Profiles of the Providence Grays Vintage Base Ball Club

The two men most responsible for creation of the Providence Grays both officially resigned from their playing duties in 2004. Although they will no longer be found on the field, they will both be remembered gratefully by all who have followed the fortunes of the Grays since 1998.

Tim Norton founded the Providence Grays in 1998 after reading about the vintage base ball program at Old Bethpage Village in New York. He convinced the Providence Journal to run an article about his quest, and gathered a dozen players for the team's initial meeting that spring. A few practices later, and the Grays were on the field in full uniform against the legendary Brooklyn Atlantics. Mr. Norton has been a foundation of the team ever since. On the field, he has served as a highly effective pitcher in the team's 1860's games, with an 18-11 lifetime record, and made his mark as a smooth-swinging outfielder in the 1884 games. His playing career was interrupted by a frightening base-path collision in 2001, as well as the infirmities of advancing age, and he decided to retire after the 2004 season while the memories of his heroics were still warm. Off the field, he has always borne much of the responsibility for press contacts, field arrangements, and fund-raising. He continues to lead the Grays in these areas as the team's elected president.

Kevin Faria attended the 1998 organizational meeting and quickly established himself as the team's captain and field leader. His fanatical attention to historical detail made the Grays one of the most authentic in vintage base ball. While the history always came first in his mind, he realized that quality play on the field was essential for a legitimate tribute to a world championship team. He led the Grays to respectability with his constant exhortations, his often brilliant play at shortstop and first base, and his line-drive hitting. Between his slides and his diving catches, he probably gave the most blood for the team. He also led the team in sleep lost, constantly pondering ways to improve the team's uniforms, equipment, and style of play. He moved to the Cooperstown area after the 2003 season, and now plays for the Roxbury Nine. Sadly, his dream of buying up four blocks of real estate on the west side of Providence, tearing down the houses, and building a full-scale replacement of the Messer Street Grounds never came to pass.

These past heroes of the Grays should also not be forgotten:

Ed "The Bullfighter" DelSignore was the team's primary center fielder from 2001 to 2004. He was the only new player added to the 2001 Grays, whose record improved from 10-11 to 23-8, which in itself speaks volumes about his talents. He left Rhode Island in 2005, but still hopes to make the occasional guest appearance on the field in the future.

Dan "Steakhouse" Fallon was a stalwart member of the Grays from 1999 to 2002. He never formally resigned his post, and on some days when the weather is fair, the team still wonders if a passing carriage may discharge its lost third baseman.

Pete "Goose-Egg" Fallon, brother of Steakhouse, was from 1999 to 2002 one of the better defensive players in the team's history, with the bulk of his time being logged at first base. He still makes an occasional appearance on the diamond to show the youngsters how it is done.
Scott "Pumpkin-head" Lial was the team's first center fielder, from 1998 until 2001. The Grays rarely tasted victory in our first two seasons, but when we did, Lial was often the catalyst.

Player List: