After experiencing something less than perfect weather during August trips to Delaware and Pennsylvania, the Neshanock's return to New Jersey has been marked by weather that can only be described as, dare I say it, splendiferous! And the only thing better than beautiful weather is when it is combined with an equally splendiferous (twice in one post) venue which was the case today when the Neshanock played their final games of the season at the historic Dey Farm in Monroe Township. Although cancelled last year for obvious reasons, this has been one of the most enjoyable events on Flemington's schedule and today was no exception. For the first time our opponents at Dey Farm were our friends the Liberty Base Ball Club of New Brunswick. Due to some non-baseball injuries as well as travel, Flemington was missing a number of its regulars, but were helped out by some worthy volunteers, Rocco Ciccone plus J. P. and Nick Prioli, brothers of the Neshanock's Tom "Hawk" Prioli. Thanks to all three for enabling us to field a full team.
Just as in Camden, there was a coin toss to decide who would strike first and just like in Camden, the first toss landed on its side. The second attempt was called correctly by Neshanock field captain, Chris "Lowball" Lowry and Flemington took the field after a ceremonial first pitch by Monroe Council Vice President Elizabeth "Betty" Schneider. The Liberty went down in order over the first two innings of the opening seven inning match while the Neshanock tallied twice in the first for an early 2-0 lead. However, the New Brunswick team erupted for five runs in the third and led 5-4 after the Neshanock added two tallies in their half of the inning. Flemington seemed to be scoring every other inning, adding two in the fifth for a one run lead, only to see the Liberty tie the game in the top of the sixth. However in the bottom of the inning, the Neshanock took charge, batting around as the first eight strikers reached base. When the dust cleared, Flemington had scored seven times and then retired the Liberty for a 13-6 first game win.
The Neshanock's first game offense was led by "Hawk" who had four hits and earned a clear score in the process while also playing solid defense in his first time catching. Also recording a clear score was Tom "Thumbs" Hoepfner although, as he admitted it, was no thing of beauty consisting of reaching base on two muffs, a fielder's choice and a double. "Thumbs" also scored each of his four times on the bases although dubbing it an immaculate clear score (a new Neshanock term) seems something of a reach. Also contributing to the attack were Joe "Mick" Murray and Mark "Gaslight" Granieri with three hits apiece while Dan "Sledge" Hammer and Nick Prioli added two each. After a brief break, the second match got underway with the Neshanock at the striker's line where they produced one tally that the Liberty matched in the bottom of the inning. However, the Neshanock broke the game open with five in the second and four more over the next two innings in route to a 12-4 win. "Mick" again had three hits, this time joined by Nick (who obviously needs a nickname) and his brother "J.P." "Sledge" had two hits as did "Thumbs." Flemington also played good defense especially some bound out catches by Jim "Jersey" Nunn and solid play by "Gaslight" at first.
Saturday's games marked the end of the 2021 season, a very different kind of season, but one far better than 2020 when we didn't get on the field at all. As usual the end the season means it's time to say thank you to many people beginning with our founder, Brad "Brooklyn" Shaw. Having taken on some, but far from all, of "Brooklyn's" responsibilities over the past few years, I have a much better understanding of all the work involved beyond just playing games. We're glad "Brooklyn" rejoined us a few times in 2021 and hope he's back in 2022. I'm especially grateful for the continuing contributions of Chris "Lowball" Lowry, our field captain, always a calming presence, at least compared to me. Almost all decisions are a collaboration between the two of us and it's a pleasure to work with him. Thanks also to everyone who played for the Neshanock during the 2021 season, regardless of how many games you played and whether you are a regular member or a volunteer who filled in when needed. We would love to have all of you back in 2022, again regardless of how often you play.
Just fielding a team can be a difficult, but it takes a lot more to play a game. The first requirement is an opponent, something that never should be taken for granted. Like the Neshanock, I suspect most vintage teams struggled at some point in 2021 to put a full team on the field. We're grateful, therefore, for all the teams we met along the way no matter how many times we played. That also to applies to what we call "town" teams, squads put together for just one game in their local community. For years, the Strakes of Newtown, Pennsylvania have been one of Flemington's toughest opponents, joined this year by the Nutley Colonels and Enterprise Club of New Bridge. We appreciate their willingness to play a game at which they have little experience. After finding an opponent, the next requirement is a place to play. Since the Neshanock don't have a home field, that means we're dependent on places like Monroe Township to host games. We are thankful for that hospitality and crowds that sometimes number in hundreds, no small accomplishment for what is truly amateur base ball.
Another underappreciated group in vintage base ball is the umpires. For years the Neshanock were fortunate enough to be able to count on Sam "It ain't nothing 'til I say" Bernstein. Sam is now enjoying a well deserved retirement, but he graciously came back to help us out twice which was greatly appreciated. On numerous occasions this year we had to rely on "self-umpiring" where players take turns at the job - thanks to everyone who took on a task that's easy, until it isn't. Most important of all, everyone on the Neshanock are especially grateful to family and friends who attend our games sometimes in less than perfect conditions and with no small amount of travel. My intent was to name names, but I know I would forget someone. So to all the spouses, partners, significant others, girl friends, parents, children and family members a heartfelt thank you for your support. Lastly, a special personal thank you to Mark "Gaslight" Granieri for once again serving as official blog photographer and also to Lauren Marchese Nunn who provided valuable depth at that position.
After the traditional post-game speeches, the Neshanock and their families said farewell and exchanged best wishes for the long off-season. It was reminiscent of a similar scene almost two years ago in Newark, Delaware at the end of the 2019 season. No one at that point thought for a moment that there wouldn't be a 2020 season as sadly turned out to be the case. There's a cliché to the effect that we don't appreciate something until we lose it and while I know everyone on the Neshanock has valued what we do, it's safe to say missing an entire season increased our appreciation for being part of vintage base ball even more. In an earlier post, I looked at base ball a 100 years ago and noted that there are far fewer opportunities for direct participation in the game today which to me is a real loss. Vintage base ball is one of those opportunities which has helped all of us to stay involved in the game we love. The Neshanock roster ranges from college students to those eligible for social security, not to mention an almost 75 year old scorekeeper. Yet no matter our age, vintage base ball is a way to stay involved. Having lost an entire season that can never be replaced, the best way to conclude the 2021 season is with gratitude for being in uniform once more and never ever taking it for granted.
Terrific post as usual, John. It was a pleasure and blessing to meet up with you and the Neshanock this season. I never take being on the field for granted, even though Father Time has limited me to serving in the umpire role. I love every second of it. Keep looking out the windown. Spring will be here before we know it. Until then, cheers!
ReplyDeleteJohn, Thanks - you are one of the true gentleman of vintage base ball and it's always a pleasure to speak with you. I hope our teams can get together again next year and will follow up on that. Best wishes!
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