MATCH RECAP: August 1, 2004 - vs. Rock Springs Ground Squirrels
Mains Split Matches With Ground Squirrels

The Trenton Mains took to the field last Sunday for the first time ever inside the city limits of Trenton. The Rock Spring Ground Squirrels of Decatur, Illinois were the visiting nine on a hot and humid afternoon.
The Mains took the first game of the match with eleven aces tallied to the Ground Squirrels' six. The second game was all Rock Springs as they taught the Trenton boys a lesson beating them 20 to 10.
Rock Springs is the oldest vintage team in Illinois and their experience and pride as such was witnessed by all that attended. Trenton’s record on the year is now 7 wins and 2 losses, both losses coming from the Rock Springs team - a fine club indeed.
In spite of the heat, the play was spirited featuring great barehanded defensive play by both clubs. The Mains were able to score early in the first game in part by taking the advantage of vintage rules... A Trenton player was able to circle the bases when a Rock Springs throw sailed past first base and into the nearby tree line. Even though the first base tender scampered into the underbrush like a rabbit to retrieve the ball, the Trenton player had made home before the ball was located.
Later in the first game, Trenton’s hurler 'Hambone' Kesner struck one of the hardest hit balls of the day directly back at the Squirrels' hurler - on a line. The stunned ballist played the liner off his midsection with a thud and retired Kesner. Kesner, ever the gentleman, halted play by asking the opposing hurler, Ralph 'Poco Loco' Graczyk, if he was alright. Indeed he was, and play comenced.
Oddly enough, the play was repeated several innings later with 'Hambone' on the receiving end of a crisp liner off of one of the Ground Squirrels' bats. Kesner was not nearly as composed as the Rock Springs hurler... the ball was face high and the Mains' hurler recoiled with arms and legs flailing. Once Kesner was reminded what city and state he was in, play commenced.
The field at the New Life Christian Center was used for the first time as the Mains home yard. It features a large willow tree in the outfield. The willow came into play several times on the day causing frustration for the fielders but adding to the true feel of 1860’s ball as ballists of that era played anywhere they could with all obstacles being in play. Fortunately, for the Mains, the field is classicly vintage and the visiting Ground Squirrels noted on several occasions that it was indeed a true to the spirit vintage setting!
Hitting stars for the Mains on the day included Kevin 'Ace' Weber and Rich 'Boomer' Ritzheimer who shared duty as the rover (shortstop). Also, Derek 'Crazy Legs' Brandmeyer turned in his usual good play in left field except for the one sky ball he attempted to play just an instant after finding a ground hog hole with his left foot. All in all, it was a well played match by both clubs and the event was attended by many local Trenton cranks (fans). The Mains extend a hearty 'thank you' to all the local residents who shared some of their Sunday afternoon at the ball field!

The Mains and Ground Squirrels would like to again thank the New Life Christian Center, Chris Arentsen, the Trenton Sesquicentennial Committee, as well as Whitey Kues for their help in making this a successful day.
The Mains greatly appreciate the cooperation of both Mr. Arentsen and Mr. Wutzler in helping the Mains hold this match. A heartfelt 'Huzzah' is extended to both fine gentlemen!

The Mains next action will be on August 29th in Florissant, Missouri against our friends, the St. Louis Unions.