With the local softball season in full swing, thought this would be a good time to show you a newspaper article from August 1973 when the Ridge Strugglers won the very first Young Men’s Slowpitch Championship.
Bill Merritt was the Strugglers’ manager/organizer and originator of the name – “How you doing?” Answer – “Struggling.” Buzzy’s Country Store was one of the team sponsors the first year (72) when the league was still in its “unofficial” stage. We played pickup games that summer against other teams around the County with the losing team buying the beer. In 73 the league was formed and of course things got more formal.
Double click on the article to enlarge it and you’ll be able to read how Steve Boggs hit the go ahead home run and Pat Woodburn threw out a runner at the plate to ensure our 3-2 win over the Compton Raiders. You will also be able to see the names of all of the team members and yes those are 10 ounce Buds we’re all holding.
