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Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball 2010
Wheelmen 2010 Schedule Announced
Entering their fourth year this century (originally hailed from the 1880s and 1890s Westfield), the Westfield Wheelmen Base Ball Club bring to life the way the game of base ball (the original spelling) was played in the late 19th century in Westfield. Featuring exact replica uniforms, equipment (or lack of equipment), chatter and the  rules of the late 19th century, this hearty group of ballists (as they were known) take on other “vintage” clubs from throughout the Northeast in a style of play not seen in these parts for more than 120 years. The National Pastime of baseball evolved in the Northeast in the early to mid 19th century and
Westfield was right in the middle of the evolution.
Westfield has always been a baseball town, its part of its heritage. The Wheelmen’s away schedule also includes many games in local driving distance and will feature the Mark Twain Tournament Matches to take place on the grounds of Mark Twain’s House in
Hartford Connecticut on June 14th. Mark Twain had intense passion for the game and would often write about it. It promises to be a historic day. "These games are very, very close to how the game was actually played," noted Wheelmen captain and founder and Westfield Baseball Historian Dan "Gunner" Genovese, "more so than people realize…including the injuries. If you are fan of the game or a fan of history, you gotta check this out."
Meet the 2010 Westfield Wheelmen
Dan "Gunner" Genovese
Ron "Gator" Dumont
Matt "Matches" Avery
Matt "The Matador" Braid
Chuck "Hitman" Hewins
Steve "Sizzler" Wingate
Dan "Short Order" Cook
"Jersey" Joe Hepworth
"Slick" Nick Avery
Nick "The Bull" Dumont
"Lumberjack" Ken Toporowski
"Pistol" Pete Orzechowski
"Silky" Nick Ochs
Jeremy "Taco" Beltrandi
Rich "Weezer" Winiarski
Andre "Andale!" Conde
Kevin "Rusty" Russell
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"After this, who will say that Westfield cannot beat the world." - Westfield Times & News Letter / July 11, 1849
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Checkout the Wheelmen Website http://wwvbbc.tripod.com
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2010 Schedule (in progress)
Home
May 22 - Home vs Hartford Senators
June 13 - Home vs Simsbury Taverneers
June 18 - Home vs Whately Pioneers
June 20 - Home vs Hartford Senators
July 17 - Home vs Chicopee Skipmuks
July 24 - Home vs Boston Beaneaters
July 25 @ The Southwick Rotary Club BBQ Contest. 1861 game vs the Southwick Nine. SWEET!
Away
May 2 @ Simsbury Taverneers
May 16 @ Whately Pioneers
June 26 @ Pittsfield Elms
July 10 @ Pittsfield Elms
July 31/Aug 1 @ Old Bethpage, Long Island, NY - Vintage Base Ball Festival.
August 14 @ Hartford Senators
August 21 @ Boston Beaneaters
August 28 @ Kingston NY - "Angels in the Outfield" Benefit vs Kingston Washington Guards.
For more information, please visit http://wwvbbc.tripod.com
Directions to the Berkshire Industries Field, 109 Apremont Way, Westfield
Rt. 91 South to Exit 14 Mass Pike West (Albany)
Take Mass Pike to Exit 3
After you go through the Tolls make a left at the traffic light.
This is called Rts. 10 & 202
Go straight for about a mile.
Take a right onto Apremont Way. (You will see Barnes Airport on the right as you approach it.) Look for the field next to the Berkshire Industries sitel
Mission Statement
The mission of the Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club shall be to educate, entertain, preserve, and promote the game of base ball as it was played during its formative years in the city of Westfield during the 19th century. The history of America's pastime is deeply ingrained in this city's past and to preserve its past is important to this community. This worthy objective shall be accomplished by the following activities and endeavors:
Presenting the game of base ball as it was played in accordance with the rules, equipment, uniforms, field specifications, customs, practices, language, and behavioral norms of the period.
Encourage interest in the game's history and the importance it had on the community during this period of Westfield's history.
Educating the public on the history, and growth of the game with attention to the historical detail in which it originated and developed.
Fostering competition according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, gentlemanly behavior, courtesy, and respect for others as was the case in 19th century base ball in Westfield and throughout the young United States.
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