August 23 at home

Apple Jacks end season with impressive play

In the 1860s, base ball players did not wear gloves; instead, they relied on keen eyes and fierce grips. On Saturday the La Crescent Apple Jacks did just that. They caught a multitude of hits but also awed the spectators at Abnet Field with smooth one-handed fielding, which was a mighty accomplishment given the incessant rain.

In the first game, the Jacks notched a 10-7 win over the Lanesboro Excelsiors, who then lost to the Minnesota Orphans. The Orphans skipped past the Jacks 7-3 in the finale.

The Jacks’ two games were distinguished by deliberate hitting and one-handed catches. Gary “Big Weas” Pericak was a master of the one-handed grab from his spots as pitcher and catcher. Balls hit near first base were drawn to Jim “Scoop” Schupbach’s right hand like moths to a lantern. In left field, Jason “Weasel” Pericak pulled in fly balls while sliding sidelong through soggy grass.

Against Lanesboro, the Jacks tallied 26 hits and the Excelsiors had 28, but the Jacks were better able to convert hits to runs. Schupbach had four hits and Erik “Stretch” Deetz, Samuel “Slim” Deetz and Jason Pericak had two runs each. Gary Pericak expertly pitched with John “Rook” Wilkie serving as the Jacks’ catcher.

In the last game of the afternoon, the Minnesota Orphans tallied 27 hits against the Jacks’ 17. Paul “Swiss” Geronime reached base 3 times and scored one run. Scott “Sails” Pechacek and captain Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm, who also pitched that game, scored the other runs.

Players were largely unfazed by the weather and also dedicated. Some drove for two hours to play, just as young men in the 19^th century might have traveled by wagon to play in a neighboring town. Their passion for the game was also in evidence. When the St. Croix BBC knew it couldn’t field a full team, a call out to other ball clubs produced a diverse team that dubbed themselves the Minnesota Orphans. The energetic Excelsiors are in their first full season and showed some nifty fielding and solid hitting.

Prince Peter Petersilie, at times under an umbrella, umpired all three games and levied few fines; surprisingly, over $21 was discovered in the fine bucket. All players ended the afternoon with handshakes to signify sportsmanship and respect for the game. The camaraderie continued as the Apple Jacks and their adversaries reconvened at Corky’s for pizza, conversation, and local hospitality.

The La Crescent team end its season with a respectable 6-7-1 record.