Early Baseball

The earliest baseball game I've seen in our area was held at Millersville during a visit of Gov. Curtin on Wednesday, June 27, 1866. This appears to be a game among students. The earliest reference I've seen to the Tecumseh club was on Wednesday, May 12, 1869 when that club played a Lancaster team. The Tecumseh was a club organized at the Millersville Normal School.
.
The Columbia Spy
May 27, 1871

BASE BALL - The first of a series of Base Ball games - for the championship of Lancaster county - was played on Saturday, the 20th inst,. Between the Tecumseh B.B.C. of Millersville, and the Keystone B. B. C. of Lancaster, on the grounds of the former, resulting in a hard won victory for the Tecumseh.

The Keystone, on their arrival at Millersville, were received by the Captain of the Tecumseh - were introduced to our worthy Principal - and then escorted to the base ball grounds, where they were warmly welcomed by the Tecumseh. After some handshaking, &c., the game began with the Tecumseh to the bat - a slight advantage to the Keystone. Both nines made a fine appearance - the dark blue of the Keystone contrasting beautifully with the light of the Tecumseh. The game drew a large and select number of spectators from different parts of the county, who apparently were deeply interested in the game. Its soon became evident that both nines were in warm earnest - having their hearts in the game. It soon became evident that both nines were in warm earnest-having their hearts in the game. The clubs being well matched, caused to be intensely exciting, as well as interesting. Some fine plays were made by both sides.

Innings        1        2       3     4      5       6       7       8      9       Totals 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tecumseh       3        2       6     2      6       0       0       1      8         28

Keystone       3        0       4     1      3       2       3       0      0         10

Umpire - W. L. Stouch, of the National B. B. C., York Pa. Time of age 240 minutes
The return game will be played on Saturday, June 3d, on the grounds of the Keystone, at 2 p.m.
The Tecumseh is now permanently organized, and ready to receive challenges, which should be addressed J. E. Brown, secretary of T.B.B.C., Millersville Pa.