Historic Base Ball in Greenfield Village
- Jun 13-Sept 7, 2026
- First pitch 1:30 p.m.
- Walnut GroveGreenfield Village
- Free for members or with village admission.
What happens when you decide to play by a different set of rules? Let's explore a time when the game was different. When base ball was an amateur sport played town versus town for nothing more than the rush and glory of victory.
Step into a 19th-century summer — when the game was known as "base ball" — as one of the early official rule books comes to life in Greenfield Village. Join in as players parade down Main Street each Saturday before they take the field with the uniforms, equipment and umpiring used in 1867. Cheer on the action alongside live brass music and the whistle of a passing steam locomotive. Root for Greenfield Village's two teams, the Lah-De-Dahs and the National Base Ball Club, as they take on rival clubs from across the Midwest.
This is the origin of America's pastime. Base ball the way it was meant to be played — an action-packed gentleman's game, gloves optional.
World Tournament of Historic Base Ball: It's a championship like no other. Every summer, we commemorate Detroit's 1867 World Base Ball Tournament with a gathering of teams that play one outstanding weekend of America's game by the rules of 1867. It is unquestionably the nation's greatest two-day exposition of historic base ball.
Your Experience Includes
- Base ball played with uniforms, equipment and rules from 1867
- Live music from the Dodworth Saxhorn Band (featured in Ken Burns' popular Baseball series for PBS), Saturdays only
- Visiting teams from throughout the Midwest
- Pregame parade through Greenfield Village with the teams
- Live commentary throughout the game by our umpire and scorekeeper
This experience is part of The Henry Ford’s commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary. Throughout 2026, you’ll find special programming, new exhibitions and exciting events across our 250-acre campus that spotlight the history of the United States. This yearlong series explores how creativity and ingenuity have sparked change across centuries of American life, and how they continue to shape the future we all share. From revolutionary inventions to grassroots movements, stories of transformation will unfold across Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Giant Screen Experience and Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
For a complete list of The Henry Ford’s America 250 experiences, please click here.
More to Explore
Eagle Tavern Harvest Supper
- Eagle Tavern
- Oct 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25, 2026
Motor Muster
- Greenfield Village
- Jun 20-21, 2026
- Open Saturday until 9 p.m. Regular hours Sunday.
Kick summer into high gear this Father's Day weekend in Greenfield Village and enjoy one of the country's most exciting historic vehicle shows, transporting you to the golden eras of car culture all weekend long.
Fourth of July
- Greenfield Village
- Jul 4, 2026
- 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Throughout the history of the United States, the meaning of freedom and independence changes for individuals and communities. From pre-Revolutionary colonists in New England like the Daggetts, to Victorian Midwest farmers like the Fords and Firestones, visit to learn more about how our ancestors recognized Independence Day. Experience the sights and smells of historical food demonstrations and interactive Fourth of July games at Ford Home, Firestone Farm and Edison Homestead.