WESTFIELD-Now in its 97th season, the Westfield Horseshoe League remains a “very active league,” according to Bill Babinski, Jr., who continues his father’s legacy of promoting the “rustic sport.”
Ann Osowski reviews Monday night’s Westfield Horseshoe League schedule with Bill Babinski, Jr. and Lee Small.
“We played horseshoes in our backyard as kids because our dad would practice every night,” said Babinski, adding he and his sister Mary Ann Babinski were always trying to beat their father but were unsuccessful.
William “Bill” Babinski, Sr. was a founding member of the Westfield Horseshoe Club and was an avid promoter of the sport throughout the area. While he discontinued tournament play in 1968, Babinski was always at local meets and served as president of the Westfield club for many years. Additionally, he won the Western Massachusetts championship five times and the Hampden County title four times. He was also inducted into the Massachusetts Horseshoe Pitchers Association Hall of Fame.
Bill Babinski, Jr. practices pitching a horseshoe.
“Bill never missed a Monday night game in Westfield,” said Lee Small, current league president. “He always sat at the same bench, took down scores, and showed his dedication and love of the game.”
League play has resumed for the season and is conducted Monday nights at 6 at the William J. Babinski Memorial Horseshoe Park at the Municipal Playground off Franklin and Greylock streets. There is an entry fee of $5 and dues of $3 each Monday. Fifty shoes are pitched and the home team is responsible for keeping score. There are nine courts available for league play.
“Games go fast,” said Babinski, noting that league play typically wraps up between 8 and 8:30 p.m. “We encourage players to arrive early to prepare their clay courts and warm up for the competition.”
Katie Case throws a practice pitch as her brother Francis Case looks on.
As the secretary and treasurer of the league, Babinski noted that funds collected on Monday nights pay for sweatshirts, hats and a banquet at the end of the season when prizes are given.
A handicap system is observed so every player has a “fair chance” of winning. A horseshoe typically weighs between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 pounds and is thrown 40 feet. Men (age 70 and older) and women throw at a distance of 30 feet.
Players were arriving as early as 5:15 on Monday night to pay their dues to Ann Osowski who assists Babinski with paperwork and handles the tedious work of player averages and statistics. Then the real work starts – grabbing a shovel and digging into the clay (3’ x 6’) to ensure the horseshoes have a textured landing area. The final preparation step is pouring a bucket of water into the clay to loosen up any unusual hardness.
Shovels and buckets of water are provided and horseshoes are available for those new to the game.
Lee Small adds water to loosen up the hardened clay.
For Small, his love of the sport goes back decades and he is now entering his 19th year as a member of the league.
“I’ve never missed a Monday night here,” said Small.
While everyone has different reasons for enjoying the sport, a common theme is the joy of being outside.
For Osowski, who is starting her seventh year in league play, her reason is simple – “It’s fun to be outside and to keep active.”
For Peter Hayes, who is new to the sport, Osowski was the driving force behind his attendance Monday night.
“Ann recruited me,” said Hayes. “She made horseshoes sound like fun and I’m competitive so I’m here trying it.”
Peter Hayes preps the clay court.
Katie Case and her brother Francis Case, league members for three years, were also among those arriving early to prep their court and enjoy the socialization aspect of the game.
“We love joking around and encouraging each other,” said Katie Case.
For Babinski, who started league pitching in 1988, there are a myriad of reasons to join the league.
“Pitching horseshoes is the best sport to do at any age,” said Babinski, adding other benefits include “being outside and having a good time pitching with good people.”
For more information, contact Small at (413) 667-3628 or Babinski at (413) 568-5321.
Lee Small practices pitching a horseshoe as Bill Babinski, Jr. looks on.
“Don’t feel intimidated,” said Babinski. “We have all skill levels and can provide the fundamentals to new players to ensure an ease of throwing. You will have a lot of fun and get exercise.”
