Some years ago, when Sophie Zinn was making her first foray into organized sports, I made the mistake of saying "I hope your team wins." As has been her custom since she learned how to talk, Sophie quickly corrected me, pointing out "There's no winning, there's just having fun." It's a commendable attitude both on her part and more importantly by those who introduce children to sports by not keeping score. Vintage baseball, of course, is different. We keep score and we play to win, if for no other reason because it's historically accurate. At the same time though, throughout the 2023 season I was reminded by Tom "Schoolboy" Duffy, Russ McIver and others that having fun is, or should be, what vintage baseball is all about. What does having fun in vintage baseball look like? Answering that question feels like a good way to look at the Flemington Neshanock's 2023 season.
For me, having fun begins with the team playing well. I've watched my share of baseball over my 76 plus years and I learned a long time ago that baseball played poorly is not attractive. Playing well applies to all parts of the game, but what stands out to me in vintage baseball is defense. While I don't have any quantitative measures to back it up (a possible project for next season), 2023 felt like the Neshanock's best year defensively in some time, perhaps in team history. Not only did the Flemington players consistently defend well, they did so even when asked to play unfamiliar positions. And the interesting thing is that when a team plays well, winning usually takes care of itself - witness the Neshanock's 15-7 record.
Next, and these are in no particular order, we have fun when we have the opportunity to teach people how the early game was played. Obviously that requires spectators which is why the organizations that host vintage games are so important. No matter how many times the Neshanock visit a venue, there are people experiencing 1860s baseball for the first time. In 2023, on two occasions, we reached a younger audience - an idea I wish I could claim was somehow my own. First came an early season game in Delran against an under 14 team, followed by an August match with the Warren Hills High School team. Playing by 1864 rules taught these young men more baseball history than they are likely to learn from any other source. We want to continue to do new things like this in 2024, it's part of our mission and a lot of fun at the same time.
Another essential ingredient in having fun is a culture of cooperation. That has never been a problem with the Neshanock, but 2023 presented some new and difficult challenges. On two occasions, I had to ask three Flemington players to play for the other team, otherwise the game could not have been played. Both times, all of them responded without hesitating - "Whatever you need." At some level that could have been the team motto. And this shouldn't taken for granted because there have been instances of other teams being far less cooperative in similar circumstances. There are probably other elements to having fun, but no matter what I may have missed, without question the Neshsanock had fun in 2023. There is no better evidence than the consistently high player attendance throughout the season.
Since the 2023 season was so enjoyable, it's not surprising that I have a long list of people who I not only need to, but very much want to thank. First are the opposing teams. Opponents can be difficult to find and without them the Neshanock wouldn't exist. We are especially grateful to the other four New Jersey teams - Hoboken, the New Brunswick Liberty, Monmouth Furnace and the state's senior club, the Elizabeth Resolutes. We also appreciate local teams who play just once a year as well as our out of state opponents who help us fill out a full schedule. Fortunately, unlike opponents, there is no shortage of venue hosts. We are grateful for both our long term relationships as well as the new hosts who provide a setting and even more importantly, the spectators. Another mandatory requirement for playing any game is an umpire. As always we are grateful to Sam Bernstein and our players who have filled in when needed - another case of "Whatever you need."
At the end of every season, I'm always mindful of our founder Brad Shaw whose contributions go beyond starting our team. The Neshanock have been invited to play the Elkton Eclipse next season in that club's 500th game because of all the help Brad gave them when they got started. Thanks, also Chris Lowry, field captain of the Neshanock - once again it's been a pleasure to work with him. We are fortunate to have a large roster - over 20 active players to call on. That good fortunate is due to both retention and adding new players. By my count there are at least five Neshanock veterans who were playing when I joined in 2010 and an equal number who have come aboard in the past two years. Also very helpful is the Prioli clan - JP, Joe and Nick who stepped in on the rare occasions we needed players.
Turning to off the field support, I begin as usual with Mark Granieri, official blog photographer while still an active player and sometime umpire. I learned a long time ago, how much images add to a blog and Mark's help has been essential - I believe he was at every 2023 match. There is great depth at the photographer's position since Lauren Marchese Nunn complements Mark's game pictures with photo essays and the player portraits on our web site. Thanks to her all of the Neshanock at least look like baseball players. Keeping the web site going is Jack Kitson, something we hope to upgrade during the off season. Also helping on social media are Scott Hengst with the Facebook page and Kelly Prioli on Instagram and other possibilities well beyond my technical knowledge.
For Lauren and Kelly, the 2023 season was their first as mothers which brings me to the larger Neshanock family - often in the background, but always appreciated. We were especially glad to see our newest members Chelsea Nunn and Julia Prioli at 2023 matches as well as other children of all ages. Special thanks also, of course, to our spouses, partners, significant others, girl friends and any other category I may have missed. We also appreciate other family members who attended games this season. Above all, the Neshanock are a community and there was no better symbol of our community spirit than when Monica Polino Schneider made bibs with Neshanock logo for Chelsea and Julia. Thanks to her for the thought and effort that went into the project. I'm sorry if I've missed anyone - please know we are grateful to everyone who supports the Neshanock in any manner shape or form. That's especially true for 2023 which was in the words of the old Frank Sinatra song - "a very good year!"
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