Norms History Lesson

From Rag Tag Bar Hounds to State Champions. According the Seniors Softball League web-page (and really, what better authority could there be?) the game we now know as softball was invented by Minneapolis Fire Captain Louis Rober in 1895 (it's kind of nice to know that softball was created in Minnesota!) Back then the game of softball was played with a 16-inch ball to help the members of the fire station keep fit. He called the sport Kittenball.
Officially founded almost a century later in 1989, the Norms were once just a bunch of "rag-tag single-guy bar hounds" who worked in the same department at a large corporation and thought it would be cool to start playing softball together. Staying in shape was optional, as the the team was founded on the premise "drink to win and win to drink." The idea of showing up to play softball as an excuse to chug a few beers with co-workers turned out to be a good one. It wasn't long before the players discovered that they could actually play the game of softball.
As time went on, player's lives settled. They married, moved on to other jobs in other parts of the country and softball became less of a priority. Every year it seemed somebody would leave, but there would always be other "new jacks" to replace them. The team evolved. Now every year like an annual rite spring, the team management scours the resume's of the new hirees of their various departments, and adds to a winning team's roster. The Norms have lived this way for over 12-years and will continue on for many more. Each year is unique and each team has included a cast of characters and champions that make the Norms one of 's finest traditions in Minnesota's long softball history. In this section you can read all about the teams from the past and see pictures of the guys (and gals) who have played for the Norms or on one of their spinoff teams.
Historic Time Line
1987: Scrimmages and Disorientation
1988: The Official West Franchise Granted
1989: A Playoff Run: Now Open Under New Management
1990: The Pillars are Added & Attitudes Shift
1991: Miracle on Duluth and Case
1992: Return to Mediocrity
1993: A Season on the Brink, The Legend Steps Down
1994: Baseball Strikes, Norms Mission to Claim '94 World Series
1995: Upsets Ruin Year as Norm's Fail in a Pig's Eye
1996: Down in the Valley Lounge, Up in the Standings
1997: Re-Peat After Me, A Dynasty Emerges
1998: THREE-Peat After Me, The Dominance Obvious
1999: The Big BIG Time! Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
2000: West League Conquered Again but Divided Norms Fall
2001: The Perfect Team Wins the State Title Again!
2002: World Champions: Older Faster Stronger
2003: A League Title Here, Another Tie There, and 2nd Place at State
2004: Last Legs: The Norms Finally win Savage League
2005: The Next Generation, Future Untold

QWEST NORMS?

After an off-season of the unknown future, it looks like the Norms will be alive for another season. Veteran Norm Brent "Rocky" Anderson has stepped up and gone on a recruiting binge within his place of employment (Qwest in St. Paul).

The Norms will most likely be playing on Tuesday Nights in the Eagan, MN open leagues on Northview fields

"Tuesday night Mens D East is our first choice. I have all the stuff and I need to get it in first thing next Monday morning," commented the new skipper.

This year's team will be as close to the OLD SCHOOL Norms as possible.

"We'll do it up right, added Anderson, I have no idea how good we'll be. I know there are a few rooks, but a couple of ringers too. We have an experienced 3B, an experienced P and a ringer in the OF that the 3B is bringing with him."

The new Norms will be announced during Spring Training '05, but might be joined by veterans Chris Willaert, Ryan Hollum and Dave Heupel.

"Any vet is welcome to come back, and we have few interested if they can work out deals with their agents (wives) and busy schedules (tee times)."

Eckert & Willaert are Hall of Fame Bound

Keith Willaert and Mike Eckert will make up the Norms Hall of Fame class of 2005.
Willaert, the Norm's second-baseman for over a decade was the catalyst to millions of Norms rallies. Nobody ever hit to right-field beter. He will be inducted into the Norms Hall of Fame this summer. A reunion with several players and possible golf-outing/ beer bash at the Valley Lounge will be announced soon. Keiths bobblehead and commemorative Hall of Fame t-shirt will be available soon.

The Norms MVP of their first state championship, Mike Eckert will join Keith Willaert in the Norms Hall of Fame class of '05. Nicknamed "Hurt", Eckert would often make ESPN Highlight-reel like plays, diving to the ground at 3rd Baseman and gunning players out from his knees. The most jaw-dropping of these came in '99 State Championship Playoffd, when Hurt's play prompted the opposing team to chant the Sports Center theme song.