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BRAKETTES ANNOUNCE AMBITIOUS SCHEDULE FOR THEIR 70TH SEASON
STRATFORD, May 1 - The Stratford Brakettes will open their 70th season of women's major softball play on Saturday, June 4 against the Lyons, PA, Spirit in a 7 p.m. doubleheader at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. The teams also play June 5 in an 11 a.m. twin-bill.
Manager John Stratton returns for his 23rd consecutive season (24th overall) at the helm of the most successful amateur softball team in history. Since 1947 the Brakettes have an overall 3,756-393 record with 34 national championships (28 ASA and six straight WMS).
The highlight of the team's 29th straight season of play at DeLuca Field will be Reunion Weekend, July 8-10. While the Brakettes play a five-game series against the 2015 WMS runner-up NYC Havoc, the festivities include an all-time home run derby July 8 and an old-timers game July 9. The Brakettes expect over 100 former players to return. The last reunion occurred in 2011.
The Brakettes will appear in four invitational tournaments prior to defending their Women's Major Softball National championship August 4-7 at DeLuca and Short Beach fields. The Brakettes travel to St. Louis, MO, for the Saints Invitational June 11-12 and they play at the July 4th Tournament in Lyons, PA, July 2-3.
During the team's 10-day Midwest road trip, July 12-21, the Brakettes will be part of the prestigious City of Pekin Invitational July 16-17. All of the top teams in a six-state area will vie for top honors at historic Mineral Springs Park. The Brakettes' last trip to that ballpark resulted in the 2003 National ASA title. Also during the barnstorming trip the Brakettes will be in Bloomington and Peoria, IL, to face the Lady Hearts and Lady Rage before stopping in Newark, NY, to cap the tour, playing in the hometown of standout pitcher Brandice Balschmiter against the nationally-ranked Conklin Raiders Gold team.
The team's final regular-season tournament appearance is July 23 in the Brakettes Invitational at DeLuca Field.
Another fan favorite will be the Battle of the Sexes III, slated against the Bridgeport Bluefish professional baseball team at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. Tickets for that event may be purchased by contacting the Stratford Brakettes office at (203) 378-7262.
Prior to the start of the 8th annual WMS tournament the Brakettes host the Saints in a doubleheader August 2 and the Pekin Lettes August 3. The Lettes are entering their 87th season of softball. While based in Pekin since 1930, they didn't become known as the Pekin Lettes until 1959.
To order season passes, click the Buy Tickets button or contact the Brakettes office at (203) 387-7262 or via e-mail, brakettes05@hotmail.com. |
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