Category: 1997

1997 ASA Men’s B Slow Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Hastings, Nebraska on September 25-28.

Champion – Jerry’s, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Runner Up – Scoreboard Tavern, Spokane, Washington

1997 ASA B ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

P – Dennis Muth, Shockers Softball
C – Roy Jarman, Jerry’s
1B – John Adams, Jerry’s
2B – John Dutch, Jerry’s
3B – Russell Bukowski, USA Cash
SS – Mike Reeder, Scoreboard Tavern
OF – Bill Jorgenson, Grants Pass Taxi
OF – Rich Raisbeck, Shockers Softball
OF – Derek Figley, USA Cash
OF – Wade Degeest, Scoreboard Tavern
EP – Anthony Hobbs, Jerry’s
UTIL – Brian Loveless, Iowa Sports
UTIL – Lloyd New, Jerry’s
UTIL – Jeff Acton, USA Cash
UTIL – Mike Olsen, Scoreboard Tavern

1997 ASA B ALL AMERICANS SECOND TEAM

P – Mark Blacketer, Gateway Press
C – John Poortinga, Valley West Pub
1B – Tom Hogan, Iowa Sports
2B – Rick Walsh, Valley West Pub
3B – Frank Murphy, Grants Pass Taxi
SS – Kevin Hamilton, San Antonio Sting/TPS
OF – Stan Harris, Willimantic Brewing
OF – Ken McMullen, San Antonio Sting/TPS
OF – Mike Dixon, San Antonio Sting/TPS
OF – Ken Franklin, Colby Telephone
EP – Mark Dennis, Grants Pass Taxi
UTIL – Mark Wolver, Valley West Pub
UTIL – Bobby Behnsch, San Antonio Sting/TPS
UTIL – Elroy Hagelgans, San Antonio Sting/TPS
UTIL – David Cutright, Marcello’s Pizza

1997 ASA B ALL AMERICANS THIRD TEAM

P – Todd Brummer, Valley West Pub
C – Terry Choate, Marcello’s Pizza
1B – Mark Lambert, Willimantic Brewing
2B – Jim Crabtree, Willimantic Brewing
3B – Dave Cushman, Willimantic Brewing
OF – Frank Murphy, Colby Telephone
OF – Paul Martineau, Willimantic Brewing
OF – Troy Albright, Marcello’s Pizza
OF – Brad Weyant, Marcello’s Pizza
EP – Tom Sorenson, Willimantic Brewing
UTIL – J.R. Hartman, Marcello’s Pizza
UTIL – Michael Drawbaugh, Marcello’s Pizza
UTIL – Jim Seraphine, Gateway Press
UTIL – Jimmy Ray, Gateway Press

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Jerry’s, Fayetteville, NC (7-0)
2. Scoreboard Tavern, Spokane, WA (6-2)
3. USA Cash, Metamio, MI (7-2)
4. Shockers Softball, Jamesville, WI (9-2)
5t. Iowa Sports, Gilbertville, IA (5-2)
5t. Grants Pass Taxi, Grants Pass, OR (5-2)
7t. San Antonio Sting/TPS, San Antonio, TX (5-2)
7t. Colby Telephone, Glendale, RI (5-2)
9t. Gateway Press, Louisville, KY (4-2)
9t. Marcello’s Pizza, York, PA (6-2)
9t. Willimantic Brewing, Willimantic, CT (4-2)
9t. Valley West Pub, Urbandale, IA (7-2)
13t. Team Thristy, Kearney, NE (5-2)
13t. Wish/Anderson Auto, Vennon, CT (5-2)
13t. Minnesota Merchants, Eden Prairie, MN (5-2)
13t. TACC, Maldeh, ME (5-2)
17t. Dallas Sports Club, Garland, TX (3-2)
17t. P&D Construction, Naugatuck, CT (3-2)
17t. Fanatics, Victoria, TX (2-2)
17t. Wings Café, Stratford, CT (4-2)
17t. Dalton Chiropractic, Eatontown, NJ (2-2)
17t. Sunquist Consulting, Fargo, ND (2-2)
17t. Container Port Group, Louisville, KY (3-2)
17t. Advantage Softball, Papillion, NE (3-2)
25t. New Hampshire Steel, Manchester, NH (2-2)
25t. Pollack Law, Cranston, RI (3-2)
25t. Ohio Sealants, Cleveland, OH (4-2)
25t. Bailey’s, North Andover, MA (3-2)
25t. Home Town Hardware, Interlochen, MI (2-2)
25t. Lacasa, Tiffin, IA (4-2)
25t. Mullinax Food/Steele’s, Parma, OH (3-2)
25t. Wahl Optical, Council Bluffs, IA (2-2)
33t. Schuler Manufacturing, Massewa, IA (2-2)
33t. Okoboji/Sambetti’s, Ankeny, IA (2-2)
33t. John Steel’S Roofing, New Castle, DE (2-2)
33t. Elite Sports, Woodbridge, VA (3-2)
33t. Whiskey Jct. Lighting, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
33t. Austin Spurs, Buds, TX (2-2)
33t. Budweiser, North Mankato, MN (2-2)
33t. BFI/Dudley, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Gleason’s Softball, Williamstown, NJ (2-2)
33t. Andy’s Electric, Grand Meadow, MN (2-2)
33t. Spinners Icehouse, North Mankato, MN (2-2)
33t. Despardo/Paradise Falls, Missoula, MT (2-2)
33t. Blue Grass/Old Hickory, Louisville, KY (2-2)
33t. Maroadi Transfer, Jeannette, PA (1-2)
33t. Duck City, Coal Valley, IL (1-2)
33t. KVB Loan Sharks, Eudora, KS (1-2)
49t. Desperados, Laredo, TX (1-2)
49t. Players, West Warwick, RI (1-2)
49t. Potomac Valley Brick, Wheaton, MD (1-2)
49t. Peaster TV, Claremore, OK (1-2)
49t. Dunkin Donuts/Rochester, Farmington, NH (1-2)
49t. Clim-A-Tee, Hastings, MN (1-2)
49t. Beacon Softball, Reading, PA (1-2)
49t. Bigelow Enterprises, Bryon, MN (1-2)
49t. Busch Beer, Hastings, NE (1-2)
49t. Pierre’s, Sioux Falls, SD (1-2)
49t. Jacob’s Saloon, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
49t. Wilbur Construction, LaGrange, ME (2-2)
49t. Kokomo Foot/Chapplins, Kokomo, IN (2-2)
49t. High Expectations, Stow, PA (1-2)
49t. All Around T’s & Trophies, Pierre, SD (1-2)
49t. Sherry’s County Limits, Galesburg, IL (1-2)
65t. Oldham Gators, Lawrence, KS (0-2)
65t. Sonny’s Coors, Casper, WY (0-2)
65t. Miller Screwballs, Forrest Park, IL (1-2)
65t. Capital City Construction, Bismarck, ND (1-2)
65t. Pepsi-Allsport/Easton, Mercer Island, WA (1-2)
65t. Jeff’s Cals, Tipton, MO (1-2)
65t. Rocky Mountain Bus., Monument, CO (0-2)
65t. Monoco Ford/Dudley, New Britain, CT (0-2)
65t. Raynor Doors, Lincoln, NE (0-2)
65t. Archies Stony Point, Kansas City, KS (1-2)
65t. Hogans/Red Dog, Hastings, NE (0-2)
65t. Merrills Auto Detail, La Vista, NE (0-2)
65t. ISI/ESI/Novus, Kearney, NE (0-2)
65t. Bit-O-Blarney, Frankfort, IL (0-2)
65t. Las Vegas Funjet/TPS, Marquan, WI (1-2)
65t. Geisen Funeral Home, Crown Point, IA (1-2)
65t. Sweet Williams, Norfolk, NE (0-2)
65t. Outfield, Mason City, IA (1-2)
65t. Summit Sales, Lexington, KY (0-2)
65t. ENS Convertables, Bloomington, MN (0-2)
65t. Coors Light Ceiling, TX (0-2)
65t. Hooters/Easton, Maplewood, MN (1-2)
65t. Berties/Bank Of Edmonson, Brownsville, KY (1-2)
65t. Shelby Merchants Shelby, NE (0-2)
65t. Taco Johns Hastings, NE (0-2)
65t. Black Sox Guymon, OK (0-2)

1997 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1997 held at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Champion – Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, Georgia
Runner Up – Ritch’s-Superior/Tri-Gems/Beloli/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut

  • MVP – Carl Rose, Lighthouse (22-28, .786, 10 HRs, 26 RBIs)
  • Home Run Leader – Hank Garris, Ritch’s (18-27, .667, 24 RBIs) – 14
  • Batting Leader – Jeff Hall, Sunbelt (20-24, 3 HRs, 13 RBIs) – .833
  • Defensive MVP – Larry Sauceman, Lighthouse/Worth

USSSA WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Robbie Ergle – LighthouselWorth
  • Pitcher – Greg Cannedy – Ritch’s Superior/TPS
  • Catcher – Scott Elliott – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton
  • Catcher – Steve Craven – Lighthouse/Worth
  • Extra Hitter – Randy Kortokrax – R&D Grover
  • Extra Hitter – J.C. Phelps – Shen Valley/TPS
  • Extra Hitter – Wendell Rickard – Lighthouse/Worth
  • First Base – Dirk Androff – Ritch’s Superior/TPS
  • Second Base – Carl Rose – Lighthouse/Worth
  • Second Base – Bob Gilbert – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton
  • Short Stop – Larry Sauceman – Lighthouse/Worth
  • Short Stop – Todd Joerling – Sunbeltl/Dan Smith/Easton
  • Short Stop – Ron Pamell – Ritch’s Superior/TPS
  • Third Base – Dennis Mendoza – Lighthouse/Worth
  • Outfield – Hank Garris – Ritch’s Superior/TPS
  • Outfield – Jeff Hall – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton
  • Outfield – Todd Martin – Shen Valley/TPS
  • Outfield – Britt Hightower – Ritch’s Superior/TPS
  • Outfield – Randall Boone – Shen Valley/TPS
  • Outfield – Dewayne Frizzell – Shen Valley/TPS
  • Manager – Cecil Alford – Lighthouse/Worth

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA (5-0)
2. Ritch’s Superior/Tri-Gems/Beloli/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (4-2)
3. Shen Valley/TPS, Bridgewater, VA (4-2)
4. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, GA (3-2)
5t. Sierra/TPS, Reno, NV (3-2)
5t. R&D Grover, Lima, OH (3-2)
7t. Spectrum/Pov’s/Easton, Plymouth, MN (2-2)
7t. Long Haul/TPS, Albertville, MN (2-2)
9t. So Jern/Specialty Tank/TPS, Levittown, PA (1-2)
9t. Hague/Ohio Transport/Wessel/Belcher, Columbus, OH (1-2)
9t. Steele’s, Grafton, OH (1-2)
9t. Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
13t. D’s Alliance, Valley Center, CA (0-2)
13t. Adams/Worth, Jackson, MS (0-2)
13t. O&S Cattle/Worth, Crystal, MN (0-2)
13t. Joe Black’s/Land of Chevrolet/TPS, Elgin, IL (0-2)

1997 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Clearwater, Florida on August 30-September 5.

Champion – Tampa Bay Smokers, Clearwater, Florida (65-11)
Runner Up – Farm Tavern, Madison, Wisconsin

The Farm’s Paul Alger hurled a 1-hit shutout in the first final to beat the undefeated Tampa Bay Smokers 1-0. Losing pitcher, Darren Zack struck out 9 for the Smokers. It was Chris Delarwelle who drove in the games only run for the Farm. In the Final Championship game, The Smokers nailed down a 4-0 victory to win the title. Algar was the losing pitcher for the Farm and could not find that magic touch he had in the first game. Boomer Brush and Barry Kahler both had singles before Todd Garcia drove them both home to give the Smokers a 2-0 lead. Later in the game, Brush hit a 2-run homer to seal the deal. Brush had 2 hits (both HR) in his first 4 games of the tournament, but exploded for 3 hits in the finals, another being a HR. Todd Martin pitched a 2-hitter for the Smokers. He walked 2 batters with 2 outs in the 7th, before Darrin Zack came in to get the last out.

Miller Toyota defeated the Clearwater Bullets 24-0 to break the all time record for runs scored in a National Championship. Brett Alvey and Mitch Munthe each collected 8 RBI to also set a new record. Munthe had 7 RBI in one inning. he had two home runs in the first inning, a 3-run shot and then a grand slam. Alvey had two 3-run homers in the game. Miller pitcher, Russ Snow pitched a perfect game, striking out 13 of the 14 batters he faced.

Boomer Brush and Barry Kahler both had singles before Todd Garcia drove them both home to give the Smokers a 2-0 lead. Later in the game, Brush hit a 2-run homer to seal the deal. Brush had 2 hits (both HR) in his first 4 games of the tournament, but exploded for 3 hits in the finals, another being a HR.

Todd Martin pitched a 2-hitter for the Smokers. He walked 2 batters with 2 outs in the 7th, before Darrin Zack came in to get the last out.

Jimmy Doyle of Midland made this his last ASA Appearance after 45 years of playing softball at age 63. His career record is 2004-158 with 212 no hitters.

  • MVP – Richard “Boomer” Brush, Tampa Bay Smokers
  • Batting Leader – Chris Delarwelle, Farm Tavern Chris Delarwelle, Farm Tavern – .400
  • HR Leader – Richard Boomer Brush, Tampa Bay Smokers – 3
  • Herb Dudley Pitching Award – Todd Martin, Tampa Bay Smokers

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Todd Martin, Tampa Bay Smokers (4-0, 17 IP, 27 K, shutout)
P – Jody Hennigar, Farm Tavern
P – Chris Bigelow, Meierhoffer Fleeman
C – Todd Garcia, Tampa Bay Smokers
1B – Steve Schott, Tampa Bay Smokers
2B – Lonnie Swan, Farm Tavern
3B – Brian Martie, Farm Tavern
SS – Kerry Shaw, Meierhoffer Fleeman
OF – Boomer Brush, Tampa Bay Smokers (6-18, .333, 3 HR, two of the HR were hit in the 7th inning to give the Smokers a 1-0 victory)
OF – Ed Poirier, Matarazzo Sea Dogs
OF – Brian Neveau, Farm Tavern
OF – Chris Delarwelle, Farm Tavern (8-20)
DH – Michael Jackson, Teutopolis KC
UTIL – Bob Soricelli, Matarazzo Sea Dogs
UTIL – Byron DeMoe, Matarazzo Sea Dogs

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Scott Evans, Midland Explorers
P – Paul Algar, Farm Tavern
P – Darin Zack, Tampa Bay Smokers (2-1, 19 IP, 29 K, shutout, gave up 6 hits)
C – Tim Wahl, Farm Tavern
1B – Trent Rubley, Farm Tavern
2B – Ehren Earleywine, Decatur Pride
3B – Barry Kahler, Tampa Bay Smokers
SS – Bill McDonald, Matarazzo Sea Dogs
OF – Steve King, Farm Tavern
OF – Ron Jones, Decatur Pride
OF – Terry Boetsma, Midland Explorers
OF – Rich Brewer, Meierhoffer Fleeman
DP – Steve Price, Decatur Pride
UTIL – Chris Wilson, Matarazzo Sea Dogs
UTIL – Mike Distasio, Tampa Bay Smokers

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Doug Gillis, Decatur Pride
P – Doug Sleep, Midland Explorers
P – Michael White, Farm Tavern
C – Gary Doyle, Midland Explorers
1B – Greg Melchert, Midland Explorers
2B – Jason Hanson, Tampa Bay Smokers
3B – Brett Alvey, Larry Miller Toyota
SS – John Bargfeldt, Decatur Pride
OF – Mitch Munthe, Larry Miller Toyota
OF – Todd Davis, River City Rage
OF – Vinne Burke, Coors DC Risco Sunners
OF – Scott Deuel, Tampa Bay Smokers
DP – Pete Spoerl, Larry Miller Toyota
UTIL – Doug Levy, Midland Explorers
UTIL – Boyd Dallman, Farm Tavern

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Tampa Bay Smokers, Clearwater, FL (5-1)
2. Farm Tavern, Madison, WI (5-2)
3. Matarazzo Sea Dogs, Stoneham, MA (5-2)
4. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (3-2)
5t. Meierhoffer Fleeman, Savannah., MO (2-2)
5t. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL (2-2)
7t. Coors DC Risco Sunners, Reading, PA (2-2)
7t. Suns, Jacksonville, FL (1-2)
9t. Teutopolis KC, Effingham, IL (1-2)
9t. River City Rage, Peoria, IL (1-2)
9t. Larry Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (1-2)
9t. Townhouse Huskies, Sioux City, IA (1-2)
13t. Clearwater Bullets, Clearwater, FL (0-2)
13t. Abbott Labs, Ashland, OH (0-2)
13t. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (0-2)

1997 ASA Men’s (9) Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Burlington, North Carolina on August 29-September 1.

Champion –  D&S Roofing, Deer Park, New York
Runner Up – Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, New York

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

1997 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Rob Schiller, D&S Roofing
P – Gary Thomas, Texas Liquids/All Energy
P – Robert Langer, Globe
C – Joe Oppedisano, D&S Roofing
1B – Jim McAdoo, Gremlins
2B – Tom Laresca, D&S Roofing
3B – Robert Coppola, D&S Roofing
SS – Jim Thomason, D&S Roofing
OF – George Donohue, Texas Liquids/All Energy
OF – Kevin McGuirl, Texas Liquids/All Energy
OF – John Pereyo, D&S Roofing
DP – Frank DeGroat, Texas Liquids/All Energy
UTIL – Jorge Sepulveda, Gremlins
UTIL – George Cruz, D&S Roofing
UTIL – Mike Mancini, Texas Liquids/All Energy

1997 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Greg Sutton, Tarr/Tighe Club
P – Bob Moore, Globe
P – Tom Berube, Gremlins
1B – Jim Long, Globe
2B – Matt Kupic, Gremlins
3B – Jim Crocetta, Gremlins
SS – Mike Brex, Texas Liquids/All Energy
OF – Richard Nizza, D&S Roofing
OF – Paul Eckleberry, Texas Liquids/All Energy
OF – Chris Karlson, Tarr/Tighe Club
UTIL – Scott Raynor, Globe
UTIL – Ernie Onesti, Globe
UTIL – Richie Reynolds, D&S Roofing
UTIL – Tom Forrester, Texas Liquids/All Energy
UTIL – Steve Miller, Gremlins

1997 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Don Meader, Tarr/Tighe Club
C – Bill Tolli, Zorn Industries
1B – Jim Fitzpatrick, Tarr/Tighe Club
2B – Shawn Sandefer, Team L.A.
3B – Don Morgan, Team L.A.
SS – Rick McCarthy, Team L.A.
OF – Rich Cordani, Tarr/Tighe Club
OF – Jeff Hastings, Snap-On Tools
OF – Sal Martorano, D’Onofrio Softball
OF – Charlie Doherty, Zorn Industries
DP – Todd Budke, Team L.A.
UTIL – Tom Bennett, Tarr/Tighe Club
UTIL – Rob McQueen, Snap-On Tools
UTIL – Jon Carter, Snap-On Tools
UTIL – Nick Bruno, Zorn Industries

FINAL STANDINGS

1. D&S Roofing, Deer Park, NY (6-0)
2. Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, NY (5-2)
3. Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (5-2)
4. Globe, Redbank, NJ (4-2)
5t. Snap-On Tools, Bow, NH (5-2)
5t. Tarr/Tighe Club, Wilmington, MA (5-2)
7t. Zorn Industries, Long Island, NY (3-2)
7t. Team L.A., Los Angeles, CA (4-2)
9t. D’Onofrio Softball, Brooklyn, NY (3-2)
9t. Little Ceasars Sharks, Port Huron, MI (2-2)
9t. Brymile, Spokane, WA (2-2)
9t. Warriors, Chapel Hill, NC (2-2)
13t. Secory Flyers, Port Huron, MI (2-2)
13t. Wallen Construction, Morristown, TN (2-2)
13t. L.A. Doughboys, Los Angeles, CA (2-2)
13t. Salisbury Moose #654, Salisbury, MD (2-2)
17t. Ticona, Plymouth, MI (1-2)
17t. Prestigious Pirates, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
17t. Martells, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (1-2)
17t. Farr Tavern, Scranton, PA (1-2)
17t. Bandits, Chelmsford, MA (1-2)
17t. Hanna Plastics, Dyersburg, TN (1-2)
17t. Washington Tap, Coventry, RI (1-2)
17t. Storm, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
25t. Jag’s “33”, Morristown, TN (0-2)
25t. Roches Garage, Calicoon, NY (0-2)
25t. Art’s Bar Bandits, Lansing, MI (0-2)
25t. Hollywood Sports Complex, Hollywood, MN (0-2)
25t. Lower East Shore Moose #2431, Salisbury, MD (0-2)
25t. Caldwell, Rougemont, NC (0-2)
25t. Speedboys, Durham, NC (0-2)
25t. Hannon’s Bar, Scranton, PA (0-2)

1997 ASA Men’s (9) Modified Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Hialeah, Florida on August 29-September 1.

Champion –  Legends, Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Runner Up – Rolling Rock, Centerville, Maryland

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

1997 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Will Schobel, Legends
P – Bill Coleman, Rolling Rock
P – Dennis Laird, J & S Construction
C – Jason Farmer, Legends
1B – Rick Leary, Rolling Rock
2B – Vincent Allen, Rolling Rock
3B – Craig Soares, Legends
SS – George Kirby, Legends
OF – David Henry, Rolling Rock
OF – Mark Henry, Rolling Rock
OF – Kevin DeCosta, Legends
OF – Andre MaCow, Clover Leaf
DP – Dennis Mitchell, Rolling Rock
UTIL – Eduardo Ortega, Clover Leaf
UTIL – Norberto Lebron, Kaytes Ford

1997 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Joe Venuti, Majors
P – Pete Bouton, Kaytes Ford
P – Juan Carrasco, Clover Leaf
C – Dale Grimes, Rolling Rock
1B – Jim Swanson, Legends
2B – Mark Decosta, Legends
3B – Frank Austin, Rolling Rock
SS – Greg Usilton, Rolling Rock
OF – Patrick Jones, Rolling Rock
OF – Jeff Durr, Legends
OF – Radames Lopez, Legends
OF – Claudio De La Cruz, Clover Leaf
DP – Gary Allen, Legends
UTIL – Mark Graham, Legends
UTIL – David Dill, J & S Construction

1997 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Kevin Dulin, GM Giants
C – Jose Baez, Kaytes Ford
1B – Mike McKay, Majors
2B – Frank Albizu, Clover Leaf
SS – Mark Worm, GM Giants
OF – Thomas Hearty, Majors
OF – Brian Silva, Majors
OF – Gary Starkey, J & S Construction
DP – William Villafane, Kaytes Ford
UTIL – Mark Furciniti, Majors
UTIL – Jeff Greenly, J & S Construction
UTIL – Paulie Sconciafurno, Kaytes Ford
UTIL – Mitchell Butler, GM Giants

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Legends, Fairhaven, MA (8-1)
2. Rolling Rock, Centerville, MD (6-2)
3. Kaytes Ford, Butler, NJ (6-2)
4. Clover Leaf, Hialeah, FL (7-2)
5t. Majors, Salem, MA (5-2)
5t. J&S Construction, Milford, DE (7-2)
7t. GM Giants, Easton, MD (3-2)
7t. Fulton Bar, Lancaster, PA (4-2)
9t. Grinders, Spokane, WA (4-2)
9t. Dillinger/Debeer, Fond du Lac, WI (2-2)
9t. Skynet Worldwide, Miami, FL (3-2)
9t. AGS/Trump Softball, Albany, NY (4-2)
13t. D. H. Hardwick, Keene, NH (3-2)
13t. Rupperts, Riverdale, NJ (3-2)
13t. Jimmy Dean Foods, Union City, TN (3-2)
13t. Gary Chicoine, Weare, NH (2-2)
17t. Legends Green Bay, Green Bay, WI (3-2)
17t. Grand Slam, Bridgeville, DE (1-2)
17t. Framingham Cardinals, Framingham, MA (1-2)
17t. Apogean Marketing, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (2-2)
17t. Stingers, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
17t. Ferraiolo Construction, Belfast, ME (2-2)
17t. ADCO, Staten Island, NY (2-2)
17t. Lindamans Insurance, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
25t. Vegas Sports Café, Copaigue, NY (1-2)
25t. Ocean Glass, Billerica, MA (2-2)
25t. Four Seasons Dukes, Keyport, NJ (1-2)
25t. Cheers, Webster, MA (1-2)
25t. Legends New Jersey, Hamburg, NJ (1-2)
25t. Budweiser, Greensboro, MD (1-2)
25t. Golds Gym, East Boston, MA (2-2)
25t. Havtech, Silver Springs, MD (1-2)
33t. Southern Cal, Tarzana, CA (0-2)
33t. Café Lido, Philadelphia, PA (0-2)
33t. Boichot Concrete, Lansing, MI (0-2)
33t. Franco American Club, Beverly, MA (0-2)
33t. L.P. Tree Service, Staten Island, NY (0-2)
33t. Tampa Bay Dragons, Tampa Bay, FL (0-2)
33t. Pete’s Laundry, Lancaster, PA (0-2)
33t. P.F. Markey, Saginaw, MI (0-2)
33t. Mickey Sports, Lawrence, MA (1-2)
33t. Billy Jacks, Boston, MA (0-2)
33t. Fort Apache Dodgers, Bronx, NY (0-2)
33t. Preston Ford, Bridgeville, DE (0-2)
33t. Colidge Corners Clubhouse, Boston, MA (1-2)
33t. Country Corners Stoppers, Rapid City, MI (1-2)
33t. Ulster Sanitation, Napanoch, NY (0-2)

1997 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1997 held at McMahon Park in Lawton, Oklahoma on August 30-31.

Champion – Long Haul Trucking/TPS, Albertville, Minnesota
Runner Up – Armed Forces, Washington, DC

  • MVP – Chris Williams, Armed Forces
  • HR Leader – Chris Williams, Armed Forces – 25
  • Batting Leader – Ron Acker, Wrecking Crew – .889

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – John Hicks, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (14-19 .739, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
C – Derek Oliver, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (23-27, .852, 8 HR, 23 RBI)
1B – Dennis Emhoff, Armed Forces (30-42, .714, 3 HR, 15 RBI)
2B – Joel Obman, Armed Forces (33-50, .660, 14 HR, 28 RBI)
3B – Ron Acker, Wrecking Crew (24-27, .889)
SS – Dal Beggs, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (22-29, .755, 5 HR, 14 RBI)
OF – Chris Williams, Armed Forces (41-50, .825, 25 HR, 50 RBI, 37 Runs)
OF – Tony Henry, Major League Easton
OF – Jimmy Calera, Wrecking Crew
OF – Melanio “Toro” Meises, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (21-28, .750, 9 HR, 21 RBI)
EH – Dennis Pierce, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (20-27, .741, 9 HR, 22 RBI)
UTIL – Moose White, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
UTIL – Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
UTIL – Keith Pritchett, Armed Forces (14-23, .609, 5 HR, 13 RBI)
UTIL – Keith Brockman, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (20-30, .677, 8 HR, 21 RBI)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Kirk Stafford, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (19-26, .731, 4 HR, 15 RBI)
C – Scott Holder, All-American Car Wash
EH – Keith Baker, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (7-17, .412, 1 HR, 4 RBI)
1B – Tom White, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (19-23, .826, 8 HR, 15 RBI)
2B – Fred Shipley, Nasty Boys/TPS
3B – Jeff Wallace, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (23-30, .767, 7 HR, 20 RBI)
SS – Bucky Autry, Nasty Boys/TPS
OF – Dexter Avery, Armed Forces (29-42, .690, 14 HR, 32 RBI)
OF – Bobby Moody, Medco Clean Services
OF – Gene Paszke, Roosters/Easton
OF – George Hill, Armed Forces (25-40, .625, 7 HR, 13 RBI)
UTIL – Chris Gurganus, All-American Car Wash
UTIL – Mike Pearson, Wrecking Crew
UTIL – Wally Coronado, Bud/DeMarini
UTIL – Melvin Mallernee, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (17-23, .739, 4 HR, 9 RBI)

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Doug Ware, Wrecking Crew
C – Brett Helmer, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (18-24, .750, 6 HR, 17 RBI)
EH – Bruce Carroll, Bud/DeMarini
1B – Jason Fleming, Long Haul Trucking/TPS (23-29, .793, 7 HR, 19 RBI)
2B – John Glidewell, Medco Clean Service
3B – Jay Foust, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
SS – Todd Weigand, Bud/DeMarini
OF – Larry White, Major League Easton
OF – Ed Rosado, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (16-25, .640, 8 HR, 19 RBI)
OF – Tim Snyder, All-American Car Wash
OF – Jon Meyers, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (19-29, .655, 6 HR, 16 RBI)
UTIL – Tom Ancelet, Nasty Boys/TPS
UTIL – Jeff Edington, Roosters/Easton
UTIL – Jack Bowker, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (18-26 ,.692, 1 HR, 8 RBI)
UTIL – Bill Jerich, Gasoline Heaven/Worth

OTHERS

Jose Santiago, Long Haul (21-29, .724, 9 HR, 25 RBI)
Robert Puckett, Armed Forces (26-39, .667, 7 HR, 20 RBI)
Dale Back, Armed Forces (28-44, .636, 10 HR, 19 RBI)
Bob Fisher, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (16-26, .615, 6 HR, 13 RBI)
Demond Thomas, SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS (16-26, .615, 9 HR, 14 RBI)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Long Haul Trucking/TPS, Albertville, MN (6-0)
2. Armed Forces, Washington, DC (5-2)
3. Wrecking Crew, Killeen, TX (4-2)
4. NASTY Boys, St. Louis, MO (5-2)
5t. Gasoline Heaven/Worth, Commack, NY (5-2)
5t. SoJern/Specialty/TPS, Cedarbrook, NJ (3-2)
7t. All-American Car Wash, Wichita Falls, TX (3-2)
7t. SportsWorld/Worth, Lebanon, TN (3-2)
9t. Budweiser/DeMarini, College Station, TX (3-2)
9t. Major League/Easton, Chattanooga, TN (2-2)
9t. Rooster’s/Easton, Columbus, OH (2-2)
9t. Watanabe/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
13t. Medco, Fort Smith, AR (2-2)
13t. DeMarini/Jackson, Oklahoma City, OK (2-2)
13t. Herb’s/TPS, San Diego, CA (1-2)
13t. Roberts/Easton, Orlando, FL (1-2)
17t. Planet Softball/TPS, Lexington, KY (1-2)
17t. Higher Power/TPS, Concord, CA (1-2)
17t. Hudson’s/TPS, Samson, AL (1-2)
17t. Brothers & Sisters, Lawton, OK (0-2)
17t. The Pack, Abilene, TX (0-2)
17t. Johnston, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
17t. Hammers, Lawton, OK (0-2)
17t. Sheppard/Coke Senators, Wichita Falls, TX (0-2)
25t. Central Paving, Decatur, IL (0-2)
25t. MoJo, Shawnee, OK (0-2)
25t. Jackson’s, Lawton, OK (0-2)

1997 ASA Women’s Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Huntsville, Alabama on August 22-23.

Champion – Thunderbolts, Keene, New Hampshire
Runner Up – Stadium Sportswear, Spokane, Washington

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

1997 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Elizabeth Sanchez, Julie’s
P – Diane Stanford, Stadium Sports
P – Nicole Adamson, Roger’s Renegades
C – Tanya DeGeest, Stadium Sports
1B – Missy Sharp, Stadium Sports
2B – Deb Smith, Roger’s Renegades
3B – Terry Galley, Roger’s Renegades
SS – Johanna Castillo, Julie’s
OF – M.J. Williams, Stadium Sports
OF – Megan Trembly, Roger’s Renegades
OF – Linda Bushinski, Stadium Sports
OF – Natalie Jufer, Julie’s
UTIL – Laura Daniels, Roger’s Renegades
UTIL – Kristi Kuntz, Stadium Sports
UTIL – Lori Bell, Roger’s Renegades

1997 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Kathy White, Stadium Sports
P – Desiree Alloggiamento, Julie’s
P – LaDonna Boyd, Polanski’s
C – Kristen Taylor, Roger’s Renegades
1B – Linda Lensch, Julie’s
2B – Rikki Jackson, Stadium Sports
3B – Anna Mendez, Julie’s
SS – Jennifer Mountain, Stadium Sports
OF – Heidi Smith, Polanski’s
OF – Michelle Blessent, Team Spokane
OF – Megan Nicolay, Roger’s Renegades
OF – Chrystal Pakootas, Polanski’s
UTIL – Tonya Gabriel, Hitchcock Construction
UTIL – Traci Moore, Hitchcock Construction
UTIL – Tracy O’Blines, Julie’s

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Thunderbolts, Troy, NH (3-1)
2. Stadium Sportswear, Spokane, WA (3-2)
3. Team Spokane, Spokane, WA (3-2)
4. Chacha’s Ladies, New York, NY (2-2)
5t. Crossroads Inn, Tigerton, WI (0-2)
5t. J&M Quickstop, Saginaw, MI (0-2)

1997 ASA Girls’ 18-Under Gold Fast Pitch Nationals

1997 held at ASA Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 4-10.

Champion – Orange County Batbusters, Santa Ana, California
Runner Up – Gordon’s Panthers, La Palma, California

There is an Ada in Oklahoma, and OC in these parts stands for Oklahoma City.

But the 1997 Junior Girls’ Gold National Championship trophy for softball, which Ada predicted and the OC Batbusters won, is going back to California.

The OC Batbusters, who call Orange County home, beat Gordon’s Panthers from La Palma, Calif., 1-0 in Sunday’s final at the Hall of Fame Stadium. An estimated 500 fans were on hand for the event, which concluded a week of intense competition by the top 18-and-under girls teams in the country.

A total of 57 teams — including four from Oklahoma — qualified to compete in the tournament. But Ada Barents could have told everyone at the very beginning who was going to win. Her granddaughter, Jennie Finch, pitched the final four games for the OC Batbusters.

“I told Jennie what I wanted for my birthday,” said Ada, who was celebrating both her 77th birthday and her granddaughter’s victory on Sunday. “I told her just a win. The sky was the limit. “But we didn’t take no airplane ride. We drove 1,200 all the way to get here. It was a good week.”

It was an exceptionally good game for Finch in the final. The 16-year-old had a perfect game through four innings and a no-hitter through five. In the, final two innings, however, she walked two batters and gave up two hits.

“I just wanted to win,” said Finch, who was thinking more of her grandmother and her teammates than a possible perfect game. “And it was good to come out on top. I feel good.”

The win, which was secured in the second inning when the OC Batbusters managed three of their four hits and the only run of the game, stopped one streak. Gordon’s Panthers were the tournament’s defending champions.

Gary Haning, coach of the OC Batbusters, hopes this victory will start another streak, however.

“We tied for 13th last year, but the year before we were national champions,” he said. “But now we want to be national champions every year instead of every other year.”

The Batbusters went 6-0 in the double-elimination event and handed the Gordon’s Panthers (5-2) their only losses. Earlier on Sunday, the Batbusters beat the Panthers 4-2 to send them to the losers bracket.

Not only were the tournament’s champions and runners-up from California, but so were the third-place finishers (Southern California A’s), the fourth-place finishers (Lady Sharks) and one of the fifth-place squads (California Cruisers).

The Northwest Outlaws from Vancouver, Wash., also tied for fifth. Two of Oklahoma’s teams tied for 33rd (the Oklahoma Stealers from Stillwater and the OKC Naturals) and the other two tied for 49th (the Tulsa Eagles and the Ultimate Teal from Washington).

“This is the most competitive tournament we’ve ever played in,” said Hailing, who was also an assistant coach for the Junior World team which scored 126 runs and gave up none in 1995. “This is far more competitive than the Junior Worlds, and our team was brilliant. Our team never stopped trying, never stopped working and never gave up.”

FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Amanda Freed, Gordon’s Panthers
P – Jennie Finch, Orange County Batbusters
P – Jocelyn Forest, Southern California Athletics
C – Jenny Topping, Gordon’s Panthers
1B – Kristin Dennis, Orange County Batbusters
2B – Kelsey Kollen, Gordon’s Panthers
3B – Shawna Feldt, Northwest Outlaws
SS – Andrienne Ratajczak, California Cruisers
OF – Lizzy Lemire, Southern California Athletics
OF – Lindsey Collins, Orange County Batbusters
OF – Anna Smith, Gordon’s Panthers
OF – Arlette Sunseri, Strikkers
DH – Samantha Kimura, Gordon’s Panthers
UTIL – Chrissy Buck, Southern California Athletics
UTIL – Kirsten Voak, San Jose Lady Sharks

SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Crystal Draper, Northwest Outlaws
P – Sarah Caudle, San Jose Lady Sharks
P – Shannon Walsh, Valencia Choppers
C – Briana Chambliss, Running Rebels Gold
1B – Veronica Nelson, San Jose Lady Sharks
2B – Amanda Melton, Valencia Choppers
3B – Erica Reynolds, Running Rebels Gold
SS – Christie Rosenblad, Orange County Batbusters
OF – Shyamala White, San Jose Lady Sharks
OF – Nicole Giordano, Valencia Choppers
OF – Jade Gosse, Strikkers
OF – Sasha Campbell, Southern California Athletics
DH – Robin Peet, Southern California Athletics
UTIL – Robin Walker, Gordon’s Panthers
UTIL – Marissa Young, Gordon’s Panthers

THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Crystal Draper, Southern California Stealth
P – Sarah Caudle, California Pirettes
P – Shannon Walsh, Houston Renegades
C – Briana Chambliss, Northwest Outlaws
1B – Veronica Nelson, Houston Renegades
2B – Amanda Melton, Valencia Choppers
3B – Erica Reynolds, Nor Cal Tremors
SS – Christie Rosenblad, Orland Park Sparks Red
OF – Shyamala White, PGSA Force
OF – Nicole Giordano, California Cruisers
DH – Jade Gosse, Southern California Athletics
UTIL – Sasha Campbell, California Cruisers
UTIL – Robin Peet, California Pirettes
UTIL – Robin Walker, Fresno Force
UTIL – Marissa Young, Humble Cobras

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orange County Batbusters, Santa Ana, CA (6-0)
2. Gordon’s Panthers, Le Palma, CA (5-2)
3. Southern California Athletics, Foothill Ranch, CA (6-2)
4. San Jose Lady Sharks, San Jose, CA (4-2)
5t. California Cruisers, La Palma, CA (5-2)
5t. Northwest Outlaws, Vancouver, WA (4-2)
7t. Strikkers, San Jose, CA (5-2)
7t. Valencia Choppers, Valencia, CA (3-2)
9t. Fresno Force, Fresno, CA (4-2)
9t. Southern California Stealth, Santa Clarita, CA (4-2)
9t. California Pirettes, Corona, CA (2-2)
9t. Houston Renegades, Houston, TX (5-2)
13t. Nor Cal Tremors, Lodi, CA (3-2)
13t. Running Rebels Gold, Stockton, CA (3-2)
13t. PGSA Force, Pasadena, TX (3-2)
13t. Orland Park Sparks Red, Orland Park, IL (2-2)
17t. Arizona Ramblers, Scottsdale, AZ (3-2)
17t. Hot Stuff, Yorba Linda, CA (3-2)
17t. Texas Travelers, Austin, TX (3-2)
17t. Humble Cobras, Humble, TX (2-2)
17t. Southern California Firecrackers, San Diego, CA (3-2)
17t. Southern California Lightning, San Diego, CA (2-2)
17t. Spring Klein Hawks, Conroe, TX (2-2)
17t. California Dynasty, Corona, CA (2-2)
25t. Easton Panthers Gold, Sylmar, CA (2-2)
25t. Hot Shots, Tempe, AZ (2-2)
25t. San Diego Thunder Gold, San Diego, CA (2-2)
25t. Esko Ice, Esko, MN (2-2)
25t. Arizona Cats Gold, Tucson, AZ (2-2)
25t. California Grapettes, Stockton, CA (2-2)
25t. Texas Challengers, West Columbia, TX (2-2)
25t. Lil Saints Gold, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
33t. Oklahoma Stealers, Sand Springs, OK (1-2)
33t. Running Rebels Gold, Stockton, CA (1-2)
33t. California Breeze, Sacramento, CA (1-2)
33t. Thunderboltz, Bloomington, MN (1-2)
33t. Mustangs Gold, Chattanooga, TN (1-2)
33t. Clearwater Lady Bombers, Clearwater, FL (1-2)
33t. Oak Park Windmills, Oak Park, IL (1-2)
33t. D. T. Gunners, Centerville, VA (1-2)
33t. Oklahoma City Naturals, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
33t. Texas Impact Gold, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Red Hots, Dallas, TX (1-2)
33t. Shamrocks, Vienna, VA (1-2)
33t. Garland Legends, Garland, TX (0-2)
33t. Colorado Legends Gold, Parker, CO (0-2)
33t. Grand Rapids Blaze, Grand Rapids, MI (0-2)
33t. Stallions, Dallas, TX (0-2)
49t. Tulsa Eagles, Tulsa, OK (0-2)
49t. Aphis Ready Mix Gold, Vancouver, WA (0-2)
49t. Boone & Darr, Ann Arbor, MI (0-2)
49t. Phoenix Storm-Swan, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
49t. Metro Express, Carnegie, PA (0-2)
49t. Parker Eagles, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
49t. Katy Hardliners, Katy, TX (0-2)
49t. Ultimate Teal, Washington, OK (0-2)
49t. Whiteford Sharks, Plainfield, IL (0-2)

OC Batbusters

The OC Batbusters of Santa Ana, California celebrate after winning the Girls 18-and-under Gold National Championship at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. The Batbusters defeated Gordon’s Panthers of La Palma, California, 1-0 to win the softball championship. The Panthers were the defending champions.

1997 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Kingman, Arizona.

Champion: Taylor’s, Glendale, Maryland
Runner Up: Eglin Armed Forces, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Taylors, leading 15-5 needed just 2 more runs to win the championship via the 12-run rule. Laura Elmore stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and calmly unloaded a long drive over the left fielder’s head scoring 2 runs giving them a 17-5 victory and winning their first ASA Women’s Major National Championship. Taylors scored 48 runs in its 4 games they played, going undefeated along the way. Wanda Graham’s towering 3-run Homer was the highlight for the Armed Forces.

  • MVP – Mary Beck, Taylor’s (outfielder, who played tremendous defense)
  • Batting Leader – Laura Elmore, Taylor’s (12-15) – 800 (17-21, .810)
  • Home Run Leader – Carolyn Ford, Armed Forces – 2

ASA MAJOR WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

P – Lois Buckmaster, Taylor’s
C – Carolyn Ford, Eglin Armed Forces
1B – Laura Elmore, Taylor’s
2B – Sandy Wilson, Taylor’s
3B – Robin Baxter, Taylor’s
SS – Cheryl Trapnell, Eglin Armed Forces
OF – Paige Nichols, Taylor’s
OF – Sue McGinley, Spooks
OF – Mary Beck, Taylor’s
OF – Mary King-Espinal, Eglin Armed Forces
DP – Ann Gust, Taylor’s
UT – Tammy Jo Purcell-Cowles, Eglin Armed Forces
UT – Denise Hall, Shiva
UT – Tina Donald, Eglin Armed Forces
UT – Wanda Graham, Eglin Armed Forces

ASA MAJOR WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

P – Diane Broe, Spooks
C – Sharon Dudley, Taylor’s
1B – Teri Taylor, Shiva
2B – Venisa Dinius, Spooks
3B – Pam Smith, Eglin Armed Forces
SS – Chris Minto, Shiva
OF – Jeannie Murray, Taylor’s
OF – Patty Harmon, Shiva
OF – Sara Reiser, Spooks
OF – Teresa Held, Spooks
DP – Dianne Dingmann, Spooks
UT – Kristen DeAndreis, Shiva
UT – Nancy Archer, Taylor’s
UT – Jaymee Ross, Eglin Armed Forces
UT – Linda Nelson, Spooks

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Taylor’s, Glendale, MD (4-0)
2. Eglin Armed Forces, Ft. Walton Beach, FL (5-2)
3. Shiva, San Francisco, CA (2-2)
4. Spooks Anoka, MN (3-2)
5t. Yankees, Santa Monica, CA (1-2)
5t. Prime Time, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
7t. Kingman, Kingman, AZ (0-2)
7t. Lakerettes, Conneaut Lake, PA (0-2)
9. Sprint, Las Vegas, NV (0-2)