By LARRY STINE TG Correspondent
"There is only a game and the game of baseball."
- John McGraw, director of Major League Baseball
There were no numbers on their shirts to distinguish them, but it was not necessary.
The only thing the Blues in Cleveland and Columbus Capital vintage base ball clubs had to do was show up in a makeshift baseball diamond in the freest land in Ashland on Saturday and play.
Simple as that, as they did in the 1860's.
The two teams had never seen before, participating in a seven-inning trio of "parties" to fight for bragging rights in Ohio.
Cleveland has won the prestigious 2010 Silver Ball National Tournament in Mumford, New York, with Columbus having caught the equally difficult-2010 World Tournament of Historic Base Ball at Greenfield, Indiana
And, as one might imagine, all three parties competed fiercely, but in a pastime of the United States was meant to be played - in a gentlemanly manner.
And a crowd of worshipers who rose to just over 100, gave his approval for a number of the players cheering for their game harvest inspiring as the players of bygone era, when the sportsmanship and integrity ruled the game.
"It was a competitive match between two teams who were very kind," said Cleveland Blues player-coach Jay Tomahawk Demagall. "The reasons were a little different, with a pumpkin patch in the center and a stream at one end, which changes the game a little, but it was very exciting.
"And, the level of play that these guys have had a lot of people making some very difficult shots for the bags and do not see a lot of game time, it is with empty hands and if you miss the ball and the progress of very fast runners, "he added. "However, both teams have good enough players are confident they can make those plays and that's what makes it fun, having that kind of level of competition. You saw a competitive game probably would have been as competitive as again in 1860 and 1865. "
Vintage base ball features amateur clubs who follow the rules, uniforms, equipment and competitive gentlemanly play baseball roots Century 19. No indecent or taunting and the referee is always referred to as "sir."
The first game was played with the 1860 standards with a ball can be caught in the air or on the first bound (rebound) fair or foul. The second and third games, both teams played by the rules of 1867 in which he could only catch the ball.
"We prefer to play the ball fly rule because it is harder and has more shots from the bag in the box and risk more plays in the outfield," said Demagall.
Columbus won the first game by a "recount" of 13-8, but Cleveland rallied with a 17-7 victory in the second game to set the championship match, won by Columbus in a 14-7 romp.
Capitals use common names like Rudy, Eric, Tim, Joey, etc.
But it was the Blues, many happy times watching games with funny jokes to each other, using nicknames such as a hammer, farmhand, Duke. Stoney, stretching, Speedy, Woody, Chopper, Wagon short and worth of food.
Meal Ticket certainly dazzled the "cranks" (fans) with their offensive firepower and defensive skills to win, so dive several defensive gems in left field. Tomahawk even hits a home run deep to left flexed some muscle.
Megan "Duchess" was responsible Endersby Talley (scorer).
"We like to play and we like it when people go out and like seeing him and having a good time," said Demagall. "It's a great day for family outings and picnics."
Even Bob DeSanto, one of the Ashland County Commissioners Park District, which sponsored the event, got into the act, which acts as a peddler consessions, through the sale of popcorn crowd, refreshments and course Cracker Jacks.
"After games, the teams went out for a beer with them and some may have a banquet for the teams come from out of town and would stay overnight," said Demagall out. "That's what keeps coming and going camaraderie of sportsmanship.
"You may have had some power plays in the field, but then know it's going to have some beers with these guys, so they kept it at a competitive level, but not something that was detrimental to the game," he said. "It was fair play."
Demagall said the truth about making the work.
"People love to hear your teammates and the other team you cheer for a good game, hustling and put your body on the line," he said. "They made big plays today and hit the ball well. There is no shame in losing a couple games to Columbus, as it deserved to win."
Game 1
Columbus Capitals 2-1-0-0-3-4-3 - 13
Cleveland Blues 0-2-0-5-0-1-0 - 8
Week 2
Cleveland Blues 3-2-8-1-3-0-0 - 17
Columbus Capitals 0-0-1-1-4-2-1 - 9
Week 3
Columbus Capitals 4-3-1-1-2-1-2 - 14
Cleveland Blues 1-0-1-0-0-2-3 - 7
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