Andrew Warde High School's 1981 Baseball State Championship Among the Most Memorable Athletic Events in Crimson Eagles' History

Andrew Warde High School's rich sports history includes some memorable games, matches, and individual performances. What do you think was the most dramatic sports event in the school's 30-year history from 1956 to 1986?

After much thought, the Crimson Eagles' 1981 baseball state championship has to be considered among the top three sports events in school history.

Andrew Warde edged Rockville, 9-8, in 13 innings for its first state baseball championship that year. The game took four hours and 50 minutes to play. What made the game memorable was the dramatic finish for Warde, which entered the ninth inning trailing, 8-5.

However, Greg Cantwell's two-run triple closed the gap to one run, and Cantwell stole home with two outs and two strikes to tie the game and send it into extra innings. Take a look at this classic television sports report of the "fantastic finish" for Warde:



The Eagles ultimately won the game in the 13th inning at 12:20 the following morning at Quigley Stadium in West Haven. Cantwell stole third base and scored when the errant throw sailed into left field. The ballpark was home to the Double-A West Haven Yankees at the time, adding luster to the scholastic championship.

One year later, the Eagles advanced to the state championship game again, only to fall to North Haven at Penders Field in Stratford. Warde came within one victory of claiming back-to-back state baseball championships.

I'd like to know what you think was the most memorable athletic achievement in Andrew Warde High School's 30-year history. I'll compile the list and tabulate the votes over the next few weeks.

Paul

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Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".