Norwood High School’s Brian Adams did double duty for the Mustangs on Saturday. Adams hurled seven innings of one-run, four-hit relief and doubled home the run that gave fifth-seeded Norwood a 7-6, 12-inning victory over King Philip in the first round of the EMass. Div. 1 baseball tourney.
Adams, a senior shortstop and the Mustangs’ fourth pitcher Saturday, had thrown only 10 innings all season. Just as surprising was that Adams’ RBI double came with runners on first and second and no outs, a situation that often calls for a sacrifice bunt. “I think I caught King Philip off-guard,” said Adams of his hit off of reliever Randy Levecque that brought Jim Doherty home. “Everyone in the ballpark expected me to bunt, but I’m glad I hit away.” It was Norwood’s ability to hit the ball a long way that put it in position to win the game. After falling behind, 4-0 in the fifth, a three-run homer by John Crimmins pulled the Mustangs even at 5-5.
Paul Samargedlis’ solo shot to lead off the bottom of the ninth inning forced extra innings. Both blasts landed halfway up the screen above the left-field fence. “We took advantage of two bad pitches and that was the ballgame,” said Norwood coach Pete Wall. “Adams did a great job, expecially since we were hurting for pitchers.” King Philip scored twice in the fourth inning and three times in the fifth for its 5-0 bulge. Sean Kelly began the Warrior fifth by singling off of Ted Towne, who replaced starter Greg Gamel after 2 1/3 innings.
Kelly scored on a passed ball and KP pitcher Scott Grzenda walked and came around Jim Weir’s single. Tim Coyle relieved Towne in the fifth, but the Warriors added three more on an RBI single by Grzenda and Weir’s two-run single. The Mustangs finally broke loose in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs to tie it. Coyle led with a walk and moved to second on a Jeff Putnam single. An error on Todd Newman’s bouncer to short loaded the bases with none out.
Tom Benson’s fielder’s choice and an infield hit scored two runs, leading to Crimmins’ dramatic blast. King Philip took a 6-5 lead in the sixth when Jason Romsey doubled and came home on Paul Carlow’s sacrifice fly, but Samargedlis’ homer gave the Mustangs new life heading into extra innings.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
-
Norwood Debate—Which Is Hebner’s Top Sport?-May 12, 1965
Is Norwood High’s Richy Hebner a better baseball or hockey player? Sixteen‑Year‑Old Richie Hebner Dominates Diamond and Ice In a town that knows its sports and takes pride in its athletes, there is no debate about the brightest young star currently wearing Norwood’s colors. Everyone in Norwood agrees that Hebner, a 16‑year‑old junior, excels in…
-
‘Skip’ Lockwood To Stay With Majors-This Day in Norwood History-April 14, 1965
Claude (Skip) Lockwood of Norwood has been kept by the Kansas City Athletics on the Major League roster for the coming year: Lockwood thus joins a select group of Norwood athletes who have played in the major leagues. Others who have played on major league teams were Ray Martin, Charlie Bowles, and Marty Callaghan. Callaghan…
-
Braves Win LL Pennant On 6-1 Victory Over Indians-This Day in Norwood History-July 8, 1964
The Union Savings Bank Braves defeated the Westover Indians 6-1 at Pleasant Street Field to claim the 1964 Norwood Little League title before a massive crowd. Behind a masterful two-hitter from Pete Tamulonis, the Braves capped off their dominant 15-win season with a championship performance.
-
“Skip” Lockwood Signs With A’s For Huge Bonus; Assigned To Midwestern League-This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1964
This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1964-“Skip” Lockwood Signs With A’s For Huge Bonus; Assigned To Midwestern League
-
Braves, Indians To Clash Thursday For Norwood Little League Crown-This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964
This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964-Braves, Indians To Clash Thursday For Norwood Little League Crown
-
“Skip” Leads Norwood To Little League State Finals-This Day in Norwood History-June 17, 1964
Story of The Amazing “Skip” Lockwood By now it’s history. Every sports fan across the country has heard the news that “Skip” Lockwood of Norwood has signed a $100,000 bonus contract with the Kansas City A’s of the Major League. He has put the town of Norwood on the map all over the country even…
-
Carrabino NHS Diamond Leader-April 4, 1963
William (Bill) Carrabino, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Carrabino of 52 Saunders road, will captain this year’s Norwood High baseball entry in the Bay State Baseball League. Bill will again be patrolling left field for the locals as he did last year. He is a left-hander all the way and possesses one of the…
-
Marty Callaghan First in Big Leagues from Norwood-October 4, 1962
By FRANK WALL Marty Callaghan is certainly a “must” in our sports biography series as he was Norwood’s first ballplayer to play in the Major Leagues. He played four years of outstanding baseball in the majors and 11 years in the minors, and is considered the best player ever to come out of Norwood. Reading…
-
Ortins Cop Local Rec. Softball Championship-August 30, 1962
Ortins Cop Local Rec. Softball Championship Ortin’s Sporting Goods softball team, had just won the Norwood Recreation League championship, and Manager Jack Walker was happy. “You know softball isn’t as soft as many people believe,” he observed. “We’ve been hit hard with injuries all season. Pete Wall suffered a broken leg, I had a broken…
-
Meet The Nitros-Pete Dixon-August 23, 1962
This Day In Norwood History-August 23, 1962-Meet The Nitros-Pete Dixon
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.