Record-Breaking 36-5 Victory Over Natick
Norwood American Legion Post 70 made history last night at Mark Devlin Field in Lawrence, securing its third straight state title with a staggering 36-5 thrashing of Natick. In the 69-year history of American Legion baseball in Massachusetts, Norwood became the first team ever to capture three consecutive state championships. Only four other franchises had previously managed back-to-back titles: Milford (1930–31 and 1952–53), Holyoke (1945–46), and Somerville (1962–63).
The contest quickly turned into a historic offensive showcase. By the fourth inning, Norwood commanded a 16-5 lead, but the true fireworks erupted in the sixth inning when Norwood scored 17 runs out of the 20 batters it sent to the plate. Shortstop Kevin Igoe led the charge with a pair of home runs—including a three-run blast in the fourth and a two-run shot during the sixth-inning explosion. First baseman Jim Delbou compiled staggering numbers, going 4-for-4 with five runs scored, five RBIs, and a second-inning grand slam. Bob Baxter contributed three doubles and four runs in seven plate appearances before earning the win on the mound by working six innings in relief of starter Scott Generazo. Even after Coach Pete Wall emptied his bench, the onslaught continued, highlighted by Bob Grenham scoring twice with two run-scoring singles and Steve Lyons launching a grand slam in the endless sixth inning.
Reflecting on the program’s sustained dominance, Coach Wall noted how the squad continually reloaded despite losing elite talent year after year—such as Brian Baldwin and Dave McMullen in 1985, battery mates Ted Cox and Ned Brigham in 1986, shortstop Bob Goonan (who went to the University of Maine), and third baseman Mike Wall (named New England’s high school player of the year before being drafted in the 20th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates).
With the state crown secured, Norwood advanced to its third consecutive Northeast Regional tournament at Gill Stadium in Manchester, New Hampshire, slated to open play against the New Hampshire state champion. “I’m not thinking about the New Englands right now,” a jubilant Coach Wall said. “Because anything after this is gravy.” (Reporting by Mark Knowlton, The Patriot Ledger).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
-
Babe Ruth Teams Positioned For Tournament Sweep-July 7, 2008
Norwood Babe Ruth Squads Dominate District 5 Tournament Openers The annual predictability of summer rituals arrived alongside the late June heat as Norwood Babe Ruth programs established early dominance in the District 5 Double-Elimination Tournament. With the 13, 14, and 15-year-old all-star squads each securing a pair of victories at the end of June, the…
-
Norwood Completes Unlikely Run With Title-June 10, 1991
Armed with only one returning starter and surviving a rocky 4-4 start, the Mustangs pull off a late-inning rally to secure a historic diamond crown. Categories (3–6 layout-appropriate tags): local history, schools, sports, baseball
-
Mustangs Batter Harbormen in Sectional Quarterfinal Rout-June 4, 1991
Pitching took a backseat as the Norwood High baseball order erupted for 16 hits and 18 runs to punch their ticket to the South sectional semifinals.
-
Norwood American Legion Baseball Team Battles to a Tie Against Andover-July 27, 1990
⠀ The Norwood American Legion baseball team battled against Andover in a thrilling 10-inning game, coming back from a 4-0 deficit to tie 5-5.
-
Adams, Norwood work OT-June 6, 1988
A long, grinding tournament matchup turned wild as Norwood clawed back from a five‑run deficit, blasted two game‑saving homers, and leaned on an unlikely pitching hero.
-
Legion Baseball Built on Wall-August 14, 1987
Entering the Massachusetts state semifinals against Natick, Norwood American Legion baseball is guided by legendary 24-year head coach Pete Wall.
-
Ace Baxter Dominates on Mound-August 12, 1987
Pitcher Bob Baxter struck out nine and drove in four runs, leading Norwood American Legion to a 9-1 victory over Reading in the Eastern Section series.
-
Norwood American Legion Baseball Team One Win Away from State Title and Regional Berth-August 12, 1986
With a dominant 30-1 record, the Norwood American Legion baseball team faces Aldenville at Sargent Field in New Bedford seeking a second consecutive state championship.
-
Norwood’s Tom Baxter Tosses Complete-Game Four-Hitter in New England Babe Ruth Tournament-August 4, 1986
Ace righthander Tom Baxter tossed a complete-game four-hitter with seven strikeouts to lead the Norwood Babe Ruth All-Stars past Maine 2-1 in the New England tournament opener in Warwick, R.I.
-
Norwood Prevails Over Westwood in Hard-Fought American Legion Matchup-July 16, 1986
Despite a demanding schedule and early deficits, the reigning state champions maintained their momentum ahead of the upcoming playoff series.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.