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
-
Mustangs Punish Rebel Miscues in Tournament Opener-June 5, 1986
Capitalizing on nine defensive miscues by rival Walpole, Coach John Solomon’s Norwood Mustangs cruised to an 11-3 postseason opening statement.
-
Norwood Caps Dream Season, Captures First State American Legion Title Since 1942-August 15, 1985
Behind a stellar pitching performance from Bob Baxter and a clutch two-run triple by Ned Brigham, Norwood edged Grafton Hill 3-2 to win the state title.
-
Norwood American Legion Baseball Team Takes Control of State Finals- August 13, 1985
Undefeated at 2-0 in the state finals, Norwood defeated Braintree 11-2 behind Tim Cox’s complete-game pitching and six combined RBIs from Pete Jr. and Mike Wall.
-
Norwood American Legion Crushes Weymouth 12-4 in State Tournament Opener-August 14, 1978
Powered by home runs from Chris Collins, Dan Kennedy, and John Balerna alongside 15 hits, Norwood routed Weymouth 12-4 in the state tournament opener.
-
Norwood Dominates Needham in Zone 6A American Legion Baseball Playoffs-July 26, 1978
The sun was shining brightly on the baseball field as the Norwood team took to the field against their arch-nemesis, Needham. The stage was set for an epic battle between two of the top teams in Zone 6A American Legion Baseball playoffs. However, it became clear early on that Norwood had a distinct advantage over…
-
The John Balerna Show-June 3, 1978
Mustangs Blank Waltham in Tourney Opener In high school postseason baseball, you occasionally see an individual athlete put a team on his back and single-handedly dictate the outcome of a game. But what senior ace John Balerna did on Friday, June 2, 1978, went far beyond a standard standout performance. In the opening round of…
-
Surgery Helped Bill Travers Elbow His Way To Big League Heights-July 4, 1976
MILWAUKEE — Young Bill Travers likes to think of himself as a modern marvel of medicine, on sort of a low-budget scale. He is the $400 Bionic man. At least that’s how much an operation in 1973 that turned around his career cost. “One guy wrote that I go out and pitch each game with…
-
Mustangs Erupt for 21 Runs-June 4, 1975
An 8-inning rain delay brought mercy to Lynn Tech as Coach Pete Wall’s Norwood Mustangs ran wild in a massive 21-0 postseason routing.
-
Norwood Legion Team Masters the Suicide Squeeze-July 3, 1974
The Norwood American Legion baseball team showcased a high-stakes brand of baseball on the evening of July 2, 1974, demonstrating a masterclass in the “suicide squeeze” play to secure an 8-4 interzone victory over Wellesley at Legion Field. While the play is often considered a rarity in the modern game, Norwood coach Frank Wall has…
-
Lou Gehrig League Debuts in Norwood-July 11, 1973
Inaugural Season of the Lou Gehrig Baseball League On July 11, 1973, the newly formed Lou Gehrig League prepared to launch its inaugural teenage baseball season. ⠀ The debut was scheduled for a Thursday night under the lights at American Legion Stadium in Norwood, featuring two teams of 13 and 14-year-old local boys. Named in…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.