STRATFORD BRAKETTES PREPARE FOR 65TH SEASON OPENER

April 20, 2011 - The Stratford Brakettes will be celebrating their 65th season of women's major fast pitch softball when they open a 66-game campaign June 3 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. Two regular-season tournaments, a visit from an international team, and the Brakettes' first Reunion Weekend will highlight the 2011 season.

Returning to manage the Brakettes for the 17th straight season is John Stratton, who enters his 34th year with the team. He will be assisted by long-time Brakettes utility player Amber Radomski, who is serving as a player/coach this year. Stratton has compiled an 899-116 managerial record with the Brakettes.

"We’re hoping for another outstanding year," said General Manager Bob Baird, now in his 24th season. "Most of the players from last year's club are back and John has recruited some new and exciting talent."

Opening weekend is June 3-5 with the newly-formed 23-Under Stratford Seahawks providing the Friday night opposition in a 7 p.m. doubleheader. The nationally-ranked Newtown, PA, Rock Gold come to town for a Saturday twin-bill at 7 p.m., while the Seahawks, Rock, and Brakettes meet in a three-game round-robin Sunday beginning at 4 p.m. The Rock was the only team to defeat the Brakettes last year, posting a 7-3 victory in the second game of the season last June 4. The Brakettes ran the table to finish 57-1, highlighted by the championship of the Women’s Major Softball National Championship tournament.

The WMS championships will return to DeLuca Field and Short Beach Rec Complex this summer after having been staged at Biondi Field in West Haven last August. A total of 16 teams have already committed to participate in the event that runs from August 4-7. The Brakettes captured the title last year with a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Saints. The Saints will be participating again this August.

The Brakettes will make a six-day Midwest road trip to St. Louis, June 17-22, where they will participate in the 46th annual Saints Classic. They will also defend their championship in the annual Lyons, PA, July 4th tournament, July 1-3.

Making a visit to DeLuca Field on June 24 is the Puerto Rico National Team that will be playing in the Pan American Games later in the summer. They will play a doubleheader at 7 p.m.

Highlighting the regular-season will be the inaugural Reunion Weekend July 8-10. Every former Brakettes player (Raybestos, Hi-Ho, Connecticut-NPF or Stratford) has been invited to attend. An old-timers game, home run derby, autograph and photo sessions, and a cookout are just a few of the events on tap.