Larry Mischik Pitched Warde to First Victory of 1962 Season in New Canaan 50 Years Ago Today

Larry Mischik pitched Andrew Warde High School's baseball team to a 4-2 victory over New Canaan at the Rams' diamond on this date, Wednesday, April 25, 1962. The win was the first in three games for the Crimson Eagles.

Warde scored single runs in the first two innings. Singles by Mike Longo and Mischik and walks to Andy Bowman and Jim Lippman brought in the first Eagle run, and a walk, an error, and a fielder's choice by Mischik accounted for the second run.

The Eagles final two runs were scored in the third inning as Bowman doubled, Pete Jankowsky walked, and Les Bufferd tripled. The Eagles outhit the host Rams, six-to-three in the FCIAC contest.

Paul

Sophomore Mike Abraham Pitched Warde Over McMahon, 4-1, in Norwalk on This Date in 1971

Sophomore Mike Abraham pitched a three-hitter to lead Andrew Warde to its second victory in as many days, a 4-1 decision over Brien McMahon in Norwalk on this date, Tuesday, April 20, 1971. The Crimson Eagles, who defeated Danbury, 2-1, the previous day, improved to 3-1, while McMahon fell to 2-2.

The winners jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Abraham opened the frame with a single and moved to second base on a one-out base hit by Bob Maffei. John Zerjav laced a single to centerfield to score Abraham, and Maffei raced home from second when the centerfielder misplayed the hit.

The Senators nicked Abraham for an unearned run in the fourth inning. Felix Rodrigues led off with a single, stole second, and advanced to third when the ball was misplayed by second baseman Bill Mulligan. Rudy Gisolfi's RBI safety plated Rodrigues.

Mulligan tallied the first of two insurance runs for the Eagles in the fifth inning when he led off with a walk, went to second on a sacrifice, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored when John Favale ripped a triple to rightfield. Abraham, who struck out seven, helped his own cause with an RBI single, scoring Favale with final run for Warde.

The Seantors threatened in the last of the seventh inning when starting and losing pitcher Gary Lawrence lined a two-out triple to leftfield, but Abraham cut off any scoring hopes when he retired Dennis Dudas on a fly-out to center to end the game.

Paul

Hatter Miscues Help Warde Post 2-1 Victory over Danbury 41 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School baseball team tallied two runs in the first inning and held on to defeat Danbury, 2-1, in an FCIAC contest 41 years ago today, Monday, April 19, 1971, at the Crimson Eagles' diamond.

A wild pitch and an errant pickoff attempt brought home both Warde runs. Danbury jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Dennis Piela walked, stole second base, and came around to score on Ray Karas's RBI single.

The Eagles struck back immediately when Pete Paolini walked, Bill Mulligan singled, and Robbie Orciuch's sacrifice bunt was misplayed, loading the bases. Losing pitcher John Iovino then uncorked his wild pitch, scoring Paolini.

Iovino fanned the next two batters before walking Mike Abraham to reload the bases. Hatter backstop Hal DeLuca attempted to pick off Abraham, but he threw the ball into right field, allowing Mulligan to score what would be the winning run.

Mulligan, a senior righthander, picked up his second win of the season without a setback. He went the route in allowing three hits, striking out 11, and walking four. Warde raised its record to 2-1, while Danbury dropped to an identical 2-1 ledger.

Paul

Warde JV Squad Crushed Notre Dame, 11-3, in Season-Opener at Owen Fish Park 54 Years Ago Today

Tom Dardani starred on the mound and at the plate as the Andrew Warde High School junior varsity baseball team routed neighboring Notre Dame High School, 11-3, in the season-opener for both teams at Owen Fish Park, Friday afternoon, April 18, 1958.

Dardani allowed just four hits and struck out six for the victory. He also yielded a potent bat by slamming four straight hits, including a run-producing double. Rudy Kurowsky, the first of three Notre Dame pitchers, was tagged with the loss.

Paul

Warde Posted 4-3 Victory Over Greenwich for First Victory of 1964 Baseball Season on This Date

Joe Nemeth's single in the bottom of the eighth inning plated the winning run as Andrew Warde High School won its first baseball game of the season, 4-3, over Greenwich at the Eagles' diamond 48 years ago today, Thursday, April 16, 1964.

Although the Cardinals opened the scoring in the first inning, the Eagles bounced back in the third frame as they tallied twice via a catcher's interference call, a walk, a wild pitch, and a two-run single by Mike Pantano.

Warde added another tally in the fifth inning before Greenwich scored two runs in the seventh inning to tie the game and send the contest into extra innings.

Don Lehman went the distance on the mound to gain the victory for the Crimson Eagles. Ed Baird took the loss for the visitors, despite striking out 12.

Paul

Crimson Eagles Baseball Team Made History With Back-to-Back Season-Opening Victories Over Roger Ludlowe Flying Tigers on This Date in 1965 & 1966

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

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Defending FCIAC Co-Champion Warde Eagles Dropped Baseball Season Opener to SCHS at Crusaders' Field on This Date in 1964

Stamford Catholic High School's baseball team defeated FCIAC defending co-champion Andrew Warde High School at the Crusaders' field in the baseball season opener, 5-2, on this date, Monday, April 13, 1964.

Ed Manjuck's tie-breaking two-run double in the third inning propelled the Crusaders to victory. Manjuck's clout scored Tom and Dave Esposito to give the Lock City hosts a margin they retained the rest of the game.

Warde opened the scoring in the first inning when Mike Pantano laced the first of his two hits, a single to center. Hank Gellert's single, sandwiched around a passed ball, scored Pantano to put the Eagles ahead, 1-0.

Ware scored again in the second inning on Pantano's second hit, a triple, which followed a walk to Dave Newman. Stamford Catholic countered with two runs in its half of the second inning on the strength of two singles, a walk, a sacrifice fly, and a fielder's choice.

After a shaky start, Catholic hurler Ray Ryan settled down and pitcher scoreless ball the remainder of the game to nail down the victory. The Eagles outhit the Crusaders, 7 to 5.

Paul

Warde Alumnus Tony Procaccini to Speak About Frank Sinatra in Fairfield This Afternoon

Andrew Warde High School 1976 product Tony Procaccini has been invited to speak about Frank Sinatra to the residents of Parish Court in Fairfield this afternoon, Wednesday, April 11. Procaccini is pictured below with classmate Tom DeLaurentis, who presented Tony with a special edition 45 record of "New York, New York" for Tony's work on the AWHS Class of 1976 30-year reunion in 2006.

In the late 1970s, while studying music at the University of Bridgeport (CT), and working with his mentor, bandleader Benny Rae, of Bridgeport, Procaccini became fascinated with the life and music of Ole Blue Eyes. "I still remember when Benny lent me a Capital LP called "A Swingin' Affair." The first tune, 'The Lonesome Road,' seemed to epitomize what Benny called the Sinatra beat. I was hooked, and so I began buying Sinatra albums often, read books about him, went to see him perform a number of times, and saw many of his movies, too."

This fascination led Procaccini to a lifelong study of the crooner and the opportunity to briefly meet Frank Sinatra, Jr., twice. They are pictured below at New York's "The Blue Note" in May, 2009. In 2001, Tony organized and hosted a Sinatra seminar in New York City with guest speakers Will Friedwald and Chuck Granata. These two are considered among the top world authorities on the singer.

In 2007, Tony interviewed Sinatra family archivist Charles Pignone and Nancy Sinatra's daughter, A.J. Lambert. In 2011, in two different sessions as an Internet radio show host for Centanni Broadcasting, he interviewed Granata and Tom Santopietro, author of "Sinatra in Hollywood."

"Reading about Sinatra's life gives one a great insight into social history, the dreams and struggles of immigrants (Sinatra's parents), Frank's fabulous movie career, and the long arc of the history of American popular music," reflects Procaccini. "Add to that his ability to connect with many generations of fans, and you see that he accomplished so much in his lifetime. He is, in my opinion, the greatest entertained in American history."

Procaccini intends to use a baby grand piano, books, posters, memorabilia from his collection, CDs and DVDs to illustrate points during his interactive talk. "I call it interactive because I usually have the audience start by telling me what they know about Sinatra, and what their experiences were with him. I am always surprised and delighted by the answers, such of which give me new information on Frank."

Intramural Floor Hockey Playoffs a Big Hit in 1973

Intramural floor hockey was an exciting activity at Andrew Warde High School in the early 1970s. After all, professional hockey was quickly gaining popularity among younger Americans, and high schoolers embraced the opportunity to play the game, albeit without the costly ice hockey gear, in the school gymnasium.

The photo below shows the intensity of the action as Bob Maffei (center) reached for the ball before scoring one of his three goals for Rocky & His Friends in a game against the Kings 39 years ago this month.

The undefeated Rockey & His Friends ripped the Broilers, 3-1, in a key game to clinch first place in the WHL in the Spring of 1973. Other late-season contests saw the Sabres blank the Kings, 2-0, and the Rangers shut out the Workovers, 6-0.

The Broilers scored first on a goal by George O'Brien, but then Bob Hamilton tied the score at one apiece. Tony Tylutki scored the winning goal for Rocky & His Friends, and Chris Ford secured the victory with an insurance tally in the closing seconds to close out the scoring.

Jeff Lobdell, pictured below, starred in goal to lead the strong team effort for captain Rocky Pocock's winning squad. The team finished with a perfect 4-0 record. They eventually played the NHL champion Black Hawks, who finished their season at 4-0, for the championship.

The photo shows Lobdell blocking a shot off the stick of the Kings' Jim Hirschfield. Both Lobdell and Maffei were teammates on the WHL championship squad.

Did you play intramural floor hockey at Andrew Warde High School? What are some of your favorite memories. Feel free to add your thoughts in the "comments" link below.

Paul

Andrew Warde High School Song Written in 1959 and Sung by Joan Grapski of the Class of 1963

I published this entry before, but it's been a few years. How many of you are familiar with the Andrew Warde High School song? Quite frankly, I didn't even know there was one. However, Joan Grapski of the Class of 1963 was kind enough to forward the lyrics to me. Joan also provided a video of her singing the school song. I hope you enjoy it.

Here are the lyrics of the Andrew Warde High School song, written by the Class of 1959:

With heads held high and voices strong
To you our thanks we raise.
For knowledge, guidance, and for love
All through our high school days.

For the many friends we've made here
Who will last our lifetime through,
Andrew Warde,
We find ourselves indebted to you.

And so be sure, dear Andrew Warde,
When long from you we've gone,
The memories of these happy years
Will ever linger on.

Andrew Warde School Song by PaulWXman

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".

Looking Back 52 Years to "Toils & Troubles," a Most Unusual Show at Andrew Warde High School

The Spring season is traditionally the time of the year most high schools present their annual on-stage productions. It was no different 52 years ago at Andrew Warde High School.

Through the hard work of Mr. Michael German, Mrs. Catherine Busch, and Mr. William Bell, and with the cooperation of willing students and parents, Toils and Troubles, sponsored by the Warde Fathers' Club, proved to be a most successful show.

The plot revolved around the escapades of two carefree college students, Luke and Ray, their girlfriends, Monica and Lynn, and the efforts of one cantakerous middle-aged nurse, Miss Dodo, to raise $100,000 for the Endicott City Hospital.

This happy group provided many hilarious moments for everyone. Luke managed to pour water down Miss Dodo's back at Happy Dale Resort while he watched his newly-found friend, Monica, leave the patio. Luke was forced to pose as a patient at the hospital when he learned that Miss Dodo was head nurse. Recognizing him, she concocted a cure called the "ice-steam treatment."

Miss Dodo explained to Luke that he had prevented her from raising the money she needed for a new hospital wing. Her story was so touching that first Luke and then everybody in the ward began to cry. Despite all her difficulties, Miss Dodo's charity ball proved to be a huge success. Luke's rich uncle forced his employees to attend the dance, and he personally donated the necessary funds.

The curtain rang down upon a happy, if somewhat exhausted, group of actors, who left a laugh-filled, congratulatory audience.

Paul