Vintage Baseball Returns to Durham
The Duke Homestead State Historic Site, in partnership with the Duke Homestead History and Education Corporation (DHHEC), is set to revive the charm of vintage base ball on Saturday, October 3, at the Durham Athletic Park. This event will feature players in authentic uniforms and adhere to the rules of the game as they were played in the 1860s.
Game Day Details
Three matches are scheduled for the day, with the first pitch at 11 a.m. The Durham Station Lucky Strikes will compete against the Shiners Base Ball Club from Rockingham, Virginia, as well as a special team representing the Durham Fire Department. Additional games will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to don historical or retro attire to enhance the event’s atmosphere. Children will have the opportunity to engage in base running and participate in traditional games with costumed interpreters during intermissions. A selection of beer and classic concessions will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Admission and Accessibility
Gates will open at 10 a.m., with ticket prices set at $10 for individuals ages 5 and older, while entry is free for children under 4. Tickets can be acquired via Eventbrite, at the Duke Homestead visitor center, or at the entrance on the day of the event. The Durham Athletic Park is located at 500 W. Corporation St., with free parking accessible at 412 Morris St. Attendees can find a QR code for parking information at the ticket and check-in table. Limited handicap parking is also available in the park’s lot.
Community and Historical Significance
This event is being organized by the DHHEC, which supports Duke Homestead through volunteer efforts, and is made possible thanks to sponsorship from Measurement, Inc., Stone Brothers & Byrd, the Durham Sports Commission, Hog Heaven Barbeque, and Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory. Proceeds from the games will contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the site and support its special events and staff development.
The Durham Athletic Park has a rich history, having been a baseball venue since 1926 and serving as a backdrop for a notable baseball film. The park also reflects a complex history of racial segregation in baseball, with separate leagues until the 1950s. Duke Homestead aims to honor the legacy of the many players who have shaped Durham’s baseball community over the years.
About Duke Homestead
The Duke Homestead State Historic Site includes the historic home, farm, and factory buildings associated with Washington Duke and his family, who resided there from 1852 to 1874. The site offers insights into the early agricultural practices of the Duke family and the origins of their tobacco manufacturing business post-Civil War. It is located at 2828 Duke Homestead Rd. in Durham, North Carolina. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the site at 919-627-6990 or via email at duke@dncr.nc.gov.
Source: N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Photo: N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
