Apple Jacks’ patience produces proud victory
Samuel “Roundabout” Deetz earned his base-running nickname on Saturday tallying seven hits on the day, including three in the Apple Jacks 12-3 decision over the Chicago Salmon. Roundabout glided to home four times in the three games at Phelan Park in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
The Apple Jacks Base Ball Club of La Crescent was nicked 6-3 by the host Blue Caps and stymied by the St. Croix 12-1 until late in the afternoon when the Jacks set fire to their bats to stun the always congenial Chicago nine. In addition to Roundabout, Steve “Whitey” Geronime, Scott “Roman” Pechacek and Brian “Moose” Deutsch added offensive might. The Jacks converted 24 hits to 12 aces (runs), while the Salmon managed only hits for their three aces.
For the three games played, the Jacks averaged two aces per inning with hits solidly placed in the outfield, but often caught on the fly or bound. In contrast, the St. Croix dribbled hits that didn’t leave the infield but put swift runners on base to eventually score. To no one’s surprise, the Jacks then reloaded their bats to fire rifle shots that led to victory against Chicago.
Defensively, the Jacks were aided by the combination of “Moose” at first base and “Roman” at third. According to Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm, the Jacks captain emeritus, both flung the ball with precision and used their sturdy arms to prevent errant throws. The always ready John “Rook” Wilkie, at catcher on Saturday, suffered a knee injury while steaming to first, but is expected to recover.
The Jacks tipped their caps to a handful of visiting players, including Mad Dog, Buzz Saw,
and Bubba, who stepped in to fill the Jacks line-up when needed.