Andrew Warde High School's longtime legendary baseball coach, the late Bob Jackson, may have won his most satisfying and unlikely regular season championship 47 years ago today, Friday, May 25, 1962.That's because the youthful Crimson Eagles rewarded their proud coach with the first of several possible prizes that appeared to be well beyond reach when the season started in April of 1962 with a squad that included only two returning varsity lettermen.
The orbiting Eagles regsitered their 12th straight victory and clinched the FCIAC Eastern Division championship by scoring two runs with two outs in the last of the seventh inning to edge Staples of Westport, 5-4, before an excited crowd at the Warde field.
The Crimson Eagles improved to 12-2 and remained three games ahead of second-place Brien McMahon of Norwalk with only two games remaining on the schedule.
Bob Ryan and Bill Binkiwitz drove in the last inning runs to keep the Warde winning streak alive. Ryan blasted a triple up the right-centerfield alley after a walk and a single put two men on base to even the score at 4-4 with the upset-minded Wreckers. Then Binkiwitz delivered a solid single into left field to plate Ryan with the payoff run.
Stalwart Larry Mischik, the number one starting pitcher in the Warde rotation, won his seventh straight game against only one loss, although the Eagles had to come from behind twice in the game. Mischik allowed only four hits and three walks while recording 10 strikeouts.
Bill Deegan, who relieved Joe DeMaria in the fourth inning, took the loss for Staples, although he did not allow a hit until the decisive seventh frame.
Today, a plaque sits just behind home plate at Warde's baseball field honoring and recognizing Jackson for his contributions to Roger Ludlowe and Andrew Warde high schools from 1955 to 1978. It reads, "His love for the game will always endure on this field."
Paul
Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.
Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.
Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".
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