Utah's First Baseball Game

The first baseball game in Utah players.

A long time ago, when collecting family history stories, we learned that Edward Ockey had played in Utah's first baseball game. That was pretty cool, since we love baseball so much. Then this year, Nephi decided to re-enact that original game. It was a commemoration of both USA's 250th, and the 150th anniversary of that first game. 

When we arrived, we learned a lot of things. The first was that the game was on January 1, 1875, and a light snow had fallen. The field had to be cleared. The second was that Edward Ockey, Dad's great-great-grandfather had died in 1871 four years before the game took place. It was his son Edward Cole Ockey, age 20, who actually played.

They used Edward Ockey's picture, but it was his son that played.

That was okay, we still got checked in and bought a few souvenirs. Then we settled into the bleachers. Each player was introduced, and a short history of the game was given. We were surprised that the Gibson's challenged the Whitmore's, with each player on the winning side getting a side of beef. They had to order a rulebook to play correctly. Then, the Whitmore's (the side Edward, jr. played on) won 87-17. 

In the re-enactment, Edward actually led off. He swung at the first pitch. Mom said, "Now I know where you guys get it!" Sadly, he grounded out to second base. 

We didn't stay for the entire game as we were off to California for summer vacation, but we were glad we planned it into our trip.

There were signs for all the players.

Sandy brought Grandpa Ockey.

We had a lot of fun! Baseball is definitely in our blood.