VBBA New Member Club Grant Program
The VBBA has been supporting vintage base ball clubs across the US since 1996. The VBBA New Member Program provides resources, direction, advice and equipment to those clubs interested in joining the VBBA.
To Qualify for VBBA Board Approval for the New Member Grant Program:
- The club must have at least nine (9) members
- The club must agree to support the purpose of the VBBA.
- The club must present itself on the field of play in period appropriate attire.
- The club must submit the second year’s VBBA dues, (an additional $50 by check or PayPal)
- Full members must play a schedule of games each season of membership.
Benefits
- Support and Mentoring
Historical accuracy is an important goal for the members of the VBBA. The Association is fortunate to have knowledgeable historians, and in some areas, experts on the various aspects of 19th century base ball. Depending on location, a personal visit, contacts via email and phone are provided. The duration of immediate mentoring will be determined by the progress and enthusiasm shown during communications. Continuing education regarding 19th century base ball will not cease, even after a club has begun to attain its goals. - Equipment Rebate
VBBA partners with several vendors that offer 10-15% discount to VBBA member clubs. These vendors can provide historically accurate bats, balls, bases and uniforms for matches ranging from 1845 – 1900. The new member club can purchase period equipment from these and other vendors and submit receipts to the VBBA Treasurer. The VBBA will provide the club with a maximum of $200 ($100 annually) rebate to cover some of the cost of the products. to offset the costs of establishing a new club. These vendors offer historically accurate bats, balls, bases and uniforms for matches ranging from 1859 – 1900. The VBBA defines a new member club as one that is newly forming or in the first two years of getting established. - Rules and Guides
In addition to other member benefits, the VBBA will provide the following welcome package to New Member Clubs:
1.Pocket-sized 1860 Beadle’s Dime Base Ball Player Book
2. Pocket-sized 1867 Haney’s Base Ball Book of Reference
3.“A Guide to Umpiring Vintage Base Ball” by Ed “Pigtail” Elmore (2011)
4.VBBA wool pennant for display at games (while supplies last).
5. VBBA Marketing Materials: Membership Benefits, Vintage Base Ball Warm Ups, VBBA Mission
Links to the following are provided on the VBBA website:
1.1845 Knickerbocker Rules
2.1860 Rules with Interpretations and 1864 Rules with Interpretations by the Rules and Customs Committee
3.Rules from the year the new club will be playing (if other than 1860)
4.Documented terms and the equivalent late 1850’s – 1860’s period substitutes
5.Conference Videos: Setting Up a Team, New Club Recruiting, Umpiring, Funding, Grant Writing, Historical Society Base Ball Club Relations, Pitching, Food, Clothing, Sideline Interpretation, Exercise
