Depot Hill Gang reunites for anniversary game

AMENIA— The Depot Hill Gang — a group that played baseball together as children on Depot Hill — reunited for a stick ball game at the old tennis courts on Main Street in Amenia, Saturday, Sept. 20.The game represented the group’s 40th anniversary of one standout summer in 1974, the particular season Ken Walsh’s book “The Depot Hill Gang” is based on.The book, released in February this year, ignited a sense of revival among the players, who reunited last in 2002.Walsh and his brothers were among many siblings that made up the group, which has now expanded to include spouses, children and friends.The reunion game divided the gang in two: Depot Hill Yankees versus Depot Hill Red Sox, pitting Walsh and his brother Rob against each other as team captains, respectively.After five innings, the final score favored the Red Sox 24-13, though Depot Hill Yankee Denise McDonald emerged as Most Valuable Player for her performance at the plate and in center field.“Everybody has the best of intentions for each other and you can feel that here,” McDonald said. “Everybody is supporting each other like when we were kids.”“This is what it’s all about:friends, camaraderie, learning about the families, going back to those days for a few hours,” said Judy Westfall, another native to the group.Rob Walsh commented on the enduring bond of those present, noting that individuals traveled from as far as Guam, Wyoming, and Florida for the event.“It’s a unique place, there’s a lot of families,” Walsh said considering Amenia’s role overall. “It’s pretty magical when you have people come back.”Connor Washburn, a second generation addition to the party, offered a similar thought.“It’s fantastic actually, you just don’t see this other places,” he said.“I’m just praying somebody doesn’t hurt their back,” added Liam Grimaldi, another Depot Hill Gang offspring, in jest.At the other end, Depot Hill Gang parents enjoyed somewhat of a time machine effect. “I’m loving watching them,” said Evelyn “Frankie” O’Connell, mother of four. “It brings back a lot of memories.”According to Rob Walsh, there are already plans of making the reunion game an annual event.