It's a trip back in time planned for later this month, as the Atchison County community of Muscotha commemorates its famous native son, Joe Tinker.   

The Major League Baseball great was born on July 27th, 1880 in Muscotah, and will be commemorated on his birthday, in his native community, during a game of old time baseball. 

Proclaimed “Joe Tinker Day” by the Kansas Legislature, July 27th will include a visit to Muscotah by Tinker's Grandson, Jay, the last living relative to have known Joe. He will bring along his two sons, Chris and Jon, traveling from their home in Baltimore, Maryland.  

They planned the trip after they were contacted by artists Erika Nelson and Matthew Farley who were seeking permission to use Tinker's image in a Muscotah baseball mural. 

A question and answer session with the Tinkers will be held at 1:00 that afternoon. 

That will be followed at 4:00 with the vintage baseball game between the Old Cowtown Base Ball Club and the Hodgeman Nine under the Muscotah water tower. The two teams will be dressed in old-time uniforms and use the baseball equipment and rules of 1870. 

Muscotah residents, with the assistance from volunteers organized by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, have been moving forward with plans for year round recognition of Tinker.  That include the recent conversion of the former water tower tank into what's billed as the World's Largest Baseball.  It will house a rural baseball and community museum.  Standing nearby is a mini-infield, representing the Tinker era Wrigley Field. 

Tinker played for the Chicago Cubs as part of the Hall of Fame double-play combination of Tinker to Evers to Chance, with the trio leading the Cubs to World Championships in 1907 and 1908: 

Peanuts, Crackerjacks, hot dogs, apple pie and hot dogs will be served during the July 27th celebration, while Take Me Out to the Ballgame is played in the 7th inning of the vintage ball game, preceded by a game played by local residents.