Sports Legend Joan Joyce Appearance at the Pardee-Morris House

May 27, 2021— Perhaps most famous for striking out Ted Williams and Hank Aaron, Connecticut native Joan Joyce is a true sports legend. Joyce, considered one of the best softball players ever to play the game, will make a guest appearance with Connecticut writer Tony Renzoni, at the Pardee-Morris House (PMH) on Wednesday, June 23, at 5 p.m. The two will sign copies of Renzoni’s book, “Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce.” The event is free and precedes the PMH Summer Twilight Concert, featuring Otis and the Hurricanes, at 7 p.m.

Joyce’s appearance at PMH coincides with her return to “home base” for the premiere of the new musical, “Joan Joyce!” at the Legacy Theatre in Branford, Connecticut, which will run June 5-26, 2021. The play is based on the book by Renzoni.

In a review of the book, “Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce,” Billie Jean King notes “Joan Joyce is the real deal, a fierce competitor and one of the greatest athletes and coaches in sports history. Tony Renzoni’s moving tribute to Joan shows us why she is a champion in sports and in life.”

Joyce will always be known locally as the unbeatable pitcher for the Raybestos Brakettes and the Connecticut Falcons, whose numerous career records—including an incredible 150 no-hitters and 50 perfect games—made her the best in the game. She is also one of the most gifted athletes the state ever produced. Excelling in softball, basketball volleyball, and bowling, she set records in basketball and broke both the LPGA (Women’s) and PGA (Men’s) Golf records in 1982, setting records that still stand after 39 years. A true pioneer of women’s sports, she is currently the head softball coach at Florida Atlantic University.

Renzoni is also author of the “Connecticut Rock ’n’ Roll: A History.” During his 38-year career with the federal government he oversaw the operations of four field offices. He wrote more than 1,000 weekly columns for the Connecticut Post newspaper and website. He has received more than 40 awards. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, he is a graduate of Sacred Heart University.