Captain's Blog

Wheelmen Sign Evan Williams to a One Year Deal

2009-11-13T21:17:00.003-05:00

It was announced this evening that the Westfield Wheelmen have signed Evan Williams to a one year deal. The announcement came this evening as Wheelmen owner Anheiser Van Pilsner and captain Gunner arrived back at the Whip City train station on a recent trip through the south. On a lead from Wheelmen shortstop, Silky Och, Williams was hiding-out down in Kentucky at a well known distillery. It had been a few years since Williams has played so Van Pilsner and Gunner put Williams through a brief tryout. The deal was quickly consummated over some cheap bourbon. The details on the deal were not known at press time.

Williams, a pitcher, last played in 1884 in the Union Association for Altoona Mountain City where he led the league in just about every offensive catagory. Unfortunately when the league folded after just one year he was black-balled by the other major leagues at the time. According to Van Pilsner, "Don't really care about the other leagues or teams...he's our kind of player...he's a bit dour, doesn't say much but he makes some dam good whiskey."

Terry Terrifies the Washington Outfield in this 1884 Scorecard

2009-11-11T16:16:00.004-05:00

In this eBay offering Adonis Terry's Brooklyn is taking on Washington on May 5th, 1884 at Brooklyn's Washington Park. The Brooklyn Eagle sports reporter, possibly the "Father of Baseball" Henry Chadwick, was taken back by the "presence of so many ladies in the grandstand." In the first inning Brooklyn struck for 2 runs as the reporter noted, "Terry terrified the Washington outfielders with a long ball to their district," driving in the second run of the inning. Brooklyn was never in trouble in this game and won easily 11-3. The scorecard shows that Terry was a not scheduled to start in centerfield but was a fill in as his name is scratched in. The asking price was $599 for this card.

A Terry 1886 Shutout Scorecard on eBay for $1,150

2009-11-10T21:30:00.008-05:00

A scorecard from July 9, 1886 between Adonis Terry's Brooklyn Grays and the Pittsburg Allegheny's in Pittsburg has recently surfaced on eBay with an asking price of $1,150. Interestingly, Terry was not slated to start the game as his name appears in smaller letters compared to the scheduled starter. The switch proved to be the right move as Terry pitched a 4 hit shutout over 9 innings as Brooklyn won 4-0. Less than a month later Terry would pitch the first of his two no-hitters. HUZZAH!

Odd Weather Pattern or Legendary Ghost Game

2009-10-23T21:09:00.006-04:00

While it was a mild October evening last night at the Whitney Grounds which hosts the Westfield Adult Softball Fall League, a brief blast of hot wind had everyone wondering what was going on. Little did anyone know, but we had just experienced a ghostly encounter. According to folklore, once a year in October it is thought that a train from update New York delivers to Westfield a team of ghost players from the Troy area to take on the ghosts players from the Whitney Grounds for one night. During the late 1910s through the late 1930s, Whitney was the home of Westfield baseball which hosted industrial league baseball, semi pro baseball and barnstorming professional games. While the grounds have been transfered to softball diamonds, the ghost players don't seem to care and of course work though the shortened outfield fences. Right around 8:30 PM, near the end of game one of a doubleheader between the Republican Softball team featuring four Westfield Wheelmen and Mobrice & Son's Construction, the tall trees on top of the Whitney dike began to sway rather loudly and without warning with leaves falling all around as if the hill was full of ghost fans waving and cheering that once populated Whitney as a viewing area. The waving trees were followed by an almost uncomfortable blast of hot air as if the ghost players had just entered the grounds. This makes sense as moments before the wave of the trees, the slow but sure screeching of an Amtrak train across the Westfield River could be heard coming from west to east. Although no odd or strange events took place during the game itself as there was no need for "haunting" as the brotherhood of ball players tend to leave it on the field, no matter the era. However, the post game meeting was an interesing forum for the ghostly players as they listened and watched as the Republican team leader (a Yankee fan) was offering a play-by-play, pitch-by-pitch account of the Yankee playoff loss against the LA Angels on his internet cell phone, taking place on the other side of the country. It was an up and down last few innings for the Yanks and just perhaps it was the ghosts of Westfield baseball that defeated the update New York ghosts by not allowing the Yankees to celebrate that night. By 11:35 the grounds had cleared of both players and ghosts for another year.

Westfield's Terry Gets the Win in Game One of the 1889 World Series

2009-10-18T17:24:00.003-04:00

Today marks the 120th anniversary of Westfield native Adonis Terry getting the upset win in Game One of the 1889 World Series against the New York Giants at the famous Polo Grounds in New York. According to the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper, Terry was not scheduled to start in the box in Game One in the best of eleven series for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms as that honor was slated for 40 game winner Bob Caruthers to take on the legendary New York Giants who had multiple future Hall of Famers in their line-up. Terry struckout three batters and walked five in the 8 inning darkness shortened game won by Brooklyn 12-10.

The Brooklyn Bridegrooms would go on to become the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers and today they are known as the Los Angeles Dodgers. What would Terry think of Manny on his team?

Read the game recap Brooklyn Eagle by clicking on the link below and entering the date October 19, 1889 and go to page 4. Just click on the article on the page for a larger view. http://eagle.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/Default/Skins/BEagle/Client.asp?Skin=BEagle

Rough House Published

2009-10-16T21:36:00.003-04:00

My third book, this one on basketball has officially been published and is available now. Here is a blurb: Rough House is a rare glimpse of the turbulent world of professional basketball played in Westfield, Massachusetts, during the early 20th century. Often overlooked by historians of the game, this era of the pioneer leagues is considered the forefather of the NBA, played in small towns and cities located on train routes throughout the Northeast United States. This was professional basketball when the game was played in wire cages, small courts, rugby scrums and fisticuffs with no backboards, back-court violations, shot clocks or seven-foot giants. This is required reading for the modern day “cager.”

Let me answer two questions; Where can you buy the book in Westfield. The answer is nowhere other than directly from me until I can find a store left in town that can sell it. My baseball books were decent sellers until everyone of my book outlets folded...hmmm...makes me wonder. I have approached the Basketball Hall of Fame and I am confident they will take it in. Drop me an email if you would like to purchase dl.genovese@verizon.net or go to http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-5632-X

It will soon be on Amazon as well.

The second question is will I be starting vintage basket ball team? Maybe not a team but I am thinking about hosting a vintage basket ball game...complete with a cage.

Wheelmen at Abner Gibbs 95th Birthday

2009-10-08T09:07:00.002-04:00

The same weekend Gunner was at the Hall of Fame the Wheelmen participated in the 95th birthday celebration of Abner Gibbs Elementary School. As you can see by the photos the Lumberjack learned some scoolin', the boys played some vintage playground ball AND they were on their best behavior...for the most part.

'The Old Ball Ground' Makes It To The Hall Of Fame

2009-10-08T08:57:00.004-04:00

“Gunner” Genovese hands-off copies of his authored books on the history of baseball in Westfield titled “The Old Ball Ground – Volumes 1 & 2” to National Baseball Hall of Fame Library Director at Cooperstown, New York, James Gates. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Research Library is the world’s largest source on the history of baseball. Genovese was in Cooperstown recently as part of the Vintage Base Ball Weekend sponsored by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Available late fall Genovese will publish his third book, titled “Rough House,” on the story of Westfield’s major professional basketball franchise from 1902-1904.

Improvements Underway at the 'Shire

2009-09-11T23:29:00.004-04:00

The Westfield Wheelmen wasted little time in starting improvements to their home, Wheelmen Park at Berkshire Industries, affectionately known to their cranks as 'The Shire.' With the closing of their pennant winning season, construction immediately began in building a massive JumboTron screen, dwarfing the screen at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. "We felt we owed it to the cranks," announced Wheelmen owner Anheiser Van Pilsner at a press conference held today at Wheelmen Park. "The goal was to blend 19th century base ball with 21st century technology," Van Pilsner added, "and its a good thing...hey I'm doing my part to help the economy...although I may have to raise ticket prices from 10 to 25 cents."

Construction project foreman and Wheelmen outfielder "Sizzler" Wingate was having his doubts as to how the screen would be raised. "Have you ever seen us assemble the backstop?" shouted-out Wingate. Van Pilsner immediately denounced those comments and made assurances the screen will be ready for the 2010 season.

Above is an artist rendition and not the actual image.

Red Sox Beatles Montage

2009-09-07T07:50:00.007-04:00

Since the Beatles are a hot topic right now, it reminded me of a video I remember that played on the big screen at Fenway Park during pre-games of the 2007 season, commemorating the 40th anniversery of both the Impossible Dream season of 1967 and the release of the Sgt. Pepper album. A while back I searched but could not locate until now. It is a roller coaster of emotion stemming all the Red Sox highlights and low lights in their history leading up and through the 2004 season with the background music of "A Day In The Life." The best part is the build-up of orchestral music, right before the alarm clock goes off...it was almost over...I get goose bumps when I watch.

If you have never seen / heard this you need to. It is unarguably the greatest combination of music and baseball.

As a Wheelmen you will enjoy Bill Lee getting sucker punched.
Check it out by clicking here!

The Lumberjack Has His Day

2009-08-29T23:26:00.003-04:00

With more than 1,500 fans in attendance, the Westfield Wheelmen paid tribute to the Lumberjack. It was a great night and we hit our aggressive goal and I cannot give enough praise and thanks to all involved, from the Wheelmen and their families to the sponsors, vendors and friends of the Lumberjack. Huzzah!
Photo by "Red" Rick Shea

Matches Hurls Rare No Hitter

2009-08-01T22:03:00.003-04:00

On July 12th at Hartford's Colt Park, Matt "Matches" Avery hurled a rare no-hitter. No-hitters in baseball are of course rare but even more so in vintage play due to lack of fielders gloves. The no-no was capped-off in the ninth with hit stopping, mind-boggling plays by Dan "Short Order" Cook at third and Nick "Slick" Avery in centerfield. As much as it was a thrill for Matches, it was a thrill for me to catch it. Huzzah!

The Blushing Brides at Jersey Joe's

2009-07-05T11:15:00.004-04:00

The "most dangerous" and most famous Rolling Stones tribute band were the entertainment at Jersey Joe's annual shindig this past weekend. They rocked the house, the Wheelmen, Jersey's friends and family and the entire mountain side. Played Stones hits from all eras and played them flawlessly. Sorry about the fuzzy photos but that actually makes it look like they were really there.
http://www.theblushingbrides.com/history.htm

Wheelmen Captain At Troy Memorial

2009-07-03T11:30:00.005-04:00

While in Troy NY recently, I paid a visit to a memorial of 19th century base ball legends. This is a simple memorial placed literally in the middle of nowhere. Certainly Westfield could do this to honor our 19th century legends Adonis Terry and Allen Hubbard, placed on the "old ball ground" with General Shepard. It would make Westfield a baseball destination. http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=7444

Wheelmen Play Wiffle Ball For A Cause

2009-07-03T11:12:00.003-04:00

For 6 plus hours on the weekend of June 26-28, the Westfield Wheelmen played wiffle ball for the benefit of Community Christian School (CCS) in Westfield, MA to honor fallen law enforcement officers and their families at Fenway Westfield...a 1/4 scale replica of Fenway Park. Six plus hours of "small ball" for a great cause...anytime. Huzzah! to Fenway Westfield!

Wheelmen Giving Back To The Community

2009-06-22T20:01:00.002-04:00

In the spirit that we are, the Westfield Wheelmen continue to give back to the community. In this photo, Gunner (me), is seen reading to an elementary school class in the ROAR community reader’s day program. The book was a fictional picture book on the baseball color line in the 1940s.

Lumberjack Vintage Base Ball Classic Tickets On Sale...

2009-04-19T21:50:00.004-04:00

...this Saturday April 25th at the Wheelmen home opener on the grounds of Berkshire Industries on Apremont Way starting at 11:00 A.M. Tickets will also be on sale at Aero Fasteners in Westfield at 76 Servistar Industrial Way and Beltrandi Realtors at 385 Southampton Rd. or by calling 413-562-5250. Tickets will also be on sale the night of May 2nd during the Westfield On Weekends baseball themed Pub Crawl. Look for a Wheelmen in uniform for tickets. Future outlets to be announced soon. Do your part and get your tickets now. To learn more go to http://wwvbbc.tripod.com/lumberjackvintagebaseballclassic.html

Calling Any Southwick Challengers

2009-03-29T09:10:00.006-04:00

You think you got what it takes to play vintage base ball? On July 12th at the Southwick Mass. Rotary BBQ/Chili Cook-Off, the Westfield Wheelmen will take on "all-comers" to a game of vintage base ball, 1861 style. 1861 style "base ball" is more like softball and was chosen as the style of play to get more players interested, both men and woman. It is truely like softball, pitching underhand. The one major difference...leave your glove in the car...don't worry, the ball is much softer. There are many other rules differences that will play tricks on your mind but that is the real challenge. The rules of 1861 were some of the first rules used after the game evolved into using a diamond shaped infield which became known as the "New York Game." Normally the Wheelmen play by the rules of 1886, an over-handed, much more dangerous style of play but always enjoy this style as it keeps you mentally sharp and alert. Sign-up today and take us on.

Rules link - http://www.southwickrotary.org/Wheelmen%20Base%20Ball%20Rules%20of%201861-1[1].pdf

Southwick Rotary Press Release Link - http://www.southwickrotary.org/BBQPR.htm

Hartford St. Paty's Day Parade 2009

2009-03-26T20:20:00.002-04:00

Gunner & Gator along with Pops and Mrs. Pops at the 2009 Hartford St. Paty's Day Parade. "Da top o' da marning to ya, and da rest o' da day to my self!"

Westfield Wheelmen Sign ManRam

2009-01-30T20:12:00.002-05:00

****BREAKING NEWS*********BREAKING NEWS*********BREAKING NEWS*************BREAKING
It was announced today at the Westfield Wheelmen Base Ball Club training camp that they have signed the legendary Manny Ramirez to a one-year contract. Details were not available at press time but it was leaked that Ramirez will be in charge of post game meals and runs to the brewery. Details to follow.
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R.I.P. Tony "The Babe"

2009-01-07T21:10:00.003-05:00

I am deeply saddened to learn today that one of our original Wheelmen past away recently. Tony "The Babe" Vallandingham was our first baseman in the 2006 season. The Wheelmen will miss you Tony.

Gunner

Wheelmen Announce New Bench Coach

2008-10-19T19:49:00.004-04:00

At a press conference today at the Gem Opera House in downtown Westfield, the Westfield Wheelmen introduced their bench coach of the 2009 season. According to captain Gunner he will simply be known as "the Coach" or "Coach." Gunner stated; "I knew him from the Iron League. he's a great motivator who had fallen on hard times. He will fit right in."

Immediatly after being introduced, "Coach" gave his first speach. Below is the feed from the locker room of the Gem Opera House.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNMp9btkd4

Great Day!

2008-09-21T14:20:00.003-04:00

The Wheelmen completed their 2008 season with what was perhaps the best all around vintage game played between two experienced clubs (Wheelmen and the Senators). You can bring in clubs from around the world and nothing would have topped this game. It would be hard to top this match of hurling, defense (and hidden ball trickery), and late game, clutch hitting performances. The weather was perfect, the grounds at the 'Shire were the best in New England and the post game banquet with our friends and families is what this is all about. Truely New England, truely American. Can't wait for 2009.

Hidden Potato Trick Flawlessly Executed

2008-08-31T09:51:00.003-04:00

The first time I heard about this play was from Steve "Sizzler" Wingate telling me about how his grandfather performed this trick play back in the 1920s when he was the catcher for the Woronoco Baseball Club in the River Valley League here in Westfield. Upon further research, I learned this trickery dates back to the 1880s...perfect. I loved the idea and wanted to try it but because of my respect for the game I would only do it during exhibition type games.

We first tried this in 2007 during the Bill Lee game. Third baseman Mike "Ice Man" Arbour brought out the potato to his position in his back pocket. When the time was right (man on 2nd base) I called a meeting at the box with Ice Man and our pitcher to put the play in motion. Unfortunately Ice Man reached into his pocket only to produce a mashed potato. The play previous he made a diving stop of a line drive that cause the mash. We tried again this year during the Lius Tiant game but the Latin Stars knew we were up to something so it never came off. We then tried it during an exhibition match between the Canadian Professional Base Ball Club and the ad hoc team of vintage all-stars (Wheelmen, Stogies, Senators, Pioneers and the Mass Mutuals). This time perfection was achieved. Prior to the start of the 5th inning, I directed the famous Chris "Grit" Moran (in a rare pitching duty) to take a potato with him out to the box and explained to him and our third baseman Dan "Short Order" Cook (who was already schooled on the play since it was his potato) how the play would come off. As soon as one of the Canadian Professionals reached second base, Grit set in the box with potato in hand after making a quick, seamless switch to his back pocket (ball for potato), turned and fired to second base in a pick-off attempt, only to purposely toss the spud deep into centerfield much to the excitement of the Canadian runner who of course headed for third. At that point, Grit reached into his pocket for the ball, tossed over to Short Order at third and much to the surprise of the Canadian (shouted some Franglais) he was easily tagged out. Shouts of two balls being used was quickly dashed as the spud came hurling in from centerfield to the foot of the umpire Pops O'Maxfield who promptly smiled and directed the Canadian back to 2nd base. As rumor spread of the play, public address announcer, Bob "The Barker" Plasse made the announcement of the play to the roar of the crowd. This is vintage base ball at its best.

Warning - just becareful as to what the Wheelmen have in their ball bag.

Look sharp everyone its Steve "Sizzler" Wingate on the new U.S. Stamp

2008-08-30T15:35:00.004-04:00

Yes, the rumors are true, Steve "Sizzler" Wingate was the model for the new U.S. stamp. Wheelmen were presented with a plaque of the new stamp by the Westfield Postmaster prior to the exhibition match between the Westfield Wheelmen and the Canadian Professional Base Ball Club and will be on display as a permenant loan at the Westfield Athenaeum. Photos by team photographer Jeff "Hypo" Hockenberry