Each Monday during the summer months, the small community of Lake Tomahawk is transformed into a hub for tourists and locals alike who take in the sights, sounds, and smells of a uniquely Wisconsin tradition: snowshoe baseball.
Fans by the hundreds attend weekly matchups between the Lake Tomahawk Snowhawks and teams formed by local organizations that include veterans groups, police and fire departments, TV personalities, and the like. Chairs and blankets are in place long before the pregame cookout begins at 5:30 p.m., with the games starting two hours later on a field covered in sawdust.
Visitors usually start the evening with a brat, hot dog, or burger, but the main attraction aside from the game itself is nothing other than homemade pie, prepared and sold by local community organizations. Often, there are as many as 60 varieties to choose from.
The competition at Snowshoe Park may be fierce, but the players who ditch their cleats for snowshoes are light-hearted and friendly. Instead of a baseball, batters aim for an oversized softball, hoping for the chance to shuffle their snowshoes around the bases without toppling to the ground.
Jeff Smith, longtime manager of the Snowhawks, shared his experience with WPR’s “Morning Edition,” highlighting the challenges and joys of playing snowshoe baseball. He mentioned the unique nature of the game, the camaraderie among players, and the support from the enthusiastic fans who attend each game.
Smith also discussed the modifications made to the game to accommodate the use of snowshoes, such as a shorter base path, a softer field surface, and the use of a 16-inch softball. Despite these adjustments, the essence of the game remains the same, with players giving their all to secure a win for their team.
The atmosphere at the games was described as electric, with a slow buildup leading to a crescendo of excitement as game time approached. The smell of food, the sounds of chatter and laughter, and the anticipation of the upcoming match all contribute to the unique experience of attending a snowshoe baseball game in Lake Tomahawk.
The tradition of homemade pies at the games was also highlighted, with Smith mentioning that the concession stand groups decided to offer pies back in the 1960s, and it has since become a fan favorite. The variety of pies available adds to the charm of the event, with fans eager to sample different flavors each week.
Overall, the article captures the essence of snowshoe baseball in Lake Tomahawk, showcasing the community spirit, the competitive yet friendly nature of the games, and the joy that both players and fans experience each week. It provides a detailed and engaging look at this unique Wisconsin tradition, inviting readers to imagine themselves in the midst of the action, enjoying a slice of homemade pie and cheering on their favorite team.