Mazzola of Rochester began as Pace Electronics and made its first appearance in the USSSA World Series in 1974. Led by Andy Santillo, Glenn Eichelberger and Frank Taccone, all of whom are USSSA Hall of Famers, as well as manager Joe Nucci, the team was a perennial top finisher in USSSA national tournaments and the World Series, combining great fielding with timely power hitting. As the team, matured, it began picking up additional players such as Jerry Lasponara, Mike Decillis, Pete Castle, Rick Palmiero and Bill Kreger. In 1977, they picked up Cal Carmen and merged with Castle Insurance.
Mazzola-Castle peaked at the right time that year, winning the Eastern World’s in Southgate, Michigan and defeating two time defending champion Snyder’s in the USSSA World Series in Petersburg, Virginia, Lasponara was MVP in both tournaments and they brought Rochester the community’s first softball championship. In 1978, the team moved into the Pro League, initially under the ownership of Dick Hill, where they were known as the Zeniths and played in Red Wings Stadium. Unfortunately, the ownership ceased after 1979 and although the team continued in the pro league through 1982, many of the players transitioned back to Pace Electronics in the USSSA.
