Batter Up! A Full Count of Vintage Baseball Treats

Erica Gamet

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They say that America is Mom, apple pie, and baseball. Well Mom and apple pie are great, but an evening at the ballpark just shouts “America!” to me. Not in a threatening way, but in that “check out how typically American we are, spending our summer evenings eating hot dogs and yelling ‘Are you blind?’ at the umpire” kind of way. Pro baseball season is in full swing in the US and I’m soaking up every minute of it.

I am lucky enough to live right up the street from a new Triple-A team ballpark (Go Chihuahuas!) and love being able to take in a slice of that Americana vibe whenever I want. The city I used to live in put on a complete vintage baseball game every 4th of July. The teams wore vintage uniforms, used 1880s rules, and even got fined ten cents for using unsportsmanlike language when they yelled, “Darnit!” at a missed pitch. Baseball is part of the American experience, and this collection of vintage baseball demonstrates it’s been that way for a while.

This customizable print draws its inspiration from vintage game tickets.

Anyone else remember paper dolls? These cut-out cuties—designed by the artist responsible for the “Campbell Kids”—are ready to play ball!

Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like naked angel babies, am I right? In all fairness, getting a jersey over those wings would be a sport in itself.

I’m not sure I would ever need to send a postcard with vintage strikers (that’s what they used to call the batter), but I just love the uniforms from the early days of the game. Quilted pants!

Speaking of the uniforms, who knew there were so many styles of hats back then? I’m not sure I could take a pitcher wearing No. 3 very seriously.

The motivational poster isn’t a recent thing. This baseball-themed motivator was part of the “Mather Motivational” series from the 1920s.

While not actual vintage memorabilia, these tournament logos from Shutterstock bring back that feeling of baseball, hot dogs, and eating peanuts in the bleachers.

Want to craft a piece with a vintage baseball feel, worthy of Mom and apple pie? You’re gonna need a typeface for that. Apologies to non-Red Sox fans.

I always hated being pushed into sports I wasn’t interested in. Baseball’s a different story, so I approve of introducing your child early with this custom baby shower invitation.

These photographic postcards show the love of the game of baseball. Talk about a bunch of “players.”

Sheet music for baseball songs? It’s a thing, apparently. Can’t wait to sing “If You Can’t Make a Hit in a Ball Game, You Can’t Make a Hit with Me” at the next seventh-inning stretch.

Wondering what to do with yourself during the off-season? Why not check out one of these vintage baseball board games, like “Indoor Baseball.”

The LHF Ballpark Script typeface comes with a separate set of swashes to get that vintage baseball title crafted just so.

It wouldn’t be baseball without the ball. Technically, you need the bases, too, but this poster depicts the evolution of the baseball itself.

What would a list of vintage anything be without a pin-up to spice up the list? She is never going to get to second in those heels!

One creative couple had a wedding with a vintage baseball theme. I’m disappointed they didn’t dress the part in team uniforms. I also think it would have been awesome to have the bride’s dad dressed as the umpire, reserving the right to yell, “You’rrrrre out!” at the groom. (Click the picture to see more photos from the wedding.)

Baseball isn’t just for boys, as these children’s books about the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League show. Just remember, there’s no crying in baseball!