Paul's Dream

While the origins of baseball remain shrouded in the mist of legend and myth, there is little debate that the organized game got started in New York City and Brooklyn (then an independent city), spread to New Jersey before expanding throughout the country.  Somewhat similarly, vintage baseball got its start at Old Bethpage, Long Island and then spread throughout many parts of the country including the Garden State.  Essential to the growth of vintage baseball were people dedicated not just to founding vintage teams, but also to sustaining them over the long term.  New Jersey's pioneer was the late Paul Solomone who founded the Elizabeth Resolutes and did all he could to encourage and support the creation of other teams.  When New Jersey teams were planning their 2020 schedules, Paul wanted to host an event at Rahway River Park where all the New Jersey clubs played on the same day.  That didn't happen because of the worldwide pandemic, probably the only thing that could have stopped Paul once he had his mind made up, and sadly, he died before that dream became a reality.

All photos by Lauren Marchese Nunn

Yesterday that dream became a reality when all five New Jersey vintage clubs along with the Atlantic Baseball Club of Brooklyn met at Rahway River Park.  Given the temperature and humidity, it obviously wasn't a splendiferous day for baseball, but the goal was important enough the Neshanock wanted to take part.  Although originally scheduled to play two games, Flemington chose, for once, to take the cautious approach and played only the morning match against the Atlantic Club. After the New York club set the Neshanock down in order in the top of the first, the Atlantics threatened in the bottom of the inning when they put runners on first and third and one out.  However, the Neshanock quickly showed they were ready to play outstanding defense.  The next striker grounded to Ken "Tumbles" Mandel at third who fired to Gregg "Burner" Wiseburn at first for one out and "Burner's" return throw to Dan "Sledge" Hammer at home nailed the runner on third for a double play.  

An Atlantic waits his turn at the striker's line

Although the fine double play enabled Flemington to escape the first inning unscathed, the Atlantics tallied twice in the second, added two more in the fourth and led 5-2 as the game headed to the top of the eighth inning.  With one out, Bob Smith, Chris "Lowball" Lowry and Chris "Sideshow" Nunn singled to load the bases for Sledge who was more than equal to the task.  The Neshanock striker blasted a double that scored all three runners and, if one doesn't mind historical anachronisms, gave him three runs-batted-in.  Regardless of the statistical niceties, however, Flemington had tied the game at 5-5.  Unfortunately, although there was only one out, the Neshanock were unable to get "Sledge" home.  It proved to be even more unfortunate when the Atlantics carved out a run in the bottom of the inning and held off Flemington in the ninth for a well-earned 6-5 victory.

Nothing is getting by Ken "Tumbles" Mandel and Tom "Hawk" Prioli

"Sledge" led the Neshanock attack with three hits, including two doubles, while "Sideshow" had two hits and six other Flemington strikers had one each.  Of special note was the Neshanock defense which played almost flawless ball against one of the best defensive teams in the country.  Mention also needs to be made of Bob Smith, who after pitching against the Neshanock two weeks ago in New Bridge Landing, made his Neshanock debut.  Bob pitched four quality innings and had a key, well placed single in Flemington's eighth inning rally.  It was great to have him with us and we hope he becomes a regular.  Most importantly, we hope the Resolutes are happy with the day.  Paul Solomone once told me that he liked hot weather, if so, he would have literally been in his glory, but not just for that reason.  Having every New Jersey vintage team together on the same day was a realization of one of his dreams for what he always called "this project."  The Neshanock are honored to have been part of a day in his memory.