Grays Rejoice at Rocky Point, Set Sail for Historic Ft. Warren

WARWICK NECK - On the picturesque shores of Warwick Neck, the Providence Grays played host to the Rocky Point Festival, an extravaganza of historic base ball played with fervor and flair. Over the course of a sun-kissed weekend, on Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20, the festival unfolded to the delight of base ball aficionados, drawing a splendid crowd.

The festival showcased a stellar lineup of teams, each contributing to the grandeur of the event. Alongside the Grays, the Boston Union, Bovina Dairymen, Canton Cornshuckers, Connecticut Hartfords, Dirigo BBC of Maine, Elizabeth Resolutes, Lisbon Tunnelmen, New York Knickerbocker Experience, New York Mutuals, Philadelphia Athletics, and the Westfield Wheelmen came together in the spirit of camaraderie and competition. Over two days, these historic ball clubs partook in twenty exhilarating games spread across three fields (Old Hoss, Jim Creighton, and Jerry Denny).

The festivities commenced with the Grays taking to the main field at Rocky Point, affectionately known as Old Hoss Field, for an 1886-style encounter against the Westfield Wheelmen. It was a hard-fought contest that saw the hosts falling to the Wheelmen with a score of 12-4.

The second Grays game on Saturday was a friendly rivalry renewed, as Providence faced off against the Elizabeth Resolutes on Jerry Denny Field. Providence put on a show of prowess, downing their comrades 26-11 in a match following the rules of 1870, a nod to the Resolutes' preferred rule set. The Grays were resolute in their determination, not forgetting the dramatic turn of events from the 2022 festival when Elizabeth stormed back from a 17-run deficit to snatch victory from the local nine.

The final game on Saturday held a special place in the hearts of the Grays. Prior to the first pitch on Old Hoss Field against the New York Mutuals, a touching ceremony unfolded. Captain Brian Travers and the Providence family awarded commemorative pocket watches to Charlie Dryer of Providence and Tom Fesolowich of the Mutuals, celebrating their 25 years of dedication and service to historic base ball. Their unwavering commitment serves as an inspiration to all, exemplifying the spirit of the game.

The Mutuals claimed victory in the ensuing 1864 match, the third of the day for the Grays, with a final score of 12-7, after Providence conceded a significant number of runs in the first inning.

Sunday brought a brighter day for the Grays. Despite a challenging start on Old Hoss Field against the formidable Canton Cornshuckers of Michigan, who are renowned for their dominance, Providence stood tall through much of the match. Ultimately, they yielded to the Midwesterners with a score of 13-5, adhering to the 1884 overhand style.

The action in the second game of the day shifted to Jerry Denny Field, where the Grays engaged in an 1864-style face-off with the Athletics of Philadelphia. Providence emerged victorious, defeating the A's with a commanding score of 15-1 in short order.

The final match commenced in the mid-afternoon on Sunday back on Old Hoss Field. The Festival concluded with Providence defeating Boston Union 18-5 in an 1864 encounter. The Grays successfully built momentum, which they now hope to ride along with the ferry to Georges Island this Saturday, August 26, as they face the Fleischmanns Mountain Tourists (Mountain Athletic Club) in a doubleheader.

Georges Island, located in Boston Harbor, will be the setting for this maritime battle. The historic Ft. Warren, nestled on the island, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter. The Grays and Fleischmanns share a rivalry marked by alternating victories. Providence secured two wins in Fleischmanns back in May, only to be humbled by M.A.C. during the Doc Adams Festival in Bethpage earlier this month.

This upcoming doubleheader serves as a decisive rubber match, where bragging rights and historic base ball dominance are on the line. It's worth noting that both clubs will travel to Georges Island by ferry, harking back to an era when players routinely traversed the waters of the Northeast to engage in spirited matches.

As we set sail for Georges Island, let us pay homage to the bygone days of base ball, where camaraderie and competition knew no bounds. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to embark on this journey and witness the Providence Grays' pursuit of victory on the historic grounds of Ft. Warren, where history whispers, and the spirit of the game endures.