during the game. The first 100 fans will enjoy free hot dogs and Italian ice. Free parking is available in the Elmhurst University parking lots.
Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin will serve as captain of the City of Elmhurst team, and Elmhurst U. President Troy D. VanAken will take the helm of the University team. 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.
As part of Elmhurst University’s yearlong sesquicentennial celebrations, the Elmhurst History Museum (120 E. Park Ave.) will open a new exhibit, “An Ever-Widening Circle: Elmhurst University at 150,” on Sept. 24, in addition to co-hosting the Vintage Baseball Game.
“We’re very excited to take an active role in sharing Elmhurst University’s history through our new exhibit and by bringing the Vintage Baseball Game back to town,” said Oberg. “Vintage baseball brings the history of America’s favorite pastime to life in an engaging and immersive way,” said Oberg. “It honors the traditions and history of a sport that everyone knows so well, and allows players and fans to learn about the origins of the game. With this year’s ‘Town vs. Gown’ twist pitting local players against the university, there is no doubt that it will be a great time.”
For more information, visit the Elmhurst History Museum’s website or call (630) 833-1457.
Vintage baseball games have their own vocabulary, including cheers and jeers from the stands and players. Here is a guide of some of the terms that can be heard in typical vintage baseball competitions:
Apple/Onion/Horsehide/Pill: The ball
Artist: Proficient ball player
Blooper/Banjo: A weak fly ball
Boodler: An ungentlemanly maneuver
Bowler/Feeder/Hurler/Thrower/Twirler: Pitcher
Club Nine: Ball team
Kranks/Bugs/Rooters/Throng: Fans
Kranklets/Charming Deadheads: Female fans
Daisy cutter/Ant killer/Worm burner/Bug crusher: Sharp ground ball
Dandy: Cool Dead or Hand
Dead!: Player is out!
Dew drop/Foul tick: Foul ball
Dish: Home plate
Drop a duck egg on ‘em: Hold them scoreless for the inning
Glad hand: Clapping
Go back to Hackensack!: An especially vicious taunt
Hit the apple out of the orchard/Lay the willow on that onion: Hit a home run!
Hurl that hoghide/Sling that orb/Whip that onion: Said to encourage the pitcher
Huzzah!: Hooray!
Lobster: A villainous or hated player
Muff/Duff: Error
Peach!: Said for an excellent play
Run, you icewagon!: Encouragement for a slow moving player
Show a little ginger!: Play harder!
Wasn’t that a corker?: Said of a surprising play