Semantic search

A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was played at the annual treat for students of the Board School of Cropwell Bishop, a village in Notttinghamshire. Journeying to the grounds of a local stately home that had been lent to them for the occasion, “the young people quickly commenced their various games of cricket, skipping, base-ball, &c.”

Grantham (Lincoln-shire) Journal, May 18, 1895, p. 3

A history book mentioned "base ball" in a discussion of ancient hunting rights in the town of Burford in Oxfordshire: "From time immemorial the townsmen had possessed the privilege of hunting in Wychwood Forest on Whit Sunday. The custom, no doubt, originated in the early days of the Church, and when the Sabbath was not so rigorously kept as it is now. So long as Mass was attended in the morning, every one was free, as on other days, to indulge in base ball, football, or any other game."

History of Burford, by W. J. Monk, Burford (Oxfordshire), 1891, C. W. Swatman, p. 20

It was noted that “base ball” was a primary activity for nearly 100 girls and young women who attended the annual treat of the Girls' Friendly Society of Bicester (Oxfordshire) Rural Deanery held in Middleton Park. A letter to the editor of a local newspaper expanded upon the paper's brief notice of the event, and mentioned, among other things, that a storm had temporarily halted activities, adding “the rain having passed over for a time, swings and base ball became the order of the day till about six o'clock.”

Bicester Herald, Aug. 1, 1884, p. 7

“Baseball” was among the entertainments offered to students of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Hook Norton, an Oxfordshire village near the Cotswolds, at their annual treat. Tea was provided upon the lawn, according to a newspaper report, and then following some hymns and speeches, the students “returned to the field where racing, pony rides, swings, baseball, cricket, and (notwithstanding the heat) football were vigorously pursued, closing with an amusing tug of war”

Given the context, this was more likely English baseball than American

Banbury Advertiser, July 23, 1896, p. 5

“Base ball,” not football, protested one of the boys accused of playing the latter game in George-street in Oxford, and who were summoned to court in response to complaints leveled against them. “They pleaded not guilty,” according to a newspaper report. The arresting policeman said they “were playing with a small ball,” and “one of the boys said they were playing base ball,” the newspaper added. Nevertheless, they were found to have abused “the privileges of the streets,” and were fined.

Oxford Times, June 6, 1891, p. 7

“Bass-ball” was a traditional local game according to a columnist for a newspaper in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. He wrote: “Our readers will remember that Good Friday used to be the red-letter day in the year's calendar of sport, and marked the opening day of all kinds of out-door amusements. The Kine Croft was alive with townsfolk engaged in games of all descriptions, cricket, quoits, bass-ball, &c., each claiming its large quota of devotees. In those times football was not, much less the ubiquitous cycle, and winter was then a true period of hybernation as regards sport.”

Berks and Oxon Advertiser (Wallingford), March 26, 1891, p. 4

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by youngsters attending the annual treat of the Congregational Sunday School of Blackthorn, Oxfordshire. A newspaper reported that the children gathered in a field and played various games, after which they adjourned to the chapel for a tea. The, “after tea they returned to the field, where they again joined in the games, including cricket, base-ball, swings, &c., until eight o'clock.”

Bicester Herald, May 21, 1880, p. 8

“Base-ball” was played by members and friends of the Wanderers Athletic Club of Banbury, Oxfordshire, on an outing and picnic held at Edge Hill in southern Warwickshire. After arriving at their destination, according to a newspaper report, “At the Tea Gardens a cricket match was played between ladies and gentlemen, the ladies being victorious by three runs. Base-ball and other amusements were also entered into with spirit, and the natural beauties of the historic neighborhood also claimed attention.”

Banbury Advertiser, July 16, 1903, p. 5

“Base ball” was among the the games played at a Saturday picnic for students of the Free Church Sunday School in the village of Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders council area of Scotland. A newspaper reported that “the weather being exceptionally fine, there was a large turn-out of children, teachers, and friends. Football, cricket, base ball, races, leaping, swings, skipping, and number of other games were gone into with great spirit.”

It is a bit unusual to find English baseball played in Scotland

Southern Reporter (Selkirk, Scottish Borders), Sept. 11, 1879, p. 3

“Base-ball” was played by children whose families were inmates or staff of the Ludlow Workhouse in Ludlow, Shropshire, on the occasion of the annual public sale of goods manufactured by the inmates. According to a newspaper report, a tea was provided in the workhouse for attendees, and then “shortly after five the children were brought to the Castle Green under the charge of [the assistant matron], and were soon engaged in cricket, base-ball, tennis and foot racing.”

Shropshire was not a typical venue for English baseball. It is also true that Ludlow was not far distant from some of the first clubs organized to play American style baseball in England. Yet there is no evidence that children had begun playing the American game this early.

Shrewsbury Chronicle, Aug. 17, 1900

It was reported that "baseball" was one of the amusements at the annual treat of the parish schools of Clevedon in Somerset: "On arriving at the Vicarage several games were indulged in. About 500 sat down to a substantial tea...The children entered with spirit into the games, consisting of swings, cricket, football, baseball, running, jumping, &c., until evening, when they were marched to the front of the Vicarage-house to receive a bun each from Mrs. Marson."

Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Aug. 26, 1878, p. 6

A suggestion that a game similar to “baseball” would be played on horseback was made in a gossip column appearing in a Somerset newspaper. It read: “Polo has had its innings, its sensations, and, I regret to add, a heavy score of victims. A new sort of joust or tournament ả cheval is, I hear, about to be started soon. It will not be unlike the old school-boy game of baseball but a hurdle or two will be introduced into the enceinte.”

Weston-super-Mare Gazette and General Advertiser, Sept. 17, 1879, p. 4

“Baste ball” was played in Cardiff Gaol circa 1820 according to the first of a three-part series on the jail's history that appeared in two Cardiff newspapers. The writer, citing two prison documents made available to him by the current governor, described the relatively comfortable conditions for prisoners, primarily debtors under the administration of the former governor Charles Le Breton (or Lebreton). Beer, wine, and spirits were permitted if passed in from the outside, he wrote, and added: “For amusement during the day they were allowed in fine weather to play at baste ball, rounders, or other outdoor amusements, in the courtyard at the back of the prison. The new governor, Mr. Le Breton, found many irregularities which he endeavored to check, and on some occasions he considered it necessary to 'stop supplies' when the debtors would persist in playing 'baste' against his orders, or in refusing to to give up the ball when he demanded it.”

As of writing this I have not yet located the two original documents cited by the writer of this article. However, the article has a strong ring of authenticity to it, including an explanation of how he came to be given the documents by the current governor. Charles LeBreton administered Cardiff Gaol between the years 1819 and 1821. If the facts in this article are borne out by the original documents, it would be the earliest mention of baseball in Wales, and also the earliest mention of the word rounders anywhere.

Cardiff Times, May 7, 1881, p. 5, and South Wales Daily News, May 7, 1881, p. 2

"Baseball" was among the games enjoyed at an Easter Monday celebration in Southwold, Suffolk: "The common was the centre of attraction where the youth of all ages assembled, and baseball, cricket, football, and other merry games heartily entered into."

Ipswich Journal, April 23, 1881, p. 8

"Baste ball" was played at another annual treat of the Church Sunday School, presumably of Easton, who this year joined with the "Sir R. Hitcham's Scholars of Framlingham and Saxtead." A newspaper reported that: "The Saxtead scholars, between 40 and 50 in number, were conveyed in waggons (sic) to Framlingham, and the united schools mustered to the number of about 250 on the Rectory Grounds at 2 o'clock, when the boys dispersed for cricket and racing, and the girls for kissing in the ring; baste ball, &c."

Although this report does not indicate that the church school was located in Easton, it seems likely it is the same as from the above entry.

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 10, 1872, p. 7

A report that "base-ball" was enjoyed at the annual summer treat of the Band of Hope in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, where 100 children played various games and sports before being served tea: "After the tea swinging, cricket, base-ball, and other pastimes were again indulged in till eight p.m."

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 11, 1885, p. 2

A newspaper reported that "baseball" was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual fete of the Mutual Improvement Society in Framlingham, Suffolk: "From the lawn in front of the house is a beautiful slope, studded with trees, and well adapted for fetes and pic-nics, and when enlivened with flags, marquees, and nearly a thousand persons engaged in various sports, of croquet, quoits, baseball, cricket, football, and youngsters swinging under the shady branches of the trees, formed a beautiful picture of English enjoyment on a gala day."

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 13, 1870, p. 5

“Base ball” was among the sports enjoyed at the annual summer treat for children attending the Sunday school of the Primitive Methodist Chapel of Hadleigh, Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, “Notwithstanding the intense heat, cricket, base ball, and all kinds of outdoor sports were freely engaged in, and an American trapeze set up for the occasion was largely patronised.”

Suffolk and Essex Free Press, Aug. 13, 1890, p. 5

“Baste-ball” was among several game enjoyed by young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, who were joined by a contingent of fellow members from Earl Soham, also of Suffolk, for an outing celebrating the abstinence organization's anniversary. After gathering at the Free Church they marched to a nearby park. A newspaper reported that “Here fine spreading oaks formed splendid standards for a number of swings; and the spacious pasture a capital ground for cricket, baste-ball, trap-ball, etc.”

Despite their similarities and proximity of dates, this outing was not the same as the one of Aug. 7th by the Free Methodist Sunday School. Every year, both the Band of Hope and Free Methodist Church in Framlingham held their treats within a week of each other, and seemed to have some overlap in membership and organization.

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 14, 1886, p. 4

The game of “baste ball” was one of the amusements offered to young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A newspaper article began as follows: “On Wednesday afternoon the annual treat was held by permission of Mr. Jas. Maulden, at Hill Farm, in a pasture studded with fine elm trees, which afforded shelter from the sun and good arms on which to fix swings. The weather was delightfully fine for the event; and the afternoon was passed in cricket, football, swinging, trap-and-bat, baste ball, &c.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 16, 1890, p. 4

"Baseball" was again played at Orwell Park in Nacton, Suffolk, this time at the first annual outing of about 100 children belonging to the Ipswich Junior Foresters of the Ancient Order of Foresters, of whom Capt. E.G. Pretyman was an honorable member: "On arrival at Orwell Park a good dinner was served, after which the boys adjourned for the afternoon amusements, which consisted of cricket, football, baseball, swings, etc."

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, Aug. 19, 1893, p. 3

"Base ball" was played at the annual fête, or “gipsy party,” of the Orwell Works, a large agricultural machinery factory in Ipswich, Suffolk, that employed thousands. A newspaper article described some of the entertainments: “The usual preparation had been made for the amusement of young folks. Round-a-bouts had been improvised out of the works of horse thrashing machines and stout beams; swings were suspended from some of the stoutest trees; and cricket, base-ball and other games were freely indulged in; and that game of games in which both sexes can take part, and which, be it said, seemed to be highly relished—kissing in the ring; whilst for those who felt inclined to 'trip the light fantastic toe,' ground had been staked off and roped off, so that the merry dance could go on without interruption.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, Aug. 2, 1862, p. 9

“Baste ball” was identified as one of the activities enjoyed at the annual “gipsy party” held for the families of workmen of the Orwell Works of Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “various games, such as cricket, baste ball, and the much patronised one of kissing in the ring, &c., were heartily indulged in.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, Aug. 20, 1864, p. 5

“Baste ball” was one of the many enjoyments made available to attendees of the annual “out” of the Framlingham, Suffolk, Mutual Improvement Society. The newspaper covering the event reported that “the grounds were thrown open to the public, at a charge per head, at 2:30 and several hundreds entered and roamed over the pretty park, and entered with zest into the following games, which were provided by the committee, “viz. Cricket, quoits, archery, croquet, swinging, red-white-and-blue, foot and baste ball, &c.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 22, 1868, p. 4

“Baste ball” was again a featured game at the annual treat for students attending the Sunday School connected with the Free Methodist Church of Framlingham, Suffolk. According to the newspaper report, “At 1:30 the children assembled at the schoolroom and marched in procession to a meadow kindly lent by Jas. Scott, Esq., of Fairfield House, where cricket, swinging, baste ball, trap ball, and football were engaged in with youthful zest.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 23, 1890, p. 4

“Bass Ball” was played at a picnic in Ickworth Park, near the town of Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, according to a breathless journal entry written by a 13-year-old girl who would later become a well-known novelist: “...we lighted the fire and then spread the cloth on the grass (and) we had glorious fun for the little spiders got into the tea and all manner of disasters happened—some cows then frightened Grandma and Arnie by coming near us but we frightened them in return with the Cornet and they all took to their heels, after that we had a game of Bass Ball then Rick got on the donkey and I made it gallop and finally we all returned home.”

Maria Louise Ramé was an English novelist who wrote under the pen name Ouida. She had 40 works published, including the novel Under Two Flags. Several years' worth of her youthful journals were published among the memoirs of Henry G. Huntington, who was a shameless name dropper. Huntington wrote in 1911 that the original journals were the property of W. Campbell Spence of Florence, but their current whereabouts are unknown. Ms. Ramé was born and raised in Bury St. Edmonds. The picnic location she chose is meaningful in that Ickworth Park then and now surrounds Ickworth House, the hereditary estate of the Hervey family and home for many years of Lady Mary Hervey, author of the well-known 1748 letter mentioning baseball.

“Maria Louise Ramé's Journals,” entry for August 25th, 1852, as excerpted within Memories, Personages, People, Places, by Henry G. Huntington, London, 1911, Constable and Co., Limited, p. 258

A newspaper column called "Town and Country Gossip" mentioned "base-ball" in the course of listing all of the former playgrounds and ball fields for children that were no longer available for use in the vicinity of Ipswich, Suffolk, and making an argument that the local authorities make new ones available: "As for the Racecourse, that best of all playgrounds, who does not remember the summer evenings when cricket, base-ball, 'hunt-the-hare,' and football, without its 'scrimmages,' 'touch downs,' &c., were favourite games on both sides of the course, and where literally hundreds of children of both sexes were engaged in joyous play unmolested?"

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 26, 1884, p. 2

"Baseball" was played at the annual treat for the students of Middleton Church Sunday School in the small village of Middleton, Suffolk: "The scholars and their parents had tea on the lawn, the choir and congregation in the Rectory dining room. After tea cricket, baseball, racing, &c., were indulged in until dusk, when the Rector gave each child a present..."

Ipswich Journal, Aug. 29, 1885, p. 5

“Baste-ball” was enjoyed along with other amusements at the annual amalgamated festival of the Independent Wesleyan Sunday School and the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk. The children marched from the Wesleyan Chapel to a nearby meadow where, according to a newspaper report, “the afternoon was passed in youthful games, viz., cricket, football (kindly lent by the Rev. A.C. Daymond), swinging, trap-ball, baste-ball, racing, kissing-in-the-ring, scrambling for nuts, apples, &c.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Weekly General Advertiser and County Express, Aug. 3, 1867, p. 8

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by young cadets of the Sons of Temperance from the town of Hadleigh, Suffolk, who were treated to a day and evening's outing on an estate in the nearby village of Layham. According to a newspaper report, “during the evening, amusements of various kinds, viz., cricket, skipping, base ball, and racing for money, were freely indulged in, the hunting for hidden treasures causing much fun.”

Given the late date, it might seem unlikely that these children were playing English-style baseball. Yet the setting in rural Suffolk, the two-word spelling of the word baseball, and the familiar motif of a church-affiliated children's group playing the game on a country outing, all support the possibility that this could be a rare surviving example of an otherwise extinct form of baseball.

Bury Free Press, Aug. 30, 1924, p. 9

“Basteball” was identified as one of the amusements offered to students of the Wesleyan Reform Sabbath School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A newspaper reported that “the afternoon was passed in various outdoor games, viz., cricket, trap-ball, swinging, croquet, up-and-down, basteball, racing, kissing-in-the-ring, &c. &c.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 5, 1871, p. 4

“Baste-ball” was among the games enjoyed by 150 students and teachers of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. After assembling at the school, the party marched to a meadow and barn made available by Mr. Calvin Smith. A newspaper reported that “after singing a hymn on his lawn, the company repaired to the meadow, where cricket, trap-ball, baste-ball, and other games were soon entered into with juvenile zest.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Aug. 7, 1886, p. 4

The game of "base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper column complaining about the fencing off and posting of "no trespassing" signs by the town council at the "Old Recreation Ground," a popular play field on the banks of the river Orwell in Ipswich, Suffolk: "For several years past the youngsters have here, unchecked by frown of officious caretaker in brass buttons, indulged in the hearty enjoyment of their games of cricket, football, base-ball, and many other healthful pastimes which are the delight of every true juvenile Briton. Here were no trees to damage, no grass on which they might not tread, no flowers to pluck, no seats to damage, and consequently they were left entirely alone, unable to do any kind of mischief, as there was nothing they could possibly harm. No wonder, then, that when the schools were closed this patch of ground became a perfect elysium to the liberated youngsters."

Even at this very late date, describing baseball as a pastime that is a delight of every true juvenile Briton makes it evident that this is a reference to the original English form of the game.

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, Dec. 9, 1893, p. 5

A game of "baseball" was mentioned in a newspaper article about the annual treat for students of the St. Margaret's Sunday Schools of Ipswich, Suffolk, who, 400 in number, boated on the River Orwell to Felixstowe where they enjoyed sailing and playing games: "Donkey riding, round games, bathing, boating, and the like were all patronised and thoroughly enjoyed...The indulgence in such a round of pleasures was greatly favoured by the weather, which was neither too cold for a bathe or a sail, nor too warm for a good frolic at baseball or some other game."

Daily Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser (formerly Ipswich Journal), July 11, 1888, p. 2

A “base-ball” game made for a nice diversion for members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Cruisers Cycling Club in the middle of their round-trip day outing to the village of Scole on the Suffolk-Norfolk border. A newspaper reported that after the party arrived at their midpoint in Scole and enjoyed a “substantial tea,” they “adjourned to the courtyard [of an inn], sides being picked for a game of base-ball.”

This being Suffolk, the game was probably English baseball

Diss (Norfolk) Express, July 14, 1899, p. 4

“Base ball” was among the amusements offered to youngsters at the united and annual treat held by the Diss Friends' Sunday School in conjunction with the Roydon and Diss Heywood Young People's Meeting at a farm near Diss, Norfolk. A newspaper reported that after the groups met up at the farm, “hearty cheers were given as the field games were entered upon, which included swings, cricket, base ball, football, high jumping, racking balloons, scrambling, &c.”

Diss (Norfolk) Express, July 14, 1899, p. 4

“Base ball” was one of the games played at an outing for students attending the Wesleyan Sunday School, located in the small village of Wenhaston in northeastern Suffolk. On this occasion, according to a newspaper report, the youngsters were first served a tea, and then “after they had partaken of the good cheer they adjourned to a meadow . . . where they enjoyed themselves in games of cricket, base ball, running, jumping &c., till nearly dusk.”

The Halesworth Times and East Suffolk Advertiser, July 19, 1864, p. 4

“Base-ball” was played at the annual treat for students of the Sunday School connected to the Free Methodist Church of Framlingham, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “Having met at two o'clock at the School Room, they marched with flags flying up to Hill Farm, where Mr. Brown placed a newly mown meadow at their service. Swinging, cricket, base-ball, up-and-down, trap and bat, racing and scrambling were among the pastimes indulged in.”

Framlingham Weekly News, July 19, 1902, p. 4

“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual treat for children attending the Sunday school connected to the Nicholas-street Chapel of Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that 400 students “betook themselves to various sports, such as cricket, foot-ball, base-ball, swings, and racing for pocket- handkerchiefs, braces, &c. Tea took place about five, after which they returned to their games.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, July 24, 1869, p. 5

“Baste-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by youngsters of the Framlingham (Suffolk) Band of Hope at the celebration of their annual festival. Each child was given a bun before they set off to rural Letheringham Mills where they would spend the day. According to a newspaper report, “after being presented with another bun, they dispersed and with their attendants spent the afternoon in various games in a meadow near to the watermill. The games included swinging, cricket, croquet, baste-ball, trap ball, bathing, boating, kissing-in-the-ring, up-and-down, racing in sacks, scrambling, &c. About five o'clock, the whole company sat down under the shady willow tree beside the running stream and enjoyed a good tea.”

Framlingham Weekly News, July 24, 1869, p. 4

“Baste ball' was named as one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual picnic of the Church of England Young Men's Christian Association held in Woolverstone Park near Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper article reported that 200 members and friends of the society traveled to the park by a steamboat engaged for the occasion, and that “cricket, croquet, baste ball, and other sports had been provided, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, July 25, 1868, p. 5

“Baste-ball” was named as one of the games played at the annual outing for young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, that was held in a park made available by J. Tetley, Esq. A newspaper reported that “The company having entered the park they formed into a half-circle and game three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Tetley, in true juvenile fashion; after which they dispersed for games, including swinging, baste-ball, trap-ball, cricket, &c.”

Framlingham Weekly News, July 31, 1880, P. 4

"Base ball" was one of the games enjoyed at the annual ride and gathering by members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Bicycle Club at Orwell Park, a property of its president, Capt. E.G. Pretyman, located on the banks of the river Orwell in the village of Nacton. "After allaying their thirst, the cyclists dispersed through the grounds; some indulging in cricket, others in base ball, bowls, &c."

Suffolk was one of the last bastions of English baseball.

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, June 10, 1893, p. 6

“Baste ball” was named as one of the outdoor games played at a “conversazione” hosted by gentlemen who had taken part in the Reading and Musical Entertainments the previous winter in Framlingham, Suffolk. The newspaper covering the event reported that the guests, comprising sixty male and female friends, first sat down for a tea. Then, “the tables were spread with choice fruits; and speeches, recitations, music and singing, with outdoor games of croquet, baste ball, kissing in the ring, dancing, etc., took place and were heartily entered into.”

Framlingham Weekly News, June 17, 1865, p. 1

“Base ball” was one of the game played by teachers and older students of the Wesleyan Sabbath School of coastal town of Lowestoft, Suffolk, on an outing held to celebrate the conclusion of the Crimean War. According to a newspaper account, “After cricket, base ball, &c., and other juvenile games had been carried on for some time with high glee and great spirit, the party proceeded along Whapload way to a yard at the back of Mr. Tuttle's residence. Several pieces of music were then sung and a short and appropriate address on 'The Peace' was delivered by the superintendent.”

Norwich Mercury, June 4, 1856, p. 3

“Base-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed on Whit Monday at the annual gala of the Temperance Society of Ipswich, Suffolk, held two miles west of town on the grounds of The Chauntry. According to a newspaper report: “The Rifle Band, under the direction of Mr. Gunning, was in attendance, and to their music not a few 'led the merry dance,' whilst foot-ball, base-ball, cricket, swinging, see-saws, Aunt Sally, and, of course, kissing in the ring--(this being a great occasion for such mutual interchanges)--were going on in different parts.”

Supplement to The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, June 7, 1862, p. 1

"Base ball" was again played at the annual ride of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Bicycle Club that included a leisurely outing at Orwell Park: "A cricket match was played, when Mr. Smith's side beat Mr. Pepplewell's side by five runs and five wickets. Bowls, lawn tennis, and base ball were also freely indulged in, and an exceptionally jolly afternoon was spent."

Ipswich Journal, and Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire Advertiser, June 9, 1894, p. 3

A newspaper reported that "bass ball" was played in Benhall, Suffolk, as part of that village's celebration of the recent wedding of the Prince of Wales: "After this the men and youths of the parish resorted to a meadow lent by Mr. Tummer, and most heartily did they pitch the wicket, and handle the bat, while others amused themselves with bat, trap and bass ball which continued till the time of the royal salute, which took place at twelve o'clock..."

Ipswich Journal, Mar. 21, 1863, p. 3

“Base-ball” was played by members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Early Closing Cycling and Recreation Club on an outing. According to brief newspaper notice, “[They] cycled to their meadow on Woodbridge Road on Wednesday, for cricket, base-ball, etc.”

Evening Star (Ipswich), May 26, 1906, p. 4

“Base-ball” was among the many amusements offered at the annual fête of the Odd Fellows and Foresters societies of Ipswich, Suffolk, held on the grounds of The Chauntry. The newspaper coverage of the event reported that “here the most popular game was, as usual, 'Kiss in the ring,' which was carried on with untiring energy at several rings during the whole of the afternoon. Dancing, too, was entered into with great gusto . . . whilst in another part of the grounds there were foot races, archery, &c. Besides these more public amusements, in various nooks and corners one came upon family parties engaged in at base-ball and other games, and all appeared to be doing their best to enjoy themselves, and to succeed admirably.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, May 26, 1866, p. 9