Norwood Rebounds to Tie Series-July 25, 1989

This thrilling matchup had all the makings of an epic tale: underdog spirit, clutch performances, and the promise of a state tournament berth hanging precariously in the balance.

As the sun set over Balch Field on July 24, 1989, the stage was set for a pivotal showdown between Norwood and Medfield. The Norwood American Legion baseball team had been written off by many after losing two consecutive games, including a crushing 16-11 defeat at the hands of Medfield just a day prior. However, coach Pete Wall’s squad refused to give up, drawing inspiration from their past experiences in similar situations.

“We’ve been here before,” Coach Wall said, his words echoing through the hushed tones of the Norwood dugout. “We know what it takes to come back from adversity.” And come back they did, thanks in large part to the heroics of Jack Crimmins and Brian Adams.

Crimmins, a force to be reckoned with at the plate, delivered a four-hit performance that would be etched in the memories of Norwood fans for years to come. His towering first-inning home run, which scored Mike Buckley, proved to be the game-winner, but it was just the beginning of an explosive offense that would leave Medfield reeling.

The fifth inning saw Norwood break open the game with a four-run explosion, courtesy of Jim Generazo’s two-run homer and Crimmins’ single, which had already scored Tom Benson and Steve Cloherty. Two more runs crossed the plate in the sixth inning when Cloherty connected for a two-out single, giving Norwood an 8-1 lead.

Meanwhile, Adams pitched effectively, navigating minor jams in the third and fourth innings before settling into a rhythm. Despite being on short rest after throwing 70 pitches in Friday’s shutout victory, Adams threw 83 pitches against Medfield, a testament to his endurance and determination.

Norwood’s offense continued to roll, scoring its final three runs in the seventh inning. Cloherty’s bases-loaded single brought in Adams and Steve Grenham, while Crimmins’ fourth hit of the night scored Buckley. The final score read 11-1 in favor of Norwood, a resounding victory that sent shockwaves throughout the baseball community.

As the Norwood American Legion team celebrated their hard-fought win, Coach Wall couldn’t help but feel optimistic about his squad’s chances against Medfield in the decisive Game 5. “I’d say I like our chances,” he said, beaming with pride. And who could blame him? With Crimmins and Adams leading the charge, Norwood was poised to make a deep run in the state tournament.

The stage was set for an epic showdown at Balch Field on July 25, 1989, with the winner gaining a coveted berth in the state tournament. The crowd would be electric, the tension palpable, as two teams clashed in a battle for supremacy. Only time would tell which team would emerge victorious, but one thing was certain: this was a matchup that would be remembered for years to come.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger