Venturing through the back roads of Holmes County, it isn't uncommon to see a group of Amish children playing a game out in the yard. The games they play aren't much different than the outdoor games the "English" play.
On most spring and summer days, the schoolyards are filled with softball players, and the parking lots are filled with buggies. Softball is one of the most popular games played, but most yards aren't big enough for fielding a game, so schoolyards or parks are often the "field of dreams" for Amish baseball players.
A group of Amish boys recently took time between innings of a softball game at Wise School in Holmes County to talk about their favorite games.
"Softball is my favorite game," said James, a 14-year-old. "I'm pretty good, too. But I like to play other games, too."
He said he also likes to play volleyball and soccer.
"I like to play softball and volleyball," said Jonas, also 14. "I don't have much time to play, so I have to enjoy it while I can."
The boys said their work regimen at home doesn't allow for much fun time.
"I like to play catch with my brother when I can't play a game," James added. "We make our own games while playing catch."
The Amish boys aren't the only ones who get to participate in games.
Ann, a 14-year-old Amish girl, said girls like to play games, too.
"We like to play kick ball and soccer. I'm not very good at softball, but we'll play catch sometimes."
One of the most popular yard games is volleyball.
"The kids love to play volleyball because it is such a fast game," said one Amish woman in attendance at the softball game. "When I was a kid, we used to play croquet. That used to be the more popular game. But is isn't fast enough for the kids today."
Croquet is still popular among the Amish, but it is played more by the adults than their children.
Despite differences, one thing that bridges many cultures is athletics, and that is evident by the fact Amish children enjoy playing the same games as their English counterparts.
This was written by Kevin Lynch and was taken from "The Amish of Holmes County," published in 1996.