July 14th

Saturday July 14^th found the Apple Jacks of La Crescent visiting the Olmstead County Historical society grounds to battle the Roosters of Rochester. Battle was the theme of the day as the 1863 Civil War Battle of Vicksburg was reenacted. President Lincoln was on hand to throw out the first pitch of the baseball matches. The President was then observed striding towards the battlefield.

Game one of the doubleheader was low scoring due to some crisp defense by both squads. The teams each pushed across 1 ace through the first three innings. The Jacks tallied 1 ace in the 4^th and two more in the 6^th inning. There would be no more scoring in the game. Final score was 4 aces for the visiting Apple Jacks and 1 ace tallied for the Roosters. Top Dog honors go to Jason “Weasel” Pericak as he tallied 2 of the 4 aces and was splendid as the very busy leftfielder.

After a short break, game two began at high noon. The Roosters awoke from their first game slumber and quickly tallied 4 aces. The Jacks responded with two aces of their own in the bottom of the first. Alas, the Apple Jack bats went quiet after the first inning. No more aces tallied while the Roosters added 7 more in the latter innings for a final score Roosters 11 and Apple Jacks 2. As always, the Roosters ball club provided an excellent ballpark, refreshments, and most importantly, a love of the grand game of baseball.

Adversaries and Friends and Apple Jack (hefty) and Rooster (cooper)

Apple Jacks Win! and Big Wease about to Connect

Hefty locked and loaded and Huzzah!

President Lincoln first pitch and President Lincoln taking a swing

Battle of Vicksburg 1863