1859 New Jersey

Game at Elysian Fields

SOURCE: Harper's Weekly, vol. III, no. 146 (October 15, 1859), pp. 664-665.

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"A BASE-BALL MATCH AT THE ELYSIAN FIELDS, HOBOKEN."

INTERPRETING ILLUSTRATIONS: Period journal and newspaper illustrations are notorious for attempting to squeeze in as much information as possible in the given space. Therefore it is never a good idea to use them to judge distance and space. However, they can provide useful clues.

COMMENTARY: Share your comments by e-mailing edinterpcommvbba.org

Regarding the players' clothing: Everyone is wearing long trousers. No stockings can be seen. The headwear most players are wearing is a round jockey-style cap with a bill. The defense appears to have matched uniforms of light blouses and dark trousers (some blouses appear dark but the illustrator is probably indicating a shadow). The striker and baserunner at the third base appear to be wearing dark blouses and light trousers.

Updated 26 May 2005.