GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. ” First-base tender? Short scout? Hurler? Behind? Cranks? Ballists?

Baseball (Base Ball) was a very different game back in the 1860s, but thanks to the Frontier Historical Society, Glenwood Springs residents can hop back in time ” minus the DeLorean ” and take in the game as it was in its infancy.

Free and open to the public, the Glenwood Sluggers and Yampah Stars will square off Friday in a vintage baseball showdown on the grassy field between Glenwood Springs High School and the Roaring Fork River. The first pitch is slated for roughly 6 p.m.

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Everything about the game will be old school, from the uniforms ” blue jeans, suspenders, shirts and hats ” to the equipment ” wooden bats, lighter, softer balls than are used today and no mitts or gloves.

Those in attendance will also notice slightly different conduct than seen at present-day games. Fans, referred to as cranks back in the 1800s, and umpires are allowed to accept bribes from players, known back then as ballists.

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Fans were an integral part of the game back then. Balls caught by cranks in the air or on a hop ” even balls landing on cooperative fans’ blankets ” are ruled outs, and ballists were fully expected to compensate helpful fans for their efforts.

Just imagine Barry Bonds offering up a tip for a crank’s assistance. Yeah right.

Oh, and for the record, a first-base tender is the modern-day equivalent of a first baseman. A short scout is much like a shortstop. Hurler is the old-time word for pitcher, as behind is the former word for catcher.