50 years ago — 1961

The Albert Lea Packers defeated Mason City 2-0 behind Myron Hoffman’s 10 strikeouts and four-hit pitching. Catcher Paul Ehrhard led the Packers with two hits.

In a Church League playoff game, Methodist defeated Clarks Grove 4-3 in eight innings. Don Rippentrop threw a two-hitter for the victory.

25 years ago — 1986

The Albert Lea Merchants won the Eagles State Softball Tournament held in Willmar and qualified for the Eagles National Tournament. Team members included Dan Dunford, Jim Thom, Tim Bachtle, Tom Woodside, Steve Roche, Roy Page, Terry Roberts, Dave Dahl, Jim Johnson, Dave Berg, Dave Long Jr., Scott MacRae and Ed Bellrichard.

Bert Blyleven became the 10th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 3,000 strikeouts in a career.

Fran Tarkenton, a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He held the record for pass completions (3,686), passing yards (47,003) and passing touchdowns (342).

10 years ago — 2001

The Albert Lea Eagles under-14 girls’ soccer team tied for fourth place in the 12-team Minnesota South District. Team members were Katie Kjos, Mary Cook, Heidi Stegenga, Kelly Schreiber, Alyssa Nelson, Laura Hillman, Tessa Christensen, Ashlee Pence, Viviana Salazar, Brooke Wuerflein, Acacin Clarambeau, Ashley O’Byrne, Carly Habana, Tarrahr Young, Chelsey Schumaker, Stacie Armstrong, Patricia Swenson and Jerri Mondeel.

Chris Baas won the men’s championship and Mindy Rice the women’s championship in the Green Lea Golf Course Match Play Club Tournament. Dustin Baldwin won the Presidential Flight.

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4. Bobby Kielty led the Twins with three hits, including a two-run home run and three RBIs.

Kirby Puckett was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame along with Dave Winfield, Bill Mazeroski and Negro League pitcher Hilton Smith.

Chuck Anderson’s column appears each Sunday in the Tribune.