Norwood American Legion Baseball Team Edges Andover 4-2
The sun was shining brightly on July 27, 1990, as the Norwood American Legion baseball team prepared to face off against their arch-rivals,
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Andover. The stage was set for a thrilling matchup in the sectional playoffs, with both teams vying for a spot in the championship game. The Norwood team, led by Coach Pete Wall, had been on a roll all season, and they were determined to keep their winning streak alive.
As the players took to the field at Brothers Field at Phillips Andover Academy, the tension was palpable. The crowd was electric, cheering on both teams as they battled it out in what would be a closely contested game. The Norwood team had been on the road for two days, traveling from one end of the state to the other, and they were eager to get back home and play in front of their own fans. The game got off to a slow start, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Andover‘s starter, Bill Batchelder, was dealing, holding the Norwood team to just one hit through seven innings. But the Norwood team refused to give up, and they continued to battle on.
In the eighth inning, things started to heat up. With one out, Joe Montesano worked a full count before drawing a walk. Pinch-runner Bill Gurley took Joe Montesano‘s place at first base and scored when Todd Newman followed with a double to left field. An error by shortstop Peter Reming allowed Todd Newman to get to third, and he came home with the eventual game-winner on a single by Steve Grenham. The Norwood team was ecstatic as they celebrated their 4-2 victory over Andover. They had come from behind to win the game, and they were now one step closer to making it to the championship game. The team’s starter, Joe Montesano, had pitched a stellar seven innings, allowing just two runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.
But what really made this game stand out was the outstanding defense played by the Norwood team. Two innings of no-hit relief by Scott Ivens sealed the victory for Norwood, and Jeff “Mouser” Mahoney‘s two outstanding catches in center field were a highlight of the game. The Norwood team had played some great defense that day, and it had paid off in the end. As Coach Pete Wall put it, We played some great defense today. They were hitting the ball, but there was always someone there. The guys really stayed in the game. And indeed they did. The Norwood team had shown incredible determination and heart, refusing to give up even when things seemed bleak.
The victory puts Norwood a game up in the best-of-three series, with the next game scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Norwood. If Andover ties the series, game three will be played Sunday night at Norwood (7:30 p.m.). The winner of this series will go on to play the winner of the Lowell/Wakefield series. Andover‘s coach, Joe Irabino, had nothing but praise for the Norwood team. They are a very sound ballclub, he said. They play very good ball, just like we do, and I think the winner of this series has a shot at going all the way. The Norwood team was indeed on a roll, and they were determined to keep their winning streak alive. As the players left the field that day, they knew that they had given it their all. They had played with heart, determination, and a never-say-die attitude. And in the end, it had paid off. The Norwood Legion team had won the sectional playoffs, and they were one step closer to making it to the championship game.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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