A vintage thriller

The Iola AA American Legion baseball team was introduced to an earlier version of the sport, played about 160 years ago. Although it took a while for the youngsters to get accustomed to the eccentricities, they still rallied for a thrilling 7-6 win.

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June 27, 2022 - 3:25 PM

LaHarpe Day festival-goers were treated to a thrilling exhibition of 1860s-era baseball Saturday afternoon, as the Emporia Howe House Griffins (in tan) took on the LaHarpe William Allen Whitestockings, otherwise known as the Iola AA American Legion Indian squad. The Whitestockings put forth a thrilling rally, coming back from a 5-2 deficit and scoring twice in the bottom of the ninth — with two outs, no less — to win, 7-6. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register

The LaHarpe William Allen Whitestockings gave the hometown fans a thrill Saturday, by scoring five runs over the final three innings, including the tying and winning runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, to defeat the Emporia Howe House Griffins, 7-6, as part of LaHarpe Day.

The Whitestockings, in actuality, were members of the Iola AA American Legion baseball team, who agreed to take part in the light-hearted exhibition.

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