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FOUR GAMES SET FRIDAY NIGHT IN ASA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT; DEFENDING CHAMPION STRATFORD BRAKETTES TOP 13-TEAM FIELD
STRATFORD, CT- The road to the National ASA Women’s Major Fastpitch championship goes through Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field with 13 teams competing for top laurels Friday, August 12 through Tuesday, August 16.
The defending three-time National Champion Stratford Brakettes headline the tournament field. The Brakettes, who are leaving the amateur ranks for the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2006, will be vying for their 27th championship since 1958.
Storm USA of Lake Forest, CA, last year’s runners-up, fourth place finisher Schutt Hurricanes of Burbank, CA, and Midwest power, the St. Louis, MO, Saints, are regarded as the other pre-tournament contenders for the coveted title.
Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to ensure and organize women’s softball events for the Town of Stratford, and the Town of Stratford are hosting the event. Webster Bank and Hudson Bank United are the major sponsors of the tournament.
This is the fifth time since 1993 that SST has brought the women’s major championship tournament to DeLuca Field. SST also hosted the 2001 ASA 23-and-Under National tournament and visits by the 2000 and 2004 USA Olympic Team.
The tournament begins Friday with doubleheaders slated at both the DeLuca and Short Beach Recreation Complex (one-half mile down the road from DeLuca Field) diamonds. Gates to DeLuca will open at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies set for 6 p.m.
Fans interested in purchasing tournament passes are asked to call the Stratford Recreation Department (203) 385-4052. There is ample parking in lots at DeLuca Field and Short Beach. For additional information visit www.townofstratford.com/softball.
Playing in the role of host teams are the Stratford Seahawks and Stratford Breakers. They are seeded in the bracket sheet along with the Brakettes, Storm USA and Hurricanes. The remainder of the field includes the Connecticut Classics and Connecticut Mirage, Lehigh Valley Patriots (formerly the Allentown, PA, Pates), New York Raiders of Suffren, Divas of Linden, NJ, Staten Island, NY, Saints and Buffalo Bisons.
The tournament draw breakfast is set for Friday at 9 a.m. at the Stratford Ramada, tournament headquarters. While pairings won’t be known until mid-morning, the five seeded teams already have their game times. Tournament action gets under way Friday at 6:30 p.m. at DeLuca with Storm USA facing an opponent to be announced. The Brakettes, who completed their regular season Wednesday night with a 47-15 record, will play at 8:30 p.m. At Short Beach on Friday, the Breakers play in the 7 p.m. game with the Seahawks in the 9 p.m. game.
Action continues throughout the weekend with 11 games at DeLuca and eight at Short Beach, beginning at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. All play shifts to DeLuca Monday with three games scheduled. The championship and "if necessary" games are Tuesday beginning at 6:30 p.m.
This year marks a change in all ASA championship tournament formats with teams guaranteed a minimum of three games. In past years, if a team lost its first two games it was eliminated. Now, an 0-2 team can drop back into the loser’s bracket and still win the championship.
For Additional Information contact Bob Baird (203) 378-7262
STRATFORD BRAKETTES HOST CLASSICS IN REGULAR-SEASON FINALE; KIM WENDLAND SET FOR DEBUT, WHILE OSTERMAN ARRIVES THURSDAY
STRATFORD August 10- The Stratford Brakettes will close out their 59th and final season of amateur play tonight (Wednesday) when they host the Connecticut Classics in a 7 p.m. doubleheader at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. Next up for the Brakettes will be the ASA Women’s Major Fastpitch championship tournament that begins Friday night at DeLuca Field.
Entering tonight’s action the Brakettes carry a 45-15 record, including a 21-game winning streak with all but two of the victories attained at home. Tonight marks the Brakettes debut of power-hitting first baseman Kim Wendland, the two-time Division I All-America from the University of Georgia.
Wendland had knee surgery earlier this summer and has been working her way back into shape at home in Rock Island, IL. Wendland also was selected as the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year for the Lady Bulldogs who came within one win from qualifying for the College World Series.
Concluding her senior season with a .392 batting average, Wendland led Georgia with 12 doubles,15 home runs and 54 RBI. She is the career leader at Georgia in home runs (38), doubles (64) and RBI (223). She was going to play with the Brakettes in 2004, but she had to rehab her injured knee. It required surgery this summer, thus the reason why she didn’t sign a professional contract with the New England Riptide. That’s when she told Brakettes Manager John Stratton she would play for the Brakettes once she was given the okay by her doctor.
"We’re elated to have Kim finally on our ballclub," said Stratton. "We’ve been waiting all year for her to join us. It comes at a most opportune time and it also ensures that Kim will be on our ballclub next year when we go pro." The Brakettes will join the National Pro Fastpitch league for the 2006 season and are permitted to keep the players on their 2005 roster. In the past two years the Brakettes have lost 14 players to the professional league.
Stratton has selected Sarah Pauly (21-7) and Leslie Malerich (13-3) to start tonight’s doubleheader. Pauly is averaging two-plus strikeouts per inning this year and has allowed only one run in her last 11 outings. Malerich rejoins the team after a 10-day junket with the Italian National Team. While pitching in Prague, Malerich was the winning pitcher in Italy’s two wins last Saturday over The Netherlands and Greece to capture the European Championships. She had a 4-0 record and 0.25 ERA in the tournament where the top three finishers advance to the 2007 World Championships.
Germaine Fairchild is on target to capture her first triple crown and third team batting title in five years. Fairchild is hitting .395 with 14 home runs and 72 RBI. She is one home run from tying Pat Dufficy’s single-season record of 15 set in 1990. Fairchild’s career numbers are unbelievable. She already has moved into third place with 33 home runs and into fifth place with 325 RBI.
With the addition of Wendland, and the return of third baseman Jen Owens (.318), Fairchild now has some protection in the middle of the lineup and teams will be unable to work around her. Owens has missed the last 11 games as she returned to Miami to begin her teaching career. However, she will be back on Friday night for her first ASA Nationals.
BRAKETTES BRIEFS- The Brakettes will conduct an open practice at DeLuca Field Thursday at 7 p.m. Players will be available for autographs from 6:45-7 p.m. . .Team USA Olympian Cat Osterman arrives Thursday and she will be at practice. Her arrival had been delayed because she had her wisdom teeth extracted Monday. . .Outfielder Julie Brooks will not be eligible for the national tournament since she is a citizen of Canada. . .In winning the last three ASA championships, the Brakettes have won 14 straight tournament games. . .Donna McLean tied Doreen Denmon for ninth place on the all-time career hit list when she singled in Sunday’s first game win over the Stratford Seahawks for her 500th safety.
BRAKETTES EXTEND WINNING STREAK HEADING INTO ASA EVENT
STRATFORD August 8- It’s tournament time for the Stratford Brakettes. The defending three-time ASA National Champions open play Friday night (August 12) at 8:30 p.m. at DeLuca Field in the annual Women’s Major tournament. A total of 14 teams are entered in the tournament that runs through August 16.
Carrying a 45-15 record and 21-game winning streak into Wednesday night’s finale with the Connecticut Classics, Manager John Stratton enters the tournament with an optimistic outlook. The ASA event brings to a close the Brakettes’ 59-year amateur run as the team joins the National Pro Fastpitch league for the 2006 campaign.
"We’ve really come together the last couple of weeks. The kids peaked at the right time and we’re looking to continue that play in the national tournament. It’s the final time we will play in the amateur tournament and we want to make it a very memorable one," said Stratton. While the Brakettes will be going professional next year, they will continue to sponsor an amateur team.
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Donna with John Stratton
and Donna's mom, Bonnie
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Sunday night the Brakettes defeated the Stratford Seahawks, a co-host for the national event, by scores of 4-1 and 8-0. Highlighting the sweep was Donna McLean’s 500th career hit. McLean, who has announced her retirement at the end of her 13th season with the team, was honored in pre-game ceremonies Saturday night.
The Brakettes also swept doubleheaders from the Stratford Breakers and Adirondack, NY, Ice to extend their winning streak. The streak began with two victories over the New England Riptide of the NPF in Lowell, MA, on July 16 and 17 and also included a 2-1 win over the NPF New York Juggernaut August 1 at DeLuca Field.
Robyn King (5-0) picked up the win in the opener against the Seahawks. She fanned 10 before leaving with a blister on her pitching hand. Sarah Pauly notched the save.
Lovena Chaput led the Brakettes with a 3-for-4 showing and two runs scored, while Linda Secka had two doubles and two RBI. Kim Ovittore and Julie Brooks both drove in runs with singles. Shari D’Amico homered in the sixth inning for the only Seahawks’ run.
Pauly (21-7) tossed a two-hitter and fanned 15 in a six-inning second game. Amanda Jensen had two hits as did Killian Roessner and Jill Cimminello. Courtney Wall and D’Amico had the Seahawks’ base hits.
In beating the Breakers 3-0 and 8-0 in a five-inning game, Pauly and King picked up the wins. Pauly struck out 14 and did not issue a walk in the opener, which was scoreless through five innings before the Brakettes reached Ashley Thody and reliever Maggie Feix for three runs in the sixth inning.
Germaine Fairchild, Kim Ovittore and Cimminello had RBI singles for the Brakettes against the Breakers, one of the host teams for the national tournament.
King pitched a four-hitter in the nightcap and struck out five. Erica Sobel continued her hot hitting with a 3-for-3 performance and four RBI. Denise Denis had two hits and two RBI and Callie Piper was 3-for-3.
Karen Costas led the Breakers with two hits in both games.
Against the Ice, King opened with a three-hitter and eight strikeouts while the Brakettes’ offense pounded out nine hits. Sobel had two home runs, giving her three on the year, and a double, good for five RBI.
Pauly pitched a six-inning perfect game in the nightcap and struck out 12 batters, while Fairchild delivered a grand slam home run in a seven-run, first inning Brakettes outburst. Fairchild now has 14 home runs on the year, one away from tying Pat Dufficy for the single-season record, while she has 72 RBI.
Linda Secka was 2-for-4 with a double and Chaput had two hits and an RBI.
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BRAKETTES BOAST 15-GAME WINNING STREAK HEADING INTO HOME STRETCH OF REGULAR SEASON
STRATFORD Aug 4- The Stratford Brakettes will try to extend their winning streak when they take on the Stratford Breakers Friday night in a 7 o’clock doubleheader at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field in the start of a busy weekend schedule.
The always tough Adirondack Ice of Saratoga, NY, provide the Saturday opposition in a 7 p.m. doubleheader while the Stratford Seahawks meet the Brakettes in a 6 p.m. twin-bill Sunday. The Brakettes then have a 7 p.m. doubleheader against the Connecticut Classics on tap Wednesday before they begin their ASA National title defense August 12.
Sarah Pauly (18-7), who has allowed only one run in her last eight starts, and Robyn King (2-0) will be on the hill this weekend for Manager John Stratton’s Brakettes who have won 15 straight games. The Brakettes enter the weekend with a 39-15 overall record, following a dramatic 2-1, eight-inning win over the New York Juggernaut (24-8) of the National Pro Fastpitch League Monday night.
"I’m really proud of the way our kids played against the Juggernaut," said Stratton. "They continue to play exceptional defense. And Pauly pitched a super game. She’s having a fantastic year." Pauly has worked 168.3 innings and recorded 230 strikeouts while walking only 19 batters. She has a 1.00 ERA.
King, who has allowed only one run in two starts, has 20 strikeouts and has walked only two. She is filling in for Leslie Malerich (13-3), who will be back next Wednesday. Also joining the Brakettes for next Wednesday’s games with the Classics is Cat Osterman, who is currently finishing up her work with the USA National Team in the Japan Cup.
Kim Wendland will make her season debut with the Brakettes against the Classics. The left-handed hitting first baseman is a two-time first team All-America at Georgia. Knee surgery at the start of the season prevented her from playing until she recently was cleared by her physician. Wendland is an outstanding defensive player and she will provide the Brakettes’ offense with additional firepower.
While Germaine Fairchild continues to lead the team in batting average (.385), home runs (13) and RBI (65), several other players have made great strides of late, including outfielder Denise Denis, who leads the club with 12 doubles and four triples. She has five home runs and is second in RBI with 27 to go with a .314 batting average.
Canadian Julie Brooks (.333), with 19 RBI, has been involved in many key rallies lately and she scored the winning run in the win over the Juggernaut. She is not eligible to play in the national tournament because she is not a U.S. citizen.
Prior to the start of Saturday’s doubleheader with the Ice, 13-year veteran Donna McLean will be honored. McLean recently announced her retirement at the end of the season.
BRAKETTES EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO 15 IN A ROW WITH 2-1 WIN OVER PRO NEW YORK JUGGERNAUT
STRATFORD Aug 2- "Now that was a great ballgame," said Stratford Brakettes Manager John Stratton Monday night after an exciting 2-1, eight-inning victory over the New York Juggernaut of the National Pro Fastpitch league at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field.
Killian Roessner’s sacrifice fly to right center field drove in Julie Brooks with the game winning run with one out in the eighth inning as the Brakettes won their third straight game against an NPF team.
The Brakettes extended their winning streak to 15 straight games with the come-from-behind victory over the pro Juggernaut, who entered the game with a 25-7 record in third place in the NPF. Possessing a 39-15 overall record, the Brakettes return to action Friday night against the Stratford Breakers at 7 p.m. On Saturday night, the Adirondack Ice of Saratoga, NY, come to town for a 7 p.m. doubleheader, while the Stratford Seahawks provide the action for a 6 p.m. Sunday twin-bill.
Following this weekend, the Brakettes conclude the 2005 regular season next Wednesday (August 10) when they meet the Connecticut Classics in a 7 p.m. doubleheader. The Brakettes will conduct a practice on Thursday, August 11 and then begin their ASA National Tournament title defense on August 12.
"Playing all these games against professional teams has really helped our ballclub get ready for the nationals. You can see that our players aren’t afraid of anyone. It’s been great," said Stratton.
Before the largest crowd of the season the Brakettes battled back from a 1-0 deficit as the Juggernaut scored on a suicide squeeze play in the top of the first inning. The Brakettes loaded the bases twice without scoring a run and then winning pitcher Sarah Pauley (18-7) worked out of a second and third one-out situation in the fifth inning.
In the bottom of the eighth, Amanda Jensen bounced out to second leading off. Brooks was hit by a Auburn Sigurdson pitch and Germaine Fairchild drilled a single to center field sending Brooks to third base. The 'Nauts made a pitching change, bringing in Alison Higgs to face Roessner. Roessner drove a 1-1 pitch to right center and Brooks easily scored the gamer.
Both teams had four hits in the game, while the Brakettes played errorless ball compared to two New York errors. One miscue directly led to the Brakettes’ first run as Lovena Chaput singled off the first base bag. On the throw into the infield the ball eluded the Nauts’ first baseman and went into a dead ball area. Jensen walked and Brooks beat out a bunt to load the bases. Fairchild, who leads the Brakettes with 13 home runs and 65 RBI, struck out on a 3-2 pitch. With Roessner at the plate, pitcher Jodi Cox threw a wild pitch enabling Chaput to score. Cox got Roessner on a strikeout and Denise Denis on a grounder to end the threat without further scoring.
While last Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bandits, the first place team in NPF, was rained out, the Brakettes swept doubleheaders from the Allentown, PA, Lady Gators by scores of 3-1 and 6-0 last Saturday night and the Connecticut Mirage 3-0 and 8-0 Sunday night at DeLuca Field.
Kaci Clark (4-5) stopped the Gators on five hits in the opener and struck out nine. Fairchild had a two-run single in the third and Brooks scored on an error for an insurance run in the sixth inning.
Pauly tossed a one-hitter and struck out 13 in the second game. She didn’t walk a batter. Brooks doubled twice and scored three runs, while Linda Secka was 2-for-3.
Against the Mirage, Clark (5-5) struck out 16 and hurled her first no-hitter of the season. Only one runner reached base for the Mirage. The Brakettes scored all three runs in the third as Chaput, Secka and Denis walked before Fairchild singled to center for a run and Roessner singled to left center to drive in the other two. Fairchild and Roessner had two hits each.
Pauly struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter in the five-inning nightcap. Fairchild’s two-run homer in the first was her 13th of the year and gave her 65 RBI. Chaput had a single and double with three runs scored, while Brooks had a single, walk and three RBI. Donna McLean doubled to left field in the fourth inning, leaving her three hits shy of 500.
McLean, who announced her retirement at the end of the season, will be honored in pre-game ceremonies Saturday night.
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BRAKETTES LOOK TO STEAL ONE FROM BANDITS
STRATFORD July 26- The Stratford Brakettes, in the middle of a 22-game home stand leading to the ASA Women’s Major Fastpitch National Championship, face the Chicago Bandits on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at DeLuca Field in Stratford. The Bandits, currently atop the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) standings with a 29-3 record and a nine game winning streak, are the only pro team the Brakettes have faced and not yet defeated.
The Brakettes, 34-15 on the season, come in with a 10-game winning streak of their own, which started off with a pair of wins at the New England Riptide, also a member of the NPF. Brakette bats, which slumbered most of the season, have come alive during the streak. In just their last six games, the Brakettes have 27 extra base hits (15 home runs) in outscoring their opposition 63-1.
Leading the offensive onslaught last weekend was catcher Germaine Fairchild, who hit .900 (9-10) with 3 home runs, 3 doubles, 12 RBI and 8 runs scored over the past weekend. Outfielder Denise Denis had a burst of power, going 6 for 13 with all 6 hits for extra bases (4 home runs, 2 doubles) and 12 RBI. Also wielding hot bats were outfielder Linda Secka (6-10, HR, 2B, 5 RBI, 8 runs) and shortstop Lovena Chaput, who in one game against the Connecticut Classics led the game off with a home run, walked, doubled, and capped things off with a grand slam in the fourth.
On the mound, the Brakettes have allowed only 4 runs (3 by the Riptide) during the winning streak. Leslie Malerich (13-3) and Sarah Pauly (15-7) have each won 5 games and allowed only 11 hits each over the past 10 games. Malerich has struck out 33 in her 5 games, while Pauly has fanned 48. Pauly leads the Brakettes with 205 strikeouts in 148 1/3 innings (9.7 per 7 innings pitched), while Malerich’s 0.64 ERA is tops for the Stratford squad.
Fairchild is the triple crown leader at the plate for the Brakettes, topping the club in average (.385), home runs (12) and RBI (59). Denis leads the team in doubles (11) and triples (4) while compiling a .321 average. Infielder Kim Ovittore (.338) and catcher Killian Roessner (.328) round out the top averages for the Brakettes.
BRAKETTES’ WEEK IN REVIEW
STRATFORD, July 26- Coming hot off a pair of one-run wins against the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league, the Brakettes were ready to camp out at DeLuca Field in Stratford for the remainder of the season. Included was a 22-game homestand to finish the regular season before defending their title in the ASA Women’s Major Fastpitch National Championship, held this year at DeLuca Field.
First up were the Long Island Angels, a perennially tough team for the Brakettes. In June, 2004 the Angels defeated the Brakettes 2-1 to end their 94-game winning streak at DeLuca. And the first game of the Wednesday doubleheader (July 20th) proved no different, as Leslie Malerich locked up with the Angels’ Julie Soviero in a tight pitchers’ duel.
The Brakettes broke the ice in the bottom of the third. Amanda Jensen singled with one out, was sacrificed to second by Denise Denis, then scored on Jen Owens double to put the homestanding Brakettes up 1-0. Kim Ovittore reached on a two-out, two-base throwing error by Angels’ shortstop Kristen Hardouglas in the fourth, and scored on Jill Cimminello’s single to give the Brakettes a 2-0 cushion, and Leslie Malerich did the job the rest of the way, striking out 7 and walking only 1 in winning the one-hit gem.
Game two saw the Brakette bats wake up to the tune of 12 runs on 12 hits, as Sarah Pauly struck out 9 in a 12-0, five inning mercy rule win. Erica Sobel (3-3, 3 runs, double) and Lovena Chaput (2-3, 3 runs, RBI) led the way for the Brakettes, while Julie Brooks (double), Denis and Jensen (both with a single and 3 RBI) contributed to the offensive onslaught.
The Stratford Seahawks were the next team to be caught in the Brakettes’ crosshairs on Friday. Leading 1-0 on Sobel’s RBI single going into the bottom of the third, the Brakettes plated 6 runs on 3 hits, including Sobel’s 3-run homer to cap the scoring, 2 walks and one Seahawk error to put the game away. Denis had a two-run double in the third, and slugged a two-run home in the bottom of the fifth to finish off the Seahawks. Malerich picked up the win, striking out 8 and walking only one.
The Brakettes came out firing in the second game. Chaput singled and scored on Linda Secka’s first home run of the year. Owens then singled and scored on Germaine Fairchild’s team leading 10th round tripper. After Brooks was hit by a pitch, Denis hit her third home run of the season (and second of the night) to run the score to 6-0 before the Seahawks registered an out.
The second inning was more of the same. Secka doubled and scored on Fairchild’s single. After Brooks was hit by a pitch for the second straight time, Denis doubled to score Fairchild. One out later Ovittore blasted her first homer of the season, a three-run blast to bring the score to 11-0. Secka walked and scored on Fairchild’s RBI double in the third to close out the scoring in a 12-0 romp. Pauly struck out 8 in tossing a one-hitter to pick up the win.
Saturday saw the always dangerous Topton VIPs come to town, sporting a 35-5 record. Scoreless until the bottom of the third, the Brakettes scored first as Fairchild plated both Secka and Owens with a double to put the Brakettes on top 2-0.
Six runs became a common number for the Brakettes, as for the third straight game the Stratford team put together a six-run inning to put the game out of reach in the fourth. Sobel opened the frame with a single, and moved to second on Jansen’s sacrifice. Callie Piper’s RBI single brought Sobel in. Cimminello singled and Secka walked to load the bases for Owens, who brought Piper in to score. Fairchild came to bat, and cleared the bases with her second grand slam and 11th homer of the season. Malerich struck out 8 and walked none in the 8-0 win.
It was more of the same in game two, as all nine Brakette batters had hits in another 8-0 win. Fairchild (12th) and Denis (4th) homered to provide the power. Secka, Owens, Fairchild and Donna McLean each had two hits for the Brakettes. McLean’s brought her career total to 496, good for 10th place all-time for the Brakettes and closing in on the magic 500. Pauly struck out 14 VIPs to win her 14th against 7 losses.
It was familiar faces on Sunday as the Connecticut Classics returned to DeLuca Field. And it was familiar territory for the Brakettes, as they used four home runs to register a 15-1 win.
Chaput was the star of the night, opening the game with a solo shot, her first of the year, before most of the fans took their seats. Jensen walked and scored as Brooks sent her second home run of the season over the fence to make it a 3-0 lead.
Another six-run inning, their fourth of the weekend, made it 9-0 Brakettes in the second. With Ovittore (single) and Chaput (walk) on base and two out, Jensen cleared the bases with a triple to make it 5-0. Brooks singled Jensen in, and Killian Roessner also singled to bring up Denis, who crushed a 3-run shot, her fifth of the year (and 4th of the weekend) to make it 9-0. After a rare scoreless inning, the Brakettes used 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 Classics’ errors to put up another six-spot in the fourth, capped off by Chaput’s grand slam, her second home run of the night and of the season.
In the nightcap, the Brakettes again relied on the big inning, sending 13 batters to the plate and scoring eight times in the fourth en route to an 11-0 whitewash. Six different players had two hits each, led by Roessner, who had a double and her first home run of the year, and Owens, who had 3 RBI to go with her 2 doubles. Pauly struck out 10 to earn the win.
The Brakettes enter their game against the NPF Chicago Bandits on Wednesday at 34-15 on the season (30-0 against amateur teams). They have a 10-game winning streak, which started off with a pair of wins at the New England Riptide, also a member of the NPF. In their last six games, the Brakettes have 29 extra base hits (15 home runs) in outscoring their opposition 75-1.
After the Bandits, the Allentown Lady Gators come to town for a 7:00 p.m. Saturday night double dip with the Brakettes. The Gators hosted the Brakettes in June, which resulted in a 9-0, 1-0 sweep by the Brakettes. The Connecticut Mirage are next up with a Sunday night (6:00 p.m.) doubleheader.
The New York/New Jersey Juggernaut come to town Monday night for a single game at 7:00 p.m. The Juggernaut are in second place in the NPF, one loss behind the Bandits. The Bandits and the Juggernaut play a four-game series this weekend.
BRAKETTE BRIEFS: Donna McLean is 4 hits shy of 500, which would tie her with Doreen Denmon for ninth all-time for the Brakettes…… Germaine Fairchild now has 31 career home runs, third all-time for the Brakettes, and 60 career doubles, tied with Gladys Crespo for 10th all-time…… three of the four games between the Brakettes and the Juggernaut this season were one-run affairs (Brakettes won 1-0, lost 2-1 and 1-0), the fourth was a 2-0 game
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BRAKETTES BEGIN 6-GAME WEEKEND SLATE; DONNA McLEAN WILL RETIRE AT END OF 2005 SEASON
STRATFORD July 22- The Stratford Brakettes play host to the Stratford Seahawks tonight (Friday) in a 7 o’clock doubleheader at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. It begins a six-game weekend against three teams who will be joining the Brakettes in the ASA National Championship tournament August 12-17 at DeLuca Field.
Tonight is Trumbull Little League Softball Night with all players the guests of the Brakettes. The Topton, PA, VIPs, one of the region’s top clubs, visits DeLuca Field Saturday at 7 p.m., while the Connecticut Classics provide the competition Sunday at 6 p.m. in a pair of twin-bills.
Manager John Stratton’s Brakettes enter the action with a 28-15 record following a sweep of the Long Island Angels Wednesday night by scores of 2-0 and 12-0 (5 innings). The Seahawks, who are affiliated with the Brakettes organization, stand 7-12 on the year after a 1-2 finish in the Bob Caravan Tournament in Allentown, PA, last weekend. Topton carries an impressive 35-5 record, while the Classics are 9-7.
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Donna McLean
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While the Brakettes have 20 games remaining in the regular season before they begin their title defense in the ASA Nationals, the countdown also is on for veteran right fielder Donna McLean, who has announced that the 2005 season will be her final in a Brakettes uniform.
“Donna has been one of the key players for us over the last decade,” said Stratton. “She is one of the finest defensive outfielders in our history and over the past few seasons she has provided us with some very key base hits. Also, Donna has been one of our most popular players with the fans. She will be missed.”
McLean’s biggest hit came in the seventh inning of last year’s ASA National tournament and it produced the only run in a 1-0 victory over Storm USA. McLean, a former Westfield, MA, State All-America, debuted with the Brakettes in 1987 and played for three seasons. She then rejoined the team in 1996, winning the batting title at .414, and has been a fixture in right field ever since. Last year in Auburn, AL, McLean earned first team All-America honors.
While McLean is only hitting .206 this year, her career figures rank among the best in the team’s 59-year history. She currently ranks fifth in games played (641), 10th in hits (493), 8th in runs scored (278), 11th in doubles (57), 10th in triples (31), 12th in home runs (19) and 7th in RBI (265).
“I just figured it was time,” said McLean. “It would be impossible for me to make a total commitment next year with my job. I want to enjoy every minute the rest of the year and hopefully it will culminate with our fourth straight national title.” The Brakettes will honor McLean on Saturday, August 6 in pre-game ceremonies before they take on the Adirondack Ice in a 7 p.m. doubleheader at DeLuca Field.
Leslie Malerich (10-3, 0.66 ERA) and Sarah Pauly (12-7, 1.21 ERA) will handle the pitching chores this weekend, while Kaci Clark (3-5) will be back in town next week, beginning with Wednesday’s 7 p.m. single game with the Chicago Bandits who are in first place in the National Pro Fastpitch league with a 25-3 record.
While Germaine Fairchild (.341) leads the club in hitting, Stratton has been pleased with the recent hitting splurge of outfielder Denise Denis, who raised her average to .303 and Jen Owens (.297). Fairchild has a huge lead in run-producing with 47 RBI, but there are eight other Brakettes in double figure RBI.
BRAKETTES BRIEFS- In addition to the Brakettes, another new entry in the NPF next season is expected to be Philadelphia. . .Numbered among Topton’s losses this season are two to the Brakettes at Lyons Field on June 11 by scores of 5-0 and 7-0. The VIPs have played some of the toughest games against the Brakettes over the years, but they’ve only won five games in the series, all of them coming in 1999. The Brakettes are 64-5 overall, including 29 straight since losing five of nine games six years ago. . .Teams currently entered in the ASA National Championship are the Stratford Brakettes, host Stratford Seahawks, Stratford Breakers, Connecticut Classics, Connecticut Mirage, Storm USA and St. Louis Saints. Other teams who have announced their intention to register are Topton, Allentown Pates, New Jersey Divas, New York Raiders and Schutt Hurricanes of California. Tournament officials anticipate between 12 and 16 entries.
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BRAKETTES HOST LONG ISLAND ANGELS WEDNESDAY IN DOUBLEHEADER AT DELUCA
STRATFORD July 20- Still riding high after a split of four games with the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch league, the Stratford Brakettes return to action tonight (Wednesday) at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field against the Long Island Angels. The doubleheader begins at 7:30 p.m.
The doubleheader begins a season-ending 22-game homestand for the Brakettes, who will conclude their 59-year amateur career in the ASA National Championship tournament August 12-17 at DeLuca Field.
Manager John Stratton’s Brakettes enter the action with a 26-15 overall record after posting 3-2 and 2-1 victories over the Riptide in Lowell, MA, after losing 7-2 and 1-0 in the first two games of the series.
Unbeaten against amateur teams this season, the Angels have always played the Brakettes tough. They are the only amateur club to beat the Brakettes at DeLuca Field since 2001. Last June 18 the Angels beat the Brakettes 1-0 to end a 10-0 start and in the second game of the doubleheader, the Brakettes rallied for a 5-3 win.
"Joe Hennie always puts together a solid team," said Stratton. "This year is no different. We will be prepared for a war."
The Angels enter with a 16-3 record, losing only to the New York Raiders opening day by 1-0 and then twice to the Topton VIPs in the July 4th tournament in Topton. The title game went 11 innings with Topton winning 1-0.
Hennie has four talented pitchers in Julie Soviero of Manhattan College, Jen Martinez and Sarah Hoffman of Stonybrook and Callie Osborne of Hofstra. One of the Angels’ top hitters is former Fairfield University standout Ellen Sarosy, who played for the Brakettes last summer.
Handling the pitching chores for the Brakettes will be Leslie Malerich (9-3) in the first game and 6-foot-3 Sarah Pauly (11-7) in the nightcap. Malerich was the winning pitcher in the 3-2 nod over the Riptide Saturday night, her third against NPF teams this year, while Pauly pitched the 10-inning tie-breaker victory Sunday night.
"We played great softball last weekend. The pitching was outstanding and our defense was solid. We even hit the ball well," added Stratton.
While catcher/designated hitter Germaine Fairchild continues to lead the Brakettes in hitting, she has received support from No. 3 hitter Jen Owens, No. 5 Julie Brooks and No. 6 Callie Piper. "It’s important the other players stay hot. That way they can’t pitch around Germaine," added Stratton.
Following Wednesday's twin-bill, the Brakettes host the Stratford Seahawks Friday at 7 p.m., the Topton VIPs Saturday at 7 and the Connecticut Classics Sunday at 6. The Brakettes have two remaining games against NPF teams this year. They entertain the first place Chicago Bandits July 27 in a 7 p.m. single game and they host defending champion New York Juggernaut August 1 in another 7 p.m. single attraction.
STRATFORD BRAKETTES TAKE TWO GAMES FROM PROFESSIONAL RIPTIDE
STRATFORD July 18- When was the last time you heard Stratford Brakettes Manager John Stratton say he was pleased with a split of a weekend series? Well, he said it this past weekend and for two very good reasons.
The Brakettes, who are joining the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2006, traveled to Lowell, MA, for a four-game series with the New England Riptide, last year’s NPF runners-up. They left Lowell Sunday night with a 2-2 series split, winning the last two games at Martin Field and dealing the Riptide’s NPF playoff hopes a severe jolt.
"We’re finally realizing how to play these teams," said Stratton after his club split a day-night doubleheader Saturday with a tense 3-2 victory in the nightcap before the Brakettes won Sunday’s series finale 2-1 in 10 innings.
The victories improved the Brakettes’ overall record to 26-15 as they returned to Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field to begin a season-ending 22-game homestand, starting with Wednesday night’s twin-bill against the Long Island Angels.
With 12 playing dates remaining before the ASA National Championship tournament August 12-17, the Brakettes have two more games against NPF teams. They host the league-leading Chicago Bandits, who have utilized the pitching and hitting of Olympian Jennie Finch to a 25-3 record, on July 27 in a 7 p.m. single attraction. The Brakettes, who have lost seven one-run games to the pros, conclude their NPF slate on August 1 with a 7 p.m. contest against the second place New York Juggernaut (21-3) at 7 p.m.
Six games are on tap this weekend at DeLuca Field with the Stratford Seahawks providing the opposition Friday at 7 p.m. in a twin-bill. On Saturday night, the Topton, PA, VIPs come to town for a 7 p.m. doubleheader, while the Brakettes and Connecticut Classics play a pair on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Before the Brakettes opened their weekend series against the Riptide, who now stand 16-11, they swept a July 13 doubleheader from the Polar Crush of Worcester, MA, by scores of 5-0 and 8-0.
"We had one shaky inning against the Riptide. Otherwise, our pitching was outstanding. We put the ball in play and made almost all the plays," said Stratton. The Brakettes’ wins came against two of their former players, pichers Danielle Henderson (7-6), who suffered Saturday night’s loss, and Sunday reliever Leigh Ann Ellis (2-2).
Sarah Pauly (11-7) picked up the win Sunday, allowing six hits and striking out seven. She did not walk a batter. Pauly retired leadoff hitter Lyndsey Angus on a screaming liner to third baseman Jen Owens for the final out of the game with a Riptide runner at third base. She was placed on second base to start the inning since the international tie-breaker went into affect.
The Brakettes scored in the top of the tenth when pinch-runner Linda Secka, inserted for Germaine Fairchild, reached third base on Julie Brooks’ single to right. Denise Denis, who saved the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with a great catch, delivered Secka on a sacrifice fly to left center. Callie Piper followed with a single to right, knocking out Ellis and bringing in Henderson, who managed to retire Kim Ovittore and Jill Cimminello to stop additional scoring.
Denis made a leaping grab above the center field fence on former Brakette Jess Merchant for the first out in the ninth inning.
Ovittore gave the Brakettes a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth as she drove in Brooks, who had walked, with a double off the fence in left center. That hit resulted in starter Jocelyn Forest exiting in favor of the left-handed Ellis. New England tied the game in the home fifth inning as pinch-runner Kristine Botto, a former Brakettes outfielder, scored on Jen Scavone’s single to center.
In Saturday night’s game, Leslie Malerich (9-3) stopped the Riptide, scattering six hits. She struck out one and walked two. Henderson suffered the loss, allowing all three runs in the Brakettes fifth inning when Fairchild walked with the bases loaded and Brooks delivered a two-run base hit.
Entering the home seventh trailing 3-1, the Riptide threatened as Rachael McGinnis hit a bloop single to right with one out and Botto ran for her. Merchant singled up the middle and Ashley Moore walked to load the bases. A passed ball resulted in Botto scoring and Merchant and Moore moving up a base. Malerich, who has three wins against pro teams, got Scavone to pop out to short before getting another ex-Brakettes player, Sara Jewett, to pop to Owens at third base for the final out.
Earlier Saturday, Kaci Clark (3-5) pitched a fine game but came up short in a 1-0 loss as the Riptide scored the only run in the third inning. A two-out bunt resulted in an errant throw by Clark sending Ashley Courtney to third base. She scored on Sarah Andersen’s single.
Despite having runners on base in every inning except the third, Stratton’s team was unable to score against Ellis, who allowed four hits. Amanda Jensen, Brooks, Piper and Fairchild had the base hits.
Pauly suffered the loss in Friday’s opener as the Riptide scored four runs in the first after the Brakettes took a 1-0 lead against Forest. New England added two runs in the second as they prevailed by 7-2.
In last week’s sweep of the Polar Crush (25-5), Ovittore made her pitching debut in the opener as she struck out two in a three-hit performance. Fairchild’s single gave the Brakettes a 1-0 lead in the third, while Donna McLean’s RBI single, Lovena Chaput’s triple and a wild pitch produced three runs. Piper singled in Owens with the final run in the fifth inning.
In the second game former Polar Crush standout Robyn King (2-0) struck out 10 and did not issue a free pass for the Brakettes. Fairchild and Killian Roessner both had two hits with Fairchild driving in three runs and Roessner a pair. Secka had two hits and Jensen went 3-for-3.
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KIM OVITTORE TO MAKE PITCHING DEBUT TONIGHT AS BRAKETTES HOST POLAR CRUSH AT 7
STRATFORD July 13- One month ago, Kim Ovittore pitched Lauralton Hall to its second straight CIAC Class M championship at DeLuca Field. After pitching a two-hitter in a 5-0 victory over Wolcott on June 11, Ovittore thought her days on the mound were finally over. Think again!
Tonight (Wednesday) at DeLuca Field, Ovittore will make her pitching debut for the Stratford Brakettes who meet the Polar Crush of Worcester, MA, in a 7 o’clock doubleheader. Ovittore will pitch the first game for the Brakettes, who bring a 22-13 overall record into the action.
Ovittore fills in for Leslie Malerich (8-3), who pulled a muscle in her pitching shoulder in Monday’s twin-bill loss to the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch league. Sarah Pauly (10-6, 0.94), who pitched 14 innings Monday night, will work the second game for Manager John Stratton’s club.
"When I told Kim she was pitching Wednesday, she just nodded and said okay," said Stratton. "If I told her she was coaching third base, she would say okay and do it. She’s something special. We’re really pleased to have her on the ballclub."
Ovittore pitched out of necessity at Lauralton Hall and compiled a 55-2 career record. She went 25-1 with a 0.12 ERA this year, allowing only 47 hits and seven runs. She struck out 257 batters as she earned Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year award.
Since joining the Brakettes on June 12 Ovittore has played in 21 games and compiled a .333 batting average (16-for-48) with six RBI. Her defensive play has been superb, including two brilliant plays in the 3-2, 11-inning loss Monday night against the Riptide.
In addition to Malerich, Stratton also has another injured pitcher in Kaci Clark (3-4), who was expected to pitch tonight. However, Clark is still nursing a finger injury she sustained in the finale of the four-game series in Chicago against the NPF Bandits July 3. "Kaci’s status is day-to-day," added Stratton. "We’re just happy that Kim is able to fill in for us."
Germaine Fairchild (.361) leads the club in hitting while outfielder Julie Brooks (.341) is the only other Brakettes hitter with an average higher than Ovittore’s.
The Polar Crush enter the game with a 24-3 overall record and they have just won the ASA New England Regional Championship 19-and-under division. Prior to that they compiled a 3-2 record in the prestigious Junior Olympic Boulder Independence Day tournament in Colorado.
Third baseman Jessica Serio leads the Polar Crush in hitting, while shortstop Carly Morin of UMass is also over .300 for Matt Palumbo’s squad. Handling the mound chores will be Rebecca Wojciak (9-2) and Cailin Eaton (10-1).
Erica Sobel and Robyn King, two members of the Brakettes, began their softball careers with the Polar Crush organization, which is one of the top JO programs in the country.
Following tonight’s doubleheader the Brakettes will play a four-game series in Lowell, MA, Friday through Sunday against the Riptide. That will be the team’s final road trip of the season and the Brakettes return to DeLuca Field July 20 to meet the Long Island Angels.
BRAKETTES GERMAINE FAIRCHILD ON RECORD PACE; HOPEWELL JUNCTION PROVIDES OPPOSITION SATURDAY NIGHT
STRATFORD July 8- Germaine Fairchild is on a record-setting pace for the Stratford Brakettes who reach the midway point of the 2005 season Saturday night, July 9 when they host the B.A.T.S. of Hopewell Junction at 7 o’clock in a DeLuca Field doubleheader.
Fairchild leads the Brakettes with team-highs of nine home runs and 42 RBI following Wednesday night’s sweep over the Connecticut Classics by scores of 4-0 and 11-1. Fairchild accounted for all four runs in the opener as she belted a two-out, grand slam walk-off home run, the first one in the Brakettes’ illustrious 59-year history.
A two-time team batting champion, Fairchild is well on her way to a third as she leads the club with a .385 mark. With half a season, plus the ASA National Tournament to play, Fairchild needs seven more home runs to break Pat Dufficy’s 1990 season record of 15. Dufficy, who will be inducted into the National ASA Hall of Fame in November, also had a season-high 89 RBI in 1990. Dufficy is the all-time career leader in home runs (91) and RBI (752). Fairchild now is third in career home runs with 28 and fifth in RBI with 295 in five seasons of play with the team.
"Germaine’s been swinging a great bat," said Manager John Stratton. "She’s capable of putting the ball in the cheap seats every time she swings."
The Brakettes will send Leslie Malerich (7-2) and Sarah Pauly (9-5) to the mound to face the B.A.T.S., who are led by player/coach Tara DiMaggio, a long-time pitching standout with the team and a former Syracuse University star. The B.A.T.S. are 8-6 after splitting four games in the Topton July 4th Tournament.
While Stratton recently regained the services of shortstop Lovena Chaput (elbow), third baseman Jen Owens (neck) and outfielder Julie Brooks (broken hand), left fielder Denise Denis suffered a collarbone injury against the Classics and her status is day-to-day.
Rookies Linda Secka, a center fielder from DePaul University, infielder Kim Ovittore of Lauralton Hall and first baseman Callie Piper continue to provide the Brakettes with solid hitting and defensive play. Stratton also has been pleased with the recent offensive production of Norwalk’s Jill Cimminello, who can play outfield and third base.
Following Saturday night's doubleheader, the Brakettes return to action Sunday in a 6 p.m. twin-bill against the Stratford Seahawks. Monday night at 6 p.m. (new starting time) the Brakettes host the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch league. Ex-Brakettes pitcher Danielle Henderson will be on the mound for one of those games, while six other former Brakettes will be on the field as well.
The homestand concludes Wednesday (July 13) when the Brakettes and Polar Crush of Worcester, MA, meet in a 7 p.m. doubleheader. Following a four-game trip to the Riptide next weekend, the Brakettes return home again on July 20 against the Long Island Angels.
BANDITS’ LAUREN BAY NO-HITS BRAKETTES, 2-0
CHICAGO June 30- Lefty Lauren Bay worked out of a bases-loaded threat in the bottom of the seventh to pitch a no-hitter and lead the Chicago Bandits to a 2-0 win over the Stratford Brakettes Thursday night at Benedictine University softball complex.
The Bandits, who are in second place in the National Pro Fastpitch League at 15-2, extended their home field record to 11-0 on the year. Bay, a member of the Canadian National team, improved to 7-0 on the season with a nine strikeout effort. She allowed only one walk, but she did hit two Brakettes.
The four-game series resumes Friday night when USA Olympian Jenny Finch takes on the Brakette's Sarah Pauly (8-4) in a regionally-televised game.
The Brakettes, now 18-8, threatened in the top of the seventh as Linda Secka reached first base on a dropped third strike by catcher Selena Collins. Jen Owens grounded to Finch at first base, who was able to force Secka at second. Cleanup hitter Germaine Fairchild was hit by a pitch before left-handed hitter Denise Denis grounded to shortstop Jaime Clark, who elected to try and get Owens at third base. Clark’s throw hit Ownes in the back and the Brakettes had the bases full. Bay’s first pitch to Callie Piper was a comebacker, which Bay turned into a home-to-first double play to end the game.
Chicago scored a run in the bottom of the first inning when leadoff hitter Vicki Galindo hit a grounder up the middle that Brakettes second baseman Amanda Jensen made a diving stop. Jensen’s throw, however, sailed wide of Piper at first base and the speedy Galindo rolled into third base. Liz Bouch then hit a slow roller to Lovena Chaput at shortstop. Chaput looked at getting Galindo at home before she threw too late to first base to nail Bouch. Bouch eventually made it to third base, but losing pitcher Kaci Clark escaped further damage by retiring the next three hitters.
Clark (3-3) allowed five hits and struck out four Bandits while she walked one batter.
"Kaci pitched a great game," said Brakettes Manager John Stratton. "We’re just a few hitters away from begin on a par with the pro teams. We’re all set for what we’re going to see in the ASA Nationals."
The Bandits’ second run came in the fourth as Olympian Jamie Clark hit a 225-foot home run to left field.
After Bay retired the first nine Brakettes, Chaput walked on a full count in the fourth. She was sacrificed to second base by Secka, but doubled off the bag when Owens hit a soft liner to second base and Chaput was caught too far off the bag to retreat in time. Denis reached base in the fifth inning when she was hit by Bay with one out.
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BRAKETTES POST EIGHT STRAIGHT VICTORIES; STRATTON EARNS 600TH CAREER COACHING WIN
STRATFORD June 26- Manager John Stratton recorded his 600th career win Sunday as the Stratford Brakettes completed their four-game sweep of the Quebec, Canada, Rebelles at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. Earlier in the week the Brakettes took twinbills from the Stratford Seahawks and Connecticut Classics.
By virtue of the eight victories the Brakettes improved their record to 17-5 heading into a four-game series with the Texas Thunder of the National Pro Fastpitch league Monday and Tuesday nights. Then the Brakettes hit the road for a four-game series against the Chicago Bandits of the NPF at Benedictine University in Chicago, IL. They return home July 6 for a doubleheader with the Classics at DeLuca Field.
The milestone victory for Stratton was a 19-0 five-inning victory as the Brakettes pounded out 21 hits off Rebelles pitchers Johanie Lefervre and Marie-Pier Couture. In the first game Sunday the Brakettes won 8-0 in another five-inning game. While the Brakettes produced 27 runs in the doubleheader none of them was driven in by Germaine Fairchild, who had been on a hitting tear earlier in the home stand. Entering Sunday’s games Fairchild had hit a team-high eight home runs and driven in 33 runs.
Stratton’s record heading into the Thunder series stood at 600-75 for his 11 years at the helm. The Brakettes have won four national titles under his tutelage, including the last three in a row, and they hope to add another in August when the Women’s Major Fastpitch Championship comes to DeLuca Field for the final time.
Picking up the win in Sunday’s nightcap was 6-foot-3 Sarah Pauly, who allowed three hits and struck out nine. Pauly, who improved to 8-3 on the year, had a string of three straight no-hitters entering the game. "John told me to take it easy out there. It was pretty hot and he wanted me to stay sharp for Texas," said Pauly.
In the Brakettes’ 11-run first inning, the first 11 batters hit safely and scored, the first three runs coming in on Erica Sobel's first home run of the season. For the game, every starter had multiple hits.
Kaci Clark, who hadn’t pitched since the opening weekend, returned to the hill over the weekend and picked up a pair of shutout victories. The 3-1 Clark struck out nine, walked one and allowed only two hits in Sunday’s first game triumph. Jill Cimminello was 3-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI and three runs scored, while Donna McLean had two hits and four RBI and Fairchild went 2-for-3. Amanda Jensen had a single, two walks, an RBI and a run scored.
On Saturday night the Brakettes swept the Rebelles, Canada’s 23-and-Under National Champs, by scores of 5-0 and 9-0. Clark pitched a three-hitter in the first game with 12 strikeouts. Fairchild’s RBI double drove in Linda Secka with the first run. McLean’s grounder to short and Kim Ovittore’s fielder’s choice made it 3-0 in the second inning. In the fifth, singles by Ovittore and Secka were followed by Fairchild’s sacrifice fly and Robyn King’s run-producing fielder’s choice.
Pauly struck out 12 in her no-hit effort in the second-game win, which ended after five innings. Cimminello hit her first home run of the season, a three-run shot, in the Brakettes’ eight-run first inning. Secka was 2-for-2 and Ovittore was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored.
On Friday night the Brakettes swept the previously unbeaten Connecticut Classics by scores of 6-0 and 3-1.
Pauly no-hit the Classics and fanned 15 batters in the opener. Denise Denis’ RBI single, her second of the game, in the fifth inning drove in the first Brakettes run during a five-run outburst. Fairchild followed with a three-run home run, her seventh of the season. Lovena Chaput went 2-for-3, as did Callie Piper, while Ovittore had another two hit game.
King made the start in the second game, her first for the Brakettes since 2003, as she filled in for Leslie Malerich who was in Indianapolis for her induction into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame.
The Classics grabbed a quick 1-0 lead on a home run by J.P. Laffin in the third inning, but the Brakettes answered quickly. With two outs in the home third inning, Secka walked and Denis singled to center. Fairchild then slugged her eighth home run to deep right centerfield.
The Classics threatened in the top of the seventh as two runners reached base with no outs. Stratton inserted Pauly in relief and she struck out the Classics on nine pitches for her second save of the year.
Malerich (5-1) pitched a one-hitter and fanned 11 as the Brakettes beat the Seahawks 4-0 in the first game last Wednesday. In the nightcap, Pauly began her no-hit spree in an 11-0 win that saw her strike out 13 in five innings. Jen Owens homered in the first inning, her first of the year, while Fairchild had a single, two home runs and six RBI.
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Stratford Brakettes Host Connecticut Classics Friday Night; Manager John Stratton Six Wins Shy of 600 in His Career
STRATFORD June 23- The Stratford Brakettes return to action Friday, June 24 when they host the Connecticut Classics in a doubleheader at 7 o’clock at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field.
Manager John Stratton’s team comes off a sweep of the Stratford Seahawks Wednesday night by scores of 4-0 and 11-0 in five innings. Leslie Malerich (5-1) pitched a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts in the opener and 5-3 Sarah Pauly hurled a no-hitter with 13 K’s in the abbreviated nightcap.
Pauly and Robyn King are expected to pitch Friday against the 4-0 Classics. King has a career 23-4 record with her last start coming in 2003. Malerich will be in Indianapolis this weekend as she is inducted into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame and she will return in time for the four-game series Monday night with the Texas Thunder of the National Pro Fastpitch league.
Five-foot-four pitcher Kaci Clark (1-1) will be back in town Saturday and will start the first game against the Quebec, Canada, Rebelles, who play the Brakettes in a 7 p.m. doubleheader and again at 12 noon Sunday.
The hitting standout for the 11-5 Brakettes continues to be Germaine Fairchild who went 3-for-3 in the nightcap Wednesday with two home runs and six RBI. Fairchild, the Quinnipiac University head softball coach, is hitting .428 with a team-high six home runs and 26 RBI. Denise Denis (.355) and Jill Cimminello, who played for Fairchild at Quinnipiac, both had two hits in the second game win against the Seahawks.
"I like the way we swung the bats Wednesday," said Stratton. "Everyone had a purpose at the plate. We were aggressive. (Shortstop) Lovena Chaput (.230) and (center fielder) Linda Secka (.250) both hit the ball extremely hard at the top of the order, setting the table for Fairchild and Jen Owens (.307)."
Owens was injured while playing first base in the second game and taken via ambulance to St. Vincent’s Hospital for possible head and neck injuries sustained in a collision at the bag. She was released Thursday morning and her condition is day-to-day.
Lauralton Hall’s Kim Ovittore started both games for the Brakettes, going 0-1 in the opener and 1-2 with a sacrifice fly and RBI in the nightcap. She played second base in the first game and shortstop in the second.
The wins Wednesday night left Stratton six wins shy of the 600-victory plateau. Now in his 11th season as manager, Stratton has a 594-75 record with four National ASA Championships, including three in succession.
STRATFORD BRAKETTES OFFERING FREE SEASON PASS TO FIRST 500 YOUTH LEAGUE SOFTBALL PLAYERS TO ATTEND
STRATFORD- The Stratford Brakettes are making a special offer to youth league softball players. The first 500 girls to attend a Brakettes home game this season will receive a FREE season pass good for the remainder of the regular season.
The offer goes into effect Friday night when the Brakettes host the Connecticut Classics in a 7 p.m. doubleheader at DeLuca Field and it will continue until the ticket supply has been exhausted. The Brakettes currently have 22 remaining home dates with 42 games at DeLuca Field.
"We have a duty to help promote softball," said sponsor David O. Carpenter of Westport. "We want to provide the opportunity for as many young girls as possible to learn from the best players in the world. The Brakettes are excellent role models for these youngsters and the fact we are turning professional next year is an added incentive for some of them. Who knows, maybe a few of them will end up playing for us down the road."
The offer is good for all girls, from t-ball through high school freshmen, who are accompanied by an adult to their next game. The players may sign up at the ballpark.
For additional information, call the Brakettes office (203) 378-7262, or write to: Stratford Brakettes, 185 Lordship Road, Stratford, CT 06615.
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STRATFORD BRAKETTES OPEN 12-GAME HOME STAND IN DOUBLEHEADER AGAINST SEAHAWKS WEDNESDAY NIGHT
STRATFORD June 21- The Stratford Brakettes return to Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field Wednesday, June 22 to face the Stratford Seahawks in a 7 o’clock doubleheader. It will be their first home action since the Brakettes played the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch League June 5.
Wednesday's twin-bill starts a 12-game home stand through next Tuesday. Following the Seahawks will be the Connecticut Classics Friday at 7 p.m. with the Quebec, Canada, Rebelles playing Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 12 noon in doubleheaders. Next Monday and Tuesday the Brakettes entertain the Texas Thunder of the NPF in a pair of 7 p.m. doubleheaders.
Boasting a 9-5 overall record, with all of the setbacks to NPF teams, the Brakettes will send Leslie Malerich (4-1) and Sarah Pauly (4-3) to the mound to face the Seahawks, which are an affiliate of the Brakettes organization.
"The won-lost record isn’t indicative of how well we have played," said Brakettes Manager John Stratton. "We lost three of the four games against the New York Juggernaut, but two were one-run defeats with the winning runs coming in the bottom of the seventh inning. The other game was 2-0."
The Brakettes pitching has been exceptional according to Stratton, but the hitting must improve, especially against the professional teams. "We hit the ball hard against the Juggernaut, however, it was always right at someone. They singled us to death in the series."
The Juggernaut won the 2004 NPF championship.
Pauly, who has a 1.01 ERA, leads the team with 56 strikeouts in 48 innings, while Malerich has allowed only one earned run in 31 innings for a 0.23 ERA and has struck out 24. Joining Pauly and Malerich in the pitching rotation this weekend will be Kaci Clark (1-1), who last pitched against the Riptide on June 5, losing 4-2.
Catcher Germaine Fairchild continues to lead the Brakettes at the plate with a .419 batting average. She has 18 hits, including nine for extra bases, and she leads the team with 20 RBI. The next highest run-producer is outfielder Julie Brooks (.333), who is currently sidelined 10 days with a hairline fracture of her left hand.
"We’ve got to get some increased production from the middle of our batting order," added Stratton. "The good pitchers work around Germaine." Third baseman Jen Owens (.306), first baseman Callie Piper (.286) and outfielder Denise Denis (.325) are the team’s other top hitters.
Defensively, the Brakettes have committed only six errors all season. Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year Kim Ovittore, the ex-Lauralton Hall standout, has been a bright spot at second base. She has handled all 24 chances cleanly. Tonight will mark her home debut in a Brakettes uniform. She has started five of the eight games she has been with the team.
Coach Tom D’Amico’s Seahawks enter with a 4-2 record, having swept the Allentown Patriots and Clifton, NJ, Cobras in recent doubleheaders. Michelle Walker (1-0), the former Sacred Heart University star and an assistant coach at Bunnell High School, and University of Hartford pitcher Caitlin Eichler are set to pitch for the Seahawks. Shortstop Shari D’Amico leads the Seahawks at the plate.
BRAKETTES BRIEFS- All Stratford Board of Education employees and their families are the guests of the Brakettes for Wednesday night’s action. . .Malerich will be in Indianapolis Friday through Sunday as she is inducted into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame. When the Brakettes play in Chicago against the NPF Bandits, June 30-July 3, many members and friends of Malerich, who hails from Merrillville, IN (30 minutes from Chicago) will be in attendance as well as several members of the DePaul softball team to watch teammate Linda Secka play center field for the Brakettes. . .Stratton is hopeful that College Player of the Year Cat Osterman will make the trip to Chicago. Osterman was named to the 2005 USA National Team on Monday, along with ex-Brakettes first baseman Kellie Wilkerson, a member of the Riptide. They will be playing in the World Cup, July 12-18 in Oklahoma City, before traveling to Japan for the Japan Cup, July 25-August 5. Named to the US Elite team were ex-Brakettes Leigh Ann Ellis (pitcher) and third baseman Jessica Merchant of NCAA champion Michigan. Both play for the Riptide.
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NEW YORK JUGGERNAUT BLANK BRAKETTES 2-0; SERIES CONCLUDES SUNDAY WITH GAME AT 1 P.M.
HEMPSTEAD, NY June 18- The New York Juggernaut pushed across runs in the fifth and sixth innings Saturday to score a 2-0 win over the visiting Stratford Brakettes at Hofstra University’s softball complex. The teams complete their four-game series Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Juggernaut (9-2) broke a scoreless duel in the fifth against Brakettes’ starter Leslie Malerich (4-1) when designated hitter Leah Nelson delivered a bases-loaded single to center field for a 1-0 lead. Center fielder Linda Secka caught Treena Peel in a rundown on the play as she tried to score from second base on the hit.
In the sixth inning, Jackie Pasquerella’s RBI single drove in Chelsea Spencer for an insurance run. Spencer reached when Malerich dropped her infield pop fly with one out, producing an unearned run.
Despite losing for the second night in a row Brakettes Manager John Stratton was upbeat. "We have played three great games against them and stand 1-2. With a little luck it could have been 2-1, but we’ll try again Sunday," said Stratton.
Friday night the Juggernaut trailed 1-0 entering the seventh inning but they put together four singles to leave the Brakettes on the field.
Peaches James went the distance Saturday for the Juggernaut, the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch league champions, and allowed only four hits and struck out eight. Malerich fanned two and walked one.
The three-time defending ASA champion Brakettes had an excellent scoring opportunity in the first inning as Amanda Jensen and Jen Owens singled with one out. Cleanup hitter Germaine Fairchild, who caught for the Juggernaut last year, lined a shot that first baseman Laura Taylor grabbed and doubled up Owens to end the inning.
Denise Denis singled in the fifth and Fairchild singled in the seventh for the Brakettes, who begin a 12-game home stand at DeLuca Field Wednesday night against the Stratford Seahawks.
All nine Juggernaut hits were singles.
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STRATFORD BRAKETTES SWEEP LADY GATORS, 9-0 & 1-0 TO COMPLETE 6-0 ROAD TRIP THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA
ALLENTOWN, Pa. June 12- The Stratford Brakettes completed their annual road trip to Pennsylvania Sunday with a doubleheader sweep of the Allentown Lady Gators by scores of 9-0 (six innings) and 1-0 at Patriots Park. The Brakettes ended their three-day trip with a perfect 6-0 record to raise their season mark to 8-2.
Once again it was a case of overpowering pitching, solid defense and robust hitting that did the damage for John Stratton’s Brakettes, who open a four-game series in Hempstead, NY, Thursday against the New York/New Jersey Juggernaut, the National Pro Fastpitch League defending champions.
Leslie Malerich (3-0) tossed a one-hitter in the first game and struck out three, while Sarah Pauly (4-1) matched that mark in the nightcap as she fanned eight Lady Gators.
"We played exceedingly well throughout the trip," said Stratton. "I was pleased with everyone. They all contributed. While she didn’t get too many hits during the weekend, Lovena Chaput (freshman at the University of Oregon) did a great job at shortstop. And when she gets on base, she has great wheels. This may be our fastest team in many years."
The Brakettes scored single runs in the top of the first and third innings of the opener against loser Jess Wides. Jen Owens plated Chaput, who singled and advanced on Amanda Jensen’s sacrifice bunt in the first. Germaine Fairchild’s RBI double drove in Owens, who walked, for a 2-0 lead in the third.
Fairchild continued her heavy offensive attack with a 12-for-22 weekend and 11 RBI. The Brakettes swept the Allentown Patriots, Topton VIPs and Allentown Lady Gators, outscoring them 34-0, while Malerich and Pauly both allowed only four hits each.
A seven-run sixth inning shortened the opener to six innings, due to the ASA mercy rule. In that frame, Owens drove in a run with a single, Denise Denis had an RBI single, while pinch-hitter Jill Cimminello of Norwalk had a two-run single.
Fairchild and Callie Piper both had three hits, while Denis and Killian Roessner had two hits each.
In the second game, Pauly and loser Amanda Glaser of Seton Hall were engaged in a shutout duel until the Brakettes’ fourth when Denis led with a single to center field. She stole second, and after Owens bounced out, Fairchild delivered the game-winning RBI hit to left field.
Fairchild was the only Brakettes batter with two hits in the game.
Following the Thursday through Sunday series at the Juggernaut, the Brakettes return to Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field for a six-day, 12-game homestand starting June 22 against the Stratford Seahawks.
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STRATFORD BRAKETTES SIGN 6-FOOT-3 PITCHER SARAH PAULY
STRATFORD May 29- The Stratford Brakettes are still a year away from playing in the National Pro Fastpitch league, but Manager John Stratton already feels great about his prospective pitching staff for 2006. With the 2005 season opener set for Saturday (June 4) at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field, the Brakettes put the finishing touches on an already deep and talented pitching staff with the signing of Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi pitching star Sarah Pauly.
The 6-foot-3 Pauly will be in Stratford next week as the Brakettes prepare for a Saturday night 7 p.m. doubleheader with the Allentown Patriots at DeLuca Field. The Brakettes then face the New England Riptide, the 2004 NPF runners-up, in a 6 p.m. Sunday DeLuca Field doubleheader.
"She can really bring it," said Stratton about Pauly. "I am elated that she decided to play with us this year. She is good enough to play anywhere. She is an intimidating figure on the pitching mound."
Pauly, a native of Phoenix, AZ, finished the season with a 37-7 record, a 0.56 ERA and 497 strikeouts in 288 innings. She earned Big South Conference Pitcher of the Year acclaim and the most valuable player award as TAMUCC captured the conference tournament with a 4-0 record. Pauly pitched every inning, allowing only seven hits and striking out 49 for the school’s third straight conference crown and NCAA tournament berth.
The addition of Pauly gives the Brakettes four outstanding pitchers to tackle the team’s most ambitious schedule in their 59-year history. Stratton also has 6-foot-1 Leslie Malerich, 5-5 Kaci Clark and 6-2 Cat Osterman as the Brakettes try to capture their fourth straight National A.S.A. championship in their final year of amateur play. "If we had a basketball team, Kaci would have to be the point guard," joked Stratton.
Malerich played for the Brakettes in 2001 and earned All-America laurels. She has pitched for the Italian National Team the past three years and led Italy to the Olympics last summer. Clark (2002-03) has a 54-2 record with the Brakettes and returns to the club after pitching for the NPF champion New York/New Jersey Juggernaut last summer. Osterman, a member of the USA National Team, will be pitching for the Brakettes in the August 12-17 Nationals. She is trying to lead the University of Texas back to the College World Series this weekend in the NCAA Super Regionals.
"Pauly and Malerich will be here throughout the summer and Clark will be available for all of our games with the pro teams and a good number of other games. There’s a good chance we may have Cat for a few other series during the season," added Stratton, an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University.
"I’ve known about the Brakettes since I first got involved in softball," said Pauly. "My college coach (ex-UCLA standout Missy Phillips-Dickerson) had been in contact with Brakettes officials, but I wasn’t sure if they would call me or not. I’m really happy I got the call from Mr. Stratton. I can’t wait to get started."
Pauly, who now resides in South Carolina, features a lively riseball and sharp curve. She finished her Islander career with a 112-46 record. Prior to college, Pauly was a four-year letter winner at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix and she had a 24-4 record and 0.23 ERA her senior year. In leading her team to the regional title, Pauly struck out 304 hitters and earned first team all-star honors. She was the youngest player invited to participate in the 2000 USA Olympic Trials.
Stratton had heard about Pauly and her pitching exploits, but it wasn’t until both Joan Joyce, the head coach at Florida Atlantic University, and ex-UCLA mentor Sharron Backus both spoke with John that he made the call. "Joan and Sharron both said I would be crazy if I didn’t get her to play with us. They said she was that good!"
The Islanders have been NCAA members for only three years. During that time Pauly struck out 1,370 batters in 830 innings. However, if you add her freshmen totals into the mix when TAMUCC was a member of the NAIA, Pauly finished her career with 1,636 strikeouts. That would have been good enough for third in all-time NCAA Division I strikeouts behind ex-Brakette Courtney Blades (No.1- 1,773) and #2 Michelle Granger (1,640). Osterman, with another year of eligibility, has 1,561 entering this weekend’s NCAA Super Regionals and is destined to become the all-time leader next season.
BRAKETTES BRIEFS- Stratton also announced the addition of UMass outfielder Denise Denis of Saratoga Springs, NY. A three-year starting center fielder, Denis hit .374 and drove in 43 runs for UMass, which finished 37-16-1 after going 0-2 in the NCAA Regional tourney at Austin. Osterman no-hit UMass with 14 K’s by 1-0 before Pauly and TAMUCC eliminated the Minutewomen. Denis played for the Adirondack Ice the past three summer seasons. . . Denis, who supplies the Brakettes with another speedy left-handed hitting outfielder, fills a void left by Kristine Botto’s departure to the Riptide, who now have five former Brakettes ready to face the Brakettes and Stratton June 5. Pitcher Danielle Henderson, the UMass pitching coach, pitcher Leigh Ann Ellis, first baseman Kellie Wilkerson and catcher Sara Jewett are the others.
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BRAKETTES INVITE ALL CONNECTICUT HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAMS AS THEIR GUESTS FOR JUNE 5 TWIN-BILL WITH PROFESSIONAL RIPTIDE
The Stratford Brakettes have set Sunday, June 5 as Connecticut High School Softball Night at Stratford’s Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. The Brakettes management has invited all scholastic softball teams to be their guests for the 6 o’clock doubleheader with the New England Riptide of Lowell, MA, the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch runners-up.
The Riptide visit is the first of six by NPF teams to DeLuca Field this year. Next season, in their 60th year of operation, the Brakettes will be joining the National Pro Fastpitch league that currently has six members. In addition to the Riptide, the rest of the NPF includes the 2004 champion New York/New Jersey Juggernaut, the Chicago Bandits, Akron Racers, Texas Thunder and Arizona Heat.
High school coaches are asked to contact the Brakettes office (203) 378-7262 to make your reservations in advance. All coaches and players will be admitted free of charge. For those who do not come as a group, please wear a team uniform or practice jersey. Gates to DeLuca Field will open at 4:30 p.m. Sunday night.
The Stratford Brakettes open their 2005 campaign Saturday, June 4 when they host the Allentown Patriots in a 7 o’clock doubleheader at DeLuca Field. Manager John Stratton’s Brakettes are the defending three-time National A.S.A. Women’s Major Fastpitch champions who are playing their final season in the amateur ranks.
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STRATFORD BRAKETTES WILL TURN PROFESSIONAL IN 2006
STRATFORD May 10- The Stratford Brakettes are going professional. The nation’s most famous and successful amateur women’s major softball team will join the National Pro Fastpitch league for the start of the 2006 season.
Entering their 59th consecutive season of operation, all of them in Stratford, CT, the Brakettes have committed to become the seventh member of the two-year-old circuit. While this year’s team will participate in the amateur ranks, they will play one-third of their regular season games against NPF teams.
"We’re excited about the challenge and what it will mean for our team as well as Stratford, which has been an outstanding home base of operations since 1947," said David O. Carpenter of Westport, the Brakettes’ President and Chairman. "The Brakettes have such a wonderful tradition and this promises to be another noteworthy chapter in the team’s illustrious history. It will be great for the players, softball fans and the Town of Stratford."
"Our goal is to field a quality professional softball team in 2006, but we also hope to continue sponsoring an amateur Brakettes team as well," added Carpenter, who has sponsored the team since 1996. "At this time we are not certain as to the level of play, whether it will be women’s major, Class A, or 23-and-Under."
The Brakettes will continue to play in Stratford at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field, their home site since 1988. "Stratford has long been recognized as the ‘Softball Capital of the World’ and it’s only fitting that the town should have a professional softball team," added Carpenter. "The cooperation we’ve received from the different town agencies, especially the Parks and Recreation departments, has been superb. We look forward to continuing this great relationship."
The Brakettes will become Connecticut’s second professional sports team, joining the Connecticut Sun of the Women’s National Basketball Association who play out of the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.
"NPF is the real deal. This is the big-league softball. It’s not a minor league or a non-affiliated operation. NPF has the best women’s softball players in the world under contract. All but four members of last year’s gold medal USA Olympic Team are playing this year in addition to several Olympians from other countries," said Brakettes General Manager Bob Baird. "Our fans are going to be in for a treat every night as they will be watching world class athletes in action at DeLuca Field.
"We look forward to having the Stratford Brakettes be part of the NPF in 2006," said Bill Conroy, league president and owner of the Chicago Bandits, the newest franchise in the league. "The Brakettes will be a big asset to NPF. They have been synonymous with softball excellence for over 50 years. I’m sure they will be competitive right away."
Currently the NPF includes the 2004 champion New York/New Jersey Juggernaut, of Hempstead, NY; runner-up New England Riptide of Lowell, MA; Akron (OH) Racers; Texas Thunder of Houston, and Arizona Heat of Tucson. Four cities are vying to become the eighth league city in 2006.
John Stratton, who is entering his 28th year with the ball club, will lead the Brakettes into the world of professional softball. Beginning his 11th consecutive year as the team’s field manager, Stratton has guided the Brakettes to a 193-10 record during the last three years and three straight National A.S.A. Championships. The team will try to make it four in a row this year when the tournament is staged at DeLuca Field, August 12-17.
"I’m glad I have a long-term contract because we’ve got 22 games with pro teams this year," joked Stratton. "We’ll have to play up to our potential every night because these teams are loaded. But we’ve have some pretty talented kids and many of them have had professional experience. We’ll be even better next year."
Pitchers Kaci Clark (Juggernaut) and Nikki Myers (Racers), catcher Germaine Fairchild (Juggernaut), outfielder Julie Lancaster-Brooks (Thunder) and outfielder Heather Wright (Racers) all played in the NPF last year, while pitcher Leslie Malerich, who played with the Brakettes in 2001, played professionally in Italy last year and pitched in the Olympics last summer. Utility player Jill Cimminello of Norwalk and pitcher Robyn King also played in the Italian professional league last year.
The Brakettes open their season June 4 with a 7 p.m. doubleheader against the Allentown, PA, Patriots. The Brakettes get their first taste of the NPF on June 5 in a 6 p.m. twin-bill against the New England Riptide. Both sets of games are at DeLuca Field.
STRATFORD BRAKETTES SELLING SEASON PASSES; DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPS OPEN ON JUNE 4
STRATFORD May 10- The 2005 Stratford Brakettes are now offering season passes to the general public. The defending, three-time National A.S.A. champions have 25 home dates and 48 games scheduled at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field. Fans who purchase their pass prior to the start of the regular-season will pay only $60. Fans interested in purchasing the season pass should make a check payable to Stratford Brakettes for $60 and send to Bob Baird, Stratford Brakettes, 185 Lordship Road, Stratford, CT 06615. For additional information contact the Brakettes Office at (203) 378-7262.
The Brakettes open their 59th consecutive season of play Saturday, June 4 against the Allentown Patriots in a 7 o’clock doubleheader at DeLuca Field, the team’s home site since the 1988 season. In addition to the top amateur clubs in the East, the Stratford Brakettes’ home schedule includes six dates against members of the National Pro Fastpitch league. The Brakettes announced Tuesday (May 10) that they will be joining the second-year league for the 2006 season.
Manager John Stratton’s Brakettes will get a quick taste of the professional ranks on Sunday, June 5 when they host the New England Riptide a 6 o’clock doubleheader. Five former Brakettes are playing for the Riptide, last year’s NPF runners-up. They are pitchers Danielle Henderson and Leigh Ann Ellis, first baseman Kellie Wilkerson, utility player Sara Jewett and outfielder Kristine Botto.
All but four members of last year’s Olympic Team are playing in the NPF, which also has a working arrangement with the International Softball Federation to bring in the world’s top national teams to play against the NPF during the summer. This year the national teams of Canada, Japan, China and Australia, to name a few, are playing home series at the six NPF ballparks.
The current professional team members are the New England Riptide (Lowell, MA), the 2004 champion New York Juggernaut (Hempstead, NY), Chicago Bandits, Akron (OH) Racers, Houston Thunder and Arizona Heat. Next year the league expands to eight teams with the Stratford Brakettes and one more team.
And right now the plans call for the Stratford Brakettes organization to continue sponsoring an amateur team, also to be known as the Brakettes. However, the exact level of play has yet to be determined (Major, Class A, 23 Under). It’s suffice to say that the entire Brakettes organization is committed to keeping quality fastpitch softball in Stratford, CT, the capital of the softball world.
Stratton has assembled a formidable squad to tackle an imposing 66-game regular season schedule. The Brakettes will bid for a 27th National Championship when the ASA tournament is staged at DeLuca Field, August 12-17.
BRAKETTES SCHEDULE PRESS CONFERENCE FOR TUESDAY; EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL BOOSTER CLUB MEMBERS & FANS
STRATFORD- The Stratford Brakettes have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, May 10 at 4:45 p.m. in the Stratford Town Hall Council Chambers. The event is open to all members of the Brakettes Booster Club as well as its fans. According to Stratford Brakettes General Manager Bob Baird, "it promises to be an exciting time for all of us."
The Brakettes will open their 2005 season on Saturday, June 4 in a 7 p.m. doubleheader against the Allentown, PA, Patriots at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field.
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STRATFORD BRAKETTES 2005 SCHEDULE FEATURES 22 GAMES AGAINST PROFESSIONAL SOFTBALL TEAMS
STRATFORD April 22- The Stratford Brakettes are about to embark upon the most demanding regular-season schedule in their illustrious history. The defending National Amateur Women’s Major Fastpitch softball champion Brakettes will play a 66-game schedule this summer against traditional rivals and four teams in the National Pro Fastpitch league, it was announced today by team chairman David Carpenter of Westport. One-third of the schedule is against professional teams.
Veteran manager John Stratton returns for his 28th year with the ball club, including the past 10 at the helm. Stratton has a 583-72 career record and mark of 193-10 as the Brakettes have captured the past three National A.S.A. titles. The Brakettes have won an unprecedented 26 national championships in their 59-year history.
While an official announcement about the team’s future plans will be made within the next week, the Brakettes’ 2005 schedule boasts 25 dates at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field, the team’s home site since 1988. Six of those dates are against teams from the nation’s six-team professional softball league that has signed most of the players from last year’s USA Olympic Team.
The Brakettes will play 48 games at DeLuca Field, ten against professional teams. The 2004 professional champion New York/New Jersey Juggernaut, runner-up New England Riptide, regular-season champion Texas Thunder and newcomer Chicago Bandits, featuring USA Olympic team poster girl Jennie Finch, will make appearances at DeLuca Field.
Opening day is Saturday, June 4 against the Allentown (PA) Patriots, a fixture on the Brakettes’ schedule for the past 25 years, in a 7 p.m. doubleheader. The next evening (June 5) the Brakettes will host the New England Riptide in a 6 p.m. doubleheader. The Riptide feature two former Brakettes All-Americans in pitcher Danielle Henderson and first baseman Kellie Wilkerson.
Two members of last year’s Brakettes team, infielders Jessica Merchant of Michigan and Stephanie Best of Central Florida University, were both selected by the Riptide in NPF senior draft in February. Merchant was a first-round pick and Best was chosen in the fourth round. According to Riptide management, the Lowell, MA, team probably will sign only one of them. The Riptide also boasts two other ex-Brakettes, utility player Sara Jewett, a member of the 2002 and 2003 National Championship teams, and pitcher Leigh Ann Ellis, who played on the latter squad. New England will make a second trip to Stratford July 11 for a 7 p.m. twin-bill.
The Texas Thunder, who play in Houston, visit DeLuca Field on June 27-28 for a pair of 7 p.m. doubleheaders. Texas features former Brakettes second baseman Karrie Rider on its roster. The Juggernaut are managed by Julie Smith, the former standout second baseman of the Redding, CA, Rebels and TeamSmith Nationals, and they also boast another ex-Brakette in outfielder Alicia Smith. The Brakettes visit the Juggernaut for four games between June 16-19 and the Juggernaut come to DeLuca Field August 1. The Bandits host the Brakettes in a four-game series during the July 4th weekend and they will play at DeLuca Field July 27.
The Brakettes season concludes with the A.S.A. National Championship tournament August 12-17 at DeLuca Field. Call the Brakettes office (203) 378-7262 for ticket information.
STRATFORD BRAKETTES ANNOUNCE DATES FOR 2005 SUMMER CLINICS
STRATFORD April 14- The Stratford Brakettes women’s fastpitch softball team has announced its 2005 summer clinic schedule. The defending three-time National ASA champions will conduct six clinics at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field and the Short Beach Recreation Complex.
Brakettes Manager John Stratton is the clinic director. Regarded as one of the nation’s top pitching clinicians, Stratton also serves as the assistant softball coach at Florida Atlantic University, working with ASA Hall of Famer Joan Joyce. Assisting Stratton at the clinics will be the members of the Brakettes coaching staff and the majority of their players.
The clinic consists of two identical Beginning Pitching sessions, an Advanced Pitching session, a one-day Catching clinic, and Offense/Hitting and Defense/Fielding sessions. With the exception of catching, the others are two days and all sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Beginning Pitching is set for June 27-28 (session #1) and July 5-6 (session #2). Advanced Pitching (session #3) is July 7-8 and the catching (session #4) is July 9. Offense/Hitting (session #5) is set July 11-12 and Defense/Fielding (session #6) is July 14-15. The pitching clinics will be at DeLuca Field, with the Catching, Offense/Hitting and Defense/Fielding at Short Beach.
Registration for all clinics except catching is $65. The one-day catching clinic fee is $35. Discounts are available for attending multiple sessions.
See Clinics page for complete brochure information including a printable registration form.
If you have questions or require printed brochures, call the Stratford Brakettes at (203) 378-7262, or write to Brakettes Softball, 185 Lordship Road, Stratford, CT 06615.
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