12th Annual Bank of America Oldtime Baseball Game Wednesday, Aug. 17 in Cambridge

Some of Greater Boston’s finest amateur baseball players will assemble at St. Peter’s Field, on Sherman Street in North Cambridge, on Wednesday, August 17 for the 12th Annual Bank of America Oldtime Baseball Game. Gametime is 7 p.m.

This year's game is being played as a benefit for the Lupus Foundation of New England.

What makes the Oldtime Baseball Game so special is the glittering array of old-style flannel uniforms worn by the players. Used just once a year for the Oldtime Baseball Game, the uniforms represent such long-ago teams as the Brooklyn Dodgers, St. Louis Browns and Boston Braves. Negro League teams are represented by the Kansas City Monarchs, Baltimore Elite Giants and Homestead Grays. Even long-ago minor-league teams are represented, including the San Francisco Seals, Oakland Oaks and Roswell Rockets.

Because of the beauty of these uniforms, along with the period music, the raffles, and, yes, the enthusiasm of the players, the Bank of America Oldtime Baseball Game has evolved into a Greater Boston summertime tradition. The Game features amateur players from throughout the area, representing such schools as Harvard, Tufts, Suffolk, Boston College and Holy Cross. Though not billed as an “all-star” game, more than 20 veterans of the Oldtime Baseball Game have gone on to play professionally. Carlos Pena of Haverhill and Northeastern University, who played in the Oldtime Baseball Game in 1996 and ‘97, is the first alumnus of the game to play in the big leagues.

The Lupus Foundation of New England serves all people with lupus as well as their families and caregivers. A dedicated team of volunteers and staff works to help fulfill the Foundation's mission of providing support and education, public awareness and funding of medical research.

Those attending the game are strongly advised to bring beach chairs or blankets and set up camp along the foul lines, as seating at St. Peter's Field is limited. In fact, it's this "festival" setting that adds to the charm, as fans hug the field to watch this very special event.

DIRECTIONS TO
ST. PETER’S FIELD

St. Peter’s Field is located on Sherman Street in North Cambridge. From Harvard Square, follow Massachusetts Avenue north about one-quarter of a mile, turning left on Linnaean Street. At the end of Linnaean Street, turn right onto Garden Street. Bear right at the fire house onto Sherman Street and follow to St. Peter’s Field, which is on the left.

FROM ROUTE 128

Take Exit 29A, picking up Route 2 East. Continue on Route 2 East 6.3 miles to Route 16 East, being sure to bear left at the fork, following the “Arlington-Medford next left” sign. Follow to Massachusetts Avenue and turn right. Follow to Rindge Avenue and turn right. Follow to Sherman Street and turn left. Follow to St. Peter’s Field, which is on the right.