The following is the Norwich Bulletin account of the rotary baseball game between the Norwich and New London Rotary Clubs, held on Thursday, June 10, 1920.
Norwich Rotarians proved themselves to be great ball players when they lined up against the New London brothers at the Submarine Base on Thursday afternoon, but the New Londoners proved themselves to be greater players for they roundly trimmed the local boys to the tune of 10 to 5. The game went five innings and then was called off on account of sore arms, aching backs and other physical ailments produced by the fast pace set Norwich started out at a fast clip scoring three runs in the first inning, slamming the offerings of S. F. Peterson to all corners of the lot. Louis Porteous was in the box for the local boys and the pitching he offered would have done credit to a Mathewson. Howard Baker did the backstop work and Howie proved himself a star. Charlie Wells played first for one inning and then Doc Campbell relieved him. Willis Austin took care of second while Clarence Spear capered at short and a has-been (not to mention names) endeavored to play third. In the outfield Clint Lane got under the high, ones (nuf sed) and Bert Gager, Harry Clark and Harry Shannon performed gracefully.
About the second inning, New London opened up with a vengeance and tied up the score. Norwich went ahead in the next and New London evened it up in their half. After that, the morale of the local boys seemed shattered. A relief pitcher was sent in but no relief did his he bring. The outfielders had to be changed for after New London boys got going it developed into a relay race for the local outfields. Joe Worth made an exceptionally fine run in left field, but before he caught up with it Chapin of the Whalers had made the circuit. Ben Marshall playing first base for the New London boys put up a corking game, playing as he did in the old college days.
Jerry Dunn of the sub-base did the umpiring convincingly and when we say convincingly we used it advisedly. No one dared to dispute his decisions. One rash New Londoner did (we refrain from mentioning names) and the ump promptly called out the marine guard and the objector was benched much to his chagrin and the delight of the crowd.
T. C. Murphy who relieved one of the outfielders in the marathon was a star when he came to bat his eye was clear and he swung his club with mighty effect but alas his followers were weak. During the first part of the game, most of New London’s hits were made through second base. This was due to the fact that Willis Austin was playing his position between second and third rather than between first and second as is customary in all bohfide ball games.
When he found his mistake he played with a vengeance and his work was spectacular to a wonderful degree. It was a fine game just the same and everyone enjoyed it very minute. The spirit of good felowship and informality reigned supreme, while there was that good natured rivalry that adds so much to the old ball game. While Norwich was beaten they accent defeat with a smile and now rest comfortably, or uncomfortably, as the case may be. hoping to turn the tables when the two clubs meet again. How about it New London, are your arms any sorer than ours?
The game followed the weekly luncheon at the Mohican hotel at which the New London Rotary club entertained the club from this city. About 25 Rotarians from Norwich made the trip to New London by automobile. There were no speeches on the program but there were several delightful features which enlivened the luncheon and kept the Rotarians in good humor for the battle that was to come. Capt Frederick L. Oliver, commandant of the base, and members of his staff were the guests of the New London club.
President Costello read a poem entitled The Great-a Ball Fame, in Italian dialect, which was received with roars of laughter, and Jim Hammond recited DeWolf Hopper‘s famous poem. Casey at the Bat, which called forth rounds of applause. President Joe Worth of the Norwich club, invited the New London Rotarians to be guests of the club from the head of navigation at a luncheon at the Norwich Golf club on Wednesday, June 30. He stated that there would be golf matches and the New London members would be given the privilege of using the links.
In behalf of the New London club, Jim Hammond presented Jack Tracy a gift in recognition of his recently joining the ranks of Benedicts.
After the luncheon, the Rotarians went to the submarine base by automobile where the great contest on the diamond was staged.
Those attending from Norwich were: Joseph C. Worth, Clarence A. Spear, E. Howard Baker, Louis Porteous, Dr. Hugh B. Campbell, Lucius Briggs, Willis Austin, James L. Crawford, C. A. Gager, Harry Clark. J. Henry Shannon, C. E. Lane, Herbert Adams, T. C. Murphy, Charles F. Wells, and Dr. John S. Blackmar.