The Asylum Grounds, Fairfield Hills, Newtown, Conn.
Following a much deserved win against the Westfield Wheelman in early August and demoralizing forfeit to the Boston Colonials the following week the hometown nine turned out ready to do battle with their longtime nemesis the Waterbury Connors at the Asylum Grounds in Newtown. The match was originally scheduled for McLaughlin Vineyards but on-going political 'issues', that continue to stifle vintage base ball in Newtown, precluded the highly successful second annual event from taking place.

The day was bright and warm and the grass was deep with dew from the early weekend rain; just the sort of day you'd expect for late August in southern New England. Tony 'Mudcat' Albano captained the locals as they took the field while the shorthanded Connors scrambled to find available players to fill out their side for the '1861' match. Ryan 'Express' Pendergist, the youngest member of the Sandy Hooks, was optioned to the visitors for the time being and took his place in the decidedly youthful Connors line-up.

Mr. Louis Margolus took charge of the two nines as they considered the makeshift, all grass pitch that featured a giant maple tree that stood precariously close to the striker in centerfield. 'Shutta' Shaw, blaming a full snoot of vintage sarsaparilla, took responsibility for the misplaced diamond that had previously been lined for the match before anyone with an objective eye had noticed its close proximity to the tree line.

A decision was made to use a new 'rabbit' ball that has been embraced by many of the '60's' clubs - not for it's authenticity to the original '60's' ball but, because it is 'cheap'.

As is typically the case, Captain Wigren's Waterbury men took charge of the match immediately with situational hitting and keen baserunning (include three ballists who played barefooted). The Sandy Hooks seemed to hold their ground in the field but the occasional misplay or skyball into the maple tree (resulting in scattered 'cranks' and anticipating fielders as the orb bounced from branch to branch like an old bagatelle machine) equaled the occasional ace for the visitors. On the offensive side, the Sandy Hooks had little luck penetrating the Connors defense with Pendergist (the younger) taking away many sure hits from his teammates at second sack position. As the Hooks mounted a challenge the sure handed and fleet footed Connors snared every opportunity from their grasp.

In the end, the Connors blanked the Sandy Hooks in both of two entertaining but lackluster efforts for the local club.

The long season has taken its toll on both players and management, and the lack of result most agree comes from little or no effort on the practice side. The club has two final matches to close-out a disappointing year and the hope is that at least one full squad practice can be scheduled before the Hooks face the two toughest rivals on their schedule, the Brooklyn Atlantic (in Long Island on 9/23) and the New York Mutual (in Newtown on 10/1).

The frustration of this past season was summed up by the 'Express' when asked between games whether he'd consider a trade back to his old club for match two...He graciously replied, "I'd rather stay with these guys!" I don't think anyone could blame him.