Rich Pawling's History Alive!^SM has captivated audiences of all ages throughout the United
States since its inception in 1991.  "The Boys of Base Ball" are affiliated directly with History
Alive!^SM - a company that provides dramatic historical presentations at a variety of venues
throughout the U.S. and Canada.  "The Boys" have appeared at minor and major league games, as well as at the National Baseball Hall of Fame for Inductees Weekend in 2007 and 2002, Hall of Fame Game Weekend in 2004 and All-Star Weekend in 2001 and at the Winter Meetings of Baseball in Nashville in 2002 and Dallas in 2000.
   National Baseball Hall of Fame 2007 Inductees Weekend

"The Boys of Base Ball" represent baseball throughout its "formative years" (1840's--early
1900's).  Each member of the team wears the uniform of a particular era and interprets that
period of baseball history.  Rich Pawling represents the 1840's to 1870's with a look like Asa "The Count" Brainard--the feeder of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings.  Walt Malewicz takes on the persona and tells the story of 1880's Hall of Fame Mike "King" Kelly.  The two "younger bucks" of the group represent a "rube" (farmboy) from the 1890's period and a college-educated "new breed" ballplayer of the early 1900's.

Rich Pawling, "player-manager" of "The Boys of Base Ball", has been described as "something of an educator, historian, musician, and entertainer all in one". His nationally acclaimed living history impressions represent America's forgotten heroes - the nobodies who are really the everybodies (coal miners, canal workers, etc.)!  In addition to being the owner/interpretive specialist of History Alive!, Rich also teaches as a adjunct human geography professor at Penn State University/Berks-LehighValley College.  His educational background includes a B.S. in education and geography from Kutztown University and a M.S. in geoenvironmental science from Shippensburg University.  Baseball (and later softball) occupied his summers from Little League days through post-college.

Walt Malewicz of Alburtis, PA recently retired from a thirty year career as a high school social studies teacher and department chair and has both a B.S. in social studies from Kutztown University and a M.Ed.from Lehigh University. In addition, he is an expert in living history interpretation--working for twenty-five years as a seasonal park ranger at Hopewell Furnace NHS where he portrayed various characters from the 19th century.  He has done extensive research on Mike "King" Kelly and the early years of our national game.

"The Boys" are professional educators and living historians with a passion for baseball history.  They combine the music of baseball's past with a unique living history performance. When "The Boys of Base Ball"  become the "boys of baseball past" and use music, humor, and history to educate and entertain their audience, they create an "oldtime" baseball experience for fans and visitors that can't be beat!

•  Greeting the fans as they enter the gates
•  Pre-Game Music and/or Post-Game concert of  music from the past--along with human interest     stories about the players of the past
•  Autograph or Photo sessions
•  Singing of the National Anthem
•  "Casey at the Bat" skit (on the field) - before the game or between games for doubleheaders
•  Interaction in the stands with the fans (and/or stadium announcer) between innings
•  Between inning (2 minute) Music/Franchise History Sets

 7th Inning Stretch - Singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (with verses as well as chorus)

REVIEWS AND TESTAMONIALS -

The Hall of Fame received nothing but positive feedback from both our patrons and staff members who witnessed the presentations.  Their performances certainly added to the cultural experience of our visitors.  I would certainly recommend the "Boys of Base Ball" to other institutions and locales (including theaters and ballparks) that might be interested in featuring live performances about our National Pastime.  I hope you will consider "The Boys of Base Ball" for your events.    -Dale Petroskey, President, National Baseball Hall of Fame

"What a breath of fresh air and an absolute joy it was having "The Boys of Base Ball" perform prior to and during the two Detroit Tigers Major League spring training games.  From their classic uniforms to their knowledge of the history of our National Pastime to their interaction with our fans, they were outstanding.  Their singing and storytelling were a tremendous "hit" with everyone in attendance.  Thank you BOYS!                                              -Don Miers, former Director, Lakeland Operations for the Detroit Tigers

"The Boys" were very effective in their use of music, humor, and history to entertain and educate Cardinals fans.  The skits helped remind us of the heritage of our National Pastime.  I especially enjoyed the extended rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."  I would recommend "The Boys of Base Ball" to any team who would like a fresh, new promotion to bring additional fans to their ballpark.

                  - Bob Commentucci, Director Promotions, New Jersey Cardinals


 Just a short note of thanks for a great job by "The Boys of Base Ball"... The crowd certainly enjoyed the performance as I heard many positive comments that evening.  In addition, the group received some very favorable feedback on our customer surveys.  Thanks again for a job well done!

                        - Gabe Sinicropi, Jr., Director Marketing and Public Relations, Williamsport Crosscutters

The Boys of Base Ball Reenact "Casey at the Bat"