Alan Greenwood

Ah, bring us back to the days when the Red Sox and Braves were competing for hearts and minds, the Celtics’ and Bruins’ seasons were done (and mostly forgotten), and pulses skipped a beat for … ping pong.

Direct from the sports pages of the Telegraph:

APRIL 8, 1950 – “Two Nashuans who have both reigned as state table tennis champions top the list of over 40 contestants scheduled for match play in the annual state tournament at the YMCA at 1:30 this afternoon. Right at the top is diminutive Arthur Ledoux, 1949 NH junior and senior champion, followed by Harold Silverstein, 1948 NH senior champion.”

April 8, 1955 – “Donald Cobleigh, former Nashua High School and Junior Legion baseball star, is looming as one of the leading contenders to hold down the shortstop post on the 1955 Boston University baseball squad.

“Don was among the 55 candidates who reported for preseason training last week. He is only a sophomore and is battling for the infield position with veteran Jack Murphy of Cambridge. Cobleigh is a switch hitter.

“The defending Greater Boston League champions, coached by Harry Cleverly, are working out at BU Field, formerly Braves Field.

“The Nashuan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Cobleigh, 23 Stark St.”

April 8, 1960 – “Nashua will be well represented at the annual Spring Get-Together of the New England section of the PGA in Boston on Monday night. Besides the two local golf pros, John Wirbal of the Country Club and Phil Friel of Green Meadow, Al Cross, George Melendy, Winnie Labombarde, Archie Williamson, Sam Abbott, Art Stevens and several others, including the writer, expect to attend.”

“The writer” was legendary Telegraph scribe Mike Shalhoup, then during his years as sports editor.

April 8, 1965 – “The Houston Astros agree a thrown and batted ball behaves in the $31.6 million Harris Country Domed Stadium like it does outdoors.

“But catching it can present a problem.

“The Astros tested the multi-purpose stadium for the first time in force Wednesday with batting practice and an intrasquad game. During the afternoon batting practice most of the Astros had trouble catching pop and fly balls as the sun penetrated the dome and reflected against the bright center field seats.”

The Astros solved the AstroDome’s first logistical problem by painting the roof. Eventually they figured out that growing grass in the dome was impossible and AstroTurf was created.

Contact Alan Greenwood at 594-1248 or agreenwood@nashuatelegraph.com.