Apple Jacks end successful season
with 2 victories
The grassy field in Highland Prairie and an azure sky created an idyllic setting for the Apple Jacks Base Ball Club of La Crescent as it finished the season with two sound victories. The Jacks defeated the Highland Prairie Hayseeds 9 to 1 and then bested the Lanesboro Excelsiors 11 to 4; the Hayseeds went on to defeat the Excelsiors 5 to 4.
The wins gave the Jacks a 9-8 record for a season marked by know-how and confidence. “We had a large core of players for each game,” explained Captain Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm, “and only one rookie.” Because of the veteran players, “we were consistent in both hitting and fielding” added Ohm.
The batting expertise, especially the long ball, was evident during Saturday’s games. The Jacks tallied 22 hits against the Hayseeds’ 9 and 24 hits compared to Lanesboro’s 14. In both games, the Jacks produced runs by stringing together hits like popcorn on a Christmas tree. Samuel “Slim” Deetz, who recently began his studies at Luther College, and Dan “The Man” Johnson each tallied 7 hits and 5 aces (runs) on the day, while Scott “Sails” Pechacek tallied 5 hits and 4 aces.
Speed was an important factor Saturday, especially in the outfield where Pechacek has snatched a bushel of balls this season. Father and son, Jim “Red” Johnson and Dan “The Man” Johnson, added their energy and fielding finesse on Saturday.
A pair of double plays highlighted the stellar infield play. Players know that if they throw a ball anywhere near first baseman Jim “Scoop” Schupbach, he can create an out. The same is true of Joel “Hefty” Affeldt, who guarded the left field line at third base. “Slim” Deetz held a pivotal position at shortstop, while his father, Dan “Skunk” Deetz caught everything behind home base and easily shifted to second base when needed.
Gary “Big Weas” Pericak and “Ho-hum” Ohm pitched one game each on Saturday, varying the ball’s speed and placement just enough to produce hits that were easy for their teammates to handle.
The grassy field in Highland Prairie was a showcase for the Jacks’ teamwork, agility, and strength—three qualities they plan to bring with them to start the 2016 season.