ECLIPSE RUNNER UP IN EASTERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
October 19, 2008
The Eclipse hosted the first ever Eastern League Championship on Sunday, October 18, 2008 welcoming Brooklyn, Flemington, and the NY Mutuals.
The first match pitted NY Mutuals against Elkton. After trailing most of the match, the resolute Eclipse pounded out eight tallies in the seventh inning to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The final tally was Elkton 14, NY Mutuals 13.
Captain Glyn “Hammer” Richards paced the effort with three hits, a triple, and a stolen base. President Bruce “Early” Leith massively contributed four hits, two tallies, and two stolen bags.
In the night cap, the Eclipse battled Brooklyn for the first ever Eastern League title. The weary Eclipse scraped valiantly but were overcome by the powerful Atlantic, 17-5.
Antoni “Shaggy” Sekowski and Ryan “Pants” Gannon each slashed three hits while cornerstone player, Greg “Banker” Rodenbaugh added two hits and snatched several spectacular hands in right field.
Other matches of the day included victories for Brooklyn over Flemington and Flemington over NY Mutuals.
Brooklyn, 2-0
Elkton, 1-1
Flemington, 1-1
NY Mutuals, 0-2
Congrats to the Eclipse for a fine 2008 season.
BACK TO BACK!!!
October 12, 2008
Yesterday, the boys in blue, red, and gray defended their state championship in dramatic fashion.
After dismantling newly formed Have de Grace 14-1 in a seven inning exhibition, the Eclipse faced a determined Talbot club for the championship.
The hard-fought match tottered back and forth until the Eclipse finally pulled ahead for good after a 3-run seventh inning. Talbot added a tally in the ninth but tough defense from the Eclipse sealed the 13-11 victory.
Talbot mustered three tallies in the first inning and was poised to run away with the state title, but Elkton rallied ‘round their flag with six tallies in the bottom of the first. Talbot chipped away at the Eclipse until taking a 7-6 lead after five innings.
After two hands in the top of the ninth, Talbot threatened with ballists on second and third. The Elkton defense, however, maintained their composure and easily handled a Talbot grounder to end the threat.
Elkton Eclipse: Maryland State Champions, 2007 & 2008!
ECLIPSE SHELL FLEMINGTON AT CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT
October 4, 2008
Yesterday at the Civil War weekend in Rising Sun, the Eclipse renewed their war with the invaders from the North, the Flemington Neshanock. With muskets and artillery blasting in the background, the Eclipse won their fourth 2008 battle against the Neshanock 22-9.
Muffin Bill “Pockets” Freeland led the charge with five hits, two tallies, and two stolen bases. Like a percussion fuse, Tim “Ones” Bower exploded on impact with four hits, three tallies and three stolen bases. The club had plenty of reinforcements as Tom “Schoolboy” Duffy, Glyn “Hammer” Richards, Bruce “Early” Leith, and Greg “Banker” Rodenbaugh each pulled the trigger on three hits.
Many members of the club enjoyed a post-match BBQ hosted by the Banker family.
ECLIPSE PLAY 14; LOSE HEARTBREAKER
September 8, 2008
With several muffins in tow, the Eclipse traveled to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to face their rival, the Talbot Fair Plays. The first match was an epic, defensive struggle, which lasted 14 innings. Ultimately, the Eclipse succumbed to the persistent Fair Plays by a final tally of 7-5.
The Elkton boys saw a reversal of fortune in the second game as they withstood a late inning rally to win 18-14. Antoni “Shaggy” Sekowski struck seven hits with a triple and four stolen bases, while Bruce “Early” Leith and Mike “Irish” Phelan each had six hits on the day.
Eclipse Sink Chesapeake; Cruise to Home-Field in MD Championship
August 18, 2008
The Eclipse sailed past Chesapeake to capture home-field advantage for the Maryland State Championship Series.
Anchored by superb defense, the matches were never in doubt. Behind the dish, Tim “Ones” Bower prevented Chesapeake from staying afloat, hooking numerous foul ticks on one bound. And second-tenders Bruce “Early” Leith and Bill “Pocket” Freeland helped Elkton’s infield stay the course with sure-handed fielding.
Buoyed by strong striking, the Eclipse knocked the wind out of Chesapeake’s sails from the start. Elkton won the first match 21-9. Captain Glyn “Hammer” Richards steered the club to victory by going five for six with two doubles, three tallies and six stolen bases. Antoni “Shaggy” Sekowski, Greg “Banker” Rodenbaugh, and Bruce “Early” Leith each contributed three hits and two stolen bases.
In the second match, Chesapeake attempted to turn the tide, but Elkton’s persistent effort proved too strong a headwind to overcome. The final tally was 12-3 with “Banker” once again leading his shipmates, going two for three with a walk. Ryan “Pants” Gannon brought an ocean of momentum against Chesapeake with his splendiferous striking.
On the day, “Pants” contributed 10 hits with a double, eight tallies and 13 stolen bases.
The club is happy to welcome our newest ballist, Bill “Pockets” Freeland.
ECLIPSE HOSE TALBOT
August 11, 2008
Yesterday, with only three of their regular nine present, the Talbot Fair Plays traveled to Elk Landing with several members of their local Fire Brigade.
The first match played evenly until Antoni “Shaggy” Sekowski sounded the alarm by torching a ball to the right-field tree line. Ignited by Shaggy’s blast, Captain Glyn “Hammer” Richards also burned the Talbot hurler with a stinger to the center-field woods. Hammer finished with five hits, three tallies, and two doubles. Shaggy and Third-basetender Mike “Irish” Phelan each contributed four hits and several tallies. The final tally was 15-9 in favor of the Eclipse.
The pyromaniacal Eclipse began match two with an explosion scoring eight tallies in the first five innings. Unable to control the wild fire and rescue his team, the Talbot hurler was lit up for 13 tallies and 21 hits. Tom “Schoolboy” Duffy blazed the trail going four for five with a pair of tallies and stolen bases. Jon “Killer” Kilpatrick, Ryan “Pants” Gannon, and Team President Bruce “Early” Leith each added to the conflagration with two tallies and three hits. The final tally was 13-2 in favor of the Eclipse.
After the match, the two fierce rivals extinguished some of their past differences and shared some camaraderie.
Special thanks to Mike “Chopper” Pyle for a splendid performance officiating the matches in the absence of “Pops” Bower.
Long Weekend on Long Island for the Eclipse
August 4, 2008
2008 marked the Eclipse’s third annual appearance at the Old Bethpage 19th Century Base Ball Festival. The Eclipse started Saturday battling grizzled vintage base ball veterans, the Providence Grays in a lightning and rain-delayed match. Although John “Duff” Duffy and Brian “Hops” Howarth plugged away with three and two hits respectively, the club could not generate enough electricity to zap the powerful Grays.
In the second match of the afternoon, the NY Mutuals shocked the boys of Elkton by jump-starting to an early, insurmountable lead. Tom “Schoolboy” Duffy did his best to quiet the storm striking four for five with three tallies, a double, a four-baser, and a stolen base. But, ultimately, the day was a washout for the Eclipse.
Final Tallies: Providence 10, Elkton 7
NY Mutuals 14, Elkton 8
On Sunday, the Eclipse traveled to Smithtown, LI to face the Atlantics of Brooklyn. The ABBC Defense was too much for Elkton as the club only scored 16 tallies for both matches. The bruised Eclipse fielded a shuffled defensive lineup that allowed a whopping 46 Atlantics to cross the plate.
Battling the adversity, however, club Captain Glyn “Hammer” Richards stroked seven hits in eight at bats with two doubles and three triples.
Final Tallies: ABBC 28, Elkton 10
ABBC 18, Elkton
Eclipse Take Care of Business Against Potomac
July 21, 2008
Enjoying their best player turnout of the season, the Eclipse methodically struck 21 hits and 16 tallies earning a 16-7 victory over Potomac in yesterday’s first match. Jon “Killer” Kilpatrick managed the effort with two singles, a double and a tally. Greg “Banker” Rodenbaugh produced two hits, a walk, and a tally.
The club continued to demonstrate its job-like demeanor in the second match winning 10-7. Original club member, Anthony “Sticks” Scaramuzzi came out of retirement going two for three with two doubles and a stolen base. Ryan “Pants” Gannon struck two singles and a double while shoplifting three bags. Potomac forced the club to work double-time in the late innings, but the Eclipse defense beat the competition to take home a 10-7 victory.
Eclipse Blast Flemington on 4th of July Weekend
July 8, 2008
After a sluggish start, the base ball club of Elkton’s offense exploded earning a 17-7 victory over the Neshanock.
Tim “Ones” Bower initiated the fireworks with a four-tally fourbaser in the third inning. Jon “Killer” Kilpatrick, one of the club’s muckles, launched several cannon-ball blasts forcing Flemington Scouts to scurry for cover.
Slick-fielding Rover Ryan “Pants” Gannon and muffin Second Basetender John “Duff” Duffy patrolled the midfield while hurler Tom “Schoolboy” Duffy led the splendiferous, defensive charge from the pitcher’s point.
In the 8th inning, Eclipse ballists teamed up and ignited the grand finale by working three walks and striking two singles and a double propelling the club to score five tallies.
Numerous rooters visiting the Cape May Historic Village provided cheers and jeers as they crammed behind the dish to witness the match.
The club is happy to welcome our newest ballist, John “Duff” Duffy.
Scorched Eclipse Scald the Competition
June 9, 2008
Battling the unmerciful sun and a dearth of players, the valiant Eclipse perspired and persevered on their way to winning three out of four matches at the Washington DC 19th Century Base Ball Classic.
On Saturday, the Eclipse initiated the ball playing by engaging a first-time foe, the Ohio Village Muffins. The mid-morning match was a tight defensive battle marked by a limited base stealing rule agreed to by both team’s captains. The Gentlemen of Elkton had little trouble with the Muffins as timely striking by Glyn “Hammer” Richards and Greg “Banker” Rodenbaugh led the way. Tom “Schoolboy” Duffy made his 2008 début hurling an exceptional match giving up only four tallies. The final tally was 8-4 in favor of the Eclipse.
Saturday’s second match also ended by a final tally of 8-4 and a victory for the Eclipse. Facing Eric Miklich and the NY Mutuals, Elkton again made the most of their offensive opportunities as club speedster Brian “Hops” Howarth stroked three hits and stole one base. The usually hard striking Mutuals may have suffered heat stroke as they could muster only minimal offensive output.
The Eclipse faced the feared Brooklyn Atlantic in Sunday’s first match. Having only eight players, the un-intimidated Eclipse roused untapped energy to battle Brooklyn in an epic struggle. Although Short Scout Mike “Irish” Phelan struck the ball well going five for six with three doubles, five tallies, and five stolen bases, the Eclipse finally succumbed after nine innings, falling 16-13.
The final match of the weekend saw the Eclipse take on the Rochester Live Oak. Sun-soaked ballists from both sides did all they could to scratch out tallies, but the heat finally managed a victory. The final tally of the truncated match was 2-1 in favor of Elkton.
Although ballists and families alike could scarcely find a scrap of shade, the weekend was a shining success.
WOUNDED ECLIPSE MUGGED IN NYC
May 18, 2008
Yesterday, the Eclipse BBC of Elkton limped to Central Park, NY for the annual Gotham Cup Tournament. Missing several ballists because of injury and personal reasons, the club threw together a rag-tag bunch for the highly competitive tournament. Jon "Killer" Kilpatrick, still recovering from a severely dislocated shoulder, proved his manliness by hurling (Against Medical and Wifely Advice) several innings for the club.
The first game—truly, a match of mediocrity—saw the Eclipse struggle to their final at bat before falling 11-9 against the spirited tournament hosts, the NY Gothams. The club’s leading striker, Tim “Ones” Bower propelled a strong offensive effort, but the team’s multiple defensive miscues spelled demise for the Eclipse.
The nightcap marked the eighth occurrence of a match against the Brooklyn Atlantic. And like the first seven, the Eclipse failed to earn a victory. Brooklyn’s cohesive and fundamentally sound defense nearly whitewashed Elkton limiting the club to two tallies, while their timely striking attack produced more than enough for a comfortable victory. The final tally was 11-2.
The Eclipse wish to thank Glenn “Geezer” Drinkwater of the Rochester Live Oak and Eric Miklich of the NY Mutuals for assisting the club on the field.
The club is happy to welcome our newest ballist, Bob “Grub” Groeber.
MD/NJ CHALLENGE A SUCCESS; ECLIPSE SPLIT AGAIN
April 28, 2008
The Eclipse Base Ball Club of Elkton hosted the 2nd annual Maryland/New Jersey challenge yesterday. Two teams from New Jersey—the Flemington Neshanock and the Newark Eurekas—journeyed to Elk Landing to battle the Eclipse, the Talbot Fair Plays, and Chesapeake & Potomac.
For the second consecutive week, the Eclipse won one and lost one.
The Elkton gentlemen opened the day engaging in a mighty defensive struggle versus the Neshanock. Several Eclipse artists drew loud huzzahs from the throng of rooters after executing dazzling fielding gems. Down two tallies in the final inning, Eclipse Captain Glyn “Hammer” Richards energized the team by launching a colossal blast for a four-baser. Despite tying the score, the Eclipse succumbed to the persistent Flemington nine—losing by a final tally of 6-5.
In the match against the newly formed Newark Eurekas, the Eclipse dusted off the willows and unleashed a fury of stingers and rippers catapulting the club to an insurmountable lead. Making his way back from a devastating 2007 knee injury, Mike “Chopper” Pyle laced the horsehide over the left scout in his second at bat. On the field, Antoni “Shaggy” Sekowski led the way easily corralling all apples struck in his direction. All Eclipse ballists struck the ball well as the club sailed to a 27-4 victory.
Eric “the Express” Miklich of the New York Mutuals made the trip to Elk Landing to assist the Eclipse.
The EBBC ladies auxiliary served up a bountiful post-match feast, which was thoroughly enjoyed by ballists and families alike.
In the end, New Jersey had won the challenge by a score of 4 games to 2. Other results of the challenge were as follows:
New Jersey 4 Maryland 2
Flemington 6 Elkton 5 1864
Newark 15 C&P 3 1864
Elkton 27 Newark 4 1873
Flemington 3 Talbot 0 1860
Talbot 14 Newark 1 1860
Flemington 36 C&P 29 1873
Eclipse Open With Strong Bats, Fall in Second match
April 21, 2008
On April 20, 2008, the Elkton Eclipse Base Ball Club traveled to Crawford, NJ to engage in a doubleheader with the Providence Grays. Having only eight players each at the neutral venue, both clubs scrambled to field a complete nine. The Eclipse recruited a true muffin from the local township and the Grays borrowed a ballist from the Elizabeth Athletic Club.
The Eclipse dominated the first match—an 1864-styled battle—by jumping out to a 6-0 first inning lead. From then on, the Eclipse defense carried the club. Ryan “Pants” Gannon, the team’s Short Scout, led the way making heaps of difficult plays seem routine. Team president, Bruce “Early” Leith hurled a solid game, while the club’s timely hitting in the later innings propelled the Eclipse to a seemingly effortless 16-2 victory.
Playing by 1884 rules in the second game, the teams saw reversed fortunes as the Grays quickly claimed an early advantage. Their relentless striking attack wore down the gentleman from Elkton. And though the valiant Eclipse fought hard, they couldn’t string together enough hits to make a substantial run for victory. The final tally was 9-3 in favor of Providence.
Next Sunday, April 27, 2008, the Eclipse welcome the Flemington Neshanock, the Talbot Fair Plays, Chesapeake & Potomac, and the Newark Eurekas to Elk Landing for the New Jersey/Maryland challenge. The Newark Eurekas, an off-shoot of the Flemington club, are beginning their inaugural season and will be making their first ever visit to Elk Landing.
Eclipse Open Season With Strong Bats, Fall in Second Game
By: Lee "Brew" Donelson
April 21, 2008
On April 20, 2008, the Elkton Eclipse Base Ball Club traveled to Crawford, NJ to engage in a doubleheader with the Providence Grays. Having only eight players each at the neutral venue, both clubs scrambled to field a complete nine. The Eclipse recruited a true muffin from the local township and the Grays borrowed a ballist from the Elizabeth Athletic Club.
The Eclipse dominated the first match—an 1864-styled battle—by jumping out to a 6-0 first inning lead. From then on, the Eclipse defense carried the club. Ryan “Pants” Gannon, the team’s Short Scout, led the way making heaps of difficult plays seem routine. Team president, Bruce “Early” Leith hurled a solid game, while the club’s timely hitting in the later innings propelled the Eclipse to a seemingly effortless 16-2 victory.
Playing by 1884 rules in the second game, the teams saw reversed fortunes as the Grays quickly claimed an early advantage. Their relentless striking attack wore down the gentleman from Elkton. And though the valiant Eclipse fought hard, they couldn’t string together enough hits to make a substantial run for victory. The final score was 9-3 in favor of Providence.
Next Sunday, April 27, 2008, the Eclipse welcome the Flemington Neshanock, the Talbot Fair Plays, Chesapeake & Potomac, and the Newark Eurekas to Elk Landing for the New Jersey/Maryland challenge. The Newark Eurekas, an off-shoot of the Flemington club, are beginning their inaugural season and will be making their first ever visit to Elk Landing.
A Special Thanks to Lee "Brew" Donelson for all of the game recaps.