Grays Break Even at Doc Adams, March Onward to Rocky Point Gathering

 

Recalling the Doc Adams Festival and Anticipating the Grandeur of Rocky Point

WARWICK NECK, R.I. - The Providence Grays have emerged from the resplendent setting of the Doc Adams Festival at Old Bethpage (Aug 5-6), where historic base ball reached its zenith. Across two sun-drenched days, the Grays engaged in spirited contests against formidable adversaries, culminating in a commendable 2-2 record.

The festival's overture unfolded with the Grays facing off against the Mountain Athletic Club (M.A.C.), in an 1884-style bout. While gallant in their efforts, the Grays could not secure a victory, yielding to M.A.C. with a final score of 11-5. This spirited clash epitomized the tough essence of the game that descends upon the field each time these two teams compete.

However, as the afternoon sun bathed the field, the Grays rallied for an encounter under the 1864 rules against the Mutuals. Providence unfurled an extraordinary offensive tableau, artfully combined with steadfast defense, culminating in a resounding 15-1 triumph. It was a spectacle, revealing the Grays' chameleonic mastery over epochs of the game.

The sun rose upon another victorious day, with the Grays overwhelming their morning adversary, Manetto Hill, with an imposing 18-2 verdict. The Grays' ceaseless offense and unwavering defense once more painted an exquisite base ball portrait, reflecting the team's depth and mastery of their craft.

Yet, the grand festival's crescendo arrived as the Grays clashed with the formidable Eckford in their final engagement. An indomitable effort unfolded, but the Grays, despite their valor, fell with a score of 12-3. With their respectable record standing at 2-2, the Grays gracefully concluded their sojourn at the Doc Adams Festival.

Turning to the Grandeur of the Rocky Point Festival

As the echoes of the Doc Adams Festival still resonate, base ball enthusiasts set their sights on the historic Rocky Point Festival in Warwick, Rhode Island. This gathering transpires upon the hallowed grounds of an erstwhile amusement park, where, from 1891 to 1917, the only Sunday baseball games permitted in New England graced this idyllic expanse.

Rocky Point occupies a special corner of baseball history, having hosted Babe Ruth, an iconic figure in the annals of the sport. On September 27, 1914, during an exhibition against the Chicago Cubs at Rocky Point, Ruth conjured baseball magic. He not only pitched the Providence Grays to a magnificent triumph but also unleashed a "tremendous wallop in the third session, clearing the hill in right field by half a furlong and bouncing into the water on the other side."

This weekend's festivities at Rocky Point promise to be a celebration, an ode to the timeless allure of base ball. The Providence Grays are poised for the challenges ahead, eager to display their prowess and create indelible memories on this historic terrain.

The lineup of teams promises to deliver a delightful mix of competition and camaraderie. The Grays will have the honor of welcoming the Boston Union, Bovina Dairymen, Canton Cornshuckers, Connecticut Hartfords, Dirigo BBC of Maine, Elizabeth Resolutes, LisbonTunnelmen, New York Knickerbocker Experience, New York Mutuals, and the Westfield Wheelmen to the festival.

We invite you to partake in this picturesque setting, where history whispers from every corner, and the splendid Narragansett Bay provides the backdrop for a weekend of base ball majesty. With 12 different teams descending upon this sacred ground, they will partake in twenty exhilarating games spread across three fields over two days. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to capture the magic of the Rocky Point Festival and be transported to an era when base ball was more than a game; it was a spectacle, a tradition, and a celebration of America's competitive spirit.