The Friends of Vintage Base Ball is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the game as it was played in the 19th century. Our purpose is to facilitate and preserve the customs, culture, history and spirit of vintage base ball through public education, awareness and participation.
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!
In addition to sponsoring games, we provide educational programs to youth groups, seniors and others. If you'd like to find out more, 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
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.
