Category: 1988

1988 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1988 held at Garland, Texas.

Champion – Empress Chili, Cincinnati, Ohio (74-23)
Runner Up – County Sports Mice, Levittown, NY

This is also the third straight year that Empress has won the World Series. No team has ever done that before. They won 5 straight games to clinch the title. Four of the games, they won pretty easily, their quarterfinal match against Steele’s Sports was their toughest game as they had to come from behind twice to win 9-8. Pam Patrus was the MVP as she went 14 for 19 (.737 average) and also pitched and won all five games. Including the final game against the County Sports Mice of Long Island. That score was 10-1.

  • MVP – Pam Patrus, Empress Chili (14-19, 737, plus 5-0 pitching)
  • Batting Leader – Debbie Brajevich, County Sports Mice (16-21) – .761
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Defensive MVP – Rita Rodriguez, County Sports Mice
  • Offensive MVP – Debbie Brajevich, County Sports Mice (16-21) – .761

1988 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Pam Patrus, Empress Chili
P – Gail Wasmus, County Sports
C – Jan Deters, Empress Chili
1B – Ann Heider, Huntel Systems/TMI
2B – Marti Bronikowski, Bandit Messengers
2B – Debbie Brajevich, County Sports
2B – Sharon Graham, Empress Chili
3B – Leslie Kanter, Steele’s Sports
3B – Jenny Johnson, Empress Chili
3B – Rita Rodrigues, County Sports
SS – Sue Kozoil, Steele’s
SS – Joann VanVliet, Mrs A’s Express
SS – Lisa Stellato, County Sports
OF – Karen Heeney, Huntel Systems/TMI
OF – Jill Goldberg, Yankees
OF – Allison Cole, Steele’s
OF -Sharon Veltre, County Sports
OF – Tina May, Empress Chili
OF – Rhonda Adams, Empress Chili
Manager – Gloria Hill, Empress Chili

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Empress Chili, Cincinnati, OH
2. County Sports Mice, Levittown, NY
3. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH
4. Huntel Systems/TMI, Blair, NE

1988 ASA Men’s B Slow Pitch Nationals

1988 held in Birmingham, Alabama on September 22-25.

Champion – Tri-Gem Builders, Cedar Brook, New Jersey
Runner Up – Morgan Construction, Austin, Texas

  • MVP – Charles Birtch, Tri-Gem Builders
  • HR Leader – Bob Bryant, Tri-Gem Builders – 9
  • Batting Leader – N/A

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Brant Schanberger – KV Sports (.571, 13 RBI and 6-2 pitching)
C – Tim Winters, KV Sports (.548)
1B – John DiLaurenitis, Tri-Gem Builders
SS – Gary Hartman, Tri-Gem Builders
OF – Chris Hunger, Tri-Gem Builders
OF – Brian White, KV Sports (.667, 3 HR, 17 RBI)
OF – Bill Corosec, Tri-Gem Builders
UT – Jose Colon, Tri-Gem Builders

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

2B – Randy Cole, KV Sports (.700)
OF – Barry Griffith, KV Sports (.593, 4 HR, 16 RBI)
OF – Steve Helewicz, KV Sports (.606, 7 HR, 26 RBI)

OTHERS

Doug Kissane, BMF (.630)
Bill Fishman, BMF (.760)
Bill Cressman, BMF (.609)
Bob Wright, BMF (.550)
Bob Williams, BMF (.500)

FINAL STANDINGS – Incomplete

1. Tri-Gem Builders, Cedar Brook, NJ (7-0)
2. Morgan Construction, Austin, TX
3. KV Sports, Baltimore, MD (6-2)
4. Smokey’s/Mr. T’s, Vancouver, WA (6-2)
5t. BMF, Pleasantville, NJ
5t. Jollies Place, Washington D.C.,

72 teams participated in ASA B Nationals. Other teams include Rolling Concrete (Miami, FL), Cincinnati Ramrods (Cincinnati, OH), Factory Connection (Montgomery, AL), McMahon’s (Annapolis, MD), Woodland Nissan (Sacramento, CA)

1988 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1988 held at Gadsden Softball Complex in Gadsden, Alabama.

Champion – Bell Corp/FAF, Tampa, Florida
Runner Up – Starpath, Monticello, Kentucky

  • MVP – Mike Ambers, Bell/FAF
  • HR Leader – Scott Jones, Starpath – 14
  • Batting Leader – Curtis Williams, Howard’s/Western Steer – .880

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Dave Elder, Starpath
C – Dave Allen, Starpath
1B – Mark Hierlmeir, Bell Corp/FAF (16-24, .667, 13 HR)
2B – Doug Flynn, Starpath
3B – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer
SS – Manny Maldonado, Bell Corp/FAF
OF – Curtis Williams, Howard’s/Western Steer
OF – Greg Miller, Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage
OF – Jeff Stampa, Superior
OF – Cody Wyatt, Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage
EP – Roger Witt, Starpath
UT – Greg Fuhrman, Superior
UT – Mark Martin, Bell Corp/FAF
UT – Scott Jones, Starpath
UT – Mike Ambers, Bell Corp/FAF

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Kenny Carver, Lighthouse
C – Ed Berg, Superior
1B – Mike Bolen, Howard’s/Western Steer
2B – Rick Hollingsworth, Lighthouse
3B – Kevin Kirkwood, Simcoe
SS – Tim Fuller, Lighthouse
OF – Andy Sanzaro, Superior
OF – David Randolph, New Construction
OF – Richard Wilborn, Broken Drum
OF – Lyndon Scroggins, Simcoe
EP – Don Clatterbaugh, Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage
UT – Danny Griffin, Howard’s/Western Steer
UT – Baxter Burris, Howard’s/Western Steer
UT – Bubba Defer, Parker Breland

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Bell Corp/FAF, Tampa FL (5-0)
2. Starpath, Monticello, KY (8-2)
3. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (4-2)
4. Superior, Windsor Locks, CT (5-2)
5t. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-2)
5t. Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage, Fayetteville, NC (3-2)
7t. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (3-2)
7t. Simcoe, Arley, AL (3-2)
9t. Broken Drum Insulation, Northridge, CA (4-2)
9t. Mazzio’s Pizza, Springfield, MO (3-2)
9t. Rollin’ Rebel Express, Oxford, AL (3-2)
9t. Sports Hero’s, Eagan, MN (2-2)
13t. Kansas MW Grain Products, Atchison, KS (3-2)
13t. Murphy’s, Reynoldsville, OH (2-2)
13t. Parker Breland, Brandon, MS (2-2)
13t. Ranchers, Sugarland, TX (2-2)
17t. Don’s Backhoe, Montgomery, AL (1-2)
17t. New Hampshire Steel, Statham, NH (1-2)
17t. Non-Ferrous Metals, Garfield Heights, OH (1-2)
17t. North Central BJ’s, Waterloo, IA (1-2)
17t. Romeo’s, Birmingham, AL (1-2)
17t. Stallions, Mauldin, SC (1-2)
17t. St. Louis Merchants, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
17t. Taxi, Collinsville, AL (1-2)
25t. Moulton Furniture, Moulton, AL (0-2)
25t. Coors/Atkins Merchants, Columbus, MO (0-2)
25t. Quincy Busch, Quincy, IL (0-2)
25t. Big Daddy’s, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
25t. Cleveland County Hospital, Harrison, TN (0-2)
25t. Kohlers-WC & Co., Alton, IL (0-2)
25t. Norman Trucking/Andalusia Co-Op, Andalusia, AL (0-2)
25t. Ohio Sealants, Mayfield, OH (0-2)
33t. Upsetters, Fairburn, OH (0-2)
33t. Waltrip Real Estate, Jacksonville, IL (0-2)

1988 ISA Men’s A Slow Pitch World Series

1988 held at Marietta, Georgia.

Champion – Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, Georgia
Runner Up – Dickie’s, Ashville, North Carolina

  • MVP – Rick Hollingsworth, Lighthouse (17-21, .810, 4 HR)
  • Batting Leader – Rick Hollingsworth, Lighthouse – .810
  • HR Leader – Silvin Little, Lighthouse – 8
  • Defensive MVP – Chip Sheffield, Lighthouse

ISA A ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Rick Hollingsworth, Lighthouse (17-21, .810, 4 HR)
  • Sylvin Little, Lighthouse (8 HR)
  • Bill Gatti, Lighthouse (7 HR)
  • Danny Holder, Lighthouse (.700, 6 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS – 77 teams total

1. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (5-0) won final over Dickies 31-15
2. Dickie’s, Ashville, NC
3. Vernons, Jacksonville, FL
4. Glass, Hammond, IN

Other teams entered.

Drew’s/Big T, Macon, GA
Rebels, Kissimmee, FL
Semco, Bartow, FL

1988 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1988 held at Pekin, Illinois.

Champion – Hi-Ho Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (79-4)
Runner Up – Orange County Majestics, Orange, California (54-12)

A youngster by the name of Lisa Fernandez was called upon to pitch for the Orange County Majestics and she came through and defeated Downers Grove 3-1 in her first ASA National Championship game. She had to come in once again in the championship game when Michele Granger suffered an injury to her finger making her unable to pitch. Fernandez pitched a 3-hitter, but surrendered 2 runs in the 6th inning when the Brakettes took the league. The Majestics scored one run in the top of the 7th, but came up short. Fernandez was 1-1 in the tournament. 29 of the scheduled 44 games were shutouts.

Kathy Arendsen pitched the complete game final winning 2-1 and striking out 9. She gave up just 1 hit. Liz O’Connor of the Brackettes had a run scoring double that provided the margin of victory.

Michele Granger won the Bertha Tickey Award for the third straight year. Her stats for the last 3 years National Championships are 13-2 record, with 11 shutouts and in 116 Innings pitched, she has struck out an amazing 241 batters.

  • MVP – Michele Granger, Orange County Majestics
  • HR Leader – Janice Parks, Orange County Majestics – 2
  • Batting Leader – Gina Vecchione, Hi-Ho Brakettes – .444
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Michele Granger, Majestics
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Julie Standering, California SSK Invasion

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michele Granger, Orange County Majestics (6-0, 6 shutouts, 99 K, 44 IP, had streaks of 16 and 18 straight K, 2 no hitters, perfect game)(Pitched 1-0, 16-inn, 25 K game to force ‘if’ game, also had 20 K in a 7 inning game) – struck out 99 of the 159 batters she faced.
P – Lori Vogel, Downers Grove Dolls
P – Margie Wright, Pekin Lettes
C – Linda Wells, Pekin Lettes
C – LeaAnn Jarvis, Raybestos Brakettes
1B – Sheila Cornell Douty, Raybestos Brakettes
2B – Pam Newton, California SSK Invasion
3B – Lisa Baker, Los Angeles Diamonds
SS – Dot Richardson, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Jodi Rathbun, East Peoria Avanti’s
OF – Barbara Jordan, California SSK Invasion
OF – Gina Vecchione, Raybestos Brakettes (8-18, .444)
OF – Chenita Rogers, California SSK Invasion
DP – Cathy Hall, Redding Rebels
UTIL – Pat Dufficy, Raybestos Brakettes

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lisa Longaker, Orange County Majestics
P – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes (pitched a 2-1 one-hitter in championship game, striking out 9)
P – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Suzy Brazney, Orange County Majestics
C – Deb Hartwig, Fifty One Fifty
1B – Debbie Langevain, California SSK Invasion
2B – Allyson Rioux, Raybestos Brakettes
3B – Janice Parks, Orange County Majestics
SS – Julie Standering, California SSK Invasion
OF – Julie Folliard, Downers Grove Dolls
OF – Emmy Lagolagi, Fifty One Fifty
OF – Suzie Gaw, Orange County Majestics
OF – Kris Peterson, Raybestos Brakettes
DP – Stacy Sunny, Raybestos Brakettes
UTIL – Allison Stowell, Los Angeles Diamonds

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tracy Compton, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Kathy VanWyk, Los Angeles Diamonds
P – Becky Duffin, Jefferson City Classics
C – Sherri Lamar, Phoenix Sunbirds
C – Meg Haller, Downers Grove Dolls
1B – Sandy Winchester, Los Angeles Diamonds
2B – Karen Fellenz, Phoenix Sunbirds
3B – Cindy Cooper, Redding Rebels
SS – Pat Stoffel, Jefferson City Classics
OF – Cheryl Forgason, Pekin Lettes
OF – Karen Fifield, Redding Rebels
OF – Terry Oberg, Los Angeles Diamonds
OF – Ndidi Opia, Redding Rebels
DP – Michelle Gromacki, Los Angeles Diamonds
UTIL – Tammy Delp, Fifty One Fifty

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Hi-Ho Brakettes, Stratford, CT (6-0)
2. Orange County Majestics, Orange, CA (7-2)
3. California SSK Invasion, West Covina, CA (4-2)
4. Downers Grove Dolls, Downers Grove, IL (4-2)
5t. Los Angeles Diamonds, Los Angeles, CA (4-2)
5t. Redding Rebels, Redding, CA (3-2)
7t. Classics, Jefferson City, MO (3-2)
7t. Pekin-Lettes, Pekin, IL (3-2)
9t. Twin City Jammers, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
9t. 5150 Mission Viejo, Mission Viego, CA (2-2)
9t. East Peoria Avantis, East Peoria, IL (2-2)
9t. Phoenix Sunbirds, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
13t. Souderton Clippers, Souderton, PA (1-2)
13t. Bartlesville Caps, Bartlesville, OK (1-2)
13t. Celina Suns, Celina, OH (1-2)
13t. St. Charles Power, St. Charles, IL (1-2)
17t. Davenport Angels, Davenport, IA (0-2)
17t. Michigan Cruise, Ann Arbor, MI (0-2)
17t. Blazers, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
17t. Ree-Gals, NJ (0-2)
17t. Vienna Fastpitch, Vienna, VA (0-2)
17t. Bloomington Hearts, Bloomington, IL (0-2)
17t. Coronets, West Haven, CT (0-2)
17t. Decatur Rockets, Decatur, IL (0-2)

L-R, top row- Coach Andy Van Etten, Gina Vecchione, Dot Richardson, Karen Walker, Lea Ann Jarvis, Donna McLean, Allyson Rioux, Doreen Denmon, bat boy Josh, Manager Ralph Raymond bottom row- Kris Peterson, Tracy Compton, Pat Dufficy, Barbara Reinalda, Kathy Arendsen, Sheila Cornell, Liz O’Conner, Stacy Sunny

1988 ISA Men’s Super Slow Pitch World Series

1988 held at Belmont, North Carolina.

Champion – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina
Runner Up – Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, Ohio

With the help of some explosive bats, Howard’s went undefeated in this event, going 4-0. They defeated Steele’s in the Championship game 14-7. Rick Wheeler hit 3 HR and Stan Harvey hit 2 for Howards. Cecil Whitehead also hit a HR. Number 1 ranked Steele’s was knocked into the losers bracket by Maroadi Transfer by a 19-15 score. Steele’s came back through the losers bracket and beat Maroadi in the losers bracket final 26-9. They hit 15 Home Runs in the game, including 6 in a row. When Marlton Trucking folded, teams added players from that team to their rosters. Lighthouse picked up Jim Fuller and Bill Gatti, while Howard’s grabbed Cecil Whitehead, Rick Wheeler and Paul Drilling. Howard’s had previously snatched up Britt Hightower when Smyth Sox folded earlier in the year. Steele’s got in on the action as they grabbed Bruce Meade, Doug Brown, Larry Fredieu and Buddy Slater from the Smythe Sox team. They grabbed Charles Wright to play in this tournament, who had been with the now disbanded Marlton Trucking team.

  • MVP – Cecil Whitehead, Howard’s (12-17, .706, 7 HR)
  • Defensive MVP – Charles Wright, Steele’s
  • HR Leader –Mike Macenko, Steele’s Silver Bullets (23-25, .920) – 13
  • Batting Leader – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Silver Bullets (23-25) – .920

1988 ISA All-World Team (incomplete)

  • Cecil Whitehead, Howard’s/Western Steer (12-17, .706, 7 HR)
  • Britt Hightower, Howard’s/Western Steer (14-16, .875, 6 HR)
  • Rick Wheeler, Howard’s/Western Steer (14-17, .824, 8 HR)
  • Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer (11-17, .647 4 HR)
  • Stan Harvey, Howard’s/Western Steer (10-16, .625, 5 HR)
  • Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sports (23-25, .920, 13 HR)
  • Charles Wright, Steele’s Sports
  • Bill Blake, Steele’s Sports
  • Bruce Meade, Steele’s Sports

*No other info available on the all-tournament team (Maroadi and Kirk’s/Ritch’s players)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-0)
2. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (4-2)
3. Maroadi Transfer, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)
4. Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage, Richmond, VA (2-2)
5t. Handy Pantry, Gastonia, NC (2-2)
5t. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (1-2)
7t. John Hanson Fence, Washington DC (1-2)
7t. Glass Wholesalers, Hammond, IN (1-2)
9t. Shelton Carpets/Willis Trucking, Dalton, GA (0-2)
9t. Tip Top Grocery, Greensboro, NC (0-2)

1988 ASA Men’s Super Slow Pitch Nationals

1988 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Champion – Starpath, Monticello, Kentucky (81-16)
Runner Up – Sports Hero’s Athletics, Eagan, Minnesota

Starpath had to defeat Sports Heros twice to gain the ASA Crown and that’s just what they did. The scores were 18-15 and 17-13. Leading Starpath’s offense in both games was MVP Dave Johnson, who came up big all weekend. Home Runs for Starpath in the final two games were: Dave Allen (5), Scott Jones (4), Gary Jones (2), and Dennis Graser with 1. Leading Sports Heros was Doug Berfeldt (2) and Gary Morris (2). There were a couple of big outputs in the Tournament. Bruce Rains (John Hanson) and Rick Hollingsworth (Lighthouse) both hit 5 HR in a game.

  • MVP – Dave Johnson, Starpath
  • HR Leader – Dave Johnson, Starpath – 11
  • HR Leader – Bruce Bailey, John Hanson’s – 11
  • HR Leader – Bill Blake, Steele’s – 11
  • Batting Leader – Kevin “Tiny” Giddens, Lighthouse – .818

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Ted Larson, Sports Hero’s Athletics
C – Billy Blake, Steele’s Silver Bullets (22-26, .846, 11 HR)
1B – Kevin Giddens, Lighthouse (18-22, .818, 8 HR)
2B – Doug Flynn, Starpath
3B – Greg Whitlock, Starpath
SS – Gary Morris, Sports Hero’s Athletics
OF – Greg Schulte, Bell Corp./FAF (14-20, .700, 6 HR)
OF – Dave Johnson, Starpath (21-32, .656, 11 HR, 21 RBI, 20 Runs)
OF – Cecil Whithead, Lighthouse (15-20, .750, 7 HR)
OF – Dennis Graser, Starpath (21-30, .700, 2 HR)
EP – Mack Thompson, John Hansen/Franey & Parr (8 HR)
UT – Todd Fuechmann, Sports Hero’s Athletics
UT – Mark Stumpf, John Hansen/Franey & Parr
UT – Bruce Bailey, John Hansen/Franey & Parr (11 HR)
UT – Doug Roberson, Steele’s Silver Bullets (15-25, .600, 6 HR)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Kenny Carver, Lighthouse (13-20, .650, 5 HR)
C – Sylvain Little, Lighthouse (12-19, .632, 5 HR)
1B – Rich Plante, Superior (14-21, .667, 6 HR)
2B – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Silver Bullets (6 HR)
3B – Rodney Woods, Starpath
SS – Ron Parnell, Steele’s Silver Bullets
OF – Michael Johnson, Sports Hero’s Athletics
OF – Chris Nelson, Utah Players
OF – Dewayne Frizzel, Lighthouse (14-21, .667, 7 HR)
OF – Andy Sanzaro, Superior
EP – Ed Berg, Superior (5 HR)
UT – Bruce Meade, Steele’s Silver Bullets (8 HR)
UT – Tim Fuller, Lighthouse (12-20, .600, 5 HR)
UT – Scott Jones, Starpath (7 HR)
UT – Danny Holder, Lighthouse (12-19, .632, 6 HR)

OTHERS

Doug Brown, Non-Ferrous (10-12, .833, 7 HR)
Rick Wheeler, Howards (5-7, .714, 3 HR)
Bill Gatti, Lighthouse (12-21, .571, 7 HR)
Darrell Beeler, Superior (7-14, .500, 2 HR)
Dave Steffen, Superior (6-12, .500, 2 HR)
Doug Berfeldt, Sports Heros (8 HR)
Dave Allen, Starpath (7 HR)
Danny Williams, Bell (7 HR)
Rick Hollingsworth, Bell (7 HR)
Mike Ambers, Bell (6 HR)
Craig Elliott, Steele’s (6 HR)
Gary Jones, Starpath (6 HR)
Britt Hightower, Howards (6 HR)
Rick Scherr, Howards (4 HR)
Clyde Guy, Howards (4 HR)
Larry Fredieu, Steele’s (4 HR)
Steve Craven, Lighthouse (4 HR)
Carl Rose, Lighthouse (3 HR)
Steve Williams, Howards (3 HR)
Stan Harvey, Howards (2 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Starpath, Monticello, KY (7-1)
2. Sports Hero’s Athletics, Crystal, MN (4-2)
3. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (3-2)
4. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (3-2)
5t. Bell Corp./FAF, Tampa, FL (3-2)
5t. Superior Softball, Windsor Locks, CT (3-2)
7t. John Hansen/Franey & Parr, Rockville, MD (2-2)
7t. Utah Players, Salt Lake City, UT (2-2)
9t. Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas, NV (1-2)
9t. Non-Ferrous Metals, Euclid, OH (1-2)
9t. OKC Hunters LYD, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
9t. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (1-2)
13t. Broken Drum Insulation, Los Angeles, CA (0-2)
13t. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (0-2)
13t. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (0-2)
13t. Reb’s, North Hollywood, CA (0-2)

1988 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1988 held at Long Beach, California.

Champion – Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, Ohio
Runner Up – Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage, Hampton, Virginia

Steele’s finally broke the USSSA jinx and won their first World Series. They didn’t waste no time this year. In the final, they scored 10 runs in the first inning and never looked back. The final score was 31-12. Steele’s pitcher Rick Weiterman, considered one of the best pure hitters of all time was the emotional leader all weekend for Steele’s. They wanted no repeat of last year’s “Waterloo” disaster. The Men of Steele’s hit 15 homers in the game. Steele’s was led by Ken Loeri (5-5 with 4 HRs and 8 RBIs) and Craig Elliott was 4-5 with 3 Homers. Weiterman continued his hot hitting, saving his best for when it counted as he was 4-5 to help his own cause. Kirk’s/Ritch’s gained the finals by upsetting powerful Howard’s/Western Steer in the loser’s bracket final. Howard’s lost their very first game of the tournament 19-15 to Apollo/Lower East Side. They went on a loser’s bracket run. Rick Scherr led the surge with an 18-20 run and 12 HRs. Howard’s scored more runs than anybody in the tournament and they were eliminated in the loser’s bracket final 10-3 by Kirk’s/Ritch’s. Kirk’s/Ritch’s Pitcher Andy Cook held Howard’s to just 8 hits and gave up no home runs. Cook was 4-4 with 5 RBIs in the game also. Sadly, this would turn out to be the very last time Howard’s/Western Steer would play in the World Series as Sponsor Richard Howard decided not to sponsor the team in 1989. It was the end of one of the greatest Slow Pitch teams in softball history.

  • MVP – Rick Weiterman, Steeles’s (13-17, .765,1 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Home Run Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s (23-29, .793, 38 RBIs, 22 Runs) – 15
  • Batting Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s (23-29, 15 HRs, 38 RBIs, 22 Runs) – .793
  • Defensive MVP – Kelly Stanley, Kirk’s/Ritch’s

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Rick Weiterman – Steele’s (13-17, .765, 1 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Pitcher – Andy Cook – Kirk’s/Ritch’s (14-24, .583, 7 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Catcher – Darrell Misenheimer – Kirk’s/Ritch’s (10-18, .556, 6 HRs, 13 RBIs)
  • Catcher – Craig Elliott – Steele’s (13-18, .722, 11 HRs, 15 RBIS, 15 Runs)
  • First Base – Mark Heirlmeier – Bell Corp/First Associates (15-25, .600, 9 HRs, 19 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • First Base – Bruce Rains – Kirk’s/Ritch’s (14-24, .583, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Second Base – Mark Cauley – Bell Corp/First Associates (12-22, .545, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Second Base – Ernie Montgomery – Steele’s (10-17, .588, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Second Base – Mark Oxford – Apollo (9-12, .750, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Third Base – Rick Scherr – Howard’s (23-29, .793, 15 HRs, 38 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Steve Williams – Howard’s (15-26, .577, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Shortstop – JW Mitchell – Kirk’s/Ritch’s (14-23, .609, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Outfield – Curtis Williams – Howard’s (16-27, .593, 4 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Outfield – Bill Blake – Steele’s (12-20, .600, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Ken Loeri – Steele’s (10-16, .625, 9 HRs, 21 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Outfield – Doug Roberson – Steele’s (12-20, .600, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Outfield – Kelly Stanley – Kirk’s/Ritch’s (11-21, .524, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Outfield – Cody Wyatt – Kirk’s/Ritch’s (15-23, .652, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Utility – Mike Bolen – Howard’s (17-30, .567, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Manager – Dave Neale – Steele’s

OTHERS

  • Tony Dedonatis, Stroh’s (6-6, 1.000, 2 RBIs, 1 Run)
  • John Keigley, Oklahoma City Hunters (5-6, .833, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Greg Whitlock, Starpath (7-10, .700, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Rick Wheeler, Broken Drum (12-18, .667, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Darrell Beeler, Superior (10-15, .667, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Dan Schuck, Larry’s Used Cars (8-12, .667, 6 HRs, 20 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Doug Berfeldt, Sports Heros (5-8, .625, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Mike Nye, Apollo (8-13, .615, 4 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Mike Jacobs, Bell Corp/First (8-13, .615, 1 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Dave Steffen, Apollo (9-15, .600, 6 HRs, 11 RBIS, 9 Runs)
  • Greg Fuhrman, Superior (9-15, .600, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Wayne Pyrtle, Kirk’s/Ritch’s (12-20, .600, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Britt Hightower, Broken Drum (10-17, .588, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Danny Williams, Bell Corp/First (14-24, .583, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Doug Brown, AJD Caps (6-11, .545, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • George Marshall, Howard’s (13-24, .542, 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Bruce Bailey, John Hanson (8-15, .533, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Jim Fuller, Broken Drum (9-17, .529, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Dan Griffin, Howard’s (13-26, .500, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Mark Martin, Bell Corp/First (11-22. .500, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Scott Virkus, Steele’s (10-20, .500, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Fred Trice, Steele’s (9-18, .500, 5 HRs, 9 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Paul Drilling, Bell Corp/First (7-14, .500, 3 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Mike Macenko, Steele’s (9-20, .450, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs)
  • Clyde Guy, Howard’s (12-27, .444, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Russell Bradley, Howard’s (11-25, .440, 4 HRs, 15 Runs)
  • Ron Parnell, Steele’s (8-19, .421, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Greg Schulte, Bell Corp/First (10-24, .416, 8 HRs, 14 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Dennis Graser, Starpath (4-10, .400, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Rich Plante, Apollo (6-16, .375, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Bill Gatti, Maroadi Transfer (3-8, .375, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Ron Ford, Maroadi Transfer (3-8, .375, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Mike Cellura, Broken Drum (6-16, .375, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Harold Kelley, Bell Corp/First (7-19, .368, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Chuck Maiorana, Stroh’s (2-6, .333, 2 RBIs, 1 Run)
  • Don Clatterbaugh, Kirk’s/Ritch’s (6-18, .333, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Stan Harvey, Howard’s (9-29, .310, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (5-0)
2. Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage, Hampton, VA (4-2)
3. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (5-2)
4. Bell Corp./First Associates, Tampa, FL (4-2)
5t. Apollo Lower East Side, West Palm Beach, FL (2-2)
5t. Superior/Spalding, Windsor Locks, CT (2-2)
7t. John Hanson/Franey & Parr, Rockville, MD (2-2)
7t. Broken Drum Insulation, Northridge, CA (2-2)
9t. AJD Caps/Russell Athletics, Richmond, VA (1-2)
9t. Larry’s Used Cars, Grand Prairie, TX (1-2)
9t. Stottler Stagg, Merritt Island, FL (1-2)
9t. Starpath, Monticello, KY (1-2)
13t. Sports Heros Athletics, Eagan, MN (0-2)
13t. Oklahoma City Hunters, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
13t. Maroadi Transfer, Pittsburgh, PA (0-2)
13t. Stroh’s, Detroit, MI (0-2)

1988 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1988 held at Paulson Softball Complex in Savannah, Georgia on September 4-6.

Champion – Smith Transport, Roaring Springs, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Vernon’s, Jacksonville, Florida

It wasn’t a case of too much power. It was just a case of too many hits. In the early morning  hours of Tuesday, September 6, Smith Transport used a 26 hit attack to take a 19-10 win over Vernon’s of Jacksonville, FL, in the final game of the ASA Class A  Men’s Slow Pitch National Championship at the Paulson Softball Complex. That victory ended a three-day, rain-plagued tournament.

Vern Neil, coach of Smith Transport and the tournament’s most vaulable player, said, “This is great. We’re the best of friends. I think they ought to take the Most Valuable Player trophy and cut it into 15 pieces.”

It was the first time the team had won an ASA national title.

  • MVP – Vernon Neil, Smith Transport (18-24, .750)
  • Batting Champion – Bud Weathers, Coils Plus  – .882
  • HR Champion – Ronnie Ford, Vernon’s – 7

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Vernon Neil, Smith Transport (18-24, .750)
C – Mike Wilson, Capital Chevrolet
1B – Donald Bradham, Armed Forces
2B – Gary Ellison, Keith Enterprises
3B – Al Ten, Sonny’s
SS – Scott Bortner, Smith Transport (19-24, .792, 6 HR, 24 RBI)
OF – Ronnie Ford, Vernon’s
OF – George Schnorr, Vernon’s
OF – Bud Weathers, Coils Plus
OF – Richard Smith, Armed Forces
EP – Nick Delucco, Vernon’s
UT – Lance Peterson, Minneapolis Merchants
UT – Randy Holsopple, Smith Transport
UT – Todd Green, Arensberg Pharmacy
UT – Kerry Burnett, Minneapolis Merchants

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Rick Minarcin, Lo-Temp Brazing
C – Jim Hampton, Vernon’s
1B – Robbie Groover, Savannah Truck
2B – Gene Beazeu, Pastime Bar
3B – Kenny Clark, Vernon’s
SS – Dom Calise, Sonny’s
OF – Joe Spuling, Sunbelt Plastics
OF – Barry McLeod, Sonny’s
OF – Rich Vaughn, Capital Chevrolet
OF – Keith Disbennett, McDonald’s
EP – Caleb Rabenold, Vernon’s
UT – Mark Janney, Chaney Enterprises
UT – Mark Kontak, Pastime Bar
UT – Brad Weyant, Smith Transport

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tim Purcell, Pastime Bar
C – Douglas Wilcox, Lo-Temp Brazing
1B – Bucky Ford, Capital Chevrolet
2B – Michael Stevens, Armed Forces
3B – Brian Anderson, Minneapolis Merchants
SS – Robert Feather, Armed Forces
OF – Tim Smith, Pastime Bar
OF – Larry Wilson, Capital Chevrolet
OF – Henry Mays, Thompson’s Sporting Goods
OF – Ty Jenny, Savannah Truck
EP – Scott Brown, Arensberg Pharmacy
UT – E.M. McCoy Jr., Keith Enterprises
UT – Mickey Reynolds, Coils Plus
UT – James Moreland, Chaney Enterprises
UT – Ron Conyers, Keith Enterprises

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Smith Transport, Roaring Springs, PA (7-0)
2. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (7-2)
3. Minneapolis Merchants, Minneapolis, MN (6-2)
4. Capital Chevrolet, Nashville, TN (6-2)
5t. Lo-Temp Brazing, Toledo, OH (6-2)
5t. Arensberg Pharmacy, Newark, OH (4-2)
7t. Bender’s Plumbing, West haven, TC (4-2)
7t. Keith Enterprsies, Virginia Beach, VA (5-2)
9t. Sonny’s, Westport, CT (6-2)
9t. Chaney Enterprises, Lothian, MD (4-2)
9t. Pastime Bar, Toledo, OH (5-2)
9t. Armed Forces, San Diego, CA (5-2)
13t. Savannah Truck, Savannah, GA (4-2)
13t. Health Pac, Savannah, GA (4-2)
13t. Coils Plus, Longview, TX (4-2)
13t. Thompson’s Sporting Goods, Savannah, GA (2-2)
17t. Coburg Dairy, Charleston, SC (2-2)
17t. Seguin Softball, Seguin, TX (3-2)
17t. Stockman/Zip, Missoula, MT (3-2)
17t. Sunbelt Plastics, Warner Robins, GA (3-2)
17t. Campbell’s Sports, Bloomington, MN (2-2)
17t. Wendy’s/Worth, Lansing, MI (2-2)
17t. McDonald’s, Chillicothe, OH (2-2)
17t. C&M Sports, Dothan, AL (2-2)
17t. Pete’s Mobil Carwash, Poughkeepsie, NY (3-2)
25t. Kansas City Bullets, Kansas City, MO (3-2)
25t. Wally’s, Broadview Heights, OH (2-2)
25t. Classic Longballers, Newberry CA (3-2)
25t. Houston Buffs, Houston, TX (3-2)
25t. Conrad/Peterson, Wyoming, MI (3-2)
25t. Bel-Aire Cleaners, Daphne, AL (2-2)
25t. Ruud’s Roofing, Bloomington, MN (3-2)
33t. Roof Mechanics, Wichita, KS (1-2)
33t. Dugout Sports, Davenport, IA (1-2)
33t. Marino’s Construction, West Peabody, MA (1-2)
33t. Adams Floor Sanding, Richmond, VA (1-2)
33t. Brunswick Ford, Falmouth, ME (1-2)
33t. Godbee Trucking, Savannah, GA (2-2)
33t. Doyle Paint, Eden NC (1-2)
33t. Mayfield Brothers, Richardson, TX (1-2)
33t. Allied Astros, Indianapolis, IN (1-2)
33t. Herald’s Trophies, Columbus, OH (1-2)
33t. Bud Lite, Midland, TX (2-2)
33t. Busch Beer, Little Rock, AR (2-2)
33t. Little Caesars, Davidson, MI (1-2)
33t. Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas, NV (1-2)
33t. Mehringers Plumbing, Jasper, IN (1-2)
33t. Ruth Realty, Renton, VA (1-2)
49t. Holland Construction, Chesapeake, VA (1-2)
49t. Matlin Construction, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
49t. McDonald’s, Ramei, TN (1-2)
49t. Newell Concrete, Eden Prairie, MN (1-2)
49t. Sonny’s Lounge, Casper, WY (1-2)
49t. Bodi Sharpe, Harrisville, RI (0-2)
49t. Area Sports Lettering, St. Paul, MN (0-2)
49t. Coffee Cup, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
49t. California Waterbeds, Lexington, KY (1-2)
49t. Lincoln Title, Tampa, FL (1-2)
49t. Jordan Lumber, Biscoe, NC (0-2)
49t. Crader/Huffman, Marble Hill, MO (0-2)
49t. Farrell’s Maintenance, Ephrata, PA (1-2)
49t. Massey’s, Independence, LA (1-2)
49t. Twohig, Parma, OH (1-2)
65t. Bar “J”, Laurel, MS (0-2)
65t. Wilkes Body Shop, Savannah, GA (0-2)
65t. Adleta, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
65t. Owatonna Eagles, Owatonna, MN (0-2)
65t. Miller Lite, West Fargo, ND (0-2)
65t. Casey Tower Service, Altamonte Springs, FL (0-2)
65t. McGuffy’s, Dayton, OH (0-2)
65t. Mahany Construction, Savannah, GA (0-2)
65t. Arkansas Softball, Little Rock, AR (0-2)
65t. Miller Premium Beer, Plover, WI (0-2)

1988 ASA Men’s (9) Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1988 held at Marietta, Georgia on September 2-5.

Champion –  Sullivan Roofing, Athens, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Craigue & Sons, Concord, New Hampshire

  • MVP – N/A
  • Batting Champion – N/A
  • HR Champion – N/A

1988 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

N/A

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Sullivan Roofing, Athens, PA (6-0)
2. Craigue & Sons, Concord, NH (5-1)
3. WTB Broadway, Spokane, WA (4-1)
4. Cuban Jewelry, Miami, FL (4-2)
5t. Granite AC, Staten Island, NY (3-1)
5t. CBS, Huntington, NY (3-1)
7t. Tighe Club, Lowell, MA (3-1)
7t. Stafford Tires, Port Monmouth, NJ (3-1)
9t. Classic Café, Drexel Hill, PA (2-1)
9t. Hendrixson Plumbing, Maine, ME (2-1)
9t. Andy’s Diner, Bridgeville, DE (2-1)
9t. Joc Shoppe, Lawell, MA (2-1)
13t. Silver Bullets, Oceanport, NJ (2-1)
13t. Little Ceasars, Port Huron, MI (2-1)
13t. West Babylon, West Babylon, NY (2-1)
13t. Secory Flyers, Port Huron, MI (2-1)
17t. Swann Insurance, Cambridge, MD (2-1)
17t. Ballbusters, Miami, FL (2-1)
17t. Captain Johns Bandits, Nashua, NH (2-1)
17t. Bluhms, Laceyville, PA (1-1)
17t. F. G. Radiators, Plymouth, MI (2-1)
17t. Airport Chiro, Memphis, TN (1-1)
17t. B&I Sports, Graham, WA (1-1)
17t. Ark-La-Enterprise, Monroe, LA (1-1)
25t. Chelsea Tap, Winthrop, MA (1-1)
25t. Chasak, Raleigh, NC (1-1)
25t. Coastal Plumbing, Staten Island, NY (1-1)
25t. Cobras, Atlanta, GA (1-1)
25t. Brake Shop, West Monroe, LA (1-1)
25t. Callahan Warriors, Waterbury, CT (1-1)
25t. Chuck’s, Newbury Port, MA (1-1)
25t. B.P.’s, Atlanta, GA (1-1)
33t. Staten Island Furrier, Staten Island, NY (1-1)
33t. North Kingston Shell, Wyoming, RI (1-1)
33t. Red Hats, Chelsea, MA (1-1)
33t. Seattle Modified, Seattle, WA (1-1)
33t. CRM, Sangus, MA (1-1)
33t. Marta Express, Atlanta, GA (1-1)
33t. Ryanmen, Clairmont, NH (1-1)
33t. Thermasol Jet, Cantoocook, NH (1-1)
33t. L. B. Franco, Spokane, WA (1-1)
33t. Durham Speed Body, Durham, NC (1-1)
33t. Mr. V’s, Atlanta, GA (1-1)
33t. Turblaa Trucking, Hutchinson, MN (1-1)
33t. Ducky Boys, Los Angeles, CA (1-1)
33t. Knights Of Columbus, East Greenbush, NY (1-1)
33t. Don Swan, Atlanta, GA (1-1)
33t. T.C. Brewers, Binghampton, NY (1-1)
49t. J. D.’s, Atlanta, GA (0-1)
49t. Lens Crafters, Mason, OH (0-1)
49t. Piggly Wiggly, Oneonta, AL (0-1)
49t. Sports Page, Morristown, TN (0-1)
49t. Chambers Bus, East Smithfield, NY (0-1)
49t. Lindemen Ins., Atlanta, GA (0-1)
49t. Rhett Butler, Marietta, GA (0-1)
49t. Spokane Modified, Spokane, WA (0-1)
49t. Hannons Bar, Scranton, PA (0-1)
49t. Embers, Atlanta, GA (0-1)
49t. Tri Star, Greenbay, WI (0-1)
49t. Caribs, Mt. Vernon, NY (0-1)
49t. Impellizerri Pizza, Louisville, KY (0-1)
49t. Blue Room, Upper Darby, PA (0-1)
49t. C&W, Beverly, MA (0-1)