Baseball bat striking home plate with glove and ball at sunset, scoreboard shows 8-7 in ninth inning

The Patriot Ledger’s coverage of the Zone 6A American Legion baseball games on July 13, 1971, revealed a series of thrilling matches that left fans on the edge of their seats. One of the most notable upsets occurred when Norwood defeated league leader Needham in a closely contested game.

As the evening began, Needham’s Jack Recco was dominating the mound, having pitched a no-hit lead through five innings against Norwood. However, Norwood managed to tie the score at 1-1 after five innings. Despite allowing only three hits, Needham’s inability to contain Norwood’s offense proved costly in the end.

In the eighth inning, Joe Porcello tripled and was sent home on a wild pitch, securing Norwood’s victory with a final score of 2-1. This unexpected turn of events left fans stunned, as logic would have dictated that Needham emerge victorious given their strong performance throughout the game.

  • Norwood Debate—Which Is Hebner’s Top Sport?-May 12, 1965

    Is Norwood High’s Richy Hebner a better baseball or hockey player? Sixteen‑Year‑Old Richie Hebner Dominates Diamond and Ice In a town that knows its sports and takes pride in its athletes, there is no debate about the brightest young star currently wearing Norwood’s colors. Everyone in Norwood agrees that Hebner, a 16‑year‑old junior, excels in…

  • ‘Skip’ Lockwood To Stay With Majors-This Day in Norwood History-April 14, 1965

    Claude (Skip) Lockwood of Norwood has been kept by the Kansas City Athletics on the Major League roster for the coming year: Lockwood thus joins a select group of Norwood athletes who have played in the major leagues. Others who have played on major league teams were Ray Martin, Charlie Bowles, and Marty Callaghan. Callaghan…

  • Braves Win LL Pennant On 6-1 Victory Over Indians-This Day in Norwood History-July 8, 1964

    The Union Savings Bank Braves defeated the Westover Indians 6-1 at Pleasant Street Field to claim the 1964 Norwood Little League title before a massive crowd. Behind a masterful two-hitter from Pete Tamulonis, the Braves capped off their dominant 15-win season with a championship performance.

  • “Skip” Lockwood Signs With A’s For Huge Bonus; Assigned To Midwestern League-This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1964

    This Day in Norwood History-July 2, 1964-“Skip” Lockwood Signs With A’s For Huge Bonus; Assigned To Midwestern League

  • Braves, Indians To Clash Thursday For Norwood Little League Crown-This Day in Norwood History-July 1, 1964

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  • “Skip” Leads Norwood To Little League State Finals-This Day in Norwood History-June 17, 1964

    Story of The Amazing “Skip” Lockwood By now it’s history. Every sports fan across the country has heard the news that “Skip” Lockwood of Norwood has signed a $100,000 bonus contract with the Kansas City A’s of the Major League. He has put the town of Norwood on the map all over the country even…

  • Carrabino NHS Diamond Leader-April 4, 1963

    William (Bill) Carrabino, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Carrabino of 52 Saunders road, will captain this year’s Norwood High baseball entry in the Bay State Baseball League. Bill will again be patrolling left field for the locals as he did last year. He is a left-hander all the way and possesses one of the…

  • Marty Callaghan First in Big Leagues from Norwood-October 4, 1962

    By FRANK WALL Marty Callaghan is certainly a “must” in our sports biography series as he was Norwood’s first ballplayer to play in the Major Leagues. He played four years of outstanding baseball in the majors and 11 years in the minors, and is considered the best player ever to come out of Norwood. Reading…

  • Ortins Cop Local Rec. Softball Championship-August 30, 1962

    Ortins Cop Local Rec. Softball Championship Ortin’s Sporting Goods softball team, had just won the Norwood Recreation League championship, and Manager Jack Walker was happy. “You know softball isn’t as soft as many people believe,” he observed. “We’ve been hit hard with injuries all season. Pete Wall suffered a broken leg, I had a broken…

  • Meet The Nitros-Pete Dixon-August 23, 1962

    This Day In Norwood History-August 23, 1962-Meet The Nitros-Pete Dixon


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