June 13 at Mankato

Apple Jacks’ fielding shines, while bats falter

The Arlington Greys continued their dominance of the Mankato Baltics Vintage Base Ball Festival on Saturday by overpowering the Northfield Silver Stars and the host Baltics for the festival crown. The La Crescent Apple Jacks made a noble showing defensively, but fell short, losing 10-4 to the Baltics, and 7-4 to the Silver Stars.

The Jacks’ hitting was stymied like hunting with only one round in a Henry rifle. Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm, the Jacks’ captain, avowed the frustration of reaching base, not scoring an ace (run), and being left on base when the inning ends. “It’s a game of inches and seconds,” said Ohm, referring to the number of foul tips, close running plays, and unexpected outfield catches by the Jacks’ opponents. In the first game, the Jacks reached base 22 times, compared to Mankato’s 20. Against the Silver Stars, however, the Jacks mustered only 14 hits to the Stars’ 22.

In contrast to hitting, the Jacks’ defense was exact through all 18 innings played on Saturday. Ohm’s pitching was steady and precise, and John “Rook” Wilkie held steady at catcher. The Johnson brothers “Ziggy” and “The Man” and “Swiss” Geronime jumped, spun, and tumbled to pull in sky balls and scoop up daisy cutters. All three outfielders each scored two aces on the day.

The day wasn’t without amusing moments. Trying to recover a ball from beneath a giant evergreen, first baseman Gary “Big Weas” Pericak plucked out two egg containers plus the game ball. Infielders Jim “Red” Johnson, Jason “Weasel” Pericak, and Kevin “Mover” Geronime were commended for their efforts to thwart adversaries on the bases.

The teams enjoyed near-ideal weather without the glare of the sun; a brief shower was not enough to scatter the spectators. The games were played in a congenial park setting with players and their families bringing foodstuffs to share while meat was cooked on the premises. Because a customary umpire was unavailable, Sir Rufus, a player from the St. Croix Base Ball Club, filled the role without dispute. Lady Joan Ohm served as the scorekeeper for the Jacks.

Thanks to the Affeldts (Hefty, Jackknife, and Soy Sauce) for moral support and taking these photographs.