STRATFORD—The Eighth annual Brakettes/Joan Joyce Memorial “Pitch and Putt” Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 14, at the Short Beach Golf Course in Stratford.
Joyce was an iconic American athlete, widely celebrated as one of the greatest softball players in history. Born on August 18, 1940, in Waterbury, Joyce showed exceptional athletic talent from a young age. She joined the Raybestos Brakettes in 1954 at just 14 years old and quickly established herself as a dominant pitcher.
During her illustrious career, Joyce racked up astonishing statistics. She pitched 150 no-hitters and 50 perfect games and had a lifetime ERA of just 0.09. She was famous for her incredible speed and precision, often overwhelming even the best hitters. One of her most talked-about moments came when she struck out baseball legends Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, and Reggie Jackson in exhibition games, solidifying her status as a softball superstar.
Joyce’s athletic prowess wasn’t limited to softball; she also excelled in basketball, volleyball, and golf, making her one of the most versatile athletes of her time. In golf, she qualified for the LPGA Tour and competed professionally, further showcasing her diverse talents.
In addition to her playing career, Joyce made a significant impact as a coach. She founded and coached the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) softball program from 1995 until her passing, leading the team to numerous conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
Joyce was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame and the National Softball Hall of Fame, and her legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world.
She passed away on March 26, 2022, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the sports world.
The Brakettes Tournament is played at the Short Beach Golf Course, which is located one-half mile down Main Street from Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field.
The shot gun format has two flights scheduled for 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Hole sponsorship is available for all nine holes for only $50.
Sponsors receive the team’s seven-day pass, which is good for ONE ADMISSION to seven regular season home doubleheaders of your choice.
All proceeds from the event go directly to the operating costs for the Stratford and Junior Brakettes.
Both teams will open the 2025 season against each other on June 7 with a 6 p.m.,doubleheader at Frank DeLuca Field.
Later in the summer, the field will be the site of the 2025 17th annual Women’s Major Softball National Championship. That tournament will be held July 31-Aug. 3.
The Brakettes are hoping to capture their 13th WMS title and first since 2022.
The Central Jersey Lightning will return to try to win a third straight championship, while Stripes & Strikes (PA) will also return in hopes of claiming their first title. Stripes & Strikes finished second in 2022 and 2023, while finishing third in 2024. The Junior Brakettes will also field a strong team looking to contend in the 2025 WMS, returning a solid core from last season. The Mid-Hudson Mustangs (NY) and several Connecticut teams will also return to compete in the 2025 WMS.
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