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
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Dick Bunker, Schoolboy Star-May 21, 1953
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