Will Rogers Memorial Museum searching for players to compete in 1880s baseball game: Here's how to join

The Will Rogers Memorial and Museum are holding 1880's throwback baseball games this month, and asking local teams to participate.

Tuesday, May 6th 2025, 4:17 pm

By: Craig Day

1880s Baseball Game - Wayne McCombs Classic

CLAREMORE, Okla. -

Baseball fans can go out to the ballgame, and back in time at an event coming up on May 17th. The Will Rogers Memorial and Museum is hosting its annual 1880s baseball game. Also known as the Wayne McCombs Classic, the game was named in honor of Wayne McCombs, an avid baseball fan and prominent resident of Claremore. The museum previously brought in teams to play, but this year, it wants to field local players. The game is free. Concessions like popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack are available for purchase.

WHEN AND WHERE:

Saturday, May 17, 1 p.m.

Will Rogers Memorial and Museum grounds

WHAT TO BRING:

lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen

HOW TO PLAY:

Contact Bryan Beard at 918-343-8113 or bryan.beard@history.ok.gov.

WHAT WILL HAD TO SAY ABOUT BASEBALL:

“Baseball is our national game; every boy and girl in the United States should play it. It should be made compulsory in the schools.”-Will Rogers

Craig Day

Craig Day anchors the 5, 6 & 10 o’clock newscasts at News On 6. He’s an Emmy and national Edward R. Murrow award winner, whose work has also been recognized with awards by several other journalism groups, including the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalism, Oklahoma Associated Press, and broadcasting associations in Louisiana and Texas, including reporter and story of the year when he worked in Shreveport, Louisiana.