Joe Tinker Day will be celebrated in Muscotah with a vintage baseball game between the Hodgeman Nine of Hodgeman County and the Old Cowtown Base Ball Club of Wichita. The game will take place Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m. at Joe Tinker Field located under the water tower.
Joe Tinker, Chicago Cub Hall of Fame shortstop, was born in Muscotah on July 27, 1880. He died on the same date in 1948. The Kansas House of Representatives has proclaimed that July 27 is Joe Tinker Day.
The teams will wear old-time uniforms and will play with 1860-70s equipment and rules. Rules will be explained to the crowd.
Tinker and teammates Johnny Evers and Frank Chance were known as the most famous double-play combination of their day. They were on the field when the Chicago Cubs last won a World Series in 1908.
Muscotah, located in western Atchison County, has recently started to develop attractions to honor Joe Tinker. During the vintage baseball game, artists Erika Nelson and Matthew Farley will be painting a historical baseball mural on the concrete-block concession stand. The community has also been working to convert an old water tower tank into the World's Largest Baseball. A baseball and community museum will be located inside the tank.
There is no admission charge for the game but donations are welcomed to benefit the Joe Tinker-themed attractions in town which include the historic baseball mural, the World’s Largest Baseball, the mini-infield with silhouettes and interpretive signage. Hot dogs, apple pie and ice cream will be served and those proceeds will benefit community projects. The public should bring lawn chairs or blankets.
For more information go to kansassampler.org.
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