The Year was 1943
Yes, Norwood High School baseball team won the State Championship in 1943 but make no mistake World War II was front-and-center to daily life. The Norwood Daily Messenger (yes, it was daily) captured life as it was in small town America during these times… and for only 2 cents!
The year began with a reminder of the war-related fuel crisis with shelters available for those in need during the cold winter. During the year there were local debates about imposing laws for wasting fuel by ‘joy riding!’ As 1943 progressed even if you wanted to separate yourself from the war, there were air raid tests providing occasional reminders. …Yankees scout Ray Martin. ...Read about fuel crisis and air raid testing
The movie Casablanca was released in January 1943 and appeared in the local theater in April along with Yankee Doodle Dandy; a sampling of prices for merchandise and Surprise — Norwood Tax Rate set $2.90 less than 1942. …Read about these tidbits of local interest.
The armed forces draft was seeking all available single men. But, draft board announced that married men would be drafted as well. …Read about draft.
Norwood High School baseball begins run to state title…
Team receives ‘nomination’ for State Tournament and begin their preparation… Norwood HS announces 180 to graduate. Cow stampede occurs at Neponset Valley Farm. Read more!
Defeat previously undefeated Brockton followed by St. Mary’s Lynn. List of Norwood HS graduates – all 179! … Read more!
Defeat Arlington to win Eastern Mass title… State Title Game at Fenway Park! …Read more!
Norwood defeats Dalton for State Championship! …Read more!
Ray Martin was unquestionably the star of the team and a very humble person. Read Ray’s mini-biography written by Norwood’s Jim Gormley for SABR (Society for American Baseball Research). It includes names such as Casey Stengel his MLB manager; he pitched to Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Jackie Robinson. Link to Ray Martin’s SABR Biography by Jim Gormley.
Note: Selecting what to include, or not, was difficult. There were reports of men missing in action or someone’s plane down over Europe or a report of a war related death. I did not include any of those in this review. In the future, there will be a separate section dedicated to those who gave their lives.