Tiny New Bedford was the capital of fastpitch softball in the mid 1950s with the National tournament played on the diamond built by softball superfan Earl Stickel.
He built Bollman Field in New Bedford named after his cousin Vivian Bollman, who died during the Flu Epidemic of 1918. Stickel brought the national tournament to New Bedford for three years from 1955-57. New Bedford’s own Bollman Elites finished third in 1955 and 1956 before reaching the championship game in 1957, taking second.
The Manlius Historical Society and the Bureau County Historical Society will host a presentation on Stickel and his legendary New Bedford Elites at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at the Manlius Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 202 S. 4th Street in Manlius.
There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be be served.
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