Once upon a time, long before many of us reading this article were even born, the game of baseball was king of all sports, especially at this time of year, when ball clubs from Bristol and neighboring Warren showed their stuff in a best-of-five confrontation called “The Little World Series,” But, that’s a story for another day.

The reason we bring this all up is the fact that a new ballpark, called Guiteras School Field, located on 35 Washington St., Bristol, had just opened in 1937, much to the delight of baseball affecianatos of all ages. For many years, this ballpark brought out the very best in every youngster, high school age and above, primarily in baseball and football.

Now, as fate would have it, 88 years later, the annual Vintage Baseball event will take center stage on Saturday, June 21, as part of Bristol’s 2025 Fourth of July Celebration. Normally held on the Bristol Town Common, this year’s event was moved to Guiteras Field, according to event chairman Sara Jane Soboleski.

“The Fourth of July carnival will be town as that time, taking the space we usually use for the games,” she explained. “Having the games the Saturday before Father’s Day always worked. But, this year, because we had to change the date for the games, the Town Common was already spoken for with the carnival.”

Three teams will be playing in this year’s event, featuring the Providence Grays, Lisbon Tunnelmen, and Eclipse Baseball Club of Elkton. The first pitch with be at 10:45 a.m. Games start at 11 a.m.

For the record, the original Providence Grays (1878-1885) won a total of 438 games over their brief but storied tenure in baseball’s early years. Recently, the club posted its 439th victory. Though it has taken longer—spanning from 1998 to the present day—and involved more losses along the way, this milestone reflects the enduring dedication to preserving and carrying forward the legacy of one of baseball's most historic clubs.

As Ms. Soboleski said, “Enjoy the Bleachers or bring your lawn chair/blanket. This is a free event with hot dogs, soda, and water. It should be another fun event.”
On the same token, the annual Bristol Fourth of July Celebration Old Fashioned Days are also being held this year at Guiteras School Field on Saturday, June 21, starting at 8:30 a.m.

As has been the case in past years when this event was held on the Bristol Town Common, kids of all ages will enjoy old-fashioned games with prizes being awarded. This should be another great event for all youngsters to enjoy.