Frequently Asked Questions
Updated July 21, 2025
What is the AVBBA?
The Aloha Vintage Base Ball Association is a Hawaiʻi-based amateur league dedicated to reviving the game of “base ball” as it was played in 1886 — the final years of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy. We play by 1886 Spalding rules, wear historically inspired uniforms, and use reproduction equipment from the era. It’s part sport, part living history, and all community.
Do I need experience to join?
Nope! Players of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome. Whether you’ve never swung a bat or haven’t played since high school, you’ll be in good company. We keep things beginner-friendly and low-pressure.
How do I sign up?
Complete our player registration form. Once we receive it, we’ll send a welcome email with next steps for uniforms, equipment, and season info.
What team will I be on?
Players will be placed on one of our founding clubs:
- Waikīkī Base Ball Club
- Royal Hawaiian Base Ball Club
Team assignments are made by managers based on positional needs and roster balance. Requests are not necessary — we’re building teams that reflect the league’s spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
What gear do I need?
All players are required to purchase a full uniform kit to participate in games.
The total cost is $311 and includes:
- Custom jersey, trousers, and socks – $219
- Official team cap – $60
- Reproduction fielding glove – $32
In addition to the kit, players must also provide:
- Black, low-top cleats
Please choose cleats with minimal branding. If your pair has visible logos, we ask that you black them out with tape or paint for consistency with our vintage look. - Baseball belt
Any baseball belt that matches your uniform and avoids visible logos is fine.
Are there membership dues?
There are no annual dues for the 2025 season. You only need to cover your own uniform and gear.
Starting in 2026, we may introduce modest dues to help support field rental, insurance, and league operations. We’re committed to keeping AVBBA accessible and community-driven.
Financial assistance is available — reach out confidentially to
treasurer@alohavintagebaseballassociation.com
Is gear provided?
You’ll need to purchase your own uniform and cleats. However, AVBBA has a growing inventory of shared equipment — including bats, balls, bases, and catcher’s gear — thanks to a generous donation from the San Francisco Pelicans Vintage Base Ball Club.
Please help us honor their support by treating all league-owned gear with care and respect.
What’s the season schedule?
Our inaugural season runs from November 2025 through March 2026, with 2–3 games per month and a brief holiday break.
Major events include:
- Nov. 7–10: Kalākaua Base Ball Jubilee (opening weekend)
- March: Aloha Cup Championship + All-Hawaiʻi Hōkū Exhibition Game (all-star contest)
Team managers may schedule optional practices at their discretion.
What is the Kalakaua Base Ball Jubilee?
A full weekend of vintage base ball, celebration, and community, held November 7–10, 2025. It features:
- Welcome Paʻina (Nov. 7)
- Matches vs visiting mainland clubs (Nov. 8–9)
- Adults-only Pau Hana social
- Mālama Hawaiʻi volunteer day (Nov. 10)
It’s our season kickoff and a tribute to King Kalākaua’s legacy and Hawaiʻi’s place in base ball history.
Are there travel opportunities?
Yes! We occasionally organize teams to represent AVBBA at mainland vintage base ball events.
This October, we’re attending the Northern Coast Base Ball Classic in San Francisco (Oct. 10–12), with a special Kalākaua Tribute Ceremony at the Palace Hotel on Oct. 9.
Interested in traveling with us? Email president@alohavintagebaseballassociation.com
Will I be photographed?
Yes — and possibly featured!
We’ll be doing team photo shoots with fully uniformed players this summer. Uniformed players may also be featured in PK Custom Cards & Collectibles’ national vintage base ball card series.
As a registered 501(c)(3) Hawai'i educational nonprofit, our organization is governed by our established bylaws.