1976 Falcons

Reprint from The Pioneers of Pro Softball – Who is playing where and why?

The Raybestos Brakettes, reigning world softball champions and national champions since 1970, entered the pro softball league intact. Barring a natural disaster (like a case of tendinitis affecting Joan Joyce’s right arm), they have to be expected to dominate the pro league just as they have dominated amateur competition.

Asked to pinpoint the one factor that makes her team so strong, All-American third baseman Irene Shea replied, “We win.” Elaborating on her analysis, Shea citied hitting, pitching and fielding as Connecticut strong points. “Our strength is that we have very few weaknesses,” she concluded.

Despite this air of confidence—a Brakette trademark—the veterans aren’t resting on their laurels (no pun intended). “We’re practicing twice as hard as we ever did as amateurs” reports Connecticut coach Brenda Reilly. “There’s more at stake; people aren’t going to pay to see errors.”

While most of the Brakettes were still laboring in their off-season jobs, open tryouts were being conducted in Connecticut. Fifty would-be Falcons showed up for a shot at a spot on the roster. “Two stood out,” Reilly said. “Sandy Hamm and Annette Fortune.” Whether they would stand out when the rest of the team showed up for spring training was another story, Reilly conceded.

The Connecticut coach expects some stiff competition from the Southern California Gems—especially when Rosie Beaird Black takes the mound. “We saw her play as a 17 year old,” says Reilly, “and we thought she had the skill then. But she’s an entertainer. It will be interesting to see how she handles the pressure of competition.”

Joan Joyce who is sharing pre-preseason publicity with Rosie Black, has been spending more time pushing the league than practicing her slingshot delivery. As part owner of the team, co-founder of the league, co-coach and field manager of the team she’s had to deal with everything from press conferences to lighting problems. Pitching, she admits, will be a breeze compared to the organization chores she’s had to face in the off season.