There’s a world where a ball is an apple, a batter is a striker, a run is an ace, and you must ask permission to score a run - vintage base ball is truly being played “for the love of the game.” The Murphysboro Clarkes players, called ballists, wear period reproduction uniforms, either with long trousers and shield shirt, or a later style lace shirt and knickers. They recreate the game based on rules and research of the various decades of the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Vintage base ball is played with similar rules to modern baseball, but without gloves. “This is the way the game started,” said Robert, “Mr. Knute” Shultz. Shultz helped originate a vintage base ball team in Murphysboro eight years ago. Today he no longer plays, but remains involved by taking the responsibility of arbiter, what is modernly known as an umpire. “We don’t argue about calls,” Shultz said, “We respect the game.” Players range from ages 20 -65, bringing baseball fans of all ages together. “A lot of us can’t play regular, organized baseball anymore,” Shultz said. “We play this game because it’s a part of our heart - part of our love for the American pastime.” The politeness and sportsmanship observed in these games keeps with the early days of base ball, which are considered a “gentleman’s game”. Matches are conducted according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and respect for others. “The camaraderie we have going on is amazing,” Shultz said. “Everybody’s more than willing to share a big old ‘Hip, Hip, Huzzah!’”