Aloha Vintage Base Ball Association | Hawai'i’s Vintage Baseball League

What is the AVBBA?

The Aloha Vintage Base Ball Association is a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reviving the game of base ball as it was played in 1886—during the final years of Hawaiʻi as a sovereign kingdom. We focus on this year because it marks both a high point of the Kingdom era and the moment when local clubs began playing under “New York rules.”

We play by the 1886 Spalding rules, wear period-inspired uniforms, and use reproduction equipment from the era. It’s part sport, part living history, and all community — a way to honor Hawaiʻi’s place in early base ball while sharing it with the world.

Do I need experience to join?

No experience necessary! We welcome pā'ani of all backgrounds and skill levels — from first-timers to long-retired players. The league is designed to be beginner-friendly and low-pressure, focused on camaraderie, laughter, and aloha.

If you’re not ready to play, you can still join our hui as a volunteer or haku. There’s a place for everyone on and off the field.

Do I need to know ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to play?

No — fluency isn’t required to join, but you’ll hear ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) used regularly on the field. Words like haku (umpire), pāʻani (player), kāpena (captain), and phrases such as maikaʻi (“good!”) or pau (“finished”) are part of how we keep the language of aloha alive in our game.

We don’t expect new players to know these terms, only to be willing to learn. Using ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is part of our kuleana to educate, preserve, and uplift — honoring the place where we play and the history we’re telling together.

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 details.

Injured or not ready to play? You can still join our hui as a Haku (umpire) or event volunteer—we’ll match you to a role that keeps you part of the game.

What team will I be on?

Players will be placed on one of our founding clubs:

• Waikiki Base Ball Club
• Royal Hawaiian Base Ball Club
• Old Queen Street Bulletin

Team assignments are made by managers to keep rosters balanced and welcoming for all skill levels. Requests aren’t necessary — our focus this first season is building strong, friendly teams that reflect the league’s spirit of camaraderie and community.

What gear do I need?

All players are required to purchase a full uniform kit to participate in games. 

Each piece is made to order from scratch with careful attention to historical detail. These uniforms are fully custom-made by hand by our outfitters K&P Weaver and Stockbridge Sewing.

The Player Kit ($350) includes:

• Custom jersey, trousers, and socks
• Reproduction fielding glove
• Official team cap
  (Total includes processing fees and shipping.)

In addition to the kit, players must also provide:

• Black or brown 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?

We understand the strain of startup costs, and the Board has decided to waive league dues for this inaugural season. Players only need to cover the cost of their uniform kit. 

After the 2025-2026 season, we’ll introduce modest dues to support field rental, insurance, and league operations — including events like the Kalakaua Base Ball Jubilee and barnstorming tours across the islands.

We’re committed to keeping AVBBA accessible and pono—keeping the game affordable, removing barriers to participation, and keeping the doors open for everyone.

Financial assistance is available — reach out confidentially to
treasurer@alohavintagebaseballassociation.com

Is gear provided?

You’ll need to purchase your own uniform and cleats. Bats, Balls, bases and catcher's gear is provided by the league.

What’s the season schedule?

Season: November–March
Games: 2–3 per month, with a short holiday break

This is a recreational league, so we understand that not everyone can make every game. Players should communicate directly with their team kāpena (captain) to coordinate availability.

Highlights of the season include:

Kalakaua Base Ball Jubilee (Nov. 8–9) – Opening weekend celebration

Regular matches around Oʻahu to introduce new communities to vintage baseball

Inter-league games with other recreational adult teams

Barnstorming tours to neighbor islands to spread the game and help start new teams

Aloha Cup Championship & All-Hawaiʻi Hōkū Exhibition (March) – Closing weekend celebration

Will photos or videos be taken at games?

Yes. Our matches and events are often photographed and filmed by league volunteers and community partners to document and share the story of base ball in Hawaiʻi. Photos may appear on our website, social media, or future educational materials.

If you prefer not to be photographed individually, please let your team kāpena or the event Haku know before play begins.

As a registered 501(c)(3) Hawaiʻi educational nonprofit, AVBBA is governed by established bylaws and a volunteer board of directors. Our decisions are guided by our kuleana: to educate, preserve, and uplift the history of base ball in Hawaiʻi