Photos by Cathy Miller

Washington Borough took a step back in time on Aug. 19 as the Neshanock Base Ball Club took on the Warren Hills High School baseball team in a contest that featured rules of the game from the 1880s – meaning no gloves, wooden bats only and other rules not seen today. The action took place at the Washington Borough baseball field by the pool. Longtime youth coach Darryl Wright and Bruce Schott teamed up to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Schott, who played baseball for Washington High School and later with the Washington Bombers, was an outstanding pitcher in his time and still holds the record for the most wins in a season for the Blue Streaks. Schott, while pitching for the Bombers, once gave up a home run to former Yankee great Joe Pepitone in an exhibition game at the park.

Neshanock, which plays in vintage games throughout the region, features a pair of Washington residents – Gregg “Burner” Wiseburn and Mark “Gaslight” Granieri.

The community event, which also included vendors and a classic car show, drew a super crowd. Neshanock won the game, 17-6, but the final score didn’t matter as all had a great time!