MATCH RECAP: October 24, 2004 -Aviston, IL
vs. Aviston's Finest Gentlemen
Mains Split Matches With Aviston

On a picture perfect afternoon, the Trenton Mains split two games with Aviston. The match was played as part of the festivities at Aviston’s Octoberfest. Proceeds from this one-day event will go to make improvements on Father Kopff Field in Aviston. The games featured first time vintage ball players from Aviston who were fully into the spirit of the vintage game. The Mains were victorious in the first game, but the boys from Aviston won game two.

In the first game, Trenton pretty much controlled the game as the Aviston group was learning the ropes of bare-handed base ball. When all the aces were finally tallied the Mains had won by a score of 23-9.
In the second game of the day the opposite was true. The group from Aviston proved to be quick students and took to the nuances of the vintage game quite well. They took an early lead and then halted any and all attempts to rally that were forthcoming from the Mains. When the final hand was dead the scoreboard read: Aviston 10 – Trenton 8. In the spirit of good sportsmanship the teams shook hands at home and group pictures were taken to remember the day.
Aviston was lead in their efforts by several ballists who were skilled in all aspects of the game. They were Rocky Rakers, Skillet Haselhorst, Killer Kampwerth and Lefty Haselhorst. Trenton was lead in striking by Boomer Ritzheimer who was 6 for 7 on the day.
This match marks the end of the inaugural season for vintage base ball in the area. The Mains have had a very successful first season and are already making plans for 2005. The featured event in 2005 will be a vintage ball festival event as part of the Trenton Sesquicentennial in June.
Several teams will be invited to participate in a daylong celebration of early American base ball. The Mains will be holding planning meetings and fund raising events during the off-season and people are encouraged to participate and join the Mains in their efforts. The Mains will also be working with several other local communities who have shown interest in starting vintage teams of their own.
Finally, the Mains would like to thank everyone who helped make this first year so successful. Special thanks to the Trenton Chamber of Commerce, Trenton Sesquicentennial Committee, Trenton Sun, New Life Christian Center, and Mayor Conley. Thanks also to all the “one game wonders” who played, cranks (fans), and families who gave their time, energy, and resources to bring the Mains to life. “Huzzah” to all.