Apple Jacks Bounce Back, Still Finding Their Rhythm
High water on the St. Croix River forced the host Afton Red Socks to re-shuffle tournament games at Pettit Field on Sunday, giving players a chance to rest in between games and eye their opponents’ skills. The sleight of hand maneuver bolstered the La Crescent Apple Jacks, but not to the extent they coveted. They lost their two games, the second one by only two aces (runs). “Clearly,” reflected Bill Ho-Hum Ohm, the Jacks’ captain, ‘We are getting closer.”
The Jacks lost to the self-assured St. Croix BBC of Stillwater 13-1 and then to the affable Red Socks 5-3. Despite the losses, every minute on Sunday was punctuated by well-struck balls and defensive play that was just short of precise.
In fact, the Jacks seem to be returning to the spirited style of play that confounded their opponents a few years ago. Their ability to shrug off the 90 degree heat was epitomized by their long-sleeved white shirts, which stayed crisp as the afternoon persisted.
Infield play was noticeably improved as evidenced by the reflexes of Erik Stretch Deetz, who tagged a St. Croix player between second and third base; Stretch also scored the Jack’s only run in that game. In the second game, Stretch’s brother, Samuel Shorty Deetz converted his nimble hits to two aces, and Tom Geronimo Geronime scored one calculated ace, right after Shorty. Ho-hum switched from catcher to first base in the second game and had three hits. Joel Hefty Affeldt had six hits on the day, once again showing considerable prowess at home base.
Steve Whitey Geronime steadfastly pitched both games with nary a criticism from opposing strikers. His skills complemented those of his catcher, Dan Skunk Deetz, whose quick reflexes in the second game caused several outs. Skunk was the subject of some idle gossip, however, as news spread that he participated in a race that morning requiring him to swim in a lake, ride a bone-shaker for 17 miles, and then run 3 miles. The rooters and some of the players found the report dubious, but others marveled at his endurance.
Overall, the rooters were exuberant, observed Lady Joan Ohm, the Jacks’ tallykeeper. She also noted that the men played with civility and respected the 1860s rules.