THE APPLE JACKS:
A BASE BALL CLUB
OF LA CRESCENT
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Huzzah! to our corporate sponsor and valued community partner, ESB Banking & Insurance !!
Huzzah! to Don Thesing (president of the Historical Society) for being La Crescent's 2025 Man of the Year!!
Presten "Stryker" Stryker about to throw to first as Baltic player and Mike "Mickey" Jaquette look on. Photo by Nicholle Rymer
Saturday, September 20
Vintage Base Ball
LACRESCENT, MANKATO AND FILLMORE FACE OFF DURING APPLE FESTIVAL
by Mary McLaughlin
Those weren’t gunshots you heard at Old Hickory Park on Saturday; it was the “crack” of wood bats as balls went sailing to the outfield. Spectators, many watching vintage base ball (two words) for the first time, learned that the 1860s game is exhilarating rather than stuffy. Defensive players dive, roll, and scramble to stop opponents from scoring.
Visitors were stunned by the sound of the balls cracking against the wood bats and echoing off the hills; they strained their necks to see balls arc their way to the vast outfield. Not surprisingly, people whooped and hollered as players rounded the bases to home, all efforts noted in all three games.
The highs and lows of the games also did not deter members of the La Crescent Apple Jacks, Mankato Baltics, and Fillmore Fungi. They know that batting and fielding talent ebbs and flows, which is why these organizations rely on consistency.
On this day, the visiting Baltics, a high-spirited and athletic group, demonstrated their physical strength by besting the Jacks and the Fungi. Baltic players’ line drives were often loud and fast, sending fielders racing after balls while the Baltics swiftly rounded the bases to score.
Cries of “leg it” signaled that the Baltics once again were rounding the bases. On defense, the Jacks put out three Baltics in a row to end the third inning. Undaunted, the Baltics roared back, not letting up.
The “crack” of the Baltics’ bats echoed between the hills lining Jonathan Lane. The Jacks’ pitcher, Dave “Crash” Carlson estimated he threw 300 pitches in that matchup. The Baltics blitzed to earn 29 runs to the Jacks’ four.
The Baltics bested the Fungi 17-13 in the second game, which urged the Fillmore team to try harder against the Apple Jacks in the third match.
In the third, and last, game of the day, Dan “Skunk” Deetz pitched the Jacks to a tight matchup against the Fungi. An emotional roller coaster for spectators, this game also featured hold-your-breath bobbles, tumbles, and bounces. Even though they were frustrated, the Jacks dealt with awkward bounces and tips; they lost 4-0 to the Fungi.
BELOW: Storm clouds threatened as Dave “Crash” Carlson pitched for the Apple Jacks at Old Hickory Park.
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Photo: "Mittens" caught in a pickle by "Big Wease" and "Divano" (l-r)
Photo by Nicholle Rymer
Hayseeds pickled
Story by Bill Ohm
The Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent went to church last Sunday (sort of). They played on the grounds of Highland Prairie Lutheran Church which is a few miles south of Rushford. The day's adversary was the Highland Prairie Hayseeds. The church has a beautiful field for 1860 style base ball. As indicated in a previous article, the field, while being one of the Jacks' favorite venues, does have its peculiarities. Any ball hit over the outfield fence on a fly is an out and a ball that bounds over the fence is a single. For the day, the Apple Jacks hit at least six over the fence; aah, those lost opportunities.
The day was hot and muggy, and it looked like the game might go on forever. The Jacks scored twice in the bottom of the first inning; the Hayseeds came back with two in the top of the second; the Apple Jacks plated an ace in the bottom of the third; the Hayseeds tied the match with an ace in the sixth. The Jacks went ahead by one in the eighth, only to have the Hayseeds tie up the match at 4-4 in the top of the ninth. The match was not settled, however, until the 13th inning when the Hayseeds pushed across one more ace for an ultimate 5-4 victory.
Because of the length of the first game and the weather, it was decided to finish the day with a five-inning contest. This time the Apple Jacks batted first. They scored two aces in the top of the third and two more in the fourth. The Hayseeds only managed one ace in the third inning, giving the Jacks a 4-1 victory. A very unusual play took place in the Hayseeds’ half of the second inning. After one out, the batter "Flash" hit a single. The next batter, "Mitten" also hit a single, putting runners on first and second. "Toadstool" then hit a single scoring "Flash". "Mitten," however, was caught in a pickle (rundown) off second and tagged out. Then the sharp-eyed Apple Jack defenders noticed that "Toadstool" was off the base between first and second and was then also tagged out in another pickle. Very strange, but entertaining, double play.
Participating for the Apple Jacks were Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Eric "Wheels" Johnson, Bert "The Runt" Kimman, Jason "Kraken" Kluck, Scott "Roman" Pechacek, Stephanie "Anxiety" Pechacek, Gary "Big Wease" Pericak, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, and Deven "Divano" Weiman
Aces were tallied by Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm. Nicholle Rymer served as club photographer.
Ten players joined the Apple Jacks this season and all of them had a GREAT time.
ALREADY THINKING ABOUT NEXT YEAR ??
Call Bill at 507-895-6912 or Joel at 608-769-1782
Weather continued to be a major factor on this game day for the Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent. Forecasts told of scattered thunderstorms and a heat index approaching 100. The Afton Red Socks were concerned about rain spoiling their trip to La Crescent. Luckily for all concerned, the Red Socks drove down and arrived safely, the rain did not materialize in La Crescent, and the temperatures were mild.
It was a great day for base ball, so they played two!
The first match looked like the Red Socks were going to pull away. Despite the first inning score being 2-2, after four innings it was Afton eight aces and the Jacks only two. However, the Jacks came back strong trailing only 9-7 after five innings. But victory proved elusive as the Jacks ultimately fell 10-9. Also falling was the Jacks pitcher "Bear" who was hit in the neck by a line drive. He sought medical attention and is all right other than he will be sore for a few days.
The second match was a different story. The Apple Jacks scored in the first inning and held a 1-0 lead after two. The Socks tied the match in the third, but the Jacks went ahead again this time, 2-1. In the sixth, the Red Socks tied the match again, the score being 2-2. The seventh inning saw the Jacks go ahead for good by a score of 3-2. The eighth and ninth innings were scoreless for both teams. "Big Wease" pitched the entire game. He gave credit to his defense for the victory. If you can keep a secret, it could be pointed out that as both matches were played using the same ball, there wasn't much life left in that orb by the end of the day, perhaps accounting for the low score.
Participating on this great day for base ball day were Jared "Bear" Alexander, Marcus "X-Ray" Crosby, Deven "Divano" Weiman, Randal "Spud" Flamm, Bob "Two Bit" Spencer, Gary "Big Wease" Pericak, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, Eric "Wheels" Johnson, Preston "Stryker" Stryker, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Dan "Skunk" Deetz, Dave "Crash" Carlson and Bert "The Runt" Kimman.
Aces were tallied by Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm.
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Rain, Rain ... August 9
by Bill Ohm
Some you win, some you lose, some you’re rained out. Two out of three isn't bad.
Rained out describes the first match. The Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent was scheduled to play the Roosters of Olmsted County at 11:15 on Saturday at the Days of Yesteryear celebration at the Olmsted Historical Society grounds in Rochester.
Unfortunately, it was raining in Rochester. However, a chief Meteorologist (who works on TV and plays third base for the Roosters), indicated that conditions should be right for the Jacks to play the 12:45 match against the Rum River Rovers from Anoka/East Bethel, Minnesota. So, after a late start players from both clubs traveled to Rochester.
Rain?! It poured, it hailed, it obscured the highway causing some to pull over. Before the weather was done, 2- 3 inches of rain had fallen on the field. But almost miraculously, although the field was a little damp, overall, it was in great condition for a game of base ball. Unfortunately for the Jacks, this match produced part two of the three-part ditty that started this story.
The Jacks managed to tally five aces, but it was no match for the Rovers’ 20 aces. The Jacks’ big highlight was rookie Preston "Stryker" Stryker playing in only his third match for La Crescent and reaching base all four times he was at bat. He also tallied an ace. Another highlight occurred in the second inning when the match was halted so that players from both teams and the umpire could ride in the tractor parade. At treat for all concerned. At the parade's conclusion, play resumed.
Participating for the Apple Jacks were: Deven "Divano" Weiman, Preston "Stryker" Stryker, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Jason "Kraken" Kluck, Scott "Roman" Pechacek, Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, Jared "Bear" Alexander, Brad "G Pops" Kluck, Elizabeth "Arrow" Jensen, Stephanie "Anxiety" Pechacek and Tristen "Teeth" Alexander. Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm and Eric "Cow pie" Adams served as Tally Keepers, and Mark "Sir Fines a Lot" Biderback and Cletus "Mule" Mueller shared the umpiring duties.
Nicholle Rymer was the team photographer.
"Bear" takes a mighty swing as Umpire "Sir Fines a Lot" and Rovers' catcher Erik "Two Bit" Hirsch look on.
Photo by Nicholle Rymer
Hayseeds "Skunk"ed July 27, 2025
by Bill Ohm
As the Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent battled the Highland Prairie Hayseeds, the Jacks' catcher Dan "Skunk" Deetz emerged as the star of the matches.
LEFT: Matt "Shades" Neumann ready for the pitch. Photo by Bill Ohm.
On a day that was oppressively hot and humid, "Skunk" was red hot. He caught eight foul ticks or foul balls during the course of the afternoon, accounting for about 20% of the Hayseeds’ outs in the heat shortened seven inning matches. The Jacks did well in the other defensive categories also, including turning two double plays.
Along with the defense, the pitching was outstanding. Pitching alternate innings, Gary "Big Wease" Pericak and Dave "Crash" Carlson shined. The day’s results had the Apple Jacks winning both matches by scores of 4-1 and 8-4.
In addition, the Jacks' sluggers put four balls over the outfield fence. Unfortunately, the ground rules at Highland Prairie for such feats of power are to be called “outs.” Immediately beyond the fence is very heavy vegetation (making it difficult to both find and retrieve the balls) and an abundance of uniform sticking burrs. To say nothing of the time it takes to retrieve the base balls.
Participating for the Jacks were Eric "Wheels" Johnson, Matt "Shades" Neumann, Scott "Roman" Pechacek, Jason "Kraken" Kluck, Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, Dan "Skunk" Deetz, Bert "The Runt" Kimman, Cooper "Big Tex" Bolton, Ivan "Red" Wofford, Dave "Crash" Carlson and Gary "Big Wease" Pericak.
Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm tallied the aces, and Bill Ohm took the pictures.
On August 9 the Jacks will be in Rochester for the Days of Yesteryear celebration and in La Crescent on August 16.
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See-saw, see-saw July 19, 2025
by Bill Ohm
On an absolutely beautiful day for base ball in Stillwater, the Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent played its most exciting game of the season in its second match of the day. The Jacks’ adversary was the combined team of the Quicksteps from Minneapolis and the St. Croix club from Stillwater, with help from the Afton Red Socks and Anoka Rum River Rovers.
The Jacks scored in seven of the nine innings and their opponent scored in eight of their turns at bat, including five aces in the ninth inning - far too much enthusiasm! When all the dust settled, the Jacks stood atop with a final tally of 18 aces to the 17 aces tallied by the combined teams. The Jacks were led by "Kraken," who slugged two--- count them, two-- three-run home runs. Both home runs were hit with two down in the inning.
In the earlier match, which didn’t reach the level of excitement as the second game, the Roosters of Olmsted County prevailed with a score of eight to zero.
Participating Apple Jacks on the day were Parker "Weaselito" Pericak, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, Jason "Kraken" Kluck, Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, Cooper "Big Tex" Bolton, Gary "Big Wease" Pericak, Preston "Stryker" Stryker, Brad "G Pops" Kluck, "Bullseye", "The President", Elizabeth "Arrow" Jensen and Bill "Ho hum" Ohm.
Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm tallied the aces, Mark "Sir-Fines-A-Lot" Biderback maintained order on the field and Nicholle Rymer took the pictures. The Jacks’ corporate sponsor, ESB Banking and Insurance of La Crescent, was acknowledged in front of the energetic spectators.
Interested players should call "Hefty" at 608-769-1782 or "Ho hum" at 507-895-6912 to secure a roster spot for upcoming games at Highland Prairie on July 27, Rochester August 9, as well as a home match on August 16.
Pictured above are Bear Clan players (left) and Apple Jacks players during pre-match introductions.
It was a hot one, indeed! June 21, 2025
by Bill Ohm
The last time the Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent took to the field to play base ball by the rules of 1860, the skies were overcast and heavy, the temperature in the upper 50s. The plaintive wish was for warmer weather. Well, this time, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the sky was blue, but the sun was brutal. Temperatures stayed in the mid to high 90s. Be careful what you wish for!
Other than the oppressive weather conditions, it was a great day for base ball. Six teams from four states participated in the Menomonie Base Ball Festival, hosted by the Menomonie Blue Caps.
The Apple Jacks’ first opponent was the Bear Clan Base Ball Club from Flat Rock, Michigan (near Detroit). The Clan had just defeated the host Blue Caps, 20-4, so the Jacks had their work cut out for them. Unfortunately, the Clan was still “loaded for bear.” In this first meeting between these two clubs, the Clan allowed the Jacks only three aces and ultimately prevailed by a final tally of 30-3.
The Jacks' second match of the day featured a familiar opponent, the Blue Caps. The Jacks battled hard in the heat and were making a comeback when the match was halted after five and one-half innings due to the extreme heat. The final tally was Blue Caps 8, Apple Jacks 6.
Apple Jacks’ players who braved the heat and participated were Evan "Tio Buck" Pechacek, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Scott "Roman" Pechacek, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, and Gary "Big Wease" Pericak. They were assisted by "String," "Kojak," "Cannon," Ray "Stache" Hanson and "Bubba." Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm tallied the aces, and Bill Ohm took the pictures.
The Jacks spring into action again on July 19 in Stillwater, Minnesota. Their next home match will be August 16.
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WANT TO PLAY?
To join the Jacks players for a day of fun and play base ball 1860s style...
call "Hefty" at 608-769-1782 or "Ho hum" at 507-895-6912
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Pictured above are Bear Clan players (left) and Apple Jacks players during pre-match introductions.
It was a hot one, indeed! June 21, 2025
by Bill Ohm
The last time the Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent took to the field to play base ball by the rules of 1860, the skies were overcast and heavy, the temperature in the upper 50s. The plaintive wish was for warmer weather. Well, this time, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the sky was blue, but the sun was brutal. Temperatures stayed in the mid to high 90s. Be careful what you wish for!
Other than the oppressive weather conditions, it was a great day for base ball. Six teams from four states participated in the Menomonie Base Ball Festival, hosted by the Menomonie Blue Caps.
The Apple Jacks’ first opponent was the Bear Clan Base Ball Club from Flat Rock, Michigan (near Detroit). The Clan had just defeated the host Blue Caps, 20-4, so the Jacks had their work cut out for them. Unfortunately, the Clan was still “loaded for bear.” In this first meeting between these two clubs, the Clan allowed the Jacks only three aces and ultimately prevailed by a final tally of 30-3.
The Jacks' second match of the day featured a familiar opponent, the Blue Caps. The Jacks battled hard in the heat and were making a comeback when the match was halted after five and one-half innings due to the extreme heat. The final tally was Blue Caps 8, Apple Jacks 6.
Apple Jacks’ players who braved the heat and participated were Evan "Tio Buck" Pechacek, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Scott "Roman" Pechacek, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, and Gary "Big Wease" Pericak. They were assisted by "String," "Kojak," "Cannon," Ray "Stache" Hanson and "Bubba." Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm tallied the aces, and Bill Ohm took the pictures.
The Jacks spring into action again on July 19 in Stillwater, Minnesota. Their next home match will be August 16.
_________________________________________________________________________________
WANT TO PLAY?
To join the Jacks players for a day of fun and play base ball 1860s style...
call "Hefty" at 608-769-1782 or "Ho hum" at 507-895-6912
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fun and exercise June 6
by Bill Ohm
1860 base ball was all about fun and exercise. The Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent and the Fillmore Fungi Base Ball Club play with that attitude. To start with, their latest match was played at DreamAcres Farm in Wykoff Minnesota. Nestled along the banks of Deer Creek fans and players could and did partake of the Farms delicious handmade, wood-fired pizza. Before the match Riley "Toadstool" Jacobson was recognized as the Rookie of the Year for the Rochester John Marshall High School fast pitch softball team. Riley, age 13, has been playing with the Fungi for several years and is a great asset to the team.
The rock was tossed, the Jacks chose wet, but it came up dry. The Fungi chose to allow the Jacks to bat first. One side of the rock, by the way, was wetted by a lick of the umpire's tongue - just like it was done in 1860. At the end of eight- and one-half innings the Fungi were ahead. That would end the match by today's rules. But, back in 1860, as mentioned previously, the match was played for exercise therefore play continued.
The Fungi managed to add three more aces to make the final tally 21-5 in favor of the Fungi. But, as the game was also meant to be fun, both teams happily agreed to play three more innings in which no one counted aces. Fun and exercise.
Participants for the Apple Jacks were Devin "Divano" Weiman, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Scott "Roman" Pechacek, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, Captain Joel "Hefty" Affeldt, Jesus "Zeus" Meza, Dan "Skunk" Deetz, Randal "Spud" Flamm, Jared "Bear" Alexander, Tristen "Teeth" Alexander, Gary "Big Wease" Pericak, Marcus "X-Ray" Crosby, Elizabeth "Arrow" Jensen and Bill "Ho-hum" Ohm.
Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm served as Tally Keeper and Mark "Sir-Fines-A-Lot" Biderback as umpire.
Afton Red Socks & La Crescent Apple Jacks - photo by Joan Ohm
A Great Day for Base Ball by Bill Ohm
Saturday, August 16
Weather continued to be a major factor on game day for the Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent. Forecasts included scattered thunderstorms and a heat index approaching 100. The Afton Red Socks were concerned about driving down to La Crescent because of rain between here and there. Luckily for all concerned, the Red Socks drove down and arrived safely, the rain did not materialize in La Crescent, and the temperatures were mild.
It was a great day for base ball, so they played two!
The first match looked like the Red Socks were going to pull away. Despite the first inning score being 2-2, after four innings it was Afton eight aces and the Jacks only two. However, the Jacks came back strong trailing only 9-7 after five innings. But victory proved elusive as the Jacks ultimately fell 10-9. Also falling was the Jacks pitcher "Bear" who was hit in the neck by a line drive. He sought medical attention and is all right other than he will be sore for a few days.
The second match was a different story. The Apple Jacks scored in the first inning and held a 1-0 lead after two. The Socks tied the match in the third, but the Jacks went ahead again this time, 2-1. In the sixth, the Red Socks tied the match again, the score being 2-2. The seventh inning saw the Jacks go ahead for good by a score of 3-2. The eighth and ninth innings were scoreless for both teams. "Big Wease" pitched the entire game. He gave credit to his defense for the victory. If you can keep a secret, it could be pointed out that as both matches were played using the same ball, there wasn't much life left in that orb by the end of the day, perhaps accounting for the low score.
Participating on this great day for base ball day were Jared "Bear" Alexander, Marcus "X-Ray" Crosby, Deven "Divano" Weiman, Randal "Spud" Flamm, Bob "Two Bit" Spencer, Gary "Big Wease" Pericak, Jason "Weasel" Pericak, Eric "Wheels" Johnson, Preston "Stryker" Stryker, Mike "Mickey" Jaquette, Dan "Skunk" Deetz, Dave "Crash" Carlson and Bert "The Runt" Kimman.
Aces were tallied by Joan "Lady Joan" Ohm.