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The Rochester Grangers at Historic Mackinac Island The Old Fort Ball Field on Historic Fort Mackinac grounds was the site for a delightful ball game featuring the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats and the Rochester Grangers.  The island team has recently formed and invited the downstate boys for an evening of base ball to learn the more recent rules of the 1860s.  The field itself was spectacular, having been used continuously for our national pastime for some 150 years.  Sitting atop the fabled island, it was indeed a lovely venue for a fine evening of sportsmanship. Captained by Phil “Pops” Porter, the Never Sweats club looked far better than its two practices would have otherwise suggested.  The Never Sweats roster included some incredible ballplayers, including standouts from the University of Michigan ball team.  The honorary co-captain of the nine was Bill “Ashley” Freehan, formerly of the Detroit Tigers Baseball Club.  Another fine player was Ken Hayward, who still owns several career University of Michigan records.  One other special player was Dr. William Anderson, base ball historian and collector, and Director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries for the great state of Michigan. The more experienced and game-ready Grangers struck first and immediately took to the base paths after a lead-off single by the fleet-footed Bob “Roadblock” Grace.  A few strikers later, the Grangers’ Anthony “Goodfella” Prasatek tallied the first ace of the evening.  The Grangers held a 3-0 lead for most of the match, and finally broke out of their hitting woes by scoring five more times in the final inning.  The Never Sweats played very well defensively; in particular, “Pops” Porter brought the crowd to its feet with a sterling snag on a wicked one-hopper off the hard wood of one frustrated Granger.  Offensively, the rookie club struck well and even loaded the bases twice late in the match.  With loaded sacks and two hands dead, a long fly was hit to the right field scout.  The game could have been broken open, but the sure-handed Paul “Coot” Hunkele snared the ball just before it hit the fort grounds. Mr. Freehan, the Gold Glove catcher and World Series champion, was frustrated by the sure hands of the Granger infielders, and uttered the line of the evening, “I need to find a league I can hit in!”  His gentlemanly conduct abounded before, during, and after the match.  The Grangers welcome Mr. Freehan to join their club as honorary captain any time he is in the area.  The cranks were plentiful—in the hundreds—and very vocally supportive of their home-town heroes.  The match was momentarily halted for the introduction of one particular fan—none other than Michigan’s Honorable Governor, Jennifer Granholm.  Although she wore the black and white colors of the Grangers, she certainly had to appreciate the efforts of her local island charges.  Granholm and all of the island residents are hoping that this match will be the first of many over the coming years.  Perhaps a rematch is in order! The game’s umpire was John “Cowpie” Soma, formerly of the Grangers.  The tally keepers were Linda Hunkele and Debbie Remer.  As is customary, the two nines and their families socialized both before and after the match.  Friendships were kindled and challenges were made.  This game called base ball, played by men for exercise and enjoyment, serves a great purpose unequalled by most other activities.  The Grangers and their minions are happy to spread this magic around the region—“for the love of the game!”              Reported by Bradley “Streetcar” Pfeifer

After practice at Mission Point grounds

"Anvil" Wynne with Bill "Ashley" Freehan

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