The Game Must/Will Go On

On Saturday, after what seems like an eternity between games (three whole weeks), the Neshanock finally got back on the field for our annual visit to Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge, New Jersey.  Someone from the host organization, the Bergen County Historical Society, mentioned that this was the tenth time the Neshanock have played at New Bridge.  Initially the opponents were various vintage clubs from New Jersey or Long Island, but for about the past five years, the Enterprise Club, a local team formed for just this game, has provided the opposition.  That's not to suggest there has been any drop off in the quality of play. In fact, it's fair to say the Enterprise Club could hold its own against any vintage team, no matter how experienced.  Not only has the Bergen County team given us another respected opponent, Bob "Riverboat" Smith of the Enterprise now plays regularly for the Neshanock. Understandably, but perhaps regrettably, on Saturday, he played for his local team.

Historically accurate facilities at New Bridge Landing - All photos by Mark Granieri

The first game began with the Enterprise Club at the striker's line.  They wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, quickly tallying five runs.  After that however, the Neshanock defense, behind the pitching of Dave "Illinois" Harris and Rene "Mango" Marrero, blanked the local team for five straight innings.  Neshanock shortstop Justin Willis short circuited one possible Enterprise rally in the sixth with two fine catches of bound outs. By that point, Flemington had taken an 11-5 lead. The comeback began when the Neshanock tallied three times in the first on doubles from Danny "Lefty" Gallagher, Rene "Mango" Marrero and Jeff "Duke"Schneider.  The big inning, however, was  the bottom of the third, when the Neshanock tallied five more times.  Albert Aguero started the rally with a triple, Robert Colon, Ken "Tumbles" Mandel and Andrew Moschella singled while Chris "Sideshow" Nunn and "Lefty" contributed doubles.  Playing in her first Neshanock game, Abby Zall, added a sacrifice fly. The Enterprise Club scored three times in the top of the seventh, but the Neshanock prevailed 11-8.

Rene "Mango" Marrero pitches while Jim "Jersey" Nunn patrols the shortest centerfield in vintage baseball.  Anything hit over the fence is an out as well as a lost ball.

After a brief break, the second game began with the Neshanock at bat.  Flemington had second and third with none out, but failed to score - a missed opportunity that naturally and deservedly proved costly.  As in the first contest, the local club struck quickly, tallying four times, a lead they held until the fourth.  Flemington then cut the margin to 4-2, but that was the extent of the Neshanock's offense and the Enterprise Club won 9-2 with the game called in the bottom of the sixth due to rain.  "Lefty" had two hits for the Neshanock, but the rest of the lineup managed only five total.  While we don't award clear scores for games with one or two at bats, it should be noted that "Tumbles" did not make an out in either match.  Saturday marked the first games for Abby and Andrew and we hope they will play regularly.  We are also grateful to Albert and Justin who made a return appearance and hope they will come back.  

Abby Zall makes her Neshanock debut

There's a saying to the effect that "Showing up is 60% of life," although the percentage probably varies with the telling.  Regardless of the number, most sayings of this type, have an element of truth.  There is no question, for example, that in vintage baseball getting the players to the field goes a long way to playing the game.  Sometimes, however, we fall short in one way or another.  What then?  Well to paraphrase an old theater expression - "the game must go on."  This is especially true for events like Saturday where the Bergen County Historical Society has promoted and advertised the game so cancelling is not option.  

Chris "Sideshow" Nunn with some manmade backup

Falling short is not just about lacking players.  Sometimes it means not having an official umpire.  That can become a major problem because officiating at vintage baseball games is easy - until it's not.  While most calls are obvious and beyond debate, sooner or later there is a close play, requiring a difficult decision.  Such situations are magnified even more when they come at a crucial time such as in the Memorial Day game in Newtown.  The Neshanock have been fortunate to have Sam Bernstein work many of our games which always run more smoothly when he's in charge.  Frequently, however, there are games where we have to "self-umpire" - players take turns calling the game.  For the most part it works well, but there's always those moments when someone is put in a difficult position.

And the rains came, Danny "Lefty" Gallagher heads for cover

More challenging, at least for me, is when one team is short players.  So far in 2023, the Neshanock have been fortunate in this regard, but we've had our share of player shortages. If a team is only missing one or even two players, it can be worked out by lending the shorthanded squad a fielder, usually a different player each half inning.  More serious, however, is when a team has six or less.  The only real option is to ask some players to switch teams.  Who to ask is a challenge for the one doing the asking (usually me) while playing against your own team is a challenge for the one being asked.  Fortunately, the consistent response of Neshanock players has been "whatever you need."  So a special thanks to Chris "Lowball" Lowry, Sam "Ewing" Ricco, Ernie "Shredder" Albanesius, Paul "O'Neill" Cinnamota, Scott Patrylo and Ken "Tumbles" Mandel all of whom who have willingly met the need.  You've enabled the game to go on which in the end is what vintage baseball is all about.