Watch the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats vs. the Rochester Grangers

MACKINAC ISLAND — Enjoying a baseball game in the sun is a summer tradition for many, but they’ve likely never seen a game like the ones played at Fort Mackinac.

Each summer, the fort hosts a game of vintage base ball, which is played the old fashioned way — barehanded and by gentlemen’s rules.

“The vintage base ball game began in 2003 as a special event with the Summer of Sports, that numerous museums around Michigan took part in,” said Phil “Pops” Porter, former Mackinac State Historic Parks director and co-founder and shortstop of the current Fort Mackinac Never Sweats, in a press release. “We played a game of vintage base ball not knowing it would become an annual tradition. It is a fan favorite and really enjoyed by the staff and local residents that participate. It’s a fun way to share another chapter of Fort Mackinac’s really interesting part of history.”

During the game at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats will take on the Rochester Grangers. The game will be played at the old ball field behind Fort Mackinac.

Guests at the game will learn an an old-fashioned cheer, watch players get fined for smoking cigars on the field and hear the players use 1880s “base ball” terminology.

“The soldiers really did play base ball on the field out there and teams throughout Michigan,” Porter said.

Cost to attend is by donation. There will be a small set of bleachers for seating, but guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs. The Grand Hotel will offer concessions, and Never Sweat merchandise will be available for purchase. Music will be provided by the Straits Area Concert Band. Baseball cards of the Never Sweats players, offered free of charge, will be available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, visit mackinacparks.com.