Softball History USA

1998 ISA Men’s A Slow Pitch World Series

1998 held at Niceville, Florida.

Champion – W.E.T. (Waste Energy Tech.), Niceville, Florida
Runner Up – W.W. Gay, Gainesville, Florida

W.E.T., a home town team, went undefeated to become the surprise winner of the ISA Class A championship Aug. 28-30 in Niceville, Fla.

W.W. Gay of Gainesville, Fla., was a surprise second-place finisher, but was drowned by W.E.T. — 17-2 in the finals of the winners bracket and 29-4 in the championship finale.

Adams/RSH/Worth of Ridgeland, Miss., and Smokes/TPS of Maryland were considered the co-favorites. Adams suffered both of its losses to Gay (30-26 and 32-15). Smokes, winner of the big Pif tournamet in Canada over the July 4th weekend, lost to W.E.T. 25-24 in the third round, then later was eliminated 34-18 to McDonald’s of Georgia and wound up in a tie for ninth place.

Adams was third, while Harrison’s/Worth of Virginia was fourth. Harrison’s was ousted 38-34 by Adams after eliminating Woerner/Hudson’s/TPS of Alabama 22-21. Herrin/TPS of Georgia shared fifth place with Harrison’s, being ousted 20-18 by Adams after kayoing McDonald’s 27-14.

Jonesboro/TPS of Tennessee finished in a tie for ninth after being ousted by Woerner 33-27.

Harrison’s was knocked into the losers bracket by W.E.T. 20-18, after wins over Woerner (32-30) and Herrin (19-16).

W.W. Gay beat Jonesboro 37-32, Mizuno/DeMarini of Florida 25-8 and Lafayette (La.) Fire 44-16.

One of Adams’ wins was 31-11 over Mississippi rival Fast Eddie’s.

Journeyman of Michigan and Pov’s of Minnesota went out early. Lafayette Fire beat Journeyman 12-11, while Pov’s lost to W.E.T. 25-22 in the second round.

Journeyman was eliminated by Mizuno 43-37, while Pov’s was ousted by Jonesboro 36-28. Mizuno was eliminated by Herrin 35-30.

The MVP selection was W.E.T. outfielder Chad Roberts. He went 20-for-24 with nine home runs.

Veteran John Hicks came out of retirement to hit eight homers for W.E.T., five of them in one game — the 20-18 win over Harrison’s.

The Outstanding Defensive Player award went to W.W. Gay outfielder Mike Thomas. Roberts and Hicks were joined on the all-tournament team by teammates Shane Frederick and pitcher Dan Hensley.

W.W. Gay boss N.C. Ryals credited Hensley with “a great job of pitching.” Other all-tournament spots went to Mike Thomas, Ken Clark, John Thomas and Billy Eurice of W.W. Gay, Russ Tatum and Craig Upton of Adams and Chuck Boyle and Charles Prekel of Harrison’s. Eurice tied for most HRs, matching Roberts’ total of nine.

  • MVP – Chad Roberts, W.E.T. (20-24, .833, 9 HR)
  • Defensive MVP – Mike Thomas, W.W. Gay
  • HR Leader – Chad Roberts, W.E.T – 9
  • HR Leader – Billy Eurice, W.W. Gay – 9
  • Batting Leader – Chad Roberts, W.E.T – .833

ISA A ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Chad Roberts, W.E.T. (20-24, .833, 9 HR)
  • John Hicks, W.E.T. (8 HRs)
  • Shane Frederick, W.E.T.
  • Dan Hensley, W.E.T.
  • Mike Thomas, W.W. Gay
  • Ken Clark, W.W. Gay
  • John Thomas, W.W. Gay
  • Billy Eurice, W.W. Gay
  • Russ Tatum, Adams/RSH/Worth
  • Craig Upton, Adams/RSH/Worth
  • Chuck Boyle, Harrison’s/Worth
  • Charles Prekel, Harrison’s/Worth

FINAL RESULTS

1. W.E.T. (Waste Energy Tech.), Niceville, FL
2. W.W. Gay, Gainesville, FL
3. Adams/RSH/Worth, Ridgeland, MI
4. Harrison’s/Worth, Portsmouth, VA
5t. Woerner/Hudson’s/TPS, Elberta, AL
5t. Herrin/TPS, Savannah, GA
7t. McDonald’s, GA
7t. Team Mizuno/Demarini, Fort Pierce, FL
9t. Jonesboro/TPS, Jonesboro, TN
9t. Smokes/TPS, Ellicott City, MD

no info on remaining standings

Lafayette Fire & Safety, Lafayette, LA
Fast Eddies, Jackson, MS
Journeymen/Easton, Canton, MI
POV’s, Brooklyn Center, MN
TBD

1998 ASA Men’s Super Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Sanford Memorial Stadium in Sanford, Florida on August 14-16, 1998

Champion – Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, Georgia (56-20)
Runner Up – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, Georgia (59-23)

Ricky Huggins ASA Super National MVP at age 46.

Lighthouse/Worth won the first two legs of the Grand Slam by breezing to a surprisingly easy sweep of the ASA Super Nationals August 13-16 at the Sanford Memorial Stadium near Orlando. Lighthouse opened with a 15-7 win over Xtreme/Hinson/Worth, then won four more games . . . all via the run rule.

Lighthouse, sparked by the MVP hitting of veteran pitcher Ricky Huggins, was a 29-14 winner over Team TPS in the finals of the winner’s bracket, then walloped Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton 37-10 in the championship game . . . after Sunbelt sent Team TPS reeling 26-25 with an 8-run rally in the bottom of the seventh that saw a grand slam by Greg Harding and a towering game-winning 2-run blast by Dan Schuck.

Sunbelt had to play the last game without Jimmy Powers and Johnny McCraw who cramped up because of the heat. Shane Dubose did the same thing late in the game. Sunbelt held off Sierra/TPS 25-22 in the late game on Saturday night, leaving Sierra to settle for fourth place. Lighthouse exploded for 17 runs on 9 home runs in the first inning of the finale. Dewayne Frizzell and Huggins each had two home runs in the big first inning. The 46-year-old Huggins had a triple and three homers in his last four at-bats in the win over Team TPS Saturday night. He added another HR for a string of 6 in a row, then hit another for a spree of 7 HR out of 8 swings. Frizzell finished the final game with five home runs. Huggins had four, Carl Rose three as the LH crew totaled 18 on the baseball field with dimensions of 330-385-330. Robbie Ergle went 6-for-6, with a home run in the big first inning.

Elliott, Mendoza, Rickard and Rose also homered in the first. Huggins wound up with 11 home runs and a tourney leading 24 RBI while going 17-for-21 — an .810 average. Rose led in homers with 12. Frizzell had 11, Sunbelt’s Tot Powers 11. Rose, Frizzell and Powers had 5-HR games. Team TPS opened an 8-1 lead going into the bottom of the third vs. Lighthouse. That’s when LH hit for 12 runs on 3 HR — 3-runners by Frizzell and Scott Elliott and a 2-runner by Wendell Rickard, who opened the inning with a triple off the 385-mark in center. Two of Rickard’s HR were awesome blasts.

Sunbelt’s Todd Joerling hit four home runs over the center field wall, and Robin Higginbotham of Lighthouse had seven triples. Lighthouse closed out the win over Team TPS with nine runs on five home runs in the bottom of the sixth — by Rose, Albert Davis, Dennis Mendoza, Huggins and Rickard.

Team TPS had to play without Todd Martin because his grandmother passed away.

Lighthouse had a 22-run first inning in a 39-24 win over Steele’s/R&D. The inning saw a whopping 12 home runs — three by Rose, and two each by Frizzell, Davis and Elliott. Rickard had a homer and two singles. Lighthouse had another big inning in an early matchup vs. Sierra — 18 runs on 8 homers in the top of the second. Higginbotham had a pair of 2-runners, Davis a slammer and a 2-runner. Sixteen of the runs came after two outs. Elliott had a single and homer in the inning, Huggins a single and a double off the left field wall, Striebel a single and homer, Rickard a single and homer, Rose a long double off the base of the left center field wall and a homer and Frizzell two walks. Sunbelt was upended 26-24 by Chase in the first game for Sunbelt.

Chase built up leads of 16-9 and 21-11 as Mark Weaver and Paul Brannon each walloped three home runs. Weaver had three as Chase opened with a 30-10 romp over Planet/New/TPS.

In nip-and-tuck games, Steele’s nipped Backstop/Easton 19-18 in an early matchup and Sierra held off Backstop 37-35 in the loser’s bracket.

The only team to win the Grand Slam was Ritch’s/Superior/TPS in 1992.

Last year, there were four different champions – Sunbelt in the ISA, Ritch’s-Superior/Tri-Gems/Beloli in the ASA, Shen Valley/Taylor in the NSA and Lighthouse in the USSSA. Thus, Lighthouse has won three consecutive Grand Slam events – the USSSA last year and the ISA and ASA this year.

This was the second ASA Super title for Lighthouse. The other came in 1995. Huggins has now earned MVP honors in six championships. The others were the ASA Major in 1981 (with Elite), ASA Class A in 1985 (with Thompson’s), the USSSA Class A in 1986 (Ardis), the ISA Class A in 1990 (Lighthouse/Sunbelt) and the ASA Major in 1992 (Vernon’s).

Sierra’s Greg Cannedy was the leading hitter at Sanford. He went 12-for-14 for an .857 average. Plus, he had two walks.

Jason Fleming of Chase was next in line at .846 (11-for-13, plus three walks).

Huggins was third on the list at .810.

Other pacesetters for the red-hot Lighthouse crew included Mendoza at .773, Frizzell at .750, Rose at .731, Robbie Ergle at .714 (he missed the first two games because of his teaching duties) and Rickard at .708. Shane Dubose batted .731, Tot Powers .692 and Dan Schuck .682 for Sunbelt. Todd Joerling, who sparked as usual at short, and pitcher Greg Harding, who snared two rocket shots in the same inning, each had nine HR for Sunbelt. Rickard had eight homers for Lighthouse.

That number was matched by Sierra’s Hank Garris and Darrell Beeler. Larry Fredieu had five for Sierra. Garris now has 184 homers compared to 177 for Fredieu, the leader until Garris hit 12 in the ISA World Series.

Jeff Wallace had a big tournament for Team TPS. He went 13-for-17 to hold on to his season on-base percentage lead at .804. He had four homers and three triples, one off the 385 sign to the opposite field in his first at-bat and one off the 385 mark in center field.

Robin Higginbotham had seven triples (and four doubles) for Lighthouse. Lighthouse totaled 67 home runs in five games, Sunbelt 62 in six.

Team TPS had 33 homers in four games, Sierra 29 in four. Steele’s had 27 in three games. Chase had 21 home runs in its first two games, then only six in the next two, losing 20-4 to Team TPS and 27-12 to Sierra.

Lighthouse opened with a 15-7 win over Xtreme/Hinson/Worth but started slow. Xtreme led 7-5, but did not score over the last four innings. Lighthouse sewed it up with a 7-run bottom of the sixth as Frizzell, Davis, Huggins and Rickard homered. Fleming matched Weaver’s 3-HR output in the 30-10 romp for Chase over Planet/New. Chase had a 12-run top of the sixth when Fleming, Weaver and Paul Brannon led off with successive HR. Bob Fisher, Kenny Carver, Tim Williamson and Jose Santiago also homered for Chase. It was 10-1 after two innings.

Steele’s used a 10-run, 6-HR top of the fourth to take a 15-11 lead against Backstop. Lonnie Fox, Rob Schleede, Rod Hughes, Derek Jones, Dennis Pierce and Dal Beggs homered, with the last four coming in a row. It was the second HR for Pierce and Beggs, and Hughes added a second.

Backstop managed only 1-1-2 over the last three innings, leaving a runner on in the bottom of the seventh. Judson Jackson was 4-for-4 with 2 HR for Backstop. Melvin Mallernee had two 3-runners in the first three innings.

Team TPS grabbed an 8-1 lead in the first inning vs. Reece. Wallace and Kissane tripled, and Todd Martin, Dewayne Nevitt, J.C. Phelps, Phil Jobe and John Mello homered. Nevitt and Jobe homered again in the third the lead ballooned to 12-3. Final score: 21-4 in 5 innings. Martin went 4-for-4 before having to return home.

A home run by Huggins helped Lighthouse to a 6-run fourth for a stunning 27-9 lead over Sierra. After a rain delay, both Lighthouse and Sierra went 1-2-3. Sierra had scored three in the bottom of the fourth.

Sunbelt found itself trailing Chase by 10-3 after the first inning. Chase led by 16-9, 21-11 and 26-14 before Sunbelt rallied for 10 runs in the top of the seventh. Brannon matched Weaver’s three HR. Fisher, Carver, Fleming and Santiago also homered for Chase. Fisher had four hits, including a triple. Weaver totaled seven RBI.

Backstop, getting two homers and five RBI from David Burch and a home run from Judson Jackson, eliminated Planet/New 10-9 and Reece ousted Xtreme 11-2 as Howie Krause, Steve Dickey, Steve Ellis and Derek Oliver homered. Krause was an added player from Wessel/Hague/TPS. Three other Wessel players were pickups — Tom White and Brett Helmer with Team TPS and Tim Cocco with Backstop.

Sierra’s 37-35 elimination of Backstop saw Garris go 7-for-7 with 3 HR and 7 RBI. Beeler had 9 RBI. He went 6-for-7 with a triple and 2 homers, one a 3-runner, one a grand slam. Kendrick had six hits, including a triple, and Cannedy and Mike Rodriguez five hits each. Ron Parnell also had a triple. Backstop scored 12 in the fifth to get within 24-25, but Sierra rebounded with 11 in the top of the sixth for a 36-24 command.

Bob Van Erem had three homers for nine RBI for Backstop. Judson Jackson had five hits, including two homers, and Burch had four hits, including two homers. Phil White chipped in with two triples and a homer.

Sunbelt’s 4-inning 26-6 rout of Reece saw nine runs in the first and eight in the second (for a 17-3 bulge). Thirteen of the 17 runs came after two outs. Sunbelt had only one HR in the first inning — a 3-runner by Todd Volkers, the last man in the lineup. Sunbelt wound up with nine homers. Volkers hit another one. Little Bobby Gilbert had two.

Team TPS saw Chase scored four runs on three home runs (by Fisher, Fleming and Brannon) in the first inning, and trailed 4-3 after three innings. But Chase did not score again. Final score: 20-4. Team TPS finally broke it open with nine runs in the top of the sixth. Nevitt had 3-runners in the fifth and sixth. Wallace hit for the cycle. Jobe and Kissane were the only other TPS players to homer.

Sunbelt eliminated Steele’s in a 38-27 slugfest. Sunbelt had leads of 19-6 and 27-11. Steele’s broke loose for 11 runs in the top of the sixth to get within 26-28, only to see Sunbelt retaliate with 10 runs on 4 homers in the top of the seventh, including a 3-runners by McCraw and Joerling. This was the 5-HR game for Tot Powers. Sunbelt had 18, with Joerling accounting for three and McCraw, Britt Hightower and Shane Dubose two each. Steele’s had 11, including three by Schleede and two by David Hood.

Sierra eliminated Chase 27-12 as Garris and Beeler each had three homers while combining for 13 RBI. One of Garris’ blasts sailed over the 385 sign in right center. Fredieu had two homers as the top three batters in the Sierra lineup accounted for eight of the team’s nine homers. Brannon had two for Chase.

Little Dennis Mendoza was 5-for-5, including a home run, in the winner’s bracket finals win for Lighthouse over Team TPS. Frizzell was 5-for-6 with a homer, Rickard 5-for-6 with a triple and three homers and Huggins had his triple and three homers. A bases-loaded single by Al Davis ended the game via the run rule . . . after intentional walks to Rose and Ergle. Rose had four hits, including a homer, and Scott Elliott had two homers. Frizzell and Elliott had 3-runners in a 12-run third inning as Lighthouse grabbed an 13-8 lead. Team TPS managed only four homers. Sunbelt had 13 homers compared to nine for Sierra in the 25-22 losers bracket semifinal. Joerling and Harding each had three, Volkers two. Schuck’s 3-runner (giving him four hits in the game) and Volkers’ 2-runner gave Sunbelt a 22-20 lead in the top of the sixth. Then Sierra managed only one in each of the sixth and seventh. A hit by Cannedy loaded the bases for Sierra in the bottom of the seventh, but Garris could not connect. He had two HR. So did Beeler, Fredieu and Everett. Parnell had a slam in the fifth, then saw Hightower run down his long drive in the seventh. Three homers each by Wallace (he was 5-for-5), Nevitt and Kissane and two each by Phelps and Roberson had Team TPS leading by 25-18 going into the bottom of the seventh vs. Sunbelt. After the first batter went out, Jeff Hall homered (he was 4-for-5) and Jimmy Powers, Joerling and Hightower got hits. Tot Powers, who was 4-for-4 with a homer, walked, setting the stage for Harding’s slammer. It was his second homer and fourth hit of the game. After a double by Dubose, Schuck socked his game-winner. He had a 3-runner just the inning before.

  • MVP – Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse
  • HR Leader – Carl Rose, Lighthouse – 12
  • Batting Leader – Greg Cannedy, Sierra/TPS – .857

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse (17-21, .810, 11 HR, 26 RBI)
Carl Rose, Lighthouse (19-26, .731, 12 HR, 18 RBI)
Dewayne Frizzell, Lighthouse (18-24, .750, 11 HR, 19 RBI)
Wendell Rickard, Lighthouse (17-24, .708. 8 HR, 16 RBI)
Dennis Mendoza, Lighthouse (17-22, .773, 2 HR, 11 RBI)
Todd Joerling, Sunbelt (15-28, .636, 9 HR, 19 RBI)
Tot Powers, Sunbelt (18-26, .692, 11 HR, 15 RBI)
Greg Harding, Sunbelt (17-27, .630, 9 HR, 19 RBI)
Dan Schuck, Sunbelt (15-22, .682, 6 HR, 15 RBI)
Jeff Wallace, Team TPS (13-17, .765, 4 HR, 9 RBI)
Doug Kissane, Team TPS (10-13, .769, 5 HR, 8 RBI)
Greg Cannedy, Sierra/TPS (12-14, .857, 6 RBI)
Darrell Beeler, Sierra/TPS (15-20, .750, 8 HR, 20 RBI)
Hank Garris, Sierra/TPS (14-19, .737, 8 HR, 20 RBI)
Jason Fleming, Chase (11-13, .846, 5 HR, 11 RBI)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

Shane DuBose, Sunbelt (19-26, .731, 2 HR, 9 RBI)
Todd Volkers, Sunbelt (13-21, .619, 5 HR, 15 RBI)
Rod Hughes, Steele’s (9-12, .750, 4 HR, 6 RBI)
Albert Davis, Lighthouse/Worth (12-22, .545, 6 HR, 14 RBI)
Dal Beggs, Steele’s (7-10, .700, 3 HR, 7 RBI)
Scott Elliott, Lighthouse/Worth (12-20, .600, 7 HR, 15 RBI)
Britt Hightower, Sunbelt (17-27, .630, 6 HR, 12 RBI)
Doug Roberson, Team TPS (9-12, .750, 3 HR, 6 RBI)
Robin Higginbotham, Lighthouse/Worth (14-22, .636, 2 HR, 14 RBI)
Scott Striebel, Lighthouse/Worth (12-21, .571, 4 HR, 9 RBI)
JC Phelps, Team TPS (11-15, .733, 3 HR, 7 RBI)
Jeff Hall, Sunbelt (15-25, .600, 4 HR, 10 RBI)
Larry White, Chase Mortgage (5-13, .385, 3 RBI)
Jason Kendrick, Sierra/TPS (13-18, .722, 4 RBI)
Judson Jackson, Backstop/Easton (10-13, .769, 5 HR, 9 RBI)

OTHER PLAYERS

Rob Schleede, Steele’s (8-10, .800, 4 HR, 7 RBI)
Robbie Ergle, Lighthouse (10-14, .714)
Bob VanErem, Backstop/Easton (8-12, .667, 4 HR, 12 RBI)
Greg Harding, Sunbelt/Easton (17-27, .630, 9 HR, 19 RBI)
Dennis Pierce, Steele’s (5-8, .625, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
Tim Williamson, Chase (8-13, .615, 1 HR, 3 RBI)
David Burch, Backstop/Easton (7-12, .583, 5 HR, 11 RBI)
John McCraw, Sunbelt/Easton (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 12 RBI)
Rusty Bumgardner, Team TPS (8-15, .533, 1 HR, 5 RBI)
Larry Fredieu, Sierra/TPS (10-19, .526, 5 HR, 10 RBI)
Jimmy Powers, Sunbelt/Easton (11-21, .524, 4 HR, 10 RBI)
Dewayne Nevitt, Team TPS (7-15, .467, 7 HR, 13 RBI)
Mark Weaver, Chase (7-15, .467, 6 HR, 12 RBI)
Paul Brannon, Chase (7 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA (5-0)
2. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, GA (4-2)
3. Team TPS, Louisville, KY (2-2)
4. Sierra/TPS, Reno, NV (2-2)
5t. Chase/Easton, Wilmington, NC (2-2)
5t. Steele’s/R&D/Reda, Brook Park, OH (1-2)
7t. Backstop/Easton, Aurora, IN (1-2)
7t. Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (1-2)
9t. Planet/New/TPS, Lexington, KY (0-2)
9t. Xtreme/Hinson/Worth, Little Rock, AR (0-2)

SCORES

WINNERS BRACKET

Lighthouse 15, Xtreme 7
Chase 30, Planet/New 10, 6 innings
Steele’s 19, Backstop 18
Team TPS 21, Reece 4, 5 innings
Lighthouse 27, Sierra 12, 5 innings
Chase 26, Sunbelt 24
Lighthouse 39, Steele’s 24, 5 innings
Team TPS 20, Chase 4, 6 innings
Lighthouse 29, Team TPS 14, 6 innings

LOSERS BRACKET

Backstop 10, Planet/New 9
Reece 11, Xtreme 2
Sierra 37, Backstop 35
Sunbelt 26, Reece 6, 4 innings
Sunbelt 38, Steele’s 27
Sierra 27, Chase 12, 6 innings
Sunbelt 25, Sierra 22
Sunbelt 26, Team TPS 25

CHAMPIONSHIP

Lighthouse 37, Sunbelt 10, 5 innings

STATISTICS

BATTING AVERAGE

Greg Cannedy, Sierra 12-14 .857
Jason Fleming, Chase 11-13 .846
Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse 17-21 .810
Dennis Mendoza, Lighthouse 17-22 .773
Jeff Wallace, Team TPS 13-17 .765
Dewayne Frizzell, Lighthouse 18-24 .750
Darrell Beeler, Sierra 15-20 .750
Hank Garris, Sierra 14-19 .737
J.C. Phelps, Team TPS 11-15 .733
Carl Rose, Lighthouse 19-26 .731
Shane Dubose, Sunbelt 19-26 .731
Jason Kendrick, Sierra 13-18 .722

HOME RUNS

Carl Rose, Lighthouse 12
Dewayne Frizzell, Lighthouse 11
Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse 11
Tot Powers, Sunbelt 11
Greg Harding, Sunbelt 9
Todd Joerling, Sunbelt 9
Wendall Rickard, Lighthouse 8
Darrell Beeler, Sierra 8
Hank Garris, Sierra 8
Scott Elliott, Lighthouse 7
Paul Brannon, Chase 7
Dewayne Nevitt, Team TPS 7
Albert Davis, Lighthouse 6
Mark Weaver, Chase 6
Britt Hightower, Sunbelt 6
Dan Schuck, Sunbelt 6

RUNS BATTED IN

Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse 24
Darrell Beeler, Sierra 20
Hank Garris, Sierra 20
Dewayne Frizzell, Lighthouse 19
Greg Harding, Sunbelt 19
Todd Joerling, Sunbelt 19
Carl Rose, Lighthouse 18
Wendall Rickard, Lighthouse 16

1998 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Worlds

1998 held at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Champion – Team TPS, Louisville, Kentucky
Runner Up – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, Georgia

Pre-Tournament favorite Team TPS lost early in the tournament to Wessell/Hague/SoJern and worked their way through the losers bracket even though the tournament was plagued by numerous rain delays. They reached the loser’s bracket final game. They dug down deep and eliminated Sierra/TPS 23-22 in a great game. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton had been sitting around for a while to see who they would play in the championship. The first final was a blowout at first as Team TPS jumped out to a 23-5 lead, only to see Sunbelt come back and make it close, but the clutch hitting of Mike Shenk carried them to a 30-20 victory. The skies were threatening again and many wondered whether they would get the final Championship game in. Sunbelt woke up and took a 20-5 lead early on. Pitcher Rick Weiterman made an emotional speech to his team and whatever he said worked. Slowly, Team TPS battled back and Weiterman baffled Sunbelt with his array of pitches. Home Runs by Doug Kissane, Mike Shenk, Rusty Bumgardner’s grand slam and then Dewaynw Nevitt’s homer made it 20-19. In the top of the 7th, Britt Hightower singled and then some daring base running after a Shane Dubose base hit, Hightower came home on a head first slide to make it 21-19 in favor of Sunbelt. Sunbelt had scored just one run and just 3 hits in its last four at bats against Weiterman. In the bottom of the 7th, TPS scored two runs to tie the score. With one out and two runners on base, Sunbelt elected to intentionally walk Doug Kissane and take their chances with Doug Roberson. Sunbelt pitcher Jimmy Powers pitching carefully to Roberson, ended up walking him and that what is, the winning run came trotting home with the 22-21 championship.

  • MVP – Mike Shenk, Team TPS (29-35, .829, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 21 Runs)
  • HR Leader – Jeff Wallace, Team TPS (20-41, .488, 27 RBI, 20 Runs) – 10
  • Batting Leader – Robin Higinbotham, Lighthouse – .846
  • Defensive MVP – Todd Martin, Team TPS
  • Offensive MVP – Robin Higinbotham, Lighthouse/Worth (22-26, .846, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 20 Runs)

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • P – Greg Harding – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (20-27, .741, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 20 Runs)
  • 1B – Jimmy Powers – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (18-27, .667, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 19 Runs)
  • 1B – Jeff Wallace – Team TPS (23-46, .500, 10 HR, 27 RBI, 20 Runs)
  • 2B – Bobby Gilbert – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (17-26, .654, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 13 Runs)
  • 2B – Carl Rose – Lighthouse/Worth (21-29, .724, 9 HR, 28 RBI, 19 Runs)
  • 2B – Jeff Hall – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (17-29, .586, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 17 Runs)
  • 2B – Rusty Bumgardner – Team TPS (24-41, .585, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 22 Runs)
  • 3B – Howie Krause – Wessel/Hague/So-Jern/TPS (11-17, .647, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • 3B – Mike Shenk – Team TPS (26-38, .684, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 21 Runs)
  • SS – Ron Pamell – Sierra/TPS (13-20, .650, 9 RBI, 13 Runs)
  • OF – Robin Higginbotham – Lighthouse/Worth (22-26, .846, 6 HRS, 22 RBI, 20 Runs)
  • OF – Jason Kendrick – Sierra/TPS (15-20, .750, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 14 Runs)
  • OF – Doug Kissane – Team TPS (22-40, .550, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 19 Runs)
  • OF – Shane Dubose – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (15-26, .577, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 17 Runs)
  • OF – Hank Garris – Sierra/TPS 13-21, .619, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 14 Runs)
  • OF – Dewayne Nevitt – Team TPS (24-36, .667, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 21 Runs)
  • UTIL – Paul Drilling – Sierra/TPS (14-20, .700, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • UTIL – Slim Brant – Brandon’s Trucking (13-17, .765, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • UTIL – Todd Martin – Team TPS (21-37, .568, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 22 Runs)
  • UTIL – Chris Absner – Brandon’s Trucking (14-20, .700, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • MGR – Mike Glasscock – Team TPS

OTHERS

  • Dennis Mendoza, Lighthouse (16-21, .762, 10 RBI, 14 Runs)
  • Dewayne Frizzel, Lighthouse (20-28, .714, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 17 Runs)
  • Jimmy Devine, Steele’s/R&D (10-14, .714, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Larry Carter, JWM (10-14, .714, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Billy Messina, JWM (10-14, .714, 5 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Bryan King, JWM (10-14, .714, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
  • Jeff Franks, Long Haul (10-14, .714, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Kurt Gleeton, Gil’s Arizona Heat (7-10, .700, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • David Hood, Steele’s/R&D (9-13, .692, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs)
  • Brett Helmer, Wessell/Hague (11-16, .688, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Lance Peterson, O&S Cattle, (11-16, .688, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 5 Runs)
  • Kerry Everett, Sierra/TPS (11-16, .688, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Rod Hughes, Steele’s/R&D (8-12, .667, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World (6-9, .667, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Scott Striebel, Lighthouse (15-23, .652, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 14 Runs)
  • Keith Roberts, Brandons (13-20, .650, 5 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Randy Kortokrax, Steele’s/R&D (9-14, .643, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Albert Davis, Lighthouse (14-22, .636, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 14 Runs)
  • Mark Creson, Sierra/TPS (13-21, .619, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 14 Runs_
  • Tim Linson, Wessell/Hague (11-18, .611, 3 HRS, 13 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • John Mello, Team TPS (21-35, .600, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 15 Runs)
  • Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse (15-25, .600, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Curtis Williams, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (15-25, .600, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 16 Runs)
  • Greg Cannedy, Sierra/TPS (12-20, .600, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Dennis Rulli, JWM (9-15, .600, 9 RBI, 5 Runs)
  • Brad Stiles, Team TPS (18-30, .600, 12 RBI, 19 Runs)
  • Steve Craven, Lighthouse (13-23, .565, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
  • Phil Jobe, Team TPS (16-29, .552, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 20 Runs)
  • Doug Roberson, Team TPS (22-40, .550, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 19 Runs)
  • John McCraw, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (16-30, .533, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 12 Runs)
  • Scott Brown, O&S Cattle (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • Doug Berfeldt, O&S Cattle (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Randall Boone, Team TPS (15-30, .500, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 16 Runs)
  • Tim Cocco, Wessell/Hague (9-18, .500, 2 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Chaun Demars, Long Haul (6-12, .500, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 6 Runs)
  • Tot Powers, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (14-28, .500, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 14 Runs)
  • Britt Hightower, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (13-27, .481, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Darrell Beeler, Sierra/TPS (10-21, .476, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Larry Fredieu, Sierra/TPS (10-21, .476, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Dal Beggs, Steele’s/R&D (5-14, .357, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Rick Weiterman, Team TPS (3-12, .250, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Team TPS, Louisville, KY (8-1)
2. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, GA (4-2)
3. Sierra/TPS, Reno, NV (3-2)
4. Brandon’s, Wilmington, NC (3-2)
5t. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA (3-2)
5t. Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
7t. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (2-2)
7t. O&S/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (2-2)
9t. Backstop/Easton, Aurora, IN (1-2)
9t. Herb’s/KCS/TPS, San Diego, CA (1-2)
9t. Steele’s/R&D/Reda, Brook Park, OH (1-2)
9t. JWM/Easton, Riverside, CA (1-2)
13t. RPM/TPS, Concord, CA (0-2)
13t. Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
13t. Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (0-2)
13t. Adams/RSH/Worth, Ridgeland, MS (0-2)

1998 USSSA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Worlds

1998 tournament site unknown.

Champion – Wessel/Hague/SoJern, Cincinnati, Ohio
Runner Up – Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, Minnesota

  • MVP – Jim Burbrink, Wessel (14-22, .636)
  • HR Leader – Ken Bean, Extreme (15-25, .600) – 9
  • Batting Leader – Rich Courtney, RPM (11-14) – .786
  • Defensive MVP – Richie Aliotti, Long Haul
  • Offensive MVP – Brett Helmer, Wessel/Hague (14-21, .667, 4 HRs)

1998 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Jim Burbrink, Wessel/Hague (14-22, .636)
  • Brett Helmer, Wessel/Hague (14-21, .667, 4 HRs)
  • Howie Krause, Wessel/Hague (.667, 2 HRs)
  • Tim Cocco, Wessel/Hague
  • Joe Foley, Wessel/Hague (3 HRs)
  • Mike Much, Wessel/Hague
  • Dale Sensenig, Wessel/Hague
  • Rob Darhower, Long Haul (18-26, .692)
  • John Keigley, Long Haul
  • Chaun Demars, Long Haul
  • Mike Stanley, Long Haul (.625)
  • Ken Beane, Xtreme (15-25, .600, 9 HRs)
  • Lamar Echols, Xtreme (5 HRs)
  • Chris Alvarado RPM
  • Rich Courtney, RPM (11-14, .786)
  • Alex Lavorico, Hendu’s (.750, 8 HRs)

OTHERS

  • Scott Alley, Resmondo (.727)
  • Kenny Pruitt, Xtreme (.682)
  • Chaun Demars, Long Haul (.667)
  • Bill Garber, Resmondo (.643)
  • Brian Arnold, Resmondo (.643)
  • Greg Schulte, Xtreme (7 HRs)
  • Tom White, Wessel/Hague (3 HRs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Wessel/Hague/SoJern/Ohio Transport/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (4-1)
2. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (5-2)
3. Xtreme/Hinson/Worth, Little Rock, AR (4-2)
4. RPM/TPS, Concord, CA (3-2)
5t. Resmondo/TPS, Lake Wales, FL (2-2)
5t. O&S/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (1-2)
7t. Hendu’s 42/TPS, Seattle, WA (2-2)
7t. Brandon’s, Wilmington, NC (1-2)
9t. Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
9t. Adams/RSH/Worth, Ridgeland, MS (1-2)
9t. Tiger/ChecKing/AirTransat/TPS, Somers, CT (1-2)
9t. JWM/Easton, Riverside, CA (0-2)
13. Joe Black’s/TPS, Chicago, IL (0-2)

Wessel/Hague/SoJern/Ohio Transport/TPS of Cincinnati won two of three meetings with Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno of Albertville, Minn., to win the USSSA Class AA championship Sunday (Sept. 6) at the Mid-America Complex in Shawnee, Kan. Wessel won 16-10 in the finals of the winners bracket, but Long Haul forced an extra game with a 13-11 win. Wessel built up an 8-0 lead in the first three innings and went on to win 10-4 in the deciding game. Two of Long Haul’s runs came in the bottom of the seventh. Wessel pitcher Jim Burbrink was an overwhelming choice for the MVP award. The tournament was played on two baseball fields. The dimensions on the main field were 325-400-325. The second field was the same except for a 310 left field that had a 24-foot screen. Ken Bean of third-place Xtreme/Hinson/Worth of Little Rock, Ark., won the home run trophy with nine. Alex Lavorico of Hendu’s 42/TPS of Seattle had eight. Greg Schulte of Xtreme had seven. Wessel’s big Brett Helmer was the Offensive MVP. He batted .667 with four home runs. Other Wessel pace-setters were Howie Krause at .667 with two homers, Joe Foley and Tom White each with three HRs. Burbrink helped his own cause with a .636 mark. Long Haul shortstop Richie Aliotti was the Defensive MVP. Long Haul had the tournament’s leading hitter (based on 20 at-bats). Rob Darhower went 18-for-26 for a .692 average. RPM/TPS of Concord, Calif., was fourth. O&S/TPS of South St. Paul, Minn., and Resmondo/TPS of Lake Wales, Fla., tied for fifth, while Hendu’s/TPS of Seattle and Brandon’s of Wilmington, N.C., tied for seventh. Lavorico had five of his homers in the first game. It was on the short left field fence, but all over his homers cleared it with plenty to spare. Plus, he had a double that hit high off the screen in left center. Lavorico homered 7 times in his first 9 swings, and 8 in his first 13 (out of 18). Lamar Echols was another Xtreme HR producer with 5. The Xtreme squad by far hit the most home runs — 35 in six games. In addition to Krause, who batted .667 with 2 homers, left fielder Dale Sensenig stood out on defense for Wessel. Long Haul’s Doug Johnson and Chaun Demars each had 4 homers. RPM opened with a 16-12 win over Brandon’s. RPM took an 11-5 lead in the first two innings as Ken Dain and Scott Purcell each had a homer and another hit and Bob Newman had a homer. Larry Grant had two hits in the first two innings and wound up 4-for-4 with a home run. Newman added another home run. Brandon’s managed only one run over four innings, then put on a 6-run rally in the top of the seventh as Eddie Foust homered and Keith Roberts and Chris Graves tripled. Jerold Smith had a 3-run HR in the first inning. Graves and Chris Calcutt each had three hits in a losing effort. Hendu’s dropped Resmondo into the losers bracket (31-18). Lavorico smacked home runs in his first three trips to the plate, totaling seven RBI, as Hendu’s moved into a 14-9 lead. He finished with a 6-for-6 game, with 5 HRs and 11 RBI. His only non-HR at-bat was a double off the screen in left center. Kent Johnson chipped in with five hits and Ken Briggs and Billy Wallace four each. Hendu’s totaled 11 HRs, with Joe Sposi hitting two. Jeff Vargo, Marty Dailey, Scott Alley and Ron Howard homered for Resmondo, which led 16-14 and was within 19-17 after five innings. Long Haul was a 9-3 winner over Joe Black’s of Chicago. Leading 4-1 after three and 7-1 going into the bottom of the fifth, it was an easy game for veteran pitcher Ted Larson (47). Long Haul did not have a home run. Jeff Franks, Rob Darhower and John Keigley had triples. Darhower had three hits for four RBI. Mike Stanley had two walks and a hit. Jeff Ross was 3-for-3 for Joe Black’s, which did not have a home run either. Adams/Worth of Mississippi knocked Xtreme into the losers bracket (12-10). Xtreme had a 6-2 lead after two innings on the strength of a homer and triple by Lamar Echols, but did not score again until the top of the seventh. Adams won it with a 9-run bottom of the fourth. Richie McAlister singled, Jody Hurst doubled, Scott Holman singled, Clay Hudson singled and Bobby Fowler doubled before the first out. Cleveland Dortch then singled, Craig Upton doubled and Richard White tripled. Fowler added a solo homer in the bottom of the sixth before Xtreme scored four runs, then left the bases loaded. Tiger was a 23-6 winner over Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton. Ten runs in the third and 10 more in the bottom of the fourth made it a run-rule game. Rich Lonquil homered in each inning, while Chris Santucci had three hits in the two innings. Mark Gabourel and Dave Koser also homered. It was Koser’s second of the game. Gabourel had two other hits, Koser another. Lonquil walked twice for a perfect game at the plate. Randy Noe drew three walks. Tiger had to play without three of its Canadian players, including Jacques Millier. Santucci was 4-for-4. Manager Alan Walker had to play, and produced a 3-for-3 game. Glenn Flood homered and doubled in a losing cause. RPM beat California rival JWM/Easton for the second weekend in a row. The score was 9-6. RPM built up a 9-4 lead with three runs in the top of the sixth. Chris Alvarado and Bob Newman had hits, along with two errors and two sacs. Alvardo had three hits. Tim Jones and Dennis Rulli each had three hits for JWM. Wessel/Hague opened with a 29-5 hammering of Hendu’s. Wessel pushed across 11 runs in the top of the fifth for the run rule win. Howie Krause had a 3-runner, Joe Foley a 2-runner and Tom White a grand slam. It was the second HR of the game for Krause. He was 4-for-4, plus a walk. Foley and Tim Cocco each had 4 hits. So did Chris Lashley, one of them an inside-the-park job with the bases loaded. Pitcher Jim Burbrink had 3 hits. Lavorico, Ruben Gonzalez and Rob Crane homered for Hendu’s. O&S/TPS of Minnesota turned back Adams 16-6. O&S owned an early 8-4 lead, then exploded for six runs in the top of the seventh. R.J. Olson had a pinch hit double, Scott Brown and Doug Berfeldt singles, Lance Peterson a 2-run double, Mark Crandall and Tedd Lindgren singles and Scott Logan an inside-the-park homer with two on. Derrick Williams had a 2-run HR in the first and Peterson a 3-runner in a 6-run third. Brown had three hits. Long Haul rolled over Tiger 26-5 in 4 innings. Tiger was missing French Canadian slugger Jacques Millier, and a couple other Canadians. Doug Johnson had 2-run homers in the first two at-bats. Butch Smith and Shawn Demars also homered in the second inning. In fact, it was three in a row. Long Haul led 16-0 after two, then hit for 10 in the top of the fourth. Jeff Franks had a 5-for-5 game, Richie Aliotti 4-for-4. Rob Darhower had three hits, plus a walk. Demars added a double and triple. Pitcher Ted Larson had three hits. Mark Gabourel and Randy Noe homered for Tiger. Gil’s eliminated Joe Black’s 15-9. Gil’s pushed across six runs in the top of the seventh, then Joe Black’s drew a blank. Gil’s big seventh saw hits by Tim Kellner, Dan Semiento, Mike Aquila, Chuck Henniger, Raith Adair and Kelly Radcliff. Adair had three hits and Curt Gleaton had a first-inning homer. Mike Bombardier, Bob Woldyk and Burgess Watts homered for Joe Black’s. Xtreme sent JWM packing 25-23. James Beane’s 3-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh sent JWM reeling with an 0-2 record after a third-place finish last year. Xtreme plated 10 runs in the second inning as Chris Butler and Ken Bean hit 2-run homers. Beane had two hits in the inning. Bean homered in the first and he homered again in the fifth as he had a 4-for-5 game. Beane had another homer in the fifth as he went 4-for-5 too. Rick Goyette had an inside-the-park homer and Lamar Echols homered in the 6-run fifth. Another HR was hit by Greg Schulte. For JWM, Andy Alvis and Ed Martin each had two homers and Mike Moore, Larry Carter and Bryan King each had one. JWM scored seven runs in the top of the seventh for a short-lived 23-21 lead. Tim Jones had four hits. Alvis added tow hits to his two HRs. Wessel sneaked past RPM 9-8 in an extra inning. Wessel did not score in the fifth, sixth or seventh, and had to win it with two runs in the bottom of the first extra inning. After one out, Howie Krause tripled to deep right center and Tim Linson’s hit went for a triple when the right fielder misplayed the ball. The next two batters (Tim Cocco and Joe Foley) were given free passes and Dale Sensenig produced a short sac fly to left. Tom White homered in the first for Wessel and Cocco homered in the fourth. RPM tied the score with two in the top of the seventh as Larry Grant singled and, after two outs, Rich Courtney tripled and Chris Alvardo doubled. Courtney had four hits, Alvarado three. RPM got a run in the top of the eighth on a singles by Bob Newman, Ken Ritter and Grant. The latter two came after two outs. Long dropped Minnesota rival O&S into the losers bracket (29-13 in 5 innings). Scoring 10 in the second, seven in the third and eight in the fourth, Long Haul won easily. Nine of the O&S runs came in the third inning. Chaun Demars had three of Long Haul’s nine HRs. Tim Magner had two, Mike Stanley, Rob Darhower, Doug Johnson and Butch Smith one each. Jeff Franks had an inside-the-park homer, two triples, a double and a walk, Smith a single, double and a walk in addition to his homer and Johnson two singles and a walk in addition to his homer. Lance Peterson had a homer, triple and walk for O&S. John Whaley, Scott Bailey and Derrick Williams homered. Brandon’s ousted Adams 17-14. Brandon’s pushed across three runs in the top of the seventh, and Adams did not answer. Hits by Chris Beck, Randy Calcutt, Chris Absher and Gene Lewis led to the winning runs. Calcutt and Lewis each went 4-for-4. Eddie Foust was 4-for-5 and Jerold Smith homered. Chris Gambrill had a homer and two singles and Jody Hurst a homer and single for Adams. They combined for 11 RBI. Tiger had to forfeit to Resmondo when Mike McColman left to catch a plane, leaving his teammates miffed. Resmondo was a 43-28 winner over Brandon’s. Resmondo went into the bottom of the third on the short end of a 14-2 count, then went crazy with 12, 17 and 11 runs over the next four inings. Gar King had three home runs, a single and two walks. Scott Alley and Brian Arnold each had two homers and seven RBI. Arnold added a triple and single, Alley two singles and a walk. Resmondo had four triples (Marty Dailey had two and Ron Howard one). Resmondo was helped by eight free passes and three Brandon’s errors. Dailey, Jeff Vargo and Charlie Brown also homered. Jeff Haag was 6-for-6. Garber, Marty Lanoux, Dailey and Howard each had four hits. Gene Lewis had four hits for Brandon’s, while Eddie Foust, Chris Calcutt, Chris Graves, Chris Roberts and Chris Absher homered. Three were 3-runners, the other two 2-runners. Hendu’s eliminated Gil’s 14-12. Lavorico had a single, double and homer and Ruben Gonzalez a double and two homers for Hendu’s, which built up a lead with five in the third and four in the fourth. Gil’s accounted for seven of its runs in the fourth. Joe Sposi and Briscoe Baker also homered for Hendu’s. Chad Sylte had a inside-the-parker and Tommy Shinn a double and triple. Kenny Briggs had two triples. Glenn Flood had two homers and Tom Kellner one for Gil’s. Randy Medina had three hits. Hendu’s then was kayoed by Xtreme (25-11). Greg Schulte had three homers for six RBI to set the pace for the Xtreme team. Chris Butler had two HRs.

1998 ASA Men’s B Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Cargill Park in Shreveport, Louisiana on September 24-27.

Champion – Wine Trucking, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Runner Up – Austin Spurs, Austin, Texas

Wine Trucking of Virginia took the title in the ASA Men’s Slow-pitch Class B National Championship held at Cargill Park last weekend.

Wine Trucking went undefeated (8-0) taking a victory of 24-10 over the Austin Spurs from Texas in the final game on Sunday.

The area’s host team, the Ark-La-Tex Pallets finished thirteenth out of 78 participating teams. The team lost its first game and won the next four before being eliminated Saturday evening with a loss to the Miller Screwballs from Maine. 25-12.

“We made a lot of fielding mistakes and didn’t hit the ball as well as we have,” said Palletts coach Bill Bennett, who said several of the teams at the tournament were impressive. “Teams that could hit the ball inside the field after hitting the three home runs that were allowed, were the one that won.”

In ASA Class B three home runs are allowed per team per game, any home run made after that is counted as an out for that tourney.

The tournament marked the end of the softball season. but Bennett said they will be ready for next year. “I think our team will be intact for next year,” he said.

The other top five finishers were Select Specialty from Virginia. Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders, of Connecticut, Flyjuice, of Connecticut and Powertel/Team Victory), of Tennessee.

The Most Valuable Player award went to pitcher Bobby Fox from Wine Trucking. The Batting champion and Home-run champion was Dean Thomas of Acme Woodworking from Massachusetts, who hit .826 (19 of 23) and had 10 home runs during the tournament.

  • MVP – Bobby Fox, Wine Trucking
  • Batting Champion – Dean Thomas, Acme Woodworking (.826)
  • Home Run Champion – Dean Thomas, Acme Woodworking (10)

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Bobby Fox, Wine Trucking
C – Greg Harlow, Wine Trucking
1B – Wil Searcy, Select Specialty
2B – Billy Lenzi, Wine Trucking
3B – Dave Cushman, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
SS – Russ Desrocher, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
OF – Mike Fayard, Wine Trucking
OF – Ernest Kee, Powertel/Team Victory
OF – Darrell Lambert, Select Specialty
OF – Phil Sheets, Select Specialty
EP – Terrell Townsend, Austin Spurs
UT – Ronald Acker, Austin Spurs
UT – William Thomas, Wine Trucking
UT – Scott Schaefer, Austin Spurs
UT – Ernest Teague, Austin Spurs

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Richie Corder, Southern Spray
C – Dennis Quarlis, Southern Spray
1B – Richard Phillippi, Wine Trucking
2B – Mike Fayard, Wine Trucking
3B – Mark Bowles, Wine Trucking
SS – Mark Pevey, Austin Spurs
OF – Kevin Dollins, Austin Spurs
OF – Chris Spates, Austin Spurs
OF – Keith Savoie, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
OF – John Gustafson, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
EP – David Kuchinsky, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
UT – George Coffey, Select Specialty
UT – Todd Byrd, Select Specialty
UT – Darrin Nicely, Select Specialty
UT – Dane Davidson, Southern Spray

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Eric Killinger, Wine Trucking
C – David Richardson, Wine Trucking
1B – Steve Laxton, Deluxe Bakery
2B – Mike Taylor, Deluxe Bakery
3B – Steve Piniero, Deluxe Bakery
SS – Gary Lynch, Team Talikka
OF – Rennis Rouse, Team Talikka
OF – Jack Penrod, Powertel/Team Victory
OF – Joey Kite, Powertel/Team Victory
OF – Joe Cennamo, Flyjuice
EP – Barry Shular, Flyjuice
UT – Chris Jones, Flyjuice
UT – Jimmy Guy, Southern Spray
UT – Mike Reed, Southern Spray
UT – Andy Harris, Wine Trucking

FINAL RESULTS

1. Wine Trucking, Fredericksburg., VA (8-0)
2. Austin Spurs, Austin., TX (7-2)
3. Select Specialty, Palmyra., VA (5-2)
4. Willimantic Brewery/ Anderson Builders, Willimantic., CT (5-2)
5t. Flyjuice, Stamford., CT (5-2)
5t. Powertel/Team Victory, Millington., TN (5-2)
7t. Minnesota Merchants/Mizuno, Eden Prairie., MN (6-2)
7t. Southern Spray, Memphis., TN (5-2)
9t. Deluxe Bakery, Bellmawr., NJ (5-2)
9t. Twohig Iii, Lakewood., OH (4-2)
9t. Miller Screwballs, Berwyn., IL (5-2)
9t. Accu Truss/The Sun Deck/Vessels, Elizabeth Town., KY (3-2)
13t. Team Talikka, Mentor., OH (5-2)
13t. Tulsa Heat, Tulsa., OK (5-2)
13t. Acme Woodworking/Doc Holidays, Wakefield., MA (5-2)
13t. Ark-La-Tex Palletts, Haughton., LA (4-2)
17t. Sun Valley, Maryland Heights., MO (3-2)
17t. Driftwood Lounge, Whapeton., ND (3-2)
17t. S&S Landscaping/Xtreme Softball, Ashaway., RI (3-2)
17t. T&B, Glen Ellyn., IL (3-2)
17t. Mizuno On-A-Mission, Roberts., WI (2-2)
17t. Franchise, Crete., IL (2-2)
17t. Ichabod’S, Effington., IL (2-2)
17t. Logomax, Coalvalley., IL (2-2)
25t. Boomers, San Antonio., TX (3-2)
25t. Hot Rod Café, Post Falls., ID (3-2)
25t. Moose’s Saloon, Kalispell., MT (3-2)
25t. Millinax Ford/Steele, Parma., OH (3-2)
25t. Turner Motor Company, Dardanelle., AR (3-2)
25t. A&B Contracting, West Columbia., WV (2-2)
25t. Team Yager, Kalispell., MT (2-2)
33t. Hooters-Memphis, Memphis., TN (3-2)
33t. Frame-All, Hinds Dale., MA (2-2)
33t. LA Express, Bossier City., LA (2-2)
33t. K.R. Plaza, Iowa City., IA (2-2)
33t. Baker Insurance, Bismark., ND (2-2)
33t. Bartok Kennels, Enterprise., AL (1-2)
33t. A1 T’s, Utica., NY (1-2)
33t. Telequip Storm, Hickory Creek., TX (1-2)
33t. Team Dudley, Houston., TX (1-2)
33t. Hooters-Dropped Out, Thibodeaux., LA (1-2)
33t. Spirit Softball Club, Sacramento., CA (1-2)
33t. Spirit Graphics, Mechanicsville., VA (1-2)
33t. Odd Fellows Lodge, Bloomington., IN (1-2)
33t. Ultimate, Franklin., WI (1-2)
33t. Potomac Valley Brick, Wheaton., MD (1-2)
33t. Brent’S Carpet, Belmont., MS (1-2)
49t. OEI/S.S. Softball, Livonia., MI (2-2)
49t. T-Shirt Express, Edinburgh., IN (2-2)
49t. Cleary’s Home Plate, Greenfield., WI (1-2)
49t. Pudgy’s Cycle, Auburn., ME (1-2)
49t. Team Thirsty’s, Kearney., NE (1-2)
49t. Regulators, Cedar Rapids., IA (0-2)
49t. Warren Construction, Smyrna., TN (0-2)
49t. Allsport Mfg/Equalizer, Mercer Island., WA (0-2)
49t. Bigelow Enterprises, Bryon., MN (0-2)
49t. National Roofing, Grand Blane., MI (0-2)
49t. All American Athletics, Lumberton., TX (0-2)
49t. Free Agents, Port Lavaca., TX (0-2)
49t. Jimmy’s Fish & Seafood, Brownsdale., MN (0-2)
49t. Bat Source, Manchester., TN (0-2)
49t. Mayslack’s/Déjà Vu, Minneapolis., MN (0-2)
49t. Hooters Softball Club, Plano., TX (0-2)
65t. Brew/Kidd Jones, Tyler., TX (0-2)
65t. Stingers, Waco., TX (1-2)
65t. Jackson Softball Club, Jackson., WY (0-2)
65t. Colby Telephone, Harrisville., RI (0-2)
65t. Gem City, Frankfort., IN (0-2)
65t. GPAC/Reda Sports, Easton., PA (0-2)
65t. Advantage Softball, Papillion., NE (0-2)
65t. Memphis Reds, Olive Branch., MS (0-2)
65t. Sports Fanatic/Acorns, Amesbury., MD (0-2)
65t. Three Star Construction, Browersville., MN (0-2)
65t. P.A.C., Booneville., MS (0-2)
65t. Shelter Insurance, Lockesburg., AR (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Bill McKinney Softball Complex in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 5-12.

Champion – Meierhoffer-Fleeman, Savannah, Missouri (56-12)
Runner Up – Midland Explorers, Midland, Michigan (39-16)

  • MVP – Grover Musser, Meierhoffer-Fleeman
  • Batting Leader – Ross Dey, Meierhoffer-Fleeman – .500
  • HR Leader – David Boys, Tampa Bay Smokers – 4
  • Herb Dudley Pitching Award – Doug Middleton, Meierhoffer-Fleeman

Meierhoffer defeated Midland Explorers 7-0 in the winner’s bracket finals as Doug Middleton best Doug Gillis of Midland. Grover Musser led the Meierhoffer-Fleeman squad with 2 hits, including a big HR. The Explorers then had to play the defending champ Tampa Bay Smokers. The Smokers fell to the Explorers 4-3 to gain another crack at the Meierhoffer squad, only to lose the championship game 4-0. Meierhoffer pitcher Chris Bigelow hurled a two hitter to win the championship game. The Smokers finished the season with a 73-12 record. Meierhoffer outscored its opponents 31-0 during its five game undefeated run.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Doug Middleton, Meierhoffer-Fleeman (4-0, 24 IP, 40 K, 4 Shutouts)
P – Doug Sleep, Tampa Bay Smokers
P – Doug Gillis, Midland Explorers
C – John Huebner, Tampa Bay Smokers
1B – Mike Schwieger, Meierhoffer-Fleeman
2B – Steve Horning, Midland Explorers
3B – Ross Dey, Meierhoffer-Fleeman (8-16)
SS – David Boys, Tampa Bay Smokers (13 RBI)
OF – Grover Musser, Meierhoffer-Fleeman (7-16, .438, 1 HR)
OF – Shawn Rychick, Tampa Bay Smokers
OF – Steve Bohn, Midland Explorers
OF – Steve King, The Farm
DH – Brent Eickholt, Sioux City Huskies
UT – Greg Melchert, Midland Explorers
UT – Kerry Shaw, Meierhoffer-Fleeman

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michael White, Decatur Pride
P – Alan Rebling, Central Iowa Express
P – Rick Plangger, The Farm
C – Brian Neveau, The Farm
1B – Trent Rubley, Tampa Bay Smokers
2B – Jason Hanson, Tampa Bay Smokers
3B – Kyle Beane, Midland Explorers
SS – John Bargfeldt, Decatur Pride
OF – Steve Schott, Tampa Bay Smokers
OF – Ron Wiedmann, Central Iowa Express
OF – Pete Spoerl, Larry Miller Toyota
OF – Tim Wargo, Decatur Pride
DH – John Wodtke, Meierhoffer-Fleeman
UT – Bob Soricelli, Tampa Bay Smokers
UT – Ehren Earleywine, Decatur Pride

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Pete Sandman, Sioux City Huskies
P – Joe Simoni, Sioux City Huskies
P – Peter Meredith, Larry Miller Toyota
C – J. D. Robertson, Decatur Pride
1B – Dan Smet, The Farm
2B – Kyle Magnusson, Larry Miller Toyota
3B – Brett Alvey, Larry Miller Toyota
SS – Byron Peyton, Central Iowa Express
OF – Todd Davis, River City Rage
OF – Clayton McGovern, Midland Explorers
OF – Rich Lira, Central Iowa Express
OF – Bob Blakley, Herzog
DH – David Frank, Page Break
UT – Jeff Neumann, Sioux City Huskies
UT – Todd Twachtman, Decatur Pride

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Meierhoffer-Fleeman, Savannah, MO (5-0)
2. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (4-2)
3. Tampa Bay Smokers, Clearwater, FL (6-2)
4. The Farm, Madison, WI (5-2)
5t. Sioux City Huskies, Sioux City, IA (2-2)
5t. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL (2-2)
7t. Central Iowa Express, Marshalltown, ID (2-2)
7t. Larry Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2)
9t. Page Break, Salt Lake City, UT (1-2)
9t. St. Louis Dealers, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
9t. Herzog, St. Joseph, MO (1-2)
9t. River City Rage, Peoria, IL (1-2)
13t. Thunder, Cameron, MO (0-2)
13t. HLF Mountaineers, Springfield, MO (1-2)
13t. Abbott Labs, Ashland, OH (0-2)
13t. Tradewinds, Ames, IA (0-2)
17t. 51 Classics, Portage, WI (0-2)
17t. The Freight, Vandalia, IL (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Lawton, Oklahoma on September 4-8.

Champion – Thomas Bait & Tackle, Sanford, North Carolina
Runner Up – Dalton Chiropractic/Viggiani Plumbing, Ocean, New Jersey

Thomas Bait & Tackle of North Carolina completed an undefeated run through the ASA Class A Nationals over Labor Day weekend at Lawton, Okla., by overcoming a 16-run fourth inning by Dalton Chiropractic of New Jersey to win 28-25. Thomas, with six players from the Jerry’s team that won the Class B crown in 1997, breezed 20-1 over Dalton in the finals of the winner’s bracket en route to a 7-0 record.

The defending Class A champion Coffee Cup of Minnesota was a third-place finisher this year.

The favorite, Smokes/Harrison’s/TPS of Maryland, finished fourth in the 62-team field. Jim Johnson of Gary’s Auto Body of Michigan was the home run champion with 17 in seven games. The home run limit was six. MVP honors went to Thomas outfielder Scott Grant. His on-base numbers were 34-of-37. He reached base in his last 19 trips to the plate. He had six homers.

The leading hitter was Brad Gidcumb of Jacksonville Grover of Florida with an .885 average. “Scott made some nice plays in the outfield,” pointed out Thomas manager, who serves as the team’s extra hitter. “Our middle was outstanding on defense — Grant Batts at shortstop and Cullen Clark at second base. They turned a lot of double plays. And our pitcher, Bob Carter, played good defense too.”

Thomas had three players on the first team all-tournament — Grant, John Dutch Jr. and Roy Jarman — and two more on the second team — John Adams and Hollis Brice.

Dalton had two on the first team — Tom Laska and Anthony Delarnesis.

Coffee Cup had only one selection — Mike Ritzer on the second team.

Smokes had Steve Gilbert and Dewey Fussell on the first team and Steve Helewicz and Bobby Bayne on the second team.

Thomas topped Smokes 26-21 and Dalton was a 33-18 winner over Coffee Cup in the semifinal round of the winner’s bracket.

Coffee Cup eliminated L&L Paint of Alabama 17-16, while Smokes ousted Mercer of Indiana 43-23. Coffee Cup then kayoed Smokes 24-22 before dropped by Dalton 12-11.

Mercer eliminated Gary’s 30-15, while L&L ousted SCB/Easton of New York 34-14. L&L had a 7-2 record, Dalton and Coffee Cup were 6-2 and Smokes, Mercer and Gary’s 5-2 and SCB 4-2.

Ashley’s of Delaware and Kentucky Tucker each went 5-2 en route to a tie for ninth with Maroadi of Pittsburgh and Scott of Iowa.

Jacksonville Grover, Galyan’s of Indiana, Universal Dome of Indiana and Allied Tool of Kentucky tied for 13th.

Some highly regarded teams finished down the line, including K&G of Indiana, Riverside/Ram and Berardi’s of Kentucky, Paramount of Virginia, Deery Brothers of Iowa and Budweiser/DeMarini of Texas.

One of Paramount’s players was 52-year-old Don Clatterbaugh, a former Major player with such teams as Dave Carroll and Steele’s.

Berardi’s lost 25-16 to DeVault of Missouri and Budweiser/DeMarini lost 27-14 to Easton Sportstar of Kentucky in first-round games. Berard’s then lost 26-21 to Ohio Sealants.

Budweiser/DeMarini went 0-2 too, being ousted 20-18 by TCBY/DeMarini of Arkansas.

Deery was 0-2, losing to the Aragon Minnesota Merchants 32-23 and Barchella of New York (29-17).

Riverside lost 39-28 to SCB and K&G lost 27-26 to Jax Grover in the second round.

Paramount won two games before falling 29-28 to Mercer.

Thomas won 45-31 and 32-11 but had two tough games in the early rounds — 31-30 vs. Gateway Press of Kentucky and 28-25 vs. Allied Tool. Gateway built up a 27-7 lead going into the fifth inning. Thomas broke loose for 15 runs. “Then we were down nine going into the bottom of the seventh,” pointed out Marion. “We got 12 straight men on without an out.” Jay Lamm started things with a single and he ended it with a 2-run double.

Carter went 6-for-6, Grant 5-for-6 with a homer and Roy Jarman 5-for-5 with a homer. Lamm, John Dutch, Doug Flowers and Marion had homers.

Thomas won in the first round 45-31 over Cooper Sports of Cincinnati. Grant was 7-for-7, while Adams was 6-for-7 with a homer and Dutch 6-for-7. Flowers and Brice Hollis each had two homers and Jarman one. The 28-25 win over Allied Tool saw Adams go 4-for-5 with two homers. Grant had two homers, Dutch and Hollis one each. A 32-11 romp over Scott’s of Iowa saw Grant and Adams each go 5-for-5 and Jarman, Dutch, Batts and Marion each go 4-for-4. Dutch, Flowers, Hollis and Marion homered. Thomas was a 26-21 winner over Smokes. Jarman had three homers, Grant, Lamm, Dutch and Flowers one each. Grant and Lamm each went 5-5, Jarman and Dutch 4-5. Carter, Adams and Hollis also went 4-5. The easy 20-1 win over Dalton in the finals of the winner’s bracket saw Jarman and Dutch hit homers and Grant and Hollis each go 4-for-4. Lamm and Flowers each had three hits. So did Jarman. Dalton’s only run was a solo home run in the fifth inning. It was a different story vs. Dalton in the finale. The New Jersey team scored 16 runs in the fourth inning for a 22-12 lead.

The North Carolinians came back with six in the fifth and nine in the sixth. Jarman and Dutch homered in the fifth and Grant’s grand slam tied the game in the sixth. The Thomas team went on to score five more after the slammer. Final score: 28-25. Grant was 5-for-5 with 2 homers, Jarman 4-for-5 with 2 homers. Hollis also had a homer. Carter, Dutch and Lamm each notched four hits. Marion made note that clean-up batter Jim Rogers had to miss the tournament. “All the guys pulled together, picking it up a little bit to take up the slack. We played good team ball. It was really exciting. We had to come from behind in three games. We were not the best team there by far, but we showed a lot of heart.

Our boys never gave up. This was our first year in Class A.” Marion, whose team is based out of the central North Carolina town of Sanford, pointed out the inspiration of Jerry Sheffield, the team’s enthusiastic third base coach. “He was a motivator, slinging his towel around. He keeps everybody going.”

SCB dropped Gary’s into the loser’s bracket (23-14) before being bumped by Smokes 33-31. Smokes dropped L&L (37-8) and Jax Grover (30-7) into the loser’s bracket.

Coffee Cup won four — 27-20 over TCBY, 29-17 over Easton Sportstar, 26-13 over Las Vegas Funjet of Wisconsin and 30-17 over Maroadi — before losing to Dalton 33-18.

Dalton earlier won 34-21, 29-20, 31-26 (over B&A of Ohio) and 28-9 (over Mercer).

Ashley’s won four games in the loser’s bracket before being ousted 25-5 by SCB. Ashley’s was dropped into the loser’s bracket by Scott of Iowa (25-13).

Scott won 3 before losing to Thomas, then lost its first game in the loser’s bracket by 36-32 to L&L.

SCB won 4 games in the loser’s bracket before falling to Mercer (26-6).

  • MVP – Scott Grant, Thomas Bait & Tackle (23-26, .884; 11 BB, 34-37, .919 OBP, 6 HR)
  • Batting Champion – Brad Gidcumb, Jacksonville Grover/Franklin (23-26) – .885
  • HR Champion – Jim Johnson, Gary’s Auto Body – 17

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jim Johnson, Gary’s Auto Body
C – Roy Jarman, Thomas Bait & Tackle
EP – Mark Mastorovich, Maroadi Transfer Mifflin
1B – Steve Gilbert, Smokes/ABS/TPS
2B – Tom Lasko, Dalton Chiropractic Softball
3B – Cliff Eger, Universal Dome Softball Club
SS – Anthony DeFrancesco, Dalton Chiropractic Softball
OF – John Dutch, Thomas Bait & Tackle
OF – Brad Gidcumb, Jacksonville Grover/Franklin (23-26, .785)
OF – Scott Grant, Thomas Bait & Tackle (23-26, .884, 34-37, .919 ob%, 6 HRs)
OF – Mark Moore, Gary’s Auto Body
UT – Tom Shields, Grotto’s Pizza
UT – Louie Bruno, Universal Dome Softball Club
UT – Dewey Fussell, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
UT – Rob Rash, Grotto’s Pizza

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mike Stibal, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
C – Greg Ackerbeal, Gary’s Auto Body
1B – John Adams, Thomas Bait & Tackle
2B – Mike Engler, Maroadi Transfer Mifflin
3B – Dean Bowrosen, SCB/Easton
SS – Mike Ritzer, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
OF – Brice Hollis, Thomas Bait & Tackle
OF – Billy Gilbert, Grotto’s Pizza
OF – Mike Dill, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
DH – Bob Bayne, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
UT – Mark Hutchinson, L&L Painting/TPS
UT – Karl Komyathy, SCB/Easton
UT – Joseph Spadafino, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
UT – Kevin Gillott, L&L Painting/TPS

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Shannon Arnold, Scott Decorating/Wise Guys
C – Scott Johnson, Mercer Softball Club
1B – John Mutz, John Mercer Softball Club
2B – Russ Ortega, Gary’s Auto Body
3B – Dave Martinez, El Paso Kings
SS – Chad Riggs, Easton/Sportstar/KY Thunder
OF – Keith Carson Mercer Softball Club
OF – Edwin Clore, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
OF – Shayne Havens, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
OF – Tim Dickmeyer, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
DH – Barry Shirley, L&L Painting/TPS
UT – Duane Sliter, Easton/Sportstar/KY Thunder
UT – Ron Probst, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
UT – Lee Martin, Grotto’s Pizza
UT – Wayne Dutton, SCB/Easton

OTHERS

Mark Weaver, Chase (12-15, .800, 7 HR)
Bob Fisher, Chase (16-21, .762, 8 HR)
Kenny Ezzell, Chase (21-28, .750, 3 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase (16-22, .727, 10 HR)
Larry White, Chase (16-23, .696, 2 HR)
Brian Justice, Reece (.688, 8 HR)
Ed Hicks, Chase (14-21, .667, 2 HR)
Randy Romanga, Chase (12-20, .600, 2 HR)
Ron Wilson, Reece (9 HR)
Jose Santiago, Chase (21-25, .840)
Tim Williamson, Chase (20-26, .769, 3 HR)
Chris Chilton, Chase (18-24, .750, 4 HR)
Derek Oliver, Reece (24-31, .774, 12 HR)
Larry Sauceman, Reece (.771)
Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven (23-27, .852)
Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven (.786)
Moose White, Gasoline Heaven (.750, 9 HR)
Vern Hensley, Planet/New (14 HR)
Kenny Carver, Chase (20-25, .800, 6 HR)
Jason Fleming, Chase (20-28, .714, 3 HR)
Keith Brady, Reece (.724, 8 HR)
Mark Webber, Reece (.724)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Thomas Bait & Tackle, Sanford, NC (7-0)
2. Dalton Chiropractic/Viggiani Plumbing, Ocean, NJ (6-2)
3. Coffee Cup/Demarini, St. Paul, MN (6-2)
4. Smokes/ABS/TPS, Ellicott, MD (5-2)
5t. Mercer Softball Club, Indianapolis, IN (5-2)
5t. L&L Painting, Pratville, AL (7-2)
7t. Gary’s Auto Body, Muskegon, MI (5-2)
7t. SCB/Easton, Long Island, NY (4-2)
9t. Maroadi/Mifflin Club, Versailles, PA (3-2)
9t. Easton/Sportstar/Thunder, Louisville, KY (5-2)
9t. Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s, Dover, DE (5-2)
9t. Scott/Wise Guys, Davenport, IA (3-2)
13t. Galyan’s Trading/Steeles, Greenfield, IN (3-2)
13t. Allied Tool/Grover, Louisville, KY (3-2)
13t. Universal Dome Softball, Mishawaka, IN (4-2)
13t. Grover/Franklin, Jacksonville, FL (3-2)
17t. B&A Sports/Tiny Town, Harrison, OH (1-2)
17t. Paramount Builders, Virginia Beach, VA (2-2)
17t. Grotto’s Pizza, Newark, DE (3-2)
17t. Las Vegas Funjet/TPS, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
17t. Hogan/Citizens Mortgage, Rolla, MO (2-2)
17t. OCP/CCC/Bud/Worth, Owatonna, MN (3-2)
17t. El Paso Kings, El Paso, TX (3-2)
17t. Demarini Softball, Sioux City, IA (3-2)
25t. K&G/TPS/Bike/Webbs, North Vernon, IN (2-2)
25t. Creative Glass Inc., Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
25t. Ohio Sealants, Willoughby, OH (2-2)
25t. First Commercial Bank, Little Rock, AR (2-2)
25t. Barchella Fellas/Easton, Port Chester, NY (2-2)
25t. Gateway Press/TPS, Louisville, KY (2-2)
25t. Brothers & Sisters/TPS, Lawton, OK (2-2)
25t. CTM, Georgetown, KY (2-2)
33t. Streder Mechanical, Jacksonville, IL (1-2)
33t. Wichita Slam/State Farm, West Falls, TX (0-2)
33t. Texas Roadhouse/TPS, Huntington, WV (1-2)
33t. Sullivan/Demarini, Spokane, WA (1-2)
33t. Stonecold, El Reno, OK (1-2)
33t. Classic Ward, Farmington, NM (1-2)
33t. Express/Play It Again, North Mankato, MN (1-2)
33t. Pohlman/Cooper Sports, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. Davault Softball, Marble Hills, MO (1-2)
33t. Skipworth Plumbing, Iowa Park, TX (1-2)
33t. TCBY/Demarini, Sherwood, AR (1-2)
33t. Aragon’s/Minnesota Merchants, Albert Lea, MN (1-2)
33t. Riverside/TPS, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. RPT Mariners, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
33t. Community 1st Bank/Coors, Caledonia, MN (1-2)
33t. Sledgehammers/Stars, Lawton, OK (0-2)
49t. Sport Spot, Ponca City, OK (0-2)
49t. USA Cash, Lapeer, MI (0-2)
49t. Quality Builders/Trugreen, Bozeman, MT (0-2)
49t. San Antonio Sting, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
49t. Deery Brothers/Easton, Waterloo, IA (0-2)
49t. Budweiser/Demarini, College Station, TX (0-2)
49t. O’Connell’s Dawgs, Norman, OK (0-2)
49t. Doc’s, Sioux City, IA (0-2)
49t. Martin Construction/Worth, Evansville, IN (0-2)
49t. Fairfield Rebels, Fairfield, IA (0-2)
49t. Webworks, Davison, MI (0-2)
49t. Berardi’s/TPS, Lexington, KY (0-2)
49t. Players, Cleveland, OH (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Zenoff Park in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on September 4-7.

Champion – Chase Mortgage/Easton, Wilmington, North Carolina
Runner Up – Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, Tennessee

Chase/Easton of Wilmington, N.C., went 5-0 to win the ASA Major Nationals in Stevens Point, Wis., on Sunday (Sept. 6). Chase was a 30-9 winner in 4 innings over Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS of Lebanon, Tenn., in the finals. Chase beat Gasoline Heaven/Worth of Long Island, N.Y., 43-36, in the winner’s bracket finals, then Gasoline was ousted by Reece 32-18.

Backstop/Easton of Aurora, Ind., one of the favorites, managed only a 1-2 record, losing in the first round to Armed Forces All-Stars 37-35, then being eliminated 25-23 by Planet/New/TPS. Derek Oliver of Reece was voted the MVP trophy. He batted .774 with 12 home runs.

Planet/New/TPS was fourth. NASTY Boys/TPS of St. Louis and Central Paving/TPS of Decatur, Ill., tied for fifth.

Armed Forces and Backstop tied for seventh. Jose Santiago had an on-base percentage of .840 for Chase. Tim Williamson batted .769, Bob Fisher .762, Chris Chilton .708 and Jason Fleming .704. Santiago now has played on three consecutive ASA Major championship teams. He played on the Bell II/Easton team from Tampa in 1996 and the Long Haul/TPS team from Minnesota in 1997.

Brannon had 10 HR, Santiago and Fisher 8 each. Shortstop Larry Sauceman batted .771 for Reece, while Ron Wilson had 9 homers and Keith Brady and Brian Justice 8 each. Moose White had 9 for Gasoline Heaven.

Planet/New was the fourth-place finisher, winning five games in the loser’s bracket, including 25-23 over one of the co-favorites, Backstop/Easton of Aurora, Ind. Planet lost 44-33 to Gasoline Heaven in the first round, and finally was eliminated 49-37 by Reece. Planet catcher Vern Hensley led the tournament in home runs with 14.

Backstop was upset in the first round 37-35 by Armed Forces. The Armed Forces team then lost 32-31 to Central Paving and was ousted 37-32 by NASTY Boys of St. Louis.

NASTY lost in the first round to Chase (31-10), then won three in the loser’s bracket for a tie for fifth with Central Paving. NASTY was eliminated by Reece (56-41).

Planet ousted Central Paving 34-22.

Watanabe/TPS of Cincinnati played three high-scoring games, winning 31-30 over Sid Grinker of Milwaukee before losing 37-21 to Chase and 38-32 to Planet.

Armed Forces won one game in the loser’s bracket by 32-31 to the Hitmen of Traverse City, Mich.

In another high-scoring game, the Hitmen lost 33-30 in the opening round to the host team Aldo’s. The Stevens Point outfit then lost 32-11 to Reece and 22-9 to Backstop.

Chase compiled plenty of big on-base numbers. The team mark was .742. Tim Williamson was 21-27 with 3 homers, Mark Weaver 12-15 with 7 homers, Kenny Carver 20-25 with 6 homers, Bob Fisher 16-21 with 8 homers, Paul Brannon 16-22 with 8 homers. Chris Chilton was 18-24 with 4 homers, Jason Fleming 20-for-28 with 3 homers, Kenny Ezzell 21-28 with 3 homers, Larry White 16-23 with 2 homers, pitcher Ed Hicks 14-21 with 2 homers and shortstop Randy Romanga 12-for-20 with 2 homers.

Other pacesetters for Reece included shortstop Larry Sauceman with a .771 batting average, Keith Brady and pitcher Mark Webber each at .724 and Brian Justice at .688. Ron Wilson had 9 homers, Brady and Justice 8 each.

Gasoline Heaven’s Castellano got the biggest help from Andy Ahkao with a .786 average and pitcher Moose White with a .750 mark.

  • MVP – Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS
  • HR Leader – Vern Hensley, Planet/New – 14
  • Batting Leader – Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven – .852

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Moose White, Gasoline Heaven (18-24, .750, 9 HR)
C – Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (24-31, .774, 12 HR)
1B – Vern Hensley, Planet/New (14 HR)
2B – Bill Jerich, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
3B – Steve Dickey, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS
SS – Larry Sauceman, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (17-22, .773)
OF – Tim Williamson, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-26, .769, 3 HR)
OF – Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven (23-27, .852)
OF – Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven (22-28, .786)
OF – Mike Kinnett, Planet/New/Bike/TPS
EH – Hal Koubelka, U.S. Armed Forces
UT – Jose Santiago, Chase Mortgage/Easton (21-25, .840, 8 HR)
UT – Chris Chilton, Chase Mortgage/Easton (18-24, .750, 4 HR)
UT – Mike Lane, NASTY Boys
UT – Wayne Pennington, U.S. Armed Forces

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mark Webber, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (21-29, .724)
C – John McNair, NASTY Boys
1B – Ron Wilson, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (9 HR)
2B – Monty McCory, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
3B – Don Harloss, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
SS – Brian Jeffers, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
OF – Keith Brady, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (21-29, .724, 8 HR)
OF – Brian Fletcher, Planet/New/Bike/TPS
OF – Jim Kearns, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
OF – Bob Van Erem, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
EH – Kenny Carver, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-25, .800, 6 HR)
UT – Jason Fleming, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-28, .714, 3 HR)
UT – Troy Summerfield, NASTY Boys
UT – Dave Noval, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
UT – Steve Roeder, Planet/New/Bike/TPS

OTHER PLAYERS

Mark Weaver, Chase Mortgage/Easton (12-15, .800, 7 HR)
Bob Fisher, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-21, .762, 8 HR)
Kenny Ezzell, Chase Mortgage/Easton (21-28, .750, 3 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-22, .727, 10 HR)
Larry White, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-23, .696, 2 HR)
Brian Justice, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (11-16, .688, 8 HR)
Ed Hicks, Chase Mortgage/Easton (14-21, .667, 2 HR)
Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage/Easton (12-20, .600, 2 HR)
Ron Wilson, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (9 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Chase Mortgage/Easton, Wilmington, NC (5-0)
2. Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (4-2)
3. Gasoline Heaven/Worth, Commack, NY (3-2)
4. Planet/New/Bike/TPS, Lexington, KY (4-2)
5t. NASTY Boys/TPS, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
5t. Central Paving Astros/TPS, Decatur, IL (2-2)
7t. Backstop/Easton/Mizuno, Aurora, IN (2-2)
7t. U.S. Armed Forces, Arlington, VA (2-2)
9t. Aldo’s/Doug’s Sports Bar, Stevens Point, WI (1-2)
9t. Pub II/DeMarini/Miller Lite, Normal, IL (1-2)
9t. Watanabe/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
9t. TC Hitmen, Traverse City, MI (0-2)
13t. Export Light/Beck Masonry, La Crosse, WI (0-2)
13t. Sid Grinker/Couri Insurance/TPS, Milwaukee, WI (0-2)
13t. New Berlin Grading/Easton, Waukesha, WI (0-2)

1998 ASA Women’s Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Hartford County, Maryland on August 22-23.

Champion – Stadium Sportswear, Spokane, Washington
Runner Up – Stan Mill Mitts, Vestal, New York

  • MVP – Kathy White, Stadium Sportswear
  • Batting Champion – Randi Carine, J&J Thunderbolts
  • HR Champion – N/A

1998 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Diane Stanford, Stadium Sportswear
P – Stacie Johnson, Stan Mill Mitts
P – Kathy Zoltowski, On Deck
C – Michelle Kvasny, Stan Mill Mitts
1B – Vickie Sax, Stan Mill Mitts
2B – Lori Mueller, J.R.’s
3B – Randi Carine, J&J Thunderbolts
SS – Ellen Spruce, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Linda Bushinski, Stadium Sportswear
OF – Kristina Kowalski, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Cheryl Clark, J.R.’s
OF – Penny Houghtaling, On Deck
DP – Beth Hanson, J.R.’s
UTIL – Sherry Wantz, Sports Page
UTIL – Beth Bardouche, J.R.’s

1998 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Stacey Warnke, J.R.’s
P – Kim Sears, J&J Thunderbolts
P – Trish Masters, Zopp’s Elytes
C – Lisa Locke, Sports Page
1B – Missy Sharp, Stadium Sportswear
2B – Carolee Morse, Stan Mill Mitts
3B – Debbie Hjortedal, Team Spokane
SS – Kelly Maslar, Sports Page
OF – Veronica Sansom, Sports Page
OF – Janet Skaife, Team Spokane
OF – Susan Rash, J&J Thunderbolts
OF – Bernadette McGovern, Stan Mill Mitts
DP – Misty West, Stadium Sportswear
UTIL – Amy Weaver, On Deck
UTIL – Stacy Mahlik, J.R.’s

1998 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

C – Kim Lake, Zopp’s Elytes
1B – Juline McNamee, Team Spokane
2B – Andrea Zacher, Stadium Sportswear
3B – Kristy Kuntz, Stadium Sportswear
SS – Karen Morton, On Deck
OF – Bethy Sweigert, Stadium Sportswear
OF – Bridget Baxter, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Michelle Blessent, Team Spokane
OF – Lisa Vosbury, Zopp’s Elytes
DP – Dina Terceira, J&J Thunderbolts
UTIL – Nicole Adamson, Roger’s Renegades

1998 ASA Men’s (9) Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Scottsdale, Georgia on August 22-23.

Champion – Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, New York
Runner Up – Tarrs, Worcester, Massachusetts

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

1998 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

N/A

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, NY (5-0)
2. Tarrs, Worcester, MA (5-2)
3. Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (5-2)
4. LA Doughboys, California, CA (6-2)
5t. Wallen Construction, Bean Station, TN (5-2)
5t. D’Onofrio Softball, Brooklyn, NY (3-2)
7t. Martells, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (3-2)
7t. La Wildcard, California, CA (4-2)
9t. Stingers, Atlanta, GA (3-2)
9t. TST, Lithonia, GA (2-2)
9t. Michigan Brick Pavers, Michigan, MI (2-2)
9t. D&S Roofing, Deer Park, NY (1-2)
13t. Copperfields, New York, NY (1-2)
13t. Boichot Concrete, Lansing, MI (2-2)
13t. Morristown Diamondbacks, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
13t. Globe, Redbank, NJ (2-2)
17t. Lindamans Insurance, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
17t. Amtrol, Rhode Island, RI (1-2)
17t. Warriors, Chapel Hill, NC (1-2)
17t. Tampa Bay Dragons, Tampa Bay, FL (1-2)
17t. Secory Flyers, Port Huron, MI (1-2)
17t. Jags 33, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
17t. Jenkins Motors, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
17t. Storm, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
25t. Auntie Anne’s, Parkesburg, PA (0-2)
25t. Speedboys, Durham, NC (0-2)
25t. Freebirds, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
25t. M-Town Brewers, Tennessee, TN (0-2)
25t. Jakes Lithunian Club, Connecticut, CT (0-2)
25t. Hollywood Sports, Stuart, FL (0-2)