PORT AUSTIN — Baseball has changed over the years, and on Sunday you can see just how much when the Thumb Arts Guild sponsors an 1860's Base Ball game.

Notice the use of two words, base ball. The words weren't consolidated until the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1860, the game of base ball was a gentleman's game. The Ballist, or Base Ball Player, was not burdened by the responsibility of making a living from the game, and there was no "glory" involved. As a result, it was a more formal, civilized affair.

"It was how baseball used to be, before money became involved," said Ev Hellebuyck, of Port Austin, "when they used it as family entertainment."

Hellebuyck is treasurer of The Thumb Arts Guild, and chairperson for the 1860's Base Ball Game. The game will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday at Gallup Park in Port Austin, when the Home Team from Port Austin takes on the Regular Base Ball Club of Mount Clemens.

Variations of a game played with a ball, and stick to hit it with, date back to the 16th century, but according to promotional information provided by the Mount Clemens Regulars, Base Ball as we would recognize it was first formally codified by the New York Knickerbockers Base Ball Club in 1845.

Numerous rule changes have taken place over the years. Prior to 1845 it was legal to "soak" a base runner. That meant a fielder was allowed to throw the ball at a runner to get him out. The ball was larger and heavier than today's baseball.

Before 1845 a base ball game lasted until one team scored 21 runs. How long would a game last when Roger Clemens pitched against Randy Johnson? Better bring lunch. You're going to be there a while!

Terminology associated with modern day baseball has changed from what was used in the 1860s. According to Hellebuyck, a run was called an "ace" or "tally."

"When you scored you had to go over to the table and ring the bell for the run to count," Hellebuyck said. "Only after the bell was rung did the scorer 'tally' the score.

"To 'put some steam on,'" Hellebuyck said, "meant to run quickly."

If you were "caught napping," it signified you were picked off base. In contrast to today's game, a player was expected to have "quiet acquiescence," which was how "a gentleman accepts an Umpire's judgment." That's a far cry from the way some of today's prima donna professionals approach the game.

One major difference between baseball in 2005 and base ball in 1860 is the use of a baseball glove. In 1860, no glove was used. According to the information provided by the Regular Club of Mount Clemens, using a glove was considered "unmanly," and most players didn't use them.

An umpire was regarded differently in 1860 than they are today. He wore a top hat and long coat, and communicated with a horn that amplified his voice. They sometimes approached the spectators for assistance in making a call. How would that go over at a Detroit Tigers baseball game?

Since it was a more gentlemanly game, a runner was expected to call himself out, and save the umpire the trouble. The umpire wasn't expected to rule on balls and strikes, because the pitcher would ask the "striker", or batter, where he wanted the ball thrown. The pitcher also had to throw underhand, with his elbow straight.

Base ball in 1860 was truly different than it is today — for better or for worse. But if you'd like to see how gentlemen played the game, come to Gallup Park, in Port Austin, Sunday, when the Home Team from Port Austin takes on the Regulars of Mount Clemens in a base ball game "the way it was meant to be played."

Admission is $5 at the gate. Tickets are available at the Port Austin Chamber of Commerce, Heins Hardware, Mayes IGA, Upthegrove Gifts, or the Port Austin Library.

For more information, contact Hellebuyck at (989) 738-7617.