June 27 at Lanesboro

Apple Jacks’ fielding shines, while bats can’t bring it home

Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm and Joel “Hefty” Affeldt love the game of base ball and hold sacred Saturday afternoons on a grassy field with their fellow La Crescent Apple Jacks. Ohm has been integral to the Jacks’ success since their start 12 years ago, while Affeldt is a relative newcomer but is already known for his bold hitting and field leadership.

This year, however, the stalwart Affeldt has been sidelined with an injury, but still bringing his enthusiasm to games to offer his teammates moral support. Not surprisingly, sitting with the spectators has been as unsettling as a visit to the itinerant dentist. Affeldt just couldn’t scratch the itch to shoulder a bat, and Ohm could see his restlessness.

On Saturday, Affeldt traveled to Lanesboro expecting to cheer from the sidelines. Instead, Ohm tapped him to captain the team for the day. The lineup was the easiest task for Affeldt as he soon faced a new frustration. The Apple Jacks simply couldn’t muster aces (runs) even though they played a taut defense.

The Afton Red Socks bested the Jacks 3-0 in the opener and then the Lanesboro Excelsiors edged the Jacks 2-0. Afton also upset the Excelsiors 4-1.

All three outcomes were uncharacteristically low scoring for 1860s base ball, surprising a throng of spectators who may have expected wild throws and foolish blunders. Rather, ball handling was exceptional as evidenced with snappy infield play and sure-handedness with sky balls and daisy cutters. Gary “Big Weas” Pericak and Steve “Whitey” Geronime firmly pitched the first and second games, respectively, for the Jacks.

Even though the Jacks didn’t reach home base, they were aggressive once they reached base, which was 20 times in the second game. Paul “Swiss” Geronime tallied hits in both games, and Jim “Scoop” Schupbach garnered 3 hits in the game against Lanesboro.

While Affeldt and Ohm compare notes, the noble Jacks will build on their talents for the next outing, which will be away on July 11 and 12 against Lanesboro and the Highland Prairie Hayseeds.