Defending FCIAC Champion Crimson Eagles Dropped Season-Opener to SCHS Fifty Years Ago Today

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, 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