Softball, the first year

IN THE BEGINNING…In the school’s first season of spring sports in 1971, Conval softball looked a lot different than it does today. The Cougars finished their first season with a 6-6 mark, but there was no sanctioned state tournament. The NHIAA didn’t make softball “official” until the 1975 season. That first year had its moments, however; after being trounced by Merrimack Valley 37-18, the Conval girls won the rematch 14-7!

Even without a state tournament, softball during Conval’s first year was a huge success in a co-ed intramural league. Approximately 100 boys and girls were assigned to eight teams—four American League and four National League squads. Team managers were faculty members. The popular league had some unique rules:

No balls and strikes were called.

Ten players were allowed on the field at one time.

A coin flip determined the home team.

All games started at 3:10 sharp.

Only slow pitches were allowed.

The league schedule allowed each team to play all seven opponents once. At the conclusion of the season, a tournament was held that attracted many students and faculty cheering on the teams. Finally on Class Day, the faculty challenged the softball all-stars, with the faculty winning handily. “The game featured some lusty hitting by the teachers,” said physical education instructor Ray Brown, “including an inside-the-park home run by Principal Neal Wiggin.”

Wow, wish there were photos of that!