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

The Union Savings Bank Braves, winners of the National League title this year, were crowned Norwood Little League Champions for 1964 as they topped the Westover Indians, the American. League winners, by a score.of 6-1, Thursday night at the Pleasant Street Field before the largest crowd to attend a Little League game here in five years.

The Braves, who had won the National championship with a record of 15 wins against only one loss, were never headed as they jumped off to a two-run lead in the second inning and added four more in the fourth to wrap up the championship. For the Braves, it was a combination of good pitching, heads-up base running, and top-flight fielding that accounted for the win. Pete (Tappy) Tamulonis was the big hero for the winners as he fired a two-hitter and struck out six along the route. He walked only four.

Bill Travers, ace left-hander for the Indians, also allowed only two hits, but he experienced a little control trouble and walked 12 Braves batters. He struck out seven. The only solid hit of the ball game was a line drive single to center by the hustling Braves catcher, Capt. Jerry McDermott, which drove in the winning run. Eddie Murphy accounted for both Indians hits. He beat out an infield hit in the fifth and drove in Bill Travers in the fourth with a double to right for the only Indian run of the game. The Braves, who .have been displaying excellent fielding all year, came up with another stellar performance. Dave Thomas, shortstop, .and Joe. Jenkins, third baseman, both’ turned in gems to rob the Indians of sure hits. For the Indians, centerfielder Mark Drummey made the play of the game as he cut off a Braves run with a great throw to the plate.

The Braves won the toss and were the home team. Tamulonis set the Indians down, 1, 2, 3 in the first. The Braves threatened as they had three walks in their half, but Travers pitched out of the jam. In the second, the Braves scored two runs which proved to be enough to win the contest. Mike Marlin and Joe Carey walked and both moved up on steals. Jerry McDermott then, lined a single to center, scoring Martin. Carey was cut off at the plate on a great throw from Drummey. McDermott then stole third and scored on a wild pitch, and the Braves led 2-0. In the third, both teams went scoreless even though Braves third baseman Joe Jenkins beat out a beautifully placed bunt for the Braves’ second and final hit of the game. The Indians threatened to break the game wide open in the fourth. Bill Travers opened with a walk and Terry Tiernan reached on an error. Eddie Murphy then doubled to right, scoring Travers and sending Tiernan to third. The Indians had men on 2nd and 3rd, and a hit here could give them the lead. Pete Tamulonis then bore down and struck out Clougher for the second out. Jimmy Doyle dangerous Indians shortstop, almost put the Indians ahead as he lined a hard grounder to third, but Braves 3rd sacker Joe Jenkins speared the ball and made; a perfect throw to first to get Doyle, in a close play to end the threat.

The Union Sayings Bank boys wrapped up the game in the fourth as they got four, runs on no hits. They received seven walks for the four runs scored by McDermott, Tamulonis, Steve Costello, and Dave Thomas. The Indians made a mild threat in the sixth as Travers reached on a base-on-balls and Murphy beat out an infield hit. But Tamulonis bore down and got the last two batters. His teammates mobbed him as he had brought them the most coveted award in Norwood Little League— the town championship.

The Indians played heads-up ball all the way and went down fighting, but it was just a case of too many bases on balls and good Braves base running. Indian ace pitcher Billy Travers need not be ashamed of his pitching. He whiffed seven Brave batters. He certainly, will be heard from next year as he is only 11. Travers, along with Gerry McTernan, Ed Murphy, and Terry Tiernan are on the American League all-star team.

For the Braves it was a typical win. All year they have been, winning the close ones with excellent fielding and hustling base running. Dave Thomas played a great game at short, handling five chances to perfection. Big Braves first baseman, Doug Fisher, made several of his patented stretches, and Joe Jenkins was marvelous at third. Brave Captain Jerry McDermott caught his usual good game behind the plate.

The game was announced by John Jansen, ably assisted by Eddie Lynch. The umpiring was done by Tom Maguire, Charley Saracar Kulbok and Jimmy Shea.

After the game both teams congratulated each other on a fine display of true Little League sportsmanship.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)