Norwood Clinches Third Consecutive State American Legion Title-August 19, 1987

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