Youth Prevails at Battle of Powder Hollow [PHOTOS]

ENFIELD, CT — The third edition of the Enfield High School baseball alumni "Battle of Powder Hollow" followed its third different format, and for the second straight year, was contested indoors due to torrential rain, but all involved in Saturday's celebration of Raider baseball walked away winners.

Prior to actual competition on the diamond, the first members of the Raider "Hall of Honor" were feted Friday night. Jack Taylor and Dave LaRussa were in town from Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively, while Brad Tweedlie and Charlie Ragno both made the long drive from southern Enfield and Thompsonville. Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill Spanswick, who now resides in Florida, was unable to attend.

Torrential rain forced movement of Saturday's "Decade Wars" games indoors to the Star Hill Family Athletic Center in Tolland. A team of alumni from the 1990s rallied to top a group from the 1980s, then a team of 2010s graduates toppled a squad from the 2000s. The 2010s team defeated the 1990s in the final matchup.

The gathering was the brainchild of 1994 Enfield graduate Brian Riley, who handled much of the organization from his home in Arizona. The original encounter in 2016 featured a duel between members of the 1994 and 2001 teams, while a draft was conducted last year of all participating alumni, creating mixed teams of players from all eras.

Longtime Enfield head coach Bob "Chief" Bromage wrote on Facebook, "Fabulous weekend of baseball and friendship. Brian Riley had a dream, the follow through, and foresight to know how successful and important this has become to everyone. Looking forward to next year. Will cancel vacation, anniversary, and rain. Congratulations to Bill, Charlie, Dave, Brad and Jack - Enfield's finest."

Photo credits: Phil Dumond

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