Linda Range of Cedarville hits a ball during the Old Timers Baseball Game at the ball field near Albert J. Lindberg Airport Sunday, September 6. About 300 people participated in and attended the friendly game. About 300 seasonal and yeararound Les Cheneaux residents bid a fond farewell to summer with the playing of the annual Old Timers Baseball Game Sunday, September 6. Along with the game, spectators and players enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, pasta salads, and desserts donated by area businesses, bars, restaurants, and residents.

Organizer Al Hansen, who pitched for the team that ended up losing the game, said this year was one of the biggest crowds to gather for the game at the ball field adjacent to the Albert J. Lindberg Airport in Hessel. The final score was 15-9. Dick Flynn pitched for the winning team.

"We had more people this year overall," he said. "It was a good turnout and a great day."

Bob Alexander of Cedarville swings at a pitch during the Old Timers Baseball Game. His team lost the game, 15-9. The annual game, now a friendly softball game, continues a tradition that began as a rivalry baseball game between seasonal and yeararound residents in 1936. It later pitted Hessel residents against Cedarville residents. Now, players from each community are mixed together to make the game as fair as possible. Mr. Hansen said the game is a way for the entire community to come together and have one last summer hurrah, because many seasonal residents leave for the season after Labor Day weekend.

Those who played include Henry Amarose, Mike Amarose, John Galloway, Bob Alexander, David Landreville, Rob Crockett, Jason Crockett, Mark Larcery, Don Tone, Carl McIntire, Linda Range, Jim Coady, Kevin Volt, Dave Robertson, Adam Crockett, Tom Bartley, John Malkowski, Mr. Hansen, and Mr. Flynn.

As he has for more than 20 years, Dan Dutcher organized the cookout that had four grills working, and two large tables full of food.

Rod Galloway of Hessel, among those watching the game from the bleachers while enjoying the food, said the game is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and offers a good meal.

Jane and Bob Arthurs, Dan and Becky Dutcher, Jimmy and Sheri Lee, Mary Ann and Al Hansen, and 18 area businesses donated and food and drink for the cookout.