Baseball. A warm summer's day in the stands with a cold drink and a "red hot" watching your favorite team going for a win, this is a little slice of heaven for those die hard "kranks" (baseball fans). Yet very few in the Northern Illinois area know of the impact this area has had on our "National Pastime." "Batter Up! Two Centuries of Rockford Baseball", is the new baseball exhibit at Midway Village which chronicles the history of the game in the Rockford and the surrounding area.

"Hurl that hog hide!"

After the Civil War, Rockford was home to the Forest City Baseball Club. The Forest City Nine were so successful that Rockford came to be called "The Cradle of Baseball in the West." In the late 1860's, the Forest City Nine beat some of the best East Coast Baseball clubs such as the Washington Nationals. The team boasted two outstanding players of the day, Albert G. Spalding and Ross Barnes. Before the 1871 season began, both Spalding and Barnes were recruited by Harry Wright to play for the Boston Red Stockings. In 1871, The Forest City Nine (now known the Forest Citys) were one of the founding teams of the National Association of Professional Baseball Players which later became the National League. Playing in his first year of a long celebrated baseball career, Adrian "Cap" Anson took to the field for the Forest Citys during the 1871 season.

"Stands like a chalk mark on a blackboard."

Rockford's own Hal Carlson was a major factor in helping the Cubs win the 1929 National League Pennant. Carlson started his baseball career in 1917 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He then played with the Phillies before joining the Cubs in 1927. The 1929 Cubs starting rotation of Charlie Root, Pat Malone, Sheriff Blake, Guy Bush and Carlson led the league in shutouts with 14. Carlson passed away unexpectedly the day he was scheduled to pitch a game on May 18, 1930.

"Huzzah!"

In 1943, Phillip Wrigley started the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and the Rockford Peaches were one of the first four teams. During the twelve-year history of the league, the Peaches won the championship four times and came in second three time giving them the best record of all the competing teams.

"Run you ice wagon!"

The exhibit also covers a number of other aspects of the local baseball scene. Rockford has been home to many minor league teams over the past century as well as having a thriving Industrial League since the early 1900's. For children, there are several different leagues depending on age that have been a part of the area for many years.

"Whip that onion!"

The Museum Center also hosts its own vintage baseball team, the Midway Marauders. Throughout the summer the Marauders play games according 1860's rules with other teams from around the area. Come out and watch the glorious old game of baseball "when men were men, and gloves were for sissies!"

The exhibit is open through Octboer 10th, 2003. So stop out and learn about Rockford's contributions to the history of the game of baseball.

For more information on upcoming events contact Midway Village at 815-397-9112 or visit their website at www.midwayvillage.com.