LACKAWAXEN, PA — Come one, come all, and take a step back in time.   

The National Park Service and the Zane Grey’s West Society invite the public to a 19th-century baseball exhibition featuring two teams: the Mountain Athletic Club and the Delhi Polecats.

The game takes place on Sunday, October 16. The festivities will begin at 12 noon at Veteran’s Memorial Park, with the singing of the national anthem by Wallenpaupack High School choral students.

Then spend some time in the past, as the teams play exhibition matches according to the 1825 and 1895 rules of baseball.

It’s all in honor of Zane Grey.

Why vintage baseball?

Before author Zane Grey began his famed writing career, he attended the University of Pennsylvania on a baseball scholarship while studying dentistry.

Grey’s passion and talent for baseball would lead him to play for the Orange Athletic Club in New Jersey after he graduated. Even though Grey’s minor-league baseball career was short-lived, it would lead him to write stories like “The Red-Headed Outfielder,” “The Short Stop” and “The Young Pitcher.”

Children are encouraged to wear their favorite baseball or softball uniforms to show their team spirit.

Before the game, stop under the pavilion and support the Wallenpaupack Area Cheerleading Boosters by grabbing a hot dog, walking taco or a snack to munch on for the duration of the exhibition matches.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a lawn chair, because seating is not available at the ballfield.

And there’s more

Members of the Zane Grey’s West Society will be on hand, and those interested can pick up a free Zane Grey baseball trading card.

The Zane Grey Museum, located at 135 Scenic Dr., will be open from when the game finishes to 4 p.m.  

Free parking will be located across the street at the Lackawaxen Fire Hall, 774 Rte. 590. Parking for people with disabilities will be located in the Veteran’s Memorial Park lot.

Visit www.zgws.org to learn more about Zane Grey’s West Society.  

For more information about the Vintage Base Ball Association visit their web site at www.vbba.org/.