Today my family went to see the local vintage base ball team, the Vermilion Voles, take on friendly rivals Rock Springs Ground Squirrels at beautiful Kennekuk Park outside Danville, Illinois. It seems lately, it’s hard to find a parking spot at their ball field. That’s a pleasant inconvenience because I know people are coming out to watch the Voles.
When we got there midway through the first game, the Voles were unfortunately down 9-3. They did mount a rally in the seventh and last inning and put three aces across the plate to make it interesting but lost 9-6.
We thought we might get a chance to see a Voles win in game 2 when they broke a 4-4 tie in the 6th frame and made it 5-4. Alas, the Rock Springs Ground Squirrels scored a run to tie it in the last inning. Playing in extras, Rock Springs won it in the bottom of the 8th on a single ace.
For a hurler, Rock Springs had a member of the fairer gender.
Lately, Voles captain Jim Knoblauch who normally is the arbiter for the games, has taken to putting on a uniform and doing his part for the Voles.
A Rock Springs player crosses home plate and scores an ace.
Rita “Hustle” Hostetler may not be the best hitter on the Voles team but she’s probably the friendliest (even to the opposition).
Jim “Weed Eater” Knoblach knocks a two-base hit late in the second game.
Tally-keeper Ed “Hambone” Hamilton proves his versatility by singing “A Hurler’s Lament” between games to entertain the crowd.
A little girl asks the Voles players for their autographs. Don’t let it go to your heads, guys!
Finally, much thanks to Robert Hous who acted as arbiter for today’s games and did a great job!
Many more photos at The Baseball Zealot Photo Gallery. More info about the Vermilion Voles at their web site.
If you’re interested in seeing some vintage base ball and you are in the east central Illinois area, come to Uncle Joe’s Base Ball Jamboree next weekend.