South Haven Ball Club Hosts 1st Tournament

Saturday, the 21st of May. Bark Peelers/Corkers 10-0; Brewers/Bark Peelers 10-7; Brewers/Corkers 5-4.
Even before the first pitch was hurled, some of the more sensitive players noted the unusual off-shore wind on the Bluff. More on the wind later.
In the 1st contest, we welcomed the newly-formed Paw Paw Corkers to our fair town. The Corkers showed great spirit and good humor, but fell to the more experienced home team 10-0.
At the start of the 2nd match, the wind changed again, this time blowing out of the South. More on the wind later.
Our friends from the Livery always arrive prepared for a good match, and Saturday was no exception. The first inning saw a flurry of aces tallied, 5 in all by the visitors. After some fine displays of athleticism on both sides, the Brewers prevailed, 10-7. This is the first ever win for the Brewers over the South Haven ballists. Well done, well struck and well played.
The third match featured the Corkers, now relaxed and settled in, versus the Brewers. Both teams displayed some fine striking of the ball and the Brewers eventually outlasted their oponents 5-4.
***We could not help notice that some players for the visiting teams were of the feminine persuasion. This is fairly unusual for this style of base ball.
Perhaps the Winds of Change are blowing. It may be time for Gentlemen and yes, Gentlewomen to play together toward the common goals of friendship, exercise and the love of the game.
Here's to many more matches with our old friends from the Livery, and new friends from Paw Paw.

5-14 tulip festival

The Gentlemen from Douglas prevailed 11-8.
A nice day and a fine match.

THIS WEEK IN BARK PEELER HISTORY

Always a Favorite with the Cranks, Reserve Behind "FirePlug" was born the 1st week of April, 1904, just outside Chicago.

STILL THE UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS OF VAN BUREN COUNTY 2011 SEASON

8-11 Saturday, May 7th, 2:00 vs Douglas Dutchers at Holland (Tulip Festival)
Saturday, May 21st, 12:00 pm three way vs Paw Paw Corkers, Livery Brewers, Kids Corner
Saturday, June 18th, 5:00 pm vs House of David Echoes, Kids Corner (Harborfest) Sunday, June 26th 2:00 pm vs Ludington Mariners at Kids Corner
Monday, July 4th, 10:00 am four way vs House of David Echoes, Baroda Bulldogs, Livery Brewers at Benton Harbor (fourth of July)
Saturday, August 6th, 1:00 pm, Three way with Douglas Dutchers, Portage Iron Diamonds, Kids Corner
Saturday, August 13th, 2:00 pm, Livery Brewers, Kids Corner (Blueberry Festival)

BARK PEELERS FALL TO DOUGLAS Sept 11th

In 1867 John Muir walked from Indianapolis to Cedar Key,Florida. A distance of about 1000 miles.

In 2010 Joe "Shoeless Joe" Bihm made his way (also 1000 miles) from Baton Rouge, LA to Douglas, MI to join us in our match with the Douglass Dutchers.

The field was muddy, the grass wet, yet spirits were high as we had a fine match. After the 1st inning, it seemed that the Bark Peelers liked the conditions as they jumped out to a 6-2 lead in aces. The home team dug in, however, and in a fine display of striking, went on to win handily 19-9.

Note to Shoeless Joe, (a member of our 2009 Inaugural team): start out a bit earlier next year, we could use you for more than just the last game of the season.

8-29-10 HOT @ Grace Lutheran Hornets HOT

8 HOT to 2 HOT. Nice field, pleasant fellows. HOT.

Saturday 8-14-10 Bark Peelers prevail over the Livery Brewers

Sixty Aces tallied! Roughly double that of a "normal' vintage match. (Or 10 times that of a Ludington match).
Our friends from the Livery were gracious in defeat. Perhaps their minds were on their upcoming 5th anniversary. Well done, and accept our wishes for many more years of good beer.