Game: Saturday, May 17, 2008 vs. Bay City
“A Vintage Victory”
The new Saginaw Old Golds are picking up where the old Old Golds left off 125 years ago when they were regarded as a top-notch professional baseball team. On Saturday the Old Golds’ Vintage Base Ball Club made its own history when it wont he first match in its short existence, beating the Bay City Independents 14-11 in a nine-inning game at Ojibway Island. Saturday’s victory was quite a turnaround from nine months ago when the Old Golds lost to the Independents 21-2 in an exhibition match played at the same site. “To go from a 21-2 loss to a 14-11 win is quite an accomplishment,” said Richard Curry, who handled the game-day managerial duties and was presented the game ball afterward. The team Old Golds manager Harold Campau and Curry assembled on Saturday for the club’s opener of the inaugural season had the look of a winner, both on and off the field. The Old Golds sported their new off-white uniforms with black and gold color schemes. They showed they have adapted to the Vintage game rules of 1865, in which no ballgloves are allowed, bats are larger and heavier than today’s brand, the game balls are softer and gentleman attitudes is a must. They all came with nicknames, a norm back in the day. And they showed they can hit, even against an Independents team which is well established and skilled. The Old Golds shot out to a 9-2 lead after the first two innings, and then held on as defense took over in the later innings. But the bottom line is the players were having fun. So was Campau, who showed up sporting a handlebar mustache he purchased after locating it online. He wore the handlebar in honor of Arthur Whitney, the manager of the original Old Golds. You aren’t washed up anytime soon in Vintage base ball wither, as is evidenced in the Old Golds’ roster. Brandon Daig is the youngest player at age 23, while pitcher Don Deford is the oldest, still going strong at age 79. “I’m all right for my age,” understated Deford before going out and pitching a couple of innings (under-handed, according to Vintage rules). He also lined a ball to left field, but was out on the play when the fielder caught it. Daig says he loves the camaraderie of the team, even if he finds he has to dial himself down a little at times. “I kind of tone it down a bit at times with my energy level,” the enthusiastic Daig said. “But once these old guys get their cleats on, they’re like they are 16, 17 years old again. If Daig hangs in there as long as his teammate Deford, he can plan on playing ball for at least another 56 years. Heidi Krenz, the official “tally girl” or (scorekeeper) wore an 1800’s-style light brown dress and hat that her aunt Pat Bruske made for her, and then learned on the job as players approached her after crossing home plate to ring a bell and request she tally their score in the book. Thomas Mudd, the game’s arbiter (or umpire) sported a new vest and tie, similar to the style arbiters wore more than 100 years ago. He also served as announcer, updating the crowd of the score and explaining various game rules and rulings so all better understood. About a 100 or so fans turned out, some coming after the match was well under way; just to see what was going on. The Old Golds are off and running. They have made considerable progress since that exhibition match last August. Keeping players on the roster and available in these hectic time is an ongoing task, but one worth working for. The Old Golds plan to play at least 12 matches this season. Next weekend they travel to Rochester. They aren’t scheduled to play again at Ojibway until Sunday, Aug. 31, but they are playing at Midland on Sunday, June 8, and at Bay City on Saturday, June 28. Although fine play and even a victory are goals for those days as well, none will compare to Saturday’s win. After all, no other win can compare because this was their first.
Saturday, May 17, 2008 vs. Bay City
“Vintage Ballists win opening game, old rivalry renewed”
The Saginaw Old Golds Vintage Base Ball Club played its first official game on Saturday, May 17, defeating the highly touted Bay City Club know as The Independents at Saginaw’s Ojibway Island. Saginaw tallied 14 aces to Bay City’s 11 aces. The original Bay City and Saginaw Clubs were rivals during the 1880’s when they competed in the Northwestern League, the first professional minor league in organized ball. Many of the players from those teams became major leaguers, including hall of fame pitcher John Clarkson. The Bay City and Saginaw vintage clubs are based upon those 1883 clubs and play under the rules of 1865. Last August, the two clubs played an exhibition game when the Old Golds were still filling roster spots and learning the rules and etiquette of vintage ball, the Old Golds were soundly defeated 21-2 in a five-inning affair played at Ojibway Island. Saturday’s match proved to be much more competitive and a friendly rivalry was born. Saginaw manager, Harold Campau said, “I was pleased with our etiquette and play within the spirit of the vintage game. It was special to win our first game against such a formidable opponent.” Backed by a fine defense, highlighted by the play of long-fielder, Chris “Rooster” Rousseau, and second base man Brandon “Baby Bull” Daig, the Saginaw Ballists showed they can compete with the best. The Bay City Club finished runner-up at the 2006 VBBA World Tournament at Greenfield Village. Upon winning the coin toss, the Saginaw club elected to strike first while the game ball was still hard. The Saginaw bats were sizzling early on as the Old Golds scored all 14 aces in the first three innings. Nick “The Brute” Hammond reached bas five times to lead all Old Golds strikers. Rick “Slink” Spitz, and Dennis “Vanilla Gorilla” Konuszewski, each gained their first base four times, and Jack “Black Jack” Tany gained his first on three of five at bats while also playing both battery positions. After catching the first seven innings “Black Jack” took over at pitching and retired six out of seven strikers he faced over the final two frames to close out the historic win for the Saginaws. The game was a low scoring affair by 1865 standards when base ball was played barehanded and the ball was pitched underhand. Donnie “The Cajun Kid” Cox pitched two innings for the Old Golds, including a 1-2-3 side out in the seventh frame. Cox praised the defense on display at the old ball yard Saturday. “There were several great defensive plays today by both clubs. In vintage ball there are no walks and only swinging strikes are counted. You try to pitch the ball where the striker likes it. It’s a hitter’s game. You either get a hit or make an out. Strikeouts are rare. There were about five 1-2-3 side outs and a couple of double plays today. I am amazed at how well the guys play defense without ball gloves. These boys can play.” Etiquette: The old game was a gentleman’s game. No high fives or jumping around. Fielders try to catch the ball on the fly if possible, but fielding any struck ball on one bounce is also an out. Following an specially fine play by Old Golds second sacker, “Baby Bull” Daig, the Bay City club offered up rousing hats off cheer for his effort. The host team provided dinner after the game. The Old Golds travel to Rochester on May 24, and face the Midland Riverhogs at the Midland Tridge, June 8.