Western Massachusetts Relics Take First Crossroads Senior Challenge

Jan. 1, 2009

by Tom Marum

Softball News Report

PALMER, Mass. - On a bright but crisp October Saturday, the Western Massachusetts Relics, from Springfield won the first clubs & leagues senior softball challenge hosted by Crossroads Sports Bar here.

This uniquely formatted tournament was specially designed for recreational or league caliber players and teams. Each team’s roster was comprised of mixed aged players. For example, for each 50 year old player in the lineup a 70 year old player also had to be included. This was mandatory. Ideally a lineup would include two players from age groups 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50 but, as stated, to keep balance one 70 for one 50 was mandatory. Keeping with the recreational spirit all teams did a fine job policing themselves with this age requirement rule.

Defensively, 11 players were used in the field. All players were allowed to bat and free substitution and courtesy runners were allowed. Teams were guaranteed three games and a time limit of 75 minutes was in place. All other rules were SSUSA rules.

In the opening game, Lee’s Sports comprised of players from Springfield and nearby Enfield, Conn., defeated the host Crossroads Senior Softball Club 15-8.

The second game pitted Don Murphy’s E-Mass Boys-of-Autumn versus the Western Mass Relics. The E-Mass league is the largest, and one of the oldest, senior softball leagues in Massachusetts. In a high-powered back and forth game the Relics came out on top 19-18.

In the next game, the sweatshirts came off as the sun warmed up not only the air, but the teams involved. Murph’s boys outlasted Lee’s Sports 15-12 in another back and forth contest loaded not only with timely hitting but some fine defense as well.

In the 11:30 a.m. game, Crossroads handed the Relics their only loss by a score of 13-12. A fine over the shoulder play by Crossroads third baseman Ken Cranson turned out to be a game saver.

Then E-Mass, in a blinding sun, handed Crossroads a 4-3 loss. Once again there was spectacular defensive play exhibited by Murphy and Crossroads’ John Gauvin.

In the final contest of the day, the Relics defeated a shorthanded Lee’s Sports 12-2 going away.

Each of the teams mentioned they enjoyed the event; commenting of the unique format, the excellent umpiring by Dick Wiess and his crew, the picturesque landscape surrounding the complex and of course the beautiful New England autumn weather.

Plans are in the works to run the event next season, perhaps a few weeks earlier it was also noted that many of the women took advantage to go shopping at the nearby shops in historic Sturbridge.

Special thanks go out not only to the teams, but to Curt Snow, Ken Grey, Don Murphy, and Dick Wiess for their help in arranging the tournament and to Crossroads Complex manager Charlie Smith for the perfectly groomed fields and the generally great condition of Crossroads Sports Bar’s recreational area. Finally, plaudits went to Winston Lee, and Lee’s Sports, for continued aid in sponsorship of softball in western Massachusetts.