BRAKETTES FOUNDER WILLIAM S. SIMPSON, 89, DIES

January 23, 2006 - William S. Simpson, who founded the Raybestos Brakettes in 1947, passed away Friday, January 21 in Bradenton, FL. He was 89.

Simpson was the guiding force behind the birth of softball’s greatest sports dynasty. In 1947 Simpson, who was the Chairman of the Raybestos Manhattan, Inc., formed the Raybestos Girls All-Stars, a factory-sponsored team. The following season the team assumed the name Brakettes, after the company’s Stratford-based brake-lining division.

Even after his retirement from Raybestos Manhattan, Simpson remained involved with the ballclub, until the company dropped its sponsorship after the 1984 season with the closing of the Stratford plant.

Now entering their 60th successive season of play, the Brakettes Softball Organization is sponsoring a team in the National Pro Fastpitch league, the Connecticut Brakettes, and an amateur team, the Stratford Brakettes. The Brakettes have won 26 National A.S.A. championships and finished runner-up 11 times since 1958.

Brakettes fans and friends of Mr. Simpson may send cards or letter to his wife, Terry Simpson, at 5305 W26 Avenue CT, Bradenton, FL, 34209.

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