Vintage base ball is competitive, so baseball skills and good conditioning are valuable.  Speed, good hands and strong throwing arms are particularly useful. 
 
However, knowledge of, or interest in, the history of 19th century base ball is also important and can offset other shortcomings.

Tough, skilled catchers are particulary valued in 19th century base ball.

At minimum, a player must have the constitution to survive a five or six hour double header on a hot summer day wearing wool from head to toe. 

We do field without gloves, which requires some practice and good technique to do safely.