Horseshoe pitchers throw for a good cause

The Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosts its annual horseshoe tournament on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Steve Johnson Horseshoe Complex...Jeremy Maher, far right, throws a horseshoe.. (Kate Cassady/News Tribune)
The Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosts its annual horseshoe tournament on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Steve Johnson Horseshoe Complex...Jeremy Maher, far right, throws a horseshoe.. (Kate Cassady/News Tribune)

Jefferson City has always been known for having some of the best horseshoe pitchers and competitions to feature their skills. That happened again Saturday as the Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosted a tournament to benefit Special Olympics.

Players from all across the state and of all ages came to the Steve Johnson Complex at Washington Park. CCHPA President Mel Bruemmer said they host at least one tournament a month.

"It's really been a blessing to do this tournament," Bruemmer said. "Even though it's hot, horseshoe enthusiasts just can't resist an opportunity to support a worthy cause."

This particular tournament has been done for the last four years and Bruemmer said they've done fun nights for the Special Olympic athletes as horseshoe pitching is a competitive sport for them.

"Sanctioned horseshoe pitching is a sanctioned sport, OK, this is a total sport," Bruemmer said. "People are trying to accomplish things and get better while doing that. It's camaraderie and it's fun and you get a lot of exercise by the time you're done. The shoes being thrown are two-and-a-half pounds, or greater, going 30 to 40 feet. Each individual is throwing as many as 300 times in a tournament."

Mike Manning of Gerald has been throwing sanctioned shoes for 15 years. The Navy veteran said it was rare to have tournaments to held in the summer.

"You get to talk to a bunch of good people," Manning said. "Horseshoe players are really good people. I pitch two nights a week in Sullivan and we cut up a lot. Some people hear us talking, probable thinking we're all mad at each other, but we're just having a good time."

Charlie Maupin came in from Mexico where his league has eight tournaments a year.

"I started pitching when I was a kid, probably like all these people did," Maupin said. "Went out with dad and threw horseshoes to pass the time. We started off small there in Mexico and eventually blossomed into the league we've got now."

Maupin said one the best things about the sport is all ages can play and all skill sets are taken into account.

"Even though you're not the best pitcher, you might end up being the best in your class the day of the tournament and that's what we're all after," Maupin said.

In the tournament, points are given to the player who pitches a shoe closest to the stake. If a pitched shoe touches the stake, it known as a "ringer," which scores highest.

Bruemmer said the sport is great for anyone who wants to keep their bodies in motion and minds sharp. It is known as a lifetime sport, because kids and senior citizens can equally enjoy it.

"I kind of liken it to a 'gentleman's game' where everybody plays using the honor system," Maupin said. "You notice that all the guys out here are all smiles and laughing and carrying on before the competition, but once the horseshoes start flying for real they get a little more serious -- not serious enough, though, that they can't have fun."

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In the accompanying video, Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association President Mel Bruemmer and players at Saturday's tournament talk about the event and why they enjoy horseshoes. See https://youtu.be/HSAv7kM0pwQ

  photo  The Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosts its annual horseshoe tournament on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Steve Johnson Horseshoe Complex. Rick Stockamp moves wet soil around. (Kate Cassady/News Tribune)  
  photo  The Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosts its annual horseshoe tournament on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Steve Johnson Horseshoe Complex. James Driver attemps a throw. Driver is a former Missouri horseshoe state champion. (Kate Cassady/News Tribune)
 
 
  photo  The Capital City Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosts its annual horseshoe tournament on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Steve Johnson Horseshoe Complex. Ernie Ellermann tallies scores. (Kate Cassady/News Tribune)