Carleton College Prepares for Rotblatt

At 4 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine—and the forecast suggests the former— students will line up behind the school’s recreation center to get their uniforms for the 44th annual Rotblatt softball game.

Every year, students submit shirt designs based on iconic artworks, and the game’s organizers hand out uniforms, emblazoned with the winning design, in two team colors: maize and blue. For the rest of the day-long event—students play one inning for every year since Carleton’s founding in 1866—shirt color defines allegiance.

While the competition may be fierce, the game is generally a relaxed affair. There are no set batting orders, the number of fielders varies throughout the day, and players must hold a cup at all times, which means that they have to bat and field one-handed.

“I think that [playing one-handed] probably interferes with players’ softball abilities but not necessarily their Rotblatt abilities,” said Rachel Schwartz, a senior who will referee the event.

“It helps the fielders to have batters who can’t hit very far. It’s fun to hit with one hand, and surprisingly easy,” said Rotblatt organizer Helen Grossman.

Throughout the day, student DJs and bands will serenade players and spectators. The music will run from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the performances include a jazz group, a David Bowie cover band and a hip-hop duo.

Despite the laid-back atmosphere, Rotblatt’s organizers will be more vigilant than usual when distributing beer this year, since a recently implemented Northfield law holds “social hosts” responsible for underage drinking that happens under their watch. Referees will only serve beer to wristbanded students, which will be given to those of legal drinking age.

“No underage students will get a wristband. Including me,” said Grossman.

Rotblatt began in 1967, during the era of the Marvin J. Rotblatt Memorial Softball League. The name came from a White Sox pitcher who had Major League Baseball’s highest earned run average in 1948 and 1950. On the hundredth anniversary of the school’s founding, softball players decided to have a 100-inning game, and, although the league itself is now defunct, students still hold the event annually.

Forty-four years after the first game, Rotblatt still holds a special place in many Carleton students’ hearts.

“Rotblatt is one of the most democratic things at Carleton. Anyone can come and play—or not play—no matter their level of expertise,” said Schwartz.

Grossman agreed.

“You talk to anyone, you tan, and everyone’s wearing these shirts, so you don’t have to worry about looking good," she said.

While Rotblatt is mostly run and attended by current students, some illustrious guests will visit the game this year.

For one, , will throw out the first pitch at 5:45 a.m.

Some alumni will also return. Phil “Muffin Man” Blue, who refereed last year’s event, has returned from postgraduate studies in Argentina to attend.

“Last year we had a even couple of trustees come to hang out and throw a few pitches,” said Grossman.