New York Gothams

1864

W 35-6

1864

W 25-9

Press: Newsday

Atlantic opened its 2013 season against the Gothams with a bang, banging out 68 hits to score 60 runs in a 35-6, 25-9 doubleheader sweep. After whitewashing Gotham in the first, Atlantic came to bat, scored 9 aces in its first, and just ran from there, scoring in every inning but the third. Dreambucket led the way, going 6 for 6 with a double and 2 triples. Shakespeare, with a double and triple, and Toothpick, with a double, each had 5 hits, while Wildhorse and Krawler (double, triple) each contributed 4 hits. Dirty Pirate and Blackjack added doubles, and Butcher had a triple. Hammy, between the lines, and the Atlantic defense held Gotham in check, as Hammy picked up the complete game victory.

The second game saw Gotham take a first inning lead with 3 runs off Tuna, but Atlantic scored 4 runs of its own in its half of the inning, then after holding Gotham scoreless in the 2nd, crossed the plate 11 times to surge ahead and coast to the victory, as Tuna and the Atlantic defense took control of the game. Dreambucket went 5 for 5 to complete a perfect 11 for 11 day at bat. Shakespeare had 4 more hits, and Toothpick, Dirty Pirate (double), Wildhorse (double), Butcher (triple), and Tuna (double) contributed 3 hits apiece to the Atlantic attack.

Next week Atlantic hosts the Flemington Neshanock and NY Mutuals on Saturday, April 13, in a round-robin contest that will feature 3 games, starting at 10 AM.

Flemington Neshanock

1864

W 25-5

Press:Verizon - Fios1

New York Mutuals

1864

W 28-11

It was a fine day in April with blue skies and base ball for the Atlantics this weekend as the Smithtown Gang hosted both the Flemington Neshanock and New York Mutuals. The loud cracks of the bat heard the previous weekend proved to be no fluke as the Atlantics flexed their offensive muscles again topping 25 runs in each match. The pride of the Atlantics, their defense, did bend however giving up double digit aces for the first time this season. In the first match featuring the Atlantics against a shorthanded Jersey squad, Brad "Brooklyn" Shaw pitched from between the lines for Flemington while Ed "Pigtail" Elmore tossed the leather sphere in the name of the Atlantics.

The Neshanock jumped on top early with two aces tallied in the first. Alas, that was the last time they would lead as the Atlantics capitalized on a fair share of hits and errors to tally seven aces in their half of the first inning and never looked back taking the first match by the score of 25-5. Replacing Pigtail in the later innings was Vincent "Tuna" Aurora and Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino who came in from left field to toss a scoreless final frame. Leading the Atlantic arsenal was Frank "Shakespeare" Van Zant with five hits in as many chances, the Dirty Pirate with four hits and four aces, and Dean "Dreambucket" Emma with four hits and three aces.

The midday match featured the Flemington Neshanock battling the New York Mutuals in a preview of next weeks NY/NJ Cup held at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Brooklyn returned to the pitching lines but this time facing off with Tom "Dirt" Fioriglio of the Mutuals. This contest was much more tightly contested as both squads put forth their best effort. In fact the outcome could not be decided within the standard 27 hands-down allowed per game and had to be settled in extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th frame the club from New Jersey tallied the winning ace and split their matches for the day to a final score of Flemington 13 - Mutuals 12.

The afternoon game between the Atlantics and Mutuals featured the return of Tuna to the middle of the diamond and "Bellmore Bill" Bogats tossing the ball for the Mutuals. The Mutuals, just like the Neshanock in their match against the Atlantics, tallied two aces in their first chance but would no longer hold the lead when the lads from Smithtown got their chance. The Atlantics tallied three in the first and ten in the second to take a commanding lead. The Mutuals were never despondent however as they continued to pluck away at the score with opportunistic scoring and eventually accumulated eleven aces off of the Atlantic staff which is the most so far this season. In the end the armaggedon-like Atlantic attack continued to operate in high efficiency accumulating twenty eight total aces before the last hand was recorded down. Tuna shone well in the bright light while pitching for the victory and racking up five hits and three aces. Following this was Greg "Hawk" Dengel who was on base in ten out of eleven at-bats, and Shakespeare with nine hits on the day. In the final match, George "Wildhorse" Ferchland, Matt "Krawler" Kouyoumdjian, and Kevin "Flash" Harrison all struck well with four hits each.

The Atlantic Base Ball Club plays next Saturday at Rahway River Park in Elizabeth, New Jersey at Noon against the ever resilient Resolute Base Ball Club of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Resolutes

1870

W 24-4

1873

W 12-6

The Atlantic Base Ball Club packed their carriages, fed the horses and hopped a ferry over to New Jersey to meet the Resolute Base Ball Club of Elizabeth on the green pastures of Rahway River Park. The Elizabeth club brought some new members to the fray as the Atlantic club with Ed "Pigtail" Elmore between the lines and a solid nine behind him put on a display of their defensive prowess limiting the oppositions tallies to a meager four aces. Meanwhile the Atlantics brought the same bats they have used the past two weekends to average twenty five tallies a match and put them to good use scoring 24 aces in their first "fly game" of the season. Opposing the Atlantics was Danny Jurgens who mixed his pitches but couldn't seem to avoid having the ball land where his fielders weren't.

As the match went on Pigtail was replaced by veteran Marc "Nice & Easy" Josloff who did a fine job of keeping the batters off balance and even picked off an over ambitious Elizabeth baserunner only to be denied the out by an errant toss from a tall Atlantic Firstbaseman who shall remain nameless. Leading the Atlantic onslaught were the third baseman Frank "Shakespeare" Van Zant and rightfielder George "Wildhorse" Ferchland with three hits a piece. Following quickly behind them around the bases were Nice & Easy, Matt "Krawler" Kouyoumdjian, Dean "Dreambucket" Emma and Kevin "Flash" Harrison with two hits each.

The second match, this time to the rules of base ball as they were recorded in 1873, was quickly arranged with a change in sphere tossers by both teams. Elizabeth elected to trot Danny Marcus in from right field to try and suppress the Atlantic bats, something no other pitcher this season has been able to do. And a fine job he did holding the Atlantics to a season low 12 aces, half the amount of the previous game. Opposing him was Frank "Hammy" Obidienzo who threw the complete game victory as the Resolutes could not muster enough aces when it mattered most.

With the Atlantic Attack misfiring on offense in the early innings, the Elizabeth team started to gain confidence and rallied in the sixth inning to draw the score to within one. They were on the verge of breaking out in the top of the seventh with runners on all the bases, no hands down and a chance to change their fortunes when Hammy, using his wiley craftiness, convinced the next three Elizabeth batters to pop the ball straight up, foul it back to the catcher and pop it up to the shortstop and end the rally. Elizabeth was not done as Paul "Quickstep" Salomone drove a strong line drive to right center but it was too late as the Atlantics tallied five aces in the seventh and eighth to pull away. Flash lead the Atlantic lineup with three hits including two doubles, while Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino, Sean "Toothpick" Ness, Dreambucket and Krawler also produced two hits each.

On the day, both Pigtail and Hammy picked up victories as the Atlantics return home to Smithtown to play the Providence Grays in an overhand/underhand doubleheader next Saturday April 27th beginning at 11:00 AM. Fans of the vintage game may also meet the Atlantics while they attend the Merrick Kids Fair this Sunday April 28th.

Providence Grays

1864

W 22-1

1884

W 16-1

The Atlantic Base Ball Club welcomed the Providence Grays back to the Smithtown Historical Society Grounds this weekend to celebrate the first match played between these two clubs fifteen long years ago. Although only a few members of each team have withstood the test of time all of our members appreciate the commraderie and fellowship of the vintage game that has brought us together. A moderate temperature with sunny skies brought fine playing conditions while the dry ground from lack of recent precipitation made the ball bounce higher than usual for this time of year.

The first match was an underhand 1864 contest and saw the Grays strike first scoring one ace tallied in their inital set of chances. The Atlantics quickly tied it in their half of the first and the score remained tied until the third when the Atlantic onslaught began. Four tallies in the third, one in the fifth, and five in the sixth inning put the game out of reach as the Atlantic Defense showed their mettle displaying for all to witness their soft sure hands and quick feet. Vincent "Tuna" Aurora kept the Grays off of the scoreboard by tossing six whitewashes after that first inning and this was followed by Frank "Hammy" Obidienzo pitching another two goose eggs to finish the game.

Leading the Atlantic Attack was Hammy, Frank "Shakespeare" Van Zant, Dean "Dreambucket" Emma and Kevin "Flash" Harrison with three hits each. Striking equally well were George "Blackjack" Pappas with two doubles, and Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino, George "Wildhorse" Ferchland and Tuna with two hits each. "Tricky Rick" Stattler succeeded in quenching his taste for revenge against his former team by tagging a finely struck double in the middle of one of the Atlantics rallies.

A second game was set about to the rules of base ball in 1884. In this era of base ball the pitchers were no longer restricted to underhand throwing motions and batters could request high or low zones in which to strike but the pitcher had a count of six balls and three strikes in which to determine the outcome of the at-bat.

The Atlantics sent veteran righthander Shakespeare between the wooden discs as our pitcher for the Atlantics first overhand match of the season. Shakespeare was equal to the task and backed by some tremendous defense tossed a complete game allowing only a single run to cross the plate. Widely considered the toughest position to play in the overhand game, the Atlantic catcher for this game was poached from the Brooklyn Eckfords squad for a six-pack of barley water. Lassie did not only a fine job behind the plate but stroked two hits including a double.

The Atlantics struck first with two out in the bottom of the first as Dreambucket singled, stole second base and made it home on a flare into short rightfield by Flash. Both teams put their defense on display for a few innings before the Grays tied the score at one in the fourth inning. Not to be dismayed the Atlantics struck back quickly with five runs in their half of the fourth and four more in the fifth.

A number of Atlantics had notable games, Shakespeare not only kept the Grays off balance with his mixture of fast and knuckling balls, but struck two hits and scored two aces to help his own cause. Dreambucket smashed a homerun through the trees in right-center field and tallied four runs. Wildhorse and Flash each had two hits, while Blackjack and Tuna each had two runs. Late in the game the Atlantics threatened to blow the match wide open with the bases loaded and the resident muffin Matt "Krawler" Kouyoumdjian strolled off of first base while Grays Captain Brian Travers held the ball hidden. Moments later the third out of the inning was recorded as Brian lightly rested the ball on Krawlers shoulder. The final outs of the match came on another fine defensive play as Anthony "Willy Mo" Stelmach caught a soft, but difficult to field, line drive and doubled-up the Grays runner at first by a quick toss over to Flash before he could return.

Essex Base Ball Club

1864

L 16-14

Flemington Neshanock

1864

W 16-5

Flemington Neshanock

1864

W 19-6

Essex Base Ball Club

1864

W 16-5

Atlantic traveled up to Cooperstown at the invite of the Essex BBC to participate in a round-robin tournament with the Flemington Neshanock also on hand. The games were played at the Ommegang Brewery, and the beautiful Saturday weather attracted a large crowd. Atlantic faced Essex in the first game, and as usual with Essex, the game proved to be a tough fight throughout, as the lead changed hands many times. Essex scored a run in the 9th to go ahead 12-10, but in the bottom of the 9th, Billy Goat and Willy Mo were on second and third with 2 outs when Tuna came through with a clutch hit to tie the score and send it into extra innings. Atlantic could not contain Essex as they scored 4 runs in their 10th, and then Atlantic scored twice in its 10th, but fell short, losing its first game of the year, 16-14. Dreambucket, with a double, triple, and home run, and Shakespeare and Toothpick each had 3 hits for Atlantic, and Tuna contributed 2 hits .

In the second match, Atlantic faced Neshanock, and after tossing them a goose-egg in the first, wasted no time in taking control of the game, scoring 12 times in its first and coasting to a 16-5 victory. Dreambucket had 3 hits to lead Atlantic, while Dirty Pirate, Shakespeare, Hammy, and Tuna each picked up 2 hits. Pigtail was between the lines and picked up the win.

Essex and Neshanock played each other the last game on Saturday and the first game on Sunday, with Neshanock taking both games, shutting out Essex in the Sunday game.

Sunday morning greeted us with clouds and a slight drizzle, but by the time we were ready to play, the rain had subsided. Atlantic first faced Neshanock this day, again using big innings to surge ahead, scoring 5 in the first, 8 in the third, and 4 in the 5th, to take the match 19-6. Willy Mo led Atlantic with a 4 for 4 game, and Krawler and Toothpick had 3 hits apiece. Dreambucket, Shakespeare, Hammy, and Pigtail added 2 hits each. Pigtail also picked up the victory in this game.

The final match saw Hammy take to the lines to avenge the previous day's loss to Essex. He gave up a run in the top of the first, but before Essex could plate 4 more runs in its 5th, Atlantic already had a 15-1 lead. Atlantic added a final run in its 5th, then held Essex for the 16-5 victory. Dreambucket went 4 for 4 for Atlantic, and Tuna continued his fine hitting weekend with 3 more hits, while Toothpick, Hawk, Hammy, and Pigtail each had 2 hits. Hammy had avenged the loss and notched the victory.

Diamond State Base Ball Club

1864

W 13-4

1864

W 8-2

After being washed out at Governor's Island on Saturday, Atlantic hosted the Diamond State BBC on Sunday at Atlantic Park. Diamond State, being one of the better vintage teams around, always gives Atlantic a big challenge, but the Atlantic defense showed up huge this week, holding Diamond State to just 6 runs over the 2 games. In the first game, Diamond State cashed in 2 aces in the first to jump ahead, with Atlantic tallying one in each of the first 2 innings to stay even. After Diamond State scored another in its 3rd, Atlantic drew back even in its 4th. The Atlantic defense then shut down Diamond State with 5 goose-eggs, allowing a just a single run in the 8th. By then, Atlantic had taken a commanding lead, scoring 4 in the 5th, 2 in the 6th, and 4 more in the 7th to gain a 13-4 victory. Dirty Pirate had 3 hits, while Dreambucket, Shakespeare, Toothpick, Willy Mo, and Hammy each contributed 2 hits. Tuna tossed well between the lines to gain the victory.

In the second game, Diamond State again jumped out first, scoring once. Atlantic answered with 2 in its first, 2 in its 2nd, and another 1 in its 3rd. Diamond State tried to counter, but was held to just 1 run in its 4th, and the Atlantic defense took charge again, tossing nothing but goose-eggs. Atlantic added 3 runs in its 5th, taking an 8-2 victory sweep. Dirty Pirate again had 3 hits, including a triple, as did Dreambucket with 3 hits and a triple also. Shakespeare added 2 hits, and Tuna again controlled the pitching lines to gain his team-leading 5th victory.

Brooklyn Eckfords

1864

W 7-6

1864

L 5-3

The Atlantics turned their carriages to a haven for vintage ball enthusiasts, the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. It was there that the Atlantics battled their Brooklyn nemesis the Eckford Base Ball Club. The first match pitted Eric Miclich of the Eckfords against George 'Blackjack' Pappas of the Atlantics in a well tossed game that was too close to be decided in the usual 27 Hands Lost. The games began with Dean "Dreambucket" Emma skillfully winning the bat toss against Eckfords Captain Al 'Rocky' Belbol and choosing to take the field first.

The Atlantics started strong by retiring the first three Eckford batters and then consequently tallying four aces in the bottom of the first inning. Consecutive singles by Sean 'Toothpick' Ness, Frank 'Shakespeare' Van Zant, and Dreambucket, along with a hit by Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino and double by George 'Wildhorse' Ferchland brought the Atlantics runners across the plate. However the Eckfords were not dismayed and clawed their way back into it with two aces in the second, one in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth to take a 6-4 lead. The Eckford defense did a servicable job keeping the Atlantic offense off the scoreboard in seven of the ten innings played. Unfortunately for the Eckfords their offense couldn't keep up as the Atlantic defense didn't allow another run this match.

To lead off the seventh Toothpick started the Atlantics with a double and was brought home by Shakespeare's single, and who in turn was brought home by Dreambucket's struck ball to rightfield that was misplayed. With a tie game the pressure was on for each team to keep the opposing batters off of the bases and although Matt 'Krawler' Kouyoumdjian and Vincent 'Tuna' Aurora slapped back-to-back singles in the eighth they couldn't make it home. Finally in the bottom of the tenth frame the top of the Atlantic order reappeared and with yet another double by Toothpick and single by Shakespeare the final ace was tallied when Kevin 'Flash' Harrison drove an outside pitch past the Eckfords rightfielder.

The second match began with the Eckfords taking an early lead scoring one ace in the first and two more in the third before the Atlantic offense could recapitulate. This was a fast moving game featuring Eric Miclich pitching his second game, and Marc 'Nice & Easy' Josloff tossing the sphere for the Atlantics from between the lines.

The fifth inning saw the Atlantics finally get to Miclich as Dreambucket hit a liner off the pitcher to reach base safely followed by a homerun by Flash to tally two aces and close to within one of the Eckfords. The Eckfords scored once more in the seventh on a fly ball to rightfield as the runner tagging from third base was safe at home on a high throw but the Atlantics answered right back with one of their own as Krawler took advantage of some Eckfords defensive miscues to round the bases and bring the score to Eckfords 4 Atlantics 3. Alas, that was all the aces the Atlantics would tally this day and for good measure the Eckfords tallied one more in the eighth inning to take the second game and split the double header by the score of 5 to 3.

On the day Toothpick, Shakespeare and Wildhorse led the Atlantics with three hits each, followed by the Dirty Pirate, Dreambucket and Flash with two hits a piece. Blackjack got the win in the first game while Nice & Easy took the loss in the second.

The Atlantics have a busy weekend coming up as Saturday June 8th will celebrate Old Dutch Day at the Smithtown Historical Society with the Talbot Fairplay Base Ball Club from Maryland and the Providence Grays. A round-robin setup has been announced and spectators will see games played from the eras of baseball ranging from the 1860's through 1880's. The first match starts at 10:00 AM sharp. Following that up is a trip by carriage and train to the vineyards of Connecticut to take on the Newtown Sandy Hooks beginning at 11:00 AM.

Fairplay Base Ball Club

1864

W 14-8

Providence Grays

1884

W 13-12

Although threatened by flashfloods and torrential downpours the brave Fairplay Base Ball Club of Talbot Maryland traveled through the night to join the Atlantics and Providence Grays in Smithtown to celebrate together the lasting legacy of Al 'Old Dutch' Dieckmann.

In a round-robin that spanned the developmental years of base ball each team played the others in turn demonstrating the game from the era of the Civil War until the building of the Statue of Liberty. The first match between the home team, Atlantics and the furthest traveling team, the Fairplays started off with a bang as the Fairplays brought their hitting shoes scoring three aces in the first and taking a four to one lead into the third inning. The Atlantics would not let the Fairplays get too far ahead scoring aces in the second, third and fourth innings but it wasn't until with the Fairplays ahead 5-3 in the seventh that that Atlantic barrage began.

Five aces scored off of Fairplay pitcher Rob 'Pi' Watkins in the seventh was followed by six more in the eighth. Yet even this offensive attack was not enough to dampen the Fairplays resolve as they began their own counterassault tallying three aces in the ninth as their last hand went down by the score of 14 to 8.

Dean 'Dreambucket' Emma drilled four hits around the diamond and was backed up by Sean 'Toothpick' Ness, Greg 'Hawk' Dengel and George 'Wildhorse' Ferchland with two hits each. Frank 'Hammy' Obidienzo kept the Talbot batters reaching so the Atlantic defense could do its job. On the other side the Fairplays displayed fine defense by their short shortstop Brian Lynch and third baseman Joe Jordan forcing the Atlantic bats to find small holes in their defense. Fairplays catcher Brett 'Jailer' Cover had some fine hands behind the plate nabbing many a ticked sphere for a FB2 to the shagrin of many an Atlantic batter.

The middle game featured the two visiting squads playing an 1864 game. The Talbot team lead after one inning by the score of four to two. The New Englanders had their way in the second and third innings scoring five aces each time. Good defense kept the scoring down after that until the final inning where some sloppy defense allowed more Gray aces. The middle game went to Providence by the score of 15-9.

The third match was between the Atlantics and Providence in an 1884 game. Frank 'Shakespeare' Van Zant went to the chalk box in the middle of the field to represent the Atlantics while Matt 'Krawler' Kouyoumdjian started behind the plate. Opposing them was Charlie 'Suds' Dryer and Tony Hoffmann from the Grays.

This back and forth contest saw scoring in almost every inning. The Grays and Atlantics were tied after one and the Grays lead 6-4 after three innings had passed. One run for the Grays in the top of the sixth followed by two Atlantic runs in the bottom saw the score tied again. With runs in the seventh and three in the eighth the Atlantics thought they had sealed the victory. But these Grays showed much gumption by hitting hard the pitches of a tiring Shakespeare to score four aces in the ninth and extend the game.

Never giving up the Grays then took the lead in the top of the tenth. This time a tiring Suds had to face the top of the Atlantic lineup but only saw the first three batters. Toothpick and Shakespeare reached base and were promptly sent home as Dreambucket hit a game-winning drive into the right-centerfield treeline. This match went to the Atlantics 13-12 in the 10th inning.

The Atlantics travel to Newtown Connecticut tomorrow to play the Sandy Hooks at McLaughlin Vineyards in a double-header beginning at 10:30 AM.

Newtown Sandy Hooks

1864

W 7-5

1864

L 8-7

Atlantic took to the road again, this time north to picturesque McLaughlin Vineyard in Newtown to face the Sandy Hooks. This day would feature two 1864 games, played by two teams with excellent defensive skills, and both defenses showed up, with nary a double-digit score in either game. After blanking Sandy Hook in its first, Atlantic put across 3 runs in its turn, highlighted by a triple off the bat of Dreambucket. Sandy Hook answered immediately with 3 runs of its own. Goose-eggs abounded until the bottom of the 5th, when Atlantic squeezed home an ace, but Sandy Hook answered that with one in its 6th. Atlantic then plated 2 in its 6th and another in its 7th to take the lead, 7-4. Sandy Hook tried to come back in its 9th, but Atlantic held firm, allowing a single run, to capture the victory, 7-5. Dreambucket had 2 hits and 2 aces to lead the Atlantic squad, and Pigtail picked up the victory.

The second match started off in a similar fashion, Atlantic blanking Sandy Hook in the first and then plating 3 runs in its half. After a scoreless 2nd inning, Sandy Hook jumped ahead with a 4-run 3rd inning, but Atlantic tied it in the bottom half, then scored again in the 4th to go one up. Sandy Hook tied it in its 5th, then after several more goose-eggs were tossed, scored in its 8th to take the lead. Atlantic was stymied. Sandy Hook then scored twice in the 9th to go up by 3 runs. Dirty Pirate led off the 9th with a double, and after the first hand was retired scoring the run, Dreambucket singled as did Shakespeare, sending home the second run, but after 2 steals of 2nd and 3rd, Shakespeare was left standing at third as the final 2 outs were recorded, giving the Sandy Hooks an 8-7 victory and a split of the games. Dirty Pirate had a double and a triple for Atlantic, which was held to just 8 hits this game.

Next up for Atlantic, a weekend away, in Harpers Ferry, WV on the 23rd to face the Keystone BBC, and Easton, MD on the 24th to face Talbot and Elkton.

Harrisburg Keystones

1864

W 19-9

1864

W 11-3

Atlantic made its first trip ever to the state of West Virginia to start a weekend of 4 games in 2 days. The Keystone BBC of Harrisburg invited Atlantic to be their guests at a special event in Harpers Ferry, a small quaint town with a large history in the Civil War. In the first match, Atlantic used three big innings, a 5-run 3rd, a 5-run 4th, and a 7-run 6th to ease into a 19-9 victory. Dreambucket, with 3 doubles, a triple, and 3 aces, and Shakespeare, with a double and 3 aces, led the way for Atlantic with 4 hits apiece. Hawk added 3 hits and 3 aces, as Pigtail gained the victory.

The second match proved to be a better defensive game by both teams. Hammy held Keystone scoreless over the first 5 innings, while Atlantic scored twice in its first and once in its 4th. After Atlantic took a 6-0 lead with 3 runs in the 5th, Keystone got on the scoreboard, but with a single run, which Atlantic immediately took back. Atlantic then put together a 4-run 8th to surge ahead. Keystone attempted to mount a comeback in the 9th, scoring twice before their fire was extinquished. Nice&Easy had 3 hits for Atlantic, and Hawk, Willy Mo, Dreambucket, and Toothpick had 2 hits each, as Hammy picked up the 11-3 victory.

Fairplay Base Ball Club

1864

L 8-6

Elkton Eclipse

1864

L 19-5

Atlantic traveled east on Sunday to help the Talbot Fair Plays celebrate 'Curly Day', in memory of their fallen leader. The Elkton Eclipse joined in for a round-robin afternoon. Atlantic faced the Fair Plays in the first match, one of the better teams around, that has always resulted in a close contest. Atlantic drew first blood, scoring 3 in its first and 2 more in its 2nd. Talbot fought back, scoring once in its 3rd, twice in its 4th, once in its 5th, and once again in its 6th to even the game at 5 apiece. Talbot held Atlantic scoreless from the 3rd to the 8th, displaying all of their defensive talents, the struck for 3 runs in its 8th to take the lead. Atlantic mounted a threat in its 9th, scoring once and loading the bases with 2 hands down, but Talbot stood tall and retired the third hand to gain the hard-fought 8-6 victory. Hawk, Willy Mo, and Shakespeare had 2 hits each for Atlantic, as the offense sputtered this day.

After a short memorial for 'Curly' by the Fair Play captain, the games resumed, with Atlantic taking on the Elkton Eclipse. The Eclipse came prepared to give Atlantic a good game, and started right from the beginning, scoring twice in its first. Atlantic answered with 2 aces of its own, but the Eclipse continued, adding 2 runs in the 2nd and 2 more in the 3rd. Atlantic could not get its offense going, remaining scoreless for 7 straight innings. Meanwhile, the Eclipse added 4 runs in its 5th, another in its 8th, and put the game away with an 8-run 9th. Atlantic pushed across 3 runs in its 9th, too little too late, and went down to the Eclipse in a 19-5 pounding. Dreambucket had 2 singles, a double, and a triple to try to spark Atlantic, but Shakespeare and Toothpick, with 2 hits each, were the only other Atlantics to muster anything much at the plate.

Atlantic plays next in Byram, NJ, against the Hoboken Nine, on Saturday, June 29.

Hoboken Nine

1864

W 19-6

1864

W 30-11

Atlantic traveled to Waterloo Village in New Jersey to face the Hoboken Nine for the first time. After shutting down the Nine in the first inning, Atlantic went right to work, scoring 6 times to take a commanding lead. The inning featured triples by both Dreambucket and Tuna. After exchanging 2 runs in the third, Atlantic exploded for an 8-run 4th inning, to go up 16-2, then coasted to a 19-6 victory. Shakespeare and Dreambucket each had 4 hits and 3 aces to lead Atlantic, while Toothpick, Wildhorse, and Hammy contributed 2 hits apiece. Hammy picked up the victory.

The second match began in a similar fashion, with Atlantic shutting down the Nine, then scoring 5 times to take the lead. After the Nine drew close at 6-5 in the top of the 4th, Atlantic tallied 6 times in its half. The Nine didn't quit, scoring 3 in the 5th, but Atlantic put the game out of reach in its 6th with a 10-run barrage. The final tally was 30-11, with Tuna being the recipient of the Atlantic offense to pick up the victory. Dreambucket went 6 for 6, with 2 doubles and 4 aces. Shakespeare and Willy Mo each had 4 hits, and Toothpick and Wildhorse had 3 hits apiece.

Hoboken Nine

1864

W 22-3

New York Mutuals

1864

W 14-6

Atlantic made the short trip to OBVR to play in a 3-way round-robin with the Hoboken Nine and the Mutuals. First up was the Nine, and Atlantic again put together big innings to coast to victory, with 6 aces in the 2nd, 5 aces in the 4th, and 6 more aces in the 6th, to take the match 22-3. Toothpick led the attack with 5 hits, scoring 4 times. Shakespeare and Willy Mo had 3 hits apiece, as Pigtail gained the victory.

After the Mutual-Nine match, Atlantic took the field against the Mutuals. Nice&Easy stepped between the lines this game, and pitched well, recording his first victory of the season. The game remained close through the top of the 8th, with Atlantic ahead 8-6, but then the offense came to life, crossing the plate 6 times to take the match 14-6. Shakespeare led Atlantic with 4 hits, and Blackjack and Willy Mo had 3 hits each.

Saginaw Old Golds

1864

L 6-4

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Columbus Capitals

1864

W 12-9

Press: Penn Live:Best Nicknames in Vintage Base Ball

Bay City Independents

1864

W 5-0

Article on Gettysburg Festival

Cleveland Blues

1864

W 3-1

Milford Excelsiors

1864

W 9-6

From July 1-3 in 1863 the largest battle to have ever occurred on American soil took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Considered by many to be the turning point in the Civil War the fields, farms and hills fought over have become a national park. As our nation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the battle this year vintage base ball teams from around the country journeyed to play ball on a portion of these same fields which were fought over so vailiantly many years ago.

The Atlantics traveled to Gettysburg for a weekend festival against the best teams in the country. Up first was a match against the Saginaw Old Golds who defeated the Atlantics the year prior. Frank 'Hammy' Obidienzo took to the pitching lines and was helped by a two run lead in the first innning but Saginaw's defense kept the Atlantics to only seven hits total in this game. Fine defense by both squads kept runners off the bases but Saginaw scored a run in the ninth to go ahead 6-3. The Atlantics tallied one more ace but fell short to a very good Saginaw team. George "Wildhorse" Ferchland lead the team with two hits, while Dean "Dreambucket" Emma had one hit, four steals and two aces.

The second match was against our good friends the Columbus Capitals. Ed "Pigtail" Elmore pitched the game as the Capitals struck first with a single ace in the top of the first inning. The Atlantics bats finally awoke striking for three aces in the first, two in the second, two in the third and one in the fourth to build an 8-2 lead through four innings of play. Columbus never gave up scoring seven of their own over the last four innings but the Atlantics were able to tally some as well and took the 12-9 victory. Frank "Shakespeare" Van Zant, Greg "Hawk" Dengel, Billy "Goat" Kowalczyk, Anthony "Willy Mo" Stelmach and Dreambucket led the Atlantics with two hits each.

After a break where Dreambucket and Sean "Toothpick" Ness umpired matches between other clubs from as far as Michigan, Ohio, and Maryland the Atlantics next challenged the Bay City Independents to a final game of the day. Bay City had just squeaked out a nailbiter with the Flemington Neshanock 16-14. Hammy and the defense shut down the Bay City team, although they had many base runners they were never able to cross homeplate. The Bay City squad excelled in the field as well keeping the Atlantics to only seven hits and five aces tallied but that would be enough for the 5-0 victory.

After a respite at the local inn the Atlantics were called upon to duel the Cleveland Blues the following morning. Cleveland struck the ball hard and well but too often within the range of the Atlantic fielders. Solid defense on both sides lead to the lowest scoring match of the weekend. The Blues lone tally came on a deep flyout to center where the fielder slipped after catching the ball allowing the speedy Cleveland runner to score from first base in the sixth inning to take the 1-0 lead. The Atlantics would not round the bases until the bottom of the eigth inning when the pressure of a shutout loomed. The top of the Atlantic lineup came through and scored three aces to put the pressure back on Cleveland. Despite their best efforts the Atlantic defense held on and claimed victory 3-1 in what umpire Scott Marino said was "the best vintage base ball game I've seen all year!"

In the final match of the weekend for the Atlantics we played a new club from Maryland, the Milford Excelsiors. The Atlantic bats put on the pressure as they scored in every inning except the first and eighth. With a 9-4 lead after eight innings Milford threatened in the ninth to turn the tide. The first three batters reached with the first runner scoring, leaving two runners on base with no outs. The next striker smashed a shot to right center which Tooth ran down for a bound out with a run scoring. He then fired a strike to Bucket who fired a strike to Mo to nail the runner at home on a close play, for a double play. Hammy then retired the next batter to seal the victory. Shakespeare, Willy Mo, and "Tricky" Rick Stattler each had two hits, while Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino contributed a double and Dreambucket smashed a homerun.

Overall the Atlantics took on some of the finest clubs in the country and had a great time doing so. The Atlantics next play the Brooklyn Eckfords at the Smithtown Historical Society on Saturday July 27th at 11:00 AM

Brooklyn Eckfords

1864

W 10-4

Brooklyn Eckfords

1864

W 4-3

The Atlantics met the Eckfords for a Long Island match-up at the Smithtown Historical Society this past Saturday. The Eckford squad tried out some new players for this doubleheader and faced an experienced pitcher in Marc "Nice&Easy" Josloff. The Eckfords scored first in the second inning but were equaled by the Atlantics soon after and although they would score in the fourth inning to again take the lead it would not be enough. The Atlantics put four across the plate that inning followed by three more the next and roll to a 10-4 victory. Both teams had a mix of excellent and poor defensive plays. Dean "Dreambucket" Emma led the Atlantics with three hits including a double, and was followed by Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino, George "Wildhorse" Ferchland, and Nice & Easy with two hits each.

The second match showed both teams defensive prowess. The Eckfords took an early 2-0 lead but couldn't hold on to it as the Atlantics whittled away and finally took the lead in the fifth inning. The Eckfords tallied once more in the sixth but that would be all as the Atlantics held on for the 4-3 victory. Against the stingy Eckford Defense the Atlantics only cracked four hits. The Dirty Pirate, "Tricky" Rick Stattler, Sean "Toothpick" Ness, and Billy "Goat" Kowalczyk swung their bats solidly. Nice & Easy pitched the complete game for his second victory of the day.

The Atlantics next play an exhibition game in Coney Island at MCU Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Atlantics will be playing the Elizabeth Resolutes beginning at 3:30PM.

Elizabeth Resolutes

1864

W 3-2

The Atlantics brought base ball back to Brooklyn on Sunday as they hosted the Elizabeth Resolutes in an exhibition of the national pastime to a large crowd gathered for the Brooklyn Cyclones home match later that afternoon at MCU Park in Coney Island.

Mike 'Fatts' Caliendo and Matt 'Krawler' Kouyoumdjian called the plays and explained the rule differences from the PA Booth, Rafael 'Wickets' Garcia spoke to the fans on the concourse and Ed 'Pigtail' Elmore enforced the rules of base ball as they were played in Brooklyn in 1864. Elizabeth managed a base runner in the first against Atlantic pitcher Marc 'Nice & Easy' Josloff but could not move him around the bases. Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino started the Atlantic rally in the bottom of the first with a single and then promptly stole second base. Dean 'Dreambucket' Emma stroked another single to move him to third and Kevin 'Flash' Harrison scored him from third on a bound out to the left fielder. Billy 'Goat' Kowalczyk followed that with a clean single to score the second ace of the inning.

While the Atlantic defense continued to suppress the Elizabeth bats the Atlantic offense came through again in the third inning as Chris 'Pup' Parente singled and Dreambucket hit the ball solidly for a stand-up double scoring Pup all the way from first base. With a three ace lead the pressure was on Elizabeth who kept threatening with long outs to the outfield. Finally in the fifth inning Elizabeth put their hits together and scored two times closing the score to 3-2. With a strict time limit the exhibition game was called after the bottom of the fifth inning and the match ended to the cheers of the crowd.

Next weekend the Atlantics play a round-robin of overhand and underhand matches against the Providence Grays and Elizabeth Resolutes at the Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island and then travel to Connecticut to take on the New London Thames at Fort Trumbull State Park on Sunday.

Providence Grays

1884

W 23-12

Elizabeth Resolutes

1864

W 9-5

The Atlantics started their weekend road trip heading towards the Ocean State and the Moses Brown School in eastern Providence. There they took part in a round-robin against the resident Providence Grays and the Elizabeth Resolutes with whom the Atlantics had just played the weekend before at MCU Park in Coney Island.

The team from New Jersey defeated the hosts in an 1873 match before the Grays took on the Atlantics in an overhand 1884 bout.

The Grays started the game scoring two runs in the top of the first on a couple of uncharacteristic Atlantic errors but the Atlantics struck right back with five runs of their own off of Providence pitcher Charlie 'Suds' Dryer. Unfazzed, the Providence offense took Atlantics pitcher Frank 'Shakespeare' Van Zant to task scoring four more runs in the second inning to regain the lead. Finally the Atlantic defense showed up and they brought their bats with them. Two white washes for the Grays followed four aces each in the third and fourth innings. A change of pitcher to Connor Hoffman for the Grays could only slow the Atlantic offense down as they tallied ten more runs over the remaining innings. The Grays kept up the pressure by scoring six runs over the last five innings but would fall by the score of 23-12.

The home crowd was so disappointed that an ancient oak tree seventy feet tall, which may have been a little shrubbery at the time the original Grays were last champions in 1884, fell next to the field in the middle of the post game speeches.

The Atlantics brought their hitting shoes for the first match led by Shakespeare with five hits, Anthony 'Willy Mo' Stelmach and Kevin 'Flash' Harrison with four hits, and George 'Wildhorse' Ferchland with three hits. Dean 'Dreambucket' Emma and Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino each ripped triples to rightfield in the match as well.

The second game of the day featured a rematch of last weeks one run differential exhibition game and the Resolutes were looking to even the score. This game featured solid defense by both teams as Ed 'Pigtail' Elmore pitched for the Atlantics and Danny Marcus pitched for the Resolutes. The Atlantics started the scoring in the second with a single ace only to be matched in the top of the third by the Resolutes. Putting a coule of hits together the Resolutes took the lead in the fourth but the Atlantics scored in their half to tie it up at two aces apiece.

The boys from Jersey tallied two more aces in the fifth and held the Atlantics in their turn to enter the sixth inning with a two run lead. The Atlantics sliced some singles off of Danny and combined with a few Resolutes errors turned it into five runs and a three ace lead for the Atlantics. Although they would score once more the Resolutes were resolutely defeated 9-5.

The Atlantic offense was lead by Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino, Greg 'Hawk' Dengel and Anthony 'Willy Mo' Stelmach with two hits each.

The Atlantic road trip continues to Connecticut to meet the New London Thames in the shadow of old Fort Trumbull on Sunday.

New London Thames

1861

W 10-4

1864

W 25-2

The Atlantics turned their carriages southbound from their Providence foes of the day before and headed to New London, Connecticut where the New London Thames Base Ball Club awaited the Atlantics. The field lay by the harbor under the shadow of the large stone Fort Trumbull. The Thames preference for playing by the rules of a few years past had the Atlantics playing their first 1861 rule game of the season.

In fact the Thames struck first with an ace tallied in their first at-bats while the Atlantics could not tally theirs until the bottom of the second inning. The Thames regained the lead with two aces in the fourth on a pair of solid hits to the outfield but the team from Brooklyn fought back with two of their own to once again even up the score. Finally in the sixth inning the Atlantics took advantage of the inclined outfield at the base of the wall of the fort to place the ball between the fielders and bring in five aces and a commanding lead. Although the Thames would tally once more it was too late as the Atlantics took the first match by the score of 10-4.

Leading the Atlantic battery was catcher Frank 'Hammy' Obidienzo with three hits, first baseman Kevin 'Flash' Harrison with three hits including a double and a triple, and centerfielder Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino gathered two hits of his own. Excellent defense by the outfielders Sean 'Toothpick' Ness, Dirty Pirate, and Nick 'The Butcher' Baruso in a challenging field of play kept the Thames batters off of the bases.

The second match was played to the rules of a more modern time, 1864, and the Atlantics showed the Thames club why this is their prefered year of play. The Atlantics scored fast with furious swings of the bat and played equally well on the grass to keep New Londons players off the bases. The final tally marks indicate a 25-2 score led by shortstop Dean 'Dreambucket' Emma with six hits including a homerun, third baseman Anthony 'Willy Mo' Stelmach with five hits, outfielders the Dirty Pirate and Toothpick with four hits each and second baseman Greg 'Hawk' Dengel with three hits. Ed 'Pigtail' Elmore pitched both games for his second and third victory of the weekend in New England and Hammy crushed a homerun down the third baseline that eluded the left fielder.

The Atlantics next play on Saturday August 24th on Governor's Island in New York Harbor to take on the New York Gothams in a match to determine the best team in the city. The games begin at noon on the Parade Grounds and ferries leave both Brooklyn and Manhattan every 20 minutes.

New York Gothams

1864

L 2-1

1864

W 3-2

The Battle of the Boroughs brought the Brooklyn Atlantics and New York Gothams to the Parade Grounds on Governor's Island to settle once and for all who holds reign over vintage ball in the metropolis that started it all. The first match was pitched between Frank 'Hammy' Obidienzo of the Atlantics and Charles 'Bugs' Klasman of the Gothams and to both players credit they kept the bats of both teams silent through wily veteran pitching backed by solid defense. This first match of the day was played by the rules of base ball as they were played in Manhattan in 1864.

The Atlantics batted first and started like they usually do, hits by George 'Wildhorse' Ferchland and Dean 'Dreambucket' Emma combined with a fielding error to score the first ace of the game but also had Wildhorse thrown out at a play at the plate. That was the first and last run for the Atlantics this match. For five innings the Gothams and Atlantics traded goose-eggs on the scoreboard. In the sixth inning Marc "Nice & Easy" Josloff and Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino combined to get runners on 2nd and 3rd with two hands down but the Atlantic battery could not get them home. The bottom of the sixth inning saw the Gothams strike well and score their first ace to tie the match at one a piece.

In their chance to rebuttel the Atlantics Sean "Toothpick" Ness and Kevin "Flash" Harrison hit singles but with one out the Gothams turned a fly ball into a double-play at second base to end the inning. The bottom of the eighth inning saw the Gothams score their second, and go-ahead, run. Now the pressure was on the Atlantics in the top of the ninth, in a 2-1 game, they got a man to second base with one out but could not get him across the plate. The first match of the Battle of the Boroughs belonged to the New York Gothams.

After a short recess another match was begun to the rules of base ball as they were played in Brooklyn in 1864. Bugs stayed between the pitching lines for the Gothams but this time they faced Ed "Pigtail" Elmore throwing for the Atlantics.

This time the Gothams swung their bats first but went down in order. The Atlantics, feeling the pressure, mounted a three ace rally orchestrated by the Dirty Pirate with a single, Wildhorse and Toothpick reaching base followed by Flash's single. With one out and a bound out to center Flash was tagged at home to end the inning and the Atlantics scoring for the day. The Gothams scored two aces of their own to bring the score to 3-2 in favor of Brooklyn. The Atlantics followed that by getting four of their runners aboard, but they were forced out as they advanced to end the inning.

In the fifth inning Hammy walked and Nice & Easy singled to threaten the Gothams but their defense held and no Atlantic would score. The sixth inning brought more of the same as Pigtail singled, but the Dirty Pirate forced him out at second base. To redeem himself he stole second base and advanced to third on a bound out but was left stranded there by his fellow batsmen. As the game advanced in innings the Gothams gave it their all. The seventh saw their pitcher Bugs reach base and make his way around to second. On a single to centerfield he tried to tie the game but Toothpick threw a perfect strike to Wildhorse at home to tag the potential tieing run out. Never dismayed the Gothams again threatened in the top of the eighth inning landing runners at second and third with two outs but Pigtail tossed his sphere past the Gothams batter for a critical strike three.

With one more chance left the Gothams could not afford to give up any runs but the Atlantics landed their speed team on the bases with Hammy on third, Nice & Easy on second and Pigtail on first. The Gothams defense held and nary an Atlantic did score. Unfortunately for them, the Atlantic defense held as well not giving up any runs since the second inning. The Atlantics took the second match of the Battle of the Boroughs by the score of 3-2.

Both teams played great defense especially in the outfield. The Atlantics accrued only six hits in each game, with Nice & Easy leading the way with three total hits, and the Dirty Pirate and Flash with two hits a piece.

Next Saturday the Gothams and Atlantics repeat this battle out on Long Island at the Smithtown Historical Society at 11:00 AM.

New York Gothams

1864

W 9-4

1864

W 13-9

In a rematch from last weekend the New York Gothams, supported by a contingent of local ball players, took on the Atlantic Base Ball Club at the Smithtown Historical Society on Saturday. Pitching for the Gothams was Captain Rafael 'Wickets' Garcia while the lines were manned by Vincent 'Tuna' Aurora for the Atlantics. The matches were arbitrated by the umpire Ed 'Pigtail' Elmore.

This humid day began with the Gothams scoring in both the first and second innings to take a two ace lead. The Atlantic batters struck back with one ace in the third, four more in the fourth, and three more in the fifth inning to take the lead. It was singles by Sean 'Toothpick' Ness, Frank 'Shakespeare' Van Zant, Kevin 'Flash' Harrison followed by a triple from George 'Wildhorse' Ferchland to put the Atlantics ahead for good in the the fourth inning.

While it took singles by Tuna, Michael 'Lip' Tangel, Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino, followed by a double from Toothpick to go up by five runs in the fifth inning. Shakespeare led the Atlantics with three hits and an ace, while the Dirty Pirate, Toothpick and Flash each had two hits a piece. Tuna took home the 9-4 victory.

After a short recess a second match began with the Atlantic bats striking first and striking hard. Hits by Shakespeare, Flash, Wildhorse, Greg 'Hawk' Dengel, 'Tricky' Rick Stattler and Tuna got the Atlantics off to a quick five ace lead and they would need every one of them. The Gothams responded with two of their own, but the Atlantics struck again scoring another ace in the second to take a lead of 6 tallies to 2.

Then the defense got tight and neither team could generate much offense as both teams were whitewashed for the next few innings. The Atlantics scored in spurts and took a 9-2 advantage into the bottom of the eighth inning but the Manhattanites weren't calling it quits yet. Four tallies on a combination of hits and errors in the bottom of the eighth brought the score to 9-6 and three more in the bottom of the ninth inning tied the game. With the winning run on third base with two outs for the Gothams a line drive to rightfield was caught by George 'Blackjack' Pappas to send it to extra innings.

There the Atlantic lineup took care of business as the Dirty Pirate singled and Toothpick hit his third double of the game. This was quickly followed by Flash's single and Wildhorse reaching on an error. Anthony 'Willy Mo' Stelmach and Hawk both singled and suddenly the Atlantics were back up by four runs.

Despite scoring seven aces the last two innings the Gothams could not plate another ace and the Atlantics took the second game 13-9. Toothpick, Shakespeare and Flash led the Atlantic offense with three hits each, while Hawk struck two hits and an ace.

The Atlantics next play on Sunday September 8th at 11:00 AM against the Elizabeth Resolutes at the Smithtown Historical Society.

Elizabeth Resolutes

1864

W 23-3

1873

W 20-10

The Atlantics welcomed the Elizabeth Resolutes for a pair of matches at Atlantic Park this Sunday. The first match would be played according to 1864 rules. Elizabeth won the bat toss and elected to take the field first. Atlantic and Resolute traded a run over the first three innings before Atlantic jumped out ahead with a 4-run 4th on singles by Dirty Pirate, Shakespeare, Billy Goat, Blackjack, and Willy Mo. Resolute got one back, but Atlantic scored 2 more in the 5th and 6th, then broke the game open with 12 runs in the 7th, highlighted by Dirty Pirate's home run. Single runs in the 8th and 9th added to the lead, while Resolute could only muster up one more run in its 9th. Tuna went the distance to pick up the 23-3 victory. Shakespeare, Billy Goat, and Willy Mo each had 3 hits for Atlantic.

The second match was played according to the rules of 1873, and again Resolute won the bat toss, electing to again send Atlantic to bat first. Dirty Pirate, Shakespeare, and Dreambucket led off with hits to start the scoring while outfield flyouts got the last 2 runs home. Resolute answered with 2 runs. Atlantic scored another run in the 3rd, and Resolute plated 2 runs to tie the game at 4. As in the first game, Atlantic put up a 4-spot in the 4th to take the lead for good. Resolute answered with 2 runs, the teams exchanged single runs in the 5th, Atlantic added another in its 6th, then erupted for 7 runs in the 7th as Resolute committed 4 errors to aid the Atlantic cause. Three runs were added by each team in the final 2 innings, but the result was already ascertained, as Blackjack pitched Atlantic to a 20-10 victory. Dreambucket and Blackjack each had 4 hits for Atlantic, both with a triple among their hits, while Dirty Pirate was perfect with 4 hits and a walk. Butcher added 2 hits, including a monstrous triple that cleared the trees in right field.

Atlantic will take next week off to make an appearance at the Smithtown Fair, displaying its 19th century equipment and letting the youngsters take swings against the Atlantics in the field. The next game will be on Sunday afternoon on September 22 as Atlantic visits the Mutuals at OBVR at 2:00 PM.

1884

L 10-6

The Atlantics joined the festivities at the Long Island Fair taking place at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Sunday by playing the New York Mutuals in a single match by the rules of base ball in 1884. The Atlantics sent the battery of Frank 'Shakespeare' Van Zant pitching to Sean 'Toothpick' Ness against Tiger and Brushes of the Mutual squad. The match was umpired by Richard 'Fingers' Effinger and T-bone of the Excelsiors club.

The Mutuals started off strong scoring two runs in the top of the first inning and another in the third but the Atlantics fought back scoring in the third, fourth and two runs in the sixth inning to take the 4-3 lead. Atlantic centerfielder George 'Blackjack' Pappas started the scoring by hitting a single, stealing second base, moving to third on an error and crossing the plate on a single by Richard 'Cuz' Baruso. Dean 'Dreambucket' Emma reached on an error in the fourth inning and promptly arrived at third after burgling two bases. He was sent home on a single by Matt 'Krawler' Kouyoumdjian who was playing his first game back since injuring his finger many weeks ago. The sixth inning showed the most Atlantic offense as Shakespeare, Dreambucket and Kevin 'Flash' Harrison hit back-to-back-to-back singles to score two runs.

The Mutuals didn't back off though combining well struck balls by Tiger and Knuckles with inopportune Atlantic muffs to rally four runs across the plate in the top of the seventh. The Atlantics and Mutuals traded goose-eggs on the scoreboard until Dreambucket and Flash again hit back-to-back singles to score another run to close the gap to a two run Mutual advantage going into the ninth inning.

Shakespeare's knuckleball couldn't quite knuckle enough as three more runs were scored in the top of the ninth inning. Blackjack led off the last Atlantic attack with a well struck single and scored on a double to left-centerfield by Cuz. Alas the Atlantics finished their game with two strikeouts in a row and dropped the match to the Mutuals by the score of 10-6.

On the day Cuz led all Atlantics with three hits and played a solid third base, while Blackjack, Dreambucket and Flash had two hits each. "Tricky" Rick Stattler had a single, was on base twice and made a nice play filling in at third base in the middle of the game.

The Atlantics next play on Sunday September 29th against the Hoboken Nine and the New York Gothams in a round-robin of vintage base ball at the Smithtown Historical Society.

Hoboken Nine

1864

W 14-3

1864

W 25-3

Atlantic hosted the Hoboken Nine this past weekend for a pair of 1864 matches, and came away with a sweep, winning 14-3 and 25-3 as the Atlantic bats activated and the hands served well on defense.

In the first game, Atlantic scored 7 times in the bottom of the first and never looked back, as Blackjack, between the lines, held the Nine to a single run in the 6th and 2 runs in the 9th, tossing 7 goose-eggs. Dreambucket, with 2 doubles, and Hawk, with a home run, led Atlantic with 3 hits apiece. Dirty Pirate had 2 triples, scoring both times, and Krawler added a double.

In the second match, Tuna stepped between the lines, giving up 2 runs in the 1st and another in the 4th, but that would be it as he also tossed 7 goose-eggs at the Nine. Meanwhile, Atlantic scored often, with two big innings, a 7-run 2nd and an 8-run 5th, to coast to the victory. Shakespeare led the Atlantic attack with 5 hits, including a triple, and scored 4 aces. Dreambucket (3 aces), Hawk (another home run), and Willy Mo (2 aces) each had 4 hits. Dirty Pirate had a single, a double, and a triple, reaching base 6 times and scoring 5 aces.

Next weekend Atlantic travels to Harrington, Delaware, to compete in the MAVBBL play-offs

Elizabeth Resolutes

1864

W 8-4

October 6

Diamond State BBC of Delaware

1864

L 13-3

Lewes BBC of Delaware

1864

W 17-12

This weekend the Atlantics pointed their carriages south towards the town of Harrington, Delaware where on the eastern peninsula, far from the fighting between the states, the Atlantics and other top teams in the Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League met to compete.

By virtue of their successful summer campaign the Atlantics were granted placement in the second round of the tournament where they would face their friends from the north, the Elizabeth Resolutes. Elizabeth had earlier defeated the Atlas Base Ball Club of Delaware and were looking to avenge their previous losses this year at the hands and bats of the Brooklyn team.

Ed "Pigtail" Elmore tossed the sphere for the Atlantics keeping the Resolutes off the scoreboard until the fifth inning. Meanwhile the Atlantics methodically accumulated aces and led by the score of 3-1 entering the 7th inning.

The Jersey boys tallied one more ace to bring the score within one but the Atlantic ash and maple bats responded with five tallies of their own enroute to an 8-4 victory.

Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino, Dean "Dreambucket" Emma and Matt "Krawler" Kouyoumdjian each had two aces to help the Atlantic cause and a semi-final match against the Diamond State Base Ball Club who had upset the Elkton Eclipse in their game.

The turning point of the game was the five run seventh inning which was led off by Krawler's double. The Elizabeth defense responded though by throwing him out at thirdbase as he tried to stretch it to a triple. After Pigtail reached on an error the Dirty Pirate singled, and Greg "Hawk" Dengel reached on a fielder's choice. The Dreambucket singled which was followed by a walk from Sean "Toothpick" Ness and singles by Kevin "Flash" Harrison and Richard "Cuzz" Baruso.

The semi-final match started strongly in the Diamond Staters favor as they scored seven unanswered runs in the first three innings. Although the Atlantics did tack on a run in the fifth and two more in the seventh the Diamond State team played a complete game with solid defense and clutch hitting to defeat the Atlantics 13-3.

Pigtail started the match only to be knocked out of the box after six innings. Vincent 'Tuna' Aurora entered the game in relief holding down the Delaware club to only a single run over the last three innings. The Dirty Pirate contributed three hits and an ace to an otherwise lackluster offense.

In the consolation match the Atlantics faced the Lewes Base Ball Club of Delaware. The Lewes team struck first by scoring a single ace in the top of the first, but the Atlantic bats finally awoke from their earlier mid-day siesta striking in nine Atlantic runners through three innings of play.

The Atlantic bats scored three more in the fifth, four more in the sixth and one last tally in the seventh to take a commanding lead. The Lewes team did not back down however, scoring eight aces in their last three chances to close the game to 17-12 by the time the last hand was down. The Dirty Pirate again led the Atlantic attack with four hits and four aces while Anthony 'Willy Mo' Stelmach placed three hits and three aces.

The championship match featured a bout between the Milford Excelsiors and the Diamond State Base Ball Club with the home team of Milford coming away with the 4-3 victoy.

The Atlantics next face the New York Mutuals at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island on Sunday.

New York Mutuals

1864

W 21-4

Atlantic made the short trek to OBVR to face the Mutuals in a one-game match this Sunday. Atlantic won the toss and chose to take the field first, with Hammy between the lines. The Mutuals struck first for a run to take the lead, but then Hammy settled down and retired them without a score over the next 6 innings.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic offense put on a display of hitting, scoring in every inning but the third, starting with an 8-run barrage in the first. Every Atlantic had at least one hit as they coasted to a 21-4 victory. Willy Mo led the Atlantic attack with 4 hits, and Dirty Pirate, with 3 aces, and Dreambucket, with a double and 5 aces, had 3 hits each. Shakespeare, with a double and 3 aces, Hawk, with 2 aces, and Hammy, with 3 aces, added 2 hits apiece. Hammy, after being on the sidelines for almost two months with an injury, picked up the easy victory.

Atlantic will be in action next Saturday as it travels north to face the Providence Grays, this time in Salem, Mass.

Providence Grays

1864

W 13-8

Providence Grays

1864

W 19-6

For the second year in a row the Atlantics ended their season surrounded by ghouls, ghosts and witches. At the invitation of the Providence Grays the teams met at Salem Common to conclude their respective 2013 campaigns.

The Grays struck early scoring four aces in the first inning and another in the fifth to lead five runs versus two for the team from Brooklyn after two innings of play. The Atlantic defense woke up allowing no runs over the next four innings and were supporting Ed 'Pigtail' Elmore's pitching with their bats by scoring four aces in the fourth and six more in the fifth inning to take a commanding and insurmountable lead.

The Grays did not give up, hoping they could cast a spell over the Atlantic bats by silencing them. They scored in each of the last three innings but alas they could not regain the lead falling to the score of 13-8.

Frank 'Shakespeare' Van Zant led the Atlantic attack with three hits and two aces, followed by two hits by 'Ticky Rick' Stattler and Kevin 'Flash' Harrison who used the costumed spectators in left centerfield to his advantage in forcing the Providence defenders to avoid the possibly fatal touch of zombies on the grass.

Sean 'Toothpick' Ness also struck a double and scored twice to help the Atlantic cause and Alyssa "Mulligan" made a guest appearance.

The second 1864 match began again with the Grays taking a lead, this time with three aces in the top of the first inning against Vincent 'Tuna' Aurora pitching for the Atlantics.

Fate, however, favors the bold and the Atlantics did bat boldly with tallies of six, five and seven runs in the initial three innings the match was taken out of contention early. Shakespeare led the Atlantics again with four hits to go with his four aces and was followed around the bases by Greg 'Hawk' Dengel with three hits, Anthony 'Dirty Pirate' Cannino, Matt 'Krawler' Kouyoumdjian and Flash with two hits each.

Tuna remained undefeated for the season notching an 11-0 record on the season.

The Atlantics completed their 2013 campaign by celebrating with the Grays at a BBQ at their captain Brian Travers house.