1987 held at Marietta, Georgia.
Champion – Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, Georgia
Runner Up – Vernon’s, Jacksonville, Florida
1987 held at Parma, Ohio.
Champion – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio (340-15)
Runner Up – Budweiser, Youngstown, Ohio
Steele’s did what it was expected to do and that was win their third straight ASA Super National Championship. They defeated Budweiser of Youngstown, OH in the championship game 18-5. Steele’s went undefeated, winning their four pool play games and then won three straight in the double elimination portion of the event to go 7-0 on the weekend and they hit 76 HR over the special 320 foot fence that was constructed for the event.
FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Rick Weiterman, Steele’s Sports
C – Craig Elliott, Steele’s Sports
1B – Dennis Graser, Steele’s Sports
2B – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sports (27-36, .750, 12 HR, 26 RBI)
3B – Ken Dain, Steele’s Sports
SS – Ron Parnell, Steele’s Sports
OF – Mark Odabashian, ABC Driveway/Holy Name
OF – Doug Roberson, Steele’s Sports
OF – Scott Virkus, Steele’s Sports (22-33, 667, 16 HR)
OF – Fred Trice, Steele’s Sports
EP – Phil Adams, Budweiser
UT – Dick Marlow, Budweiser
UT – Jeff Stamps, Steele’s Sports
UT – Jim Kuhl, Budweiser
UT – Mickey Vittardi, ABC Driveway/Holy Name
FINAL STANDINGS (overall record counting Pool Play games)
1. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (3-0) 7-0 including pool play
2. Budweiser, Youngstown, OH (1-2) 2-5 including pool play
3. ABC Driveway/Holy Name, Parma, OH (0-2) 1-5 including pool play
1987 held at Pekin, Illinois.
Champion – Orange County Majestics, Orange, California
Runner Up – Hi-Ho Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (62-6)
The Majestics went undefeated 6-0 to capture the National Championship. They defeated the Hi-Ho Brakettes 4-2 in the Championship game. Denise Correa smashed a 3-run triple in the 4th inning to give the Majestics the 4-2 lead they would never relinquish.
Debbie Doom started the game and went 4 innings for the win.
Michele Granger came in to close it out in the final 3 innings to earn the save.
Barbara Reinalda was the losing pitcher for the Brakettes, who finished 6-2.
In a 27 inning game between California Raiders and Pantera’s Classics, Tiffany Boyd struck out 33 and Becky Duffin struck out 32.
FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Michele Granger, Orange County Majestics (3-0, 23 IP, 33 K, did not allow an earned run)
P – Debbie Doom, Orange County Majestics (3-0, 24 IP, 1 ER, 26 K)
P – Susan LeFebvre, Kirin Invasion
C – LeaAnn Jarvis, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Kristin Glomboske, California Raiders
1B – Debbie Langevain, Kirin Invasion
1B – Liz O’Conner, Raybestos Brakettes
2B – Kari Johnson, Redding Rebels (10-21, .476)
3B – Cindy Mosteller, Lone Star Lady Lights
SS – Liz Mizera, Orange County Majestics (8-18, .444)
OF – Kris Peterson, Raybestos Brakettes (11-26, .423, 9 runs, also had a streak of 9 straight hits)
OF – Karen Walker, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Kim Nutter, Orange County Majestics
OF – Barbara Jordan, Redding Rebels
DP – Leanne Bonifas, East Peoria Avanti’s
UTIL – Pam Newton, Kirin Invasion
SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Tracy Compton, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Suzy Brazney, Orange County Majestics
C – Cathy Sondag, East Peoria Avanti’s
1B – Pam Casper, East Peoria Avanti’s
2B – Jodi Rathbun, East Peoria Avanti’s
3B – JoAnn Ferrieri, Los Angeles Diamonds
SS – Dot Richardson, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Mary Ivy, Pantera’s Classic
OF – Kathy Escarcega, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Yvonne Gutierrez, Los Angeles Diamonds
OF – Chenita Rogers, Los Angeles Diamonds
DP – Gina Vecchione, Raybestos Brakettes
UTIL – Catherine Stedman, California Raiders
THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Margie Wright, Twin City Jammers
P – Heather Compton, California Raiders
P – Connie Clark, Los Angeles Diamonds
C – Michelle Gromacki, Los Angeles Diamonds
C – Tammy Turner, Phoenix Sunbirds
1B – Sheila Cornell Douty, Los Angeles Diamonds
2B – Julie Smith, Orange County Majestics
3B – Tammy Joslin, Redding Rebels
SS – Charis Monroe, Kirin Invasion
OF – Margaret Seng, Ann Arbor Pacer’s
OF – Elise King, Kirin Invasion
OF – Sue Lewis, Los Angeles Diamonds
OF – Natalie King, Phoenix Sunbirds
DP – Vickie Schneider, Twin City Jammers
UTIL – Tiffany Boyd, California Raiders
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Orange County Majestics, Orange, CA (6-0)
2. Hi Ho Brackettes, Stratfors, CT (6-2)
3. Los Angeles Diamonds, Los Angeles, CA (4-2)
4. Kirin Invasion, Hacienda Heights, CA (4-2)
5t. Redding Rebels, Redding, CA (4-2)
5t. Raiders, Southern, CA (4-2)
7t. Twin City Jammers, Minneapolis, MN (3-2)
7t. East Peoria Avantis, East Peoria, IL (3-2)
9t. Lone Star Beer Lady Knights, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Pantera’s Classics, Jefferson City, MO (2-2)
9t. Phoenix Sunbirds, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
9t. Ann Arbor Pacers, Ann Arbor, MI (2-2)
13t. Budweiser Belles, Parsippany, NJ (1-2)
13t. Topton VIPs, Topton, PA (1-2)
13t. Mount Pleasant Royals, Mount Pleasant, MI (1-2)
13t. Whittier Roadrunners, Whittier, CA (1-2)
17t. Coors Light Silver Bullets, Houston, TX (0-2)
17t. San Antonio Kidz, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
17t. Oklahoma Classics, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
17t. West Chester Crickets, Collegeville, PA (0-2)
17t. 58 Bonding Company, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
17t. Plymouth Blue Wave, Plymouth, MA (0-2)
17t. Metropolitan Poultry, Columbus, MA (0-2)
17t. Celina Suns, Celina, OH (0-2)
L-R, top row- unidentified, Coach Andy Van Etten, Dot Richardson, Beth Greig, Kathy Escarcega, Karen Walker, Gina Vecchione, Liz O’Conner, Lea Ann Jarvis, Kathy Dyer, Donna McLean, Allyson Rioux, unidentified, Manager Ralph Raymond, unidentified bottom row- Doreen Denmon, Sally Maher, Barbara Reinalda, Kathy Arendsen, Tracy Compton, Kris Peterson, bat boy Josh
1987 held at Greensboro, North Carolina.
Champion – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio
Runner Up – Smythe Sox, Houston, Texas
Steele’s, put into the losers bracket by Smythe Sox by a 43-36 score, came through the losers bracket and defeated Smythe 44-27 and 36-20 to win the ISA World Series. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Smythe hit 5 straight home runs (Bill Gatti, Mark Heirlmeier, Bruce Meade, Mike Parrot and Rick Wheeler), but to no avail. Ricky Huggins had a big grand slam for Steele’s to blow the game open in the 5th inning and give them a 26-17 lead. Nobody matched the power of Steele’s as the 6 players along on the All World team collected a combined total of 84 HR.
ISA SUPER ALL WORLD TEAM
OTHERS
Monty Tucker, Steele’s Sports (12 HR)
Mike Bolen, Steele’s Sports (11 HR)
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (5-1)
2. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (3-2)
3. Blanton’s/Kirk’s, Fayetteville, NC (3-2)
4. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (2-2)
5t. Ritch’s Salvage, Harrisburg, NC (3-2)
5t. Barry Peagrams BK, Montgomery, AL (3-2)
7t. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
7t. The Handy Pantry, Gastonia, NC (2-2)
9t. Action Awarda, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
9t. Kirkpatricks, Greensboro, NC (0-2)
9t. Cory-Doby Exxon, Greensboro, NC (0-2)
9t. Miller Lite/Jai-Alai, Ocala, FL (0-2)
1987 held at Waterloo, Iowa.
Champion – Smythe Sox, Houston, Texas
Runner Up – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio
The Smythe Sox defeated Steele’s 38-34 in the winners bracket final. Steeles beat a tough Marlton Trucking team 16-9 in the losers bracket final to gain a rematch with Smythe. The Men of Steele’s won the first final 24-20 behind Craig Elliott (4-5, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs) and Ron Parnell (4-4, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs) and appeared to gain the edge going into the winner take all deciding game. Leading 22-9 after three innings, Steele’s was on the verge on winning their first USSSA World Series. It was then, in the cold and rain that Steele’s met their “Waterloo”. Smythe scored 21 runs in the fifth inning and then scored another 17 more runs in the final two innings to come out on top of a 50-31 final. Ricky Huggins (5-5, 2 HRs), Doug Roberson (4-5, 3 HRs), Craig Elliott (4-6, 3 HRs), Mike Bolen (4-5, 2 HRs) and Jeff Stamps (4-5, 1 HR) led the Steele’s attack in the final game. Those were impressive stats, but Smythe Sox had some mind boggling numbers: Bill Gatti (8-8, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs), Cecil Whitehead (7-8, 5 RBIs), Bruce Meade (7-8, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs), Bill Blake and Doug Brown combined for 10 hits and 14 RBIs. Rick Wheeler and Mark Heirlmeier were both 5-7. Heirlmeier had 4 HRs and 7 RBIs. They out homered the men of Steel’s in the game 20-17. For the tournament, Steele’s smashed 140 total HRs as a team and batted .650. Smythe batted .641 and hit 85 HRs, but won when it counted. A word of note; Cecil Whitehead of Smythe, who is considered one of the best clutch performers of all time, played three games against Steele’s, all pressure packed games and all he did was go 15-18 (.833) with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs. Whitehead and teammate Bill have now won four USSSA World Series in a row (Elite; 1984-1985 and now Smythe 1986-1987).
USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM
OTHERS
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (4-1)
2. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (4-2)
3. Marlton Trucking, Portland, OR (4-2)
4. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-2)
5t. Kirk’s Glass, Newport News, VA (2-2)
5t. Athletic Shop/Eaton Sports, Hammond, LA (2-2)
7t. Ritch’s Auto Salvage, Harrisburg, NC (2-2)
7t. Superior Bombat, Wildsor Locks, CT (2-2)
9t. Non-Ferrous Metal Fab, Cleveland, OH (1-2)
9t. RTS Enterprises, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
9t. Capitol Softball Club, Northridge, CA (1-2)
9t. Starpath Softball, Lexington, KY (0-2)
13t. Budweiser Merchants, (0-2)
13t. Hammond Glass, Hammond, IN (0-2)
1987 held in Lubbock, Texas on September 25-27.
Champion – Prestige Realty, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Runner Up – Busch Beer, North Alexandria, Ohio
The first-ever ASA Men’s Class B Slow Pitch National Championship is in the record books, and, after 117 games, Prestige Realty of Fort Lauderdale, FL, is the 1987 champion.
Prestige defeated Busch Beer of Alexandria, OH, 38-18, in the championship game after having defeated the same team in the winners’ bracket, 15-4, to drop it into the losers’ bracket.
Busch had opened the tourney with wins over Mark Chevrolet of Red Wing, MN and May Refrigeration of Opelika, AL before losing to Prestige Realty. In the losers’ bracket, Busch defeated Valley Sports Complex, Davenport, IA 26-18; Savannah Truck Restoring, Savannah, GA, 22-17; Ridge Runners, Orlando, FL, 16-15; Morgan Construction, Austin, TX, 27-20; and Insulators of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, 38-18, before the rematch with Prestige Realty.
But Busch had played three games back-to-back to reach the finals and showed the effects of it as Prestige decided the game for all practical purposes with a 10-run second inning. That upped the score to 13-4 with the winners adding 11 more in the top of the sixth. Busch, meanwhile, didn’t score in the second, third, and seventh innings. Its best inning was a seven-run fifth inning.
Prestige finished with 40 hits to 17 for Busch with Glen Zukany (5-for-7), Allen Tanner (5-for-7), and Rick Sheetz (5-for-7) leading for the winners. Curt Glassman and Zukany each drove in 6 runs for the winners. Pat Reid’s six RBI and 2 homers led the losers. Losing pitcher Butch Collette led his team with three hits in as many at-bats.
Zukany earned MVP honors and was one of five Prestige players named first-team all-America.
Prestige had advanced to the championship round with wins over Roofing Consultants, Richmond, VA, 30-24; Jumburrito Classics, Midland, TX, 17-15; McMahon’s Mill, Hagerstown. MD, 17-14; Air Con, Memphis, TN, 13-1; and Insulators of Nevada, 26-16 before the winners’ bracket final against Busch.
MVP – Glenn Zakany, Prestige Realty (.710, 7 HR)
Batting Champion – Boyd Davis, Busch Beer, – .733
FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Dale Franklin, Prestige Realty (.656)
C – Boyd Davis, Busch Beer
1B – George Garrison, Insulators of Nevada
2B – Randy Rehmert, Busch Beer
3B – Dean Hazen, Ridge Runners
SS – Ed Mintz, Prestige Realty (.657)
OF – Greg Lang, Morgan Construction
OF – Bo Nash, Insulators of Nevada
OF – Bill Glenn, Morgan Construction
OF – Glen Zukany, Prestige Realty Realty
UT – Mike Dempsey, Busch Beer
UT – Johnny Hawks, Prestige Realty
UT – Ron Atjyen, Insulators of Nevada
UT – Chris Ellsworth, Air Con
EP – Jim Proctor, Prestige Realty (.545)
SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Butch Collette, Busch Beer
C – Curt Glassman, Prestige Realty (.700)
1B – Robby Groover, Savannah Truck Restoring
2B – Rick Sheetz, Prestige Realty (.677)
3B – Larry Clemments, Morgan Construction
SS – Johnny Whitehead, Ridge Runners
OF – Tim Garber, Busch Beer
OF – Jeff Carl, Air Con
OF – Dennis Odom, Morgan Construction
OF – Kent Tooley, Morgan Construction
UT – Doug Riley, Busch Beer
UT – Mike Bienchi, Damage
UT – Darwin Johnson, Savannah Truck Restoring
UT – Glen Jones, Savannah Truck Restoring
EP – Pat Reid, Busch Beer
THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Joe Moenter, Insulators of Nevada
C – Ben Brogdon, Ridge Runners
1B – Jeff Klatt, Morgan Construction
2B – Mike Durkin, Savannah Truck Restoring
3B – Ricky White, Savannah Truck Restoring
SS – Ken Haun, Air Con
OF – Rick Peffly, Busch Beer
OF – John Bull, Ridge Runners
OF – Bob Martinez, Insulators of Nevada
OF – John Cox, Insulators of Nevada
UT – Rick Nawhine, Damage
UT – Mike Lee, Damage
UT – Robert Reed, Air Con
UT – Richard Pike, Ridge Runners
EP – Scott Logan, Insulators of Nevada
OTHERS
Dave Coins, Prestige Realty (.750)
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Prestige Realty, Fort Lauderdale, FL (7-0)
2. Busch Beer, North Alexandria, OH (7-2)
3. Insulators of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV (5-2)
4. Morgan Construction, Austin, TX (5-2)
5t. Air-Con, Memphis, TN (4-2)
5t. Ridge Runners, Orlando, FL (4-2)
7t. Damage, San Francisco, CA (4-2)
7t. Savannah Truck Restoring, Savannah, GA (5-2)
9t. Centerline, Whittier, CA (3-2)
9t. Magic Sparkle Car Wash, Springfield, MO (5-2)
9t. Players Park, Rockford, IL (5-2)
9t. Valley Sports Complex, Davenport, IA (4-2)
13t. Curnutt TV, Monroe, WA (4-2)
13t. McMahon’s Mill, Hagerstown, MD (3-2)
13t. Potomac Valley Brick, Laurel, MD (4-2)
13t. Smokey’s/Milt’s/Mr. T’s, Vancouver, WA (3-2)
17t. Brazos Beverages, Bryan, TX (3-2)
17t. Coca-Cola/1st National Bank, Plymouth, IN (1-2)
17t. Diet-Rite Cola, Bowling Green, KY (2-2)
17t. Woodland Nissan, Woodland, CA (3-2)
17t. Hav-A-Snak, Kansas City, MO (3-2)
17t. Kisco Beverages, Mt. Kisco, NY (2-2)
17t. Memphis Blast, Memphis, TN (3-2)
17t. Owen’s Moving, Elizabeth City, NC (2-2)
25t. Blarney Stone Pub, Pawtucket, RI (2-2)
25t. Bourbon Bar, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
25t. Halladay House Furniture, Mechanicsville, VA (2-2)
25t. O’Blaryney’s/Killians, Olympia, WA (2-2)
25t. Birmingham, Birmingham, AL (1-2)
25t. Jurnburrito Classics, Midland, TX (1-2)
25t. Penn Realty, Inc., Lititz, PA (1-2)
25t. Texas Cafe & Bar Railbirds, Lubbock, TX (2-2)
33t. Home State Bank, Willmar, MN (1-2)
33t. Kentwood Roofing, Marshall, MI (1-2)
33t. Midnight Express, Levelland, TX (1-2)
33t. Roofing Consultants, Richmond, VA (1-2)
33t. Chuck’s Carpet Service, Van Vuren, AR (1-2)
33t. Mattlin Construction, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. May Refridgeration, Opelika, AL (1-2)
33t. St. Mane’s Maulers, Minneapolis, MN (1-2)
33t. Blue Streak, Denison, TX (1-2)
33t. F&S Industries, Arlington, TX (1-2)
33t. Lab-Tec Longhorns, Portland, OR (1-2)
33t. Moe’s Subs, Dover, NH (1-2)
33t. Ginza Club, Topeka, KS (1-2)
33t. Kettle/Conestoga, Plainview, TX (0-2)
33t. Yellow Jackets, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
33t. Red Mustache, Bismarck, ND (0-2)
49t. American Equipment Styx, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
49t. Electro Bake/Sizzlin, Birmingham, AL (0-2)
49t. Grissom Skyhawks, Grissom AFB, IN (0-2)
49t. Mark Chevrolet, Red Wing, MN (0-2)
49t. Barnaby’s, Owensboro, KY (0-2)
49t. Bear Creek Band, Durand, WI (0-2)
49t. J&M Pierce, Windsor Locks, CT (0-2)
49t. McGlaun’s Rustics, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
49t. Merchants, Plainview, TX (0-2)
No Shows: Aaron’s Blue Moon, Hamilton, OH, Click, Arlington, TX, Dougherty’s Seafood & Ice, Taneytown, MD.
1987 held at Decatur, Alabama on September 4-7.
Champion – WTB Broadway, Spokane, Washington
Runner Up – Karnival Sports, Long Island, New York
1987 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Wade Liberty, WTB Broadway
P – Butch Gonzales, Karnival Sports
P – Felix Rivera, WCBS
C – Michael Egan, Cottons
C – Ray Otero, WCBS
1B – Ron McGee, Karnival Sports
2B – Ken Fitzgibbon, WCBS
3B – Keith Prosser, Roches Garage
SS – Kurt Krauth, WTB Broadway
OF – Joe Salantri, Karnival Sports
OF – Robert McNeely, Seahawks
OF – Gregg Red, WTB Broadway
OF – Danny Garcia, WCBS
DH – Barry Shook, WTB Broadway
UTIL – Dennis Garges, Sullivan Roofing
1987 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Gus Falcon, Seahawks
P – Terry Walker, WTB Broadway
P – Willie Rios, Karnival Sports
C – Dave Simonette, Karnival Sports
C – Bob Plew, Sullivan Roofing
1B – Mike Mancini, WCBS
2B – Don Shaffer, WTB Broadway
3B – Ron Soss, WTB Broadway
SS – Vince Fitzpatrick, WCBS
OF – Rick Henry, K & N Electric
OF – Lee Shaffer, Sullivan Roofing
OF – Mike McKay, Don Swann Sales
OF – Frank Controras, Aqua Massage
DH – Jose Bavrios, Seahawks
UTIL – Frank Albizu, Seahawks
1987 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Gus Falcon, Seahawks
P – Terry Walker, Granite AC
P – Willie Rios, Sullivan Roofing
C – Dave Simonette, Sullivan Roofing
C – Bob Plew, Classic Beer
1B – Mike Mancini, WTB Broadway
2B – Don Shaffer, Aqua Massage
3B – Ron Soss, Cuban Jewelry
SS – Vince Fitzpatrick, Roches Garage
OF – Rick Henry, Ryanmen
OF – Lee Shaffer, Secory Mobile Flyer’s
OF – Mike McKay, Tri Star
OF – Frank Controras, WTB Broadway
DH – Jose Bavrios, Wallen
UTIL – Frank Albizu, Little Ceasars
FINAL STANDINGS
1. WTB Broadway, Spokane, WA (7-0)
2. Karnival Sports, Long Island, NY (6-2)
3. WCBS, Long Island, NY (9-2)
4. Sullivan Roofing, Athens, PA (8-2)
5t. Roches Garage, Calicoon, NY (4-2)
5t. Johnny’s Bench, Lowell, MA (4-2)
7t. Granite AC, New York, NY (5-2)
7t. Seahawk’s, Miami, FL (6-2)
9t. Wallen, Morristown, TN (3-2)
9t. Secory Mobile Flyer’s, Port Huron, MI (3-2)
9t. Little Ceasars, Port Huron, MI (2-2)
9t. Stafford Tires, Port Monmouth, NJ (3-2)
13t. B&I Sports, Tacoma, WA (4-2)
13t. McDowell Towing, Bridgeville, DE (3-2)
13t. Ryanmen, Springfield, VT (2-2)
13t. Tighe Club, Lowell, MA (3-2)
17t. FGS Radiator, West Land, MI (2-2)
17t. Classic Beer, Drexel Hill, PA (2-2)
17t. Torblaa Trucking, Delano, MN (3-2)
17t. Aqua Massage, Miami, FL (3-2)
17t. Cottons, Scranton, PA (2-2)
17t. Tri Star, Greenbay, WI (2-2)
17t. K&N Electric, Spokane, WA (3-2)
17t. Jerry’s Coins, Spokane, WA (2-2)
25t. La Sons, Los Angeles, CA (2-2)
25t. Prebon Money Brokers, Staten Island, NY (2-2)
25t. Twin City Sports, Monroe, LA (1-2)
25t. Cuban Jewelry, Miami, FL (2-2)
25t. Don Swann Sales, Atlanta, GA (2-2)
25t. Piggly Wiggly Kings, Oneonta, AL (2-2)
25t. Dr. Gray’s, Laconia, NH (2-2)
25t. Ramsey Furniture, Morristown, TN (1-2)
33t. Evans Plumbing, Concord, NH (1-2)
33t. La Law, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
33t. Uncle Charlie’s Tavern, Worcester, MA (1-2)
33t. Decrescente Dist. Co., Mechanicsville, NY (1-2)
33t. Allyn’s Cleaners, Waterbury, CT (1-2)
33t. Red Hat Boston, Boston, ME (1-2)
33t. T.C. Brewers, Binghampton, NY (1-2)
33t. Stacey’s Storage, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. Bull Pen II, Staten Island, NY (1-2)
33t. Movie Shuttle, Miami, FL (1-2)
33t. Mr. V’s A’s, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
33t. Staten Island Furrier, New York, NY (1-2)
33t. Hafco Farms, Troy, PA (1-2)
33t. Joseph’s Food & Spirits, West Warwick, RI (0-2)
33t. SAS, Chelsea, MA (1-2)
33t. Metro Sports, Manchester, IA (1-2)
49t. Foster Roofing, Tuscaloosa, AL (0-2)
49t. Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (0-2)
49t. Arrochar Pharmacy, Staten Island, NY (0-2)
49t. Bandits, Tyngsboro, MA (0-2)
49t. Red Lion Tavern, Portland, OR (0-2)
49t. B.P.’s, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
49t. Metro Sports, Manchester, IA (0-2)
49t. Budweiser-Q.A., Centreville, MD (0-2)
49t. Durham Triangles, Durham, NC (0-2)
49t. Naples Lakers, Naples, ME (0-2)
49t. C&W, Revere, MA (0-2)
49t. Jett College, Memphis, TN (0-2)
1987 held at Meador Park in Springfield, Missouri on September 12-19.
Champion – Pay’N Pak, Seattle, Washington (92-21)
Runner Up – Penn Corp, Sioux City, Iowa (89-21)
Pay’N Pak lost first game to Tele-Connect 3-1 and then reeled off an incredible run of 11 consecutive victories to come back and win the Championship. This was the greatest comeback in the history of ASA National play on record. They also became only the second team to win three consecutive National titles since the Zollner Pistons did it in 1945-1947. Penn Corp won the final two title games by the same 2-1 scores.
Bruce Beard’s bottom of the 7th walk off homer won the first final 2-1 to force the second game. Then he had a big 2-run double in the final to clinch the title.
Graeme Robertson pitched and won the loser’s bracket final and then both the championship games. He finished with an 8-1 record.
Doug Gillis pitched the other three victories for Pay n Pay as he finished 3-0 to cap a record 11-1 record for the tournament.
Steve Schultz of Penn Corp won 5 games in the winners’ bracket; hurling 4 no hitters, including a perfect game, before hurting his knee in winners’ bracket final and he was done for the tournament.
Guanella Brothers Steve Padilla and Chuck D’Arcy combined to go (5-2). Padilla pitched 36 consecutive innings of scoreless ball.
FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Peter Meredith, Trans-Aire (5-2) He was 48-7 on the season with 857 K in just 400 Innings pitched.
P – Dave Scott, Decatur Pride (5-1)
P – Graeme Robertson, Pay’N Pak (8-1)
C – Steve Zediker, Penn Corp
C – Steve DeFazio, Guanella Brothers
1B – Bruce Beard, Pay’N Pak (walk off HR in bottom of 7th to force “if” game, then 2-run double to won championship)
2B – Rick Minton, Decatur Pride
3B – Jeff Borror, Pay’N Pak
SS – Steve Kerian, Decatur Pride
OF – Brian Rothrock, Decatur Pride
OF – Mitch Munthe, Guanella Brothers
OF – Bobby Michaelson, Penn Corp
OF – Brian Lehrman, Trans-Aire
DP – Cleon Young, Midland Explorers (9-17)
UT – Jim Clark, Guanella Brothers
SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Steve Padilla, Guanella Brothers
P – Darrel Bender, Nothdurft Tool
P – Al Rausch, Collins Radio
C – Steve Calvert, Collins Radio
C – Mark Burrup, Miller Toyota
1B – Jeff Bell, Bloomington Hearts
2B – Mickey Brusco, Pay’N Pak
3B – Eric Niepagan, Bloomington Hearts
SS – Chad Corcoran, Pay’N Pak
OF – Steve King, Bloomington Hearts
OF – Terry Lynch, Midland Explorers
OF – Brad Dodge, Penn Corp (9-17, .522)
OF – Bill Boyer, Pay’N Pak
DP – Dave Jackson, Decatur Pride
UT – Rod Towe, PFI
THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
P – Rick Plangger, Plangger’s Furniture
P – Bill Cooper, Teleconnect
P – Lonnie Marshall, PFI
C – Tim Wahl, Pay’N Pak
C – Tim Davis, Trans-Aire
1B – Frank Long, Sunners
2B – John McEldowney, Plangger’s Furniture
3B – Dave Bedford, Midland Explorers
SS – Tim Blasi, Osbern-Merit
OF – Boomer Brush, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Mark Rice, PFI
OF – Bob Blakley, Harold’s Supermarket
OF – Mike Glasser, Ashland ESS
DP – Dave Jackson, PFI
UT – Mike Hopkins, Osbern-Merit
OTHERS
Steve Schultz, Penn Corp (5-0, 4 no hitters including one perfect game)
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Pay ‘N Pak, Seattle, WA (11-1)
2. Penn Corp, Sioux City, IA (6-2)
3. Collins Radio, Cedar Rapids, IA (5-2)
4. Guanella Brothers, Santa Rosa, CA (5-2)
5t. Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2)
5t. Trans-Aire, Elkhart, IN (5-2)
7t. Decatur Pride, Decatur., IL (5-2)
7t. Bloomington Hearts, Bloomington., IL (4-2)
9t. PFI, Springfield, MO (3-2)
9t. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (4-2)
9t. Teleconnect, Cedar Rapids, IA (3-2)
9t. Sunners, Reading, PA (2-2)
13t. Plangger’s Furniture, Benton Harbor., MI (3-2)
13t. Ashland Ess, Ashland, OH (2-2)
13t. Nothdurft Tool, Detroit, MI (3-2)
13t. Robertson Homes, Stockton, CA (3-2)
17t. Broken Bow Travelers, Broken Bow, NE (1-2)
17t. Clancy’s, Paterson, NJ (1-2)
17t. Gary’s Auto Stereo, Palmdale, CA (1-2)
17t. Potter Enterprises, Nashville, TN (1-2)
17t. Sheraton Coors, Cambridge, MA (1-2)
17t. Stroh’s, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
17t. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (2-2)
17t. Harold’s Supermarket, Lexington, MO (2-2)
25t. Osbern-Merit, Springfield, MO (2-2)
25t. Agri-Pro, Ames, IA (1-2)
25t. Annapolis Radiator, Annapolis, MD (1-2)
25t. Coors Silver Bullets, Aurora, IL (0-2)
25t. Boise Metros, Boise, ID (0-2)
25t. Lubbock, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
25t. Morgan Hill 9, Morgan Hill, CA (0-2)
25t. Piqua Fastballers, Piqua, OH (0-2)
33t. Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, OH (1-2)
33t. Chick’s Tavern, Pleasant Valley, NY (1-2)
33t. Happy Chef, Mankato, MN (0-2)
33t. Har-Bell/JM Welding, Springfield, MO (0-2)
33t. Holliday Exterminating, Memphis, TN (0-2)
33t. Jefferson City Fastpitch, Jefferson, MO (0-2)
33t. Phoenix NSSI, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
33t. Seeburg Muffler, Springfield, MO (0-2)
33t. Wellesley Trucking, Wellesley, MA (0-2)
Ted Williams, a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame and a life-time .344 hitter for 19 major league seasons, once said the hardest sports accomplishment of all was to hit a round ball squarely with a round bat.
With the use of geometry, Bill Merritt is attempting to make the art of hitting a ball easier.
Merritt, an architect and sometime softball player, has attempted to maximize the batter’s potential by designing a softball bat that, believe it or not, has three flat sides. In principle, this bat gives the batter, provided he has the correct mechanics, a much greater chance of hitting a line drive than with a standard bat.
The triangular bat, called “The Broadsider,” is currently being used in several softball leagues around the country and has received favorable comment from both the Amateur Softball Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
“I had the idea three summers ago. It was the beginning of the season and I went out to play for the first time and I had one of those days that nobody likes to talk about where I hit a lot of pop flies,” Merritt re-called. “I saw other people doing the same thing. I don’t know what got me to thinking about it later, but I couldn’t get it out of my mind — making contact with the ball and the concept of sweet spot.
“I thought there was a better way to increase the sweet spot by changing the geometry of the bat. I played around with shapes and what made sense and pretty quickly I came up with a triangular shape.”
Putting his idea to work, Merritt made three bats himself on a lathe in the shop where he worked as an architect. It was an extremely difficult task.
“When you’re one individual with an idea, you don’t have the same resources a big company does,” Merritt said. “When I made the first one I didn’t even have ash. I had to make it out of poplar, which you can’t play with. I got some ash and made two bats, so I was very careful. It took about 20 hours to do it.”
Satisfied that his bat worked, he then began the arduous task of getting the bat accepted. His first contact in organized softball was Donna Terry, head coach of the women’s softball team at the University of California. Terry, one of the top players and coaches in the country, took an immediate liking to the bat and had her team try it out in practice.
“She thought it was a tremendous concept and had a lot of validity,” said Merritt. “I then did a mailing to all the college teams and about 30 teams purchased the bats. The response from them was pretty favorable. I did a survey of those schools prior to the ASA convention last January. They were all in favor of seeing it approved for ASA and NCAA play.”
The ASA, softball’s governing body, has expressed an interest in the bat. It was voted down at last year’s convention but only because there were too many commissioners who had not seen the bat in play. It needed a two-thirds majority to be approved on the floor and got only 50 percent.
“It got enough support that they wanted to see the bat in play this year, so they could get some statistical feedback and get comments from umpires and players to see if there is anything detrimental to this,” said Merritt. “There have been about 50 to 60 city leagues around the country that have approved it.
“I’ve also talked to the NCAA and the coaches have recommended a rule change to allow for a three-sided bat.”
Without full ASA approval, however, Merritt’s ability to market the bat is limited because teams can’t take it into tournament play unless it is ASA sanctioned. He’s also run into another problem.
1987 held at Pensacola, Florida.
Champion: Key Ford Lady Mustangs, Pensacola, Florida
Runner Up: Spooks, Anoka, Minnesota
The Key Ford Mustangs reached the National Semi Finals for the fourth straight year, finishing third in 1984, 1st in 1985 and fourth last year. They went through this year’s tournament undefeated with a 7-0 record. They defeated The Ghostley Spooks from Minnesota in the championship 6-1. Tournament MVP Myra Williams and Trina Hartzog both singled and scored in the first inning to make it 2-0. After the Spooks scored and the Mustangs countered with a couple more runs, the score was at 4-1. In the sixth inning, Myra Williams singled again and scored on Tammi Terrell’s drive to left. Charlotte Cates singled and she scored Stephanie Sugg’s hit to make the score 6-1. The Mustangs defense was incredible with Charlotte Cates pitching, giving up only 10 runs in 7 games.
1987 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Charlotte Cates, Key Ford Mustangs
C – Helen Kelchner, Key Ford Mustangs
1B – Debbie Bregler, WW Gay Rebels
2B – Judy Knight, Spooks
3B – Judy Krantz, UPI
SS – Kelly Henderson, WW Gay Rebels
OF – Carol Moeling, UPI
OF – Tammi Terrell, Key Ford Mustangs
OF – Myra Williams, Key Ford Mustangs
OF – Carol Bemis, Spooks
DP – Joanne Zayac, WW Gay Rebels
UT – Linda Polley, Spooks
UT – Lorraine Hudson, Key Ford Mustangs
UT – Teresa Held, Spooks
UT – Trina Hartzog, Key Ford Mustangs
1987 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Nancy Garbett, Spooks
C – Patricia Nealing, WW Gay Rebels
1B – Brenda Pena, Key Ford Mustangs
2B – Sharon Mancil, Keen Carpet Tomboys
3B – Shelley Johnson, Spooks
SS – Judy Wrather, UPI
OF – Valerie Mercado, Bay Brats
OF – Anna Clements, Bay Brats
OF – Vivian Langley, WW Gay Rebels
OF – Lori Wright, WW Gay Rebels
DP – Libby Parrish, Keen Carpet Tomboys
UT – Melissa Tanner, Bay Brats
UT – Linda Nelson, Spooks
UT – Jody Trimmer, Mr. Dario’s Pacers
UT – Karen Baker, Atlanta Trumps
1987 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS
P – Gaye Wilson, WW Gay Rebels
C – Ann Peters, Mr. Dario’s Pacers
1B – Lee Delk, Atlanta Trumps
2B – Tracy Shellnut, Atlanta Trumps
3B – Marilyn Proher, WW Gay Rebels
SS – Denize Wentz, R&R Concrete
OF – Toni Robinetter, Bay Brats
OF – Lisa Robinson, Sheriff’s Stars
OF – Linda Garbett, Spooks
OF – Tracey Kruger, Spooks
DP – Karen Murphy, Bobby Gene’s Comets
UT – Peggy Begy, Tosti Raiders
UT – Jennifer Harp Oliver, UPI
UT – Darby Cottle Veazey, Keen Carpet Tomboys
UT – Anne Barlow, Sheriff’s Stars
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Key Ford Mustangs, Pensacola, FL (7-0)
2. Spooks, Anoka, MN (6-2)
3. WW Gay Rebels Jacksonville, FL (6-2)
4. UPI, Cookeville, TN (5-2)
5t. Bay Brats, Tampa, FL (5-2)
5t. Mr. Dario’s Pacers, York, PA (6-2)
7t. Tosti Raiders, Farmington Hills, MI (3-2)
7t. Atlanta Trumps, Atlanta, GA (4-2)
9t. R&R Concrete, Lexington, KY (4-2)
9t. Keen Carpet Tomboys, Tifton, GA (3-2)
9t. Sheriff’s Stars, Pensacola, FL (3-2)
9t. Bobby Gene’s Comets, Omaha, NE (4-2)
13t. Busch Whiz Kids, Belleville, IL (3-2)
13t. Star Precision, Mentor, OH (3-2)
13t. Olympic Sports, Seattle, WA (3-2)
13t. Holiday Hill, Mansfield, CT (2-2)
17t. Tuffies, Farmington Hills, MI (2-2)
17t. Illusion/Chance, Houston, TX (2-2)
17t. Tele Power Services, Muncie, IN (2-2)
17t. State Farm Insurance, Mansfield, LA (3-2)
17t. All Pro Line Inc., Brookpark, OH (1-2)
17t. Lakerettes, Conneaut Lake, PA (2-2)
17t. Macon Chargers, Macon, GA 1-2
17t. Zanderettes, Apopka, FL (2-2)
25t. Kwik-Way Roadrunners, Charlotte, NC (2-2)
25t. McBride’s, Champaign, IL (1-2)
25t. Ozark Express, Springfield, MS (1-2)
25t. Cobra Trucking, Pearl, MS (1-2)
25t. Three Brothers, Milford, CT (1-2)
25t. Brentwood Center, Springfield, MO (1-2)
25t. Turner Express, Youngtown, OH (1-2)
25t. Sports Page, Ames, IA (1-2)
33t. Little Falls Stingers, Little Falls, MN (0-2)
33t. Jack Daniel Chapter Debs, Pittsburgh, PA (0-2)
33t. Mid America, Detroit, MI (0-2)
33t. Arkansas Naturals, Little Rock, AR (0-2)
33t. Cannan’s Flames, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
33t. Spencer Water Filters, Shreveport, LA (0-2)
33t. Kruse Furniture, Elida, OH (1-2)
33t. Andre’s, Medford, MA (0-2)
33t. Cannan’s Blazers, Bryan, TX (0-2)
33t. Joe’s Pharmacy, Montgomery, AL (0-2)
33t. McGlaughlin Oil, Columbus, OH (0-2)
33t. B+1 Sports, Tacoma, WA (0-2)
33t. Bud Light Spirits, Hooksett, NH (0-2)
49t. Dahco’s Wichita A’s, Derby, KS (0-2)
49t. Pacers, Moline, IL (0-2)