Weekend in Maryland

This past weekend the Neshanock closed out the 2025 campaign in Rising Sun, Maryland.  The occasion was the National Association of Historic Base Ball Club's inaugural National Championship Tournament.  Thanks to the Association for creating this fine event. Since the aged scorekeeper wasn't present, pictures will summarize the final games of our twenty-fifth season. 

All pictures by Mark Granieri

If it's a tournament, there has to be a bracket

Field Captain Chris "Lowball" Lowry goes over the ground rules and the lineup before the Neshanock took on the Providence Grays at the Bard Cameron Sports Complex

Ernie "Shredder" Albanesius at the striker's line.  Providence prevailed 15-8 in a game that saw Flemington lose the one and only Ken "Tumbles" Mandel to an injury.  At least he has the entire off season to recover

In the second game, Flemington played the Harrisburg Club.  Jim "Jersey" Nunn is poised to send the runner on third across the plate

"Lowball" drives in another Flemington tally

This is an extremely rare photo of Bobby "Melky" Ritter on the bases.  It's slightly blurred because the camera wasn't able to keep up with Melky

Joe "Mick" Murray takes his turn at bat

Flemington wins 

For Sunday's games, the scene shifted to the Dove Valley Winery.  Although Flemington lost to the Gettysburg Generals 10-9 and the Mutuals of New York, 16-7, there was one major accomplishment.  Don "Splinter" Becker, pictured above, played the entire weekend without getting hurt.

One final "Three Cheers and a Tiger" and it's on to 2026

Season's end gives me the opportunity to thank everyone who makes Neshanock baseball possible.  Like every season, 2025 had its challenges but finding an umpire wasn't one of them.  We were extremely fortunate to have Sam Bernstein work all of our games, special thanks to Sam for always being there.  Another mandatory part of any baseball game is the opponent.  That may seem obvious, but no one who has made up a schedule ever takes it for granted.  This season, Flemington played teams from as far away as Michigan and as close as Lambertville.  We're grateful to all of them.  Baseball games are always fun, but especially so when played before interested and enthusiastic fans.  The Neshanock are blessed in that regard by the organizations that host our games.  We provide the baseball; they provide the fans.  A great deal for us.  

For a change, Mark "Gaslight" Granieri is on the other side of the camera

Saving the best for last, I want to acknowledge the entire Flemington Neshanock community.  I choose the word "community" intentionally because it's not just about the players.  Without the support of our families, no Neshanock season would be possible.  Sometimes that support means attending games, but present or not, we're grateful for our families understanding of how much baseball means to us.  One person whose physical presence is essential is Mark Granieri.  Mark's photographic wizardly helps tell the story of each match far better than words alone ever could.  Special thanks also to Field Captain Chris "Lowball" Lowry who makes every game happen in ways that aren't always obvious.  Finally, I want to thank everyone who played for the Neshanock in 2025. Whether it was every game or just one, I'm very grateful for your participation and look forward to seeing you again in 2026.