In anticipation of the start of the 2020 season, we’ll be posting a look at each Connecticut vintage base ball team. Our first post is a look at the Connecticut Bulldogs Historical Base Ball Team of Hartford, CT.
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THE VIEW FROM THE TOP
The 2020 Hartfords campaign will be steered on the field by Captains Brett Berry and Jeff “Pine Tar” Kornhaas. The recently promoted Nick Hardy will serve as Assistant Captain. All three are 19th Century Base Ball veterans who have enjoyed time with the Whately Pioneers (MA), Wethersfield Red Onion (CT) and Liberty Base Ball Club.
PITCHER PERFECT
The Capitol Club will continue to showcase distinct styles (1864, 1865, 1884 & 1886) featuring quality pitching from veterans Jay Rainier & August West (formerly of Bristol Blues RI), Kornhaas, Chuck Ciccarello, Mister Jay Edwards, Nick Hardy, Brett Berry, Michael Neville (Thames BBC) and the newly acquired Mark Wolven (Southington, CT).
CATCH MY DRIFT
The catcher position becomes a point of strength in 2020 with added skill and depth. Ben Fox, an emergency responder by day, makes the move to catcher. Ben recently portrayed Boston Red Sox alumnus Rich Gedman in our regional 2019 recreation of the 1986 MLB All-Star Game (Muzzy Field). Ben is joined by Tim Kane (a proud father of six boys), Emmett Cole, Dave Leiper, Chuck Ciccarello & “Mr. Hartford” Nick Hardy (1864), Scott Caruso (Thames BBC) and the newly acquired Jeff Miner. Miner, a New England native, first appeared for the Bulldogs in our 2019 season finale on (November 9) catching seven strong innings.
AROUND THE HORN
Captain Brett continues to lead the pack at Third Base. He is joined by Kane, Ryan Kiely, Steve Spurrier (formerly of Hoboken Nine) and Christoper Hurtgen (Thames BBC). At Short Stop, Connecticut veteran Robert “Sawmill” Smith heads up the position. Smith is known best for his solid play, excellent communication and leadership by example. Second Base will feature Bulldogs and New Hampshire veteran Stephen Pascucci, Mark Wolven, Ciccarello, Mike Paes of the Bulldog Bat Company, Sean Myzlewski, Irish Tony Maspo, Red Onion call-up Jon Safford, and the newly acquired Helen Sheldon (Olneyville Cadets).
WHO’S ON FIRST?
Former Pioneers captain Ken Hartwright, a recently retired and decorated law enforcement champion of Massachusetts, joins your Nutmeggers at 1B. Expect to see Kornhaas and Wolven lending a hand also as we develop Red Onion call-ups Adam Grabowski and Sweet Chuck Brooks in the role.
OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD
Patrolling the grassy swaths of meadows at Left Field, we will see perennial all-stars Nick Hardy and Emmett Cole. CF features Bristol Blues elite veterans Jay “Navy” Rainier, August West & Kevin Barbara. Right Field is managed by Ryan Kiely and features a host of players we have enjoyed and will seek to develop, including home-grown prospect & professional disc golf veteran Steve Ditter.