Our mission is to maintain a fun, recreational destination for your entire family to enjoy, while preserving history and nature for the community.
1616 Mapleton Avenue Suffield, CT 06078
Call us: (860) 758-0668
Mail Support: info@fofah.org
Mon - Sun: 8.00am - 9.00pm
See base ball before it was baseball
Date : 06/20/2026 — 06/21/2026
10:00 AM — 4:00 PM
We'll Remind You A Week Before Event
The Westfield Wheelman Vintage Base Ball Club invites you to a classic match, played with authentic 19th-century rules, uniforms, and equipment. Experience the "old game" as it was meant to be seen: bare-handed fielders, gentlemanly conduct, and the spirit of pure sport!
Vintage Base Ball, distinctively spelled as two words as it was in the 19th century, offers a captivating journey back to the roots of America's pastime. Far from the high-tech, power-hitting spectacle of modern baseball, vintage base ball emphasizes sportsmanship, skill, and the pure joy of the game as it was played in the 1800s, often adhering to the rules of a specific year like 1864 or 1860. It's a game of gentlemen, where "huzzah!" replaces cheers and arguments are replaced by respectful discussions.
Vintage base ball is more than just a game; it's a living history experience. The spirit of "gentlemanly play" is paramount, with a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and respectful conduct. Players typically wear period-appropriate attire and may even adopt 19th-century slang. There is no arguing with the umpire, no showboating, and celebrations are limited to handshakes. Applauding an opposing player is encouraged.
Vintage base ball offers a unique opportunity to connect with the origins of the sport and appreciate a different, more genteel style of play. According to the AASLH, there are over two hundred vintage base ball teams in America, with numerous matches held at historic sites throughout the year. Whether you're a long-time baseball fan or simply curious about history, experiencing a vintage base ball match is a truly delightful way to spend an afternoon.
Vintage base ball is a living history experience brought to life by the Westfield Wheelmen. The club has found a perfect new home for its throwback matches: the picturesque and historic Hilltop Farm in Suffield, Connecticut. This partnership is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a match made in historical heaven. The rolling fields and rustic barns of Hilltop Farm provide an authentic 19th-century backdrop, making the Wheelmen's games feel less like an exhibition and more like a genuine trip to the past.
The Westfield Wheelmen are a revival of an original 1886 Westfield team, and the connection to Hilltop Farm is particularly fitting. Farm founder George Hendee was a world-famous bicycle racer and co-founder of the Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company. The club's name and original connection to the Pope Manufacturing bicycle factory pay homage to this era of "wheelmen" and the emerging sports culture of the late 1800s. Having a home field at the former farm of such a prominent figure from that time period closes a historical loop that will enrich every game played there.
The move to Hilltop Farm isn't just for the players. It has created a special atmosphere for fans, who are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and set up for a picnic on the expansive green. Spectators get to experience a piece of Americana in an idyllic setting, often with food and beverages available from food trucks. It's a low-key, family-friendly event that emphasizes community, history, and the simple joy of the game.
So if you're looking for a taste of authentic, old-fashioned fun, come on down to Hilltop Farm. You'll get to witness America's pastime as it was meant to be played and cheer on the Westfield Wheelmen as they continue to honor baseball's grand, gentlemanly heritage.
