The mighty Blues came to town, their already potent striking order further beefed up by the addition of substitute Mark Hurr. Weather-wise, it was a great day for base ball so we decided to play two seven inning games.

The Red Stockings won the coin toss, and allowed the Blues to strike first. The Blues were held scoreless and the Red Stockings scored 3 runs in their first innings. The boys from Indianapolis scored a run in each of the second and third innings to make the score 3 – 2, then erupted for 3 in the fourth to take a 5 – 3 lead. The Stockings scored 2 in the sixth to tie the score, then each scored 1 in the seventh – tie 6 -6 going to extra innings. The Cincinnati boys blanked their opponents in the eighth. Mr. Obermeyer led off the Red Stockings eighth by making his first, and after an out, Mr. Yuengling doing the same. Mr. Obermeyer was able to speed home on a sharply struck ball by Mr. Koch that barely eluded the right fielder’s grasp. Final score Red Stockings 8, Blues 7. It was a fun and exciting game to play, and watch. The spectators heartily cheered both nines, showing their appreciation for a game well played by both sides.

The play in the field was very good, and outstanding plays were made by both sides. “Preacher” Anderson of the Blues made a spectacular one handed catch on a stinging strike by Mr. Gilkey that appeared to be headed safely to left field, but instead was turned into two outs as the runner on third was attempting to score his run. Mr. Yuengling, and Mr. Heller gave impressive exhibitions on how to play the second, and third, base positions. Run saving plays were also made by Mr. Obermeyer in center field and Mr. Gilkey at first base. The visitors showed their respect for the abilities of Mr. Koch in left field, and Mr. Bertram in right, by keeping the ball out of their hands.

The Blues’ bats were a little less potent than usual, perhaps because of the masterful handling of the strikers by the more than 125 years of combined experience of our pitcher and catcher, Mr. Phillips and Mr.Rowe.

The Blues got their bats warmed up in the second game, and tallied 4 runs in the first, and 4 more in the third. The game was effectively over by then, as the Red Stockings bats went cold. The final score was Blues 9, Red Stockings 0.

It was a great day of base ball, and always a pleasure to share the field with our friends, the fine gentlemen and ballists from Indianapolis.