The Essex Base Ball Organization had a busy weekend with games on both Saturday and Sunday and then an appearance on Monday.

Saturday saw the Beaneaters travel up to Nashua NH to take on the NH Granite. Despite several new faces in the outfield, the team was led by the always strong pitching of Chris “Monkey” Sheehy and coasted to a 13-4 victory. The Beaneaters return to action Saturday August 1st as they take on the Boston Colonials.

Sunday July 26th the Essex Nine traveled to Ipswich, MA to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the town of Ipswich. The day started with the Essex Nine matched up against the Ipswich Little League All Stars. After two innings with the little league players the Essex Nine saw the debut of the Ipswich Brewers of the Mercury Brewing Company. In brand new uniforms the Brewers held their own with the much more seasoned Essex boys. The final score was lost to the ages. We would like to thank the Ipswich Historical Society for setting up the event and the Mercury Brewing Company who were generous enough to allow the players to sample their fine brew. We look forward to many more games with the Brewers as they are a fine group of guys.

Cappy, Monkey, and Scaps headed up to Manchester, NH on Monday night to be part of the NH Fisher Cats Negro League Night. Former Red Sox pitcher Dennis Oil Can Boyd was on hand along with Larry Tye the author of Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend. We listened to some stories about Satchel page and got to meet Oil Can Boyd (who is a character) but unfortunately a thunder storm knocked out the power and the game was postponed.

Vintage Base Ball Goes To Ireland

Brian and Chris Sheehy made the long trip over to Ireland last week to bring the history of baseball to the children of Ireland. The brothers showed up at Corkagh Demesne Park in Clondalkin, West Dublin on a dreary Saturday morning not knowing what to expect but were pleasantly surprised to see 18 or so 7-12 year olds who were more than happy to learn about the history of baseball from two guys from the Boston area. Cappy took a few minutes to show the kids several uniforms, gloves, and baseballs, and after the show and tell session Cappy moved on to the rules and explained how they changed in the 19th century. Finally, Cappy explained why he was wearing his new red Lawrence uniform, and he explained that Patsy Donovan (who was born in County Cork and moved to Lawrence, MA) wore this uniform in 1886. Donovan may be one of the best players who was ever born in Ireland and Cappy wrote an article on him a few years back click here. After all of the talk (which judging by the quiz after the game they all remembered) they decided to let the kids play an inning. For a sport that is relatively new in Ireland the kids showed some great fundamentals and even picked up the vintage game quickly calling their fellow teammates muffins after they swung and missed. After the inning the kids were gathered together and huzzahs were cheered and kids activity packs were passed out. Cappy and Monkey would like to thank everyone involved with Baseball in Ireland for the opportunity to educate the kids on the history of the game.

Upcoming Events
Sat July 25th 1pm Beaneaters vs. NH Granite Pennichuck Middle School 207 Manchester St. Nashua, NH 03064

Come join the Essex Base Ball Club for an event Sunday July 26th at 4pm at Raymond Fields (94 Essex Rd (Route133) in Ipswich, MA. The Essex Nine is teaming up with the Ipswich Historical Society and Mercury Brewing Company to celebrate the 375th anniversary of Ipswich. The day kicks off at 4pm with the Essex Nine playing two innings against the Ipswich Little League All Stars. After the two innings the Mercury Brewing Company will unveil the newest vintage base ball club in New England, the Ipswich Brewers. The day promises to be a good exhibit of 1861 base ball and beer and food will be available for sale.

Admission, non-members $5/person, $20/family. Members, $3/person, $15/family

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the action.

Pictures From Last Few Events

Games Between the Rain

During the lovely month of June this year finding time between the rain to play base ball has proved a challenge but the clubs squeezed in three games in two days this past week. On Sunday a Essex/ Lynn squad matched up against a Melrose/ Fitchburg squad in Ayer, MA. The games were enjoyable and both split squads were able to claim one of the games played.

Despite several cancelations and the ever present threat of rain the annual Hot Dogs and Hits game was played Monday night to a good sized crowd. The home town Essex squad marched off to a quick lead and never looked back winning 8-2 in a special 12 inning extended game. As always the crowd enjoyed the game and the kids enjoyed playing before and after the game. We look forward to the event again next year.

Next on tap…
Members of the Essex squad will be heading to the town common in North Andover on Sundya July 5th for a demonstration.

July 12th members of the Essex and Lynn squads will be out on Georges Island

Brian “Cappy” Sheehy and Chris “Monkey” Sheehy will be traveling over to Ireland on July 10th and will be doing several kids camps in which they will be teaching the 19th century rules to little league players over in Ireland.