Wheelmen at Abner Gibbs 95th Birthday

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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