June 24th

Article and Photos by Karen Geronime

A hot, sunny, humid Sunday in base ball paradise, Highland Prairie, south of Rushford. Last fall the Hayseeds handed the Jacks a sound defeat and during pregame intro the Jacks were reminded of such. After losing two games in Afton, MN., the previous day, La Crescent was hungry for a win. In the 1^st game all scoring was slow to develop, but the Applejacks scored 5 aces in the 4^th and 4 more in the 5^th inning to put this game out of reach. Final was 14 to 1 aces (runs scored). Big Wease (Gary Pericak) and Skunk (Dan Deetz) took turns pitching this gem, and Roundabout (Samuel Deetz) was outstanding in defense of the right side of the infield and the short outfield.

Due to the heat, and the challenge of staying hydrated, the second game was held to 7 innings. The Hayseeds came out determined to right their ship in the second game and after 3 innings were within one ace with the score 4 to 3. From there the only scoring was 2 more from La Crescent and the final result in the 2^nd game was 6 to 3. The camaraderie was excellent all day and there were many fine plays from both squads. The Hayseeds are adding some youth to their roster and should remain a quality contender going forward. Though the Jacks outfield was solid, the infield play was exceptional, perhaps aided by the tall grass due to recent rains throughout southeast Minnesota the past few weeks. Shortstop Mickey and 3^rd baseman Stretch Deetz each doubled with the wooden stick, Mickey doing it in back to back innings in game 1. In the field their hands were sure and their throws crisp and on target to Scoop at 1^st base. Well done Jacks. Next contest will be on Schmitt Field in Rochester, MN., on July 14^th.

The Apple Jacks Base Ball Club (https://sites.google.com/site/lacrescentapplejacks) is a community outreach program of the La Crescent Area Historical Society and respectfully acknowledges its eminent corporate sponsor, Merchants Bank- La Crescent.