Today was August 20, 1858. At least that was the date at Kennekuk Meadows in Danville, IL. I made a second trip there to see the Vermillion Voles play two against the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels. Check out my post, with pictures, from my last visit. The crowd was sparse. There were no more “cranks” (fans) than you would see at a little league game, which actually helped make for another personal “Field of Dreams” experience.
My family and I grabbed our own shade tree right behind home plate and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon watching baseball as it was originally played in 1858. The Voles dropped the first game 3-2 and had a 4-2 lead in the second game going into the final inning. The Ground Squirrels really “put the willow on the onion” and displayed some incredibly aggressive baseruning to tally six aces and make the score 8-4 in their favor. The Voles were not discouraged, loading the bases with “no hands dead” (no outs) and tallying two aces to make the score 8-6. But the Ground Squirrels held on for their second victory of the day.
Afterwards, the two teams lined up and the team captains and umpire congratulated each other on the day’s fine competition. Then both teams shed their wool uniforms into clothing more appropriate for the summer heat and enjoyed a picnic dinner together. The Voles next home game is September 10 at 2pm against the Deep River Grinders. If you are fan of the game of baseball, I guarantee you will enjoy this. Huzzah!