Andrew Warde High School's Crimson Eagles opened their 1965 baseball season with a 5-3 victory over cross-town rival Roger Ludlowe in the feature game of a sparse scholastic schedule Wednesday afternoon, April 14, 1965.Warde southpaw Dick Balek was outstanding for the triumphant host Eagles. He tossed a four-hitter while striking out 11 Tigers. In addition, Balek also starred offensively by delivering a two-run single during a three-run uprising in the second inning.
Ludlowe, though, drew first blood in the contest by plating two runs in the top of the first inning on a walk, a wild pitch, and singles by Gary Klahr and losing pitcher Gene Radomski. The Tigers added their other tally in the seventh frame on a single, a dropped fly ball, and a force out.
Warde erased the early 2-0 deficit in the home second inning. A single by Bob Scinto, a bunt safety by John Curley, and a fielder's choice on Ray Larsen's bunt preceded Balek's two-run single. The third run of the rally scored on Bill Dobi's forceout grounder.
Warde added two more runs in the fifth inning. Bruce Bernhard doubled, Clint Baye singled and took second on a passed ball, and both runners scored on Curley's second single of the game.
One year later, on the same date, April 14, 1966, the Crimson Eagles did it again. Pat McDonough bested Bill Seres in an exciting pitcher's duel as the Crimson Eagles edged the Flying Tigers, 2-1, in an FCIAC season-opening baseball game at Sturges Field in Fairfield.
According to an article which appeared The Bridgeport Post, Warde's McDonough and Ludlowe's Seres were both sharp on the mound as neither allowed an earned run. However, McDonough, a senior righthander, gained the victory by allowing only five hits and striking out 14.
The winners tallied both of their runs in the fourth inning when Bart Waldman was safe on a throwing error which enabled him to advance to second base. McDonough promptly helped his own cause with an RBI single. Frank Filippone brought McDonough all the way around when he hit a soft dribbler in front of the plate, and the catcher threw wildly to first base.
The hosts cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the fourth inning. Paul Mayer advanced to second base when Warde shortstop Waldman overthrew first base after fielding a ground ball. John White followed with a single to plate Mayer with Ludlowe's lone run. Overall, Ludlowe outhit Warde, five to three.
If you were a member of either or both teams, I'd like to hear from you. If you enjoy reading about Andrew Warde High School's rich history, please let me know. I'd appreciate a note or comment on the Guest Book. Thank you.
Paul
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1 comment:
What a surprise to stumble on this article. I was there for both the 1965 and 66 games. Great memories. I can picture all of the guys. We had a very strong team in 65, but a weaker one in 66. (One correction - the writer got Dave Balek's name wrong.)
Some things never change. 46 years later, I'm still playing baseball, now in the senior baseball league in Seattle, and in national tournaments in AZ and FL, where we've won national 55+ championships 6 of the last 7 years. Also working in baseball as EVP and General Counsel of the Seattle Mariners. Life is good. Great seeing everyone at the 45th reunion last year, and looking forward to the 50th.
Bart Waldman '66
(Captain, 1966 AWHS Baseball Team)
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