THESE ARE YOUR HAWKS

Almost right from day one the Hayward Hawks have always been a contender for the W.B.A. post season championship. The Hawks have won five state titles despite the fact they were not a W.B.A. member from 1997 through 2005. In those years the Hawks played an indpendent schedule and were not in any league affiliated with the W.B.A. In 2006 the Hawks gained re-admittance to the Independent League and the W.B.A.
In just their third season of play in 1972 the Hawks found themselves in the state championship game. Playing at the old fairgrounds field in Rice Lake against the powerful Rice Lake Squires the Hawks lost the championship game by a score of 4-3. The game turned on a balk call against Hawks ace pitcher Jim Ackley that scored what proved to be the winning run.
In 1977 the Hawks won it all playing in the tournament at "Red Arrow Park" in Abbotsford. The Hawks topped the Merrill Giants 6-1 behind the five hit pitching of Mike Stone in the title game. Hawks shortstop Pat Stone was named the MVP of the tournament that was marred by rain.
The Hawks played for the championship again in 1979 at Merrill and lost a heart breaker to the home town Giants 5-4 in 12 innings in the championship game. A botched double play ball in the 12th cost the Hawks the title.
In 1981 the Hawks started a streak of three straight state titles. The Hawks thumped New Minor 11-1 in the championship game. The Hawks Rob Fadness was named tournament MVP and Jim Ackley was the most valuable pitcher.
In 1982 the Hawks won it all again scoring 41 runs in the three games at the state finals. Mike Stone is the MVP and Jim Ackley wins yet another pitching award.
The three peat is accomplished in 1983. The Hawks finish off Lublin 7-4 in the final game, the closest game the Hawks have had in three years in the tournament. Rob Fadness captures another MVP crown and the Hawks Greg Lueder is the most valuable pitcher.
A record fifth state title trophy goes to the Hawks in 1986. Manager Larry Somerville guides the team to an overall 26-9 record on the way to the title. Greg Lueder wins the most valuable pitcher trophy and Pat Stone is named the tournaments MVP on defense.
The Hayward Hawks have been one of the most successful teams in W.B.A. history.
HAYWARD HAWKS BASEBALL                                                                THE BEST NIGHTS OF SUMMER