Wheelmen Return To Southwick Daze

For the second consecutive year the Westfield Wheelmen will play an exhibition doubleheader of American Civil War Base Ball against the Southwick Volunteers at Southwick Daze tomorrow July 25th at the Rec Center at Southwick MA starting at noon. This promises to be a great day...down the left field line is the BBQ Cook-Off Competition and down the right field line the Southwick Firemen's Circus and the Wheelmen in the middle.

Photo: Artist rendition of last years event.

Wheelmen Captain Presented With Prestigious Award

The Westfield Historical Commission recently selected "Gunner" Genovese (me) as its 2010 winner of the Annual Preservation Award. The award seeks to recognize individuals, businesses and families who have contributed to preserving the integrity of Westfield's historical resources. The Westfield Historical Commission believes that by contributing to the preservation of our historical resources we preserve our cultural heritage as well. With plans for the revitalization of the historic downtown moving forward it is important to retain that character that has made Westfield such desirable place to live work and enjoy life.

Through my research and publishing of two baseball books about Westfield baseball history as well as my writings on professional basketball, talks and presentations and of course through live historical presence of the Westfield Wheelmen (as well as getting Adonis Terry and the Wheelmen on the new Westfield historical mural), this award is well earned and greatly appreciated. Perhaps one day soon the Westfield Evening News will get around to announcing this instead of publishing constant negative chatter about Westfield.

Photo: Gunner being presented with the award by Mayor Knapik
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