August 8 at Rochester

As spectators gathered at Schmitt Field in Rochester, so did the dreary gray clouds. Oblivious to the light, persistent rain, the Roosters of Olmsted County and the Apple Jacks of La Crescent showed those gathered that the game of base ball, 1860s style, is played with a high level of concentration, respect, and excitement. Both teams offered handshakes and hurrahs, but the Roosters emerged the victors, 9-8, in 11 innings.

The Roosters jumped out for the lead with three quick aces (runs) in the first inning, and then the offensive game slowed as neither team scored and defensive play reigned. In the fourth inning, the Jacks roared back with five aces of their own to go ahead. The two clubs were tied 5-5 after five innings, but the Jacks surged again in the seventh inning with three more aces. It wasn’t enough, however, as the Roosters notched an ace in the eighth and two in the bottom of the ninth to tie, leading to extra innings.

By the eleventh and final inning, the wet grass hampered fielding and bats were difficult to grip due to the rain, but players tried to adjust to the changing conditions. After a hitless tenth and eleventh inning, the Jacks couldn’t muster an ace and the Roosters fared slightly better with two hits in the bottom of the eleventh, which led to the winning ace. In the final tally, the Roosters garnered 18 hits to the Jacks' 16.

Shortstop Erik “Stretch” Deetz led the Jacks with 3 hits and 2 aces, while right fielder Jim “Red” Johnson scored 2 hits and 2 aces. Benjamin “George” Deetz, Paul “Swiss” Geronime, Kevin “Mover” Geronime, and Dan “the Man” Johnson scored the remaining aces. Joel “Hefty” Affeldt captained the Jacks on Saturday and credited Gary “Big Weas” Pericak (pictured right) for sturdy pitching and matching the good-natured banter offered by the Rochester nine.

Sir Fines A Lot, the dapper Rochester umpire, supervised a well played match and levied an assortment of 25 cent fines to spectators, players, and the La Crescent manager, who apologized for getting caught up in the action and encouraging a Rooster to overthrow at first base; it was her first fine in 12 years.

The game was played amid the Days of Yesteryear celebration on the grounds of the History Center of Olmsted County. Both teams participated in a parade prior to the game. Food vendors, antique tractors, and a steam tractor demonstration were also part of the event.