(Chelsea Update would like to thank “Honest Jon” Van Hoek for the information in this story.)
The Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea, practitioners of the 1860-rules version of our nation’s pastime, will kick off its 12th season in Chelsea on Saturday, May 21.
The Monitors will welcome the Rochester Granger ball club, one of the first and most pre-eminent vintage base ball teams in Michigan, to the friendly confines of Timbertown Park on Sibley Road. The Grangers last visited Chelsea back in 2011, as part of the home club’s debut season. The plan on 5/21 is to play a double-header of games, by slightly-different sets of rules, beginning at noon.
Fans of all ages are invited to come join the fun and take in this unique glimpse of baseball’s beginnings come to life. There is no charge for admission, just bring lawn chairs and some refreshments for yourselves. Cheer for both sides as they engage in friendly yet lively competition.
The Monitors will have at least one home match each month in 2022, and several other local competitions as part of their 2022 campaign. Plans for home affairs are set for June 11, July 16, Aug. 27 and Sept. 11, with another local scrimmage or two sure to be organized.
The club also invites any interested participants to come join in weekly practices and try their hand at the fun pastime of Civil War-era baseball.
For full schedule, any questions, and info on how to get involved, please contact club captain “Honest Jon” Van Hoek at [email protected]. You can also find more info at www.chelseamonitors.com and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelseaMonitors.
Finally, the club has organized a small fundraiser for its 2022 season by way of an online apparel order, featuring a newly-refreshed club logo done by local gem 12 Acres Studio.
If anyone is interested in purchasing a unique shirt to help support a unique group, please visit: https://monitorbaseballclub.itemorder.com/shop/sale/. Orders will be accepted through May 22, and sent to Honest Jon for distribution here in town.
The weather has finally broken, bring on some baseball…Huzzah.
