August 15, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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The Franklin Farriers set out for Chattanooga to meet the Lightfoot Club for an afternoon base ball match in Fort Oglethorpe. The Farriers; who have emerged as a top team, were surely looking for a win to remain among the league leaders; while the Lightfoot were hoping to build on their most recent victory. The two teams have split the games over the last two seasons at one game apiece.
As customary, the Lightfoot come up short on the opening bat toss and were put on the offensive to start the game. The Lightfoot were up to the task and quickly plated 2 tallies. Not to be out done, the Farriers retaliated with a run of their own keeping the score close.
Defense was certainly top-rail this day as both squads looked to limit their opponents. The Farriers’ “Nips” Herrera patrolled the center field like a hawk swiftly securing every fly ball and bound; leaving the Lightfoot strikers dismayed. The Lightfoot infielders displayed exceptional hands by recording 12 assists; highlighted by first baseman “HI” Farris; who corralled a lined shot, then flipped the ball backwards to “Buster” Hollis as he raced to cover the first sack just beating “Mama’s Boy” Haskins to record the out.
However, the Farriers were finally able to hammer out some hits in the fourth inning and gathered six runs to take an 8 – 3 lead. The Lightfoot were not deterred as they continued to strike well and only surrender 2 additional tallies. But, those proved to be enough as the Farriers held on to the victory with a final score of 10 – 8.
The Lightfoot top performers were Geoffrey “Chaucer” Millener; who went 5 for 5 with a double, 1 run scored, and 2 runs batted in, and Rob “the Bear” Baehr; who went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored, and 1 run batted in. “The Bear” is poised to repeat as the 2017 Lightfoot Triple Crown winner.
The Lightfoot will welcome the The Travellers Club of Brentwood to the 6th Cavalry Museum on August 26, 2017 at 12:00 for the final regular season match.
August 1, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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The Lightfoot Club welcomed the Cumberland Club of Nashville to Chattanooga for their first game in the Scenic City. The Cumberland Club is a enjoying its inaugural season as a member of the TN Association of Vintage Base Ball. The Lightfoot; who have been searching for offense this season, were looking to find a spark against the new squad.
With a limited lineup available, changes were made to both the offensive and defensive positions. Jonathan “Boss” Bosshardt moved to the leadoff spot and shifted to left field; while the consistent swings of Robert “The Bear” Baehr, Deaurhan “Smiley” Crawford, and Scott “Smokey” Herpst were moved up in the batting order.
The Cumberland Club elected to be the visiting team and quickly posted the first tally. Their defense followed that up with 3 straight outs, sending the Lightfoot back on the field. The game had a familiar feel with the Cumberland Club taking a 2 run lead. However, in the bottom of the 2nd inning Justin “Jet” Smith laced his first 2 bagger plating his first 2 RBIs for the Lightfoot. The offense was ignited. In both the 3rd and 4th innings the Lightfoot sent 8 batters to the dish and secured a 7-2 lead. The Cumberland Club was not deterred and struck for 5 runs in the 5th inning; which culminated with a mammoth home run blast that found the deepest part of the Riverpark right field. The Lightfoot charged back with their own rally by posting 4 runs in the 6th inning and finished off the game with a few additional tallies to preserve the win 14-8.
Scott “Smokey” Herpst was awarded the game ball for his prolific performance going 5 for 6 at the dish, reaching base all 6 times, driving in 2 runs, and scoring 3 times. “Sweet Willie” Ingram was just as potent offensively going 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 4 Runs.
The Lightfoot will look to build on this performance in their next match as they take the field against the Franklin Farriers. After a tough season last year, the Farriers have proven to be a real force as they find themselves among the league leaders in the standings. It will be a true test for the Lightfoot for certain.
July 17, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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For the second time this season, the Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga would face their Scenic City partners; the Mountain City Club of Chattanooga. Mountain City has been dominant this season and continues to lead the league standings with an undefeated record at 8-0. Looking for retribution from the prior meeting and hoping to tarnish the Mtn City record, the Lightfoot were eager to take the field.
As a special treat, the Tennessee Assoc. of Vintage Base Ball’s biggest fan; “Little Squirrel”, threw out the first pitch with precision and accuracy. Remember the name.
Mtn City won the bat toss to establish home field and did not look back. After holding the Lightfoot scoreless, Mtn City quickly plated 3 runs in the first. The Lightfoot struck back in the third tallying 2 runs to make the score close. Mtn City was not deterred scoring 3 more runs to close out the third inning. After a short rain delay, Mtn City kept the runs flowing. With deep drives and slippery shots, Mtn City held their footing as they skimmed around the bases. Led by the offensive power and speed of William “Sweet Feet” Bewley; who recorded a home run, and the defensive quickness and determination of Darius “Britches” Matthews; who delivered outstanding feats in the field, Mtn City went on to claim the 6th Cavalry Cup with a final score of 21 – 4.
The Lightfoot offense was led by Geoffery “Chaucer” Millener and Jonathan “Boss” Bosshardt. They went 2 for 4 and 3 for 4 at the dish; respectively, and scored all 4 runs. Rob “The Bear” Baehr continues his pursuit of the Lightfoot Triple Crown as he collected 2 more hits and 2 RBIs.
For their next match the Lightfoot Club will welcome the Cumberland Base Ball Club of Nashville on July 29 to the Tennessee River Park. This will be the Cumberlanders first trip to Chattanooga.
June 26, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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What was to be a family showdown between Heath “H.I.” Farris of the Lightfoot Club and Eric “Two Fingers” Farris of the Phoenix, was unfortunately not to be. Unable to field the necessary 9 players, Phoenix had to forfeit the match.
The two teams graciously provide the crowd with an exhibition game. The fans got a special treat as the very first Lightfoot Hall of Fame inductee; John “Dusty” Bona, joined in with the Phoenix club to enjoy the afternoon playing against his former team.
The Lightfoot Club will prepare to face the Mountain City Club once again. They will meet at the 6th Cavalry Museum in “The Battle for Barnhardt”. The winner will claim the 6th Cavalry Cup.
June 26, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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The Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga met their base ball brethren and hometown rivals; the Mountain City Club of Chattanooga. The Lightfoot have experienced brilliance and bewilderment through the first half of the season posting a 2-4 record; while Mountain City has proven to be a powerhouse of the league posting an undefeated record at 6-0. This would be the first meeting between the Scenic City teams at the new venue at the Tennessee River Park.
The early innings were a clear indication that both teams were there to do business. The defense displayed by both clubs was as stingy as it was dazzling. The Lightfoot were able to manage 3 runs, while holding Mountain City scoreless. But, Mountain City did not stay down for long. Not lacking for power and speed, “Sweet Feet” and “Sarge” delivered in the 5th inning. “Sweet Feet” sprinted from first to home on a double by “Sarge”; who scored shortly thereafter. Some timely hits combined with Lightfoot miscues put Mountain City ahead 5 – 3. From that point forward, MCC applied their customary defensive clamps. With only 5 more hits, the bell would ring no more for the Lightfoot. Mountain City held firmly to their league standing with an 8 – 3 victory.
The Lightfoot offense was led by Scott “Smokey” Herpst, David “Happy” Morrison, and Deaurhan “Smiley” Crawford. The 3 men combined to go 7 for 12 with 3 RBIs.
The Lightfoot will make a quick return to the field as they will welcome the Phoenix of East Nashville next weekend at the TN River Park. The Farris brothers; “H.I.” and “Two Fingers” will go head to head to start the second half of the season.
June 12, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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The Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga marched into Fort Oglethorpe determined to get back on the winning track. With just a single victory on the season, the Lightfoot were happy to be home at the 6th Cavalry Museum where they would face the Highland Rim Distillers; who themselves were experiencing some challenges this season as they field a number of new players.
Unfortunately for the Lightfoot, the first couple of innings were a repeat of previous games. There were no hits to be found, a single ace was recorded, and the Distillers plated some early runs to take the lead. But, the fourth inning seemed to be a real turning point for the Lightfoot. Heath “H.I.” Farris led off the inning with a double, thus lighting the fuse. 6 of the next 7 Lightfoot batters reached base and by the end of the sixth inning, the Lightfoot had sent 24 batters to the dish, accumulated 16 hits; 5 of which were doubles, and tallied 10 runs. This was the biggest offensive explosion for the Lightfoot all season.
The Distillers were able to keep the Lightfoot close with some aces of their own led by a new player; “Ace”. The young man swings a mighty willow and showed some real dash fire rounding the sacks. It was even noted that “Ace” had to discard his shoes, but he didn’t miss a step. “Shoeless!” Have you ever heard of such a thing?
However, the Lightfoot still had more. Over the final innings, they smashed 11 more hits and 5 more runs; which ended up being quite beneficial. The Distillers made one final rally in the bottom of the ninth inning with 4 runs, but came up short. The Lightfoot held on to a 16 – 12 victory.
Rob “the Bear” Baehr continued his offensive barrage and was joined by teammates John “Soleman” Neal, Gene “Sweet Willie” Ingram, and Heath “H.I” Farris. The four mean were a combined 20 for 23 at the dish with 10 runs scored.
The Lightfoot will look to stay on track as they meet their home town brethren the Mountain City Club of Chattanooga at the Tennessee Riverpark. Mountain City stands in first place and has shown superior offensive power and an even greater defensive presence, so the Lightfoot will need to be on point at the next match scheduled for June 17, 2017.
May 31, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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The Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga set out for the Hermitage; home of “Old Hickory” Andrew Jackson. There they would take to the field in a match with the Nashville Maroons. The Maroons; on a 2 game winning streak, were looking to maintain the status quo, while the Lightfoot Club; on a 2 game slide, were looking to better their fortunes.
The Maroons led off the game with 5 runs in the first. The Lightfoot tallied 3 runs to keep the score close. The early action was shaping up to be neck and neck race to the finish. Inning after inning, the Maroons would fill the bases with runners. Yet, the Lightfoot would manage some timely outs to limit the Maroons’ scoring. But, the Maroons’ offense kept up the pressure and the runs started to tally.
The Maroons’ defense was just as determined. In the garden, the Maroon fielders made play after play on fly balls, bounders, and grounders. Allowing only 8 base runners and surrendering only 1 run over the last 6 innings of play. The Maroons emerged victorious 16-5
The Lightfoot offense was led by Rob “the Bear” Baehr and Deaurhan “Smiley” Crawford. Both gentlemen went 3 for 4 at the dish and combined for 2 runs scored and 4 RBIs.
The Lightfoot also wish to extend a grand “Huzzah!!!” to Christopher “Cap” West. A newcomer to the squad, Cap has battled all season and regrettably suffered a season ending injury.
The Lightfoot will return home to Fort Oglethorpe for their next match against the Highland Rim Distillers. The 6th Cavalry Museum will be a welcome sight.
May 9, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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The Emmett Machinists traveled to Chattanooga for a match with the Lightfoot Club. The teams were playing the first game at the new Tennessee River Park field, a picturesque meadow with the river as a border and a beautiful tree-line backdrop. Both teams were looking to get back on the winning path.
The Lightfoot struck first with 3 aces, followed by two more in the second inning. The Machinists were able to grind out a few tallies as well; keeping the score close.
However, the Lightfoot offense seemed to lose steam. While they continued to hit and get runners on the bases, they only managed one additional tally posting a score of 6 through six innings. At that point, the Machinists went to work. Like well-oiled gears in a precision machine, they went round and round gaining momentum as they forged ahead. The grounders found the holes, the liners found the gaps, even the dying quails landed with the force of a hammer driving the runners to the dish. The bell rang out again and again as the Machinists toiled. Their efforts were rewarded as they tallied eleven runs to end the sixth inning.
The Lightfoot managed a late 4 run rally in the top of the ninth inning, but it was too late as the Machinists closed up shop and secured the victory 18 -11.
The Lightfoot were led by the outstanding performances of Rob “the Bear” Baehr and captain David “Buster” Hollis. The two men combined to go 10 for 10 with 4 runs scored and 3 RBIs. The Lightfoot will look to continue the 9th inning rally as they travel north to the home of former president Andrew Jackson as they will meet the Nashville Maroons on the grounds of the Hermitage.
April 27, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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The day started with much anticipation, but even more uncertainty as thunderstorms threatened to cancel the day. But it seems Mother Nature is a base ball fan! What began as a dark and stormy morning soon gave way to a sunny, ace-filled afternoon; at least for the Knoxville Holstons.
The Lightfoot squad arrived in Knoxville to clear weather and a familiar foe; Sean “Mac” McNally, former Lightfoot captain. Judging from the smiles, it was a welcomed reunion as the players prepared for the match.
The field was still soggy from the morning rain, so patience was to be a common theme in the early innings. As the game progressed underneath a warm, clear sky, neither team could gain an advantage. After the fifth inning the score was even at 4 – 4.
But, then the storm returned. No, not the thunder and rain, but the thunder of bats. Like a dam or a levee giving way, the Lightfoot could no longer restrain the Holstons. What began as a trickle was now a roaring flood of base runners; Augie, Lefty, Mac, Sour Mash… The Holstons offense was unrelenting. Over the next 4 innings, the Holstons poured in 17 tallies securing the victory; 21-4, to remain undefeated at 3 – 0.
The Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga; with a record of 1 – 2, will look ahead to brighter days in preparation for their next match on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 12:00 pm against the Emmett Machinists of Knoxville. The two clubs will meet for the inaugural match at the new Chattanooga base ball venue at the Tennessee Riverpark.
April 11, 2017 ·
Heath Farris
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Uncategorized
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It was a beautiful afternoon as the Quicksteps Club from Spring Hill strolled into Chattanooga to meet the Lightfoot Club. The Quicksteps; who bolted to victory in their first match of the season, were seeking to continue their run. While the Lightfoot; stumbling in defeat at the hands; dare I say “bats”, of the Stewart’s Creek Scouts, were eager to dash onto the welcoming home grounds of the 6th Cavalry Museum.
The Lightfoot Club trotted onto the field and promptly held the Quicksteps scoreless in their first at bat. Offensively, the Lightfoot struck just as swiftly. The second batter “Boss” Bosshardt scampered home as “HI” Farris delivered a well-placed hit. The first inning concluded with a score of 0-1 in favor of the Lightfoot.
Striding forward the Lightfoot gradually gathered tallies as the innings progressed. After five innings, the Quicksteps trailed 6-1. With determination and resolve, the Quicksteps; willow in hand, walked to dish looking to overtake the Lightfoot. Then, finding runners in position, “Stonewall” Jackson delivered a howitzer-like shot that found its mark deep in left field well beyond the range of the Lightfoot defense. By the time the Lightfoot recovered from the mighty blow, the Lightfoot lead had tumbled to 6-5.
Undaunted, the Lightfoot were able to muster two additional runs in the last half of the seventh inning. Surrendering no further ground to the Quicksteps, the Lightfoot stood firm and steadfast securing the victory.
Rewarded the game ball for his flawless offensive performance; “Smiley” Crawford delivered 3 hits and 3 runs scored. Honorable mention to two men; “Cap” West and “Sweet Willie” Ingram, who contributed 3 runs batted in and 2 runs scored respectively despite battling injuries.
For their next match, the Lightfoot Club will travel to Knoxville, TN. There the Lightfoot will face a familiar opponent; Sean “Mac” McNally; former Lightfoot Captain, who transferred to the Knoxville Holstons at the conclusion of the 2016 season. It is sure to be a jubilant reunion.
