The Friends of Vintage Base Ball promotes living history by bringing the 19th century to life through vintage base ball. We provide cultural enrichment and education programs and activities to youth and adults. As a 501(c)3 corporation, FoVBB relies upon grants, sponsorships and donations to fund its programs and activities.
Our organization was formed in the late summer of 2008 in response to a need to create a permanent field for the play of vintage (19th century) base ball in Hartford, Connecticut. We partnered with Coalition to Strengthen the Sheldon/Charter Oak Neighborhood (CSS/CON) and the City of Hartford, Connecticut to designate a field of play in Colt Park for vintage base ball. The park is contained within the Coltsville district in Hartford, which has recently been named a National Historic Landmark and is on its way to becoming a National Park.
The result is the Hartford Base Ball Grounds at Colt Meadows. Our 2009 season saw teams coming in from Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut to play games at historic Colt Meadows. Admission is free and we invite one and all to join us in 2010. You provide the lawn chairs, blanket, picnic lunch and sunscreen – we'll provide the fun!
If you would like to learn more about our educational programs for youth groups, seniors and others—or if you would like to have a speaker at your function or schedule an exhibition game at your event—please contact us.
Gary Goldberg-O'Maxfield, Commissioner
Karen O'Maxfield, President & Treasurer
Lynn Ferrari, Vice President
Patricia Williams, Secretary
Patrick Pinnell, Director
Chris 'Grit' Moran, Director
Ray 'Shutta' Shaw, Director
Richard Frieder, Director
Gary "Pops" O'Maxfield—is a SABR member, base ball historian, vintage base ball umpire and public speaker. He is available for conducting historical workshops, umpire training and speaking engagements. Contact him via email.
