The Vintage Base Ball Federation, LLC, whose goal is to spread the charms and values of 19th century base ball (originally two words), will stage the 2nd annual Vintage Base Ball Northeast Regional Playoffs and World Championship at Bullens Field in Westfield, MA, this summer. The Playoffs will extend over two weekends (July 18, 19 & 20, and July 25, 26 & 27), and the World Championship will take place August 14, 15, 16 & 17.

In addition to the host Westfield Wheelmen, the Playoffs will include the Hartford Senators, Springfield Mass Mutuals, Simsbury Taverneers, New Hampshire Granite, Whately Pioneers, Boston Colonials and Roxbury Nine. The four-team World Championship will feature teams from Canada and California, plus the Northeast Regional Playoff winner and the Wheelmen. The Playoffs will also feature a special (vintage) exhibition game between Louis Tiant's Latin All-Stars and the Wheelmen.

This summer's games are sponsored by Charter Oak (Insurance & Financial Services) and NCYF (The Northeast Center for Youth and Families). Supporting sponsors include: MassMutual Financial Group, Reeds Landing (Retire in Style), Darby O'Brien (Advertising and Public Relations), and Westfield Bank (since 1853). Note: Tickets can be purchased at any Westfield Bank branch or at the games.

The 2008 Playoffs and World Championship will be as much a festival as a sports event. Teams arrive in horse-drawn hay wagons and costumed actors perform historical skits, while NYCF and Boys and Girls Club kids, wearing in newsboy caps and suspenders, hawk peanuts and Crackerjacks in the stands. Clowns, jugglers, and barbershop quartets will add to the 19th century atmosphere. Bullens Field itself will feature a hand-operated scoreboard, vintage style barnwood billboards, and period music. Prizes will be awarded to those fans judged to be the best examples of 19th century manners and dress.

2008 GAME SCHEDULE
PLAYOFFS & WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Regional Playoffs

Call for schedule Changes: 413 654-1111