Economic Conditions Force Cancellation of
2009 Vintage Playoffs & World Championship
Games to resume in 2010

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

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

This 2008 games were sponsored by Charter Oak (Insurance & Financial Services) and NCYF (The Northeast Center for Youth and Families). Supporting sponsors included: MassMutual Financial Group, Reeds Landing (Retire in Style), Darby O'Brien (Advertising and Public Relations), and Westfield Bank (since 1853). Note: Tickets could be purchased at any Westfield Bank branch or at the games.

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