History of the Sports Museum of Dutchess County

First Poughkeepsie Brewers reunion a success

as submitted to and published in The Inside Pitch September 2008 The Official Newsletter of the Amateur Softball Association

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.- With Legislator James Doxsey reading a proclamation proclaiming September 13th as Poughkeepsie Little Brauhaus Day in Dutchess County, former ball players and others involved with the Poughkeepse Brewers men’s fast pitch recalled those glory years at the team’s inaugural reunion.

About 100 people who helped make the Little Brauhaus Poughkeepsie Brewers one of the top men’s fast pitch teams for two decades attended the reunion at the Sports Museum of Dutchess County.

The reunion was held from 1 to 4 p.m. with a family-style picnic. The Brewers were one of the strongest teams in the Mid-Atlantic Region and the Atlantic Seaboard League. They competed in the ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship eight times, finishing third twice (1972-1973). In addition to the national championship play, the Brewers captured six New York State titles (1965-68, 1977-78) and eight Mid Atlantic Regional crowns (1968-1973, 1975 and 1978). Former Brewers who are members of the ASA.

National Softball Hall of Fame include Vinnie Caserto, Metro Szeryk, John Anquillare, Billy Stewart, Abe Baker, and George Adam. Caserto and Szeryk were among the Hall of Famers attending on Saturday. More than 20 former players, front office personnel and umpires attended including “Bo” Aurigemma, Vince Caserto, Gerry DeFigilio, Ron Elderkin,Dick Germiller, Rich Hoffman, Ron Kist, Bob McKenna, Joe Molinaro, Lou Plagese, Vin Smedes, Jim Spohr, Metro Szeryk, Rocky Veronesi, Butch Veronesi, and the families of deceased members: Chick Chiavelli, Chet Zampko and Memo Zampko; from the office Roger Bastian, Ed Henstebeck, Phil Garrison and umpires Bill Doxsey, Levi Horton and John (Eggie) Simmons and long-time supporters Tony Marchese and Herb Redl. Dick Germiller and Henstebeck did an outstanding job in putting together the reunion, and the Brewers appreciate Vern Way for his continued support of the museum. Many former Brewers expressed interest in continuing to hold reunions in the future.

Also see Photograph Gallery
Poughkeepsie Brewers Reunion ~ September 13, 2008

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Last updated:  October 21, 2008