While the 1860s may have been a turbulent time for the country, those old-timers sure did know how to play ball. The bats were simple wood, the gloves nonexistent, and the uniforms tattered, while "no rules" was the rule of the day.

In 2014 the game has changed completely, but not for a few dedicated players who keep the spirit of vintage baseball alive and brought it to Spillane Field Sunday as the culminating event of the Summer of Celebration.

"It's a lovely afternoon with a fun vintage baseball game and an oom-pa-pa band!" said Wareham Historical Society Chairwoman Angela Dunham.

Backed by music provided by famed quartet Boston Brass, the Hingham Coopers took on the Bristol Blues under the setting sun. The teams are formal organizations that play in a baseball league like any other, albeit with some rule changes.

For one, as previously stated, there are no gloves. While the ball is softer and bouncier than a modern baseball, catching is undoubtedly more difficult with only bare hands. However, the vintage fly ball rules are supportive this style of play. While modern baseball fans are used to seeing a batter outed by a catch of his or her hit before it has touched the ground, 1860s rules allow for one bounce of the ball, which means one more chance for the batter to be sent to the dugout.

"Sore hands and more work!" said spectator Sandy Crossman of the game compared to modern baseball. She added that she thought the event was, "very entertaining," and, "a lot of fun."

There is a plethora of other tweaks both large and small that make vintage ball difficult to for new players to learn. Steve Stefanik of Dartmouth, a Bristol Blues player, said the absence of the ability to overrun first base is a major hangup for new players.

“That’s a painful rule for first-timers to learn,” said Stefanik, who plays mostly first base and pitcher.

Stefanik said vintage baseball for most players is all about having fun.

“It’s a good time for a bunch of kids who don’t want to grow up,” he said.

"I think it's very interesting," said attendee Rick Seguin as he watched the game. Seguin says he is a fan of modern baseball and finds this style of play very entertaining.

"This gives you an opportunity to learn some of the history about it," he said.

As Boston Brass played their collection of old-timey tunes and the occasional brass adaptation of modern songs, heroes of the baseball diamond with names like Mad Dog, Rusty, Foxy, and Slammin' captivated those in attendance with their spirited playing.

Dunham said the event was a great way to tie off the Summer of Celebration.

"This has been such a wonderful celebration," said Dunham. "I want to thank all of the people who went above and beyond to make everything we did possible."