Softball History USA

1992 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1992 held at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Champion – Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Runner Up – Williams/Worth, Houston, Texas

Ritch’s-Superior became the first team in Softball History to win the Grand Slam of Softball. They won the ISA, NSA, ASA and now the USSSA World Championships. They finished the season with an 80-9 record and will always be mentioned when considering the greatest teams of all time. The R-S Express won without their leading hitter, big Jim Fuller, who broke the single season batting average record sent by Mike Nye back in 1976. Nye batted .769. Fuller ended the season with a .774 batting average. Dave Steffen had 12 HRs among his 15 hits, was named the MVP. Ritch’s defeated Williams/Worth 25-22 in the championship game. Britt Hightower, who always comes up big in championship games, was 4-5 with 2 HRs. Ron Parnell hit 3 HRs, while Rick Weiterman, Doug Roberson and Darrell Beeler all had 3 hits in the game. Sterlin Ibrom was 4-4 for Williams/Worth. Carol Rose, Jon Meyers and Freddie Johnson all added two HRs each. Ritch’s out-homered Williams 12-11 and out hit them 24 to 23. Williams eliminated Spectrum 27-13 in the loser’s bracket final as John Grissom had 5 Home Runs in the game. A word of note; this was Cecil Whitehead’s 7th USSSA World Series Championship, more then any other player.

  • MVP -Dave Steffen, Ritch’s-Superior (15-24, .625, 12 HRs, 25 RBIs, 17 Runs)
  • Home Run Leader – Dave Steffen, Ritch’s-Superior – 12
  • Home Run Leader – Carl Rose (18-27, .667, 25 RBIs, 23 Runs), Williams/Worth – 12
  • Batting Leader – (min. 15 ABs) – Curtis Williams, Vernon’s (19-22, 7 RBIs, 13 Runs) – .864
  • Defensive MVP – Carl Rose, Williams/Worth

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Paul Drilling – Ritch’s/Superior (13-25, .520, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Catcher – Freddie Johnson – Williams/Worth (17-26, .654, 9 HRs, 17 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Catcher – Rick Weiterman – Ritch’s/Superior (18-27, .667, 5 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Catcher – Tim Magner – Spectrum (16-24, .667, 8 HRs, 14 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • First Base – Dennis Graser – Ritch’s/Superior (11-21, .524, 5 HRs, 7 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Second Base – Jon Meyers – Williams/Worth (16-27, .593, 11 HR, 21 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Third Base – Charles Wright – Ritch’s/Superior (10-17, .588, 8 HRs, 19 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Ron Parnell – Ritch’s/Superior (14-23, .609, 11 HRs, 18 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Outfield – Curtis Williams – Vernon’s (19-22, .864, 7 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Outfield – Kent Johnson – Slo-Pitch News (10-17, .588, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Outfield – Doug Berfeldt – Spectrum (13-24, .542, 4 HRs, 14 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Cecil Whitehead – Ritch’s/Superior (13-21, .619, 5 HRs, 5 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Outfield – Carl Rose – Williams/Worth (18-27, .667, 12 HRs, 25 RBIs, 23 Runs)
  • Outfield – Roy Eppley – Vernon’s (10-18, .556, 2 HRs, 19 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Outfield – Britt Hightower – Ritch’s/Superior (17-25, .680, 9 HRs, 19 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Utility – Dave Steffen – Ritch’s/Superior (15-24, .625, 12 HRs, 25 RBIs, 17 Runs)
  • Utility – John Grissom – Williams/Worth (17-27, .630, 11 HRs, 16 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Utility – John Whaley – Spectrum (15-20, .750, 6 HRs, 10 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Utility – Ted Larsen – Spectrum (10-18, .556, 4 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Utility – Kenny Pruitt – Nanny’s (15-19, .789, 6 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Manager – Buddy Slater – Ritch’s/Superior

OTHERS

  • Mark Baker, Bell Corp (9-11, .818, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Mark Martin, Bell Corp (10-13, .769, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Sylvin Little, Nanney’s (11-15, .733, 7 HRs, 23 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Tim Millette, Dan Smith (8-11, .727, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Jason Kendrick, Datom-Argus (7-10, .700, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Todd Martin, Nanney’s (11-16, .688, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Cody Wyatt, Starpath (10-15, .667, 3 HRs, 11 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Dan Schuck, Bell Corp (8-12, .667, 4 HRs, 7 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Danny Williams, Steele’s Sunbelt (5-8, .625, 3 Runs)
  • Doug Roberson, Ritch’s-Superior (15-25, .600, 8 HRs, 18 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Bruce Meade, Starpath (9-15, .600, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Greg Whitlock, Starpath (9-15, .600, 5 Runs)
  • Steve Craven, Steele’s Sunbelt (3-5, .600, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Donnie Rardin, Starpath (10-17, .583, 10 Runs)
  • Darrell Beeler, Ritch’s-Superior (14-24, .583, 9 HRs, 14 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Larry Carter, DJ’s Sports (7-12, .583, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Doug Brown, AJD (4-7, .571, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Jimmy Powers, Steele’s Sunbelt (4-7, .571, 4 HRs, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sunbelt (4-7, .571, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Dirk Androff, Ritch’s-Superior (13-23, .565, 7 HRs, 15 RBIs, 17 Runs)
  • John Keigley, Williams/Worth (13-23, .565, 5 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Derek Oliver, Nanney’s (9-16, .563, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Phil White, Nanney’s (10-18, .556, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Kenny Carver, Williams/Worth (14-25, .560, 9 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Mark Heirlmeier, DJ’s Sports (6-11, .545, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Ed Berg, Dryden (6-11, .545, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Hank Garris, Bunca (6-11, .545, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Sterlin Ibrom, Williams/Worth (14-26, .538, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Doug Burns, DJ’s Sports (7-13, .538, 7 HRs, 12 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Ken Dain, Slo-Pitch News (8-15, .533, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Dewayne Frizzell, Vernons (12-23, .522, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Ron Ford, Vernons (10-20, .500, 3 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Mike Nye, Vernons (3-6, .500)
  • Rick Plante, Starpath (7-14, .500, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Monty Tucker, Steele’s Sunbelt (2-4, .500, 1 RBI)
  • Robbie Ergle, Vernons (12-25, .480, 7 HRs, 15 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Mike Jacobs, Vernons (10-21, .476, 3 RBIs 10 Runs)
  • Greg Harding, Dryden (4-9, .444, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Larry Fredieu, Bell Corp (5-12, .417, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Todd Joerling, Bell Corp (5-12, .417, 4 HRs, 7 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Don Clatterbaugh, Dryden (4-10, .400, 2 Runs)
  • Rick Scherr, AJD (2-5, .400, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Craig Elliott, AJD (2-5, .400, 1 RBI, 1 Run)
  • Tot Powers, Steele’s Sunbelt (2-5, .400, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Wendell Rickard, Datom-Argus (3-8, .375, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Ricky Huggins, Vernons (8-22, .364, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Dewayne Nevitt, Starpath (5-14, .357, 3 HRs, 3 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Bill Blake, Bell Corp (4-12, .333, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Rick Wheeler, Bell Corp (2-10, .200 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Mike Bolen, Datom-Argus (1-5, .200, 2 RBIs, 1 Run)
  • Clyde Guy, AJD (1-6, .167, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Ritch’s/Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (5-0)
2. Williams/Worth, Spring, TX (4-2)
3. Spectrum/Easton, Golden Valley, MN (4-2)
4. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (4-2)
5t. Slo-Pitch News, Seattle WA (3-2)
5t. Nanney’s Office Supply, Spartenburg, SC (2-2)
7t. DJ Sports, Atchison, KS (2-2)
7t. Starpath, Monticello, KY (2-2)
9t. Bunca Car Wash/Worth, Kalamazoo, MI (1-2)
9t. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (1-2)
9t. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (1-2)
9t. Dryden/Ragtop Pizza/Harrison, Newport News, VA (1-2)
13t. AJD/Wilson Sportign Goods, Richmond, VA (0-2)
13t. Datum Argus, Lebanon, TN (0-2)
13t. Pace/Worth, Rochester, NY (0-2)
13t. Steele’s/Sunbelt, Brook Park, OH (0-2)

1992 USSSA Men’s A Slow Pitch Worlds

1992 held at Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Champion – Herb’s/Dynasty, San Diego, California
Runner Up – St. Clair Park A’s, Belleville, Illinois

  • MVP – Ed Anselmo, Herb’s/Dynasty
  • HR Leader – Rich Courtney, Tribe – 17
  • Batting Leader – John Rodriguez, Herb’s/Dynasty
  • Defensive MVP – ?
  • Offensive MVP – ?

1992 USSSA MEN’S CLASS “A” WORLD TEAM

  • No Information Provided

OTHERS

  • Lance Peterson – Minneapolis Merchants .739 (17-23)
  • Mike Reiling – Minneapolis Merchants .682 (15-22) 8 HR

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Herb’s/Dynasty, San Diego, CA
2. St. Clair Park A’s, Belleville, IL
3.
4.
5t. Minneapolis Merchants, Minneapolis, MN
5t.

OTHERS

The Tribe, CA
Virginia A’s, VA
Duster’s, CA
Ruth Realty, Seattle, WA

SCORES

Herb’s Dynasty 17 Minneapolis Merchants 11
The Tribe 28 Minneapolis Merchants 14
Minneapolis Merchants 15 Virginia A’s 6
Minneapolis Merchants 29 Duster’s 9
Minneapolis Merchants 20 Ruth Realty 14

1992 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1992 held at Jacksonville, Florida on September 4-7.

Champion – Vernon’s, Jacksonville, Florida
Runner Up – New Construction, Shelbyville, Indiana

Hometown favorite Vernon’s of Jacksonville, FL put up a perfect 6-0 record to stake claim on the Men’s Major Slow Pitch National Championship. New Construction of Shelbyville, IN placed second with a 5-2 tournament record.

  • MVP – Ricky Huggins, Vernon’s
  • HR Leader – Ricky Huggins, Vernon’s – 18
  • Batting Leader – Jimmy Smith, Moulton Furniture – .810

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Ricky Huggins, Vernon’s (22-28, .786, 18 HR, 42 RBI)
C – J.C. Phelps, New Construction
1B – Gary Ratliff, New Construction
2B – Jimmy Smith, Moulton Furniture (17-21, 6 HR, 20 RBI)
3B – Vern Hensley, New Construction
SS – Caleb Rabenold, Vernon’s
OF – Roy Eppley, Vernon’s
OF – Randy Kortokrax, R&D/Ohio Transport
OF – Dewayne Frizzell, Vernon’s
OF – Doug Kissane, Taylor Brothers
UT – Dave Phillips, Moulton Furniture
UT – Mike Jacobs, Vernon’s
UT – Russ Dale, New Construction
UT – Russ Earnest, Back Porch
UT – Mike Schenk, Taylor Brothers (20-31, .645, 11 HR, 27 RBI)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Gary Perkins, R&D/Ohio Transport
C – Rich Wolfshimer, Taylor Brothers
1B – Robbie Ergle, Vernon’s
2B – Doug Kilburn, Taylor Brothers
3B – Benny Perrin, Moulton Furniture
SS – Steve Skladany, R&D/Ohio Transport
OF – Larry Echols, Moulton Furniture
OF – Tony Foshia, R&D/Ohio Transport
OF – John Hicks, Back Porch
OF – Curtis Williams, Vernon’s
EP – Kelly Ratcliff, New Construction
UT – Larry Heise, Vernon’s
UT – Ronnie James, Moulton Furniture
UT – Terry Weeks, Back Porch
UT – Parrish Barwick, Vernon’s

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (6-0)
2. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (5-2)
3. R&D/Ohio Transport, OH (4-2)
4. Moulton Furniture, Moulton, AL (3-2)
5t. Back Porch, Destin, FL (5-2)
5t. Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI (5-2)
7t. Demond Edge, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
7t. Armed Forces, Washington, DC (3-2)
9t. Worth Astros, Carmel, IN (1-2)
9t. Tanks, Sticks & Stones, Indianapolis, IN (1-2)
9t. Archer Softball, Des Moines, IA (1-2)
9t. Dryden Softball, Tidewater, VA (1-2)
13t. Alford’s/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA (1-2)
13t. Lawton Cablevision, Lawton, OK (1-2)
13t. Time Out Sports, Jackson, MS (1-2)
13t. Midas Touch Jewelers, Fairfield, CT (1-2)
17t. Riverside Paving, Louisville, KY (1-2)
17t. Miller Lite, Quincy, IL (1-2)
17t. Omaha Budweiser, Omaha, NE (0-2)
17t. Southland Sox, Gainesville, GA (0-2)
17t. Datom-Argus, Lebanon, TN (0-2)
17t. Uncle Bud/Mizuno, Knoxville, TN (0-2)
17t. Belcher Construction, Manteno, IL (0-2)

1992 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1992 held at O’Neil Park in Bloomington, Illinois on August 15-22.

Champion – National Health Care Discount, Sioux City, Iowa (94-7)
Runner Up – Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, Utah (52-25)

National Health Care Discount, behind the pitching of Michael White eliminated Guanella Brothers (7-2), Terry Bell was the losing pitcher for Guanella. NHCD then won the first final 1-0 on Mark Sorenson’s walk off HR in bottom of the 7th inning. Jimmy Wana and Peter Meredith were locked in a pitchers dual. Meredith pitched the whole game for Miller and took the loss. Seaman was relieved by Michael White in the 5th inning and White was credited with the win. This inspired a 10-2 romp in the Championship Game over Larry Miller Toyota. Doug Middleton pitched the clincher for NHCD, collecting 11 strikeouts along the way, defeating Peter Meredith of Miller Toyota. Tod Stevenson, Trent Rubley and Randy Burnside each had 2 hits apiece for NHCD in the Final Game. David Boys and Stevenson also hit home runs in that game back the pitching of Middleton.

  • MVP – Mark Sorenson, National Health Care Discount (HR in bottom of 7th of the first final to win 1-0 and send to ‘if” game).
  • Batting Leader – Jody Hennigar, Clearwater Bombers (7-13, 5 HR, 14 RBI) – .538
  • HR Leader – Jody Hennigar, Clearwater Bombers – 5 (3 came in the first game that he pitched and won)
  • Herb Dudley Pitching Award – Michael White, National Health Care Discount (5-0), 31 IP, 43 K, has won 14 straight National Tournament games since 1989.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michael White, National Health Care Discount (5-0), 31 IP, 43 Ks)
P – Peter Meredith, Miller Toyota (4-2)
P – Darin Zack, Seafirst Bank (7-2), 58 IP, 125 K, 7 shutouts
C – Monty Mayberry, Seafirst Bank
C – Don Trotter, Guanella Brothers
1B – Mark Sorenson, National Health Care Discount
2B – Lance Pratt, Miller Toyota
3B – Marty Kernaghan, National Health Care Discount
SS – Ray Atkinson, Seafirst Bank
OF – Brian Lehrman, Miller Toyota
OF – Steve King, Bloomington Hearts
OF – Bill Boyer, National Health Care Discount
OF – Rick Elias, Seafirst Bank
DP – Jody Hennigar, Clearwater Bombers
UT – Steve Schott, Midwest GMC

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Chub Tangaroa, Guanella Brothers (3-1, 26 IP, 64 Ks, no hitter)
P – Hayden Smith, Faultless Rubber Company
P – Graeme Robertson, Farm Tavern
C – Lyndon Andrew, Farm Tavern
C – Brad Burrup, Miller Toyota
1B – Mike Thomas, Clearwater Bombers
2B – Steve Kerian, National Health Care Discount
3B – Richie Ennis, Coors Light Sunners
SS – Denny Maag, Jack & Do’s Pizza
OF – Mitch Munthe, Guanella Brothers
OF – Mike Larabee, Seafirst Bank
OF – Danny Knapp, Coors Light Sunners
OF – Steve Roberts, Miller Toyota
DP – Chuck Tidabeck, Jack & Do’s Pizza
UT – Denny Rich, Decatur Pride

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Doug Middleton, National Health Care Discount
P – Steve Price, Heflin Builders
P – Marty Grant, Decatur Pride
C – Tim Wahl, National Health Care Discount
C – Al Thomas, Jack & Do’s Pizza
1B – Jeff Bell, Bloomington Hearts
2B – Kere Johansen, Farm Tavern
3B – Tommy Gray, Miller Toyota
SS – David Boys, National Health Care Discount
OF – Rich Rada, Farm Tavern
OF – Randy Ward, Miller Toyota
OF – Jon Walter, Faultless/ESS
OF – Mike Cavender, Midwest GMC
UT – Bruce Franklin, Heflin Builders

OTHERS

Terry Bell (2-1, 22 IP, 36 K)
Doug Middleton (3-0, 19 IP, 38 K)
Jimmy Wana (2-1, 23 IP, 31 K)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. National Health Care Discount, Sioux City, IA (10-1)
2. Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (10-2)
3. Guanella Brothers, Santa Rosa, CA (5-2)
4. Seafirst Bank, Seattle, WA (7-2)
5t. Farm Tavern, Madison, WI (3-2)
5t. Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, OH (3-2)
7t. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL (3-2)
7t. Bloomington Hearts, Bloomington, IL (5-2)
9t. Midwest GMC, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
9t. Heflin Builders, Middletown, NY (3-2)
9t. Jack & Do’s Pizza, Findlay, OH (4-2)
9t. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (2-2)
13t. Des Moines Metros, Des Moines, IA (3-2)
13t. All Car, Green Bay, WI (2-2)
13t. Gateway 2000, Sioux City, IA (2-2)
13t. Coors Light Sunners, Reading, PA (2-2)
17t. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (2-2)
17t. Colonial Bakers, Aurora, IL (2-2)
17t. Kokomo Pride, Kokomo, IN (2-2)
17t. Page Brake, Salt Lake City, UT (2-2)
17t. Stewart Taylor/Rustic Bar, Duluth, MN (2-2)
17t. Arkansas Rangers, Little Rock, AR (1-2)
17t. Dolan & Murphy Shamrocks, Aurora., IL (1-2)
17t. Shelbyville Sting, Shelbyville, IN (1-2)
25t. Beer Nuts, Bloomington, IL (1-2)
25t. Hertz, Topeka, KS (1-2)
25t. Si Senor, Nogales., AR (1-2)
25t. Stroh’s, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
25t. Warack Trucking, Saginaw., MI (1-2)
25t. JSK Engineering, Cedar Rapids, IA (0-2)
25t. New York Warriors, New York, NY (0-2)
25t. Tate Farm Equipment, Stewardson, IL (0-2)
33t. Carbondale Eagles, Carbondale, IL (0-2)
33t. Class Walls, Baltimore, MD (0-2)
33t. Effingham Boss, Effingham, IL (0-2)
33t. Exit, Nashville, TN (0-2)
33t. Fred’s Interior Service, Atlanta., GA (0-2)
33t. New York Tigers, New York City, NY (0-2)
33t. Blues, Taylorville, IL (0-2)
33t. Thompson-Larson A’s, Minot, ND (0-2)

1992 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1992 held at Gadsden, Alabama.

Champion: UPI, Cookeville, Tennessee
Runner Up: Phoenix Ladies, Lawrenceville, Georgia

  • MVP – Sandy Edwards, UPI
  • Batting Leader – Laura Elmore, York Pacers (13-18) – .722
  • Home Run Leader – Sherrill Jackson, Trojanettes – 5

FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Charlotte Cates, UPI
C – Christy Martin, Outburst
1B – Stephanie Seymour, UPI
2B – Cindy Ramp, York Pacers
3B – Sherrill, Jackson, Trojanettes
SS – Sandy Edwards, UPI
OF – Jody Trimmer, York Pacers
OF – Gace Ford, Trojanettes
OF – Marla Townsend, Phoenix Ladies
OF – Susan Chapman, UPI
UT – Gina Green, UPI
UT – Ronnie Daniels, Phoenix Ladies
UT – Sandy Hicks, Phoenix Ladies
UT – Cindy Dorsey, Outburst
EP – Laura Elmore, York Pacers

SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

SS – Sue Ilyes, York Pacers

FINAL STANDINGS

1. UPI, Cookeville, TN (6-0)
2. Phoenix Ladies, Lawrenceville, GA (8-2)
3. York Pacers, York, PA (4-2)
4. Outburst, Gainesville, GA (4-2)
5t. Trojanettes, Winter Haven, FL (6-2)
5t. Ultimate Sports, St. Cloud, MN (3-2)
7t. Lakerettes, Conneaut Lake, PA (3-2)
7t. Armed Forces, Virginia Beach, VA (3-2)
9t. Armstrong Lady Rebels, Murfreesboro, TN (3-2)
9t. Korner Korral, Bethany, IL (2-2)
9t. Rainbow Food Mart, Gadsden, AL (2-2)
9t. Ned Kelly’s, Bloomington, IL (2-2)
13t. Ruth Paving, Lexington, IL (2-2)
13t. R&S Sports, Albany, GA (2-2)
13t. Leon’s Flames, Tallahassee, FL (1-2)
13t. Dilligad, Gadsden, AL (1-2)
17t. Birmingham Merchants, Birmingham, AL (1-2)
17t. The Who, Decatur, GA (1-2)
17t. Cruisers, Chattanooga, TN (1-2)
17t. Hughes Supply, Orlando, FL (1-2)
17t. Berg & Associates, Mobile, AL (0-2)
17t. McGlaughlin Oil, Columbus, OH (0-2)
17t. Road Runners, Warwick, RI (0-2)
17t. City Used Parts, Dotham, AL (0-2)
25t. Jerry’s Cleaners, Tuscaloosa, AL (0-2)
25t. Vision Center, Bridgeport, CT (0-2)
25t. Cellular, Hendersonville, TN (0-2)
25t. Stadium Club, Jacksonville, FL (0-2)
25t. Bud Light, Clearwater, FL (0-2)

1991 ASA Men’s C Slow Pitch Nationals

1991 held at Lagoon Park and Fain Park in Montgomery, Alabama on September 26-29.

Champion – Pudley’s, Redwood City, California
Runner Up – Zebra Bar, Port Huron, Michigan (65-14)

The tournament was 109 teams which at this point was the largest ASA national tournament held to date.

Pudley’s defeated Zebra Bar 7-3 in the final.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P –
C –
1B – Craig Seaman, Zebra Bar
2B –
3B –
SS –
OF – Foltz, Zebra Bar
UT – Bob Koon, Zebra Bar

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P –
C –
1B –
2B –
3B –
SS –
OF – Jeff Fields, Zebra Bar
OF – Jerry Wagner, Zebra Bar

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P –
C –
1B –
2B –
3B – Kurt Zurawaski, Zebra Bar
SS –
OF –
OF – Bob Kaatz, Zebra Bar
EP – Chuck LaGrange, Zebra Bar
UT – Doug Fowler, Zebra Bar
UT – Denny Fowler, Zebra Bar

FINALS STANDINGS (incomplete)

1. Pudley’s, Redwood City, CA
2. Zebra Bar, Port Huron, MI

109 teams participated

1991 NCAA Women’s College World Series

1991 held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 23-26.

Champion – Arizona Wildcats (56-16)
Runner Up – UCLA Bruins (56-7)

Arizona wins its first women’s team national championship in any sport. Pitching (Debby Day 30-8, 0.50; Susie Parra 14-3, 0.43; Julie Jones 12-5, 1.21) and defense (.970 team fielding percentage, Julie Standering 187 assists at shortstop) were keys to the season. The Cats also stole 119 bases. Jones (.350), Jamie Heggen (.330), Kristin Gauthier (.300), Standering (.296) and Jody Miller (.272) had outstanding seasons at the plate.

The Cats beat No. 1-ranked UCLA twice at the College World Series to earn the championship, including a 5-1 victory in the title game. UA had four extra-inning games in the classic. The Cats used short-game tactics much of the year and were led by Standering with 30 and Miller with 20 stolen bases. Arizona finished the year 56-16 overall. The Cats were frustrated in the tough Pac-10 Conference at 11-9 and a fourth-place finish.

  • Honda Sports Award – Lisa Fernandez, UCLA (20-3, 0.25 ERA, 165 K, .341 BA, 2 HR 32 RBI)
  • Batting Leader – Debby Day, Arizona – .385
  • RBI Leader – 3 tied at 3. Julie Jones, Arizona; Lorraine Maynez, UCLA, DeDe Weiman, UCLA
  • Home Run Leader – Lisa Fernandez, UCLA – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Kim Maher, Fresno State – 1
  • ERA Leader – Karen Snelgrove, Missouri – 0.00
  • ERA Leader – Susie Parra, Arizona – 0.00
  • Strikeout Leader – Terry Carpenter, Fresno State – 23

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

P – Heather Compton, UCLA
P – Debbie Day, Arizona
C – Kerry Dienelt, UCLA
1B – Julie Jones, Arizona
2B – Julie Smith, Fresno State
3B – Lisa Fernandez, UCLA
SS – Julie Standering, Arizona
OF – Kristin Gauthier, Arizona
OF – Yvonne Gutierrez, UCLA
OF – Lorraine Maynez, UCLA
AL – Kim Maher, Fresno State
AL – Terry Carpenter, Fresno State

SCORES

  1. UCLA 1 Florida State 0
  2. Arizona 1 UNLV 0 (13 inn.)
  3. Long Beach State 1 Missouri 0
  4. Fresno State 2 Utah 0
  5. Florida State 3 UNLV 1 – UNLV eliminated
  6. Missouri 2 Utah 0 (9 inn.) – Utah eliminated
  7. Arizona 1 UCLA 0 (9 inn.)
  8. Long Beach State 3 Fresno State 0
  9. Fresno State 3 Florida State 0 – Florida State eliminated
  10. UCLA 5 Missouri 0 – Missouri eliminated
  11. Arizona 1 Long Beach State 0 (8 inn.)
  12. Fresno State 1 Arizona 0 (8 inn.)
  13. UCLA 1 Long Beach State 0 – Long Beach State eliminated
  14. UCLA 5 Fresno State 1 (13 inn.) – Fresno State eliminated
  15. Arizona 5 UCLA 1 – UCLA eliminated

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Arizona Wildcats (3-1)
2. UCLA Bruins (4-2)
3. Fresno State Bulldogs (3-2)
4. Long Beach State 49ers (2-2)
5t. Missouri Tigers  (1-2)
5t. Florida State Seminoles (1-2)
7t. Utah Utes (0-2)
7t. UNLV Rebels (0-2)

REGIONALS

Regional No. 1

  1. Florida State 1 Louisiana-Lafayette 0
  2. Oklahoma State 3 Louisiana-Lafayette 2 – Louisiana-Lafayette eliminated
  3. Florida State 2 Oklahoma State 0
  4. Florida State 4 Oklahoma State 3 – Oklahoma State eliminated

Florida State qualifies for the WCWS, 3-0.

Regional No. 2

  1. UCLA 4 Central Michigan 0
  2. UCLA 5 Central Michigan 0

UCLA qualifies for the WCWS, 2-0.

Regional No. 3

  1. UMass 3 Connecticut 1
  2. UNLV 3 Connecticut 0
  3. UNLV 4 UMass 0
  4. UNLV 5 UMass 0

UNLV qualifies for the WCWS, 3-0.

Regional No. 4

  1. Arizona 4 Arizona State 2
  2. Arizona 4 Arizona 0

Arizona qualifies for the WCWS, 2-0.

Regional No. 5

  1. Cal State Fullerton 3 Long Beach State 2 (10 inn.)
  2. Long Beach State 2 Cal State Fullerton 1
  3. Long Beach State 5 Cal State Fullerton 1

Long Beach State qualifies for the WCWS, 2-1.

Regional No. 6

  1. Missouri 2 Southern Illinois 0
  2. Iowa 2 Southern Illinois 0 – Southern Illinois eliminated
  3. Missouri 2 Iowa 0
  4. Missouri 4 Iowa 0

Missouri qualifies for the WCWS, 3-0.

Regional No. 7

  1. Fresno State 2 California 0
  2. Fresno State 8 California 1

Fresno State qualifies for the WCWS, 2-0.

Regional No. 8

  1. Utah 1 Minnesota 0
  2. Minnesota 3 Texas A&M 0
  3. Texas A&M 1 Utah 0
  4. Utah 2 Minnesota 0 – Minnesota eliminated
  5. Utah 3 Texas A&M 0 – Texas A&M eliminated

Utah qualifies for the WCWS, 3-1.

ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM

P – Heather Compton, UCLA
P – Terry Carpenter, Fresno State
P – Michele Granger, California Golden
C – Diane Pohl, Iowa
1B – Julie Cavanaugh, Oregon
2B – Julie Smith, Fresno State
3B – Camille Spitaleri, Kansas
SS – Julie Standering, Arizona
OF – Yvonne Gutierrez, UCLA
OF – Pam Stanley, Central Michigan
OF – Tricia Popowski, South Carolina
UTIL – Lisa Fernandez, UCLA

ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM

P – Karen Snelgrove, Missouri
P – Karen Jackson, Iowa
P – Missi Young, Texas A&M
C – Erica Ziencina, UCLA
1B – Julie Jones, Arizona
2B – Michelle Delloso, South Carolina
3B – Gina LoPiccolo, Fresno State
SS – Tiffany Tootle, South Carolina
OF – Rachel Brown, Arizona State
OF – Leigh Ross, Toledo
OF – Charmelle Green, Utah
UT – Kelly Brookhart, Creighton
AL – Kari Blank, Minnesota

1991 Arizona Wildcats

1991 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1991 held at Sioux City, Iowa on August 9-18.

Champion – Penn Corp, Sioux City, Iowa
Runner Up – Canadian Tire, Owen Sound, Ontario

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – Tim Wahl, Penn Corp
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – Brad Underwood, Canadian Tire
  • Kevin Herlihy Newcomer of the Year – N/A
  • Leading Hitter – Tim Wahl, Penn Corp – .600
  • Leading Hitter – Richie Pfaff, Class Walls – .545
  • Most RBI – Eric Isenhart, Explorers – 10

1991 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Chubb Tangaroa, Guanella Bros. (4-2, 0.66 ERA, 85K)
P – Michael White, Penn Corp (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 29K)
P – Brad Underwood, Canadian Tire (6-2, 0.89 ERA, 110K)
C – Tim Wahl, Penn Corp .500
C – Greg Stockton, Colonial Baking .294
IF – Steve Hebeler, Bosch-Rausch .467
IF – Dan Cronkright, Explorers .421
IF – Al Burnham, Canadian Tire .296
IF – Denny Place, Decatur Pride .400
IF – Mark Sorenson, Penn Corp .278
OF – Jim Clark, Guanella Bros. .320
OF – Bill Boyer, Penn Corp .304
OF – Richie Pfaff, Class Walls .500
OF – Kevin Litz, Spirit .381
DH – Eric Isenhart, Explorers .400

1991 ISC SECOND TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Marty Grant, Decatur Pride (3-1, 0.50 ERA, 45K)
P – Dan Yantzi, Explorers (4-2, 1.79 ERA, 34K)
P – Paul Algar, Colonial Baking (3-0, 1.08 ERA, 40K)
C – Doug Fillmore, The Farm Tavern .250
C – Don Trotter, Guanella Bros. .090
IF – Keith Mackingtosh, Merchants .417
IF – Bob Richardson, Canadian Tire .296
IF – Tim Balsi, Midwest GMC Truck & Van .462
IF – Mike Cork, Colonial Baking .286
IF – Denny Rich, Decatur Pride .400
OF – Pete Turner, Guanella Bros. .269
OF – Doug Peyton, Bosch-Rausch .429
OF – Kevin Hartwig, The Farm Tavern .357
OF – Al Staats, Canadian Tire .161
DH – Mike Tranal, Bosch-Rausch .357

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Penn Corp, Sioux City, IA
2. Canadian Tire, Owen Sound, ON
3. Guanella Bros., Rohnert Park, CA
4. Colonial Baking, Aurora, IL
5t. Seafirst, Bellevue, WA
5t. Explorers, Midland, MI
7t. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL
7t. The Farm Tavern, Madison, WI
9t. Larry Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT
9t. Spirit, Amsterdam, NY
9t. Payless, Victoria, BC
9t. Merchants, Camrose AB
13t. Page Brake, Salt Lake City, UT
13t. Hearts, Bloomington, IL
13t. Soos, Sioux City, IA
13t. Cole County Jazz, Marshall, MO
17t. ESS/Planggers, Ashland, OH
17t. Midwest GMC Truck & Van, St. Louis, MO
17t. Mustangs, Prescott, AZ
17t. Bosch-Rausch, Cedar Rapids, IA
17t. Carnation, Green Bay, WI
17t. Sting, Shelbyville, IN
17t. Diamonds, Portage La Prairie, MB
17t. Class Walls, Whiteford, MD
25t. Rangers, El Cajon, CA
25t. York Sundance, Toronto, ON
25t. Black Sox, Las Cruces, NM
25t. Knights, Des Moines, IA
25t. Carp Valley Pride, Carp, ON
25t. Silver Bullets, St. Paul, MN
25t. Faultless-Garber, Ashland, OH
25t. Metros, Des Moines, IA
33t. Stewart Taylor-Printing, Duluth, MN
33t. Stout Tower Eagles, Lakewood, CA
33t. Lusby’s Rebels, Pine Bluff, AR
33t. Nogales Sonora Amigos
33t. Magicians, Vancouver, BC
33t. Texas Flyers, Houston, TX
33t. Oilers, Shreveport, LA
33t. Beer Nuts, Bloomington, IL
33t. Athletics, Orlando, FL
33t. Pro Sportwear, Davenport, IA
33t. Asham Fastball Club, Winnipeg, MB
33t. R E Scott, Sioux City, IA
33t. Flora Craft, Ludington, MI
33t. Hawks, Baytown, TX
33t. Hertz, Topeka, KS
33t. United Surgical Steel, Montgomery, AL

1991 USSSA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Worlds

1991 held at San Clemente, California.

Champion – Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, California
Runner Up – Gooslin Construction, Columbus, Ohio

Coach Tim Millette of Dan Smith Plastering recently waxed retrospective. Amidst all of the excitement that has surrounds his 1991 “AA” World Champion club from San Jose, California, Millette’s thoughts harkened back to long summer days and nights of the past, talk with the “Bear”.

“You know, the Bear and I used to talk for hours and hours about winning the ‘AA” Championship,” said Millette. “Sometimes, that was all we would talk about.

The “Bear”, better known as Dennis Fransen, the longtime coach of Pro Team Sports and its recent moniker, Dan Smith Plastering, wasn’t able to enjoy his dream of winning a world title, as he died of a heart attack early this season.

The indescribable loss of this man – who served as a friend, coach and mentor to all members of Dan Smith Plastering – would have destroyed most softball teams. The team seemd to follow this pattern at first, as the veteran ball club slumped at the beginning of ’91.

But despite early problems, Millette knew it was only a matter of time before Dan Smith turned it around. After all, this team was on a mission – to win it all for the “Bear.”

Dan Smith Plastering did eventually turn it around, and completed its mission by capturing the “AA” World title at San Clemente, California Labor Day weekend with a 5-0 record.

For Millette and the rest of his charges, it wasn’t a matter of “if’ they would take the trophy back to San Jose, but of “how” they would do it. “We had to win – that’s why we were here,” said Millette. “Coming in second wasn’t good enough – we would just as soon as come in last than do that.”

Behind the MVP performance of outfielder Jeff Peterson, who hit .882, and the offensive power of Gary Robertson, Wes Lord, and Dave Feather, Dan Smith Plastering was able to put the runs on the board with regularity, as an opening 28-10 win over Budweiser from Omaha can attest.

However, Dan Smith presented itself as a champion in a field of winners by winning the money games. Down and nearly out in the bottom of the seventh to Taylor Brothers from Rhode Island 15-9 with one out, divine intervention seemed to be taking place.

“It was a miracle – a couple of those hits didn’t have a chance to get through,” said Millette of the rally. In probably the biggest inning in the team’s long history, Dan Smith Plastering completed the miracle with a three-run homer from Robertson to give the team a shocking 17-15 win.

“Dennis must have been up there helping us,” said Millette.

The defense, led by infielders Chris Alverado, Tim Allen and Todd Verner, served as gatekeepers in a 7-2 win over Michigan’s Bunca Car Wash, as few balls found the outfield grass. The Plastering crew completed its storybook finish with dual wins over Gooslin Construction of Columbus, Ohio, 29-13 and 13-11.

With the team still on cloud nine after winning at San Clemente, Dan Smith Plastering brought their amazing brand of softball to the cast coast with a remarkable fourth place finish at the Major World Series in Daytona Beach, Florida two weeks later. “Teams were looking right past us, but when we beat them, they were amazed,” said Millette. “I hope that a west coast teams will get more respect.”

Dan Smith’s torrid post-season finish culminated a complete turnaround from 1990, when the ten-named Pro Team Sports went 0-2 at the “A” Worlds after tearing up the west coast during the year.

“Some people in the grapevine were saying we couldn’t win the big one, and that hurt:’ said Millette.

But amid all of the hoopla that still surrounds Dan Smith, Millette is still thoughtful of the past season, and what it meant to all of those involved, past and present.

Millette could almost hear “Bear” say “Timmy, we did it!”

  • MVP – Jeff Peterson, Dan Smith Plastering
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Jeff Peterson, Dan Smith Plastering – .882
  • Defensive MVP – Brad Farrar, Gooslin Construction

1991 USSSA MEN’S CLASS “AA” WORLD TEAM

Kevin Birkofer, Gooslin Construction
Rich Courtney, Dan Smith Plastering (.700, 4 HR, 7 RBI)
Steve Dickinson, Gooslin Construction
Bill Dunlap, Slo-Pitch News
Brad Farrar, Gooslin Construction
Dave Feather, Dan Smith Plastering (.737, 10 RBI)
Tim Linson, Gooslin Construction
Wes Lord, Dan Smith Plastering (.687, 7 HR, 17 RBI)
Ron Pease, Slo-Pitch News
Jeff Peterson, Dan Smith Plastering (.882, 5 HR, 19 RBI)
Gary Robertson, Dan Smith Plastering (.813, 7 HR, 10 RBI)
Doug Shaneyfelt, Gooslin Construction
Todd Verner, Dan Smith Plastering

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (5-0)
2. Gooslin Construction, Columbus, OH (4-2)
3. Slo-Pitch News, Seattle, WA (5-2)
4. Stottler Stagg, Cocoa, FL (4-2)
5t. Bunca Car Wash, Kalamazoo, MI (2-2)
5t. Spectrum Screen Printing, Crystal, MN (2-2)
7t. Boys of Summer, Naples, FL (2-2)
7t. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (2-2)
9t. Rainbow Carpets, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Murls/Sonny’s/Worth, Broomfield, CO (1-2)
9t. Budweiser of Omaha, Omaha, NE (1-2)
9t. Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI (1-2)
13t. R&M/Midwest Metals, Waterloo, IA (0-2)
13t. Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas, NV (1-2)
13t. Worley’s Maverick’s, Jefferson City, MO (0-2)
13t. McDonald’s Survival, Wylie, TX (0-2)
17. Pacific Blues, Seattle, WA (0-2)

1991 USSSA Men’s A Slow Pitch Worlds

1991 held at  San Clemente, California on August 30-September 2.

Champion – Undercoverwear, Wilmington, Massachusetts
Runner Up – Post/Showtime Floor, Sacramento, California

UndercoverWear Refuses To Go Down In A World

It was a classic case of a team that wouldn’t allow itself to be beaten, as Undercoverwear of Wilmington, Massachusetts captured the 1991 USSSA “A” World Championship in San Clemente, California August 30-September 2. The winners overcame long odds as well as a long series to post a 9-1 record.

After dropping into the loser’s bracket after falling in game three, Undercoverwear reeled off seven consecutive victories in the loser’s bracket to claim the title. The final two wins came against previously unbeaten Showtime floor of Sacrament, who finished with a 5-2 marl.

Third place went to Alliance of Woodland Hills, California with a 4-2 mark, and Arizona Elite from Mesa surprised many with a fourth place finish and a 7-2 record. In all, 34 teams from around the United States participated in the tournament.

Undercoverwear’s success at world was surprising since teams from the New England region are usually not competitive in the “A” ranks. Even more impressive was the fact that Undercoverwear did it with local players from Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut.

To win the title, Undercoverwear went through a lot of adversity. “People laughed at us because of our name,” said coach Steve Crampton of the second year team “Our sponsor is a women’s lingerie producer.”

No one is laughing anymore, though.

Undercoverwear’s only “easy” win came in their opening game against Schooner Tavern from Tacoma, Washington, as they breezed to a 16-5 triumph. Schooner came back strong, however, to win four straight en route to an eighth place finish.

A tidy 10-5 victory over A&W Produce out of San Leandro, California was one of many victories Undercoverwear had over California-based teams. However, in their only had game of the tournament, Undercoverwear lost 10-2 to Showtime Floor to drop into the loser’s bracket.

At the same time, most of the attention was focused on local favorites such as Itchy Foot, Rebs, Dynasty and Alliance — the four top-ranked teams in the “A” division at the time.

Dynasty opened with runaway wins of 19-4 over Bancroft Softball Club from Grand Prairie, Texas and 33-8 over Beloli Heating of Taunton, Massachusetts. Reb’s, led by veterans Mike Cellura and Greg “C-Train” Cannedy, rolled in their first two games, including a 36-7 thrashing of Haro’s Team Sports from San Jose. Alliance and Itchy Foot also breezed through their early games.

Other teams that seemed to have beat on the world title included Arizona Elite, Showtime Floor, RAM/Unocal ’76 from Richmond, California and Bull on the Beach from Ocean City, Maryland. However, since many of these teams had the misfortune to play each other at this point, some of the favorites began to fall out of the picture.

Alliance edged rival Itchy Foot 14-13 to knock them into the loser’s bracket. RAM/Unocal 76 topped Dynasty and Arizona Magic to remain in contention. Maryland’s Bull on the Beach surprised Reb’s with a narrow 15-14 win, a loss which Reb’s wouldn’t recover from.

As Alliance Showtime Floors and Arizona Elite began to emerge from the pack in the winner’s bracket, Undercoverwear began what would prove to be a glorious run to the top. The East Coast team began to make their move with an efficient 12-6 win over Mizuno/Cooper from Martinez, California.

Reb’s was next, and Undercoverwear jumped out to a narrow lead and maintained it for most of the contest. However, they could never pull away from Reb’s and held a slim 13-11 lead going into the bottom of the seventh.

In the bottom of the inning, Reb’s put the tying and winning runs on second and third with two outs. Reb’s sent the consistent Donnie Furnald to the plate. Furnald couldn’t deliver, however, as he one-hopped the first pitch back to the mound, resulting in the third out and the win for Undercoverwear.

As Undercoverwear continued to climb through the loser’s bracket, the equally surprising Showtime Floor squad continued their run through the winner’s bracket. Their 27-14 rout of RAM/Unocal set Showtime up for a showdown with the other undefeated club, Alliance.

As North met South for California supremacy, Showtime Floor upended Alliance 20-10 to gain a spot in the championship final against the survivor of the loser’s bracket.

Meanwhile, Arizona Elite defeated Bull on the Beach 29-12 to knock them out of the tournament, while Undercoverwear eaked out a tough 8-7 decision over RAM/Unocal. Arizona Elite and Undercoverwear clashed for the right to meet Alliance in the loser’s bracket final, and the Wilmington-based squad recorded another narrow victory, 11-10, to win their third straight.

Playing in its fourth consecutive game on Labor Day, the hard-charging New Englanders fell fell behind once-beaten Alliance early in the contest. Undercoverwear trailed by two runs after six innings, but the tide seemed to turn when Alliance’s John thrown “Bull” Kramer was out at the plate to end the top of the seventh.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, a two-run single by Gino Espinal was disputed by Alliance players and coaches. Complaining that there was too much pine tar on the bat, the intensity of the game reached a fever pitch. However, the play stood and the score was knotted at 14-14. This dispute seemed to fuel Undercoverwear’s fire, however, and a fly ball to left scored the winning run from third to give Undercoverwear a 15-14 win and another crack to Showtime Floor.

In the championship game, Showtime Floor jumped out to an early 6-0 lead over Undercoverwear, and seemed on the verge of blowing the contest open. But over the next three innings, the Easterners came back to knot the score at 6-6.

After battling back and forth over the next few innings, Showtime held a slim 11-10 lead before Undercoverwear put two runs on the board in the bottom of the sixth to take a 12-11 lead. Showtime couldn’t respond, as they left runners on second and third to end the game.

Despite losing the first game, coach Rudy Rodriguez of Showtime Floor wasn’t worried. “We had never been beaten twice in a row like this,” he said. “We felt that they were tired. We honestly felt we could beat them.” It was almost a carbon copy of the first game, as Showtime Floor erupted for seven runs to take an early lead. Undercoverwear came back with four of its own the bottom of the inning to keep the game close.

Showtime padded its lead by scoring four more runs midway through the game to take a 11-4 lead. However, Undercoverwear roared back for seven runs in the fifth inning to Showtime’s one to edge closer, 12-11.

Showtime held a 14-13 lead going into the bottom of the sixth, but Undercoverwear struck with two runs to take a 15-14 lead, which held to the end.

“It was incredible because the team jelled a the right time,” said Crampton. “It was sweet to win it in their backyard.”

Rodriguez, though disappointed to lose two straight games to Undercoverwear, had no complaints. “The story in those two games was they got the timely hits, and we didn’t,” he said. “They wanted to win it really bad, and everything was going their way. They deserved to win, because they played better than we did.”

Espinal collected the MVP award, despite a bad shoulder that almost force the standout to stay at home. It was this type of dedication and perserverence that helped Undercoverwear go all of the way. “We just kept coming back and winning,” said Crampton. “We were like mosquitos out there.”

  • MVP – Gino Espinol, Undercoverwear
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • Defensive MVP – N/A
  • Offensive MVP – N/A

1991 USSSA MEN’S CLASS “A” WORLD TEAM

  • No Information Provided

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Undercover Wear, Wilmington, MA (9-1)
2. Post Oil/Showtime Floors, Sacramento, CA 5-2)
3. Alliance, San Fernando Valley, CA (4-2)
4. Arizona Elite, Mesa, AZ (7-2)
5t. Ram/Unocal 76, Richmond, CA (3-2)
5t. Bull on the Beach, Ocean City, MD (3-2)
7t. Rebs, North Hollywood, CA (3-2)
7t. Schoner Tavern, Tacoma, WA (4-2)
9t. Muzuno/Cooper, Martinez, CA (3-2)
9t. Arizona/Majic, Tempe, AZ (3-2)
9t. Trygg’s/Edina Realty/Ed’s Body Shop, Crystal, MN (3-2)
9t. Itchy Foot, San Gabriel, CA (2-2)
13t. Haro’s/Team Sports/Mizuno, San Jose, CA (2-2)
13t. Beloli Heating, Taunton, MA (2-2)
13t. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (2-2)
13t. Dynasty, Downey, CA (2-2)
17t. Roof Mechanics/GES, Wichita, KS (1-2)
17t. A&W Produce, San Leandro, CA (1-2)
17t. All Line Construction, Clearwater, FL (1-2)
17t. Hutchinson Softball Club, Hutchinson, KS (1-2)
17t. House of Travel, Waco, TX (1-2)
17t. Keystone/Bahama Bob’s, Fairfield, CT (1-2)
17t. Herb’s, San Diego, CA (2-2)
17t. Chipper’s Pub, South Beloit, IL (1-2)
25t. Bancroft Softball Club, Grand Prairie, TX (1-2)
25t. Steichen’s/Keller Lake Lounge, Roseville, MN (0-2)
25t. Landsharks/Rancho Suspension, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
25t. Jimmies, Kalamazoo, MI (0-2)
25t. Coors, Midland, TX (0-2)
25t. Hopkins Bowl/Hopkins JC’s, Hopkins, MN (0-2)
25t. Softball Express, Lunwood, WA (1-2)
25t. Precision Construction, Independence, MO (0-2)