May 21 at home

captured the spirit of pioneer life. Thereupon, the courage of these three teams was tested just days ago with the unexpected death of Mike “Turf Dog” Ferguson. Ferguson was a mainstay of the Roosters’ lineup and well respected among teams throughout the Midwest. The Reverend Jim Cumming, himself a member of the Apple Jacks, began the day’s play with a scripture reading in Ferguson’s memory that helped players and spectators reflect on the gift of life. Stirred by Cummings’ heartfelt words, the men had only their own fortitude and the rules of 1860 standing between them and triumph.

Twenty-seven innings later, the Roosters had bested the Jacks, 9-4, while the Baltics edged the Roosters 10-9 and then stunned the Jacks 21-11. On this day, the pure delight of playing the game was not enough to earn a victory. The hitting prowess of the Baltics was on display, along with their sure-handedness in the field. The defeats, however, did not sting, for these men played vigorously with respect for the physical and mental acumen the game demands.

In some games, luck can play a pivotal role. The momentum here went to the players who hit steadily and fielded cleanly. In the first game, the Roosters gained an advantage from the first swing, eventually notching 20 hits compared to the Jacks’ 15. Against Mankato, the Jacks’ tallied a respectable 24 hits, but the Baltics surged with 47.

For the Jacks, Jim “Scoop” Schupbach and Jason “Weasel” Pericak each had 5 hits on the day, while Paul “Swiss” Geronime had 4 hits, and Samuel “Roundabout” Deetz tallied 4 hits and 3 aces(runs).

Prince Peter Petersilie umpired all three matches. He lauded the genial camaraderie, which was disturbed briefly when players collided at home base and when questions about the roles arose. Prince Peter Petersilie collected $3 in fines, and Lady Joan Ohm kept an accurate log of the scoring.