HISTORY OF LARCHWOOD BASEBALL

The favorite sport in Larchwood during the last two centuries and continuing today absolutely has to be baseball. Larchwood is known throughout the state and the region for its exceptional ability and achievements. Baseball has been a popular sport ever since the settlement of Larchwood. The first ball park was located in the vicinity of the water tower. At the end of World War I, a rowdy bunch celebrated Armistice Day by burning the grandstand, resulting in the field being moved to a location known as Snyder's Field. In 1930, the ballpark was moved to the area north of St. Mary's Church. The diamond remained there until it was moved to the present location in 1965.

In the late 1880s, the main competition was the surrounding towns of Lester, Alvord, Inwood, Hills, Valley Springs and Granite. Baseball was played bare handed in the early 1890s which accounted for the usually high scores of the games of that time. The catcher did not sit up behind the batter since he did not wear a protector. Broken fingers were common and a few enlarged knuckles were the distinguishing marks of a catcher. Gloves came into use in the early 1900s, playing techniques improved and scoring became more difficult. Prior to the glove era, ambidextrous pitchers were occasionally seen.

Larchwood has had better- than-average small-town baseball throughout the years, the game being played by the high school and town teams prior to World War I. Poor transportation was a limiting factor until the 1930s as to the area in which they could compete. Consequently, rivalry with neighboring towns became quite heated and long lasting.

In the 1920s, Larchwood teams were made up of many country boys from southwest of town, including the Klondike area, along with quite a number from town. More than one team playing out of town was not uncommon.

When the problems of transportation eased in the 1920s, the teams played a wider territory, extending out into South Dakota and Minnesota. However, the depression of the early 1030s brought to a standstill most baseball growth. For about three years, from 1932 to 1935, very little ball was played. During this time, softball grew in popularity as it required no outlay for suits and little for bats and balls.

Since that time, baseball has returned to the town scene and has been continuous with the exception of World War II when players, transportation, equipment, etc. were just not available.

Following the war, many of the area towns sponsored semi-pro teams to the extent of financing of suits and a few salaried players. This lasted but a few years and baseball for many of the towns ended.

Larchwood grew and produced their own players. They developed a program for youngsters many years ago and have been able for the most part to supply better than average talent.

The summer program for boys eight years and older has been carried on for many years and assures Larchwood of players and fans for the future.

See the 1900 baseball team.