1969 Social League Rosters etc.
These columns are to remind readers of the many exceptional athletes that performed in this and many other softball leagues throughout the City. It must be noted that most of these players held full time jobs and only after a day’s work would come to play at a very high level; they also were parents that gave much time to this game.
Remember that in spite of rumors throughout the years, I did not know of any player being paid to perform. The Sargent Club in the valley sponsored a very strong and athletic group. The club is still situated in the same spot and I’m told that one could get some fine Italian food there.
Turk Mustapha was an outfielder and a veteran in the game, he has been known to roam the outfield bare footed and it didn’t slow him down at all – he could flat out fly. He is now retired from the New England Power Co.
Buddy Erban also patrolled the digs and was another speedster and still lives in the area. Barney Reilly played for many teams as an infielder and was one of the best athletes around, he was the director of the Council on Aging in the City of Lawrence and in those days he was called “Buckshot Barney”.
Eddie Aziz was a 3rd baseman and a good one. He was a big time power hitter and fierce competitor. Ed is semi retired and is still a Methuenite.
Mike Polizzotti was in the outfield and had all the tools. His father Leo was a stalwart for the Methuen Little Leagues has a field named for him. Many Methuen parents including this one remember his wisdom and guiding hand he showed to all the participants of his LL teams over the years.
Dave Brown was a reserve and John Bloomquist came out of nowhere to play the infield and a big time power hitter.
Al Picone was an infielder who played a good first base both offensively and on. Defense Al still lives in the area and can be found at the sports dinners at the Lawrence Elks.
Bobby Carrier was another reserve and big time hitter and former LHS star Dennis Homa was an infielder. Eddie Mustapha, Turks’ younger brother was also a utility man.
Jimmy Taft a big bruising type guy was a catcher; he was a big star in Haverhill sports and was living in Salem, NH while playing for the Sargents. Taft came to play and play hard every night. He became a big man in the paper industry and was transferred to Maine for a good many years. He became a great golfer and with his good friend Dick Reming won a big celebrity tournament in Hawaii. I think it was called the NFL Tourney. Unfortunately a stroke cut his life short.
John Rimas was a pitcher and a teacher coach at Methuen High school. Bob O’Real was a left-handed pitcher and now retired from teaching at the CGS school in Methuen he and longtime wife Nancy reside fulltime at the beach. He still is the assigner, however, for most of the football, basketball and softball leagues throughout the Valley.
Frank Carpaco was a reserve and Al Rizzo was the assistant manager. Riz, as he was called, always had his trademark stogie in his mouth and was an asset to any team, he worked until his retirement at the old Essem packing plant on Beacon St. most of us were brought up on Essem franks.
Billy Zoulis was pitcher from Haverhill and had good stuff. He managed some big grocery store in the area and his motion on the mound featured one of the highest leg kicks this writer has ever seen.
There you have the 1969 Sargent Club team who in every season would be tough competing group that played a tough and fundamentally strong season.
Remember if you’re driving—-make sure you have a car.
