The Neshanock are back!

While historical accuracy is the Flemington Neshanock's highest priority, there have to be some compromises.  For example, match play in 19th century New Jersey typically didn't begin until about June and the grounds (fields) didn't look anything like today's closely groomed facilities.  But none of us want to wait that long to start playing and we want to bring the game to the people so the first 2013 Neshanock match took place this past Saturday at the home of the Somerset Patriots in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Photo by Debbie Granieri

Unfortunately a family wedding, and more specifically grandfather duties, put me in Philadelphia instead of Bridgewater.  But Mark and Debbie Granieri kept me well supplied with photos and some of the details.As is usually the case at Bridgewater, the opposition was provided by the dreaded Elizabeth Resolutes, New Jersey's senior vintage base ball club.  It was reportedly a closely contended match that was knotted 10-10 after six innings.

Photo by Mark Granieri

Then in the top of the seventh in an outburst reminiscent of last year's Silver Ball Tournament in Rochester, the Neshanock had a big inning scoring seven times for a 17-10 margin as the game headed to the bottom of the inning.

Photo by Debbie Granieri

My understanding is that the Neshanock had some defensive lapses after that, but the margin was too much to overcome and Flemington prevailed 18-16, opening the season with a victory for the first time since I've been involved.  Of course, the day ended with very manly speeches and the exchange of handshakes as the two clubs parted, looking forward to a number of other encounters over the course of the season.  New Jersey vintage base ball will actually have three teams in the field as the Hoboken Nine which began in the middle of last season is embarking on their first full campaign.

Photo by Mark Granieri