No gloves required

When it was first invented, America's pastime was a lot different than the game we know today. No, not Guitar Hero. We're talking about baseball, or Base Ball, if you prefer. With underhanded pitching, no gloves, and - we're just guessing here - much better mustaches, it was a much tougher game. Back then, you see, men were men, not like these spoiled pretty boys with their newfangled technology. Catch some exhibitions of the game as it was once played when the Essex Baseball Club plays a double-header today against the Lynn Live Oaks and the Fitchburg Rollstones. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $3. Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, 5 Little's Lane, Newbury. 978-462-2634. www.historicnewengland.org Also today, the Hingham Historical Society hosts its second annual Fall Vintage Base Ball Classic and Barbecue (a historic team from earlier this summer, below). 3-6 p.m. Derby Academy, 56 Burditt Ave., Hingham. 781-749-7721. www.hinghamhistorical.org [L.O.]