Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) will host a vintage "base ball" tournament on August 2 - 3 (Saturday and Sunday), announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. A total of nine teams, including local teams affiliated with OBVR, teams from elsewhere in New York, and teams from New Jersey and New England, will compete in a weekend celebration of base ball played according to the rules in effect between 1860 and 1899. There will be six to eight games each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Players will wear the uniforms and equipment of the time as they compete in two leagues involving historic teams with such colorful names as the Elizabeth (N.J.) Resolutes, Mineola Washingtons and Providence Grays.

"This is a wonderful event showcasing the roots of our nation's pastime, as interpreted by very skilled and experienced players," says OBVR Site Director and Curator Jim McKenna. "We also invite parents and children to join in games of 'rounders' between scheduled base ball matches. Rounders, which was an English children's game as well as an adult version of the same game and cricket were all early influences on baseball, which experienced ongoing rule changes as it evolved.

In addition to the games, OBVR will provide brass band concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration provides visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres. Hours are Wed. - Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $7 for children 5 - 12 (those under 5 are free), seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $10 for adults. It is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage; for more information, call 572-8400.

For more information about the Parks Department, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or call 572-0200.