The Big Blue Machine

Achievements:

• Gold Medalists: 1978 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games

• Back-to-Back CAST Champions: 1975, 1976

Biography:

In the mid-1970s, Bermuda ruled women's Caribbean softball with the unstoppable Big Blue Machine, culminating in a historic gold medal victory at the 1978 CAC Games. Nicknamed after baseball's Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine," this team became a symbol of excellence and national pride.

In 1971, the Devonshire Diamondetts participated in the Caribbean Amateur Softball Tournament, facing national teams from various countries. Bermuda sent its first national team to the tournament the following year, achieving a respectable third-place finish. Bermuda then hosted the next event at the newly built Bernard Park and won the championship game 4-2, thanks to the stellar pitching of June "Fireball" Durrant and Alva Forbes.

In 1974, Winston Jr. Jones took over as head coach with a five-year plan to elevate the team to new heights. Jones emphasized teamwork and rigorous training, transforming the group into a cohesive unit. His approach paid off, with Bermuda winning back-to-back CAST championships in 1975 and 1976, remaining undefeated.

Despite a setback in the 1977 games, where they finished third, the team's determination never wavered. In 1978, facing funding challenges for their trip to the CAC Games in Colombia, former league president Joe Brown intervened, securing airline tickets through sponsors at the last minute. This pivotal moment allowed the team to compete, and they were more than ready.

The Big Blue Machine dominated the 1978 CAC Games, starting with a 3-0 victory over hosts Colombia. They continued their winning streak with a 7-1 win against Venezuela, a 6-0 shutout of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a 12-1 victory over the Dominican Republic, and an 11-1 win against El Salvador. Despite injuries to key players Beverley Clarke and Charlene Cann, the team persevered, securing a narrow 3-1 win over Puerto Rico.

Entering the final stages, Bermuda only needed to win one of its last two games to secure the gold medal. They defeated the Dutch Antilles 7-3 and then finished with a decisive 7-0 victory over Belize. In eight games, the team outscored their opponents 56-6, becoming the first Bermudian team to win a gold medal at any of the four major sporting events.

The Big Blue Machine's roster included: Olivette Armstrong, Angela Bean, Charlene Cann (vice-captain), Beverly Clarke, Suzy Clarke, June Durrant, Alva Forbes, Sheila Gardner, Rose Hart, Ellen-Kate Horton, Lauren Perinchief, Debbie Saltus, Rosalind Simmons (captain), Joanne Smith, Donna Trott, LuVern Ward, Roseann Williams, and Veronica Zuill. Manager Winston J.R. Jones credited coaches Braxton Stowe and Rudy Minors for their contributions to the team's success.

Legacy:

The Big Blue Machine's remarkable achievements in the 1970s left an indelible mark on Bermuda's sports history. Their gold medal victory at the 1978 CAC Games stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and teamwork. Captain Rosalind Simmons reflected on their national pride, stating, "We did it for everyone back home, especially those who helped us at the last minute." The team's legacy continues to inspire future generations, symbolizing the heights that can be reached through dedication and unity.