Sandy Hook's to return to 1880's Style in '09
Oct. 29 - NEWTOWN
Following a two year experiment playing primarily 1860's style base ball, it was decided by the Newtown Sandy Hook Vintage Base Ball membership to revisit the 1880's and play a balanced schedule of 1860's, 70's and 80's style base ball in the upcoming '09 campaign. This along with the proposed opening of Colt Park in Hartford and the addition of experienced opponents from New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence should help the Sandy Hooks return to a more disciplined practice and enable the club to recruit serious talent who generally regard the '60's game as grandma's softball.
In '05 and '06 the Sandy Hooks had very good success playing the '70's and '80's style game but in ‘07 decided to sample the 60's game in an effort to balance the playing field and reduce wear and tear on the body. As it turned out the '60's game proved to cause more injuries and the 'softball' style of play made generally proficient ballists into sedentary slackers. ‘It was like they were playing in a stupor.’ said a long time student of the game. Batting averages went through the floor and frustration and indifference became the norm. Most speculate that hardly anyone prepares for a ‘softball’ game but when a ballist anticipates he is about to face an afternoon of overhand pitches coming across the dish, only the foolhardy will show up on gameday without visiting the local batting cage.
It is felt a well-rounded schedule highlighted by 1880’s style matches with established vintage clubs will inspire members to hone their skills and improve their technique and new members to look seriously as this compelling form of base ball that made the sport the ‘National Pastime’.
To help differentiate 80’s from 60’s style ball and to commemorate their return to the deadball era in ‘09, the Sandy Hooks will return to traditional knickers for all 80’s matches.
Openings are available for serious ballists who wish to play 1880’s style base ball. Contact ‘Shutta’ Shaw OR ‘Muhl’ Snyder for more information.
Following a two year experiment playing primarily 1860's style base ball, it was decided by the Newtown Sandy Hook Vintage Base Ball membership to revisit the 1880's and play a balanced schedule of 1860's, 70's and 80's style base ball in the upcoming '09 campaign. This along with the proposed opening of Colt Park in Hartford and the addition of experienced opponents from New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence should help the Sandy Hooks return to a more disciplined practice and enable the club to recruit serious talent who generally regard the '60's game as grandma's softball.
In '05 and '06 the Sandy Hooks had very good success playing the '70's and '80's style game but in ‘07 decided to sample the 60's game in an effort to balance the playing field and reduce wear and tear on the body. As it turned out the '60's game proved to cause more injuries and the 'softball' style of play made generally proficient ballists into sedentary slackers. ‘It was like they were playing in a stupor.’ said a long time student of the game. Batting averages went through the floor and frustration and indifference became the norm. Most speculate that hardly anyone prepares for a ‘softball’ game but when a ballist anticipates he is about to face an afternoon of overhand pitches coming across the dish, only the foolhardy will show up on gameday without visiting the local batting cage.
It is felt a well-rounded schedule highlighted by 1880’s style matches with established vintage clubs will inspire members to hone their skills and improve their technique and new members to look seriously as this compelling form of base ball that made the sport the ‘National Pastime’.
To help differentiate 80’s from 60’s style ball and to commemorate their return to the deadball era in ‘09, the Sandy Hooks will return to traditional knickers for all 80’s matches.
Openings are available for serious ballists who wish to play 1880’s style base ball. Contact ‘Shutta’ Shaw
posted by Newtown Sandy Hook Ballists at 5:52 PM
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