Category: USSSA Major Slow Pitch

1975 held at Rochester, New York.

Champion – Snyder’s, Novi, Michigan
Runner Up – Sol Mintz, Washington, Pennsylvania

Sol Mintz had to defeat two powerhouse teams in the loser’s bracket to get a crack at the championship game. Synder’s had beaten Sol Mintz 18-17 to send them tot he loser’s bracket. Sol Mintz then beat Uniroyal of Detroit 12-11 (former USSSA Champion Dino’s Pizza) behind the home run power of Big Tom Miller, then beat Copper Hearth 14-10 in the loser’s bracket final behind George Taylor’s four hits and homers from Chuck Yesenchak and Tom Miller. Gary Smith held the bats scoreless in the final to inning.  Now in the finals, Sol Mintz faced Snyder’s Softball Club of Michigan. Rick Pinto hurled a 5-hit shutout to give Snyder’s the championship via a 11-0 victory. Matt Partridge had 3 hits and Doug Gerdes made it look easy with a booming home run among his two hits and 3 RBIs. Jim Mitchell was 9-13 (.692) with 5 HRs and 10 RBIs to lead Snyder’s in hitting. Matt Partridge was 11-17 (.647). For Sol Mintz, Denny Brown was 15-22 (.681), with 13 Runs Scored. Don Matthews (15-23, .652) also had a big weekend.

This was the first All World Team was selected. The previous selections were East, West or Central.

• MVP – Doug Gerdes, Snyder’s (10-16, .625, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Tom Miller, Sol Mintz  (12-18, .667, 15 RBI, 12 Runs) – 6
• Batting Leader – Phil Higgins, Copper Hearth (12-16, 3 HR,11 RBI, 10 Runs) – .750

1975 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Rick Pinto – Snyder’s Softball Club (5-15, .333, 1 Run) – also 4-0 Pitching
Pitcher – Chuck Drewicz – Copper Heath (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 Runs)
First Base – Don Matthews – Sol Mintz (15-23, .652, 3 RBI, 13 Runs)
Second Base – Stan Brown – Snyder’s Softball Club (9-14, .643, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
Third Base – Doug Gerdes – Snyder’s Softball Club (10-16, .625, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 8 Runs)
Shortstop – Derek Gallagher – Builders Hardware (7-12, .583, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Outfield – Phil Higgins – Copper Hearth (12-16, .750, 3 HR,11 RBI, 10 Runs)
Outfield – Stan Rocca – Sol Mintz (6-24, .250, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
Outfield – Matt Partridge – Snyder’s Softball Club (11-17, .647, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
Outfield – Dan Murphy – Uniroyal (8-14, .571, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Outfield – Dave Rhodes – Snyder’s Softball Club (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 Runs)

OTHERS

Jim Mitchell, Snyders (9-13, .692, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs)
Jim Yesenchak, Sol Mintz (13-19, .684, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 Runs)
Denny Brown, Sol Mintz (15-22 . 682, 4 RBI, 13 Runs)
Tom Miller, Sol Mintz (12-18, .667, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 12 Runs)
Tom Kaminsky, Uniroyal (9-14, .643, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8 Runs)
Charlie Pierce, Capitol Insulation (5-8, .625, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
Al Gibson, Uniroyal (8-13, .615, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
Doc Nuebauer, Copper Hearth (9-16, .562, 5 Runs)
Rick Scherr, Copper Hearth (6-12, .500, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
Hank Kosmala, Capitol Insulation (3-6, .500, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
Frank Tacone, Mazzola (3-6, .500, 1 Run)
Rick Trudeau, Snyders (8-17, .471, 2 RBI, 7 Runs)
Chuck Drewicz, Copper Hearth (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 Runs)
Lon Parker, Snyders (6-17, 353, 5 Runs)
Elby Bushong, Copper State (3-9, .333, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 3 Runs)
Jim Mortl, Copper Hearth (5-16, .312, 1 RBI, 6 Runs)
Larry Elkins, Snyders (2-13, .154, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 Runs)
Cal Carman, Uniroyal (1-14, .071)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, MI (4-0)
2. Sol Mintz, Washington, PA (4-2)
3. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
4. Uniroyal, Detroit, MI (2-2)
5t. Builders Hardware, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
5t. Copper State Nut & Bolt, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
7t. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (0-2)
7t. Mazzola, Rochester, NY (0-2)

NOTE: By winning the 1975 World Series, Snyder’s qualified for the 1976 USSSA Major World Series.

1974 held on August 24-26 at Howarth Park and Burbank Park in Pinole, California.

Champion – Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, Michigan
Runner Up – Bay Area Merchants (BAM), Richmond, California

Pace Electronics started to make a statement on the very first night of the tournament as they upset Defending Champ, Bay Area Merchants from Richmond CA by a 10-8 score. Winning Pitcher Frank Tacone was 4-4 to lead the Pace squad. Glen Eichelberger hit a 3-run homer for Pace. This dropped BAM into the losers bracket. There, they won five straight games by a combined score of 114-48. Included in those wins were victories over Pace 20-13 (Pace finished in 3rd place) and then 15-9 over Dino’s Pizza in the first game of the finals. Dino’s came back and won the final championship game 10-5 behind the Pitching and Hitting of Joe Patti. Patti went 2-4 in the final game and surrendered only 11 hits to a team that had previously collected 100 hits in it five game winning streak. Tasso Runeliotis had a big 3-run homer to lead Dino’s.

1973 East, Central, West World Champs and Runner-ups along with the 1973 World Series Champ played an 8 team double elimination tournament.

The process of determining the World Series participants the prior year has ended. The East, Central an West Worlds will now be held in the same year as the World Series. To catch up for the 1974 Regional World Champs, the 1975 World Series would include the 1974 East, Central and West World Champs along with the 1975 East., Central and West World Champs along with the 1974 Defending Champion and the Host team.

By winning the 1974 World Series, Dino’s, who became Uniroyal—-(QUALIFIED for 1975 WORLD SERIES)

• MVP – Joe Patti, Dino’s Pizza (10-16, .625, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 9 Runs)
  
• Home Run Leader – Elby Bushong – (15-29, .529, 17 RBI, 11 Runs)  – 8
  
• Home Run Leader – Tom Sandau, BAM (20-29, .670, 16 RBI, 15 Runs) – 8
  
• Batting Leader – John Morris, BAM- (15-21, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 12 Runs) – .714

All-World Team

No All-World Team was selected  – The East and West selected All World Teams in their respective tournaments, the Central did not.

1974 World Series Stats (at least 12 ABs)

John Morris, BAM (15-21,. 714, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 12 Runs)
Tom Sandau, BAM (20-29, .690, 8 HR, 16 RBI, 15 Runs)
Bob Woodruff, Capitol (8-12, .667, 1 RBI, 6 Runs)
Joe Patti, Dino’s (10-16, .625, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 9 Runs) – Also 4-1 Pitching
Lou Smith, BAM (16-26, .615, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 12 Runs)
Frank Tacone, Pace (9-15, .600, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
Dan Murphy, Dino’s (10-17, .588, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 Runs)
Glen Eichelberger, Pace (8-14, .571, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
Tasso Runeliotis, Dino’s (11-20, .550, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Charlie Pierce, BAM (17-28, .533, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 15 Runs)
Phil Higgins, Slinger (8-15, .533, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 5 Runs)
Bob Rodwell, Dino’s (8-15, .533, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 6 Runs)
Steve Ehlke, Slinger (8-15, .533, 4 RBI, 8 Runs)
Elby Bushong, BAM (15-29, .529, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 11 Runs)
Jerry Gilbreath, BAM (14-27, .519, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 12 Runs) – also 3-0 Pitching
Frank Coppa, BAM (13-27, .481, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 13 Runs)
Marv VanCurran, BAM (13-29, .449, 3 RBI, 9 Runs)
Larry Shephard, BAM (11-30, .366, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
Cal Carman, Dino’s (7-21, .333, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)

OTHERS

Rick Scherr, Slinger (6-9, .667, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
Bob Mittleberger, Dino’s (5-10, .500, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 Runs)
Hank Kosmala, Capitol (5-11, .455, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
Andy Santillo, Pace (5-11, .455, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
Jerry Johnston, Dino’s (6-17, .352, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 6 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (4-1)
2. Bay Area Merchants, Richmond, CA (5-2)
3. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (2-2)
4. Slinger Foundry, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
5t. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (1-2)
5t. Chandler Redi-Mix, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
7t. Croton Dukes, New Castle, PA (0-2)
7t. Thurmer’s Bar, St. Louis, MO (0-2)

1973 held at Southgate, Michigan.

CHAMPION – Bay Area Merchants, Richmond, California
RUNNER UP – Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, Michigan

1972 East World Champ played the 1972 West World Champ in the 1973 World Series best of 7 series Bay Area Merchants (BAM) of Richmond, CA defeated Dino’s Pizza of Detroit, MI (4 games to 2).

Bay Area Merchants or BAM as they preferred to be called made history becoming the first Western team to win the USSSA World Series. BAM had to overcome the powerful hitting of Dino’s Pizza. And they did that by matching them blow for blow. Dino’s ended up with 12 Home Runs and BAM had 11. BAM outscored their rivals 58-41 in the 6 game series. Electrifying Charlie Pierce was amazing as he led BAM to the title with his 13-22 hitting performance. He also covered half the outfield himself with his roadrunner type speed. Big Ed Green supplied the power for BAM with 3 titanic blasts. Dino’s Cal Carman and Jerry Johnston both had terrific series for Dino’s. Carman was 9-14 and also walked 9 times as well. Hed led the series in homers with 5. Johnston’s .684 batting average was also tops. Pierce hit when it counted most in the last two games he was 6-8 to lead the team.

• MVP – Charles Pierce, BAM (13-22, .592, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Cal Carmen, Dino’s (9-14, .643, 8 RBI, 9 Runs) – 5
• Batting Leader – Jerry Johnson, Dino’s – (13-19, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs) – .684

ALL WORLD TEAM

No All-World Team was selected – just a best of 7 series between 2 teams. The East and West selected All World Teams in their respective Tournaments.

SCORES

• Game 1 – Bay Area Merchants 15 vs. Dino’s Pizza 11 – Charlie Pierce was 3-3 with 2 HR for BAM; Cal Carmen of Dino’s was 4-4 with 3 HR.
• Game 2 – Dino’s Pizza 5 vs. Bay Area Merchants 2 – Cal Carmen was 2-2 with 2 HR and 3 RBI for Dino’s; Marv VanCurran was 3-3 for BAM.
• Game 3 – Bay Area Merchants 17 vs. Dino’s Pizza 5 – Al Green and Jim Heflin combined for 5 hits and 7 RBI for BAM; Joe Patti was 3-4 to lead Dino’s.
• Game 4 – Dino’s Pizza 15 vs. Bay Area Merchants 14 – Joe Theisen was 4-4 with 2 HR for Dino’s; Mike Matthews was 3-4 with 4 RBI for BAM.
• Game 5 – Bay Area Merchants 6 vs. Dino’s Pizza 2 – Charlie Pierce was 4-4 with a HR for BAM; Joe Patti and Dan Murphy had an RBI each for Dino’s.
• Game 6 – Bay Area Merchants 4 vs. Dino’s Pizza 3 – Charlie Pierce was 2-4 to lead BAM; Jerry Johnston was 3-3 to lead Dino’s.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Bay Area Merchants, Richmond, CA (4-2)
2. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (2-4)

OTHERS (at least 10 AB)

Jerry Johnson, Dino’s 13-19, .684, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
Cal Carmen, Dino’s (9-14, .643, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
Charlie Pierce, BAM (13-22, .591, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
Dan Murphy, Dino’s (7-12, .583, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
Al Smith, BAM (8-16, .500, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
Jim Heflin, BAM (10-21, .476, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
Steve Anderson, BAM (7-15, .467, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
Joe Patti, Dino’s (9-20, 0 HRs, 4 RBI, 6 Runs) – Also 1-3 Pitching
Marv VanCurran, BAM (9-20, .450, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
Ed Green, BAM (9-21, .429, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)
Larry Shephard, BAM (9-21, .429, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
Unknown Klinger, Dino’s (8-19, .421, 2 Runs)
Jerry Gilbreath, BAM (5-12, .417, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Chuck Carcium, Dino’s (5-13, .365, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 7 Runs) – Also 1-1 Pitching
Frank Coppa, BAM (7-19, .368, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Mike Matthews, BAM (7-21, .333, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs) – Also 4-2 Pitching
Joe Theisen, Dino’s (6-19, .316, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
Jim Halsip, Dino’s (3-13, .231, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
George White, Dino’s (3-13, .231, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
John Morris, BAM (2-13, .154, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
Mario Borrocci, Dino’s (1-10, .100, 1 RBI)

By winning the 1973 World Series, BAM (QUALIFIED for 1974 WORLD SERIES)

1973 East Worlds – Southgate, Michigan.

Champion – Croten Dukes, New Castle, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, Michigan

East MVP – Carl Pia, Croten Dukes (15-20, .750, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 6-0 Pitching)
East HR Leader – Dave Thayer, Snyder’s (22-33, .667, 22 RBI) –  10
East Batting Leader– Carl Pia, Croten Dukes – .750

USSSA EAST ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Carl Pia, Croten Dukes (15-20, .750, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 6-0 Pitching)
P – Cal Carmen, Dino’s Pizza (12-25, .480, 5 HR, 12 RBI)
C – Frank Taccone, Pace Electronics (11-23, .470, 7 HR, 8 RBI)
C – John Pierog, Iron Dukes (11-18, .611, 8 RBI)
1B – Emory Lucas, Rolling Hills (14-26, .538, 8 RBI)
2B – Joe Patti, Dino’s Pizza (14-27, .519, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
3B – Doug Gerdes, Snyder’s (21-33, .636, 9 HR, 27 RBI)
3B – Micky Annarella, Croten Dukes (10-19, .526, 7 RBI)
SS – Randy Huey, Croten Dukes (13-21, .619, 4 RBI)
OF – Dave Thayer, Snyder’s (22-33, .667, 10 HR, 22 RBI)
OF – Ron Blaessig, Pace Electronics (15-22, .682, 6 HR, 15 RBI)
OF – Glenn Eichelberger, Pace Electronics (17-29, .586, 7 HR, 18 RBI)
OF – Joe Thieson, Dino’s Pizza (14-30, .467, 5 HR, 10 RBI)

FINAL STANDINGS

(top-10 listed only, 39 teams played)

1. Croten Dukes, New Castle, PA (6-0) *
2. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (6-2) *
3. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (6-2) *
4. Snyder’s Masonary, Redford, MI (6-2)
5t. Rolling Hills, Covington, KY (5-2)
5t. Iron Dukes, New Castle, PA (4-2)
7t. Marasco’s V.F., Milwaukee, WI (4-2)
7t. S&S Builders, New Albany, IN (3-2)
9t. Krivan Club, Springdale, PA (3-2)
9t. Sixth Ward, Pittsburgh, PA (3-2)

*Qualified for the 1974 USSSA Major World Series.

1973 USSSA CENTRAL WORLDS (actually held in early 1974)

Champion – Red Bud, Illinois
Runner Up – Slinger Foundry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Third Place – Thurmer’s Bar, St. Louis, Missouri

Central MVP – Phil Higgins, Slinger Foundry
Central HR Leader– no info
Central Batting Leader – no info

No Central All-Tournament Team was named, only the MVP

1973 Central World Tournament Standings (only 2 teams played in a special playoff to determine the Central Champ)

1. Slinger Foundry, Milwaukee, WI (2-0) *
2. Thurmers Bar, St. Louis, MO (0-2) *

*Qualified for the 1974 USSSA Major World Series.

1973 West Worlds held at Tempe, Arizona

Champion – Double Tree Inn, Phoenix, Arizona
Runner Up – Association, Orange County, California

The Double Tree Inn squad from Phoenix had to win just one more game to win the championship. The Association had other ideas as they took the first game of the final by a 4-3 score to force the final championship game. Third Basemen Bailey had 2 hits to back the pitching of Crawford, the Association’s Pitcher. That was the Association’s 10th game of the tournament. The Phoenix squad came through to capture the final game 13-2. Steve Rogers was 4-5 to lead the Double Tree Offense. Third Basemen Don Jackson who went 2-4 was the defensive star as he made stop after stop to thwart many an extra base hit.

• West MVP – Don Jackson, Double Tree Inn (10-23, .435)
• West HR Leader – Jerry Gilbreath, CBAC (12-19, .632) –  8
• West Batting Leader – Jack Beavers, Goettl’s Metals (11-16) – .688

USSSA WEST ALL-WORLD TEAM

P – Jerry Gilbreath, CBAC (12-19, .632, 8 HR)
C – Mike Cox, Association (12-28, .429, 1 HR)
IF – Jack Beavers, Goettl’s (11-16, .688)
IF – Dave Walski,  Road Runners (10-16, .625)
IF – Lou Smith, Road Runners (8-18, .444, 2 HR)
3B – Don Jackson, Double Tree Inn (10-23, .435)
OF – Lee Elder, Double Tree Inn (11-24, .458)
OF – Bob Woodroof,  Association (15-30, .500)
OF – Dan Furnald, CBAC (12-20, .600)
OF – Mike Watson, Bemco (14-22, .636)

FINAL STANDINGS (top-8 listed only, 33 teams played)

1. Double Tree Inn, Phoenix, AZ (6-1)* (went to 1974 World Series with new sponsor Chandler Redi-Mix)
2. Association, Orange County, CA (9-2)* (went to 1974 World Series with new sponsor Capitol Insulation)
3. Road Runners, Pamona, CA (5-2)
4. CBAC, San Gabriel Valley, CA (6-2)
5t. Bemco, Industry, CA (3-2)
5t. Goettl’s Metals, Mesa, AZ (3-2)
7t. Allen Cleaners, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
7t. Danny’s Bar, Las Vegas, NV (4-2)

*Qualified for the 1974 USSSA Major World Series.

1972 held at Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

1971 East World Champ played the 1971 West World Champ in the 1972 World Series best of 7 series Marasco Variety Faire of Milwaukee, WI defeated the Big Apple of Phoenix, AZ (4 games to 1).

The big story in this World Series is that the West managed to win a game. Vero McKinn hurled a brilliant 5 hitter to defeat Marasco’s 2-1 in the sceond game. He helped his own cause by going 1-3. Other than that, it was all Marasco’s on Offense. They out scored Big Apple 48 to 10 in the four games they won. The hitting of Dick Polgar, Jim Mortl, John Wegner, Ted Budny, George Mortl, Daryl Greenmeier and Carl Bruce was jus too much for Big Apple to deal with. These seven players were a total of 66-97 for a .680 clip. They also drove in 34 of the total 49 runs scored by  Marasco’s in the five games. Big Apple’s Team Batting Average was .276 (40-145).

• MVP – Dick Polgar, Marasco’s (10-19, 526, 5 RBI)
• Home Run Leader – none were hit
• Batting Leader – George Mortl – Marasco’s (9-14) – .643

USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

No All-World Team was selected – just a best of 7 series between 2 teams. The East and West selected All World Teams in their respective Tournaments.

Game Scores

• Game 1 – Marasco’s Variety Faire 13 vs. Big Apple 5 – Darryl Greenmeier and Ted Budny were both 3-3 for Marasco; Pitcher Vero McKinn was 2-4 for Big Apple.
• Game 2 – Big Apple 2 vs. Marasco’s Variety Faire 1- Vero McKinn was 1-3 and pitched a 5-hitter for Big Apple. Pitcher Jack Moser drove in the only run for Marasco.
• Game 3 – Marasco’s Variety Faire 12 vs. Big Apple 3 – Greenmeier, Jim Mortl, Dick Polgar and Jack Baird all had 3 hits for Marasco. Vero McKinn had the only RBI for Big Apple.
• Game 4 – Marasco’s Variety Faire 12 vs. Big Apple 1 – Once again, it was Jim Mortl and Dick Polgar with 3 hits apiece. McKinn and Calderon each had 2 hits for Big Apple
• Game 5 – Marasco’s Variety Faire 11 vs. Big Apple 1 – George Mortl and Carl Bruce were both 3-3 and combined for 5 RBIs. Richard Lopez was 3-3 for Big Apple.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Marasco’s Variety Faire, Milwaukee, WI (4-1)
2. Big Apple, Phoenix, AZ (1-4)

1972 World Series Stats (at least 10 AB)

George Mortl, Marasco (9-14, .643, 6 RBIs, 6 Runs)
Ted Budny, Marasco (7-11, .636, 6 RBIs, 4 Runs)
John Wegner, Marasco (8-14, .571, 7 RBIs, 6 Runs)
Dick Polgar, Marasco (10-19, .526, 4 RBIs, 5 Runs)
Jim Mortl, Marasco (10-20, .500, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs)
Sal Martinez, Big Apple (5-10, .500, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
Daryl Greenmeier, Marasco, (6-14, .429, 1 RBI, 5 Runs)
Carl Bruce, Marasco (6-15, .400, 6 RBIs, 2 Runs)
Alex Calderon, Big Apple (6-17, .353, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
Vero McKinn, Big Apple (5-16, .313, 1 RBI, 1 Run)
George Leon, Big Apple (4-13, .308, 2 Runs)
Dennis Meadow, Big Apple (3-11, .273, 1 Run)
Richard Lopez, Big Apple (4-15, .267, 1 RBI, 1 Run) – Also 1-4 Pitching
Jack Baird, Marasco (4-16, .250, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs)
Joe Conteras, Big Apple (3-14, .214, 1 Run)
Birdie Murillo, Big Apple (2-10, .200, 2 Runs)
Vince Peralta, Big Apple (1-14, .071, 1 Run)
Jack Moser, Marasco (2-1 Pitching)
Jim Cody, Marasco (2-0 Pitching)

1972 East Worlds – Petersburg, Virginia.

Champion – Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, Michigan
Runner Up – Rolling Hills, Covington, Kentucky

Rolling Hills of Kentucky lost to Dino’s and was sent to the loser’s bracket. Snyder’s of Detroit and Dino’s of Detroit (both play in the same league incidently) Squared off in the Winner’s Bracket final. The two teams combined for 14 HRs as Dino’s defeated Snyders 24-15. Rolling Hill’s eliminated Mertz Bake Shoppe of Oak Park Michigan in a defensive struggle 3-1 to advance to play Snyders with the winner getting another crack at Dino’s. Rolling Hills prevailed 16-9 to advance to the Championship game. Jerry Johnston of Dino’s was 3-4 with 2 HRs and 4 RBIs to lead Snyders to a 13-10 title clinching victory. Jim Haislip and Joe Theison both went 2-4 with homers to help Pitcher Cal Carman nail down the victory. Rolling Hills was led by Sonny Rider’s 3-4 performance.

• East MVP – Cal Carmen, Dino’s Pizza (.740, 8 HR)
• East HR Leader – Tom Louria, Snyder’s – 10
• East Batting Leader – Cal Carmen, Dino’s Pizza – .740

1972 USSSA EAST ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Cal Carmen, Dino’s Pizza (.740, 8 HRs)
Catcher – John Hinds, Snyder’s (.627, 9 HRs)
First Base – Hudson Knock, Rolling Hills
Second Base – Jerry Johnson, Dino’s Pizza
Third Base – Dave Holt, 5&10 Tap
Shortstop – Jim Taliseky, Dino’s Pizza
Infield – Hank Cluess, Pinters Net
Outfield – Joe Thiesan, Dino’s Pizza
Outfield – Bill Schlessinger, Century Tire
Outfield – Jim Haislip, Dino’s Pizza
Outfield – Tom Louria, Snyder’s (.654, 10 HRs)
Utility – Dave McLanger, Mertz Bake Shop
Utility – Jim Gum, Rolling Hills

FINAL STANDINGS (top-10 listed only, 58 teams played)

1. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (7-0)
2. Rolling Hills, Covington, KY (7-2)
3. Snyder’s, Redford, MI (7-2)
4. Mertz Bake Shop, Oak Park, MI (7-2)
5. Century Tire, Cincinnati, OH (5-2)
6. Pinter’s Nets, Long Island, NY (4-2)
7. Builders Hardware, Milwaukee, WI (6-2)
8. Iron Dukes, New Castle, PA (4-2)
9. Knights of St. John, Louisville, KY (4-2)
10. Milwaukee Commandos, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)

1972 West Worlds held at Sun City, Arizona.

Champion – Gonzales Mexican Food, Richmond, California
Runner Up – Blinky’s, Fullerton, California

Gonzales ran through the Western Worlds with speed and power. They had six players hit at least .500 and banged out 11 HRs total as a team. They defeated Blinky’s twice; 17-9 in the winner’s bracket final and then in the Championship game, Gonzales prevailed by a 9-6 score. Larry Sheppard of Gonzales had an incredible tournament at the plate as he was 20-22 and scored 15 runs to earn the Most Valuable Player Award.

• West MVP – Larry Sheppard, Gonzales (20-22, .909, 15 runs)
• West HR Leader – Leonard Bowen, Bemco – 4
• West Batting Leader – Larry Sheppard, Gonzales Mexican Food – .909

1972 USSSA WEST ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Mike Matthews, Gonzales (over .500)
Catcher – Leonard Bowen, Bemco (over .600, 4 HR)
Infield – Frank Coppa, Gonzales (over .500)
2B-Larry Sheppard, Gonzales (20-22, .909, 15 Runs, also walked 5 times)
Infield – Rancy Rozati, Blinky’s (over .500)
Infield – Dan Derch, Blinky’s (over .500)
Outfield – Mike Edwards, Bemco (over .500)
Outfield – Amata Sotelo, Bemco over (.600)
Outfield – Bob Woodriff, Blinky’s (over .600)
Outfield – Charles Pierce, Gonzales
Utility – Ed Green, Gonzales

FINAL STANDINGS (top-10 listed only, 16 teams played)

1. Gonzales Mexican Food, Richmond, CA (5-0)
2. Blinky’s, Fullerton, CA (4-2)
3. Bemco, Industry, CA (5-2)
4. Goettl’s Metals, Mesa, AZ (3-2)
5. CBAC, San Gabriel Valley, CA (3-2)
6. Little Big O, Downey, CA (2-2)
7. Carpetbaggers, Las Vegas, NV (2-2)
8. Maloof Rockets, NV (2-2)
9. Spot and Blotter (1-2)
10. Buccaneers (1-2)

1971 held at Las Vegas, Nevada.

1970 East World Champ played the 1970 West World Champ in the 1971 World Series best of 7 series Accurate Welding of Milwaukee, WI (EAST) —– defeated —– Goettl’s Metals of Phoenix, AZ (WEST) – (4 games to 0)

Accurate Welding was 75-22 on the season. They also played Little Caesars in a USSSA vs ASA match of champions. Playing by ASA rules, Accurate emerged victorious 14-13. Accurate shocked USSSA people by how dominating they really were in the series. They collected 68 hits total in the four games, including 5 HRs on the big 300′ fences. They outscored their opponent by a 45-10 margin.

• MVP – James Mortl, Accurate Welding (12-15, .800, 6 RBI)
• Home Run Leader – Carl Bruce, Accurate Welding (8-11, .727, 14 RBI) – 3
• Batting Leader – James Mortl, Accurate Welding – .800

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

No All-World Team was selected – just a best of 7 series between 2 teams. The East and West selected All World Teams in their respective Tournaments.

GAME SCORES

• Game 1 – Accurate Welding 17 vs. Goettl’s Metals 3 – Accurate had 25 hits. Jim Mortl was 4-4, Carl Bruce (HR), Jim Warras (HR) and John Wegner had 3 each.
• Game 2 – Accurate Welding 13 vs. Goettl’s Metals 0- Accurate dominated again with 22 hits. Jim Mortl, John Wegner and Gary Perkins had 3 hits apiece.
• Game 3 – Accurate Welding 8 vs. Goettl’s Metals 1 – Accurate had only 11 hits, but still managed to emerge victorious. Jim Mortl led Accurate with 2 hits.
• Game 4 – Accurate Welding 7 vs. Goettl’s Metals 6 – Goettl’s scored 5 runs in the 5th inning to take a 6-5 lead. Carl Bruce of Accurate hit a 2-run homer to win it 7-6.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI (4-0)
2. Goettl’s Metals, Mesa, AZ (0-4)

1971 World Series Stats (at least 10 ABs)

Jim Mortl, Accurate (12-15, .800, 6 RBI)
Carl Bruce, Accurate (8-11, .727, 3 HR, 14 RBI)
Gary Perkins, Accurate (7-11, .727, 3 RBI)
Gene Cupertino, Accurate (6-12, .500, 3 RBI)
Dick Polgar, Accurate (6-12, .500, 4 RBI)
Jim Warras, Accurate (5-10, .500, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
John Wegner, Accurate (7-14, .500, 2 RBI)
Daryl Greenmeier, Accurate (5-11, .455, 1 RBI)
Ron Stanton, Accurate (3-11, .273, 1 HR, 3 RBI)

*No Stats available for Goettl’s Metals

Larry Harrell
Jack Beavers
Adam Bauer
Denny Bush
Bruce Simmons
Fred Goettl
Bill Wright
Rick Gardner
Hank Goettl
Randy Gill
Paul Digarnde
Skip Hancock
Greg Witherspon
Jerry Beavers
Jim Kelly

1971 East Worlds held at Louisville, Kentucky.

Champion – Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI
Runner Up – Ace Movers, Milwaukee, WI

Accurate defeated Ace Movers 12-4 in the winner’s bracket finals on the strength of home runs from Carl Bruce and John Wegner. Ace came back to score a couple on run scoring doubles off the bats of John Gross and Willie May. John Wegner hit his second HR of the game and Darryl Greenmeier’s triple put the game out of reach. Accurate defeated Fairdale AC of KY 13-1 and Feldotts of IL 8-5 to reach the final. Ace defeated 6th Ward of Pittsburgh 22-7 and the Iron Dukes of New Castle PA 5-4 to gain their final berth. The Milwaukee Commandos (Robert’s Lounge) were playing the powerful Hicksville Astros of New York in the loser’s bracket. Hicksville was leading 1-0 when it started to rain hard. After 6 hours of rain, it was called and Accurate declared the champ, with Ace second and Hicksville awarded third and the Commandos fourth.

• East MVP – John Wegner, Accurate Welding (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
• East HR Leader – Larry Chiapetta, Hicksville Astros
• East Batting Leader – Darrell Greenmeir, Accurate Welding (12-16, 6 RBI) – .750

1971 USSSA EAST ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Mike Fox, Ace Movers
Catcher – Willie May, Ace Movers (12-17, .706)
First Base – Oscar Steadman, Hicksville Astros
Second Base – Jim Mortl, Accurate Welding (10-22, .455, 7 RBI)
Third Base – Carl Bruce, Accurate Welding (11-17, .647, 2 HR, 9 RBI)
Shortstop – Mike Foley, Hicksville Astros
Outfield – John Wegner, Accurate Welding (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
Outfield – Darrell Greenmeier, Accurate Welding (12-16, .750, 6 RBI)
Outfield – Arlis Jones, Commando’s
Outfield – Jim Sieloff, Ace Movers

EAST FINAL STANDINGS (top-10 listed, 38 total teams …. rain shortened)

1. Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI (6-1)
2. Ace Movers, Milwaukee, WI (4-1)
3. Hicksville Astros, Hicksville, NY (6-1)
4. Milwaukee Commandos, Milwaukee, WI (7-1)
5. Iron Dukes, New Castle, PA (3-2)
6. Feldotts Plateau, Napierville, IL (3-2)
7. Sports Center, Covington, KY (5-2)
8. Queen City Patterns, Miamitown, OH (4-2)
9. Milwaukee Forging, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)
10. Sixth Ward Club, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)

1971 USSSA West Worlds held at Azusa, California.

Champion – Johnson’s Big Apple, Phoenix, AZ
Runner Up – Berg Ford, Mesa, AZ

Big Apple won five straight games to win the Western Worlds. All were close games as they beat in order; Bemco 5-2, VB Morgan Trucking 6-4, Kerr’s Sporting Goods 4-3 and Glenwood Motors 5-3. In the Championship, they defeated Berg Ford 9-3. Weekes earlier, Berg defeated Big Apple to win the Arizona USSSA State Championship. Berg also played a series of close games to reach the title game. They won 10-9 over the Carpetbaggers, 6-3 over Bit of Italy, both from California. Then Glenwood Motors beat Berg 7-6 to send them to the losers bracket. There, they eliminated Blinky’s 2-0, Kerr’s 6-4 and Glenwood Motors 2-0. Pitcher Benny Crittenden hurled the two shutouts. Shortstop Vince Peralta sparkled on defense and drove in the deciding runs in some of the close games.

• West MVP – Vince Paralta, Big Apple
• West HR Leader – Elby Bushong, Kerr Sporting Goods
• West Batting Leader – Jack Beavers, Goettl’s Metal ( .623)

1971 USSSA WEST ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Benny Crittenden, Berg Ford (.529)
Catcher – Elby Bushong, Kerr Sp. Goods (.400)
First Base – Ken Novak, Glenwood Motors (.450)
Second Base – Dave Hibbert, Berge Ford (.563)
Third Base – Jack Beavers, Goettl’s (.623)
Shortstop – Vince Peralta, Big Apple (.471)
Shortstop – Gordon Loveless, Berg Ford (.341)
Outfield – Joe Contraras, Big Apple (.333)
Outfield – Dan McMann, Blinky’s (.500)
Outfield – Frank Wilson, Glenwood Motors (.474)
Outfield – Frank Valunzuela, Big Apple (.385)

FINAL RESULTS

1. Johnson’s Big Apple, Phoenix, AZ (5-0)
2. Berg Ford, Mesa, AZ (5-2)
3. Glenwood Motors, Glenwood, CA (4-2)
4. Kerr Sporting Goods, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
5t. Goettl’s Metals, Mesa, AZ (4-2)
5t. Nevada Test Site Bears, Nye County, NV (4-2)
7t. Bit of Italy, Huntington Park, CA (3-2)
7t. V.B. Morgan Truckers, Lakewood, CA (2-2)
9t. Austin & Wolfe Refrigeration, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
9t. Honeywell, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
9t. Bemco, Industry, CA (1-2)
9tt. Foothill Dairy, Azusa, CA (2-2)
13t. Shakey’s, CA (2-2)
13t. Motorola Blue, AZ (2-2)
13t. Bohunks, CA (1-2)
13t. Carpet Baggers, NV (0-2)
17t. Garrey Room, CA (0-2)
17t. Motorola White, AZ (0-2)
17t. So. Phoenix Merchants, AZ (0-2)
17t. Sierra Produce, NV (0-2)
17t. Wonder World, NV (0-2)
17t. The Pitcher, AZ (0-2)

1969 held at New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

Champion – Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Floyd Warren’s, Irwin, Pennsylvania

Jim’s Sports Shop did something no other softball team has ever done. They have now won the ASA and USSSA National/World Softball titles. They won the ASA title in 1962, 1964, 1965 and 1967. Last year they switched over to the USSSA organization and finished 3rd in the first USSSA World Series ever held. This year, they ran through the tournament undefeated with the help of the tremendous defense they have.

Pitcher Louie Del Mastro is considered the best in the business. He made the All World Team for the second year. They have an incredible middle defense of Mike Kovach at SS and Ray ‘Corky’ Kruel at 2B. In the OF, they have Andy Zilka and Miller Adams catching everything in sight. Third Basemen Paul Tomasovich is considered one of the best Softball players in the world. He made his 2 straight USSSA All World team as well and also was named the Tournament MVP.  He won the ASA MVP in 1964.

Floyd Warren’s from Irwin, PA los the winner’ bracket final to Jim’s. They sat back as Milwaukee Electric Tool came through the losers bracket to eliminate National Lanes 9-7 and Brookline YMC 11-4. But they could not get past Warren’s as they lost 17-12.  In the Championship Game, Del Mastro held the Warren bats to just two runs and with the help of Tomasovich’s 6th inning Homer to break the game open, they breezed to a 6-2 Championship victory.

• MVP – Paul Tomasovich, Jim’s Sport Shop (15-21, .714, 3 HR)
• Home Run Leader – Tom Taylor, National Lanes – 5
• Batting Leader – Paul Tomasovich, Jim’s Sport Shop – .714

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

• P – Lou Delmastro, Jim’s Sport Shop
• C – Lou Quahliero, Crescant Café
• 1B – Terry Loughner, Floyd Warren’s
• 2B – Jim Mortl, Milwaukee Electric Tool
• 3B – Paul Tomasovich, Jim’s Sport Shop (15-21, .714, 3 HRs)
• SS – Tom Taylor, National Lanes (5 HRs)
• OF – Bill Cepige, BYM Club
• OF – Ted Budny, Milwaukee Electric Tool
• OF – Red Kowalski, Floyd Warren’s
• OF – Andy Smoky Zilka, Jim’s Sport Shop
• OF – Miller Killer Adams,  Jim’s Sport Shop

FINAL STANDINGS (top-10 only listed, 50 teams played, standings incomplete)

1. Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh, PA (6-0)
2. Floyd Warren’s, Irwin, PA (4-2)
3. Milwaukee Electric Tool, Milwaukee, WI (5-2)
4. BYM Club, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
5. Crescant Café, New Castle, PA (5-2)
6. National Lanes, Cincinnati, OH
7. Mueller Pipe Liners, Milwaukee, WI
8. Sports Center, Covington, KY
9. Kendall Lounge, Detroit, MI
10. Robert’s Lounge, Milwaukee, WI

Crescent Café, New Castle, PA
Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV
Main Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
Mitch’s, Baltimore, MD
Black Martini, IL
SNA, Toledo, OH
Home Readers, Cincinnati, OH
Kenosha, WI
Parkmode AC, Detroit, MI
North Kentucky Merchants, Covington, KY
Marble Homes, Hamilton, OH
Capitol, Charleston, WV
Piqua Merchants, Piqua, IA
Gus’s Manor Inn, Dundalk, MD
Glorioso

1968 held at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Champion – Mueller Pipe Liners, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Runner Up – BYM Club, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

BYM Club eliminated Jim’s Sport Shop in a close game 6-5 to make it to the Finals. Mueller Pipeliners defeated BYM in the Championship 10-9. Brookline scored 5 runs to take a 9-6 lead in the top of the 7th. Mueller came back with Tom O’Donnell driving in the tying and winning runs on the games last play to win 10-9. Jim Cody of Mueller pitched all 7 victories for Mueller and was the MVP. Cody surrendered only 17 runs in the 7 games he pitched. Ron Engler of BYM and Tom Taylor of Gatliff’s tied for the Home Run lead with 5. Nothing official was ever found, but Pittsburgh newspapers eluded to the fact that Ray Kruel was the tournament batting leader.

• MVP – Jim Cody, Mueller Pipe (7-0, 2 Shutouts, 17 Runs given up)
• HR Champion – Ron Engler, BYM Club – 5
• HR Champion – Tom Taylor, Gatliff Auto – 5
• Batting Champion – Ray Corky Kruel, Jim’s Sport Shop

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

• P – Jim Cody, Mueller’s Pipe Liners (7-0 Pitching, 2 Shutouts)
• P – Lou DelMastro, BYM Club
• C – Fred Cox, Mueller Pipe Liners
• C – Sonny Rider, Gatliff Motors
• 1B – Mark Farrington, Milwaukee Electric Tool
• 2B – Ray Corky Kruel, Jim’s Sport Shop
• 3B – Paul Tomasovich, Jim’s Sport Shop
• SS – Paul Elphinstone, BYM Club
• OF – Miller Adams, Jim’s Sport Shop
• OF – Dick Polgar, Mueller Pipe Liners
• OF – Jerry Schunk, Harrison Merchants
• OF – Ron Engler, BYM Club (5 HRs)
• OF – Tom Taylor, Gatliff Auto (5 HRs)

FINAL STANDINGS (top-10 listed, 50 teams played)

1. Mueller Pipe Liners, Milwaukee, WI (7-0)
2. BYM Club, Pittsburgh, PA (7-2)
3. Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
4. Harrison’s Merchants, Harrison, IN (8-2)
5t. Tirabassi Excavating, Kenosha, WI (6-2)
5t. Milwaukee Electric Tool, Milwaukee, WI (4-2)
7t. Louisville Stars, Louisville, KY (4-2)
7t. Floyd Warren’s, Irwin, PA (4-2)
9t. Gatliff’s Auto Sales, Newport, KY (3-2)
9t. Brill’s Uniform Milwaukee, WI (4-2)
9t. MarVal Builders, Hamilton, OH (3-2)
9t. Golden Bear Lounge, Covington, KY (2-2)
13t. Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV (3-2)
13t. Larry’s Barber Shop, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)
13t. Surf Bar, Cudahy, WI (5-2)
13t. O’Brien’s, Big Bend, WI (2-2)
17t. Seaco, Dalton, GA (2-2)
17t. Las Vegas Stars, Las Vegas, NV (1-2)
17t. Berardi Construction, Pekin, IL (2-2)
17t. Dominiques Motors, Breaux Bridge, LA (2-2)
17t. Covington Merchants, Covington, KY (3-2)
17t. Corky’s, McHenry, IL (3-2)
17t. New Rochelle Coachmen, New Rochelle, NY (1-2)
17t. Home Readers, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
25t. Timmels, Watertown, WI (4-2)
25t. Cheeks, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
25t. Main Tavern, Covington, KY (2-2)
25t. Ski-Hut, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
25t. Mike’s 31 Club, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
25t. Hey Brothers, Dixon, IL (1-2)
25t. Polling Motors, Piqua, OH (1-2)
25t. Stars, Joliet, IL (1-2)
33t. Stanton’s, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
33t. Big Apple, Tempe, AZ (0-2)
33t. Bryant Furniture, Albertville, AL (0-2)
33t. Kendall’s Lounge, Detroit, MI (1-2)
33t. Robert’s Lounge, Milwaukee, WI (0-2)
33t. Bit of Italy, Covina, CA (0-2)
33t. Roger’s Midway Inn, Rochester, NY (1-2)
33t. Logan’s Party Store, Inkster, MI (0-2)
33t. Pekin Traffic Club, Pekin, IL (0-2)
33t. Indian Nation, Stillwater, OK (0-2)
33t. Lincoln Avenue Merchants, Dixon, IL (0-2)
33t. Optimist Blue, Dixon, IL (0-2)
33t. WQAD Radio, Moline, IL (0-2)
33t. Darvin Excavators, Pekin, IL (0-2)
33t. Schlitz, Fond du Lac, WI (0-2)
33t. Cincinnati Stars, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
49t. Spartansburg, SC (0-2)
49t. Totemburgers, Newport, KY (0-2)