The Westfield Wheelmen of Suffield, a local Vintage Base Ball team, play their home games at Stroh Field at Hilltop Farm. The Wheelmen derive their name from an actual factory team that existed in Westfield in the 1880s. The team has been playing at Stroh Field for several years now, entertaining fans (referred to as “cranks” in the 1880s) with their fast-paced, cerebral brand of baseball.
The Wheelmen are a member of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA), which has approximately 200 teams from across the country. Teams in the VBBA wear period reproduction uniforms, use period authentic equipment and follow rules from the 19th century. Their members are not only athletes, but historians of the game.
The Wheelmen typically play the game of baseball utilizing 1886 rules but also play using 1864 rules since many Vintage Base Ball teams specialize in that era.
While many of the rules of both vintage eras are the same as today, there are some significant differences. With that in mind, attached is a chart of some of the significant differences in the rules and other aspects of the game that hopefully will enhance the fans’ understanding and enjoyment of the vintage game.
With an understanding of the rules, fans can relax and appreciate the charm of the vintage games at Hilltop, including the colorful uniforms worn by the players, the uneven green pastures of the fields, and the sight of the large brown barn in right field that serves as a de-facto “Brown Monster” like the Green Monster at Fenway Park. Fortunate fans might be able to witness the “hidden potato” trick, a more elaborate form of the modern “hidden ball” trick. Fans will also appreciate the brisk nature of the game, which was a necessity in the 19th century since most of the players were farmers or factory workers trying to get a game in after their workday ended but before sundown.
The Wheelmen play approximately five times each season at Hilltop, typically playing two games per day. The first scheduled games at Hilltop will be on June 20-21 as part of the New England Vintage Base Ball Festival. Bring some lawn chairs and a cooler, grab some ice creme at the dairy and root for the home team.
