August 6, 2011
The atmosphere resembled that of a family reunion, bringing people from three states to Abnet Field on this sultry sixth day of August. An umpire’s cry of “Striker to the Line” resounded at half past eleven, signaling the start of play. By four o’clock, the camaraderie was rife, as adversaries became comrades, bonded by their respect for the game of base ball.
The La Crescent Apple Jacks, hosts of the historic 1860 event, won two of their three games and concluded their season winning four of their final six games. The Milwaukee Cream Citys commanded the field defensively, winning all three of their contests. The tenacious Creston (IL) Regulators upended the Olmsted County Roosters, but lost close matches to the Jacks and Cream Citys. The Roosters, a bit tattered from a rough and tumble season, were unable to manage a victory.
Five of the Jacks tallied 6 hits in the three games. Ryan “Switch” Felch
had an outstanding day, striking the ball well, with 5 aces (runs), and catching many sky balls. Matt “Big Lefty” Hengstl and Bryan “Smalls” Hove had 3 aces each. Erik “Stretch” Deetz tallied 2 aces, while his brother Benjamin “George” also had 6 hits on the day. Eric “Doc: Kiesau, Steve “Whitey” Geronime, and Darrin “Scruff” Witt each scored an ace. The Jacks’ captain Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm shared pitching duties with Scruff. Scruff’s signature pitch—flinging a pale yellow apple instead of the ball—appeared twice. The second devious pitch caught an unsuspecting Regulator off guard, and his swing obliterated the apple, eliciting a roar from the rooters (spectators). Neither apple was La Crescent-grown.
Prince Peter Petersilie presided over some of the matches and judged the character of play, for the most part, as admirable. A few players cussed in frustration, and a rooter took umbrage with an umpire’s call, leading to a meager two dollars in fines levied.
As the day drew to a close, the visitors gathered under the picnic canopy and were treated to apple pie slices made by the women of Crucifixion parish. The delectable dessert drew praise and smiles, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavor—just like the on-field rivalries.
The Apple Jacks cap their eighth season, grateful for the sponsorship of Merchants Bank-La Crescent and the continuing assistance of the La Crescent Area Historical Society.
La Crosse Tribune reporter Anne Jungen covered the event. Click on this link to see her feature story and view more photos. Story
