Old time base ball returns to Schiller Park this weekend.

The Ohio Village Muffins will take on the German Village Cupcakes -- their third annual trip to the diamond -- at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 7.

The game features retro uniforms and rules dating to 1860. So far, the 'Cakes have been baked by the Muffins in the last two contests.

Kelly Clark, a member of the Cupcakes, said the team is prepared.

"The Muffins are quite formidable," he said.

"I think we'll be ready because over the years when we lost, we got a big old dose on how to play the game correctly."

He wants Villagers to come out and root for the home team.

"In fine German Village spirit, we've been well-attended the past two years and had magnificent weather," he said.

"We look forward to seeing all of our neighbors and friends out at the old ball game."

Spectators might notice a few different rules, said Jim Kimnach, president of the team's advisory board and a scorekeeper.

If a ball is caught on the first bounce, it is an out. Pitches are thrown underhand and intended to allow the batter get a hit. Sliding is not allowed.

Some of the rules have withstood the test of time: Bases are 90 feet apart, bats are about the same size and the game is played in nine innings.

Kimnach said the Muffins, part of the Ohio Historical Society, play 40 exhibition games a year.

The vintage-style game is catching on across the country. There are more than 100 teams nationwide and close to 20 in Ohio.

"There are three teams in Columbus right now," he said.

That does not include the Cupcakes, which are considered a festival team.

Ohio Village supplies the team with period shirts, ties and hats. Players wear their own dungarees.

Clark called it "competition in a gentleman's way."

"The umpire consults both managers if there is a dispute and then makes a call," he said.

"The players compliment each other after a good play.

"Not that the teams don't want to win, it's just that there was no 'high-fiving' and chest bumping in 1860, no taunting or boasting.

"At least not in base ball."