July 16 at Afton
Apple Jacks shrug off loss, bring home a win
The La Crescent Apple Jacks returned from the Twin Cities area on Saturday with a 7-6 victory over the Mankato Baltics, retribution from a Baltics win two weeks ago. The Jacks and Baltics were hosted by the Afton Red Socks in what became a sultry afternoon of 1860s base ball. In an earlier match-up, the Jacks took a loss to the Red Socks.
The unremitting sun and humidity did not deter the men from play, as both contests lasted nine innings. Erik “Sugar” Sjogren, a day player from Stillwater who served as the Jacks’ starting pitcher in the loss to Afton, was the only man to succumb to the muggy conditions. After a brief respite, however, Sugar rejoined play.
The Jacks changed pitchers, using Cletus “Mule” Mueller and Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm, hoping to shake up the stable Baltics. Offensively, Eric “Doc” Kiesau landed on base three times, including an over-the-fence triple, and tallied one ace (run). His son, Thomas “Lefty,” played second base and had one hit against the Mankato team.
When filling in as catcher, Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm, made an astounding catch as the ball bounded and caromed off the fence; Ho-hum rolled to catch it and came up smiling. The crowd, including Ho-Hum’s wife Joan, gasped and cheered.
Often the bane of game, the foul tip worked in the Jacks’ favor due to Dan “Skunk” Deetz’s swift and skillful work at catcher. He captured 10 foul tips in both games, calmly putting defensive pressure on the batters. Skunk was also fierce at bat, getting on base six out of six attempts. The Deetz batting prowess extended to sons Benjamin “George,” with two aces on the day, Erik “Stretch,” who got four hits, and Samuel “Shorty,” with two hits.
Third baseman Steve “Whitey” Geronime was joined by his son Mike and cousin Tom for both games. Together, the Geronime men tallied six hits and 2 aces.
A damp outfield, which affected the buoyancy of the ball, and the absence of an experienced umpire appeared to be factors in the Jacks’ loss. Minor issues ensued throughout the game, but Rule 12 was violated in the 8th inning as an Afton batter advanced to first. Play was stalled briefly as players and captains challenged the call. Regrettably, the umpire’s obstinate ruling ended the discussion.
Play between the Baltics and Jacks was conducted in gentlemanly fashion. Due to the heat and with no objection from female spectators, including Skunk’s mother Virginia, players were given permission to roll up their sleeves. No fines were levied on either side.