It was a mixed bag of weather this weekend, but 11 clubs ventured to Elk Landing by stage coach, steamboat and horse to play in the 4th annual Chopper.  On Saturday it was a glorious day for 19th century base ball.  The class of last year’s festival, the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder once again made the trek down from western Pennsylvania but this year the host was waiting for them.  The Eclipse defeated the Frosty Sons 9-5 in a re-match of one of Elkton’s only 2 loses in 2009.  Elkton also welcomed back the Elizabeth Resolutes to Elk Landing but were not very gracious hosts downing the Resolutes 19-5.  The Athletic BBC of Philadelphia made its first appearance in 19th Century Base Ball since, well 1876 against the Elizabeth Club.  Elizabeth welcomed them to the world of 19th century base ball with a 24-7 beating of the muffins.  Philadelphia in its 2nd match lost to the newly formed Eureka Club of Bohemia 29-9.  Bohemia followed up its win against Philadelphia by downing the Diamond State BBC of Delware.  Delaware also took it on the chin in a 13-3 loss to Somerset.

Sunday’s weather looked like doom and gloom for the 4th annual Chopper.  The Neshanock of Flemington got their carriages stuck in the mud in central New Jersey and sent a telegram that they would not be able to make it down to the top of the Chesapeake.  Fortunately for the others, the steamboats were able to leave from Washington DC and Easton,MD so that all of the other clubs could dock at Elk Landing for the days activities.   Potomac improved its record to 5-1 with victories over Arundel and Havre de Grace.  Talbot increased its record to 4-0 with a pair of wins against Somerset and a squeaker against Bohemia.  Overall, it was a 3 way tie for the best record during the weekend as Talbot, Elkton, and Potomac all walked away with a perfect 2-0 record.  Honorable mention goes to the upstart Eurekas of Bohemia who scored a 2-1 record for the event. 

A big thanks goes out to all of the participants who traveled near and far for a great weekend of vintage base ball.  We look forward to hosting an event again in 2011!

In other MAVBBL matches, Brooklyn took a pair from the Providence Grays.  In the first match under 1864 rules the Atlantic downed the Grays 1208 at Atlantic Park in Smithtown, Long Island.  In the second match using 1884 rules, the Atlantic showed their prowness and flexibility to win at any year thrown at them as they downed the Grays 6-4.