A Sunny Season Ender

Over the weekend, the La Crescent community celebrated an apple growing history dating back to 1857 when John S. Harris planted the first apple tree.  The town was abuzz as its Applefest provided music under a gigantic white tent, activities for children, a pageant, and a parade, among other events.  The days were blessed by fine weather, including on Saturday when the Apple Jacks Base Ball Club of La Crescent played the game of base ball (two words, as it was known in the 1860s). 

The Apple Jacks invited stalwart adversaries, the Roosters of Olmsted County and the Fillmore Fungi, to test their batting talents on the ball field at Old Hickory Park, land that echoes its previous life as an apple orchard.

Under a blue sky on Saturday morning, the Jacks called it “a fine day for base ball” as they faced the Fungi with a barrage of 15 hits that produced three aces (runs) each rom Jason “Weasel” Pericak, Jason “Kraken” Kluck, and Evan “TioBuck” Pechacek, while the Fungi belted 16 hits but no aces.  There were no apparent injuries.  The final score was AJs 3, Fungi 0.

The Jacks and Roosters have been good-natured adversaries for 20 years.  Their banter includes friendly comments on the style of play, the errant hits, and the good fortune of players who strike the ball with authority.  Saturday afternoon was no exception, as the “thwack” of their bats echoed off the surrounding hills and thunder clouds dared, but instead slipped north.

The Roosters hitting was prolific, totaling 39 hits and 24 aces, while the Jacks managed 26 hits and 13 aces.  Weasel and Kraken each had five hits and three aces, while Mike “Mickey” Jaquette also belted three aces.

No altercations or disagreements erupted with umpire Prince Peter Petersilie at hand.  Becky Deetz expertly tallied the aces and outs.

These games brought the 2024 Apple Jacks’ season to a close, but Manager Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm and Captain Joel “Hefty” Affeldt are already planning a full schedule for 2025.