​Step Back in Time: Vintage Baseball Game Comes to Westwood as Part of 250th Celebrations

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The Borough of Westwood invites residents and visitors to experience America’s pastime as it was meant to be played at an Old Time Baseball Game on Saturday, May 2 at 12:00 PM at Westvale Park (235 Harrington Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675)  This special event is part of the ongoing celebration of America's 250th anniversary right here in Westwood, honoring the rich history of our nation and the community spirit of the Borough.

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The game will feature a spirited matchup between the historic-style club, the Hoboken Nine Baseball Club, traveling from Hoboken, the Westwood Minutemen, a team of Westwood’s own volunteers. Played by 19th-century rules, the game offers a unique, family-friendly glimpse into the origins of baseball, complete with period uniforms, sportsmanship, and traditions rarely seen today.

Attendees can enjoy classic ballpark snacks and refreshments available for purchase courtesy of Flynn's Deli.  Admission is free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and the love of the game for an afternoon of history and classic baseball fun.

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This event highlights a meaningful historical connection between Westwood and Hoboken that dates back more than a century. The two communities have long been linked by the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line, which helped shape Westwood’s early growth as a commuter town while connecting residents to Hoboken’s bustling waterfront and transportation hub. In many ways, this matchup mirrors how players and spectators alike would have traveled between towns in the early days of baseball.

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Hoboken itself holds a special place in baseball history as the site of the first recorded organized game, played in 1846 at the Elysian Fields. From there, the sport quickly spread outward into surrounding communities, including Bergen County towns like Westwood, where local sandlots and fields became central gathering places. By the late 19th century, amateur and town teams were a staple of community life, bringing neighbors together through a shared love of the game.

 

Adding to Westwood’s own baseball lore is its connection to legendary player Shoeless Joe Jackson, one of the most talented and storied figures in the sport’s history, who spent time in the area later in life. His presence further reflects a time when baseball legends were closely tied to local communities and everyday fans. As reported in the Bergen Evening Record on Wednesday, October 31 1928 by C. B. Ryan, the start of a much contested game in Bergen County was "delayed by an argument over the question of the eligibility of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, who was in the Westwood lineup." 

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“The 250th celebrations are all about honoring our past while creating moments for our community to connect today,” said Council President Lauren Letizia. “This game is such a unique way to bring families together, celebrate our history, and simply enjoying a great day in Westwood.”

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Councilman Anthony Greco who spearheaded this event added, “This vintage game is a great way to showcase Westwood with something that truly reflects our shared traditions and hometown pride.” Greco and Letizia extend thanks to the Westwood Recreation Department for organizing the special event, and to the Borough of Westwood for its continued support of the 250th anniversary celebrations. 

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For more information on Westwood’s 250th celebrations and upcoming events, please go to westwoodnj.gov. 

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