New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Brakettes announce start to season postponed
The Stratford Brakettes have announced that the first two weeks of the 2020 season have been cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Opening day is now scheduled for the weekend of June 20-21 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame
Field.
Originally the Stratford Brakettes were booked to start June 5-7 against the Junior Brakettes and the Connecticut Eliminators Women’s teams. Those games will be rescheduled. Both the Stratford and Junior Brakettes were slated to participate in the Cornfield Classic June 13-14 in Lyons, Pennsylvania. The event was cancelled because Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has yet to open Lehigh County, the home location of the tournament. “We’re hopeful the downward trends of the virus continue in Connecticut and we will be able to begin our 74th season in four weeks,” said Brakettes Softball General Manager Bob Baird. “While everyone in our organization is anxious to get back on the field, the safety of the players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators is our paramount concern.”
Back in April the doubleheader scheduled against the United States
Olympic softball team was postponed in the middle of the team’s “Stand Beside Her Tour.” With the Olympic Games postponed until 2021, the tour will resume next year with another twin-bill on tap with the Brakettes. No date has been announced.
“The pandemic occurred at the same time we had begun our annual fundraising drive. Needless to say, we are way behind in those efforts. There are forms on our website at www.brakettes.com for season tickets, entry forms for the Joan Joyce/Brakettes Pitch and Putt golf tournament, as well as other sponsorship opportunities. The golf tournament was scheduled for June 27, but it has been postponed to a date to be determined,” added Baird.
Manager John Stratton’s
Stratford Brakettes compiled a 46-1 record last year en route to their 37th national championship, including the team’s ninth Women’s Major Softball National Championship in 11 years. The 12th annual WMS event is set for August 6-9 at DeLuca Field and the Short Beach Rec Complex.
The Junior Brakettes are under the tutelage of former Brakettes catcher
Mary Sciglimpaglia. The Junior Brakettes were 2513-1 in their inaugural season, which included an opening night 3-1 win over the Stratford Brakettes.
Both team’s schedules are being revised and should be posted at brakettes.com by the end of the week. For information contact General Manager Bob Baird via e-mail at brakettesgm@gmail.com.