Rockford Rivets celebrate Rockford Peaches

BRUCE JACOBSEN PHOTO The Journal
Just like the original “Peaches” some of the members of the “Living History League” came from outside the US. From left: Sonja Bushnick, Rockford; Esther Schleper, Netherlands/ Wisconsin; Rebecca Tulloch, Bartlett, Ill.; Suzanne Diamond, Orland Park, Ill.; Joy Hyzny, Burbank, Ill. Names of the “Lil Peaches” were not released.

The Rockford Rivets baseball team wore uniform jerseys emblazoned with the original Rockford Peaches logo and played under the name Rockford Peaches and hosted the Kalamazoo Growlers on Saturday (June 29) night game, followed by spectacular fireworks.

But there were a lot of fireworks during the game as the bats were hot and players were making spectacular plays. The final score was “Peaches” 20 and Kalamazoo Growlers 10.

Lots of longtime “Peaches” fans filled the stands and were treated to the presence of some real Peaches and a team of “Lil Peaches,” a girl’s little league team, that participated in pregame ceremonies, photos and autographing. Original Peaches Bat Girl of 1952, Clara Swenson Hellemann threw in a great first pitch and was kept busy signing autographs.

Behind Homeplate, seven veterans were at the “Table of Honor” that was sponsored by the Assisting Hands Homecare & Olson Funeral Home.