Two Century Strikeout: An interview with PVD’s unique base ball team

The Providence Grays Historic Base Ball Club (the two-word spelling here is intentional and historically correct), established in 1998, recreates the game as it was played in the 19th century. “Some signature styles are in 1870 or Civil War-era showcases, but we focus on more than one era,” explains Captain Brian Travers. “We’re showcasing 20-30 years of base ball.” While his primary job is to run the field, Travers also serves as CEO. “We have a board of trustees, as this is a nonprofit.” The club was founded by President Emeritus Tim Norton, and Travers swears, “He’s the reason we exist. We try to live up to his vision.” The current president is Jon Henson.

There are rules to follow, which can vary weekly according to the year(s) chosen for each game scheduled. This information is posted on their website, so you’d know in advance which year’s rules they’re playing by each time. Keeping things historically authentic, especially the uniforms, can be difficult without accurate records of what players wore back then. But they believe they’ve got it pretty close. This means anything that hadn’t yet been invented is technically not allowed, like deodorant.

“We can overlook that because it’s unseen,” says Travers. “I’m not playing without deodorant!”

Players sometimes search for uniform pieces at antique shops and other vendors online, doing their best to keep things original, but it’s not always possible. Travers comments, “We never really got belts right. But if I can find the right material, I’ll try to make team belts.” Sure, they can go to Dick’s Sporting Goods and buy a belt, but it wouldn’t seem genuine. Travers agrees, “I’m more concerned with the material. I want something that feels authentic. Cleats are hard to find, but belts we can manufacture.”

Some teammates also play in musical bands. One even wrote the music for the team documentary, so working around schedules can be challenging. As a touring team, these players are often on the road; however, you can catch them locally at the Rocky Point Historic Base Ball Festival the weekend of August 17 and 18 in Warwick. The game on August 17 is at Goddard Memorial State Park, and on August 18 at Rocky Point State Park. The historical tie to Rocky Point is that base ball’s GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), Babe Ruth, once played there. “We don’t play exactly where that was, as the whole area is now overgrown,” says Travers, who fondly recalled the theme park that once encompassed the area. The Grays’ track record is impressive. “Of course, we like to win,” says Travers, as they often do, “but playing accurately and educating the public is just as important. We want people, between games, to come up and check out the bats and the gear and ask questions!” “With 49 exhilarating games on the docket, the 2024 season promises to be a veritable carnival of base ball delights!” Travers says. Winners of four of their last six games this June, they surpassed 26 games at the Elizabeth Resolutes 25th Anniversary Festival and Paul Salomone History Day in Rahway, NJ. “We will have surpassed 32 games by Rocky Point, provided the weather holds, but in 22, we’ve only had a little rain. We’ve been lucky so far,” says Travers. “We play in the rain, as they did historically. There’s been nothing bad enough to stop us from playing.” As the season progresses into autumn, there will be many more games, including a late-season road trip to Bovina Center, NY, for the Cowtown Scramble hosted by the Dairymen. Considering the amount of traveling they must do each weekend to get to these away games, Travers adds, “If I’ve been driving for two hours, I want to play!” •

For more about the team, official rules, roster, and schedule, visit providencegrays.com.