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As the sun broke the horizon
it was clear the day was destine for the record books; the thermometer
was rising at the rate of 3º to 4º an hour and the
humidity hung thick in the air as the New London Thames River
Nine mounted their coaches and struck out for the long trip to
McLaughlin Vineyards in Sandy Hook. It had been only six days
since the Newtown Sandy Hook club had returned from a two game
split with Orators of Bridgeport on what was a grueling but pleasant
day at Seaside Park. Even though the maples surrounding the McLaughlin
pitch bristled in the late spring breeze, it was clear to all
in attendance this was not likely to be an invigorating picnic
by the sea.
The last time these two teams met was on Fourth of July 2007
at Seaside Park when the Thames River club outperformed the Newtown
nine in the field and at the line. Everyone from the Newtown
side involved in that lackluster effort was determined not to
reenact the experience at this meeting.
Sandy Hook native 'Hoboy' Norwich, having bested the Orators
the week before, was called on to handle the pitching duties
in what was to be two seven inning '1861' affairs. 1861 base
ball has never been the Sandy Hook's strong suite, but after
taking charge in a similar '1864' match the previous week with
good result, the club felt it could master the tricky Vineyard
grounds with its unique geography and close-in tree line without
too much trouble.
Arbitrator Shaw, again summoned to help mediate the combatants,
called the Newtown nine and the New London's eight to the line.
To equalize the ranks, the Thames club had accumulated a 'traveling
worker' found lounging by the roadside who was more than happy
to play a little ball for a quarter and a cup of grog. It is
amazing when one realizes, there is always at least one adventurous
gentleman ready to partake of the 'vintage' pastime. That cannot
be said for the game's poor stepson softball, which provides
little challenge for the gritty nature of the avid base-ballist.
In his first trip to the twelve-foot line, the resolute Norwich
set down the Thames side with aplomb. That effort was immediately
followed by the Sandy Hooks half frame in which they showed contempt
for the visitors as 'Bullet' Brandt immediately teed off on a
pitch to the left corner of the winery. Pendergist, Dyer, Snyder
and Wheat followed with productive ace scoring pokes to the pinnacle
of the yard. For three of the first four innings the Hooks remained
in charge rattling the vineyard with powerful bursts to the tree
lines and stone walls that dispatched the hearty visitors in
every direction as they tried to acclimate themselves to the
mountainside retreat and not wilt from the escalating temperatures.
In the subsequent visiting frames the Sandy Hooks held their
ground and seemed not to wobble as they closed-down the Thames
club in all but frame two and three when Hine and O'Brien drove
renegade messengers across the silver salver, that sparkled in
the noon day sun. Unshaken the Newtown southpaw continued his
valiant effort and with the help of stouthearted fielding mowed
down the visitors in logical order.
Rookie Brandt, playing for the third match since arriving
from the western hills (Brookfield), accumulated six safeties
for eight appearances in two games elevating his prestigious
average to over .700 for twenty-four trips to the dish. The nickname
of 'Bullet' seems to underscore Gentleman Jim's ability to blast
holes into the opposing defense.
'Zack' Wheat, still playing with a severely injured wing,
propelled four teammates across the dish with his amazing one-armed
wallops that were a wonder to behold. Norwich, Paes and Long
did their fair share to project a balanced offense and at the
end of seven, the Hooks closed the book on a satisfying 11 to
2 win.
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