Captain's Blog

Andele Meets Mickey

2011-09-07T19:12:00.000-04:00

On a chance meeting this past Labor Weekend at a Cape Cod Over 30 Baseball Tournament, current Wheelmen Andele Conde had a chance meeting with honorary Wheelmen Mickey Garcia. I am told it was love at first site...Andele had not seen Mickey since 2009 while Mickey had joined with the Wheelmen during the Beth Page Long Island weekend in early August of this year in Andele's absence.

The photo brings tears to my eyes.

Thanks To Our Loyal FAN!

2011-08-08T18:27:00.000-04:00

A very nice note was left in the Westfield News Pulse Line last week. We appreciate the kind words. Thank you! For those that did not see it here it is...(how did we only make #2?).

The Wheelmen Grab 2011 Maranville Cup

2011-06-21T18:40:00.000-04:00

In the same week the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup, so too did the Westfield Wheelmen win the coveted first 2011 Rabbit Maranville Cup sponsored by "Bring It Home," Springfield's fine organization with a goal to bring baseball back to Springfield Massachusetts.

Read the article on the cup victory in the Springfield Republican/MassLive
http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/06/westfield_wheelmen_win_first_r.html

Wheeler & The Wheelmen Help Kick-Off 2011 Little League Season

2011-04-16T22:12:00.000-04:00

"Wheeler" and the Westfield Wheelmen helped kick-off the 2011 Westfield Little League season today by marching in the parade with the young ballists showing them the way and offering support for making the right choice in spring sports.

In the photo "Wheeler" is surrounded Nick "The Bull" Dumont on his left and Kenny "Lumberjack" Toporowski on his right and "Jersey" Joe Hepworth on his far right.

Tickets On Sale Now for The Game of the Century!

2011-04-12T21:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday tickets sales kicked-off for the Game of the Century at the Wheelmen offices in downtown Westfield with local politicians State Senator Mike Knapik and State Representative Don Humason buying the first tickets. You can get yours two ways:

1) You can go down to Westfield Voke office during school hours or...
2) On-line; http://www.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=358672

Buying tickets on line is a great way to support the kids at Westfield Voke even if you cannot make the event due to other commitments or distance. Do it!

Yesterday also marked the debut of Wheeler the Wheelmen mascot as he watched over the proceedings.

From Left to Right: Dan "Gunner" Genovese, Captain of the Wheelmen; Clem Fucci, Westfield Voke Head Coach; Chris Oberther, Westfield Voke Player; Josh Jimenez, Westfield Voke Player; State Senator Mike Knapik; State Representative Don Humason; and "Wheeler" the Westfield Wheelmen mascot.

The Game of the Century - Westfield Wheelmen vs. The Tradesmen of Westfield Voke in Scholarship Fund Raiser

2011-04-11T19:28:00.001-04:00

Westfield, MA - In 2011 Westfield Vocational Technical High School is proudly celebrating its 100^th Anniversary. A major event to celebrate the anniversary will take place on Saturday May 14^th at Westfield’s Bullens Field with a “Vintage” baseball game that will pit the Westfield Wheelmen Base Ball Club vs The Tradesman of Westfield Vocational Technical High School in a nostalgic style game of America’s pastime. This promises to be fun family event and we are expecting this to be a largely attended. More importantly, the money raised at this event will help support two very important scholarships at Westfield Voc-Tech High School: 1) The Michael Gonzales Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for students to purchase tools for their trade and to further their education; and 2) The Scott Prefontaine Scholarship Fund, which helps our student athletes pay their sports user fees.

Wheelmen Show-Off New Uniforms for 2011

2011-03-16T19:17:00.001-04:00

As I made my way into the Wheelmen spring training offices this morning in La Habana, Cuba, I ran into Ron "Gator" Dumont sporting the new Wheelmen uniforms. Note the rough shape Gator looks to be in as he was out all night taking 3rd place in a Salsa Dance Competition.

Wheelmen Acquire Stop & Shop Site / Stadium To Be Built

2011-02-21T15:55:00.001-05:00

Westfield, MA - It was announced today, President's Day, by Westfield Wheelmen owner and president Anheiser Van Pilsner, that he had just purchased the site where today stands a Stop & Shop in downtown Westfield. "I have done this to do my part to help revitalize downtown Westfield," noted Van Pilsner, "I have always thought this site would have been ideal for the stadium but I decided not to purchase the site from the former owner and my good friend Mr. H.B. Smith because my plan was to let the new owners clean up the brown fields with their money...being the smart business man that I am." Groundbreaking will begin in April and the fast-track construction should have the stadium completed by early May.

The city scape will be the view from home plate as seen here.

Artist rendition of the future Wheelmen Park

Gator Takes The Plunge!

2011-02-13T10:59:00.001-05:00

Wheelmen second baseman Ron "Gator" Dumont recently took the plunge in the frozen Hampden Ponds in Westfield on behalf of the Westfield Wheelmen in the Penguine Plunge - A fund raising benefit for Amelia Park's Children Museum which only proves that you not only have to be a gamer to be on the Wheelmen but alot crazy.

Aren't you West Coast ballists jealous about what we do in these long New England winters?

Western New England Base Ball League / Springfiled Sunday Republican Article

2011-02-13T10:49:00.001-05:00

A great article was recently published in the Springfield Sunday Republican written by Garry Brown that introduces the "new" 1886 vintage league in this region.

Currently we are floating with two league "web" sites.
http://wnebbl.blogspot.com/2011/02/western-new-england-base-ball-league.html
http://www.tnbdomeball.com/westernnewenglandbaseballleague.htm

Photo by Scott Tidlund

January Wheelmen Calendar Raffle Winners

2011-02-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

The Westfield Wheelmen would like to thank all that played and helped the Wheelmen. Proceeds from this raffle will help the Wheelmen continue to do their "good deeds" for the community (as well as play some great histroical base ball) in fine fashion.

Take the time check out our webpage regarding our community work.
Wheelmen In The Community

The Winners

January 1st - Bob Cennamo of Westfield
January 2nd - Pamela Doukellis of Granville
January 3rd - Bernie St. Martin of West Springfield
January 4th- Linda Champagne of Westfield
January 5th - John Raymackors
January 6th - Ben Rodriguez of Westfield
January 7th - Joann Barnes of Agawam
January 8th - John Seybold of Enfield, CT
January 9th - Nicole Carlson of Westfield
January 10th - Lou Annino of Westfield
January 11th - Jim Avery of Westfield
January 12th - William Scherpa of Feeding Hills
January 13th - Steve "Old Time Hockey" Grimes of East Longmeadow
January 14th - Brandon Johnson of Southwick
January 15th - Marcel Gendron of Westfield
January 16th - Lori Winiarski of N. Granby, CT
January 17th - Paul Babineau of Springfield
January 18th - Dennis Clark of Southwick
January 19th - Donna Phillips of Southwick
January 20th - Tim Wing of Southampton
January 21st - Janemari Chateauvert of Wilbraham
January 22nd - Jeffrey Saltmarsh of Westfield
January 23rd - Keith C.
January 24th - Stan Choiniere of Southwick
January 25th - Michele Hicks of Blandford
January 26th - Debbie Garcia of Westfield
January 27th - Kate Davidson of Westfield
January 28th - Steve "Old Time Hockey" Grimes of East Longmeadow
January 29th - Paul Wellspeak of Westfield
Januaty 30th - Monique Schuboch of Wilbraham
January 31st - Quinn Baganz of Kingston, NY

Westfield Baseball Great Joe Mazieka Passes Away

2010-12-29T20:53:00.000-05:00

Westfield baseball great of the late 1930s and 1940s Joe Mazieka passed away this past Monday. Joe was a great help to me while I was researching Westfield baseball during the late 30s and 40s and helping me identify key players from that time period beyond that of microfilm. For that I am grateful to have known him.

http://obits.masslive.com/obituaries/masslive/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-w-mazeika&pid=147476156

Wheelmen Single Game Ticket Sales Causes Frenzy at the 'Shire

2010-12-14T20:43:00.002-05:00

By 9:00 AM this morning, four hours before single-game seats would go on sale at the 'Shire, thousands upon thousands of Wheelmen cranks caused mayhem on Rte. 10 & 202 and the Mass Pike clogging up roads and exit ramps. Wheelmen owner Anheiser Van Pilsner had no choice but to allow parking IN the stadium. Unfurtunately only about 28 seats were available for sale.

Actually, its a photo of Bush Stadium in Indianapolis which closed in 1996 as a minor league park and was also the home to many scenes from the movie 'Eight Men Out.' Saddly, it is currently housing cars from the "Cash For Clunkers" promo in that area. Back in 1931 when it was known as Perry Stadium, Ray Fitzgerald from Westfield, MA hit the first home run in the stadium, some 450 feet to leftcenter. For this achievement Ray received $100 bonus and a wristwatch. In the photo Ray is in his Indianapolis uniform.

Stadium photo by: Jalopnik

When Casey Slugged The Ball

2010-11-24T23:15:00.003-05:00

A rare follow-up to the Mighty Casey striking out. This time Casey gets his revenge...written by Nat Wright as published in Sporting Life June 1895

WHEN CASEY SLUGGED THE BALL

Oh, you all have heard of Mudville,

Heard of mighty Casey, too;

Qf the groans amid the bleachers

As the ball thrice past him flew;

But you haven't heard the story,

The best story of them all,

Of the day in happy Mudville,

When great Casey slugged the ball.

"Twas the day they played "the Giants;"

And the score stood ten to eight;

Two men were on the bases,

And great Casey at the plate,

"Swipe her, Casey," yelled the rooters,

And the hero.doffed his cap;

Three to win and two to tie

And Casey at the bat.

Mid a hush of expectation,

Now the ball flies past his head;

Great Casey grins a sickly grin:

"Strike one," the umpire said.

Again the pitcher raised his arm,

Again the horse-hide flew;

Great Casey spat upon the ground,

And the umpire said, "strike two."

"It's a roast,” came from the grand stand,

"He is bought without a doubt."

"He is rotten!" roared the bleachers,

"Throw the daylight robber out!"

"I'll break yer face," says Casey,

"That wan wint below me knee;

If I miss the nixt, ye blackguard,

Ye won't live long to see."

The next one came like lightning,

And the umpire held his breath,

For well he knew it Casey missed,

"Twould surely mean his death;

But Casey swung to meet it,

Backed by all his nerve and gall:

Oh, if you had but heard the yell,

As Casey smashed the ball!

He caught the pigskin on the nose,

It cleared the big town lot,

It sailed above the high church tower,

In vain the fielders sought;

And Casey didn't even run,

He stopped awhile, to talk,

And then amid the deafening cheers

He came round in a walk.

And now he keeps a beer saloon,

He is Mayor of the town,

The people flock to see him,

From all the country round;

And you need not look for Mudville

Or the man upon the wall,

Because the town's called Caseyville

Since Casey slugged the ball.

#####

Happy Thanksgiving!

Modified 19th Century Glove

2010-11-21T19:41:00.000-05:00

The next time I get any grief regarding my catchers glove I will direct them to these photos from an item that appeared on eBay.

19th Century Ballists Took PEDs

2010-11-04T22:24:00.009-04:00

Why are we so hard on Barry Bonds and others when 19th Century ballists openly took PEDs? Checkout the ad from the 1890s promoting the benefits of sarsaparilla and then read the following excerpt from an on-line article titled 'What Are The Benefits of Sarsaparilla?';

"Sarsaparilla contains the plant steroids (steroidal saponins), which some believe can mirror the work of human hormones. However, the body is not able to transform plant steroids into human hormones, and the claim is yet to be validated by scientific evidence. Such perceived properties have resulted in the advertisement of sarsaparilla as a sexual enhancer for men and as an anabolic steroid replacement, for athletes and bodybuilders (sometimes under the name Smilax)."

WOW! I guess what Mark, Sammy and Barry did was exactly what any ball player would do in any era. HUZZAH!

19th Century Catcher's Hands

2010-10-09T16:22:00.007-04:00

No those are not my hands (although sometimes I feel like they are) they are the hands of Doug Allison a 19th Century catcher. I truly believe I broke both my hands this year catching (1886 style) which proves the fact that what we 19th Century vintage ballists do is closer to the actual game than people realize or give us credit for. Its too bad more modern day ballists don't man-up and give it a try. Personally, I think they would shribble-up instead. Anyways, the challenge still stands...if you are out and want to take on the Wheelmen in 2011 contact me.

Westfield Wheelmen Unveil New Uniform Look

2010-09-25T10:40:00.003-04:00

Here we see "Silky" Nick Och recently wearing a new prototype Wheelmen uniform outside of the Wheelmen offices on Elm Street in Westfield. The Wheelmen are entertaining new uniform styles for the 2011 season and will consider many ideas and options. "The problem," according to Wheelmen owner Anheiser Van Pilsner, "is that there are very few companies out there that support our trade...we could use a few more options to choose from...until then...(Pilsner looking depressed) what "Silky" is wearing is all we got so far."

Wheelmen Have Their Day at Kingston New York

2010-09-02T18:54:00.004-04:00

The long awaited trip to Kingston New York to play the newly formed Kingston Washington Guards Base Ball Club happened this past weekend and it was quite a success. Of course the main purpose of the visit was to help raise funds for the Angels in the Outfield American Cancer Society group. The Wheelmen were armed with a BIG check valued at over $1,770.

In return the Kingston Guards presented the Wheelmen with a rare framed photo of a 1934 River Valley Baseball team known as Foster Machine...a perennial championship team of the River Valley League here in Westfield from the mid 1910s to the 1950s. The photo was taken at historic Whitney Playground, home of the Westfield Softball League where many of the Wheelmen spend their weeknites from April through October alongside the ghosts of many of these players (see above).

As for the games, the Wheelmen took the doubleheader and executed a rare hidden peeled apple trick much to the delight of the capacity crowd on hand.

A great time was had by all and we hope to return to Kingston in 2011.

Click here to watch an hour and forty-one minute recorded "live" stream of game two.

Wheelmen Clean House at Old Bethpage

2010-08-03T20:12:00.008-04:00

The Wheelmen returned from their weekend trip undefeted at the much heralded Old Bethpage Village Annual Vintage Base Ball Festival this past Sunday evening. A throng of loyal cranks greeted the victors at the Westfield Train Station as bonfires were lit throughout the city as the news spread of the Wheelmen victories. On Saturday, victories over the mighty Brooklyn Atlantics in an 1864 match stunned the fans in attendance and the victory over the Providence Grays in the afternoon was a classic 1884 heated battle.

On Sunday, the Wheelmen again defeated the Grays in an 1886 match in what would be another heated battle. The Wheelmen wrapped up their sweep of Long Island with a victory over one of the Old Bethpage house teams Manetto Hill in another 1864 match.

Speeches were made at the train station Sunday evening as the Mayor declared Monday Wheelmen Day in Westfield complete with a massive parade until the mayor's assistant reminded the mayor that with all the downtown road construction underway in Westfield that would be impossible. Plans are in the works for a possible concert celebration to take place Friday evening at Bullens Field. It is rumored that several bands have committed to appear such as Dokken, Small Faces, Dick Dale and Kiss. Details to follow.

Photo by Brian Sullivan

Wheelmen Return To Southwick Daze

2010-07-24T09:05:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-24T08:48:00.006-04:00

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
Read the story on MassLive

Wheelmen Execute Rare Play

2010-06-10T18:28:00.002-04:00

When the Agawam Bullies took the field this past Saturday against their 19th Century brethren little did they know they would witness a feat in baseball that no man alive has either seen or performed. The act of stealing 1st base has not been done since the rule was put into law in 1920 and most likley before that. With Gator Dumont on 1st base and Gunner Genovese on 3rd. The less then fleet-footed Gator stole second base but did not attract a throw by the Bullies catcher leaving Gunner at 3rd base. Being the savey ballist that he his Gator headed back to 1st base on the next pitch...he just stole 1st much to the surprise of all in attendance. Citing a bout with maleria the feat spawned no arguement. "I knew what he was up to," noted Gunner at the post game press conference. On the next pitch Gator took-off again and this time the Bullies catcher was eager to put a stop to Gators base stealing rampage and fired a bullet down to second. While this was taking place Gunner scampered home for the score. Huzzahs and loud cheers could be heard over the F-16s warming their engines just a few yards away.

And with that a great day was had by all and don't be surprised if next year a new vintage team comes out of Agawam...Huzzah!

"Hit of the Night": Wheelmen on the Pub Tour

2010-06-06T09:03:00.003-04:00

On May 8th the Westfield Wheelmen assisted Westfield On Weekends in the annual pub tour of Westfield pubs and needless to say the Wheelmen had a great time and were treated like the stars they are. As one event organizer notes, "You guys, as always, were the hit of the night. I think it safe to say that everyone on the Tour was had by a good time."

Based on the attached photo...I'd say they were right. In the photo Jersey Joe is surrounded by adorning fans at one of the Wheelmen's favorite stops, Santiago's Resturant on Franklin Street.

The Wheelmen to Take on the Agawam Bullies of the 21st Century

2010-05-27T19:04:00.002-04:00

Breaking News! The Westfield Wheelmen have announced today that they will take on the Agawam Bullies of the 21st Century Western Massachusetts Wooden Bat Baseball League on June 5th at the 'Shire at 11:00. The game will be played by the rules of 1886 and the Bullies of Agawam will be given the option to use 19th Century equipment or 21st Century equipment. The only person at the Wheelmen offices on Elm Street in Westfield to comment on the new development was the Wheelmen mascot Mr. Wheeler who was too overwhelmed at the attention given to the announcement to comment(see photo).

Pistol & Cap Gun Scouting in Central Florida

2010-04-17T07:47:00.002-04:00

In their insatiable need for pitching, Anheiser Van Pilsner sent Pistol & Cap Gun to the swamps of central Florida on a scouting mission. They look to be doing well as they discovered this gentlemen hurling at top speed but not much control. Just our style!

Wheelmen Owner Issues Stern Warning To Players

2009-12-19T14:22:00.003-05:00

At a press conference today at the downtown Wheelmen offices on Elm Street, Westfield Wheelmen Owner Anheiser Van Pilsner issued a strong warning to players who report to winter camp next month not in relitively decent shape. "It's no secret that the boys are well known to over-indulge in fine food and gaiety...in fact its legendary and with the holiday season here I am very concerned," noted Van Pilsner. "That being the case I have issued the following requirements ALL players much achieve when reporting to winter camp. Each player must be able to do 10 push-up, 10 sit-ups and 10 deep knee bends." Van Pilsner closed the press conference noting that Christmas bonus checks will be mailed Monday.

Wheelmen Seek Out Original Vintage Hurler

2009-12-10T18:43:00.003-05:00

The above image is from the first SI in 1954 and the caption says John "Scissors" McIlvaine, age 71, pitched successfully in a sandlot game. The 71 year old had pitched in 800 games since 1899. "In our ever growing desire to be as close as possible to representing the game from the 19th Century, we are searching for 'Scissors' and hope he can pitch a game or two for us in 2010," said Westfield Wheelmen owner Anheiser Van Pilsner, "he will be a true link to the past...something we desperately need. 'Hitman' Hewins is close but I think this would be the real deal." Unfortunately, "Scissors" would be 127 by now...slightly older than "Hitman" or "Hitmin"...depending on how you pronounce it.

19th CENTURY UMPIRE FOUND ALIVE & ANGRY!

2009-11-29T17:00:00.006-05:00

***BREAKING NEWS***
Dateline Egypt- In an amazing discovery, Westfield Wheelmen owner Anheiser Van Pilsner, on his yearly Thanksgiving pilgrimage to Egypt, has, with the help of his guide discovered alive and very angry the 19th Century umpire thought left for dead back in 1889. In 1889 Albert Spalding organized a world tour of some of the best base ball players and went to, of all places, Egypt in order to promote the game. In the middle of the 4th inning a horiffic sand storm just came out of nowhere and caused a cancelation of the game. Unfortunately the Honorable Vincent Kleese was thought to have been swept away and never returned to America. According to Van Pilsner, Kleese was very well preserved, almost mumified. "The first words out of his mouth was 'they kept calling me four eyes!...I want to get them back'" said Van Pilsner. Van Pilsner went on to say, "I have offered him a position umpring our games at the 'Shire...he will certainly be an attraction...just the thing we need."

Wheelmen Announce Far East Tour for April 2010

2009-11-21T21:05:00.003-05:00

In a press conference today at the Wheelmen offices on Elm Street in downtown Westfield it was announced that for the entire month of April the Wheelmen will be in Japan for their spring training and will play a series of games against Japanese power house vintage teams Rodans, Mothras, Gigans and others. "Its hard to believe but we have a tremendous following in Japan," noted Wheelmen captain Gunner,"Its like we're Cheap Trick." Dates and details to follow.

The Wheelmen are also in the process of developing their 2010 regular season schedule. If any non-vintage club is interested in a challenge match, send an email to Captain Gunner to arrange..."I don't think any over-30 teams out there are man enough to get out of their comfort zone and try," blurted out Gunner.

Terry's 1st No-Hitter in The Philadelphia Record

2009-11-16T20:05:00.004-05:00

This box score and brief recap of Adonis Terry's 1st no-hitter in 1886 and appeared in The Philadelphia Record and had recently appeared on eBay. As you will read there was no mention of the "no-hitter" as the term was not used until the late 1930s to 1940's.

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.
#####

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

Look At That Shit Eatin' Grin!

2008-05-17T09:17:00.007-04:00

After much persuasion Jersey Joe (an Oriole fan) reluctantly agreed to join the rest of the Wheelmen and have his photo taken with the Boston Red Sox mascot. He's up to no good...checkout the top of Wally's head.

Hoochie Mamma! Look at the size of those Mitts!

2008-02-26T22:27:00.003-05:00

This image recently appeared on eBay. On the reverse side of the photo, from an eastern Massachusetts team, the year is noted 1888. Evidence that "mitts" existed in 1888...in a big way too!

"They All Do It!"

2007-12-17T08:18:00.001-05:00

Was that George Mitchell on today’s baseball steroid issue?...No, actually it was Albert Spalding weighing in on the tragic issue of alcoholism that plagued major league baseball in the late 19th century. It would be quite common for players to report for games intoxicated, fines would be levied and their names would be reported in the Sporting News (The Sports Illustrated / ESPN of the times). Albert Spalding, President of the National League Chicago club, who instituted an extremely strict policy against this problem, said in 1888, “My players have said to me point blank, that they ‘have not touched a drop today’ have been proved to have drank that very day over a dozen glasses of beer before going to a match (Spalding would hire detectives to watch his players). It costs us thousands of dollars lost each year, some clubs more than others for they all do it.” Sound familiar?

The Definitive Years: Setting the Record Straight on the Evolution and Effects of the Catchers Mitt

2007-11-22T01:23:00.001-05:00

Controversy reigns in the overhand vintage base ball world today with the catcher’s glove at the forefront. Most clubs here in New England try to represent the year 1886 (why that year was chosen is not clear). Let me say, we all do a damn good job…almost too good, better than we or most people realize. It’s all based on the hand injuries to the catcher. Most vintage club’s catchers started using gloves from the 1920s or 1930s (based on photos of the time period, these were a decent idea) stuffed with anything soft and durable which worked fine for a short time but with growth in the number of teams, the number of games increased and the old gloves took a beating and were falling apart due to age and use. Replica 1920s and 1930s gloves were next (also stuffed with whatever). Some were great quality and some just basically sucked. A few diehards would chose to go 100% authentic and go with both hands using the half finger style gloves. Based on my research, MLB catchers had a choice to use whatever they wanted as there were no regulations to catcher’s gloves. With hand injuries on the rise in the vintage game, some tried to make production model gloves of the time period. This included some decent attempts of which the most popular (but historically shaped wrong) was the completely round pancake mitt (sort of like a modern day training glove). The pancake protects the hands in two ways, the web-less but round pancake acts as a “web” lessening the chance of palm injury by catching the ball in the “web” without the need of using the free-hand to contain the ball. Keeping the free-hand away from the action of course prevents injuries from foul tips. The problem with the pancake is two fold. It is shaped wrong and injuries still happen. Since the pancake has no interior structure, the thumb is prone to injury when “jammed.” I have seen it happen to others, I have experienced it myself.

What The Hell Was Going On Back Then?
To put things in perspective, read my other entries or do your own research. There are many, many sources. To simplify things, 1884 is the starting point of this puzzle. In 1884 overhand pitching was first allowed at the major league level. Over the next several years ball and strike counts were tinkered with, fluctuating between the two major leagues. In 1886 pitchers were allowed to get a running start outside the box in order to throw as hard as they could. In 1887 the back line of the pitchers box was moved back to 57’ from 56’ and the pitcher was required to stay in the box when he began his motion to pitch and keep one foot on the back line. The count for balls was reduced to 5 from 7 but the strike count was raised to 4 from 3, foul balls were now strikes and a hits batsman was allowed to take his base. Some of these changes were to control the pitchers speed in order to bring more offense into the game while some of the changes were viewed as a compromise for the pitcher. In between, the number of changes was too exhausting to account for all of them. By 1893, the pitching distance was pushed back to the modern distance.

When Did Mitts Become The Norm?
In March of 1889, Earle Decker & Paul Buckley applied for a U.S. Patent for a “Catcher’s Glove” (a real mitt, not a five finger glove). Decker was a major league catcher, off and on from 1884 to 1890. In the summer of 1889, ads began appearing in the Sporting News for the “Decker Glove” promoting catching “without injury.” In August, the patent was issued. However, in the summer of 1888, Joe Gunson a catcher in the major leagues, off and on from 1884 to 1893, lays claim to the first mitt in use (1888) and was shocked when Decker began mass marketing the glove in 1889.

What Effects Did The Mitt Have?
It’s worth mentioning that once the overhand game began and the rules were tinkered with year after year (focusing on the pitcher/batter relationship), the average runs per game were very stable. Here are some stats to chew on: 21 runs per game in 1871, down to 15 in 1874 and would hover to around 10 to 12 from 1875 to 1900. From 1900, the average score would drop to 7 runs per game for the next several years. In 1886, the year we are most familiar with, the National League average runs per game was 10.5 while in the American Association the average was 11. In 1891, the first year where “mitts” were used on a regular basis, the National League Average was 11 runs per game while in the American Association the number of runs scored rose to 11.5. Other offensive categories were on the rise as well including hits per game and strikeouts per game fell, even with foul balls counting as strikes. What does this prove out? From 1884 on, run scoring was NOT HIGH and fireball pitching WAS THE NORM. Go figure?

What Is The Solution?
So we know that 1888 / 1889 was the year the catcher’s mitt was first used and then mass marketed and popularized. The “Akadema H1928” (with the thread-webbing removed – go ahead and Google it) is a dead ringer for the “Decker.” With no appreciable change forecasted in scoring, I would say we need to set our sights on 1888. Back to the Future anyone?

Sore Catcher’s Hands Draws Controversy

2007-11-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

During a National League game in Chicago in August of 1886 between the Philadelphia Quakers and the Chicago White Stockings, sore catcher’s hands would be the focus of a controversial strategic situation. Interestingly the key characters in this affair are some of the most famous in all of 19th century base ball.

With Chicago batting in the top of the 3rd having taken the lead 5-3 by scoring four runs in the inning already and still threatening with a runner at 2nd, Dan Casey, the Philadelphia hurler pitched a fast ball wild and high enough to get past catcher Deacon McGuire advancing the runner on 2nd over to third. Catcher McGuire claimed he injured his finger on the play and opted to pull himself from the game. League rules required approval from the opposing team’s captain, the legendary Cap Anson, and the umpire in order to remove an injured player from the game. Anson declined the ok claiming McGuire was not badly injured and the umpired also agreed and told McGuire to stay in the game. The Philadelphia captain, Foxy Irwin, became enraged and “kicked” in McGuire’s defense (more importantly knowing McGuire was really injured and could not catch a pitch with any effectiveness). He consulted with team manager, Harry Wright (whose powers were limited in playing matters) and asked McGuire if he could continue and reluctantly agreed. This again enraged Irwin even further and he continued to “kick.” The umpire understood the catcher’s hands were sore before but did not believe they became unplayable on the last play and required the catcher to continue.

Fifteen minutes had past during the argument upsetting the cranks who had become impatient. When play resumed, the furious Philadelphia captain directed McGuire to stand way back behind the batter (much more so than normal) and catch the pitch on the bounce. On the first pitch the runner from third stole home. Three more runs would score in the inning on a series of hits, passed balls and dropped third strikes as McGuire was unable to perform his duties with any effectiveness. With the crowd becoming even more restless due to the lack of quality, League president, Albert Spalding, who happened to be in attendance, immediately went down to the field to consult with Harry Wright and directed catcher McGuire to move closer to the batter in the normal position. Again, Irwin exploded, this time at Wright for approving this move and ordered McGuire to his position deep behind the batter. Spalding, having heard Irwin reversed his order, raced back to the field to confer with Anson and Wright and declared that the came would continue under protest and allowed a change in catchers to which Spalding shook his finger at Irwin and said, “We’ll have you disciplined for your tactics!” Finally, after forty minutes of delays and arguments, the game continued and Chicago won but much of the interest was lost.

It was thought that Anson was to blame for this entire problem not letting the change in catchers. The editors of the Sporting News agreed with Anson stating that “sentiment and chivalry does not and should not enter into the question in any shape, whatsoever.” The wise but dirty Anson, who knew McGuire’s hands were already hurting at the outset of the game, did not believe McGuire’s hands got hurt on the play and was using his rights to make the call in Chicago’s favor. The actions of Irwin irked Spalding so much that he suggested disciplining the Philadelphia captain for “conduct prejudicial to the good repute of the game of base ball.”

Training the Catcher: A Process Essential to Good Base Ball Playing

2007-11-04T19:34:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn Eagle
August 4, 1890
In a great article written in 1890, the topic is the early season preparation of the catcher. The early part of the article talks of proper loosening up the arm when in the gymnasium in pre season by throwing short distances and eventually lengthening the throws to reach second base with “comparative ease.” A later section talks about the importance of a mask but the relevant portion to us modern day vintage ballists talks about preparing the hands.

“A point of catcher’s practice which does not enter into the work of the pitcher is that of toughening the hands. Rowing on the machines, climbing the rope, swinging on the flying rings, and hand ball, if there be any court for that excellent game, will all tend toward this end. He should consider, however, that it is not merely toughening the skin of the hands that is desirable, but also hardening the flesh so that is not easily bruised. For this reason he should receive no swift balls, and should stop at the first feeling of anything beyond a moderate tingling of the palms. His hands should receive their full preparatory hardening before he goes out into the field, for ordinary carefulness demands that he should do no catching behind the bat after the season commences with hands full protected by well padded gloves. What is commonly called a stone bruise is one of the carelessness in this respect.”

We Struggle Playing Backwards / They Struggled Playing Forwards

2007-10-30T20:56:00.000-04:00

In September of 1896 Westfield Massachusetts’ William “Adonis” Terry would write an article for the Chicago News which also appeared in the Brooklyn Eagle regarding the evolution of pitching regulations and its effect on the game. This is a great article for two important reasons; A) This is in Terry’s own words, B) There was no one in the game at the time as successful as Terry who not only survived the changes over the years but also thrived, especially in the later years of his career when the last change to the pitching format was the most drastic. He was one of only a very few who made the successful transition of pitching from 55’ 6” to 60’ 6”.

Born in Westfield Massachusetts, Terry began his professional career in 1883 with the then Brooklyn Grays pitching side-arm in the pitcher’s box that all us modern day vintage ballists are familiar with. By the time his major league career was over in 1897, he was pitching from 60’ 6” and throwing off a rubber slab.

It is interesting to note the irony in this where we modern ballists struggle playing backwards with the rules of the late 19th century while Terry tells of the struggles of the 19th century ballists playing forward. To learn more about the career of Adonis Terry checkout http://adonisterry.tripod.com

Dan “Gunner” Genovese

‘Hard To Pitch Nowadays’
Adonis Terry
September, 1896

Pitching today is a very different job from what it was twenty years ago, or ten or even five. Rules have been changed and tinkered with; distances have been lengthened and a myriad of tricks, calculated to embarrass the pitcher, have been vainly tried. Unless the rulemakers take into their heads to so fix the rules that the pitcher will simply have to stand up and lob the ball over the plate the pitcher will remain autocrat of the game and batting averages will continue to be under .500.

No matter what the changes in the rules might be, the men who were the pitchers under one style remained pitchers under the next arrangement. Some of them have been driven out of the business by the changes from time to time, but the pitchers who survived had been pitchers before and they have never succeeded in inventing rules which would make twirlers out of short stops or great box stars out of fielders.

Pitching under the ancient round arm delivery was a curious process and I fancy that only the short distances prevented the pitchers from being hit even harder than they were, and some of the old time games had scores large enough to satisfy any crank on batting. Then the pitchers were allowed to get their arms higher and higher, until all restrictions were done away with and they could throw where and when they wanted. The system under which the Chicago team won its glory (Chicago White Stockings won back-to-back National League pennants in 1885 & 1886) was that which allowed the batter to call for a ball where he wanted it, high or low, and the command which this necessitated from the pitcher was marvelous. Seven balls were called before a batter could take his base and the number was none too great under such circumstances. During the period of the call for your ball rule an idiocy requiring the pitcher to keep both feet on the ground while throwing the ball was perpetrated (for the 1885 season the National League implemented this rule in order to slow velocity). If you don’t think that rule was a strain, just take a ball and try to throw it, even with moderate speed, and keep both feet fixed on the ground. It requires a gyration of arm and body that’s worse then seven Delsarte lessons (A popular form of expression through dance that encompasses almost gymnastic type movements).

With the three strike and four ball rule, originally four strikes and five balls, the pitchers began to develop great speed and fine control. Then the howl about the pitcher domination began to be raised and the batting cranks commenced to scream about the advantage given the pitcher. Even so, the science of batting and the art of fielding were advancing just as rapidly as the talent of the pitcher. There were fewer strikeouts to the game in 1892, last year of the fifty feet distance, than used to be the rule in 1887. The ball was coming in faster no doubt, but the keen eyed fellows at the rubber weren’t missing it to any great degree. It was the work of the fellows in the field that was killing the batting. There were games where only one hit would be chalked up for a team, and yet the winning pitcher would have only four or five strikeouts. The fielders have taken care of all the rest. Something had to be done, however, to still the popular clamor for more batting, and, of course, the poor pitcher had to suffer. So the box was abolished, a small strip of rubber substituted, science and change of place and pace were discouraged by compelling the pitcher to keep his foot on that slab, and the slab itself was set back in the diamond (Interestingly, Terry would comment in an earlier article in February of 1895 that some of the early struggles and cheating pitchers would perform with the rubber. With the rubber, being just 12” wide at the time, many pitchers would stand either far off to the left or far off to the right of the rubber because pitchers who pitched from the rubber would create a deep hole, nearly six inches causing pitchers to become off-balance and lose command. Umpires would rarely enforce this rule and opposing captains would never point this out. Eventually, the rubber was widened to 24” wide). That worked pretty well. The slugger had a fraction more time to judge the ball. As I said, they could hit it before, but they had to make quick haphazard snaps at the ball. Now they have time to, at least, make an attempt to place it. The result was a most satisfactory increase in the slugging.

But all the rules ever invented to hamper the pitcher couldn’t kill his fielders, and the men behind the pitcher have now learned to play for men under the new rules just as under the old. Batting averages were a shade lower in 1895 than in 1894, and are quite a little smaller so far this season. The fielders have gauged their men…that is all.

Formerly a pitcher could go in every other day with perfect safety. Now a rest of at least two days between games is necessary, and many pitchers cannot be worked more than one day in four. The extra distance makes a man work that much harder to send the ball up the way he used to do. There has been a change, too, in the tricks of the trade. We used to largely rely upon great speed, with short, fast curves, alternated with a slow ball. You can all remember the drop ball of Buffington and Ramsey, Luby’s sharp outcurve, Keefe’s slow ball, John Clarkson’s variety of fast and slow balls (Terry cites pitchers, some Hall of Famers and some of limited success, whose careers were, for the most part, finished when the pitching distance was moved back five feet). Nowadays, the curves are necessarily wider and slower, and all such scientific tricks as a change of pace, keeping the ball up around the batter’s neck and the simple process of sending it over at medium speed, straight and true, with trust in the fielder for safety, are the proper scheme. A drop curve is hard to throw now, and a drop curve pitchers had a terrible time the first year of the new rules, as everything they threw would hit the plate. A wide out-curve can be seen and judged much easier than in the old days, and an incurve works rather batter. The fast, high ball, with a little raise to it, and a drop by a man that can keep it up from the plate, are the curves of the day.

Chicago News
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
September 15, 1896