The Norwood Babe Ruth teams are off to a strong start in the District 5 Double-Elimination Tournament, with each age group posting two victories at the end of June.
This impressive performance has put them in good position to repeat last summer’s achievement of sweeping through the tournament and appearing in the Eastern Mass. State Tournament.
The team’s president, John “Lighty” Lightizer, has been coaching all-star teams for 31 years and is well aware that a great start does not guarantee a trip to the states. He emphasized that the boys need to remain focused and continue playing their best baseball if they hope to achieve their goal.
Norwood’s 15-year-old team, which includes centerfielder Joe Colton, has been particularly impressive in their victories over Hopkinton and Dedham. Colton’s diving catch in the fourth inning of Sunday’s game against Hopkinton was a highlight of the tournament, and his all-around skills make him one of the top players in the area.
The 14-year-old team has also had a strong showing, with pitcher Sean O’Neill striking out 11 batters in five innings of work against Needham. The team’s victory over Parkway was a critical win, putting them in the winner’s bracket and sending Parkway to the losers’ bracket.
The 13-year-old team has not been left behind, with Tyler Gover taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning against Walpole and leading his team to a 6-0 victory. The team’s crushing of Dedham on Saturday was also notable, with Brendan Zablocki pacing the attack and Sam Anderson launching a 3-run homer.
Overall, Norwood’s dominance in the District 5 Double-Elimination Tournament is setting the stage for another historic run by the team. With their strong start and talented players, they are well-positioned to make it through the tournament and appear in the Eastern Mass. State Tournament.
“We’re happy going 6 for 6 over the weekend, but there are some good teams at each level so the boys have to keep focused. We haven’t done anything yet.” – John “Lighty” Lightizer, Norwood Babe Ruth President
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.