The Champion Hill Toppers made the trek in their buggies to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on June 1-2, to participate in the Mayor's Cup, hosted by the Wyandot Ghostriders. The matches were played at beautiful and spacious Stepping Stones Park.
The first match had the Hill Toppers facing the Frogs from Sylvania. This was the second encounter with the Frogs, and it proved to be a fantastic match. The ballists walloped the sphere into the outfield and we saw a final tally of 18 aces a piece. I know that most people would not agree with this, but I love ties. In the end both teams are winners and you just get to enjoy the beauty of the game. The Frogs were a very gentlemanly and fun team to play.
The second match of the day, we faced the Mansfield Independents. Talk about a ball of fun. Both teams bantered friendly back and forth and enjoyed playing the game together. In the end the Hill Toppers scored a few more aces than the Independents, but they started a new friendship in the process. After the second match, we sat down with members of the Independents, played a little cornhole, and enjoyed some libations while waiting for our third match. We can see this becoming a long term match between us and the Independents.
The third match, we played the host club, the Ghostriders. The Hill Toppers must have used up all of their runs the first two matches, because aces came few and far between from this point on. The Hill Toppers struggled to muster any offense against the elder Shane, and he stifled us throughout the game. The Ghostriders won the match, but it was a grand time. During this match, I introduced myself to Col. Jim Mattingly, of the Norwood Highlanders. Instantly we started talking about the "old game" and enjoyed some camaraderie. We ended our conversation after a few minutes and agreed that we looked forward to playing against each other at some point and time.
After the three matches the first day, the Shane's and the Ghostriders put on one of the best feed bags that I have ever encountered. The wonderful conversations going around the pavilion along with the fantastic food, made day one of the event wonderful.
Day two of the event, saw the Hill Toppers playing the Hoover Sweepers, for the first time ever. The game started out a little rough, and both teams were a little confused, but it didn't take long for the Sweepers to show us how the game is played. We unfortunately did not score any aces, and, well, the Sweepers scored many aces. It was fun to play them and we hope to join them for a match again.
The final match of the event, had the Hill Toppers finally meeting up with the Colonel and his bunch of Highlanders. The Norwood Highlanders, I have to say, have become one of my new favorite teams to play. We had so much fun in this match, that it will be remembered for a long time. I know that the Highlanders prevailed, but that didn't matter because we had such a fantastic time. Both teams got along tremendously, and bantered back and forth like old friends. We truly look forward to playing against the Highlanders again, and this is another club that I truly believe will be on our schedule for years to come.
In conclusion, we met the Colonel, drank some beer and tried to play some base ball with the Independents, and still haven't found the mayor and his so called "cup". Oh what a weekend!
Until next time!
Pops (The Vintage Ballist)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
It's The Little Things
On May 19th, our friends the Deep River Grinders, from Hobart, IN, came to Olde Republic Field in Huntington, and played a nine inning match with us. Two weeks prior we added new flag poles and flags to our field, however, today, we celebrate having a neat, old time backstop. These "little" things have provided our club with a new atmosphere at the field. It is really starting to look more like a place for vintage base ball.
We started the game with the Grinders going back and forth, with the aces on the board. This is very typical when playing the Grinders, because our teams are so similar. This match also provided us with our highest crank total of the year, so far. This made it extra enjoyable, because both teams love to play the game in a similar fashion and put on a good event for the cranks.
During the seventh inning, one of the my fellow Hill Toppers was caught gazing at a cranks bare ankles, (or as my friend Cricket Fritz would call them Crankles), and our Judge doesn't take to kindly to these things happening in Huntington County. The Judge went on to fine this Topper a quarter, as well as all the other Hill Toppers and Grinders that were looking. It put a little bit of a fun, light touch to the day.
As always, the game came down to the last inning, with the Grinders scoring the final ace in the bottom of the ninth. The final tally was 11 aces for the Grinders and 10 aces for the Hill Toppers.
We then took the opportunity to feast on some fine italian dishes after the game. This, again, provides that opportunity to discuss ideas and the game with friends and provide some time for comaraderie. This still has to be one of my favorite parts of the game. I know it isn't the sport, per say, but this opportunity to catch up with friends is something that ends up making the day that much better. Like the title says, "It's the little things".
Until next time!
The Vintage Ballist (Pops)
We started the game with the Grinders going back and forth, with the aces on the board. This is very typical when playing the Grinders, because our teams are so similar. This match also provided us with our highest crank total of the year, so far. This made it extra enjoyable, because both teams love to play the game in a similar fashion and put on a good event for the cranks.
During the seventh inning, one of the my fellow Hill Toppers was caught gazing at a cranks bare ankles, (or as my friend Cricket Fritz would call them Crankles), and our Judge doesn't take to kindly to these things happening in Huntington County. The Judge went on to fine this Topper a quarter, as well as all the other Hill Toppers and Grinders that were looking. It put a little bit of a fun, light touch to the day.
As always, the game came down to the last inning, with the Grinders scoring the final ace in the bottom of the ninth. The final tally was 11 aces for the Grinders and 10 aces for the Hill Toppers.
We then took the opportunity to feast on some fine italian dishes after the game. This, again, provides that opportunity to discuss ideas and the game with friends and provide some time for comaraderie. This still has to be one of my favorite parts of the game. I know it isn't the sport, per say, but this opportunity to catch up with friends is something that ends up making the day that much better. Like the title says, "It's the little things".
Until next time!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Honoring Old Glory, Playing Base Ball and Remembering a Friend
Last Saturday, May 5, 2012, my club opened our season at our home field, Olde Republic Field. We have been working hard the last few years on adding a more historic look to our field, which as we all know, can be hard to do. This year however, we installed two removable, 23 ft., flagpoles that are on the first and third baselines. After speaking with the VBBA historian, Eric Miklich, and reading James Tootle's newest book, Vintage Base Ball: Recapturing America's Past-time, I found out that this was an historically accurate thing to do. It is nice to look down the line, and see the 34 star flag waving in its beauty, and our team flag waving down the other line.This day was not just about celebrating our new flag and poles, but it was a celebration of the game of base ball. Before the match I took some time with both teams to respect our friend, Sweet Tooth Lyon, and we all vowed to play this match and future matches in his honor. Along with this, we pledged to always play the game like true gentlemen and to love the game for what it is, a game.
Our first match was against our friends, the Rising Sun Belle Rivers. These gentlemen played their first ever match against us, and we like to believe that our attitudes and love of the game, helped make them realize what the game was all about. This game was back and forth, with the Hill Toppers prevailing in the end. This, as you know, does not matter to me, the wins and losses that is. The fact that we had an enjoyable, fun, gentlemanly, competitive game with friends was exhilarating.
We sat out the next match and watched the Belle Rivers play the W. Lafayette Couriers. The Couriers are a newly formed team that we are also helping get started in the vintage base ball endeavors. If I didn't enjoy playing the game so much, I truly believe that I would love to go around and help new teams start up and learn the game the way it is supposed to be played. This was another well-spirited match with the Couriers prevailing.
We had our after-match meal after the second match, and had the opportunity to speak with both clubs. The camaraderie was awesome. We hadn't seen the Rising Sun club in three years, and you would have thought that we just saw them a couple of weeks before. We talked about the clubs we will be playing. They told us about the new uniforms that they will be getting, to look more historically accurate and discussed some of their future endeavors.
The Couriers also received a wonderful gift from our umpire, Judge Young. Judge provided them with a picture from an old base ball club from W. Lafayette, that could help them to work towards getting more accurate uniforms. It is amazing how many clubs that do not have the most accurate uniforms, work very hard to fund raise in order to get uniforms that are more accurate. I believe that we can support them in these endeavors with encouragement and help with vendors. So... if there are any clubs out there that have vendor suggestions for uniforms, please feel free to reply to this blog with the information.
The Hilltoppers ended the day playing the Couriers. The teams battled back and forth and the Couriers were victorious. It was such a great, spirited match, and it just reminded me of why I play this game. We continue to enjoy the relationships that we continue to form and the assistance we are able to provide to all clubs, new and old.
This Saturday, May 19th, we will be playing our good friends, the Deep River Grinders. We will thoroughly enjoy this day. For those of you that are local to Huntington, come out with a picnic, and enjoy a free, fun day of base ball, the way it is meant to be played.
Until next time my base ball fraternity, have a great week and remember to always enjoy the game for the game.
Pops
(The Vintage Ballist)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
A Tribute to a Real Gentleman Ballist
Yesterday, a true gentleman ballist left this world. Dan "Sweet Tooth" Lyon passed away. Sweet Tooth is a member of the Cincinnati Buckeye Base Ball Club. From the first time that I played against Sweet Tooth, I knew that he was a true ballist. He knew what it meant to be a gentleman ballist and understood that the game is played for fun and not competition.
Sweet Tooth was such a positive influence in the base ball community. I am sure that he made same amount of positive impact outside of the base ball community, as well. He was always the first to congratulate another ballist on a great hit or a fine fielding play.
I saw Sweet Tooth back in November and he had a very positive outlook on life. He knew he had a fight ahead of him, but he was taking it on as positively as he could. Dan can never be replaced in the vintage base ball community, but he will always be remembered.
We can always strive to be the best gentleman ballist that we can be, however, nobody will come close to my friend Dan "Sweet Tooth" Lyon. Three Cheers for the finest ball player I have had the opportunity to be on the field with.
Enjoy playing on the true field of dreams in heaven, Sweet Tooth, and save a game of catch for me.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Vintage Ballist
(Pops Wiegmann- Huntington Champion Hill Toppers Base Ball Club)
Sweet Tooth was such a positive influence in the base ball community. I am sure that he made same amount of positive impact outside of the base ball community, as well. He was always the first to congratulate another ballist on a great hit or a fine fielding play.
I saw Sweet Tooth back in November and he had a very positive outlook on life. He knew he had a fight ahead of him, but he was taking it on as positively as he could. Dan can never be replaced in the vintage base ball community, but he will always be remembered.
We can always strive to be the best gentleman ballist that we can be, however, nobody will come close to my friend Dan "Sweet Tooth" Lyon. Three Cheers for the finest ball player I have had the opportunity to be on the field with.
Enjoy playing on the true field of dreams in heaven, Sweet Tooth, and save a game of catch for me.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Vintage Ballist
(Pops Wiegmann- Huntington Champion Hill Toppers Base Ball Club)
The Season Has Begun
Yesterday, we hopped in our buggies and made the trip to W. Lafayette, Indiana. We participated in the Heart of Base Ball, fundraiser event, hosted by the W. Lafayette Couriers. This is a great example of how the vintage base ball community works. The Couriers have a gentleman on their team that needs a heart transplant. Seven teams came together to help raise money for this ballist's medical bills.
Our first match was against an old friend, the Hoosiers Base Ball Club of Indianapolis. This is the first time that we have played the Hoosiers in three years. The best part of this match, was the fact that we were able to reacquaint ourselves with some old friends. The match was close, throughout, but the camaraderie was top notch. We look forward to playing the Hoosiers a few more times this year.
Our second match, we played the Munster Centennials, a new team to our club. The interactions were fantastic and the Centennial's are a great group of guys. The match was full of exciting plays and gentlemanly behavior. It was truly a great example of a well-played vintage base ball match.
Our final match of the day was against our friends the Deep River Grinders. Anyone that has ever played the Grinders, know that if you do not go away from the match, having a good time, it would be your own fault. The Grinders are one of those vintage clubs that bring excitement to the game. There is playful banter and gentlemanly behavior throughout the match. This is a constant anytime that you play the Grinders. We ended the day with a tie, and knew that there was no better way to end the day.
Today's matches reiterated the principles and ideals that I find fantastic about vintage base ball. This is the part of the game that I love, and again, the reason that I started this blog. The vintage base ball community is truly a fraternity of ballists that come together for many different reasons. Some come together to recreate the game as it was played after the National Association was created. This is a more competitive form of base ball, that not every ballist prefers to be a part of. Other ballists come together to play the gentleman's game and enjoy the comaraderie of playing a game that does not measure the skills of the ballists, and the wins or losses, but it measures the sportsmanship of the game.
I prefer the second of the two. Vintage base ball provides me with the opportunity to play a game that I love, at a level of non-competitiveness, that allows me to enjoy the game for what it is, a game. It does not matter if my club wins or losses, but how we represent ourselves on and off of the field.
Until next time,
The Vintage Ballist
Our first match was against an old friend, the Hoosiers Base Ball Club of Indianapolis. This is the first time that we have played the Hoosiers in three years. The best part of this match, was the fact that we were able to reacquaint ourselves with some old friends. The match was close, throughout, but the camaraderie was top notch. We look forward to playing the Hoosiers a few more times this year.
Our second match, we played the Munster Centennials, a new team to our club. The interactions were fantastic and the Centennial's are a great group of guys. The match was full of exciting plays and gentlemanly behavior. It was truly a great example of a well-played vintage base ball match.
Our final match of the day was against our friends the Deep River Grinders. Anyone that has ever played the Grinders, know that if you do not go away from the match, having a good time, it would be your own fault. The Grinders are one of those vintage clubs that bring excitement to the game. There is playful banter and gentlemanly behavior throughout the match. This is a constant anytime that you play the Grinders. We ended the day with a tie, and knew that there was no better way to end the day.
Today's matches reiterated the principles and ideals that I find fantastic about vintage base ball. This is the part of the game that I love, and again, the reason that I started this blog. The vintage base ball community is truly a fraternity of ballists that come together for many different reasons. Some come together to recreate the game as it was played after the National Association was created. This is a more competitive form of base ball, that not every ballist prefers to be a part of. Other ballists come together to play the gentleman's game and enjoy the comaraderie of playing a game that does not measure the skills of the ballists, and the wins or losses, but it measures the sportsmanship of the game.
I prefer the second of the two. Vintage base ball provides me with the opportunity to play a game that I love, at a level of non-competitiveness, that allows me to enjoy the game for what it is, a game. It does not matter if my club wins or losses, but how we represent ourselves on and off of the field.
Until next time,
The Vintage Ballist
Monday, April 2, 2012
2012 VBBA Convention
On the evening of March 29, 2012, myself and four other teammates made the voyage from our hometown of Huntington, IN, to Long Island, NY. This was my 5th Convention and I always try to make it a point to go to these. Convention time for me, is not only learning new information about 19th century base ball, but it is getting together with those friends that I haven't seen for a while.
I spoke with one of my good friends from Ohio about this very blog. I told him that I wanted to have an outlet where I can discuss the Journey of the Vintage Ballist, as a person, not just a player. We sat there, having a beer, and discussing my thoughts as well as any thoughts he had on the subject and it really was a great example of why I started this blog. We could have talked for hours about base ball and friendships and what we look forward to in the season.
The convention was at a wonderful hotel in Plainview, NY. The facilities were magnificent and it was easy access to everything that we were scheduled to do. The first night we had a reception and had the opportunity to meet some ballists from the east coast. My initial thoughts had me concerned about arrogance and dislike for the Midwest, however, their conversations with me were real and exciting. One prime example was, a club by the name of the Liberty. We got talking with a few of their ballists, and in the end, we decided to make plans to schedule a match between the two teams in 2013, on Doubleday Field, in Cooperstown, NY. This was a very spirited and exciting conversation, which coincidentally, ended up being many of my conversations with these gentlemen from the East Coast.
The Journey took us on Saturday, to Old Bethpathe Village Restoration. We had an all club match that was fun and exciting. Through the cold and the rain, we managed to get in four innings. It was definitely a memorable experience. It is always neat to see how people from different parts of the country come together to interact as one or two clubs, for the game of base ball.
On Sunday, we conducted our business meeting and then said our final convention good-byes. The friendships and the memories will last until next year's convention and beyond. During our 11 hour drive home, my comrades and I discussed our interactions with both our new and old friends, and discussed ways to continue our voyage as vintage ballists.
This journey is starting to take shape for this season, and the Convention was only beginning. Check back in, sometime after April 14th, 2012. We will be playing our friends the Door Village Prairie Dogs. I will be sharing not only results of our match(es) but some insights into the interaction aspect of the game.
Until next time, enjoy the Journey, it's going to be an exciting ride.
The Vintage Ballist
I spoke with one of my good friends from Ohio about this very blog. I told him that I wanted to have an outlet where I can discuss the Journey of the Vintage Ballist, as a person, not just a player. We sat there, having a beer, and discussing my thoughts as well as any thoughts he had on the subject and it really was a great example of why I started this blog. We could have talked for hours about base ball and friendships and what we look forward to in the season.
The convention was at a wonderful hotel in Plainview, NY. The facilities were magnificent and it was easy access to everything that we were scheduled to do. The first night we had a reception and had the opportunity to meet some ballists from the east coast. My initial thoughts had me concerned about arrogance and dislike for the Midwest, however, their conversations with me were real and exciting. One prime example was, a club by the name of the Liberty. We got talking with a few of their ballists, and in the end, we decided to make plans to schedule a match between the two teams in 2013, on Doubleday Field, in Cooperstown, NY. This was a very spirited and exciting conversation, which coincidentally, ended up being many of my conversations with these gentlemen from the East Coast.
The Journey took us on Saturday, to Old Bethpathe Village Restoration. We had an all club match that was fun and exciting. Through the cold and the rain, we managed to get in four innings. It was definitely a memorable experience. It is always neat to see how people from different parts of the country come together to interact as one or two clubs, for the game of base ball.
On Sunday, we conducted our business meeting and then said our final convention good-byes. The friendships and the memories will last until next year's convention and beyond. During our 11 hour drive home, my comrades and I discussed our interactions with both our new and old friends, and discussed ways to continue our voyage as vintage ballists.
This journey is starting to take shape for this season, and the Convention was only beginning. Check back in, sometime after April 14th, 2012. We will be playing our friends the Door Village Prairie Dogs. I will be sharing not only results of our match(es) but some insights into the interaction aspect of the game.
Until next time, enjoy the Journey, it's going to be an exciting ride.
The Vintage Ballist
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
So the Journey Begins...
As the weather begins to make those wonderful Spring changes, I begin to long for the days of playing the game I love. I continue to work towards my goals of weight loss and better physical fitness, in order to be ready for another season of base ball. This game has never been about winning or losing, it has been about learning to play the game for the love of it, and nothing else. I never thought that I could play the game of base ball and not care about the end result. Do I still get down on myself when I do not perform well? Sure, that will always be there because we all have personal expectations for ourselves.
When I began playing vintage base ball in 2005, I never thought I would enjoy playing this game for so many more reasons than competition. The first thing that I realized, was that I am a social bug that enjoys good conversation with people of similar interests. With this game, I found many people that had the same personality. I have met many ballists over the years, and some of my favorite, are the ones I can see every year and strike up a conversation that we left off with the year before.
The second thing that I found with the game of vintage base ball, is the camaraderie. Again, I am a social person, but I never imagined to gain as many friends that I have over the last seven years. I have friends from all over the country, that I formed bonds with, through vintage base ball. Many of my friends hail from the Midwest, however, I also have gentlemen and ladies that I consider friends, from Colorado, the East Coast and North Carolina.
The reason for this blog, is to track the journey that myself and my teammates go through, in a typical base ball season. I will spend time throughout the season describing not only events from the match, but also conversations with friends from all over the country. Of course, any conversation that I share, will have the permission of my fellow ballists.
The journey of a vintage ballist, I believe, is very unique and different. I want this to be an opportunity to share my experiences, as well as open it up to other ballists out there, to share their experiences.
I will end with one of my friend's favorite sayings "For the Glory of Game"!
The Vintage Ballist
When I began playing vintage base ball in 2005, I never thought I would enjoy playing this game for so many more reasons than competition. The first thing that I realized, was that I am a social bug that enjoys good conversation with people of similar interests. With this game, I found many people that had the same personality. I have met many ballists over the years, and some of my favorite, are the ones I can see every year and strike up a conversation that we left off with the year before.
The second thing that I found with the game of vintage base ball, is the camaraderie. Again, I am a social person, but I never imagined to gain as many friends that I have over the last seven years. I have friends from all over the country, that I formed bonds with, through vintage base ball. Many of my friends hail from the Midwest, however, I also have gentlemen and ladies that I consider friends, from Colorado, the East Coast and North Carolina.
The reason for this blog, is to track the journey that myself and my teammates go through, in a typical base ball season. I will spend time throughout the season describing not only events from the match, but also conversations with friends from all over the country. Of course, any conversation that I share, will have the permission of my fellow ballists.
The journey of a vintage ballist, I believe, is very unique and different. I want this to be an opportunity to share my experiences, as well as open it up to other ballists out there, to share their experiences.
I will end with one of my friend's favorite sayings "For the Glory of Game"!
The Vintage Ballist
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