play ball!!! (like it used to be played)

It doesn't seem like 20-years ago, because it was not - it was only about 19-years ago that I played (poorly) in a vintage base ball game in Montevideo, Minnesota. And yes, it was spelled base ball and not baseball. According to Wikipedia the spelling change came about in the 1880's. If interested in learning more about vintage baseball and if it is right for you - I suggest that you ask the Google (etc.). Youtube has some video.

In short, the game is played using the rules from the 1860's. The vintage teams usually play each other, but it can be set up so that a rag-tag team of locals can play the vintage team. Which is how I ended up playing in a game. 

It is not only a competition, as we were trying to win, but it was also a historical reenactment. The county historical society had arranged for this event.

Perhaps this type of game(s) could be scheduled during the city's next Independence Day celebration.