Grays Look for Wins in Connecticut This Sunday

June 12, 2021

PROVIDENCE, R. I. – The Providence crew fell short in the win column last weekend at the Village of the Branch, New York, facing off with the Atlantic BBC of Brooklyn in an ‘84/’64 doubleheader. This Sunday, June 13, the Rhode Island squad makes its way to Cove Park in Wethersfield for another overhand/underhand twin bill, on this occasion with the Red Onion club of that town. First pitch in Connecticut is 11 a.m.

Old Dutch Day last Sunday (June 6) in Smithtown provided a reunion of the two ball clubs, whose fierce and friendly rivalry extends back decades and always produces some of the most enjoyable outings of the season. Brooklyn came out on top in both matches on this day that celebrates the memory of Al “Old Dutch” Dieckmann and honors another ballist whose commitment to the old game deserves recognition. Providence congratulates Sean “Toothpick” Ness of the Atlantic, the 2021 recipient of the Old Dutch Day Award.

Congratulations to Sean "Toothpick" Ness, the 2021 recipient of the Old Dutch Day Award at Atlantic Park in Smithtown, NY. From left to right, with all previous Old Dutch Award recipients present on this day: Richard "Tree" Ness (2018), Anthony "Dirty Pirate" Cannino (2016), Toothpick (2021), Grays Captain Brian Travers (2015), Greg "Hawk" Dengel (2009), and George "Wildhorse" Ferchland (2014).

Old Dutch Day Recap (Providence vs. Brooklyn, June 6)

Game one (1864) saw the Atlantic jump out to a quick 6-run lead in the first inning, followed by two more in the second. The early Brooklyn offense provided yet another instance where the Grays found themselves in a hole initially, which ultimately proved too much to overcome. Providence offense commenced in the second frame with back-to-back base knocks from Jamie Maynard (LF) and Kai Henson (RF). Jon “Bones” Henson (P) sacrificed to drive in Maynard, and Dave “Grandpa” Watson (1B) followed up with a single to push Kai across the plate to complete a two-run frame for the Grays.

The Atlantic posted a 4-run third inning and added another ace in the fourth. Providence did not score in the third despite a double from Captain Brian Travers (C), then put one more on the board in the fourth when Maynard singled, stole second, moved to third on a single from Kai Henson, then scored on a 6 to 3 ground out by Bones, to set the score at 13-3.

The Grays held Brooklyn to just three runs in the last half of the contest (two in the sixth and one in the ninth), but could only manage four more of their own, not enough to erase the early deficit. Lead-off hitter and short stop Mike Duggan tallied three of the additional aces, reaching base on an error in the fifth, doubling in the seventh (off the RBI triple from Travers), and singling in the ninth. Travers scored the final run of the contest after singling, taking second on a single from Aidan Pirruccello-McClellan (CF), stealing third, and scoring on a (6 to 3) ground out by third baseman Johnny Carlevale. Final: Brooklyn 16, Providence 7.

Grays' right fielder Kai Henson singles off
Brooklyn 60s' ace Vincent "Tuna" Aurora

Game two at Atlantic Park featured 1884 rules and overhand pitching. The Grays took a 2-run lead in the first, with Travers (1B, single) and Aidan (CF, double) scoring respectively on a sacrifice by Carlevale (RF) and a single from Maynard (LF). Brooklyn scored three in the second and two in third off pitcher Kai Henson and the defense behind him.

Henson’s pitching and good defensive play combined to hold the Atlantic scoreless over the middle innings, while the Grays managed a single ace in the fifth, when catcher Tony McClellan reached on an error then crossed the plate on a Grandpa Watson RBI double. The 5 to 3 Brooklyn lead held till the seventh, when the Atlantic put up two more before a Grays three-run rally with singles from A. McClellan, Carlevale, Maynard, K. Henson, and T. McClellan for a 7 to 6 Brooklyn edge going into the eighth. The Atlantic experienced a rally of their own and plated three more aces to extend their lead, 10 to 6. The Grays persevered in the ninth with two more tallies but couldn’t close the gap. Final: Brooklyn 10, Providence 8.

Providence vs. the Wethersfield Red Onion (Sunday, June 13)

This Sunday’s trek marks the second of the young season to the Constitution State after the split doubleheader with the Hartfords at Colt Meadow in early May. Join us at Cove Park in Wethersfield if you’re in the area or follow along as we post updates on Facebook and Instagram. First pitch of the twin bill is 11 a.m. For more info on the team and the rest of our 2021 schedule, head over to providencegrays.com.

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Photo credit: Hope flag image in header, Helen Sheldon