Looking Back 7/12/18

SHAUN SENSIBA
Posted 7/11/18

Baseball season is nearing the halfway point, with the Major League All-Star Game coming up on July 17. But before the days of designated hitters, pitch counts and multi-million dollar contracts, …

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Looking Back 7/12/18

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Baseball season is nearing the halfway point, with the Major League All-Star Game coming up on July 17. But before the days of designated hitters, pitch counts and multi-million dollar contracts, baseball was played as a pastime in our area.

In his memoir of growing up in Long Eddy from the late 1880s, Long Eddy resident Morgan McKoon tells how the boys would fashion baseball bats out of barrel staves, catchers’ mitts from worn out horse collars, and baseballs of wound string. The photo shows a Long Eddy team from that era. When the boys could put their pennies together, they purchased a real Spalding ball. Mothers sewed gray flannel into jerseys, and sisters lent their high, black stockings to complete the uniform.

In these parts, the annual games between Long Eddy and Fishes Eddy were thought to be the biggest of rivalries. One team would travel over the mountain to play the first game “away.” Then both teams traveled back over the mountain to play in the other team’s home town the next day. This was serious business. Wagers on the games were known to total $100!

The Basket Historical Society preserves and presents the history of the Upper Delaware area. If you are interested in becoming a member or finding out more contact us at baskethistsociety@gmail.com.

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