Category: 1981

1981 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held in Burlington, North Carolina.

Champion – Elite Coatings, Gordon, Georgia
Runner Up – Fred Weber/Merchants, St. Louis, Missouri

  • MVP – Ricky Huggins, Elite (25-40, .625, 8 HR, 20 RBI)
  • HR Leader – Cecil Whitehead, Elite – 10 (18-35, .514, 21 RBI)
  • Batting Leader – Jessie Walter, Cline Brothers – .810 (17-21, 9 RBI)

Elite won 16-14 and 16-10. Ron Knight and Greg Smith hit 3-run homers and Ricky Huggins also homered in the first win. Then Huggins came through with a home run and two triples in the final to clinch the title.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Pat Nolan, Fred Weber Merchants (16-26, .615, 6 RBI, 3 Runs)
C – Ed Jones, Elite Coatings (20-31, .645, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
C – Bob Narlock, Lilly Air Merchants (11-14, .786, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
1B – Gary Haas, Cline Brothers Roofing (13-21, .619, 2 RBI, 7 Runs)
2B – Jerry Hopkins, Morgan Boots (15-24, .625, 4 RBI, 9 Runs)
3B – Ricky Huggins, Elite Coatings (25-40, .625, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 18 Runs)
SS – Paul Wright, Elite Coatings (27-42, .643, 6 RBI, 18 Runs)
OF – Jesse Walter, Cline Brothers (17-21, .810, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Don Clatterbough, Bradley’s (12-15, .800, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
OF – Dave Meyer, Fred Weber Merchants (18-26, .692, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 17 Runs)
OF – Cecil Whitehead, Elite Coatings (18-35, .514, 10 HR, 21 RBI, 13 Runs)
UT – Rodney Nieman, Bayout Oilfield Rentals (14-24, .583, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 12 Runs)
UT – Paul Riess, Fred Weber Merchants (18-29, .552, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 12 Runs)
UT – Ron Smith, Morgan Boots (13-21, .619, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Donnie Maness, Fabmasters (18-29, .621, 7 RBI, 14 Runs)
P – Kenneth Carlton, Green Machine (11-18, .611, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 6 Runs)
1B – Clyde Zachery, Elite Coatings (19-27, .514, 3 RBI, 11 Runs)
2B – George Wade, Fred Weber Merchants (14-30, .467, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
3B – Tom Chmela, Lilly Air Systems (15-23, .652, 3 RBI, 14 Runs)
SS – Mike Foote, Sims NY Life (12-19, .632, 4 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Jay Lehman, Cline Brothers (11-21, .524, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
OF – Mike Lorden, Sunrise Budweiser (11-18, .611, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
OF – Don Knight, Elite Coatings (19-34, .559, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Leslie Picard, Bayou Oil Field Rentals (8-17, .471, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs)
UT – Ted Larson, Shimers (14-23, .609, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
UT – Jake Jacobi, Lilly Air Systems (15-23, .652, 7 RBI, 9 Runs)
UT – Tim Elridge, Shimers (18-29, .621, 8 RBI, 10 Runs)
UT – Mike Lewis, Bayou Oil Field Rentals (11-23, .478, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 5 Runs)

OTHERS

Ray Fleetwood, Green Machine (12-19, .632, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 12 Runs)
Larry Franklin, Hadens (9-15, .600, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
Mike Jacobs, Green Machine (14-24, .583, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 13 Runs)
Dennis Myers, Shimers (13-25, .520, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 10 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (8-1)
2. Fred Weber Merchants, St. Louis, MO (5-2)
3. Bayou Oilfield Rentals, New Iberia, LA (4-2)
4. Morgan Boots, Dallas, TX (4-2)
5t. Cline Bros. Roofing, Archbold, OH (5-2)
5t. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (4-2)
7t. Fab Masters, Lexington, NC (5-2)
7t. Shimer’s, Minneapolis, MN (5-2)
9t. Frank Cannizzaro Const., Modesto, CA (2-2)
9t. Green Machine, Starke, FL (4-2)
9t. D-Bar-G Ranch, Renton, WA (2-2)
9t. Chisholm Spt. Goods, Malden, MA (2-2)
13t. Sunrise Budweiser, Las Vegas, NV (3-2)
13t. Bradley’s, Mechanicsville, VA (2-2)
13t. Sim’s N.Y. Life, Akron, OH (3-2)
13t. Pierson & Assoc., Houston, TX (2-2)
17t. North Central BJ’s, Waterloo, IA (1-2)
17t. SW Industries, Taylor, MI (1-2)
17t. Mr. Bob’s, Crystal, MN (2-2)
17t. Haden’s, Springfield, MO (2-2)
17t. Unique Cleaners, Alcoa, TN (1-2)
17t. Frierson’s Building Supply, Jackson, MS (1-2)
17t. Gartenhaus Cafe, Plainville, CT (1-2)
17t. Bob Hoffman Blue, York, PA (1-2)
25t. Sports Line, Mt. Kisco, NY (0-2)
25t. Volk & Son, Turlock, CA (0-2)
25t. Smokey’s, Detroit, MI (1-2)
25t. Erieside Elect., Willoughby, OH (1-2)
25t. Sure Shine, Santa Clara, CA (1-2)
25t. American Fitness Center, Jacksonville, FL (0-2)
25t. Valley House, Batesville, IN (0-2)
25t. O.J. Shoemaker, South Bend, IN (0-2)
33t. Hillcrest Tavern, Cleveland, OH (0-2)
33t. Ruth Realty, Kent, WA (0-2)
33t. Last Chance Restaurant, Richmond, VA (0-2)
33t. Pit Stop, Zion, IL (0-2)
33t. Goodrich, Midland, TX (0-2)

1981 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held in Memphis, Tennessee.

Champion – Ray Sears & Son, Gambrills, MD (91-14)
Runner Up – U.S. Armed Forces, Oxnard, CA

MVP – Mike Norman, Armed Forces
HR Leader – no info available
Batting Leader – Dean Marquardt, Corner Pocket UAF – .714

Ray Sears and Son from Gambrills. MD, parlayed superb defense and timely base hits to down the Armed Forces all-stars from Oxnard, CA, 15-12, Sept. 7 at the Rodney Baber complex to win the Amateur Softball Association of America Class A Slow Pitch national championship at Memphis, TN.

It was the first trip to the nationals for Sears, a well-conditioned, speedy outfit that took advantage of its opponents’ mistakes to breeze through the tournament undefeated. Sears went 6-0 in the nationals and wound up the year with a 91-14 record. Ironically, the team was the runner-up In the Central Atlantic Regional to gain a berth in the finals.

The Armed Forces team, made up of all-stars picked from the all-military tournament, gained its highest finish ever in a national tournament, but manager Mike Jones was not particularly pleased. “It was a great tournament, and I don’t want to take a thing away from Sears, they are the national champs, but I feel we were robbed by the umpiring in this game today,” he said. “There were a couple of calls that went against us that took our momentum away and I firmly believe we would have gone ahead in the fifth Inning if the calls hadn’t gone against us.”

Superb fielding by Sears nipped that rally, including a relay play in which an Armed Forces runner was thrown out at third before a run crossed the plate. It appeared that the runner had scored before the man was thrown out at third. Later, an Armed Forces runner was called out at first on a close play that cost another run and the crowd of an estimated 1,400 booed lustily.

Catcher Al Leightner and first basemen Larry Hall had 80 homers each for Sears coming into the national tournament, but the Maryland team relied mostly on team speed and pesky hitting to gain the championship. Sears specialized in winning close games.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS 

P – Dave Reed, Ride Motors
P – Robert Davis, Armed Forces
C – Al Leightner, Ray Sears & Son
C – Jerome Cross, Lumberman’s Mutual Insurance
1B – Larry Hall, Ray Sears & Son
2B – Jeff Kirk, Eastwood Tavern
3B – Leo Weitzel, Ride Motors
SS – Dean Marquardt, Corner Pocket UAF
OF – Fritz Drumm, Danny’s Drilling
OF – Mike Norman, Armed Forces
OF – Ronnie Herrin, Lufkin Raiders
OF – Cecil Norris, Lufkin Raiders
UT – Gurney Holley, Armed Forces
UT – Jack Rule, Western Sizzlin

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS 

P – Jay Newton, Ray Sears & Son
P – Don Cooper, Deep South Trophies
C – Meredith Scruggs, Western Sizzlin
C – Daryl Pitcock, Lufkin Raiders
1B – Tim Rhinehart, Western Sizzlin
2B – Jon Van Orden, Ray Sears & Son
3B – Dennis Worley, Goodman Redbirds
SS – Mack Green, Western Sizzlin
OF – Rick Wheeler, Goodman Redbirds
OF – Al Vincent Jr., East Homes
OF – Pete Mercer, Deep South Technologies
OF – Ed Tisdel, Lufkin Raiders
UT – Bob Morency, Ride Motors
UT – Bud Weathers, Lufkin Raiders

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Ray Sears & Son, Gambrills, MD (6-0)
2. U.S. Armed Forces, Oxnard, CA (5-2)
3. Western Sizzlin, Gastonia, NC (5-2)
4. Lufkin Raiders, Lufkin, TX (7-2)
5t. Goodman Redbirds, Los Angeles, CA (3-2)
5t. Ride Motors, Miami Shore, FL (6-2)
7t. Eastwood Tavern, Kalamazoo, MI (4-2)
7t. Danny’s Drilling, Newark, OH (5-2)
9t. Corner Pocket UAF, Missoula, MT (3-2)
9t. Ascor Steel Building, Willmar, MN (2-2)
9t. Brothers, Yonkers, NY (3-2)
9t. Pace Electronics, Fairport, NY (3-2)
13t. RT Hughes, Modesto, CA (2-2)
13t. Lumberman’s Mutual, Bellevue, OH (3-2)
13t. East Homes, Omaha, NE (3-2)
13t. Deep South Trophies, Bastrop, LA (2-2)
17t. George’s Mobil, Davis, CA (2-2)
17t. KC’s Pub, Minneapolis, MN (1-2)
17t. Houston Wreckers, Houston, TX (1-2)
17t. Sherrod Vans, Jacksonville, FL (1-2)
17t. Solcum Construction, Alexandria, LA (1-2)
17t. Independence Merchants, Independence, MO (1-2)
17t. Stark Pizza, Portland, OR (1-2)
17t. Brass Tomball, Spring TX (1-2)
25t. Williams Paint & Remodeling, Vinton, VA (1-2)
25t. Linn Corriher, Landis, NC (1-2)
25t. Conti Brothers, Johnston, RI (1-2)
25t. Straufler Realty, Warren, OH (1-2)
25t. Teresa Builders, Cleveland, OH (0-2)
25t. Grand Rapids Alloys, Wyoming, MI (0-2)
25t. Clark & Son, Rumford, RI (0-2)
25t. Chinook Resources, Douglas, WY (0-2)
33t. Monogram Industries, Seymour, IN (0-2)
33t. Nick Rack’s Sport Shack, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
33t. Annex Lounge, Warren, MI (0-2)
33t. Nick’s H&H Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
33t. Coca Cola Clubbers, Memphis, TX (0-2)
33t. Engle Printing, Gap, PA (0-2)
33t. Pat Clark/Chet’s Best Food, Las Vegas, NV (0-2)

1981 ASA Men’s Super Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held at City Park in Burlington, North Carolina on September 4-6.

Champion – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina (160-15)
Runner Up – Steele’s Sports, Lima, Ohio

Surprise team, B&S Construction from Rome, GA made it to the winners bracket final where they lost to Howard’s 30-10.

Steele’s Sports, already in the loser’s bracket, eliminated Jerry’s Caterers of Miami 31-16 and then eliminated B&S 11-6 in the loser’s bracket final to get a shot at Howard’s in the Championship.  The North Carolina club was just too strong as they beat Steele’s 30-13 in final, Scherr 4-4, 3 HR, 6 RBI in final.

Dick Bartel (5 hits, including a home run), Tom Beall (4 hits, including 2 HR) and Don Arndt (4 hits and 2 HR). Ed Roth and Bill Ferguson also hit dingers for Howard’s. Howard’s broke the game open with a big 13-run third inning as Rick Scherr hit 2 of his home runs in that inning. Scherr swept most of the awards, winning the MVP and Batting title. He also tied for the home run lead with teammate Don Arndt and Henry McBeth of Steele’s, all three had 8.

For the entire tournament, Howard’s players had some crazy numbers: Dick Bartel (15-19, .789, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs), Bill Ferguson (12-17, .706, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 9 Runs), Russell Bradley (13-21, .619, 5 RBI, 11 Runs) and Tom Beall (9-18, .500, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs).

For Steeles, Chic Downing (16-25, .640, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 14 Runs), Jerry King (13-21, .619, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 14 Runs), John Brenner (17-28, .607, 11 Runs), Al White (12-20, .600, 14 Runs). Rick Hollingsworth (14-17, .824) and Warren Scarborough (11-15, .733, 7 HR, 13 RBI) were the top 2 hitters for B&S. Harold Kelly and Mighty Joe Young were both 13-21 (.619) and combined for 13 HR and 24 RBI to lead Jerry’s. Bruce Meade chipped in with a (12-20, .600, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs) performance.

York Barbell/Ken Sanders was led by the trio of Craig Elliott (9-12, .750, 6 HR, 15 RBI), James Boyette (9-14, .643) and Mike Nye (10-16, .625). Howard’s team has been voted upon over the years to be one of the greatest teams of all time. They finished the season as the Triple Crown Champs, also winning the NSPC Regular Season and Playoff Championship and USSSA World Series Championships as well to finish the season 160-15.

  • MVP – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer
  • HR Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer – 8
  • HR Leader – Don Arndt, Howard’s/Western Steer – 8
  • HR Leader – Henry McBeth, Steele’s Sports – 8
  • Batting Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer – .842

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Don Arndt, Howard’s/Western Steer (11-18, .611, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 11 Runs)
C – Harold Kelley, Jerry’s Catering (13-21, .619, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 12 Runs)
1B – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer (16-19, .842, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 14 Runs)
2B – Jerry King, Steele’s Sports (13-21, .619, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 14 Runs)
3B – Bill Ferguson, Howard’s/Western Steer (12-17, .706, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
SS – Russell Bradley, Howard’s/Western Steer (13-21, .619, 5 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Dick Bartel, Howard’s/Western Steer (15-19, .789, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Henry McBeth, Steels’s Sports (14-21, .667, 8 HR, 12 RBI, 10 Runs)
OF – Chic Downing, Steele’s Sports (16-25, .640, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 15 Runs)
OF – Rick Hollingsworth, B&S Construction (14-17, .824, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 13 Runs)
UT – Mighty Joe Young, Jerry’s Catering (13-21, .619, 7 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)
UT – Craig Elliott, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (9-12, .750, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 9 Runs)
UT – Warren Scarborough, B&S Construction (11-15, .733, 7 HR, 13 RBI, 9 Runs)
UT – Al White, Steele’s Sports (12-20, .600, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 14 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Larry Garrard, Steele’s Sports (12-22, .545, 4 RBI, 2 Runs)
C – Herman Rathman, Steele’s Sports (9-19, .473, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
C – Ed Roth, Howard’s (7-14, .500, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 10 Runs)
1B – James Washington, Jerry’s Catering (10-21, .476, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
2B – James Boyett, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (9-14, .643, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
SS – John Brenner, Steele’s Sports (17-28, .607, 2 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Mike Nye, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (10-16, .625, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
OF – Tom Beall, Howard’s/Western Steer (9-18, .500, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs)
OF – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Catering (12-20, .600, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Denny Jones, Steele’s Sports (13-26, .500, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 10 Runs)
UT – Myles Schexnayder, Jerry’s Catering (9-19, .473, 5 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
UT – Buck Hall, B&S Construction (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
UT – Sidney Cooper, B&S Construction (7-16, .438, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 6 Runs)
UT – Curtis Williams, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (8-15, .533, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 Runs)

OTHERS

Mike Parrott, Jerry’s Caterers (10-20, .500, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 9 Runs)
Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers (9-20, .450, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 Runs)
Freddie Trice, Jerry’s Caterers (5-12, .417, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Ron Ford, Yor Barbell/Ken Sanders (7-17, .412, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
John Geckle, Steele’s Sports (10-25, .400, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-0)
2. Steele’s Sports, Lima, OH (4-2)
3. B&S Construction Company, Rome, GA (2-2)
4. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (3-2)
5t. York Barbell/Ken Sanders, York, PA (2-2)
5t. Skoal Bandits, Sherrills Ford, NC (1-2)
7t. Kelly’s, Waco, TX (1-2)
7t. Nationwide Advertising, Cleveland, OH (1-2)
9t. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (0-2)
9t. LeAlCo, Lebanon, TN (0-2)

1981 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Houston, Texas.

Champion – Orlando Rebels, Orlando, Florida (76-8)
Runner Up – Raybestos Brackettes, Stratford, Connecticut (66-5)

In the 1980s, there were more at-large Berths, plus national regional and qualifiers were starting to be held. This caused more teams to attend the nationals on a yearly basis. It was harder to determine who actually won their respected region and who was the at-large team and who got their due to a national qualifier, etc. From 1981 on, just the standings were listed.

Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels (led team to 2-1 win in final “if” game). In the bottom of the 7th inning, She broke up Kathy Arendsen’s perfect game with a clutch line drive single. A bunt, an intentional walk and a single by Jo Ann Ackerman to load the bases. The next batter hit a ground ball and the play at the plate was close, but the ball eluded Brakettes Catcher Doreen Denman as Richardson slid head first into home with the tying run. Shirley Burton then hit a high chopper that Brakettes second Baseman Allyson Rioux grabbed, but threw wide to the plate. Patty Pyle slid into home giving Rebels Manager Marge Ricker her first National title in 28 years of coaching.

Brakettes won 8 games only to lose the final “if” game to Orlando Rebels. Kathy Arendsen was 2-1 (25 IP) and only gave up 2 runs, the ones that Orlando scored in the bottom of the 7th to win the championship. She pitched the 1-0 no hitter in the first final, winning in the 10th inning on Diane Schumacher’s HR. Arendsen (2-1, 2 no hitters) pitched 17 innings and struck out 23 in the 2 games; Vickie Swanson (2-1) and Barbara Reinalda (4-0) were a combined 6-1 for the Brakettes. Arendsen, by the way has been 90-6 over the last 3 years and incredibly has struck out 1368 batters in 738 innings.

  • MVP – Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels
  • Home Run Leader – Sue Kragseth, Shimers – 2
  • Batting Leader – Patty Cutright, Macomb Magic – .391
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Lou Piel, Orlando Rebels
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Lou Piel, Orlando Rebels (5-1, lost first game, pitched 4 straight shutouts and pitched 2-1 final “if” game)
C – Marilyn Rau, Sun City Saints
C – Starleen Orullian, Utah Bees
1B – Lisa Clinchy, Sun City Saints
2B – Patty Pyle, Orlando Rebels
3B – Sue Kragseth, Shimers
SS – Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels
OF – Denette Stottlemyre, Hamilton Bears
OF – Sue Enquist, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Patty Cutright, Macomb Magic (9-23, .391)
OF – Barbara Garcia, Sun City Saints
UTIL – Mary Owen, Shimers

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Debbie Doom, Sun City Saints
P – Vickie Swanson, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Lori Stoll, Hamilton Bears
C – Doreen Denmon, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Val Strachan, Shimers
1B – Gail Scott, Macomb Magic
2B – Allyson Rioux, Raybestos Brakettes
3B – Marty Grzanich, Macomb Magic
SS – Wendy Hedberg, Macomb Magic
OF – Sue Lewis, Long Beach Renegades
OF – Melonie Kent, Utah Bees
OF – Snookie Mulder, Orlando Rebels
OF – Pat Stoffel, Macomb Magic
UTIL – Missy Mapes, Raybestos Brakettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orlando Rebels, Orlando, FL (6-1)
2. Raybestos Brackettes, Stratford, CT (8-2)
3. Sun City Saints, Sun City, AZ (3-2)
4. Macomb Magic, Macomb, MI (5-2)
5t. Renegades, Long Beach, CA (2-2)
5t. Bankettes, West Allis, WI (3-2)
7t. Coors, Springfield, MO (3-2)
7t. Shimers, Bloomington, MN (3-2)
9t. Salt Lakers, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2)
9t. Natural Light Comets, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Don Coburn, Ashland, OH (1-2)
9t. Lassies, Lansing, MI (1-2)
13t. Langhurst-Collins, Cedar Rapids, IA (1-2)
13t. Sunbirds, Buffalo, NY (1-2)
13t. Stealers, Yakima, WA (1-2)
13t. Patriettes, Allentown, PA (1-2)
17t. Bay Area Bandits, Sepulveda, CA (1-2)
17t. River City Gamblers, Memphis, TN (1-2)
17t. Spirits, Chattanooga, TN (1-2)
17t. Blazers, Sepulveda, CA (0-2)
17t. United Eagles, Conroe, TX (0-2)
17t. Stockman’s-Starman, Sioux City, SD (0-2)
17t. Topton VIPs, Topton, PA (0-2)
17t. Westfield Whips, Westfield, MA (0-2)

1981 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 11-19.

Champion – Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Decatur, Illinois
Runner Up – Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, Ohio

Dave Scott had to pitch 18 innings Saturday night before ADM found the right combination for a 1-0 victory over stubborn Faultless Rubber Company and the championship in the 49th ASA Major National Men’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament In Phil Welch Stadium.

Mike Fenton singled in Brian Rothrock in the top of the 11th for his first hit off Faultless pitching in three tournament battles between the two teams.

Scott, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player shortly after his sixth victory in St. Joseph this week, protected the only lead he enjoyed in the two championship round games with the Ohioans before 5,000 people in Welch.

The right-handed drop ball artist struck out 10 Faultless batters and unwed only two hits in the opening round at title play. The Ohioans won it 2-0, in seven innings because Scott’s first baseman Darryl Day threw to an open first base in the sixth inning.

Day’s error compounded a felony committed by Fenton in the first game as the ADM second baseman was nowhere near first when Tom Zappone hit a short shot between the mound and first Day speared the ball, turned to throw on what appeared to be no more than a routine play. However. Day let the ball go and it sailed across the foul line and near the dugout while Mike Glasser and Mike Van Dine sprinted home with what proved to be Faultless’ winning margin.

While Day’s error gave Faultless the winning margin in the first championship round game. Scott was partially responsible since be put Glaser on when he hit the Ohio outfielder with a pitch and issued a walk to Van Dine.

Until that point, Faultless had only two base runners against Scott, Dick Riley, hit by a pitch in the second and Zappone’s single in the fourth. Scott struck out 10 and issued but two hits to the opener.

Meanwhile, Hank Miller, sling-shot spinner for Faultless, scattered four hits and survived four walks en route to the victory Decatur left eight men standing around in the first game Saturday night as Day and Ted Hicks singled in the first. Denny Place singled in the third and Day singled in the sixth. Scott struck out 10 and looked in good form, Miller labored and struck out four. However, the right hander notched his fourth win against no losses.

Scott and Miller waited around while their teams prepared for a second title game. with the same batteries Miller looked good early but Scott looked strong later Decatur collected a single from Rothrock in the third and Day and Hicks singled in the fourth with only one away. That was the last real Decatur threat until Rothrock led off the top of the 11th with a bunt single Mark Crawford sacrificed Rothrock to second. Following Buster Chumbley’s ground out to third. Fenton laced a Miller service into left for the winning run.

Faultless threatened in the fourth when Van Dime drew a leadoff walk but remained there as Scott retired Zappone and Messer as taps to the infield and struck out Dick Riley.

When Fenton delivered the game-winning blow it marked his first in 11 appearances against Faultless, beginning back when the Ohioans were in the semifinals Fenton had five hits in 22 trips in the tournament, but the fifth one won a championship for the team which was the choice of many to do just that before the tournament got under way on Friday night, September 11.

ADM hit with authority in the early games but used opponents’ errors and Scopitt’s pitching to pull through the second half of the competition.

Rothrock led off the bottom of the 11th with a single and stole second before Crawford and Buster Cumbley lined out to the infield. That left Fenton, a 5-for-22 hitter in this tournament, between ADM and its opponent.

61-year-old Herb Dudley, Clearwater Bombers was named to the first team All-America team as a relief pitcher as he recorded 2 saves (3 IP, 2 K) and became the oldest pitcher to ever pitch in an ASA National. He saved the Bombers 4-2 victory coming in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and giving up a ground ball and then struck out the last batter. Then against last year’s champ, he came in with his team leading 3-2 in the 6th inning, 2 runners on base and no outs, he retired three men in a row and then in the 7th inning, did the same to preserve the win.

  • MVP – Dave Scott, ADM
  • Batting Leader – Steve Moore, Reading Sunners – .400
  • Batting Leader – Leon Wood, Clearwater Bombers – .400
  • Home Run Leader – Jeff Seip, Reading Sunners – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Jim Messmer, Ashland – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Charles Blakley, Walnut Products – 2
  • Most Outstanding Pitcher Award – Dave Scott, ADM

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tim Reynolds, Walnut Products
P – Hank Miller, Faultless Rubber Company (4-1)
P – Dave Scott, Decatur ADM (6-1, 76 K, 51 IP, 3 ER, struck out 20 batters in ADM’s 1-0 11inning championship game win)
RP – Herb Dudley, Clearwater Bombers
C – Mark Crawford, Decatur ADM
C – Chip Kunnen, Clearwater Bombers
1B – Darryl Day, Decatur ADM
2B – Mike Fenton, Decatur ADM
3B – Steve Moore, Billard (8-20, HR, 5 RBI)
SS – Leon Wood, Clearwater Bombers (8-20)
OF – Ray Truluck, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Alan Rohrback, Lakewood Jets
OF – Mike Nevin, Guanella Brothers
OF – Bob Miller, Peterbilt
UT – Jim Messner, Faultless Rubber Company

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Chuck D’Arcy, Guanella Brothers
P – Vaughn Alvey, Miller Toyota
P – Ty Stofflet, Billard (4-1, 2 shutouts, Perfect Game, 41 IP, 69 K) His ASA National record now stands at 32-7.
C – Jim Marsh, Guanella Brothers
C – Mike Van Dyne, Faultless Rubber Company
1B – Bob Aquilar, Lakewood Jets
2B – David Grimes, Clearwater Bombers
3B – Ted Hicks, Decatur ADM
SS – Vin Sausa, Solomon’s Sports Shop
OF – Charles Blakely, Walnut Products
OF – Rick Riley, Lakewood Jets
OF – Mark Burris, Decatur ADM
OF – Pete Zoppi, Franklin Cardinals
UT – Jeff Seip, Billard (5-14, .357, 3B, 7 BB)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Decatur ADM, Decatur, IL (6-1) (Midwest)
2. Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, OH (5-2) (Great Lakes)
3. Billard, Reading, PA (4-2) (Central Atlantic)
4. Walnut Products, St. Joseph, MO (4-2) (Host)
5t. Guanella Brothers, Santa Rosa, CA (3-2) (Pacific Coast)
5t. Franklin Cardinals, Stratford, CT (4-2) (New England)
7t. Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2) (Rocky Mountain-Alpine)
7t. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (4-2) (Southern)
9t. Jets, Lakewood, CA (3-2) (Pacific Coast-At Large)
9t. Peterbilt, Seattle, WA (2-2) (Northwestern)
9t. S.S.A., Phoenix, AZ (1-2) (Rocky Mountain-Cactus)
9t. Modern Piping, Cedar Rapids, IA (2-2) (Mid America)
13t. O’Byrne Electric, Springfield, MO (1-2) (Mid America-At Large)
13t. Solomon’s Sports Shop, Elizabeth, NJ (2-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
13t. Plangger Furniture, Benton Harbor, MI (0-2) (Great Lakes-At Large)
13t. Yakima Pepsi Bears, Yakima, WA (0-2) (Northwestern-At Large)
17t. James Gang, St. James, MN (0-2) (Northern)
17t. M.K. Fuels, Baton Rouge, LA (0-2) (Southwestern)
17t. Ohio Caverns, West Liberty, OH (1-2) (East Central)
17t. Saginaw Bolters, Saginaw, MI (0-2) (Great Lakes-At Large)
17t. Odessa Merchants, Odessa, TX (0-2) (Texas)
17t. Chameleons, Lancaster, CA (0-2) (Pacific Coast-At Large)

NOTES

Poyner’s, Portales, NM went in place went in place of Rocky Mountain-Cactus Champ – Reno Toyota, Reno, NV, who could not attend.

1981 Women’s College World Series (AIAW)

1981 held at Reaves Park in Norman, Oklahoma on May 21-24.

Champion – Utah State Aggies (34-12)
Runner Up – Cal State Fullerton

Yo Arvizu’s defensive play in the top of the seventh killed a California State-Fullerton rally and gave Utah State a 4-3 win in the finals of the AIAW Division I Women’s College World Series in Norman, Oklahoma on Sunday.

With runners on first and third and no outs, Arvizu fielded a ground ball and tagged a runner going to second. She then tossed the ball to first for the double play. One run was scored on the play.

The Aggies scored what proved to be the winning run in the fourth when Janet Lelsing reached second on a throwing error by Cal-Fullerton third baseman Jan Tierrini and scored on a double by Jackie Weigand.

The Bears rallied for one run in the seventh to make the final margin 4-3.

Cal-Fullerton forced the second game with a 6-1 win over Utah State on Sunday afternoon. The Titans had moved into the finals with a 5-4 win over UCLA on Sunday morning.

  • MVP – N/A
  • Leading Hitter – Sue Lewis, Cal-State Fullerton (14-22, .636, 3 HR)
  • HR Champion – Sue Lewis, Cal-State Fullerton – 3

1981 ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

N/A

SCORES

  1. Oklahoma 1 New Mexico 0
  2. California 3 Illinois State 0
  3. Western Michigan 2 Creighton 0
  4. Cal St-Fullerton 7 New Mexico State 6
  5. Utah State 2 Texas A&M 1
  6. UCLA 3 South Carolina 0
  7. Missouri 3 Rutgers 0
  8. Oklahoma State 5 Michigan State 1
  9. New Mexico 1 Illinois State 0 (Illinois State eliminated)
  10. Creighton 4 New Mexico State 2 (New Mexico State eliminated)
  11. Texas A&M 4 South Carolina 0 (South Carolina eliminated)
  12. Michigan State 6 Rutgers 2 (Rutgers eliminated)
  13. California 4 Oklahoma 1
  14. Cal St-Fullerton 2 Western Michigan 0
  15. Utah State 1 UCLA 0
  16. Missouri 5 Oklahoma State 1
  17. Michigan State 8 Oklahoma 1 (Oklahoma eliminated)
  18. Texas A&M 1 Western Michigan 0 (Western Michigan eliminated)
  19. UCLA 2 Creighton 1 (Creighton eliminated)
  20. Oklahoma State 5 New Mexico 2 (New Mexico eliminated)
  21. Cal St-Fullerton 1 California 0
  22. Utah State 4 Missouri 2
  23. UCLA 5 Oklahoma State 0 (Oklahoma State eliminated)
  24. Texas A&M 3 Michigan State 2 (Michigan State eliminated)
  25. UCLA 2 California 0 (California eliminated)
  26. Texas A&M 1 Missouri 0 (Missouri eliminated)
  27. Utah State 2 Cal St-Fullerton 0
  28. UCLA 1 Texas A&M 0 (Texas A&M eliminated)
  29. Cal St-Fullerton 5 UCLA 4 (UCLA eliminated)
  30. Cal St-Fullerton 6 Utah State 1
  31. Utah State 4 Cal St-Fullerton 3 (Cal State-Fullerton eliminated)

FINAL STANDINGS

1 Utah State Aggies (5-1)
2 Cal St-Fullerton Titans (5-2)
3 UCLA Bruins (5-2)
4 Texas A&M Aggies (4-2)
5t. California Bears (2-2)
5t. Michigan State Spartans (2-2)
7t. Oklahoma State Cowgirls (2-2)
7t. Missouri Tigers (2-2)
9t. Oklahoma Sooners (1-2)
9t. Western Michigan Broncos (1-2)
9t. New Mexico Aggies (1-2)
9t. Creighton Blue Jays (1-2)
13t. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-2)
13t. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-2)
13t. New Mexico State Aggies (0-2)
13t. Illinois State Redbirds (0-2)

1981 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Austin, Minnesota.

Champion: Tifton Tomboys, Tifton, Georgia
Runner Up: Spooks, Anoka, Minnesota

After winning four ASA Youth National Championships, the Tifton Tomboys moved up to the Women’s Major Division and proceeded to go undefeated (6-0) to capture the Championship. The Tomboys defeated the Spooks 5-2 in the title game.

Darby Cottle made some incredible defensive plays from her shortstop position and also had a run scoring double in the third inning to break a 1-1 tie and give the Tomboys the lead for good.

  • MVP – Darby Cottle, Tifton Tomboys (also named USA Amateur Athlete of the Year for Women’s Slow Pitch)
  • Batting Leader – Debbie Bregler, PDS Sunshriners (10-19) – .526
  • Home Run Leader – Leann Harrell, Tifton Tomboys – 3

FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Gayle Dowler, Tifton Tomboys
P – Nancy Garbett, Spooks
C – Terry Lancaster, Tifton Tomboys
C – Kate Yerick, JAE Awards
1B – Debbie Bregler, PDS Sunshiners
2B – Janice Crumpley, O’Byrne Electric
3B – Shelly Johnson, Spooks
SS – Darby Cottle, Tifton Tomboys
OF – Linda Garbett, Spooks
OF – Cindy Gross, York Barbellettes
OF – Sue Manaham, Stompers
OF – Charlotte Cates, Tifton Tomboys
UT – Carol Bemis, Spooks
UT – Anita Epperly, Sorrento’s Pizza

SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Patty Gliniani, Spooks
P – Cricket Olafson, PDS Sunshiners
C – Venus Ross, PDS Sunshiners
C – Brenda White, GB Wilcher
1B – Barbara Nick, Agora DBA
2B – Kelly Tillman, Tifton Tomboys
3B – Kathy Stilwell, PDS Sunshiners
SS – Judy Knight, Spooks
OF – Teresa Held, Spooks
OF – Sandy Karlsson, JAE Awards
OF – Barbara Murray, Tifton Tomboys
OF – Martha Kidd, Sorrento’s Pizza
UT – Francis Kiski, Getz
UT – Paula Fay, Fraley’s Wildcats

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Tifton Tomboys, Tifton, GA (6-0)
2. Anoka Spooks, Anoka, MN (8-2)
3. PDS Sunshiners, Jacksonville, FL (5-2)
4. Sorrento’s Pizza, Cincinnati, OH (4-2)
5t. Getz, Atlanta, GA (4-2)
5t. Stompers, Richmond, VA (7-2)
7t. G.B. Wilcher, Franklin, IN (4-2)
7t. Barbellettes, York, PA (3-2)
9t. O’Byrne Eloctric, Springfield, MO (3-2)
9t. Fraley’s Wildcats, Lexington, KY (3-2)
9t. County Sports Mice, Long Island, NY (2-2)
9t. Redwood Saloon, New Bedford, MA (3-2)
13t. California Conspiracy, Sacramento, CA (2-2)
13t. Sherwood Construction, Wichita, KS (2-2)
13t. JAE Awards, Seattle, WA (3-2)
13t. Agora, Youngstown, OH (2-2)
17t. Tom’s Drive-In, Broussard, LA (3-2)
17t. Spirit of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (1-2)
17t. More, More, More, Anaheim, CA (2-2)
17t. Twin Shield Aces, Dunkirk, MD (1-2)
17t. Detlefson Insurance, Burnsville, MN (1-2)
17t. B&I Sports, Tacoma, WA (1-2)
17t. M&M Dabs, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
17t. Steamers, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
25t. A&E Sales, Corpus Christi, TX (0-2)
25t. Gaslight, Kansas City, KS – MO (1-2)
25t. Falcons, Dallas, TX (0-2)
25t. Belles, Billingham, WA (0-2)
25t. A’s, Waco, TX (0-2)
25t. Forry Cap, Parma, OH (1-2)
25t. Damn Yankees, Denver, CO (0-2)
25t. Zephyrs, Satellite Beach, FL (0-2)
33t. Lenny’s, Lynn, MA (0-2)
33t. Village Pump, Austin, MN (0-2)
33t. Rubi-Otts, Graham, NC (0-2)
33t. KF Industries Ramblers, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
33t. Monroe Trophies, Monroe, MI (0-2)
33t. McComb All Sports, Detroit, MI (1-2)