Kevin Faherty’s Arm and Bat Propel Norwood-July 26, 1979

9-3 Victory Over Saugus in State Babe Ruth Tournament

On July 26, 1979, Kevin Faherty delivered a powerhouse performance on the mound and at the plate, leading Norwood to a convincing 9-3 victory over Saugus at Trum Field in Somerville. Remaining undefeated in the double-elimination state Babe Ruth tournament, Norwood advanced to face the winner of the Saugus-Milton matchup. Kevin Faherty keyed the offense by launching a hanging curveball over the center-field fence for a crucial two-run home run, capping a four-run fourth inning that put Norwood ahead for good.

Using his right arm just as effectively, Kevin Faherty relied on low fastballs to baffle Saugus hitters, scattering just four hits over a complete-game victory. Reflecting on his pitching strategy, Kevin Faherty noted, “I had to keep the ball low. I got the pitches up for a while, and they ripped them. So I brought them back down quick.” His only rocky frame came in the bottom of the fourth when, after retiring the first two batters on ground balls, he surrendered a single to Chuck Howard, an error that allowed Howard to score, and an RBI double.

Norwood started slow, going down in order through the first three innings before explosive emotions sparked a rally. Norwood coach Len Harris pointed to a heated confrontation between innings, stating that the Saugus third-base coach threatened a Norwood infielder and that Saugus coach John Ferrari allegedly elbowed Mickey DeStephano as Mickey DeStephano ran off the field—an account substantiated by Mickey DeStephano, while John Ferrari declined to comment. Once play resumed, Norwood channeled its energy into the game. Mickey DeStephano reached on an error to lead off the fourth, John Coyle doubled him home, and Mike Conti followed by fouling off six two-strike pitches before lacing an RBI double.

Norwood padded its lead in the sixth inning when Mike Devine singled, advanced on an outfield error, and scored on pinch-hitter Jim Wenstrom‘s single. Jim Wenstrom advanced on an outfield throw and moved to third when Ken Webster reached on an error. Although Ken Webster missed a sign and got caught halfway on an attempted steal, the Saugus first baseman threw wildly into the stands trying to cut him down, allowing Jim Wenstrom to trot home. Mike Devine, Jim Wenstrom, and Sean Foley drove in Norwood’s final runs in the seventh. Defensively, Norwood snuffed out a Saugus threat in the sixth when Chuck Howard tripled and LeBranti walked; catcher Ken Webster fired a strike to second baseman Mickey DeStephano, who caught LeBranti stealing to neutralize the lead runner.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger