1977 tournament held at Petersburg, Virginia.
Champion – Mazzola Castle, Rochester, New York
Runner Up – Snyder’s, Novi, Michigan
Snyder’s trying to win three straight world series titles came close. They got off on the wrong foot, losing the opening game to the Candyman Bombers of North Carolina 11-0. Joe Seymour homered for the Bombers. They had to win 4 straight in the losers bracket to get to the finals. Once there, they defeated Mazzola-Castle 25-12 to force the final championship game. Snyder’s was led by Braxton Speller’s 4-5 game, 3 HR game; he also scored 4 runs and drove in 7 runs. Rick Trudeau’s had 5 hits in the game, while Lon Parker and Rick Pinto both collected 4 hits. Mazzola manager Joe Nucci decided to switch things up in the final game. he brought in big Frank Taccone to pitch his crazy knuckleball. The move worked as Mazzola-Castle held off Snyder’s 16-14 to win the title. Mazzola jumped out to a 16-9 lead behind Cal Carmen’s 4-4 game, including a home run and 3 RBIs. Jerry Laspanara was 3-3. Frank Taccone also hit a homer. Snyder’s came roaring back behind two home runs from Larry Elkins and a homer each from Marv Geary and Braxton Speller. Speller was 4-4 in the game. Trailing by 3 going into the top of the 7th inning, big Frank Taccone held the Snyder’s powerhouse to just one run to clinch the 16-14 win. Rick Trudeau led Snyder’s with a 20-31 tournament (.645). Pitcher Rick Pinto batted .619 (13-21). Elkins, Geary and Speller combined for 18 homers and 47 RBIs.
- MVP – Jerry Lasponara, Mazzola Castle (13-18, .722, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- Home Run Leader – Marv Geary, Snyder’s (11-21, .524, 21 RBIs, 11 Runs) – 7
- Batting Leader – Jerry Laspanara, Mazzola – .722
1977 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM
- Pitcher – Rick Pinto – Snyder’s Softball Club (13-21, .619, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs) Catcher – Braxton Speller – Snyder’s Softball Club (13-26, .500, 6 HRs, 13 RBIs, 11 Runs)
- Catcher – Jerry Laspanara – Mazzola Castle (13-18, .722, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- First Base – Ken Ewald – Savannah Cafe (7-13, .538, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
- Second Base – Sammy Dickens – Candyman Bombers (8-12, .667, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs)
- Third Base – Mary Geary – Snyder’s Softball Club (11-21, .524, 7 HRs, 2) RBIs, 11 Runs) Shortstop – Rick Trudeau – Snyder’s Softball Club (20-31, .645, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
- Outfield – Mike Cellura – Capitol Insulation (6-12, .500, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs, 4 Runs)
- Outfield – Hal Ward – Savannah Cafe (9-13, .692, 4 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- Outfield – Dick Rodgers – Mazzola Castle (8-21, .352, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 9 Runs)
- Outfield – Doug Farrell – Mazzola Castle (10-18, .556, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 8 Runs)
- Utility – Chuck Drewicz – Snyder’s Softball Club (12-24, .500, 6 RBIs, 9 Runs)
- Utility – Hank Kosmala – Capitol Insulation (8-15, .533, 4 HRs, 5 RBIs, 8 Runs)
- Utility – Rick Palmieri – Mazzola Castle (8-19, .421, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- Utility – Andy Santillo – Mazzola Castle (7-17, .412, 3 RBIs, 3 Runs)
OTHERS
- Dan Everts, LKB Merchants (5-8, .625, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
- Doug Farrell, Mazzola (10-18, .556, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 8 Runs)
- Matt Partridge, Kentucky Fried (5-9, .556, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- Ron Shoquist, Snyders (11-22, .500, 9 RBIs, 4 Runs)
- Larry Elkins, Snyders (13-27, .481, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs, 11 Runs)
- Lon Parker, Snyders (9-20, .450, 5 RBIs, 9 Runs)
- Frank Rodgriguez, Capitol (6-14, .429, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 Runs)
- Tony Salamone, Savannah (6-14, .429, 1 RBI, 5 Runs)
- John Braxton, Candyman Bombers (4-10, .400, 3 HRs, 4 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- Tom Taylor, Savannah (2-5, .400, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
- Denny Hogan, Candyman Bombers (4-11, .364, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
- Cal Carmen, Mazzola (7-19, .368, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 8 Runs)
- George Chernenko, Snyders (5-16, .313, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 5 Runs)
- Glen Eichelberger, Mazzola (2-8, .250, 1 RBI)
- Joe Seymour, Candyman Bombers (2-11, .182, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 2 Runs)
FINAL STANDINGS
1. Mazzola Castle, Rochester, NY (4-1)
2. Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, MI (5-2)
3. Savannah Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
4. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (2-2)
5t. Candyman Bombers, Wilson, NC (1-2)
5t. Kentucky Fried, Union Lake, MI (1-2)
7t. Universal A.C., Covington, KY (0-2)
7t. L.K.B. Merchants, Anaheim, CA (0-2)
*By winning the 1977 World Series, Mazzola Castle (QUALIFIED for 1978 WORLD SERIES) joined the Pro League – 2nd place Howard’s received the defending champ berth.
