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

In a contest that drew the largest local crowd seen in five years, the Union Savings Bank Braves cemented their status as the premier youth baseball team in Norwood, defeating the Westover Indians by a score of 6-1 on Thursday night at the Pleasant Street Field. The Braves, who entered the title game after a dominant season in the National League with a record of 15 wins and only one loss, proved their mettle against the American League champions in a display of tactical precision and composure.

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The victory for the Braves was built upon a foundation of stellar pitching, aggressive base running, and exceptional defensive play. Pete (Tappy) Tamulonis, the Braves‘ star pitcher, delivered a heroic performance on the mound. Throughout the duration of the game, Tamulonis effectively neutralized the Indians‘ lineup, allowing only two hits while striking out six batters and walking four. Opposite him, Bill Travers, the ace left-hander for the Indians, showcased significant potential, though he struggled with control throughout the evening. Despite striking out seven, Travers surrendered 12 walks to the disciplined Braves batters.

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The Braves opened the scoring in the second inning, establishing a 2-0 lead that they would never relinquish. Mike Marlin and Joe Carey drew walks to begin the frame, quickly advancing via stolen bases. Braves captain and catcher Jerry McDermott then provided the game’s only solid hit—a line drive single to center field—to drive in the opening run. Although Drury made a spectacular throw from center field to cut Carey off at home plate, McDermott stole third base and eventually scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead.

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The Indians found a glimmer of hope in the fourth inning. Bill Travers reached on a walk and Terry Tiernan advanced on an error, setting the stage for Eddie Murphy. Murphy delivered a double to right field, scoring Travers and putting runners on second and third with only one out. The game hung in the balance as Jimmy Doyle, the Indians‘ dangerous shortstop, stepped to the plate. Doyle lined a hard grounder toward third base, but Braves third baseman Joe Jenkins executed a brilliant defensive play, spearing the ball and firing a perfect throw to first to end the threat.

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Following this defensive save, the Braves effectively put the game out of reach in the bottom of the fourth inning. Utilizing seven walks and aggressive base running, they manufactured four runs without recording a single hit. McDermott, Tamulonis, Steve Costello, and Dave Thomas crossed the plate during this decisive rally. Though the Indians threatened again in the sixth inning behind an infield hit from Murphy and a walk by Travers, Tamulonis forced the final two outs to secure the Norwood Little League championship.

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Throughout the evening, the defensive work was superlative. Dave Thomas handled five chances at shortstop without error, while first baseman Doug Fisher impressed with several defensive stretches. The game was called by John Jansen, assisted by Eddie Lynch, with umpires Tom Maguire, Charley Saracar Kulbok, and Jimmy Shea officiating. Following the final out, players from both teams exchanged congratulations, upholding the principles of sportsmanship that defined the season.

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