Base Ball, Bisbee, and Brazen Bandits
by John Scott on Mar. 14, 2012, under UncategorizedI open this entry with results of the Chihuahua races in Superior. Nacho beat Pooper in the finals. I was rooting for Pooper, since his name suggested acceleration. You let me down, Pooper.
Speaking of sports, did you know that baseball played a part in Arizona’s history? By the 1850’s it was becoming a popular pastime in America. By 1910, Bisbee already had a stadium. Warren Ballpark is arguably the first baseball stadium in the country…and it’s in Cochise County! The Copper Kings call it home as well as a vintage base ball team, The Bisbee Bees.
Vintage base ball? Whazzat?
The players wear vintage clothing and play by turn of the century rules. They also separate the words base and ball, which is historically accurate for the time period they portray.
The Bisbee Bees
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped— ”That ain’t my style,” said Casey. “Strike one!” the umpire said.
On March 24th-25th, Bisbee will be the home of the Copper City Classic, a tournament for vintage base ball. All the action will be at historic Warren Ballpark. While you’re there, take in the town’s history. Walking through downtown Bisbee, you’ll feel as though you stepped onto a 1920’s movie set. At any moment you expect to see a Model T Ford chug around a corner. Shopping, food, numerous art galleries, and the Copper Queen Mine offers tours daily. There is a terrific mining museum, as well.
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew; But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said “Strike two!”
Bisbee has its share of Old West outlawry, too. In 1883, Daniel “Big Dan” Dowd, Comer “Red” Sample, Daniel “York” Kelly, William “Billy” Delaney and James “Tex” Howard robbed the Goldwater-Castaneda store expecting to get the mine payroll. However, the numbskulls were early and had to settle for the petty cash in the safe. Sadly, they shot so many people during their get-rich-quick scheme that it went down in history as the Bisbee Massacre. The baddies were eventually rounded up and hanged. John “Whoops” Heath (I made up the alias), a local saloon owner, was later fingered as the ringleader and also died from lack of oxygen.
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has struck out.
But you won’t strike out if you visit Bisbee. Take in the charm of this historic city and be sure to catch a game. Oh, the ballpark franks are not vintage and should be suitable to eat.
