Alan Greenwood

For those yearning for the days when big-leaguers actually visited with their fans without a big payday to motivate them, consider one day on Crown Hill …

JULY 30, 1947 – “Close to 3,000 fans and friends turned out at the Marshall St. diamond last evening to pay tribute to George ‘Birdie’ Tebbetts and his teammates, Johnny Pesky, Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss and Dominic DiMaggio, all members of the Boston Red Sox, who appeared at the park and lectured players of the Ward Junior League on baseball.

“The Major Leaguers did not arrived until a little after 6:30 p.m. and after shaking off the fans, proceeded to talk to the youngsters about how it’s done in the big time.”

Lesson No. 1: When overwhelmed by adoring fans, shake them off.

Actually, that shot is best aimed at modern ballplayers. According to John Stylianos’ story, Tebbetts shook hands “with practically everyone there.”

JULY 31, 1952 – Pro ‘rassling took over Holman Stadium for the evening.

“TV ‘Famous’ Girl Wrestlers June Byers and Millie Strafford vs. Lilly Bitters and Ethel Brown, Tag Team Match.

“Adrian Baillargeron, Montreal, vs. Clyde Stevens, Brockton, Mass.

“Tony Ever vs. The Unknown.”

Here’s betting that Lilly Bitters could have handled anyone on the card.

AUG. 1, 1972 – “Nashua’s annual hula hoop contest was held at Holman Stadium last Friday morning, with 35 boys and girls taking part in the contest.

“In the girls division, 11 years and under, Cindy Brodeau, 131 Almont St., was the first place winner with Grace Wilson of 6 Eleventh St., runner-up. In the girls division, 12-15, Francis Sanders of 22 Eleventh St. was the first-place winner with Brenda Hall of 104 Monroe St. the runner-up. Brian Dubois of 10 Bramble Drive was the division winner for the boys with Mark Prevost of 4 Nottingham St. as runner-up.”

AUG 2, 1982 – “For only the second time in 25 years, Nashua will be represented in the New England Regional Babe Ruth baseball tournament for ages 13-15. Nashua Division II won that honor Sunday with a 9-3 defeat of host Portsmouth to win the state tournament.

“… Matt Doucet tossed a six-hitter for Nashua, with 10 strikeouts and just one walk. … Nashua scored two in the first and three more in the second. Shawn Weaver drove in the first run of the second inning with a single. Steve Piwowarski then poked what turned out to be the winning hit, a two-run single.”

AUG. 3, 1987 – “There must be a phone booth near the Bambino Park in Harrison, Maine, because Nashua West’s Don Swift needed to go someplace and change into his Superman costume on Sunday.

“Swift, who pitched his team to the City Championship, then helped the West All Stars capture the district and state titles, pitched a perfect game Sunday as Nashua opened play in the Bambino Regional Tournament with a 209 victory over Brockton, Mass. Smith struck out 13 of the 18 batters he faced.”

AUG. 4, 1992 – “Carl Tirone of Hudson won the Bud Light Lightning Division at Hudson Speedway on Sunday. Dick Williams of Manchester was the runner-up, followed by Dave Blanchard of Middleboro, Mass, Steve Kolofsky of Rutland, Mass., and Russ Silva of Plaistow.

“Phil Baril Jr. of Haverhill, Mass., won two Strictly Stock features.”

AUG. 5, 1977 – “Jeff Lindquist of Nashua defeated Craig Steckowych of Manchester 3-2 to win the 1977 Intermediate CYO Golf Title at the Derryfield Country Club yesterday.

“Linquist went ahead early but a strong comeback by Steckowych gave the Manchester golfer a lead going to the 12th tee. Lindquist came back himself, though, and birdies on the 12th and 13th holes gave him a lead that held up.”

Contact Alan Greenwood at agreenwood@nashuatelegraph.com or 594-1245.