08/11/2026
Thank you La Crescent Apple Jacks Base Ball Club for making the trip!
𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 by Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm
How appropriate that a Vintage (Rules of 1860) base ball match should be played at the Days of Yesteryear event on the grounds of the History Center of Olmsted County in Rochester. Although all the machinery postdated 1860, there were many horses and other reminders of an earlier time.
The host Roosters Base Ball Club of Rochester, MN took on the La Crescent Apple Jacks on a very beautiful day. The Jacks struck first, as they have so often done this season, with three aces from the first three strikers in the top of the first. Unfortunately, the Roosters came right back with three aces of their own in the bottom of the frame. The Roosters continued to put aces on the board whereas the Jacks did not. After three innings it was Roosters 7-3. After six it was Roosters 11-6. Finally, it was Roosters 13-6.
A great fielding play by the Jacks in the fourth inning brought the crowd of spectators to their feet. The Rooster striker hit a fly ball to left. The ball went in and out of the hands of left fielder Roman and into the hands of center fielder Tio Buck, who was backing up the play, for the out. Tio Buck was also the top hitter for the Jacks on this day reaching base all four times he batted.
In 1860, the umpires were free to fine players and spectators for inappropriate action. Crash, the Apple Jacks’ pitcher, was wearing a hat that was different in color from the hats of his teammates. That indiscretion was spotted by the eagle-eyed umpire, and a fine of two-bits was assessed.
Participating for the Apple Jacks were the following: Captain Joel “Hefty” Affeldt, Dave “Crash” Carlson, Mike “Mickey” Jaquette, Elizabeth “Arrow” Jensen, Jason “Kraken” Kluck, Dan “Milch” Miller, Evan “Tio Buck” Pechacek, Scott “Roman” Pechacek, Gary “Big Wease” Pericak and Jason “Weasel” Pericak. Joan “Lady Joan” Ohm tallied the aces. Mark “Sir-Fines-a-Lot” Biderback was the arbiter.
The Jacks remaining matches are Saturday, August 15th at La Crescent (Prince Peter Appreciation Day), Sunday, September 13th at Highland Prairie and Saturday September 19th at La Crescent (Applefest).
The Jacks hope to see you at Old Hickory Park this season to watch base ball as it was meant to be played (by the rules of 1860). Admission is free, but bring a lawn chair for your comfort, beverage and snacks for your enjoyment and sunscreen for your protection.
Would you like to give it a try? To join the fun and a bit of competition, please contact, either Captain Joel “Hefty” Affeldt at 608-769-1782 or [email protected] or Bill “Ho-hum” Ohm at 507-895-6912 or [email protected]. The current roster includes players of high school age to at least one player of retirement age.
The Apple Jacks Vintage Base Ball Club of La Crescent is a community outreach program of the La Crescent Area Historical Society. ESB Banking & Insurance is a major sponsor.
Photo Caption: Crash and his offending hat
