Widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential teams in the history of amateur softball with over 4,000 victories in close to eight decades.
- Won 28 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Championships, making them one of the most decorated teams in sports history.
- Played internationally as well, winning three World Championships (1974, 1978, 1986).
- Had undefeated seasons in 1971 (57-0), 2011 (63-0) and 2013 (68-0).
- Since 2009 when the Women’s Major Softball (WMS) Championship was created, the Brakettes have won 12 WMS titles, including in 2025.
- Secured their first national championship in 1958 after being founded in 1947 in Stratford, Conn.
- Has produced or featured 24 National Softball Hall of Fame members and 11 Olympic athletes, including Joan Joyce, Donna Lopiano, Lisa Fernandez, and Cat Osterman, as well as coaches Ralph Raymond and John Stratton.
- Has a record of 4,138-428 with 79 years of competition through 2025.
A Message From the Brakettes
The Brakettes are widely regarded as the most successful and influential team in the history of amateur softball, compiling more than 4000 victories over nearly eight decades. Founded in 1947 in Stratford, Conn., the Brakettes captured their first ASA/USA Softball National Championship in 1958 and became one of the most decorated teams in sports history, winning 28 ASA/USA Softball Women’s Major National Championships. On the international stage, the Brakettes represented the United States at numerous events, capturing three World Championships in 1974, 1978, 1986, and winning 5 Olympic Sports Festival Gold Medals. Continuing the tradition of dominance, the Brakettes finished the 1971, 2011, and 2013 seasons undefeated, posting records of 57-0, 63-0 and 68-0 respectively. Since the Women’s Major Softball (WMS) Championship was established in 2009, the Brakettes have won 13 of 17 titles through 2025.
A true testament to the program’s excellence, the club has produced 24 National Softball Hall of Fame members: Joan Joyce, Bertha Tickey, Micki Stratton, Peggy Kellers, Willie Roze, Donna Lopiano, Shirley Topley, Pat Harrison, “Sis” King, Lou Albrecht, Sharron Backus, Barbara Reinalda, Diane Schumacher, Sue Enquist, Pat Dufficy, Kathy Arendsen, Gina Vecchione, Allyson Rioux, Dot Richardson, Sheila Cornell, Lisa Fernandez, Rosie Adams, Lori Harrigan, Cat Osterman, and legendary coaches Ralph Raymond and John Stratton. Four Brakettes, one manager and one administrator are members of the WSBC Softball Hall of Fame (formerly ISF): Kathy Arendsen, Joe Barber, Sheila Cornell-Douty, Joan Joyce, Ralph Raymond and Diane Schumacher. Joe Barber, business manager of the Brakettes for over 3 decades and the 19th President of ASA/USA Softball, played a major role in the development of softball in not only Connecticut, but throughout the United States and the world. The Brakettes have also produced 11 Olympians: Sheila Cornell, Lisa Fernandez, Lori Harrigan, Dionna Harris, Dot Richardson, Danielle Henderson, Joanna Gail (Greece), Kelly Kretschman, Leslie Malerich (Italy), Cat Osterman and Andrea Duran.
Through 79 years of competition, the Brakettes have compiled an impressive all-time record of 4,138-428, amassing an incredible 90.6% winning percentage! The Brakettes are grateful to Bill Simpson, President of Raybestos, for forming and sponsoring the Brakettes for many years. He was instrumental in building Raybestos Memorial Field, dedicated in 1945, which hosted many ASA/USA Softball National Tournaments and the third Women’s World Tournament in 1974. We also thank Hi-Ho D’Addario, Dave Carpenter and Pat Sanders for stepping up to keep the Brakettes going strong with their sponsorships. Finally thank you to all the fans for their support of the Brakettes for 79 years – and counting!
