Newtown Sandy Hooks and the Waterbury Connors revived the spirits of Caty Mountain with a bang, bang double header on the palatial McLaughlin Vineyards grounds in Sandy Hook on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The game was played in commemoration of a much heralded game held over 110 years ago at nearly the same location.

Two fast paced games of 1861 base ball was played before a two to three hundred avid vintage cranks in the shadow of the ancient oaks and the picturesque winery. Had it not been for the questionable choice of rabbit ball and the failed appearance of the much anticipated vintage 'spirit', the day might have been considered 'perfect'.

The highlights of the day were the timely hitting and precise fielding of the visiting Connors nine and the clutch hitting and spectacular fielding of 'Pops' Pendergist. All the Sandy Hooks showed equally brilliant skills in the field but few plays took the breath away like the leaping one-hander performed by 'Pops' to snuff-out a potential visitor rally. Even the most disinterested spectator and inebriated crank rose to their feet to celebrate the near impossible snatch which appeared to have been assisted by the spirits of the mountain. But, alas the celebration was short lived as the Connors took advantage of a questionable replacement of the game ball with a 'rabbit' that contributed to a Connors ten run outburst early in the second stanza that put the less explosive hosts behind by an insurmountable margin.

The day's matches ended with the traditional 'huzzahs' as both teams joined in a round of suds and snacks served by the Lady Hooks. Everyone overwhelmingly agreed, the vineyard was an ideal venue for future games, and might have been even more enjoyable had we the opportunity to savor the wine!