The Abilene Iron Cutters will face the Wichita Bull Stockings in a Victorian era base ball game at the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus on Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Deputy Director of the Museum, Tim Rives, said the name for the Abilene team, the Iron Cutters, is from an English translation of President Eisenower’s name. “Eisenhower just means iron cutter literally in German, and so we use that name in honor of Ike.”

The game will feature players in uniforms and using equipment similar to the 1860s era. It is played using Victorian era rules. For example, no gloves are used, outfielders can catch the ball on one bounce for an out and base stealing and sliding are prohibited. Crowds participation is encouraged and often impacts the rulings on the field, and, yes, “base ball” was two words back then as well.

Rives said the game will be played in the middle of the Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds near Eisenhower’s boyhood game. “Which is very close to where he and his brothers would have played 100-plus years ago.”

Rives feel the big equalizer is the ability to catch the ball on one bounce for an out. “It’s amazing at how much that speeds up the game.” The ball being used Saturday is a hand stitched leather base ball, which is softer than a modern baseball.

Fans are advised to bring their lawn chairs and sunscreen. There is no admission charge. This is the ninth year for the Victorian era base ball game in Abilene.