For Immediate Release:
June 21, 2011
Contact:
Gregg Dodd
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
614/728-2130 ■ ■
Old Time “Base Ball” Featuring Members of the Ohio General Assembly
and
Outdoor Movie Set for Statehouse Lawn
Friday, July 22
Events Celebrate the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial
Columbus – The year-long Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial celebration continues with a fun-filled evening on the Statehouse lawn on July 22. Beginning at 7 p.m., members of the Ohio General Assembly will challenge the Ohio Village Muffins to an exhibition game of old-time base ball (historically two words).After the base ball game, the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will provide cannon fire demonstrations and old-time games and activities for families.
Beginning at dusk (around 9 p.m.), the community is invited to the People’s House for an outdoor movie on the giant screen. Concessions, including a cash bar will be provided by Milo’s Catering and Banquet Service.
The community is encouraged to take a step back to the 1800s and join in the community celebration. Individuals are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and come to the “People’s House” to enjoy the evening activities.
The events are free and open to the public.
About the Base Ball Game – 7 p.m.
Members of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, both Democrats and Republicans and men and women, will take a night off from their political wrangling and join together to make up the “Capitol Cannons” base ball team in an effort to defeat the OhioVillage “Muffins.” This bipartisan competition will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Ohio Statehouse and all that it stands for.
The teams will take to the field on the West lawn (High Street) of the Ohio Statehouse on Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m. to battle for bragging rights and a coveted trophy to commemorate this historic event.
Vintage base ball (two words prior to the 1880s), is a game played by the rules and customs of the 19th century. Players, umpires and scorekeepers dress in period attire and play base ball as it was meant to be played. This historic exhibition game is sure to be fast-moving, exciting and a bit hysterical at times for everyone. The game will transport spectators and players to a time when base ball was emerging as the national pastime.
The historic base ball game will be based on the original rules of the game drawn up by the New York Knickerbocker Club in 1845. Players of both teams will use wooden bats that are no bigger than 2.5 inches in diameter. The ball will be covered by a single piece of leather. Since the ball is so soft, there will be no gloves or protective equipment used.
Seven innings are scheduled to be played in about an hour.
Celebrity umpires and sports commentators will be on hand for the event.
The game in its entirety will be televised live on the Ohio Channel and streamed at
About the Capitol Cannons:
The Capitol Cannons are made up of some of the sharpest members of the Ohio General Assembly. Joining forces from both sides of the aisle, as well as both chambers of our state’s bicameral system of government, these players will take to the field united. The law-makers will play with a great deal of conviction as they bat, run and catch for every one of their constituents to see!
About the OhioVillage Muffins:
The Ohio Village Muffins are the nation’s premiere men’s vintage base ball club. Every one of these players has a passion for history and legend. Dressed in their 1800s uniforms, this roster will present base ball the way that it was invented; long before it became our national pastime. Entrenched in the period, these players of the visiting team will give it their best shot as they take on the Capitol Cannons who have the home field advantage.
About the Outdoor Movie – Dusk (Around 9 p.m.)
The Ohio Statehouse has joined forces with the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, CAPA and Fun Day Events to bring the big screen to Capitol Square in downtown Columbus on July 22 for an outdoor film.
The Statehouse outdoor film will feature Glory in celebration of the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial.Glory is a 1989 Americandramawar film based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as told from the point of view of its commanding officer, Robert Gould Shaw during the American Civil War. The 54th was one of the first formal units of the U.S. Army to be made up entirely of African-American men (apart from the officers). The film was chosen to celebrate the time period in which the Ohio Statehouse was completed 150 years ago.Glory was released in December, 1989 and was directed by Edward Zwick and produced by Freddie Fields. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman, Andre Braugher and Cliff DeYoung. Studio: TriStar Pictures; Running time: 118 minutes.
The outdoor movie will begin at dusk (around 9 pm), but filmgoers are encouraged to come early with their blankets and lawn chairs and mingle with other film and history fans. Concessions, including a cash bar will be provided by Milo’s Catering and Banquet Service. The evening will also include display tables, giveaways and product samplings.
The outdoor movie is free to attend and open to the public.
Please note that this film is an accurate historical account of the American Civil War and may not be suitable for all audiences. There are several scenes that depict the graphic war violence of this historical event. The major theme of the film includes the struggles of the African-American regiments. The movie deals with racism and other mature themes. Some Soldierly expletives. ...soldierly expletives are used in the dialogue throughout the film.
Families can use this opportunity to talk about the Civil War and the complex reasons why the United States split into the Union and Confederacy.
Reasonably priced parking is available in the Statehouse Underground Parking Garage. For information about the Ohio Statehouse, including directions and parking rates, visit
In the event of inclement weather, the film will be moved to the Ohio Theatre and will remain free.
This program is presented in partnership with the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, CAPA, Fun Day Events and the Ohio Channel.
Media support is provided by the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Parent and Alive!
Important Rules Regarding Capitol Square
Please note that no animals are permitted on Capitol Square. This includes dogs on leashes.
For everyone’s enjoyment and for the protection of the lawn, please only use blankets and lawn chairs with bottom rails on the grass. Lawn chairs with “post legs” are asked to use the hard surfaces of the OhioStatehouseWestPlaza.
About the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial
The people of Ohio are celebrating the sesquicentennial of the Ohio Statehouse throughout 2011. The Ohio Statehouse has served as the heart of Ohio democracy for the last 150 years. Throughout the state, the Ohio Statehouse stands as a symbol of the legislative and executive branches of state government, and the people of Ohio.
After 22 years of construction, the Ohio Statehouse was completed in 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War. One hundred and fifty years later, the Ohio Statehouse continues to serve as heart of Ohio democracy.
The Statehouse is considered to be one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of the early republic. Its Greek Revival Doric architectural details and proportions give the impression of permanence, elegance and grandeur deserved by the original State Legislature who passed a law on January 26, 1838 to build the new Statehouse. Restored to its 1861 appearance, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character as it continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio.
Throughout 2011, the Ohio Statehouse is hosting a variety of special events, re-enactments and exhibits to celebrate the sesquicentennial of our great CapitolBuilding. The events commemorate the lasting legacy and history of the Ohio Statehouse. Through educational programs, public forums, arts projects and special events, the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial provides an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about the history of the building, events and the people who have come to serve.
About the OhioVillage Muffins Base Ball Team
In 1981, the Ohio Village Muffins began to play base ball (historically two words) as it had been played by the New York Knickerbockers, the first club to write down the rules of what has become modern baseball. The Knickerbockers organized their gentlemen's club in 1845 in the Lower Manhattan area of New York City, and played what is often cited as the first base ball match between two clubs the following year when they met a group known as the New York Club at the Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey. Base ball then began to spread, with other clubs forming, first in the New York area and then in other cities on the East Coast. The Civil War (1861-65) promoted the growth of the game beyond the eastern cities, as soldiers played base ball for recreation and enjoyment in their free time in camp, looked forward to occasional games between army units and local clubs, and even made prison camp life more endurable by organizing ball games. When the war was over, dozens of new clubs were formed in Ohio and throughout the Midwest. The emphasis in the early game was on courtesy among the gentlemen and, occasionally, ladies, playing the sport for exercise. Initially, only a few rules governed a match. The rest was left up to the players’ sense of honor and good sportsmanship and the umpire’s decisions as he judged players' actions by the gentlemanly code of the Victorian era. Clubs played to win, with the players conducting themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, creating an atmosphere where spectators cheered for good plays by either side. Come back in time with us as OhioVillage’s gentlemen’s club, the Muffins, and its ladies’ club, the Diamonds, re-create this gentler time when base ball was emerging as the national pastime. For more information, visit
To view this press release and others, visit
The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The OhioStatehouseMuseum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit
The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.
The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The OhioStatehouseMuseumEducationCenter coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.
# # #
CALENDAR LISTING:
Old Time Base Ball Game and Outdoor Movie on the Statehouse Lawn
Sesquicentennial Event
July 22, 2011
Baseball Game – 7 p.m.
Outdoor Movie - Dusk
Ohio Statehouse, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
WestPlaza
Free!
Celebrate the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial and take a step back to the 1800s with an exhibition game of the Ohio Village Historical Muffins vs. members of the Ohio General Assembly and other elected leaders. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and come to the “People’s House” to enjoy the hour-long “old-time” baseball game.
After the baseball game, stay and enjoy a cannon firing demonstration.
And stay for the outdoor movie on the giant screen. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Come early to choose your spot. Food and a cash bar will be available.
Film:Glory – Glory is a 1989 Americandramawar film based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as told from the point of view of its commanding officer, Robert Gould Shaw during the American Civil War. The 54th was one of the first formal units of the U.S. Army to be made up entirely of African-American men (apart from the officers). The film was chosen to celebrate the time period in which the Ohio Statehouse was completed.
This program is presented in partnership with the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, CAPA, Fun Day Events and the Ohio Channel.
Media support is provided by the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Parent and Alive!
Gregg Dodd
Deputy Director
Communications, Marketing and Events
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Square
Columbus, Ohio43215
614/728-2130
614/752-5209 FAX
See you at the People's House!