Monday, September 12, 2022

The Monumental Beginnings of Base Ball

 All pictures, captions and text courtesy of Mark "Gaslight" Granieri

Matt Albertson of the Philadelphia Athletics gets assistance from Chris "Lowball" Lowry with the unveiling of the monument

On Saturday, the Flemington Neshanock were hosted  by the Athletic Club of Philadelphia and the Camden County Historical Society.  Before the match, the 1871 National Association champion Athletic club was honored with the dedication of a monument.  The front and back inscriptions of the monument are show at the end of this post.

Tom "Thumbs" Hoepfner has the winning hand

After the dedication, one match was played by 1864 rules.  The Neshanock chose to strike last after winning the bat toss.  The Neshanock also won the day by a final score of 24-3.  Several Neshanock including Joe "Mick" Murray, Ken "Tumbles" Mandel and Sam "Ewing" Ricco aided the short-handed Athletics.

Dan "Sledge" Hammer puts bat to ball

The Athletics took a brief lead by tallying twice in the top of the first, but the Neshanock answered with four in the bottom of the frame and didn't look back.  The Flemington offense was led by "Sledge," who besides batting for the cycle, earned a clear score with his six hits and six runs.  "Thumbs" added his own five hits with Mark "Gaslight" Granieri, Rene "Mango" Marrero, Jim "Jersey" Nunn and Jeff "Duke" Schneider contributing four hits apiece.  Players with three hits included Chris "Sideshow" Nunn, "Lowball" and Bob Smith.  Bob Smith also admirably pitched all nine innings for the Neshanock.

Dani Dondero waiting on the Athletics pitcher

Neshanock notes:  Bob Smith along with Dani Dondero each continue their inaugural seasons with both still in search of a suitable nickname.  A post game dining invitation was graciously offered by the Neshanock's own "Mango."  However at blog time, it was not known whether actual mangoes were included on the menu.  Next Saturday, the Neshanock are in Delanco, NJ to commemorate the time Babe Ruth played there on a field that bears his name.










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