Murphysboro Clarkes

Front Center: JJ “Ball Hog” Blackwell

Front Row Left to Right:

Chris “Arm” Germann, Robert “Mr. Knute” Shultz, “Black Bart” Hagston,

Everett “Icy Hot” Blackwell, Mike “Spanky” Reiman, “Wrongway” Ray Bailey, Jeff “One Leg” Craig

Back Row Left to Right:

Jeff “Train” Vincent, Ray “Shoestring” Abell, Jim “Lefty” Hensley, Larry “Legs” Reinhardt,

Jeffrey “Dawg” Wright, Eric “Spike” Rahlfs

 The Murphysboro Clarkes have been playing vintage baseball “for the love of the game” since their inaugural match on May 21, 2005. These fine gentlemen, who range in age between 20 and 62, play by the rules of the 1860’s. The players, who are known as ballists, do not wear gloves. The ball used in their games is slightly bigger and heavier than the modern baseball. The terminology is different: An out is a hand, a pitcher is the hurler, a catcher is the behind, a batter is the striker, an umpire is the arbiter, and a fan is a crank. Matches are conducted according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and respect for others.

The Clarkes are having another successful and enjoyable season, which includes winning five straight games at the Shepard Barclay Festival in St. Louis and playing two matches under the St. Louis Arch in June. The Murphysboro nine consider it a pleasure and an honor to be invited to the Popeye Picnic for matches against the St. Louis Unions. During the 2012 season in action through the end of August, the Clarkes are 15-10 and the Unions are 29-8. Come see the Clarkes play “Hands Down, The Best Game In Town”. For more information about the Clarkes and vintage base ball, please visit the Murphysboro.com website and the Clarkes Facebook page. We look forward to seeing a lot of cranks in Chester. It would be great if we could face a Chester nine on the field in the years to come. Huzzah!!!