Bill "Battler" Battle
One of the original Perfectos, Bill "Battler" Battle has been playing vintage base ball
since the 2001 season. A longtime fixture in the sports department at the
Washington Missourian newspaper, Battle was invited to try playing for the
Washington Eagles in 2001. One trial was all it took to get Battle hooked in the
vintage game. Playing as "Scoop," a nickname given to him by the Deep River
Grinders, Battle played with the Eagles through the Ohio Cup Festival. When
teammate Matt "Five Finger" Philip talked about starting another team, Battle was
one of the players who volunteered to double-roster to help get the new team
started. After playing with both the Eagles and Perfectos in 2002, Battle decided to
go with the St. Louis team for the 2003 season and has been a Perfectos ballist
ever since. A native of the Fenton area, Battle played three years of high school
baseball at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo. Battle has played all nine
positions in his time with the Perfectos, and has umpired and kept score. "I enjoy
vintage baseball because: There's something for everyone. It's nice to present the
history of the game by playing in vintage uniforms and with the old rules," Battle
said. "There is great fellowship with teammates and opponents. There is a major
emphasis on sportsmanship and having fun without the overbearing pressure to
win. It's more fun to win, but that's more of an added bonus if you play well." Battle
has many favorite experiences as a Perfecto, including some memorable road trips
to the Ohio Cup in 2003 and 2004, playing under the Arch with the SABR
Convention and some of the other festival matches. "Being able to play with many
wonderful people over the years," Battle said. "Watching some impressive plays
being made. Winning the Missouri Cup in 2007 and finishing the season by
winning the Florissant event." Battle enjoys calling Lafayette Park home. "Lafayette
Park is the perfect place to play base ball," Battle said. "There aren't many bad
areas in the field. Obstacles can come into play, but aren't a nuisance. We have
loyal and knowledgeable cranks at our home matches. We couldn't be as
successful without them."
Bill "Battler" Battle
Positions: Any and all!
Clubs: Washington Eagles, St. Louis Perfectos
Ballist Since: 2001
since the 2001 season. A longtime fixture in the sports department at the
Washington Missourian newspaper, Battle was invited to try playing for the
Washington Eagles in 2001. One trial was all it took to get Battle hooked in the
vintage game. Playing as "Scoop," a nickname given to him by the Deep River
Grinders, Battle played with the Eagles through the Ohio Cup Festival. When
teammate Matt "Five Finger" Philip talked about starting another team, Battle was
one of the players who volunteered to double-roster to help get the new team
started. After playing with both the Eagles and Perfectos in 2002, Battle decided to
go with the St. Louis team for the 2003 season and has been a Perfectos ballist
ever since. A native of the Fenton area, Battle played three years of high school
baseball at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo. Battle has played all nine
positions in his time with the Perfectos, and has umpired and kept score. "I enjoy
vintage baseball because: There's something for everyone. It's nice to present the
history of the game by playing in vintage uniforms and with the old rules," Battle
said. "There is great fellowship with teammates and opponents. There is a major
emphasis on sportsmanship and having fun without the overbearing pressure to
win. It's more fun to win, but that's more of an added bonus if you play well." Battle
has many favorite experiences as a Perfecto, including some memorable road trips
to the Ohio Cup in 2003 and 2004, playing under the Arch with the SABR
Convention and some of the other festival matches. "Being able to play with many
wonderful people over the years," Battle said. "Watching some impressive plays
being made. Winning the Missouri Cup in 2007 and finishing the season by
winning the Florissant event." Battle enjoys calling Lafayette Park home. "Lafayette
Park is the perfect place to play base ball," Battle said. "There aren't many bad
areas in the field. Obstacles can come into play, but aren't a nuisance. We have
loyal and knowledgeable cranks at our home matches. We couldn't be as
successful without them."
Bill "Battler" Battle
Positions: Any and all!
Clubs: Washington Eagles, St. Louis Perfectos
Ballist Since: 2001
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| St. Louis Perfectos Base Ball Club |