We’re days away from our first inargural Vintage Baseball Showcase in Fort Wayne. As the excitement continues to grow, all we can do is further prepare for what we can expect to see in the Summit City. Recently, we caught up with Greg Simons from the Indianapolis Blues to preview with them. Today, we’re honored to be able to chat with Christopher Spataro from the Elkhart County Railroaders.
Originally, the Elkhart County Railroaders were known as the Bonneyville Millers. The team was formed over 20 years ago and was affiliated with Elkhart County Parks. The team changed its name to the Railroaders in 2011. The current Railroaders team consists of 25 players in total. They tend to get as many players as they can to travel and play the game of “base ball.”
“We still have around half a dozen players who date back to the original team. We usually play between 10-20 games per year. Normally in cities no further than 2.5 hours away from Elkhart County,” says Spataro.
Spataro joined the team back in 2008. Having played consistently for the club for the past 17 years, Spataro is a veteran on the team. He is also currently the President, a board member, and the captain of “ECRR Inc.” With so much involvement with the club, Spataro expresses an intense passion for the league and the Railroaders.
“What makes me most passionate about the Railroaders is our inclusivity and our respect for the history of the game of “base ball.” We do not turn anyone away. If you love the game, you have a spot on our team,” adds Spataro.
Much like Simons from the Blues, Spataro and the Railroaders hope for the showcase in Fort Wayne to reach new fans. The league consists of individuals that come together to play the game they all love.
“Our hopes and expectations for the showcase in Fort Wayne are to play to the best of our abilities, to represent Elkhart County well, to meet new friends who also love the game of base ball, and perhaps most importantly (at our age) to avoid injury,” adds Spataro.
All in all, the expectations and goal in mind is to gather baseball enthusiasts together for a day of free baseball. Join us Saturday, June 29th at 2.pm. At Lawton Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana to travel back in time to see how the game was played way before our time.
In case you missed it, just announced our amazing food vendors who will be at the event. The Stand ‘Coney’s & Ice Cream will be serving up hot dogs and other favorites. Major League Creamery will be dishing up baseball themed ice cream. Lastly, Fairfax Coffee Company will be onsite with their iced coffee to keep us all cool on a hot summer day. We hope to see you there!
“I've played baseball since I was five years old and simply love the game. The first time I went to a vintage
For more information on the Vintage Baseball Showcase, visit oldfortbaseballco.com/vintageshowcase
Dedrick Hendrix is a contributor to Old Baseball Co. As a Fort Wayne native, he grew up playing in Elmhurst Little League, Wildcat Baseball, and two years at South Side High School. He is also a baseball writer for Just Baseball and Fansided.