Port Huron Welkin Base Ball Club
at Rochester Grangers
May 18, 2008
This Sunday last, the Welkin Base Ball Club of Port Huron traveled to Rochester to play the accepted challenge of a match game of base ball. While the clouds did produce some precipitation that spattered and wetted the Welkin’s horseless carriages, after arrival to the VanHoosen farm, the clouds parted and hints of the stunning blue dome and warming yellow sunlight shown through upon the field of play.
After the introductions of the two fine ball clubs, the visiting Welkin Captain, “Chops” Fisher called the toss of the coin “Heads.” Even though the Grangers won the coin toss, this author is certain that no foul play was afoot, as the Granger Umpire Mr. David Howarth is a gentleman us the highest character. After winning the coin toss, the Grangers wisely chose to strike the ball first. One cannot help but wonder if the loss of the coin toss was a forerunner of how the match ultimately would be decided.
Striking the new and thus far-flying orb, the Grangers quickly tallied three aces in the first innings.
The Welkins first innings saw five strikers approach the home base, but none were able to ring the tally bell. In the second innings, the Grangers managed to tally another three aces bringing their total to six. The Welkins tallied one ace in the second innings due to the aggressive and impressive ball playing skills of Mr. James “Bolt” Phillips.
It was revealed in the second
innings that Welkin Captain, “Chops” Fisher allowed a woman on the field of
play. Yes, Mr. Fisher disguised his own wife as a man and allowed her to play
the gentleman’s sport of base ball at second sack. While base ball is clearly
a man’s game and far too violent for the gentler sex, this author must admit
that Mrs. Fisher did exhibit some fine ball playing skills. Mr. Fisher offered
the explanation that he allowed his wife to play the sport as an early birthday
gift to her, but this author cannot help but wonder if a more sinister and
deeper plot was afoot as a number of the attending female cranks produced large
signs sporting the slogan “Base Ball For Women.” It does seem likely that
this was a plot created in advance of this match-game. The idea of women playing
base ball is as preposterous as allowing women to vote.
As the match game progressed, is became obvious that the Grangers exhibited
superior ball playing skills. By the end of the match, the Grangers had managed
to ring the tally bell 26 times compared to the Welkins single tallied ace.
The Welkins did not exhibit any sadness from their loss and the defeat did not shrink their appetite for the fine spread of victuals offered by the Rochester Grangers. In fact, the two clubs enjoyed their match so much, that they have scheduled a second match-game to be played in Port Huron on Saturday, June 28th at 2:00 PM. We have been told that the match game will be played in Lincoln Park located between North and South Boulevards. It can also be reported that more information about the Welkin Base Ball Club of Port Huron can be found at: www.welkinbbc.com and that there are, in fact, numerous photographic images of this and other match-games available there for your viewing pleasure.