The Shannon Sodbusters will hitch up their horses and head to Lima on Sunday, Aug. 21, to face their second adversaries of the season at the Allen County Fair.
Coming off a July 2 victory, the Sodbusters will play a newly organized team, the Solar Refiners in this battle. Organized by Husky Refinery employee Dan Groman, this matchup is a part of the Husky Refinery's celebration for their 125th year of refining crude oil in Lima. The Solar Refinery had Base Ball Teams in the late 1800s and on through the 1900s.
The match will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, after the toss of a coin, and after meeting the teams. Nine innings are scheduled to be played, using the rules formulated in 1860. Because play does not permit the use of gloves, a catch after one bounce is considered an out.
No strikes are called, and a fair ball is determined by the first spot on the ground that the ball touches after it was hit. A base runner may not over-run first base, or they may be tagged out.
This game is a gentleman's sport, with courtesy extended to the adversaries (opponents) as well as the Arbiter (Umpire). Failure to follow gentlemanly courtesies may result in a fine of a week's wages (25 cents). Hurling (pitching) is made in an underhand fashion, and the batter may request the spot that they want the ball to cross the plate.
Both teams were organized by "Dangerous" Dan Groman to recognize Bluffton's and Husky's milestone years, but "Dangerous" Dan will manage the Refiners while Dave "Crackerjack" Kisor will manage the Sodbusters in this matchup.
The game will be played in the grass lot West of the Allen County Fairgrounds and just South of the Wal Mart store.
