Norwood’s Post 70 American Legion baseball squad opened the New England Regional tournament in Manchester, New Hampshire, with a dominant 9-0 victory over Concord. Displaying the composure of a team making its third consecutive appearance at the regional level, Norwood capitalized on stellar pitching and timely hitting to secure the win.
Baxter’s Dominant Pitching and Batting Display
Pitcher Bob Baxter delivered an overwhelming performance on the mound, bouncing back after giving up two singles in the first inning to retire 18 consecutive batters at one point. Throwing a remarkably efficient 71 pitches over seven innings, Baxter struck out nine batters and allowed only one base runner after the second frame before being relieved by Scott Generazo in the eighth.
Baxter was equally formidable at the plate, driving in four runs. His offensive contributions included a two-run bloop single in the second inning and an RBI single during Norwood’s fourth-inning surge that chased Concord starting pitcher Brian Morin from the game.
Constructing the Lead
Norwood manufactured its early advantage in the second inning thanks to disciplined plate appearances and aggressive base running. Following walks and a balk, Tom Benson drove in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly. Baxter followed with his two-run single, and Dan O’Rourke added an RBI single to push the lead to 4-0.
Norwood extended its advantage in the fourth inning when Ghostlaw reached on an error to score Kevin Igoe, followed by another RBI single from O’Rourke. The squad added insurance later in the game, highlighted by a towering solo home run over the right-center field fence by Ted Decareau in the sixth inning. Decareau also manufactured Norwood’s final run in the eighth by singling, advancing on a hit by Jim Delbou, and scoring while Delbou was caught stealing.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
Reflecting on the team’s tournament experience and composure, Norwood Coach Pete Wall emphasized that past appearances provide a vital mental edge. “Experience is the difference,” Wall noted. “We’ve been there. I hope it pays off. We’re ready to play ball.”
With the opening win secured, Norwood advances in the tournament schedule to face the Auburn Post of Cranston, Rhode Island, which advanced following a 12-1 victory over Spring Valley, New York.
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.
-
Bob Baxter Dominates New England American Legion Baseball Tournament-August 27, 1987
Harvard’s All-Ivy League pitcher Bob Baxter led Norwood to success at the 1987 New England American Legion Baseball Tournament with a dominant pitching performance against Concord.
-
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.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.