June Action Continues

Mechanicsburg Plays Its First Match

The newly formed Mechanicsburg Nine 19th C. Base Ball Club was victorious in their first ever match. The club hosted The Potomac Nine from Gaithersburg, MD on Sunday (June 6) at Metro Bank Park on City Island in Harrisburg, PA – Following the Senators home game against the Akron Aeros.

What looked to be a wash out for players and fans alike, quickly turned into a day full of America’s pastime – after a 1-hour rain delay. Following the Senators loss to the Aeros of Akron, the fans were treated to a short 3 inning exhibition game of base ball according to the rules and customs of 1864.

The Potomac Nine, with assistance from three local ballists from Washington Fire Company #1, struck first in the top of the first frame – with one tally as a result of two well struck balls, a stolen base and an errant throw from the short scout. After retiring their opponents, the Nine from Mechanicsburg struck quickly in the bottom of the first frame. Showing no real signs of being rookies, Mechanicsburg struck the ball with authority and ran the bases with true ginger. At the conclusion of the 1st inning, the tally was Mechanicsburg 3 – Potomac 1.

Potomac added two more tallies in the second frame with well placed hits and aggressive base stealing. However, the second frame proved to be the deciding point of the game as the flood gates opened for the home club with a flurry of hard struck balls and several stolen bases, including home base. At the end of the second inning Mechanicsburg was safely on top by a tally of 10 to 3.

The final frame ended with both sides retiring the other with no additional scores. All in all, both squads adeptly demonstrated the play of 19th C. Base Ball. The cranks and the Senators staff enjoyed a fast-paced, hard-played game. The Senators have already inquired about another match most likely to be scheduled next season. The Mechanicsburg Nine is looking forward to their next full match which should be scheduled soon.

Atlantic Wins a Pair vs Newtown Sandy Hooks

Atlantic hosted the Newtown Sandy Hooks for a pair of games at Atlantic Park. The first contest was an 1864 era game, and although Newtown held an early edge and stayed close for 4 innings, Atlantic then pulled away for a 16-4 victory. Dreambucket had 3 hits, including a double and 4 aces for Atlantic. TC, Shakespeare, Hawk, and Wildhorse contributed 2 hits each and Nice&Easy went the distance to pick up the victory. The second contest was an 1886 overhand game. Once again Newtown went out ahead early, leading 5-1 after 3 innings, and again Atlantic came back, this time with two 6-run innings to gain the victory, 16-6. Dreambucket again lead Atlantic with 4 hits, including a double and a triple. Shakespeare and Wildhorse had 3 hits each, while Willy Mo contributed 2 hits, including his first triple. Shakespeare pitched the complete game victory, holding Newtown scoreless the last 5 innings.

Elkton Downs Philadelphia

The Eclipse traveled by train to the grounds of the Athletic Base Ball Club for a great day of base ball in the shadows of the Centenial Exhibition Building in Fairmount Park. While the grounds are somewhat short, there are great quirks that make it a very hospitable venue to play. Even though the temperature was in the 90s, the many trees on the field and around the grounds lead for a comfortable day. Interestingly, large elm trees are in play for sluggers hitting to left and center field. Right field is highlighted by a Civil War Monument honoring those who fought in the War who lived in Philadelphia. If a player hits the monument on the fly, its a home run! Other obstacles in right field making playing that garden challenging, but entertaining to say the least. It is highly suggested that each club makes a pilgrimage to these grounds as it is one of the nicer ones you will find in a large city.

The match itself was a fairly good one for the first 8 innings. The Athletic held the Eclipse’s bats somewhat in check for most of the game and slowly chipped away at a initial large lead to get the score to be 16-6 in favor of the visitors until the 9th inning when the wheels fell off for the Athletic.

Upcoming Matches this Week

Several divisional match ups take place this week in pivital MAVBBL action. In the northern division, the Atlantic will play the Gothams as well as the Neshanock in Smithtown, Long Island. The Eclipse of Elkton travel by ferry along with the Diamond States to Pea Patch Island for a unique game in the middle of the Delaware River. Chesapeake will have its hands full as it travels to Easton to take on the Fair Plays in a meaningful Maryland State Championship Series match as does Havre de Grace visit Arundel also in an important Maryland Series game.