Marathon softball game to mark Smoky Joe Wood celebration

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Historical Society will celebrate Joe’s Day on September 12, with a softball game, home run derby and a day filled with fun at the Little League Field in Milford, starting at 10:00 a.m. A marathon softball game will take place with players from all over welcome to join in, male or female, young or old.

In 1977, the Pike County Commissioners declared October 25, Wood’s birthday, Smoky Joe Wood Day. In the past, the weather in October has been uncooperative, so, this year the society decided to celebrate early.

Joe Wood resided in Shohola, in Pike County, for many years. In 1908 he began pitching for the Boston Red Sox and went on to be one of the most beloved and talented players in Major League Baseball. His best season was in 1912 when he completed the season with a 34 and 5 record and became the youngest 30-game winner in baseball history at the age of 22. Physical problems eventually put an end to his pitching career, but after signing with the Cleveland Indians he acclimated well to playing the outfield and was a well above average hitter. In 1922 Joe retired from the big leagues to take a coaching position at Yale University where he mentored the baseball team for 20 years.

For more information visit pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org or call 570/296-8126.