917 Little Leaguers Enrolled in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-June 17, 1964

In June 1964, Norwood was described as a true Little League ball town, a community where youth baseball thrived at a scale few towns could match. A total of 917 boys were enrolled in the program, a number that reflected both the town’s enthusiasm for the sport and the organizational structure that supported it. These players were divided across 10 major league teams, 28 minor league teams, and eight Peewee circuits, with a firm rule in place that every boy must play two innings. This system operated under the leadership of two‑year president Charley Saraca, whose direction shaped the program’s size and character.

A highlight of the season came when Joe Coleman and the Boston Globe’s Little League clinic visited Pleasant Street Field in Norwood. Coleman, a well‑known baseball figure, conducted infield, outfield, and batting drills. He was assisted by Frank Wall, described as a bachelor‑coach and a friend to the town’s youngsters, who helped guide the players through the fundamentals. Their visit underscored the town’s commitment to instruction and development, offering young players the chance to learn from respected figures in the sport.

President Saraca emphasized that Norwood placed significant attention on its minor leagues, recognizing them as the foundation for the town’s future major league teams. He explained that the minors were essential because “these are the boys who will keep our major leagues going.” For the 1964 season, Norwood planned a playoff between the winners of the American and National Leagues, as well as an All‑Star game between two minor league teams, further reinforcing the importance of competitive opportunities for younger players.

During the clinic, Coleman led drills for both infielders and outfielders, identifying boys who performed particularly well. Those noted for their strong showing included Bob Lindfors, Ed Letts, Pete Tamulous, Bill Moan, Al Campbell, Steve Fisher, Bill Travers, Jerry McDermott, Tony Siderwezch, Wayne Obuchon, Stan Bonham, Jay Gibbons, George Assat, Barry Dyke, Bob Thornton, Tony Cegnitfe, and Jimmy Rowe. Coleman pitched to hitters, giving each boy three swings, and paused frequently to correct flaws in batting form. He also stopped drills to offer instruction on fielding fundamentals, ensuring that both infielders and outfielders received detailed guidance.

The article noted that the Norwood Little League program had helped develop Skippy Lockwood, who had recently signed with Kansas City, linking the town’s youth baseball system to a player who had reached the professional level. Supporting President Saraca in running the league were Vice President Bob Bonham, Joe Donlan, Treasurer Mrs. Catherine O’Hearn, Secretary Shirley Oberacker, and umpire‑in‑chief “Sails” Wall along with Tom Maguire.

The minor league division was led by George Obuchon, who oversaw operations with the assistance of Bob Ivatts, the equipment manager, and player‑agents Woody McIntee and Ed Lynch. Their work ensured that the youngest players in the system received the same level of attention and structure that defined the rest of Norwood’s extensive Little League program.

Together, these details painted a portrait of a town deeply invested in youth baseball—one with hundreds of players, dozens of teams, dedicated leadership, and a commitment to instruction that reached from the Peewee level to the major leagues. In 1964, Norwood’s Little League system stood as one of the most active and organized in the region, supported by volunteers, coaches, and community members who believed in the value of the game.

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