Replaying a frustrating familiar script at the New England Regional American Legion baseball tournament in Manchester, New Hampshire, Norwood’s Post 70 squad followed up an opening-round shutout with a tough 3-1 loss to Cranston, Rhode Island.
Following the defeat, Norwood finds itself facing a grueling path forward, needing four consecutive victories to advance to the American Legion World Series in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Play resumed with an elimination matchup against the winner of the Manchester-New London game, with Scott Generazo getting the start on the mound.
Fiore’s Dominance and O’Rourke’s Home Run
Cranston pitcher Kyle Fiore stifled Norwood’s explosive bats, utilizing a quick fastball, a sharp round-house curve, and an occasional sidearm delivery to strike out 10 batters and limit Norwood to just two hits. Despite getting hit in the knee by a hard liner off the bat of Derek Ghostlaw in the eighth inning, Fiore stayed in the game and escaped a bases-loaded jam when Cranston third baseman Brian Tyler made a spectacular diving stop on a smash by Jim Delbou to preserve the lead.
Norwood struggled to capitalize on opportunities, stranding runners in scoring position during the first, second, and eighth innings. Norwood’s sole run came via a towering 390-foot solo home run to right field by Dan O’Rourke. Cranston Coach Tony DiBiase praised his pitcher and defense, noting, “They’re a scrappy team and play very, very good defense.”
McCready’s Solid Outing
Norwood starting pitcher Jim McCready pitched well enough to earn a win after surrendering two runs in the third inning—where Rhode Island’s Mark Splidoro scored following a fielder’s choice and hit by Frank Leone, who later came home on a passed ball. Cranston added a crucial insurance run in the seventh when Jeff Diehl singled, stole second, and advanced home on consecutive sacrifice bunts by Tom Pilderian and Joe Nerny.
After a shaky start, McCready settled down to retire 10 consecutive batters between the third and sixth innings, scattering six hits and striking out eight batters over his outing.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
-
Vintage Norwood Ballplayers Reunite to Recall The “Good Old Days”-This Day in Norwood History-June 20, 1957
A 55-year-old scorebook brings together Norwood’s original turn-of-the-century baseball masters to recall the legendary Trolley League era.
-
Murphy Five-Hitter Downs Wellesley High Nine, 9-2-April 26, 1957
Sophomore Norwood Hurler Fans Nine In Mound Debut By NICK CURRAN Sophomore pitcher Paul Murphy hurled a smart 5-. hitter as his teammates pounded out 14 hits which enabled the Norwood High squad to easily defeat Wellesley High, 9-2 last Monday afternoon at the Civic Field in Norwood. Gerry Cloherty started off for Norwood with…
-
Little League Rosters Set-April 25, 1957
League Auditions Closed, Ready To Begin Season After holding their annual player auction last week, the Minor League and the Eight-Year-Old League are ready with a record number of applicants to begin another baseball season. A complete list of rosters of all the teams follows: REDWINGS Bruce Hunter, Andrew Bedar, Francis Dyer, Richard Cummings, Billy…
-
Bunker Looks For Upgrade In Phillies System Next Year-October 4, 1956
Bunker Looks For Upgrade In Phillies System Next Year-This Day In Norwood History-October 4, 1956
-
Little League All-Stars Set For Tourney Play-This Day in Norwood History-July 21, 1955
This Day in Norwood History-July 21, 1955-Little League All-Stars Set For Tourney Play
-
“Irish” Oakes Still Calling ’em In Bay State Diamond Circuit-This Day in Norwood History-May 10, 1954
Ernest ‘’Irish” Oakes, affable and popular Norwood umpire these past twelve years in both semi-pro and schoolboy baseball circles, continues to find himself held in high regard by all those interested in the National pastime as….
-
Norwood High Wins Bay State League Title As Dick Bunker Hurls 2 To 0 No-Hit Shutout-This Day in Norwood History-June 11, 1953
Norwood High School closed out its 1953 baseball season in unforgettable fashion, traveling to Natick and returning home with both a 2–0 victory and the Bay State League championship. The star of the afternoon was left‑handed ace Dick Bunker, who delivered the finest performance of his high‑school career — a no‑hit shutout that secured the…
-
Dick Bunker, Schoolboy Star-May 21, 1953
DICK BUNKER is the big reason Norwood High is favored to win the Bay State League baseball championship. . . . The six-foot lefty pitcher-first baseman. an all scholastic pitcher last season, is better than ever—averaging 12 strikeouts and only two walks per game. … He has a great curve ball, plenty of speed and…
-
Dick Bunker, Schoolboy Star-May 21, 1953
DICK BUNKER is the big reason Norwood High is favored to win the Bay State League baseball championship. . . . The six-foot lefty pitcher-first baseman. an all scholastic pitcher last season, is better than ever—averaging 12 strikeouts and only two walks per game. … He has a great curve ball, plenty of speed and…
-
7 Norwood Candidates Start Climb To Pro Baseball Careers–This Day in Norwood History-March 28, 1947
All War Veterans And Ex-Murraymen By JOHN J. COOK Norwood will be well represented on the collegiate and minor league baseball diamonds this year. Seven young men —all of them veterans and former Norwood High athletes— have left recently or will leave soon-reach with a promising baseball career ahead of him. Do you remember an…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.