The Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea began its modern reincarnation in 2011, resurrecting the name of an actual ball club from Chelsea's mid 19th-century history. Like the original Monitors, this modern club is an assemblage of amateur ballists of varying ages & professions, but all united in passion for the great pastime of base ball. Sportsmanship, hustle and a reverence of base ball's inherent beauty define their mission.
The past thirteen years have seen the Monitors travel near and far to meet other friendly clubs of nine on the ball field. At their home field of Timbertown Park, the Monitors have hosted more than 60 matches against friendly rivals and more than 175 open practices, inviting all to come enjoy. Wagons have carried them as far North as Mackinac Island, East as Gettysburg PA, South as Columbus OH and West as the Field of Dreams in Iowa to ply their trade as base ball practitioners. Win or lose, their goals remain the same: fellowship with their opponents and providing a fun attraction for all spectators. Also...trying not to break their fingers.
Meet the Club
2023 Active Roster
2023 Club Photos by Randy Lee
"Honest Jon" Van Hoek (captain)
Member since 2011
Dan "Hawgcooker" Aldrich
Member since 2011
Dick "Deke" Dice
Member since 2011
Reed "Kid" Aldrich
Member since 2012
Eric "E-Rev" Keaton
Member since 2011
Dan "Crusher" Williams
Member since 2011
Billy "Jack Lumber" Rouech
Member since 2013
Owen "Pistol" Busch
Loren "Hammer" Peroni
Jeff "Stumpjumper" Harris
Terry "Panama" Turner
Jake "Rook" Gabrielson
Mark "Maverick" Matusik
Greg "Sparky" Van Orman
Jay "Night Train" Neitring
Reserve & Alumni Roster
Roger "Quickstep" Wildey
Wayne "Doc" Petty
Steve "Reno" Whitesall
Member since 2014
Peter "Stonewall" Van Hoek
"Gentle Ben" Van Hoek
Henry "Walnut" Van Hoek
Mike "Stagecoach" Fischer
Gary "Dork" Saya
Edward "U-Haul" Krzysik
Jim "Doc" Duncan
Jasen "Hands" King
Jeff "Salmon" Tyson