1985 Baseball Ballet

WHEATLEY — Back in August 1985, spectators who turned out on that Sunday afternoon to witness the ball game between the Wheatley Franklins and the Essex Legion saw a well-played and entertaining test of skills.

As well, they saw some fancy moves that could have been copied from a classical ballet when Tim Oliphant successfully stole second base early in the game.

Oliphant later scored on a single to record Franklins’ first run of the game.

It was in vain however, as the Essex team prevailed by a 7-4 score, despite a nifty nine-inning stint on the pitcher’s mound by Ed Nevills.

The photo shows the fancy footwork by the Essex second baseman as he attempts to put the tag on Oliphant, with the umpire moving in position to cover the play.

Photo from the files of the Wheatley Journal