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)