By Chuck Anderson

50 years ago – 1960

Myron Hoffman won his 11th game of the season for the Albert Lea Packers in their 6-4 victory over Mason City. Bill Ankoviak and Don Buhr homered for the Packers and manager Ed Stalker had four hits.

First Lutheran won the regular season American Division of the Church Softball League. Team members included Ray Weitzel, Don Thompson, Ron Hanson, Red Nelson, Mike Reardon, Dick Montei, Chuck Farho, “Cannonball” Nelson, Arliss Bachtle, Marlowe Flesche, Don Drommerhausen and Dale Grinolds.

In the opening round of play-offs in the V-8 League Wells defeated Freeborn 12-7 and Kiester won 18-1 over Blue Earth. Emil and Marv Stenzel combined to pitch the victory for Wells. Don Smith threw a four-hitter for Kiester in their win over Blue Earth.

In their second game of the week, the Albert Lea Packers defeated Estherville 10-7 behind the eight-hit pitching of Clay Lyon. Don Buhr homered for the Packers.

25 years ago – 1985

The Interstate Meats team won the Squirt Division championship of the Albert Lea Park and Recreation Departments Family Softball Tournament. Team members included Chad Ditlevson, Brad Carlson, Ryan Hillman, Jason Heilman, Lee Feras, Randy Wangen, Todd Alsrich, Brett Adams, Byron Carlson, Brian Kosmoski, Trent Richter. Brian Frandle, Buddy Wangen, Tony Hughes and Troy Irvine.

Frank Viola won his 12th game and the Minnesota Twins defeated the Oakland Athletics 8-1. Mickey Hatcher and Tom Brunansky homered and Kent Hrbek had four hits for the Twins.

10 years ago – 2000

The Albert Lea American Legion U-9 girls soccer team played in the National Sports Center 2000 Jamboree in Blaine. In their first game they defeated Maple Brook Blast 5-1. Madi Passingham had two goals and Heather Greibrok, Jenna Bowman and Jenna Christensen each scored one goal. Albert Lea and Cottage Grove Wolfpack tied 0-0 in the second game. U-9 also tied in their final game 2-2 against WSP Wonders. Bowman scored both goals for Albert Lea.