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A total of six 1861 matches were played at the pristine Chase Collegiate Grounds in Waterbury on Sunday. Jim Wigren's hometown Waterbury Connors had a perfect day at the dish delivering all three of their matches with pinpoint hitting and inspired play. Mark "Cappy" Hurwitz's upstart Meddowe nine from Longmeadow, MA won their first two matches in their history while Newtown Sandy Hook outslugged the Wheelmen of Westfield to take third slot in the tournament. (Iım sure Jim will be happy to supply you with all of the scores.) Newtown matches included a 12 7 win over Westfield, 6 8 loss to Meddowe, and a 1 9 loss to Waterbury as the Newtown boys were seen leaving the ballyard running on fumes. My conclusion from the day was: "Beware of where you step in the Meddowe!" I believe Meddowe will be a team to be reckoned with in NE vintage base ball in 2007. Admittedly, the 61 game tends to neutralize many offensive threats (except in the case of the Connors). The numerous bound-outs, that characterize the game, render well-struck long balls benign and snuff-out potential rallies in the blink of an eye. But, in spite of that fact, Meddowe appears to be well stocked with a myriad of hearty overhand ballist who can likely match the likes of Pittsfield's Bissaillon, Reynolds, and Ryan in skill and shear power, and should not be taken lightly by any 80's club anticipating a cake-walk in the Meddowe. All of the Meddowe ballists are great gentlemen (even hosting a well-received round of brew after the match) but I fear they are likely to become a tougher challenge when they eventually put on the gloves, later this season. I will look forward to their progress with great interest. (submitted by Ray Shaw) |