Norwood Diamond Club 2016
Updates from the President’s Desk
May 22
Good Evening NDC,
Busy week for the Mustangs with games Mon through Thurs. Monday NHS traveled to Wellesley and dropped a 5-0 decision to the Raiders. They bounced back Tues in an 11 inning home win 1-0. Brian King pitched 9 shutout frames with Paul Galvin picking up the relief win courtesy of a walkoff homer from junior Michael James. On Weds night at Natick, Coach Igoe called on senior Kyle Begley to take the hill for the first time this year. Begley pitched a complete game 3 hit shutout with the big hits from Sullivan and Flynn in the Norwood 5-0 victory. The Mustangs finished their week traveling to Walpole to take on the Rebels. In a great pitching duel, Galvin was beaten by Walpole’s Gaughin 2-0.
Jvs had an outstanding week with 4 big wins highlighted by the pitching of Meehan, Dooley, Jeannetti, and Welch.
Norwood finishes their season this week with 3 home games. They enter the week with an 11-6 record which qualifies them for the tournament again. On Monday they entertain one of the Bay State League’s top teams in Newton North with a scheduling change from 6:30 to a 3:45 start at the Balch. On Weds night at 6:30 Walpole will visit Pete Wall Field for the important rematch with Chris Costello’s Rebels. And finally on Sat evening at 6:30 the Xaverian Hawks take the short trip to finish the regular campaign. Expect to see large crowds for all 3 of these important matchups. The NDC will host post game receptions on Weds at Lewis’ II and Sat at Napper Tandy’s immediately following the games. Stop by and if you haven’t paid your dues see Bill Marchant or Jim Keady.
Hard to believe that the season is winding down with graduation 2 weeks away for the 15 seniors. Reports are that Paul Galvin will be attending UMass Amherst, Sean Mellen looking forward to playing at Northeastern, Mike Keady going north to Vermont, & Kyle Begley heading to Quinnipiac. Good luck to all the seniors and we’ll try to mention all their future plans by the end of the year.
Eating pizza with Billy M since we last spoke are: Paul Forrest, Helen Donohue, Paul Donohue, Kevin Igoe Sr, Dr Robert Patz, Dr Mark Messineo, Dr Joseph Sirois, Dr Peter Mebel, Tom Concannon, Joe Kinosian, Ron Sirvinsky, Jim Tighe, Mike Sheehan, Brad Kelley, Paul Dawson, Tony Concannon, Steve Cline, Maribeth Munro, & Tom Munro. The NDC and Norwood baseball thank all of you!
May 15
Hello NDC,
After Sean Mellen’s no-hitter Mon against Dedham the Mustangs took to the road Weds and Thurs with mixed results. Weds at Needham we dropped a 5-3 decision to the Rockets in a sloppy effort. Brian King was on the hill and didn’t pitch badly but Norwood struggled in the field. On Thurs, Coach Igoe’s squad ran their record to 9-4 with a 1-0 10 inning win vs Milton. This victory was all about Cap’t Paul Galvin who threw the 2 hit shutout in the complete game win. Brian King doubled in Mike James for the only run of the game.
Norwood Little League has one of their major fundraisers next Sat night at the Norwood Elks , with a Comedy Night featuring Paul Keenan and Steven Gould. Program starts at 7PM with tix priced at $20.
Hear that Billy Glynn will be home on leave from the Navy this week with a short training session to follow before heading to Hawaii where he’ll be stationed. Scottie O’Brien settling in San Diego with the Marines.
Norwood, and the Norwood Diamond Club, lost one of its true gentleman and fan of all Norwood sports teams with the passing of Jack Monahan. Jack was instrumental, as a teacher and then principal at the Prescott and Callahan Schools, in organizing after school athletic activities at the grammar school level. Mr M. provided opportunity and encouragement, at an early age, to some of Norwood’s finest athletes. RIP.
Next week the Mustangs have a busy week with games Mon through Thurs before taking Fri off for prom night. On Mon we travel to Wellesley for an afternoon affair. Tues NHS hosts Brookline @ the Balch at 4PM. Weds night is a trip to Natick for a 7:00 game and Thurs afternoon the makeup vs the Walpole Rebels set for 3:30 at Eldracher Field in Walpole.
Another good week in membership responses which membership chair Jim Keady appreciates. Thanks to Duke Folan, Bob Thornton, Paul Bussiere, Ron Meehan, Brian McDonough, Paul Murphy, Ted Dittmeier, Steve DeCosta, Jeff Putnam, Jim Keegan, Marty O’Brien, Bobby Baxter, Willie Cutler, Tim Campbell, Steve Grenham, George Hawley, & George Putnam.
May 9
Good Evening NDC,
Coach Igoe’s squad spent most of last week dodging the raindrops but in the end added 2 1-0 victories. After 2 postponements Mon & Tues vs Walpole, Norwood hosted Milton last Weds and Sean Mellen threw his 4th shutout, a 1 hit 14 strikeout gem. Petracca knocked in the only run of the game and catcher Mike Flynn snuffed out Milton’s only threat by throwing out 2 runners in the 5th inning. On Thurs Mustangs traveled to Framingham and rode home with another 1-0 win behind the outstanding pitching of Brian King and a RBI double by Flynn. Sat brought more rain and a washout of the scheduled game with Brookline.
Saw JV coach Dave Dalton who reports that his team is playing a little up and down with a resulting .500 record. This week had 2 impressive wins, 2-1 over Milton behind the strong pitching of Rickie Meehan and game winning hit by Crowley. This was followed by a 10-0 shutout of Dedham with Sean Welch throwing the whitewash.
Asked by Jr Legion skipper Dan Harrington to mention that Legion and Jr Legion tryouts are this Tues night May 10 at the Balch. Sr BRL tryouts each Sat & Sun from 4-6 PM at the Coakley School.
Notice that State Champ banner hanging on backstop of Wall Field thanks to young Bobby Griffin who both rescued it from the scrapheap and hung it behind home plate.
Asked to mention by Membership Chairman Jim Keady that Norwood Police Assoc. will be sponsoring a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament this Sun. May 15 @ the Elks on behalf of the Abundant Table. Registration from 1 PM to 2. More info from Jamie Mahoney or Mr Keady. Also, this Sat the 5 mile ‘ Run for a Vet ‘ race will be held at Norwood High School. Info for runners and sponsors can be obtained from Diego Silva 781-948-8785.
Recent mailing has produced quite a few new NDC members: John Chisholm, Rich Cormier, Jamie Mahoney, Steve Eckhardt, Paul McAvoy, Bob Baxter, Scott Whitcomb, Bob Grenham, Brian Johnson, Tom O’Rourke, Nora Glynn, Sean O’Brien, Bobby Grenham, Pete Belanger, Mike Curran, Scott Murphy, Greg Gamel, Pat Foley, Tim Denehy, Brian McKenna, Christine McKenna, Chuck Freestone, Mark Folan, Paul Barker, Rick Vail, Arthur Gearty, & Lisa Verrochi. Thanks to all!
Just back from watching Sean Mellen throw another shutout, 2-0 over Dedham. Mellen finished off his 1st no hitter with Ks of 2 of the last 3 Marauders. Mustangs squeezed out 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st which held up in NHS 7th straight win. Varsity will hit the road for 2 games this week, Weds @ Needham & Thurs @ Milton.
May 4
Hello NDC Board,
A quick update as of May 4; High school won today vs Milton 1-0 to go 6-3 with Sean Mellen throwing another 1 hitter. He’s thrown 4 complete game shutouts and given up 6 hits in 28 innings.
Have home night game this Sat at 6:30 with after game social at Napper’s. I may have conflict with work. Is anyone else able to be present after game? Please let me know.
Have recently sent a major mailing asking for memberships. Had a goal of 200 members this year with 69 as of May 1, before the mailing request went out. Need some help with this membership drive. Encourage all of us and any family members to join to get things rolling. Pass the word to anyone you know that has been part of Norwood Baseball.
May 1
Good Evening NDC,
Good news this week for the Mustangs as they ran their winning streak to 4 games with 3 complete game pitching victories. On Mon at the Balch, Brian King in his first start of the year, was in complete control in his 4-2 win over Wellesley. He also pitched in with a key double while Petraca continued his hot hitting with 2 more hits. On Weds night at the Balch NHS defeated Natick 2-1 in a very exciting and well played game. Throwing another complete game was Paul Galvin who had great defensive support from Declan O’Brien & Dan Sullivan. The Mustangs pushed across the deciding run in the bottom of the 7th when Mike Flynn lined a walk off single to plate Sean Mellen. On Thurs the Mustangs traveled to Weymouth and behind Mellen’s 2 hit shutout beat their Carey Div rivals 8-0. Flynn and Mike James led the offense.
NHS enters this week with a 5-3 record and a busy week ahead. Tomorrow they head to Walpole for a pivotal game vs the Rebels. They’re back home Weds with a 6:30 game vs Milton at the Balch. On Fri they take the long ride out to Framingham and finish the week with another tilt under the lights at the Balch on Sat vs Brookline in a make up of the 4-7 rainout. NDC will be meeting after the Weds game at Lewis’II and visit Napper Tandy’s on Sat night after the Brookline game. All NDC members are invited to join Bill Marchant and his Hot Stove League and remember Bill’s buying the pizza and apps.
Heard from Coach Charlie Doyle that the JVs are getting outstanding pitching from their staff of Welch, Jeanetti, & Rice. Dooley, Meehan, and Gunning have been the top hitters while Gomes and Quinn have been the defensive stars. Frosh Coach Greg Arbogast reports that the freshmen enter this week with a 5-1 mark. Denehy and Wladkoswski have been dressing for Coach Igoe’s varsity on occasion with Ferreira, Murphy, and Moleon playing standout baseball. Arbo’s squad faces Weymouth, Natick, and Walpole this week.
Former Mustangs Billy Glynn and Scottie O’Brien recently received their military assignments. Billy will be home in a couple of weeks and then report to his Naval duty in Hawaii while Scottie is presently serving with the Marines in San Diego. Special thanks to these two former Mustang ballplayers.
NDC happy to report that Steve Begley, Mary Hickey, Bob Tolman, Steve Powers, Paul Erker, Joe O’Sullivan, Eileen Hickey, & Peter Weiss have joined the group. Thanks!
April 24
Good Evening NDC,
Another up and down week for the Mustangs during school vacation week. NHS dropped back to back games to Plymouth South on Tues and Fri. On Tues Norwood traveled to Plymouth and got an outstanding pitching performance from Capt Paul Galvin in a 3-2 loss while back at the Balch Fri NHS fell behind early in a 6-1 defeat. But on Sat afternoon at CM, the Mustangs righted the ship behind Sean Mellen’s 2nd masterpiece as they defeated the Xaverian Hawks 1-0. Mellen carried a no-hitter into the 7th, settling for a 2 hit shutout his 2nd of the young season. Norwood scored early as Petracca knocked in James for what proved to be the only run of the game. Norwood will return home tomorrow hosting Wellesley in a 3:45 tilt and then welcoming Natick Weds evening at 6:30. They finish up the week traveling to Weymouth. .
Our condolences to Tom and Gail Folan on the loss of Friar’s sister Margaret. Heard from Pat Curran recently of the passing of one of Norwood High’s greatest pitchers, Dick Bunker. Dick graduated in ’53, went to Notre Dame, and then had a long AAA career.
This week NDC thanks to Dom Mazzotta, Lee Hutchens, Peter King, & John McGowan for their support.
This Weds night Bill Marchant will host the 1st Hot Stove Night after the Natick game at Conrad’s. All NDC members and prospective members are invited immediately after the game. Bill and the Diamond Club will buy the pizza and apps so stop by if you’d like to talk Norwood baseball with Bill and his special guest, The Esquire Jim Keady.
April 18
Hello NDC,
Mustangs started their season with a loss and then a big win last week. On Mon they traveled to Dedham and dropped a 8-4 decision on a very windy and cold day. It was a sloppy game on both teams part with very little hitting by either team. On Weds NHS hosted the Super 8 Champs Braintree and behind Sean Mellen’s 1 hitter posted a 4-0 victory. This week Coach Igoe’s squad will have 3 out of conference games: tomorrow, Tues, at 11:00 AM at Plymouth South, Fri @ the Balch at 11:00 again vs Plymouth South, & Sat at CM vs Xaverian at 1:30. Sat @ CM will feature 4 games pitting Bay State teams against Catholic Conference foes.
Little League pushed back their opening festivities to this weekend so both LL and BRL schedule will kickoff this Sat April 23.
Some news on former Mustangs and Norwood based baseball players: Sean O’Neill is a senior at Merrimack, playing mostly at 1st base, and having a solid year batting .300, 2HR , & 30 rbi. Kenny Michael is at UMass Dartmouth, batting .350 in 20 games with 2 HR and 13 rbi. Rourke Flynn has transferd to Salem St and is playing CF and hitting right at the .300 mark. Joe Rydzewski is throwing at Babson and as a freshman is fighting for innings. John Gorman had some minor arm troubles during his 1st professional spring camp and the A’s have kept him in an extended spring training program. Sean Keady is ready to begin another season with the champion Braintree White Sox team.
Heard some good news from the Eric Henry Family as Vicki, Mark, Brenda, & Kevin now have a 4th grandchild to spoil. Congratulations! Understand that the Milton game that should have opened the season will be played May 12 @ Cunningham Field. Home tilt vs Brookline rescheduled for Sat May 7 at the Balch @ 6:30.
Members who’ve stepped forward since last week: Ted Decareau, Bill O’Donnell, Bob Clifford, Bobby Harrington, John Gover, Sean Danaher, Mike Danaher, John O’Rourke, Dave Kelley Jr, Bob Harkins, Mike Cotter, & Joe Costa. Thank You for your support!
April 10
Hello NDC,
Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate last week between snow and rain. The games vs Brooline & Milton have not been rescheduled as yet but with a little luck Coach Igoe’s squad will kickoff their season tomorrow afternoon at Dedham. Home opener will be Weds vs one of the other Bay State premier teams, the Braintree Wamps. Games are scheduled for 3:45 starts through April with the new lights at the Balch in use for the 5 May games.
Forgot to mention the always generous George Lally in recap of all those who helped make this year’s Trivia Night so successful. Appreciate George and Donna’s continued support along with Sr BRL.
Want to thank George Hawley who organized and ran the Fun-damentals clinic for the third year. Held at the Civic, 2 sessions ran each Tues evening during the month of March. 33 players took part in the 6-9 year old group while there were 23 in the 10-12 clinic. George does a great job of teaching fundamentals of hitting, running, fielding, and pitching in one hour of fun with help from Steve Costello, Tommy Benson, Jack Riley, & Jack O’Donnell. Thanks to all these guys who give of their time during the entire baseball season.
Natural athlete Jim Keady playing golf down South this weekend. Didn’t really specify whether it was at Augusta or not? Congrats to LL Prez, Doopa Kelley who didn’t break any bones Fri night participating in Dancing With the Stars. No better cause than the Lee Kennedy/Tim McDonough led Circle of Hope.
Since we last talked, membership from Ned Sweeney, Jack Riley, Buzzy Curran, Betty Curran, Pete Kelly, Peter Kelly, Pat Hickey, Maryellen Bartucca, Jim Sweeney, Jimmy Sweeney, & Mike Jacobs. THANK YOU!
April 6
Hello Norwood baseball,
After a successful Trivia Night, our next order of business is to increase NDC membership this year. We’ve talked a bit with a number of folks who have said they would help by distributing applications and recruiting new members. Bill Marchant promises to have extra applications this weekend so I’ll try to pass them along at the flower stand this weekend. Please try to get contact info so that we can keep in touch with all members, new and old. Our goal is 200 NDC members with our # at 44 today, April 6th. Thanks for your help and let us know your plans as we enter the 2016 season.
March 30
Hello NDC,
Happy to report that Trivia Night last Friday was our most successful yet as we had 31 teams compete. We’d like to thank all who attended or helped in some way. We had 20 table sponsors of $100 ( Andy Colamaria, Att’y Jim Keady, Dempsey Ins, Peter King Plumbing, Tony Fruci, Peter Weiss and Cook Ins, Billy Jacobs, Dan Harrington, Ken Galvin, Norwood Police Assoc, Norwood Bank, Dedham Savings, Mary Lou Crimmins, Mike Crimmins, Eckhardt Scholarship, Jim Bruce, Bank of Canton, Hickey Flowers, Gera Crimmins, & Att’y Tim Kelliher) and raffle donations from Norwood LL, Norwood BRL, Norwood Elks, John Carroll Advertising, Norwood Sports Ctr, Coach Igoe, E & M Hickey, Norwood Theater, Napper Tandy’s, Danaher Picture Framing, and Mitch’s Catering.
Winners were: McGowan/Dawsons/Goodwins/Murphy/Tighes/Concannon/Arbogast with a Gift Card to Conrads. 2nd was Bob O’Neill and GC to Colonial House. 3rd was Jackie Disharoon with GC to Lewis’. 4th went to Maribeth Munro and a GC to The Junction Rest. And 5th prize to the Red Rooster went to the Harringtons and the Legion of Boom. Thanks to everyone who helped us with our Jack Crimmins Scholarship fundraising effort.
Baseball is on our doorstep as the Mustangs begin defense of their state championship next Tues 4-5 @ Milton with the home opener Thurs vs Brookline. Norwood scrimmaged today vs Dexter School with impressive performances from pitchers Mellen and James and strong play from the veteran middle infield of Galvin and Flynn. Lighty reports BRL will open April 23 and new LL Pres Mike ‘Doopa’ Kelley says LL will be set to begin Sat 4-16-16 with the traditional LL parade from the Elks to Wall/Kelley complex to step off at 10 AM. Doopa and Sharkey will be manning the rakes this Sat from 9 to 3 as LL holds its annual field clean up @ the LL complex. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Wish to thank all who have sent along their $25 membership dues: Denis Drummey, Denis Drummey Jr, George Lally, Bob Dempsey, Bob Griffin, Bobby Griffin, Steve Williams, Steve Costello, Paul Samargedlis, Frank Samargedlis, Tony Fruci, Diane Costello-Fruci, Charlie Doyle, Elaine Igoe, Jessica James, Ken Galvin, Dan Harrington, Jim Keady, Tim Kelliher, Bill Jacobs, Sean Keady, Joe Porcello, Tom Gover, Joe Barrett, John Jacob, Kevin Igoe, John Lightizer, Tom O’Leary Jr, Fredrick Wobrock, Brian Clougher, Mark Cullen, Ed Hickey, Sharon Hickey, & Bob O’Neill. Please support all levels of Norwood baseball by sending along your dues to PO Box 33 Norwood. Thank You!
March 20
Looks like we have the potential for the largest turnout yet as we would seem to have a minimum of 25 tables committed. Still would like to see if we can secure a $100 sponsor for each table which we’re about half way towards that goal. Presently biggest problem is lack of raffle prizes. Did get 2 new donations today: Kevin Igoe can get us Celtics tix and a Red Sox themed basket has been donated. Anyone know of anyone else that might be able to help us out? Let me know of any info concerning these 3 things. Baseball starts tomorrow so good luck to Coach Igoe as they defend their state championship! Will update tomorrow night where we stand.
March 14
Good Evening,
About 10 days away from Trivia Night and this is my understanding of where we stand in regards to participating teams, $100 table sponsors, and raffles. Please let me know whether you have any additional info in next couple of days. Thanks.
Teams: Paid- Norwood LL, Norwood North, Dan Harrington, and Bob O’Neill. Committed- Joe O’Sullivan, Lighty, Greg Ducharme, Tom Eddlem, Greg Gamel, Friends of St Nick, Beaver Barrett, Pat H, Maribeth Munro, FBW, Lewis’ Ladies, John McGowan, Irish Heaven, Steve Costello, & Dave Marks. Hopefuls- Jim Bruce, Callahan School, Jackie Disharoon, Tracey, Gillooly’s, Norwood Legion, & Jeff H.
Sponsors: Paid- Andy Colamaria, Jim Keady, Dempsey Ins, Tony Fruci, Peter Weiss, Dan Harrington, Galvins, & Norwood Bank. Committed- Peter King, Canton Bank, Billy Jacobs, Hickey Flowers, Nor Police Assoc.
Raffles- John Carroll Billboard Adv, Nor LL registration.
As you can see we really need some help with raffles. Any ideas?