THE APPLE JACKS: A Base Ball Club of La Crescent

A gentleman's game, but not a gentle game

The Apple Jacks Base Ball Club is a community outreach program of
the La Crescent (MN) Area Historical Society

WHAT IS VINTAGE (1860s) BASE BALL?

Prior to the Civil War, base ball was a new game and rules developed over time. By 1860 there were many base ball clubs east of the Mississippi and the sport was growing. On March 14, 1860 in New York, the National Association of Base-Ball Players adopted 38 rules as written down by Henry Chadwick and published in Beadle's Dime Base-Ball Player: A Compendium of the Game, Comprising Elementary Instructions of this American Game of Ball. Click on this link to see all 38 Rules of 1860.

Elements of 1860s base ball:

· The pitcher throws underhanded and does not wind up; therefore, he actually pitches (like horseshoes) to get the player to hit. The term “Hurler” was not used until 1906.

· The ball is 9-3/4 to 10 inches in circumference and stitched leather.

· Bats are round and wood, mostly ash or maple.

· No gloves are used – fielding gloves were not introduced until 1875.

· Bases are often made of canvas and filled with sand.

· The Umpire does not call balls and strikes, but 3 misses is an out.

· A striker or batsman (batter) is not walked.

· There is no bunting – it wasn’t part of the game until 1886.

· A ball may be caught on a fly or first bound (bounce) for an out; a foul ball or foul tip caught on a fly or first bound is an out.

· A base runner is not tagged; he is “touched with the ball.”

· A run is also called an “ace.”

Spectators should cheer for good play

from both clubs.

Spitting, swearing, and wagering

are not allowed.

Our custom is for players to politely ask the scorekeeper to record their ace; the players then ring a bell to signify their feat

2022 SCHEDULE

Date Day Time Location Field Opponent (s)

5/14 Saturday 12:00 PM Ramsey MN 15800 Traprock St Memorial Service for

Ramsey MN 55303 Doug "Freight Train" Ernst

May 21 Saturday 12:00 PM La Crescent MN Old Hickory Park Roosters of Olmsted County

1:30 PM 1135 Jonathan Lane Roosters of Olmsted County

Jun 10 Friday 6:00 PM Wykoff MN Dream Acres Farm Fillmore Fungi

17289 Co Hwy 8, Spring Valley MN

Jun 11 Saturday 12:00 PM La Crescent MN Old Hickory Park Northfield

1:30 PM 1135 Jonathan Lane Northfield vs Fungi

3:00 PM Fillmore Fungi

Jun 25 Saturday 12:00 PM Menomonie WI Field 2 - Phelan Park TBD

1:30 PM 2216 9th St East TBD

Jul 16 Saturday 11:00 AM Rochester MN Schmitt Field Roosters of Olmsted County

12:30 PM 1195 West Circle Dr SW Roosters of Olmsted County

Jul 23 Saturday TBD Stillwater MN Old Athletic Field TBD

6th St S & Orleans

Aug 6 Saturday TBD Rushford MN Root River Community Church Mankato, Fillmore or 503 Nannestad Lane Milwaukee

Aug 13 Saturday 11:45 AM Rochester MN Schmitt Field Roosters of Olmsted County

1:00 PM 1195 West Circle Dr SW Roosters of Olmsted County

Aug 27 Saturday TBD St. Charles MN Winona County Fair Grounds Quicksteps

506 W 6th St Quicksteps

Sep 3-4 Sat - Sun TBD Columbus OH Ohio Village MN Union Team - All Welcome

Sep 11 Sunday 12:00 PM Highland Prairie MN Highland Prairie Church Highland Prairie Hayseeds

1:30 PM 43267 Bowl Dr, Peterson MN Highland Prairie Hayseeds

Sep 17 Saturday 12:00 PM La Crescent MN Old Hickory Park Quicksteps

1:30 PM 1135 Jonathan Lane Quicksteps vs Fungi

3:00 AM Fillmore Fungi



Please contact Bill Ohm (507-895-6912) or Joel Affeldt (608-769-1782)
if you are unable to play.

The Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club is a member of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA) and the Union BBC of Minnesota (all Minnesota clubs).

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PLAYER/CAPTAIN

Joel "Hefty" Affeldt

CAPTAIN EMERITUS

Bill "Ho-Hum" Ohm

SCOREKEEPER

Lady Joan Ohm

UMPIRE

Prince Peter Petersilie

HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVE

Mary McLaughlin

To learn more, click on the Vintage Base Ball Association's website about rules and customs: The VBBA

Apple Jacks Base Ball Club of La Crescent - Established 2004

EMAIL: lacrescentapplejacks@gmail.com

Prince Peter Petersilie and Lady Joan Ohm

Apple Jacks website © 2022 La Crescent Area Historical Society