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SOFTBALL Medford had its own World Series champs Forty years ago, the team swept through a perfect postseason By Staff reports MailTribune.com By Staff reports Posted Nov. 2, 2015 @ 2:00 am By Staff reports Posted Nov. 2, 2015 @ 2:00 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> With the World Series just completed, a reader reminded us that this is the 40th anniversary year of a Medford team that enjoyed a similarly special experience. In 1975, Medford won the Little League Softball World Series in famed South Williamsport, Pa. The Medford National team was coached by Dennis Murphy, the longtime South Medford boys basketball coach and the school’s athletic director. The team capped a 12-0 postseason with a title-clinching, 2-1 victory over New York. In its first game, it downed Florida, 3-2. To get to the World Series, Medford won the state tournament over Gresham, the Northwest over Washington and the West over California. In a 2013 interview on oregonsports.com , Murphy recalled that journey. The Little League Softball program was only in its second year, and that was the only time the girls played the World Series in South Williamsport. It now is held annually in Portland. The first softball uniforms were reminiscent of outfits the Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall fame would wear: short shorts, shirts with a “vest” and poufy hats. Several boys and girls uniforms, including an example of those worn by Medford’s players, are on display at the World of Little League museum in South Williamsport. The style of play then was different, Murphy said. Pitchers could try to throw fast, but they weren’t allowed to use a “windmill” technique. He had his pitchers lob the ball. “We had great kids who could really play,” he said. “We had great defense” At the time, the 24-year-old Murphy coached sixth-grade softball at Sacred Heart School. “I knew I had some girls who could really play, so I said, ‘You should try out for Little League,'” he said. He had coached two unbeaten Little League teams and was asked to coach the all-star team that would win the World Series. He enlisted Sister Mary Breiling, with whom he taught, to be team manager. Players on the team were Janet Austin, Diane Bevan, Darinda Scroggins, Shelly Jacobs, Lisa Killingsworth, Carole Servoss, Janette Harris, Kathy Rayburn, Carrie Winger, Becky Diderickson, Brenda Labrum, Lori Humphrey and Shelly Patrick. By Staff reports MailTribune.com By Staff reports Posted Nov. 2, 2015 @ 2:00 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. fantasy football Breaking Down Who to Start in Fantasy Football Week 9 Nov. 2, 2015 at 3:01 pm Week 9 Waiver Wire: Top Pickups to Know Nov. 2, 2015 at 10:00 am Week 9 Flex Rankings, Waiver-Wire Targets and Projections Nov. 2, 2015 at 9:00 am DraftKings Optimal Week 9 Lineup Advice, Matchup Guide Nov. 2, 2015 at 8:00 am Fantasy Football Studs & Duds of Week 8 Nov. 1, 2015 at 10:16 pm Week 9 Waiver Wire: Breakout Candidate Pickups Nov. 1, 2015 at 9:56 pm calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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