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.