Softball History USA

1987 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1987 held at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on August 7-16.

Champion – Teleconnect, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Runner Up – Decatur Pride, Decatur, Illinois

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – Ted Hicks, Decatur Pride
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – Michael White, Teleconnect
  • Kevin Herlihy Newcomer of the Year – N/A
  • Leading Hitter – Ted Hicks, Decatur Pride – .500
  • Most RBI – Steve Kerian, Decatur Pride
  • Most RBI – Dan Binkley – Decatur Pride

1987 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Michael White, Teleconnect (6-0, 0.31 ERA, 64 K, 9 BB)
P – Mike Piechnik, The Farm Tavern (4-1, 0.00 ERA, 75 K, 6 BB)
P – Brad Underwood, Canada Tire (5-2, 0.40 ERA, 98 K, 12 BB)
C – Dan Binkley, Decatur Pride .333
C – Mark Sorenson, Penn Corp .267
IF – Ted Hicks, Decatur Pride .500
IF – Denny Place, Decatur Pride .286
IF – Tom Kneebone, The Farm Tavern .444
IF – Joe Henry, United Van Lines .368
IF – Mike Hopkins, United Van Lines .333
OF – Larry Bodashefsky, Canada Tire .400
OF – Roy Shaffner, United Van Lines .375
OF – James Knoffke, Decatur Pride .238
DH – Brad Schmidt, Decatur Pride .400

1987 ISC SECOND TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Brent Stevenson – Decatur Pride (5-1, 1.17 ERA, 51 K, 21 BB)
P – Chris Nicholas – Coors Silver Bullets (4-1, 0.00 ERA, 61 K, 9 BB)
P – Jim Wana – Stroh’s/Gatsby’s (5-2, 0.53 ERA, 78 K, 10 BB)
C – Eric Maiden, Raymax .400
C – Tim Wahl, Pay’n Pak .286
IF – John Tucker, Mike Warren Sports .417
IF – Steve Kerian, Decatur Pride .217
IF – Chad Corcoran, Pay’n Pak .316
IF – Brian Martie, Decatur Pride .296
IF – Al Burnham, Canada Tire .296
OF – Dave Pfeiffer, Lexington .375
OF – Joe Williams, The Farm Tavern .227
OF – Jody Hennigar, Teleconnect .267
OF – Paul Adam, Coors Silver Bullets .250
DH – Kevin Hartwig, Teleconnect .375

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Teleconnect, Cedar Rapids, IA
2. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL
3. The Farm Tavern, Madison, WI
4. Coors Silver Bullets, Aurora, IL
5t. Stroh’s/Gatsby, St. Paul, MN
5t. Pay‘n Pak, Seattle, WA
7t. Penn Corp, Sioux City, IA
7t. Canada Tire, Owen Sound, ON
9t. Nothdurft Tool, Detroit, MI
9t. Ruth Realty, Seattle, WA
9t. Page Brake, Salt Lake City, UT
9t. United Van Lines, St. Louis, MO
13t. Amvets, Ashland, OH
13t. Raymax, Burbank, CA
13t. Harold’s Supermarket, Lexington, MO
13t. Trans Aire Vans, Elkhart, IN
17t. Plangger’s Furniture, Benton Harbor, MI
17t. Merchants, Camrose AB
17t. Merchants ESS, Ashland, OH
17t. Mike Warren Sports, Baltimore, MD
17t. Payless, Victoria, BC
17t. Nava Bros., Hayward, CA
17t. Nitehawks, Long Beach, CA
17t. Merchants, Fort Pierce, FL
25t. James River Lasers, Hampton, VA
25t. Eegee’s, Phoenix, AZ
25t. Nirico Construction, Minneapolis, MN
25t. Rempel Construction, Saskatoon, SK
25t. Truck Haven Café, Sioux City, IA
25t. OPW Engineering, Tucson, AZ
25t. All-O-Matic, Saskatoon, SK
25t. Clancy’s, Burlington, ON
33t. Jazz, Kansas City, KS
33t. Sonora Amigos, Nogales, MX
33t. IET, Salt Lake City, UT
33t. Universal Financial, Waterloo, IA
33t. Softball Club, New Martinsville, WV
33t. Roadrunners, Albuquerque, NM
33t. Kings, Denham Springs, LA
33t. Tate Oilers, Crestview, FL
33t. Softball Club, Broken Bow, NE
33t. Bombers, Clearwater, FL
33t. Aztecs, Pueblo, CO
33t. Flyers, Houston, TX
33t. Del’s Pub, Newburgh, NY
33t. Sting, Shelbyville, IN
33t. Alberta Brake & Clutch, Calgary, AB
33t. All Car Roadrunners, Green Bay, WI

1987 USSSA Men’s A Slow Pitch Worlds

1987 held at Salt Lake City, Utah.

Champion – American Realty, Concord, California
Runner Up – Stanley Lumber, Beaverdam, Virginia

  • MVP – Richie Aliotti, American Realty
  • HR Leader – Baxter Burris, Ritch’s Auto – 13
  • Batting Leader – Kevin Darden, Williams Painting (26-32) – .813
  • Defensive MVP – Richie Aliotti, American Realty

1987 USSSA MEN’S CLASS “A” WORLD TEAM

1B – Dwight Fortune – Williams Painting
2B – Ralph Godwin – Stanley Lumber
2B – Barry Roach – Stanley Lumber
2B – Greg Cannedy – American Realty
3B – Mike Collins – RTS Enterprises
SS – JW Mitchell – Stanley Lumber
SS – Rich Aliotti – American Realty
OF – Scott Flood – RTS Enterprises
OF – Woody Jackson – Williams Painting
OF – Jerry Lipscomb – Stanley Lumber
OF – Larry Hutcherson – Williams Painting
OF – John Gamblin – American Realty
OF – Jim Nelson – Maroadi Transfer
OF – Bruce Newberry – SSK Rebs
OF – Jeff Boyden – SSK Rebs
OF – Gordie Johnson – American Realty
OF – Floyd Fortune, Jr. – Williams Painting
P – Jay Smith – Stanley Lumber
C – Jim Harvey – American Realty
UTIL – Kevin Darden – Williams Painting
Manager – Johnny Gamblin – American Realty

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. American Realty, Concord, CA
2. Stanley Lumber, Beaverdam, VA
3. RTS Enterprises, Phoenix, AZ
4. Williams Painting, Roanoke, VA

OTHERS

Bell Corp/Dan’s Sports, Tampa, FL

1987 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1987 held at Garland, Texas.

Champion – Empress Chili, Cincinnati, Ohio (67-20)
Runner Up – Hub Chrysler Plymouth-South, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

After Hub Chrysler defeated Empress Chili 16-0 in the losers bracket, the Cincinnati club had to come back and then beat Hub Chrysler twice, which they did.  For the first time in USSSA Women’s World Series history, a player not on the winning team was named MVP. As a matter of fact, she was not on the runner-up team either. But Sue Kozoil of Steele’s Sports made such an impact on the teams, players and officials with her pure athleticism, that it was an obvious choice.

  • MVP – Sue Kozoil, Steele’s (.700, 11 HR)
  • Batting Leader – Sue Kozoil, Steele’s – .700
  • HR Leader – Sue Kozoil, Steele’s – 11
  • Defensive MVP – N/A

1987 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Brenda Beyer, Steele’s Sports
C – Jan Deters, Empress Chili
1B – Marianne Thomas, Empress Chili
2B – Sharon Graham, Empress Chili
3B – Cheryl Hanks, Hub Chrysler
SS – Sue Kozoil, Steele’s Sports
OF – Lyn Rose, Empress Chili
OF – Velma Lehman, Empress Chili
OF – Debbie Blazer, Hub Chrysler
OF – Dottie Davis, Steele’s Sports
UT – Shelly Stanicek, Hub Chrysler
UT – Denise Eckert, Huntel Systems
Manager – Gloria Hill, Empress Chili

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Empress Chili, Cincinnati, OH
2. Hub Chrysler Plymouth-South, Milwaukee, WI
3. Steele’s Sports, Grafton OH
4. Orlando Strikers, Orlando, FL

1987 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1987 held at Parma, Ohio

Champion – Starpath, Lexington, Kentucky
Runner Up – County Sports, Levittown, New York

  • MVP – Gary Jones, Starpath
  • HR Leaders – Don Clatterbaugh, Blanton’s Construction – 15
  • HR Leaders – Dave Allen, Starpath – 15
  • Batting Leader – Rich Plante, Marlton Trucking – .844

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Dave Elder, Starpath
C – Mike Zadel, Non-Ferrous Metals
1B – Rich Plante, Marlton Trucking
2B – Nick Farina, Marlton Trucking
3B – Mike Lewis, Athletic Shop/Houston Sports
SS – Darrell Beeler, Athletic Shop/Houston Sports
OF – Gary Jones, Starpath
OF – Don Clatterbaugh, Blanton’s Construction (20-26, .769, 15 HR, 38 RBI)
OF – Jude Kawa, Starpath
OF – Ken Loeri, Marlton Trucking
UT – Mark Cawley, Pegram’s Burger King
UT – Scott Sheffield, Lighthouse
UT – Sal Romano, County Sports
UT – Scott Aye, Superior Bombat
EP – Mike Oates, Brown & Lambrecht

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Andy Cook, Blanton’s Construction
C – Dave Allen, Starpath
1B – Bruce Rains, Blanton’s Construction
2B – Ken Preserin, Non-Ferrous Metals
3B – Rodney Woods, Starpath
SS – Mark Hutchinson, Pegram’s Burger King
OF – Mike Cohen, Non-Ferrous Metals
OF – Kelly Stanley, Blanton’s Construction
OF – Roger Wilt, Starpath
OF – Stephen Riley, Superior Bombat
UT – Scott Jones, Starpath
UT – Jim Sommers, County Sports
UT – Dave Shortz, Brown & Lambrecht
UT – Greg Miller, Blanton’s Construction

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mike Nye, Marlton Trucking
C – James McLamb, Lighthouse
1B – Steve Blanchette, Non-Ferrous Metals
2B – Rick Hollingsworth, Lighthouse
3B – Mark Baker, Instant Landscaping
SS – Sal Amadeo, Instant Landscaping
OF – Ennie Montgomery, Starpath
OF – Steve Sharp, Starpath
OF – Larry Friedeau, Athletic Shop/Houston Sports
OF – Andy Sanzaro, Superior Bombat
UT – Mauro Chiti, County Sports
UT – Dave Neale, Jr., Non-Ferrous Metals
UT – Dan Robicahauk, Athletic Shop/Houston Sports
UT – Sylvin Little, Lighthouse
EP – Hal Harlan, Athletic Shop

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Starpath, Lexington, KY (7-0)
2. County Sports, Long Island, NY (6-2)
3. Non-Ferrous Metals, Parma, OH (6-2)
4. Athletic Shop/Houston Sports, Hammond, LA (5-2)
5t. Superior Bombat, Manchester, CT (6-2)
5t. Blanton’s Construction, Fayetteville, NC (7-2)
7t. Marlton Trucking, Portland, OR (3-2)
7t. Pegram’s Burger King, Montgomery, AL (3-2)
9t. Budweiser, Eagan, MN (3-2)
9t. Brown & Lambrecht, Joliet, IL (3-2)
9t. Lighthouse Softball, Stone Mountain, GA (5-2)
9t. Instant Landscape, West Palm Beach, FL (5-2)
13t. Wolf, Dodge City, KS (3-2)
13t. Player’s Vision, Flint, MI (2-2)
13t. VIP/Express Transport Co., Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
13t. St. Louis Merchants, St. Louis, MO (2-2)
17t. Astro Air Express, Dearborn, MI (2-2)
17t. Art Russo Realty, Columbus, OH (2-2)
17t. Beloli Heating, Taunton, MA (2-2)
17t. North Coast Travelers, Willard, OH (2-2)
17t. John Hanson, Washington, D.C., (1-2)
17t. Softball With Class, Detroit, MI (2-2)
17t. Lite Beer, Toomsuba, MS (2-2)
17t. Color Tyme Softball, Evansville, IN (1-2)
25t. Geppotte’s Pizza & Ribs, Parma, OH (1-2)
25t. Manchester Court Club, Manchester, NH (1-2)
25t. Waco Cardinals, Waco, TX (1-2)
25t. Fleetwood Express/Red Circle, Parma, OH (1-2)
25t. Huber’s Sporting Goods, Wilmington, DE (0-2)
25t. Kohler’s WC & Co., Alton, IL (1-2)
25t. Wally’s Sports Center, Parma, OH (1-2)
25t. LAMA/Servpro, Greenville, TN (0-2)
33t. Belcher Construction, Manteno, IL (0-2)
33t. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (0-2)
33t. The Pantry, Sanford, NC (0-2)
33t. Ohio Pool, Parma, OH (0-2)
33t. Mills & Greer, Burlington, VT (0-2)
33t. Twohig Athletic Club, Parma, OH (0-2)
33t. Coors/Atkings Merchants, Columbia, OH (1-2)
33t. Pace Bootlegger, Rochester, NY (0-2)
33t. American Legion #121, Waco, TX (0-2)

NOTES

Miller Medical, Waterloo, IA, Hoffbean, Dallas, TX, Snyders Softball Club, Wixon, MI, Budweiser, Hopkinsville, KY, all did not show up.

1987 ASA Men’s Super Slow Pitch Nationals

1987 held at Parma, Ohio.

Champion – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio (340-15)
Runner Up – Budweiser, Youngstown, Ohio

Steele’s did what it was expected to do and that was win their third straight ASA Super National Championship. They defeated Budweiser of Youngstown, OH in the championship game 18-5. Steele’s went undefeated, winning their four pool play games and then won three straight in the double elimination portion of the event to go 7-0 on the weekend and they hit 76 HR over the special 320 foot fence that was constructed for the event.

  • MVP – Mike Macenko, Steele’s
  • HR Leader – Scott Virkus, Steele’s – 16
  • Batting Leader – Mike Macenko, Steele’s – .750

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS 

P – Rick Weiterman, Steele’s Sports
C – Craig Elliott, Steele’s Sports
1B – Dennis Graser, Steele’s Sports
2B – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sports (27-36, .750, 12 HR, 26 RBI)
3B – Ken Dain, Steele’s Sports
SS – Ron Parnell, Steele’s Sports
OF – Mark Odabashian, ABC Driveway/Holy Name
OF – Doug Roberson, Steele’s Sports
OF – Scott Virkus, Steele’s Sports (22-33, 667, 16 HR)
OF – Fred Trice, Steele’s Sports
EP – Phil Adams, Budweiser
UT – Dick Marlow, Budweiser
UT – Jeff Stamps, Steele’s Sports
UT – Jim Kuhl, Budweiser
UT – Mickey Vittardi, ABC Driveway/Holy Name

FINAL STANDINGS (overall record counting Pool Play games)

1. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (3-0) 7-0 including pool play
2. Budweiser, Youngstown, OH (1-2) 2-5 including pool play
3. ABC Driveway/Holy Name, Parma, OH (0-2) 1-5 including pool play

1987 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1987 held at Pekin, Illinois.

Champion – Orange County Majestics, Orange, California
Runner Up – Hi-Ho Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (62-6)

The Majestics went undefeated 6-0 to capture the National Championship. They defeated the Hi-Ho Brakettes 4-2 in the Championship game. Denise Correa smashed a 3-run triple in the 4th inning to give the Majestics the 4-2 lead they would never relinquish.

Debbie Doom started the game and went 4 innings for the win.

Michele Granger came in to close it out in the final 3 innings to earn the save.

Barbara Reinalda was the losing pitcher for the Brakettes, who finished 6-2.

In a 27 inning game between California Raiders and Pantera’s Classics, Tiffany Boyd struck out 33 and Becky Duffin struck out 32.

  • MVP – Michele Granger, Orange County Majestics
  • HR Leader – Liz Mizera, Orange Magestics – 2
  • HR Leader – Kris Peterson, Hi-Ho Brakettes – 2
  • HR Leader – Jodi Rathbun, Avanti’s – 2
  • Batting Leader – Kari Johnson, Redding Rebels – .476
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Michele Granger, Orange County Majestics
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Dot Richardson, Hi-Ho Brakettes

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michele Granger, Orange County Majestics (3-0, 23 IP, 33 K, did not allow an earned run)
P – Debbie Doom, Orange County Majestics (3-0, 24 IP, 1 ER, 26 K)
P – Susan LeFebvre, Kirin Invasion
C – LeaAnn Jarvis, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Kristin Glomboske, California Raiders
1B – Debbie Langevain, Kirin Invasion
1B – Liz O’Conner, Raybestos Brakettes
2B – Kari Johnson, Redding Rebels (10-21, .476)
3B – Cindy Mosteller, Lone Star Lady Lights
SS – Liz Mizera, Orange County Majestics (8-18, .444)
OF – Kris Peterson, Raybestos Brakettes (11-26, .423, 9 runs, also had a streak of 9 straight hits)
OF – Karen Walker, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Kim Nutter, Orange County Majestics
OF – Barbara Jordan, Redding Rebels
DP – Leanne Bonifas, East Peoria Avanti’s
UTIL – Pam Newton, Kirin Invasion

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tracy Compton, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Suzy Brazney, Orange County Majestics
C – Cathy Sondag, East Peoria Avanti’s
1B – Pam Casper, East Peoria Avanti’s
2B – Jodi Rathbun, East Peoria Avanti’s
3B – JoAnn Ferrieri, Los Angeles Diamonds
SS – Dot Richardson, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Mary Ivy, Pantera’s Classic
OF – Kathy Escarcega, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Yvonne Gutierrez, Los Angeles Diamonds
OF – Chenita Rogers, Los Angeles Diamonds
DP – Gina Vecchione, Raybestos Brakettes
UTIL – Catherine Stedman, California Raiders

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Margie Wright, Twin City Jammers
P – Heather Compton, California Raiders
P – Connie Clark, Los Angeles Diamonds
C – Michelle Gromacki, Los Angeles Diamonds
C – Tammy Turner, Phoenix Sunbirds
1B – Sheila Cornell Douty, Los Angeles Diamonds
2B – Julie Smith, Orange County Majestics
3B – Tammy Joslin, Redding Rebels
SS – Charis Monroe, Kirin Invasion
OF – Margaret Seng, Ann Arbor Pacer’s
OF – Elise King, Kirin Invasion
OF – Sue Lewis, Los Angeles Diamonds
OF – Natalie King, Phoenix Sunbirds
DP – Vickie Schneider, Twin City Jammers
UTIL – Tiffany Boyd, California Raiders

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orange County Majestics, Orange, CA (6-0)
2. Hi Ho Brackettes, Stratfors, CT (6-2)
3. Los Angeles Diamonds, Los Angeles, CA (4-2)
4. Kirin Invasion, Hacienda Heights, CA (4-2)
5t. Redding Rebels, Redding, CA (4-2)
5t. Raiders, Southern, CA (4-2)
7t. Twin City Jammers, Minneapolis, MN (3-2)
7t. East Peoria Avantis, East Peoria, IL (3-2)
9t. Lone Star Beer Lady Knights, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Pantera’s Classics, Jefferson City, MO (2-2)
9t. Phoenix Sunbirds, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
9t. Ann Arbor Pacers, Ann Arbor, MI (2-2)
13t. Budweiser Belles, Parsippany, NJ (1-2)
13t. Topton VIPs, Topton, PA (1-2)
13t. Mount Pleasant Royals, Mount Pleasant, MI (1-2)
13t. Whittier Roadrunners, Whittier, CA (1-2)
17t. Coors Light Silver Bullets, Houston, TX (0-2)
17t. San Antonio Kidz, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
17t. Oklahoma Classics, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
17t. West Chester Crickets, Collegeville, PA (0-2)
17t. 58 Bonding Company, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
17t. Plymouth Blue Wave, Plymouth, MA (0-2)
17t. Metropolitan Poultry, Columbus, MA (0-2)
17t. Celina Suns, Celina, OH (0-2)

L-R, top row- unidentified, Coach Andy Van Etten, Dot Richardson, Beth Greig, Kathy Escarcega, Karen Walker, Gina Vecchione, Liz O’Conner, Lea Ann Jarvis, Kathy Dyer, Donna McLean, Allyson Rioux, unidentified, Manager Ralph Raymond, unidentified bottom row- Doreen Denmon, Sally Maher, Barbara Reinalda, Kathy Arendsen, Tracy Compton, Kris Peterson, bat boy Josh

1987 ISA Men’s Super Slow Pitch World Series

 1987 held at Greensboro, North Carolina.

Champion – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio
Runner Up – Smythe Sox, Houston, Texas

Steele’s, put into the losers bracket by Smythe Sox by a 43-36 score, came through the losers bracket and defeated Smythe 44-27 and 36-20 to win the ISA World Series. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Smythe hit 5 straight home runs (Bill Gatti, Mark Heirlmeier, Bruce Meade, Mike Parrot and Rick Wheeler), but to no avail. Ricky Huggins had a big grand slam for Steele’s to blow the game open in the 5th inning and give them a 26-17 lead. Nobody matched the power of Steele’s as the 6 players along on the All World team collected a combined total of 84 HR.

  • MVP – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sports (27-37, .730, 15 HR, 24 RBI)
  • Defensive MVP – Doug Roberson, Steele’s Sports
  • HR Leader – Ron Parnell, Steele’s (27-35, .771) – 17
  • Batting Leader – Ron Parnell, Steele’s Sports (27-35)  – .771

ISA SUPER ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sports (27-37, .730, 15 HR, 24 RBI)
  • Ron Parnell, Steele’s Sports (27-35, .771, 17 HR)
  • Doug Roberson, Steele’s Sports (14 HR)
  • Craig Elliott, Steele’s Sports (16 HR)
  • Jeff Stamps, Steele’s Sports (11 HR)
  • Scott Virkus, Steele’s Sports (12 HR)
  • Bill Blake, Smythe Sox
  • Bruce Meade, Smythe Sox
  • Cecil Whitehead, Smythe Sox
  • Bill Gatti, Smythe Sox
  • Kelly Stanley, Blanton’s/Kirks
  • Gerg Miller, Blanton’s/Kirks
  • Gary Markland, Blanton’s/Kirks

OTHERS

Monty Tucker, Steele’s Sports (12 HR)
Mike Bolen, Steele’s Sports (11 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (5-1)
2. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (3-2)
3. Blanton’s/Kirk’s, Fayetteville, NC (3-2)
4. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (2-2)
5t. Ritch’s Salvage, Harrisburg, NC (3-2)
5t. Barry Peagrams BK, Montgomery, AL (3-2)
7t. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
7t. The Handy Pantry, Gastonia, NC (2-2)
9t. Action Awarda, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
9t. Kirkpatricks, Greensboro, NC (0-2)
9t. Cory-Doby Exxon, Greensboro, NC (0-2)
9t. Miller Lite/Jai-Alai, Ocala, FL (0-2)

1987 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1987 held at Waterloo, Iowa.

Champion – Smythe Sox, Houston, Texas
Runner Up – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio

The Smythe Sox defeated Steele’s 38-34 in the winners bracket final. Steeles beat a tough Marlton Trucking team 16-9 in the losers bracket final to gain a rematch with Smythe. The Men of Steele’s won the first final 24-20 behind Craig Elliott (4-5, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs) and Ron Parnell (4-4, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs) and appeared to gain the edge going into the winner take all deciding game. Leading 22-9 after three innings, Steele’s was on the verge on winning their first USSSA World Series. It was then, in the cold and rain that Steele’s met their “Waterloo”. Smythe scored 21 runs in the fifth inning and then scored another 17 more runs in the final two innings to come out on top of a 50-31 final. Ricky Huggins (5-5, 2 HRs), Doug Roberson (4-5, 3 HRs), Craig Elliott (4-6, 3 HRs), Mike Bolen (4-5, 2 HRs) and Jeff Stamps (4-5, 1 HR) led the Steele’s attack in the final game. Those were impressive stats, but Smythe Sox had some mind boggling numbers: Bill Gatti (8-8, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs), Cecil Whitehead (7-8, 5 RBIs), Bruce Meade (7-8, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs), Bill Blake and Doug Brown combined for 10 hits and 14 RBIs. Rick Wheeler and Mark Heirlmeier were both 5-7. Heirlmeier had 4 HRs and 7 RBIs. They out homered the men of Steel’s in the game 20-17. For the tournament, Steele’s smashed 140 total HRs as a team and batted .650. Smythe batted .641 and hit 85 HRs, but won when it counted. A word of note; Cecil Whitehead of Smythe, who is considered one of the best clutch performers of all time, played three games against Steele’s, all pressure packed games and all he did was go 15-18 (.833) with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs. Whitehead and teammate Bill have now won four USSSA World Series in a row (Elite; 1984-1985 and now Smythe 1986-1987).

  • MVP – Bill Blake, Smythe Sox – (23-31, .742, 18 HRs, 37 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Home Run Leader – Doug Roberson, Steele’s (25-33, .758, 27 RBIs, 30 Runs) – 19
  • Home Run Leader – Craig Elliott, Steele’s (26-38, .684, 26 RBIs, 24 Runs) – 19
  • Batting Leader – (based on 18 ABs) Jim Fuller, Marlton Trucking (26-32, 18 HRs, 29 RBIs, 26 Runs) – .813
  • Defensive MVP – Ron Parnell, Steele’s Sports

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Craig Elliott – Steele’s Sports (26-38, .684, 19 HRs, 26 RBIs, 24 Runs)
  • Catcher – Bill Blake – Smythe Sox (23-31, .742, 18 HRs, 37 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Catcher – Dave Steffen – Marlton Trucking (23-34, .676, 15 HRs, 21 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • First Base – Mike Bolen – Steele’s Sports (21-31, .677, 8 HRs, 10 RBIs, 21 Runs)
  • First Base – Rich Plante – Marlton Trucking (23-33, ..697, 10 HRs, 22 RBIs, 20 Runs)
  • First Base – Rick Scherr – Howard’s/Western Steer (18-28, .643, 14 HRs, 27 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Second Base – Bill Gatti – Smythe Sox (20-27, .741, 7 HRs, 19 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Third Base – Doug Brown – Smythe Sox (21-31, .677, 9 HRs, 23 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Third Base – Jim Fuller – Marlton Trucking (26-32, .813, 18 HRs, 29 RBIs, 26 Runs)
  • Third Base – Tim White – Howard’s/Western Steer (17-25, .680, 10 HRs, 22 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Ron Parnell – Steele’s Sports (23-36, .583, 13 HRS, 21 RBIs, 23 Runs)
  • Outfield – Bruce Meade – Smythe Sox (21-27, .778, 14 HRs, 22 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Outfield – Ricky Huggins – Steele’s Sports (21-28, .750, 9 HRs, 18 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Outfield – Doug Roberson – Steele’s Sports (25-33, .758, 19 HRs, 27 RBIs, 30 Runs)
  • Outfield – Dan Schuck – Marlton Trucking (21-32, .656, 15 HRs, 25 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Outfield – Rick Wheeler – Smythe Sox (15-25, .600, 10 HRs, 16 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Outfield – Cecil Whitehead – Smythe Sox (23-31, .742, 8 HRs, 18 RBIs, 23 Runs)
  • Utility – Stan Harvey – Howard’s/Western Steer (18-29, .621, 17 HRs, 23 RBIs, 20 Runs)
  • Utility – Buddy Slater – Smythe Sox (8-18, .444, 1 RBI, 10 Runs)

OTHERS

  • Mike Nye, Marlton (14-18, .778, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Kelly Stanley, Kirk’s Glass (14-18, .778, 5 HRs, 12 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Ken Dain, Steele’s (15-20, .750, 12 HRs, 20 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Ed Berg, Superior Bombat (14-19, .737, 8 HRs, 14 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Danny Robichaux, Athletic Shop (11-15, .733, 5 HRs, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Larry Magee, Capitol (11-15, .733, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Greg Fuhrman, Superior Bombat (13-18, .722, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Mike Wagner, Ritch’s Salvage (13-18, .722, 6 HRs, 11 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Hal Harlan, Athletic Shop (10-14, .714, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Jeff Stamps, Steele’s (21-30, .700, 11 HRs, 20 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Joey Raby, Howard’s (14-20, .700, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Dan Griffin, Marlton (19-28, .679, 9 HRs, 18 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Rick Weiterman, Steele’s (4-6, .667, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Scott Vikus, Steele’s (19-29, .655, 12 HRs, 15 RBIs, 20 Runs)
  • Braxton Speller, Hammond Glass (7-11, .636, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Don Clatterbaugh, Kirk’s Glass (13-21, .619, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Danny Williams, Athletic Shop (8-13, .615, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Darrell Misenheimer, Ritch’s Salvage (11-18, .611, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Mike Cellura, Capitol (11-18, .611, 5 HRs, 15 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Monty Tucker, Steele’s (20-33, .606, 12 HRs, 24 RBIs, 19 Runs)
  • Scott McManis, Howard’s (18-30, .600, 10 HRs, 15 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Richard Wilborn, Howard’s (15-25, .600, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Clyde Guy, Howard’s (16-27, .593, 13 HRs, 17 RBIs, 23 Runs)
  • Fred Stahman, Superior Bombat (10-17, .588, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Ron Dorsey, Superior Bombat (11-19, .579, 6 HRs, 11 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Mark Heirlmeier, Smythe Sox (12-21, .571, 10 HRs, 19 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Dennis Graser, Steele’s (12-21, .571, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Larry Neff, Marlton (17-30, .567, 7 HRs, 12 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Steve Williams, Howard’s (14-25, .560, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 14 RBIs)
  • Mike Macenko, Steele’s (21-38, .553, 18 HRs, 29 RBIs, 24 Runs)
  • Greg Whitlock, Smythe Sox (12-22, .545, 2 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Curtis Williams, Howard’s (13-24, .542, 7 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Greg Cannedy, RTS (7-13, .538, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Darrell Beeler, Athletic Shop (8-15, .533, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Britt Hightower, Smythe Sox (15-30, .500, 9 HRs, 13 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Greg Schulte, Athletic Shop (8-16, .500, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Ken Loeri, Marlton (14-30, .467, 10 HRs, 14 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Larry Fredieu, Athletic Shop (6-15, .400, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Elby Bushong, RTS (3-8, .375, 4 RBIs, 1 Run)
  • Paul Drilling, Athletic Shop (4-11, .364, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Bob Louria, Hammond Glass (3-9, .333, 2 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (4-1)
2. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (4-2)
3. Marlton Trucking, Portland, OR (4-2)
4. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-2)
5t. Kirk’s Glass, Newport News, VA (2-2)
5t. Athletic Shop/Eaton Sports, Hammond, LA (2-2)
7t. Ritch’s Auto Salvage, Harrisburg, NC (2-2)
7t. Superior Bombat, Wildsor Locks, CT (2-2)
9t. Non-Ferrous Metal Fab, Cleveland, OH (1-2)
9t. RTS Enterprises, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
9t. Capitol Softball Club, Northridge, CA (1-2)
9t. Starpath Softball, Lexington, KY (0-2)
13t. Budweiser Merchants, (0-2)
13t. Hammond Glass, Hammond, IN (0-2)

1987 ASA Men’s B Slow Pitch Nationals

1987 held in Lubbock, Texas on September 25-27.

Champion – Prestige Realty, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Runner Up – Busch Beer, North Alexandria, Ohio

The first-ever ASA Men’s Class B Slow Pitch National Championship is in the record books, and, after 117 games, Prestige Realty of Fort Lauderdale, FL, is the 1987 champion.

Prestige defeated Busch Beer of Alexandria, OH, 38-18, in the championship game after having defeated the same team in the winners’ bracket, 15-4, to drop it into the losers’ bracket.

Busch had opened the tourney with wins over Mark Chevrolet of Red Wing, MN and May Refrigeration of Opelika, AL before losing to Prestige Realty. In the losers’ bracket, Busch defeated Valley Sports Complex, Davenport, IA 26-18; Savannah Truck Restoring, Savannah, GA, 22-17; Ridge Runners, Orlando, FL, 16-15; Morgan Construction, Austin, TX, 27-20; and Insulators of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, 38-18, before the rematch with Prestige Realty.

But Busch had played three games back-to-back to reach the finals and showed the effects of it as Prestige decided the game for all practical purposes with a 10-run second inning. That upped the score to 13-4 with the winners adding 11 more in the top of the sixth. Busch, meanwhile, didn’t score in the second, third, and seventh innings. Its best inning was a seven-run fifth inning.

Prestige finished with 40 hits to 17 for Busch with Glen Zukany (5-for-7), Allen Tanner (5-for-7), and Rick Sheetz (5-for-7) leading for the winners. Curt Glassman and Zukany each drove in 6 runs for the winners. Pat Reid’s six RBI and 2 homers led the losers. Losing pitcher Butch Collette led his team with three hits in as many at-bats.

Zukany earned MVP honors and was one of five Prestige players named first-team all-America.

Prestige had advanced to the championship round with wins over Roofing Consultants, Richmond, VA, 30-24; Jumburrito Classics, Midland, TX, 17-15; McMahon’s Mill, Hagerstown. MD, 17-14; Air Con, Memphis, TN, 13-1; and Insulators of Nevada, 26-16 before the winners’ bracket final against Busch.

MVP – Glenn Zakany, Prestige Realty (.710, 7 HR)
Batting Champion – Boyd Davis, Busch Beer, – .733

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Dale Franklin, Prestige Realty (.656)
C – Boyd Davis, Busch Beer
1B – George Garrison, Insulators of Nevada
2B – Randy Rehmert, Busch Beer
3B – Dean Hazen, Ridge Runners
SS – Ed Mintz, Prestige Realty (.657)
OF – Greg Lang, Morgan Construction
OF – Bo Nash, Insulators of Nevada
OF – Bill Glenn, Morgan Construction
OF – Glen Zukany, Prestige Realty Realty
UT – Mike Dempsey, Busch Beer
UT – Johnny Hawks, Prestige Realty
UT – Ron Atjyen, Insulators of Nevada
UT – Chris Ellsworth, Air Con
EP – Jim Proctor, Prestige Realty (.545)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Butch Collette, Busch Beer
C – Curt Glassman, Prestige Realty (.700)
1B – Robby Groover, Savannah Truck Restoring
2B – Rick Sheetz, Prestige Realty (.677)
3B – Larry Clemments, Morgan Construction
SS – Johnny Whitehead, Ridge Runners
OF – Tim Garber, Busch Beer
OF – Jeff Carl, Air Con
OF – Dennis Odom, Morgan Construction
OF – Kent Tooley, Morgan Construction
UT – Doug Riley, Busch Beer
UT – Mike Bienchi, Damage
UT – Darwin Johnson, Savannah Truck Restoring
UT – Glen Jones, Savannah Truck Restoring
EP – Pat Reid, Busch Beer

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Joe Moenter, Insulators of Nevada
C – Ben Brogdon, Ridge Runners
1B – Jeff Klatt, Morgan Construction
2B – Mike Durkin, Savannah Truck Restoring
3B – Ricky White, Savannah Truck Restoring
SS – Ken Haun, Air Con
OF – Rick Peffly, Busch Beer
OF – John Bull, Ridge Runners
OF – Bob Martinez, Insulators of Nevada
OF – John Cox, Insulators of Nevada
UT – Rick Nawhine, Damage
UT – Mike Lee, Damage
UT – Robert Reed, Air Con
UT – Richard Pike, Ridge Runners
EP – Scott Logan, Insulators of Nevada

OTHERS

Dave Coins, Prestige Realty (.750)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Prestige Realty, Fort Lauderdale, FL (7-0)
2. Busch Beer, North Alexandria, OH (7-2)
3. Insulators of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV (5-2)
4. Morgan Construction, Austin, TX (5-2)
5t. Air-Con, Memphis, TN (4-2)
5t. Ridge Runners, Orlando, FL (4-2)
7t. Damage, San Francisco, CA (4-2)
7t. Savannah Truck Restoring, Savannah, GA (5-2)
9t. Centerline, Whittier, CA (3-2)
9t. Magic Sparkle Car Wash, Springfield, MO (5-2)
9t. Players Park, Rockford, IL (5-2)
9t. Valley Sports Complex, Davenport, IA (4-2)
13t. Curnutt TV, Monroe, WA (4-2)
13t. McMahon’s Mill, Hagerstown, MD (3-2)
13t. Potomac Valley Brick, Laurel, MD (4-2)
13t. Smokey’s/Milt’s/Mr. T’s, Vancouver, WA (3-2)
17t. Brazos Beverages, Bryan, TX (3-2)
17t. Coca-Cola/1st National Bank, Plymouth, IN (1-2)
17t. Diet-Rite Cola, Bowling Green, KY (2-2)
17t. Woodland Nissan, Woodland, CA (3-2)
17t. Hav-A-Snak, Kansas City, MO (3-2)
17t. Kisco Beverages, Mt. Kisco, NY (2-2)
17t. Memphis Blast, Memphis, TN (3-2)
17t. Owen’s Moving, Elizabeth City, NC (2-2)
25t. Blarney Stone Pub, Pawtucket, RI (2-2)
25t. Bourbon Bar, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
25t. Halladay House Furniture, Mechanicsville, VA (2-2)
25t. O’Blaryney’s/Killians, Olympia, WA (2-2)
25t. Birmingham, Birmingham, AL (1-2)
25t. Jurnburrito Classics, Midland, TX (1-2)
25t. Penn Realty, Inc., Lititz, PA (1-2)
25t. Texas Cafe & Bar Railbirds, Lubbock, TX (2-2)
33t. Home State Bank, Willmar, MN (1-2)
33t. Kentwood Roofing, Marshall, MI (1-2)
33t. Midnight Express, Levelland, TX (1-2)
33t. Roofing Consultants, Richmond, VA (1-2)
33t. Chuck’s Carpet Service, Van Vuren, AR (1-2)
33t. Mattlin Construction, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. May Refridgeration, Opelika, AL (1-2)
33t. St. Mane’s Maulers, Minneapolis, MN (1-2)
33t. Blue Streak, Denison, TX (1-2)
33t. F&S Industries, Arlington, TX (1-2)
33t. Lab-Tec Longhorns, Portland, OR (1-2)
33t. Moe’s Subs, Dover, NH (1-2)
33t. Ginza Club, Topeka, KS (1-2)
33t. Kettle/Conestoga, Plainview, TX (0-2)
33t. Yellow Jackets, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
33t. Red Mustache, Bismarck, ND (0-2)
49t. American Equipment Styx, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
49t. Electro Bake/Sizzlin, Birmingham, AL (0-2)
49t. Grissom Skyhawks, Grissom AFB, IN (0-2)
49t. Mark Chevrolet, Red Wing, MN (0-2)
49t. Barnaby’s, Owensboro, KY (0-2)
49t. Bear Creek Band, Durand, WI (0-2)
49t. J&M Pierce, Windsor Locks, CT (0-2)
49t. McGlaun’s Rustics, Lubbock, TX (0-2)
49t. Merchants, Plainview, TX (0-2)

No Shows: Aaron’s Blue Moon, Hamilton, OH, Click, Arlington, TX, Dougherty’s Seafood & Ice, Taneytown, MD.