US Olympic Team Ticket Now On Sale!!

The defending ASA champion Brakettes will battle the U.S. Olympic Team on July 20th at DeLuca HOF Field in Stratford, CT, and tickets are now being sold by Stratford Softball Tournaments, Inc (SSTI) and the Stratford Recreation Department. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are just six months away, and when the sun sets on the closing ceremonies, softball will no longer be a part of the Summer Games. However, you can still see the “Dream Team” of softball one more time on their pre-Olympic “Bound for Beijing” Tour. Team USA has captured gold at all three Olympics that featured softball – 1996 (Atlanta), 2000 (Sydney), and 2004 (Athens).

The July 20th game is the ONLY Greater New York/ New England appearance for Team USA, and is followed by just three more tune-ups before they depart for China. Jennie Finch and Jessica Mendoza will team up with former Brakettes Kelly Kretschman, Cat Osterman, Lisa Fernandez, and Andrea Duran, as Team USA comes to the hometown of women’s fastpitch one last time. Former Brakette Karen Johns (Sanchelli) is an assistant coach for Team USA, with Mike Candrea once again serving as head coach. Other members of Team USA include Monica Abbott, Crystl Bustos, Natasha Watley and Laura Berg.

The nine-inning game will start at 7:00 pm, with gates opening at 5:00. Come early and watch the sluggers launch shots in batting practice, and stick around after the game for an autograph session with the Olympic stars and Brakettes.

The Brakettes will be competing for an unprecedented 29th ASA National Championship this season, and the July 20th match-up with the U.S. Olympic Team will be the highlight of the summer at DeLuca HOF Field. The Brakettes will have at least one participant from the 2004 Athens Games, as Italian Olympian Leslie Malerich will return for a fourth season in red and white. Former NPF star Denise Denis will again play with the Brakettes, as will many other current and former Division I college stars.

Come out to Stratford on July 20th to see the “Dream Team” of softball take on the most successful franchise in the history of the sport. Act now to reserve your seats, as a sellout is likely.

Reserved Seats (First and Third Base Bleachers) will be sold at $25 each ($18 for Senior/Youth), with General Admission (Outfield Seating) tickets sold at $15 each ($10 Senior/Youth). Reserved Box Seats will be available for $35, and Reserved Seats with backrests are $30 each. Both premium-seating sections are directly behind home plate.

Click here for a printable order form.

For more information, call SSTI at (203) 385-4052 or visit www.townofstratford.com/softball

Brakettes Announce 2008 Plans

The Stratford Brakettes have announced plans for their 2008 season, featuring a July 20th game vs. Team USA, as they hope to capture an unprecedented 29th ASA Women's National Championship.

Despite financial concerns following the death of the Brakettes' long-time sponsor, David "Doc" Carpenter, the team is moving forward with plans for a 62nd year of women's fastpitch softball in Stratford, CT. Carpenter and his wife, Dotty, sponsored the team for 12 seasons, leading a Brakettes' revival that brought five ASA National Championships to Stratford. A passionate supporter of the Brakettes, and a friend of the game of softball, Carpenter passed away last June 22nd. The Brakettes remembered Carpenter's amazing support and generosity by wearing "DOC" patches on their uniform sleeves at the ASA National Tournament in South Bend, IN, last August. The Brakettes surpassed the California Sliders and the rest of the field en route to the team's record 28th title, dedicating the win in Doc's memory.

As Brakettes General Manager Bob Baird reflected back on the Carpenter era, he was clearly emotional. "Carpenter was a great friend to all, and we wouldn’t even be here without him and his family."

Baird remembered some of his fondest moments from the last few seasons, and drew parallels between the current dynasty and Brakettes' teams of years gone by. "The team has won five out of the last six National championships, featured many All-Americans and Olympians, and has done so with class. What we have now in Stratford is as special as ever."

The Brakettes are expected to announce dates with NPF teams, and the Dominican Republic National Team as well. The Brakettes will also host one of the nation's top ASA squads at DeLuca Field, just prior to the Nationals in Amherst, NY. The St. Louis Saints will come to Stratford as a pre-tournament tune-up in early August for four games.

Several other teams from the Northeast have expressed interest in playing the Brakettes, including the Topton (PA) VIP's and Western NY Xtreme. Dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

While the Brakettes continue to raise funds for the season, Baird was confident that there would be magic on the diamond in Stratford this summer.

"We are leading a more proactive advertising push than ever before," noted Baird, as he highlighted the need to continue fundraising efforts. "We are proceeding with the season as planned."

To purchase season tickets, or for sponsorship info, call Brakettes Softball at (203) 378-7262.

Welcome To The Official Blog of the Brakettes

This is the Official Blog of the Brakettes. Our players and coaches will be featured throughout the season. Please post your comments and questions here, and the Brakettes will respond as soon as possible. Have a great softball day... Go Brakettes!