The Champaign Clippers Vintage Base Ball Club is always glad to welcome new players.
We honor base ball as it was first played while fostering a welcoming and inclusive club. Players of all ages, genders, races, and backgrounds are encouraged to join, provided they are 13 years of age or older. If you reckon yourself fit to play, then you are welcome among us. The more the merrier!
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. You’re welcome to simply attend one of our matches or events, or you may reach out to let us know you’re interested. We’re always glad to answer questions and help new players find their footing.
All essential equipment (bats, balls, and bases) is provided by the club. Should you happen to own any vintage equipment, you’re most welcome to bring it along.
How much does it cost?
We keep costs as low as possible because we want the Clippers to be open to everyone.
You can get started without paying a thing. Our uniforms are designed to be easily replicated with clothes you likely already own, and that’s all you need to take the field.
If you’d like a full uniform, we offer tiered options so you can choose what works best for you. Details are available below.
What is the commitment?
You’re never expected to attend every game. We maintain a large roster with the intent that at least nine players are available for each scheduled match.
We play roughly seven or eight matches each season. It’s a modest schedule by design, usually on Saturdays or Sundays between April and August.
When the Clippers travel, trips are kept local and limited to day trips. Nearby vintage base ball clubs in Bloomington, Decatur, Danville, and Springfield provide wonderful of opportunities for friendly matches.
What is the uniform?
Our uniform is very basic, in the style of early vintage base ball clubs.
DIY Uniform
If you want to spend zero dollars, wear a plain navy hat, a charcoal gray long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and dark shoes. You’ll fit right in.
Minimal-Cost Team Uniform
If you’re willing to invest about $40, you can purchase the team hat and shirt using the links below, and then wear your own blue jeans and dark shoes.
Full-Cost Team Uniform
If you’re willing to pay about $80, you can purchase the whole team uniform. Use the links below.
Hat: We wear navy blue, pillbox style hats. You can purchase our team hat (~$15) through Amazon or wear something of your own. It’s best to wear something without any logos if you are going to wear your own hat. This keeps it more accurate to the era.
Shirt: We wear charcoal gray, long-sleeve shirts. You can purchase our team shirt (~$25) through Amazon or wear something of your own. It’s most important to wear a gray, long-sleeve shirt without any logos, if you’re going to wear something you already own. Don’t necessarily worry about matching the style exactly. If the team shirt is unavailable, here’s another option through Amazon. The team shirt is flannel, which is great for cooler days but not the best for those really hot summer days. There is a cooler, more breathable option available through Amazon, if you’re interested.
Pants: We wear navy blue bottoms. You can purchase our team pants (~$40) through Amazon or wear jeans. You can also find these same pants at local department stores if you want to try them on first.
Skort option: Female players can choose to wear navy pants, or a navy tennis skort with long navy socks, which is look similar to what women wore in the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Tie: A tie? Why so formal? Well, many teams wore ribbon ties in 1860, and since we have basic uniforms without any team emblem (for now) we will provide navy blue ribbon for a tie, if you have a collared shirt.
Socks: The current iteration of the uniform does not require a specific sock color/type. However, looking ahead to future uniform iterations, a navy sock would be the best bet if you want to plan ahead.
Shoes: We wear black shoes. You can wear plastic cleats, but you don’t have to. It’s best to have all black shoes, with no clear logos or markings, but it’s ok if that’s not possible for you. Some players spray paint old shoes to cover up white logos, instead of buying something new. Some players even go barefoot.