09/20/2026
The Gentlemen and Canal Jumpers Divide a Day's Honors
Tipp City, Ohio, September 20 - The Georgetown Gentlemen ventured northward this day, crossing the Ohio River and continuing into the Buckeye State, where they made their way to City Park in Tipp City. There, along the banks of the Great Miami River, the Gentlemen entered into a doubleheader with the Tippecanoe Canal Jumpers, a club whose unusual appellation pays tribute to the Miami and Erie Canal, which passes through the town.
It was a long journey for the Gentlemen, and a few members of the Georgetown club, having heard tales of the perils attendant upon crossing the Ohio River at Covington, elected that discretion was the better part of valor. Rather than risk being claimed by the river, they called upon several friends from Cincinnati to serve as honorary Gentlemen for the day.
Answering the summons were Speedy, Sal, and Somersault of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, along with Drifter and Endeavor, both of whom have previously crossed bats with the Georgetown club. Their assistance proved most valuable, and the Gentlemen are indebted to these fellows for answering the call when their Kentucky compatriots found the Ohio River somewhat intimidating.
The first match commenced at eleven o'clock in the morning. The heavens appeared threatening enough to suggest that rain might interrupt the proceedings, but the clouds ultimately proved all thunder and no rain, with not a drop falling upon the grounds. For the first contest, the weather proved nearly ideal for a late September day. The clouds kept the worst of the heat at bay, while a gentle breeze made its way from east to west across the grounds.
The clubs agreed to play two matches of seven innings apiece, thereby allowing the gentlemen ample opportunity to demonstrate their skill while leaving sufficient daylight for a second contest.
Taking the field for Georgetown, alongside the aforementioned Cincinnati volunteers, were Dustin “Rooster” Nelson, Josh “Coppertop” Adkins, Rob “Bluegill” Gillespie, and Asher “Maple” Druen.
The Gentlemen lost the coin toss to begin the game. Such a circumstance, however, did little to dampen their spirits. Indeed, when the Gentlemen came to bat, they came with a vengeance.
The first half inning produced a veritable torrent of Georgetown offense. The batsmen proceeded through the order in its entirety, stringing together a succession of singles and sending six tallies across the home line before the Canal Jumpers could bring the inning to a close.
It was a most auspicious beginning.
The Georgetown defense then took the field and proved every bit as formidable as its batsmen. The first three Tippecanoe hitters were dispatched in succession, and the Canal Jumpers were sent back to their seats without so much as troubling the scorekeeper.
From there, the contest settled into a pleasant rhythm.
Whenever the Canal Jumpers managed to produce a tally, the Gentlemen answered in their next turn at bat. Whenever Georgetown appeared ready to put additional distance between the clubs, Tippecanoe found a way to answer. The result was a contest marked by good hitting, sound fielding, and the sort of back-and-forth play that makes for a most agreeable day upon the ball field.
At the conclusion of seven innings, the Georgetown Gentlemen had secured the first contest by a tally of 12 to 7.
There was little time for celebration, however, as the two clubs took but a brief respite before returning to their stations for the second match.
The clouds which had so kindly sheltered the first contest parted company with the grounds, allowing the September sun to bear directly upon the field. The mercury climbed into the middle 90s, making the second contest a considerably more demanding affair.
There was another development for the Georgetown club. For the first time this season, Tommy “Molasses” Druen was able to take the field.
Druen, who has been confined largely to the umpire's station since suffering a broken foot, is not yet entirely restored to playing condition. Nevertheless, he was determined to get at least a small taste of action before the season came to its conclusion. He took the ball and delivered a few pitches, thereby securing his first opportunity of the season to participate as a player rather than merely as the arbiter of the contest.
The Canal Jumpers opened proceedings with two tallies, while the Gentlemen answered with one. From there, the clubs settled into a remarkably even contest. Neither side could gain any substantial advantage, with every Georgetown advance answered by Tippecanoe and every Canal Jumper rally met by the Gentlemen.
As the seventh inning approached, the two clubs remained deadlocked at six runs apiece.
The final frame would determine the day's second laurels.
The Canal Jumpers came to the plate first and showed no inclination to surrender the contest. Three runs crossed the home line, giving Tippecanoe a 9 to 6 advantage and leaving the Gentlemen with one final opportunity.
Down by three, Georgetown came to the plate for its last at-bat. One run was quickly secured.
Then came the sort of situation which makes the blood quicken in every lover of base ball. A runner stood upon third. Another occupied second. There were two outs.
One well-struck ball might have brought both runners home and sent the Gentlemen away with another victory.
The Georgetown batsman took his swing.
Alas, Providence had other designs.
The final stroke rose into the air and was gathered by a Canal Jumper fielder, bringing the contest, and the day's proceedings, to an end.
Thus the Gentlemen and the Canal Jumpers divided the honors, Georgetown taking the first match, 12 to 7, and Tippecanoe claiming the second, 9 to 7.
It was perhaps the most fitting conclusion possible for a day upon which neither club could establish lasting superiority. The two sides engaged in considerable friendly banter throughout both contests, and the good humor displayed by players on both sides was every bit as enjoyable as the action upon the diamond.
Several Gentlemen deserve particular notice for their work.
Josh “Coppertop” Adkins was especially impressive with the willow in hand, sending one line drive after another through the openings in the Canal Jumper outfield. His ability to find the holes repeatedly kept the Georgetown attack in motion and furnished no small portion of the club's offense.
Rob “Bluegill” Gillespie once again demonstrated the fleetness for which he has become known. Patrolling center field, Bluegill tracked down balls sent sailing toward the far reaches of the grounds with the ease of a fellow who had been born for the outfield.
Dustin “Rooster” Nelson proved a steady presence at the plate. His hitting not only advanced himself around the bases but frequently aided his comrades in their own journeys toward home. A batsman who can move both himself and his fellows is a valuable fellow indeed.
And behind the plate, Asher “Maple” Druen turned in a performance worthy of particular commendation.
Maple made several fine stops behind the plate, but one play in particular may well be remembered for some time. A Canal Jumper had rounded third and appeared all but certain to cross the home line when Maple secured the ball and made the necessary play to retire him. What had appeared moments before to be a certain tally was transformed into an out through quick hands and quicker thinking.
It was a fitting bit of drama for a day that had produced plenty of it.
With the second contest now concluded, the Gentlemen have reached the end of their currently scheduled matches for the 2026 season. The club closes its presently arranged slate with a .500 record, an appropriate mark for a season that has seen victories, defeats, dramatic rallies, new players, old friends, and more than a little adventure along the way.
There remains some hope within the Georgetown ranks that one additional exhibition might yet be arranged before the leaves have entirely abandoned the trees. Should such a contest materialize, these columns shall be pleased to report it.
If not, the Gentlemen shall now retire their bats and balls for the winter, and the followers of the green and gray must content themselves with anticipation.
For when spring once again arrives, the Gentlemen shall take the field anew.
And if today's proceedings are any indication, there shall be no shortage of good base ball, good fellowship, and good stories to tell.