Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club 2009

Lumberjack Vintage Base Ball Classic Benefit Game Announced

WESTFIELD, MA (April 12, 2009) - The Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club are entering their fourth season as interpreters on America’s game as played in the late 19^th Century. In years past, the Wheelmen have thrilled local fans with their unique style of play with such events as the Adonis Terry Day tribute game played in Westfield (Terry was a Westfield native who played Major League Baseball in the late 19^th Century), appearing in the Vintage Base Ball Federation World Series played in Westfield against such teams as Bill Lee and His Green Mountain Boys and last year against Luis Tiant and the Latin Stars.

“This year will be a little different as we are playing for a cause,” noted Dan “Gunner” Genovese, captain and founder of the team. “Our catcher and friend has been stricken with cancer and want to do whatever we can to raise money for treatment.” On August 8^th at Bullens Field in Westfield, Massachusetts, the Wheelmen will host the Lumberjack Vintage Base Ball Classic for the Benefit of Kenny “Lumberjack” Toporowski. This event will feature such attractions as Boston Red Sox Mascot Wally The Green Monster, Carl Beane the Voice of Fenway Park as the MC, a Pre-Game Home Run Derby for the fans to participate and a vintage game between the Wheelmen and the returning Latin Stars. “Last year, before the rain storm hit, our game with the Stars was a true classic and Kenny ‘The Lumberjack’ was so much a part of that game that we wanted to have them back,” said Genovese. “Of course the real reason for the event is to bring the community together with family oriented attractions such as Wally The Red Sox Mascot who will meet with the kids and a Pre-Game Home Run Derby where fans can take some swings at the plate, all in an effort the help the ‘Lumberjack.’”

The Wheelmen also have a full slate of home and away games with their home opener on April 25^th on the grounds of Berkshire Industries starting at 11:00 A.M. The Wheelmen will also be a featured attraction on July 12^th at the Southwick Rotary Club BBQ Contest in which the Wheelmen will take-on any and all comers in a game played by the rules of 1861.

Tickets go on sale for the Lumberjack Classic on April 25^th 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.

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