Softball History USA

1978 USSSA Men’s B Slow Pitch Worlds

1978 held at Baldwin, New York.

Champion – Manchester Veneer 59’ers, Manchester, Georgia
Runner Up – Nikki’s Lounge, Detroit, Michigan

  • MVP– Chip Sheffield, Manchester Veneer 59ers’ (6 HR)
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – N/A

1978 USSSA B ALL WORLD TEAM

P- Jim Cary, Looking Glass
C – Fred Trice, Manchester Veneer (4 HRs) – 119 HRs on the year
1B – Marcus Walker, Manchester Veneer (18-29, .620, 1 HR)
3B – Skeet Johnson, Manchester Veneer
OF – David Williamson, Manchester Veneer

FINAL STANDINGS (Standings Incomplete)

1. Manchester Veneer 59’ers, Manchester, GA (8-0)
2. Nikki’s Lounge, Detroit, MI
3. Looking Glass, Los Angeles

Other teams participating include:

Skinny Dugan’s Pub, Las Vegas, NV
Heidless, WI
Oakmont, Pittsburgh, PA
Main Street, Indianapolis, IN
Lee Supply, Washington, PA
Trojan Homes, MI
South Boston Bank, VA
CSW Construction, TN
Larry Strothers, NC
M&M Improvement, Detroit, MI
Bigham Tanks, NC
Rocky Mount Merchants, Rocky Mount, NC
Robert’s Importers, Polk County, FL
Horn’s Valley Inn, Batavia, WI
Parkway Liquor, Trenton, NJ

1978 Women’s College World Series (AIAW)

1978 held at Dill Softball Center in Omaha, Nebraska on May 25-28.

Champion – UCLA Bruins (31-3)
Runner Up – Northern Colorado (24-6)

UCLA swept through the Women’s College World Series of Softball undefeated and added the title to the national basketball championship it won earlier this spring.

The Bruins stopped Northern Colorado 3-0 Monday in the title game of the 16-team Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women double-elimination tournament that was plagued by weather throughout its five-day run.

Jan Jeffers stopped the Bears in the trophy game for her third victory in the tourney. UCLA, 5-0 in the meet, got three-hit pitching from Jeffers, who struck out three and walked none. Bruin batters collected six safeties off Brooks Swanson and Lou Piel, who relieved in the third inning.

The champions got all the runs they needed when Gail Edson singled home Jeffers and Sue Enquist in the first inning. UCLA added a run in the fifth when Kathy Maurice singled and Swanson, then playing left field, erred on the pickup attempt to allow Enquist to score from second base.

Piel pitched a three-hitter earlier Monday as Northern Colorado eliminated Minnesota, 3-1. Northern Colorado finished at 5-2 and Minnesota 3-2 in the tournament.

Linda Witt contributed 3-for-3 batting as Piel won her fifth game of the tournament without a loss with the support of Northern Colorado hits.

Witt’s triple drove in two rims in a three run fourth inning and the Bears scored in the fifth when Jan Breckenridge singled home Mary Jackson.

Minnesota loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh inning and a fielder’s choice scored the Gophers’ only run before two fly balls to the infield ended the game. Vicki Swanson was the losing pitcher. The Sunday program ended after one game. Northern Colorado eliminated Texas Woman’s University 7-3 before tourney officials called a halt because of rain and a tornado threat. The funnel cloud did not touch down.

Tournament officials estimated that the total attendance for the event cleared the 10,000 spectator barrier for the first time.

  • Most Outstanding Player – Sue Enquist, UCLA
  • Batting Leader – Sue Enquist, UCLA (8-19) – .421
  • HR Champion – N/A

1978 ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

N/A

SCORES

  1. SW Missouri State 11 Massachusetts 2
  2. UCLA 4 Texas Woman’s 0
  3. Arizona State 10 Portland State 0
  4. Utah State 11 South Carolina 0
  5. Southern Illinois 2 Stephen F. Austin 1
  6. Minnesota 2 Cal St Poly-Pomona 1
  7. Nebraska-Omaha 2 Illinois State 1
  8. Northern Colorado 3 Oregon State 0
  9. Texas Woman’s 1 Massachusetts 0
  10. Portland State 10 South Carolina 7
  11. Cal St Poly-Pomona 2 Stephen F. Austin 1
  12. Oregon State 4 Illinois State 2
  13. UCLA 1 SW Missouri State 0
  14. Utah State 2 Arizona State 0
  15. Minnesota 6 Southern Illinois 2
  16. Northern Colorado 3 Nebraska-Omaha 2
  17. Texas Woman’s 4 Nebraska-Omaha 0
  18. Southern Illinois 4 Portland State 1
  19. Cal St Poly-Pomona 1 Arizona State 0
  20. SW Missouri State 1 Oregon State 0
  21. UCLA 7 Utah State 0
  22. Minnesota 4 Northern Colorado 1
  23. Texas Woman’s 3 Southern Illinois 1
  24. Cal St Poly-Pomona 2 SW Missouri State 1
  25. Texas Woman’s 3 Utah State 0
  26. Northern Colorado 4 Cal St Poly-Pomona 3
  27. Northern Colorado 7 Texas Woman’s 3
  28. UCLA 3 Minnesota 0
  29. Northern Colorado 3 Minnesota 1
  30. UCLA 3 Northern Colorado 0

FINAL STANDINGS

1. UCLA Bruins (5-0)
2. Northern Colorado Bears (5-2)
3. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-2)
4. Texas Woman’s Tessies (4-2)
5t. Cal-State Poly-Pomona Broncos (3-2)
5t. Southern Illinois Salukis (2-2)
7t. Utah State Aggies (2-2)
7t. SW Missouri State Bears (2-2)
9t. Arizona State Sun Devils (1-2)
9t. Oregon State Beavers (1-2)
9t. Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (1-2)
9t. Portland State Vikings (1-2)
13t. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-2)
13t. Illinois State Redbirds (0-2)
13t. Massachusetts Minutemen (0-2)
13t. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (0-2)

1978 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1978 held at Jacksonville, Florida.

Champion: Bob Hoffman’s Dots, Miami, Florida
Runner Up: Getz, Atlanta, Georgia

Behind the dominant defense and pitching of Judy Hedgecock, the Dots went undefeated winning all five games, two of them by shutout. The score in the final game was 7-2. Kristy Boston has a monster tournament for the Dots and was named MVP.

  • MVP – Kristy Boston, Bob Hoffman’s Dots (15-23, .652)
  • Batting Leader – Kristy Boston, Bob Hoffman’s Dots – .652
  • Home Run Leader – N/A

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Cathy Herrington, Getz
P – Judy Hedgecock, Bob Hoffman’s Dots
C – Chris Keller, Wray Roofing
C – Jeanne Ghostley, Spooks
1B – Mary Kay Sharp, Spooks
2B – Kristy Boston, Bob Hoffman’s Dots
3B – Terry Allen, Getz
SS – Chris Padgett, Bob Hoffman’s Dots
OF – Ernestine Hamel, Bob Hoffman’s Dots
OF – Mary Ann Holmes, Tamps Gremlins
OF – Dru Wise, Nelson’s Painting Saints
OF – Lori Brenner, Wray Roofing
UT – Sharon Gallagher, M&M Debs
UT – Branda Marshall, CC Brick & Lumber

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Curnie Webster, Stompers
P – Sandra VanLandingham, Tampa Gremlins
C – Linda Ares, Bob Hoffman’s Dots
C – Cheryl Hall, Stompers
1B – Val Nicholson, M&M Debs
2B – Sherri Pickard, Rubi-Otts
3B – Sue Stead, M&M Debs
SS – Dot Stansal, Denny Morgan’s Rebels
OF – Holly Perzel, Broglio’s Rockettes
OF – Elaine Roberson, Gets
OF – Evelyn Hayes, Bob Hoffman’s Dots
OF – Carol Stromberg, Spooks
UT – Darlene Werhnyak, Getz
UT – Jennie Garrison, Getz

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Hoffman Dots, Miami, FL (6-0)
2. Getz, Atlanta, GA (9-2)
3. Spooks, Anoka, MN (5-2)
4. Raintree Steak & Pizza House, Seattle, WA (4-2)
5t. Richmond Stompers, Richmond, VA (5-2)
5t. Tampa Gremlins, Tampa, FL (4-2)
7t. M&M Debs, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
7t. Rubi-Otts, Graham, NC (3-2)
9t. Forrest Datsun, Redwood City, CA (2-2)
9t. Corpus Christi Brick & Lumber, Corpus Christi, TX (4-2)
9t. Nelson Painting Service, Oklahoma City, OK (3-2)
9t. Wray Roofing, Hutchinson, KS (3-2)
13t. McGlaughlin Oil, Columbus, OH (2-2)
13t. Denny Moran’s Rebels, Jacksonville, FL (3-2)
13t. Broglio’s & Freeway Rockettes, Parma, OH (3-2)
13t. Fox Valley Lassies. St. Charles, IL (3-2)
17t. Patrick’s Steamers, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
17t. Spirit of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (2-2)
17t. Port City Ford Truck Sales, Houston, TX (2-2)
17t. Roy Wheeler Realty, Charlottsville, VA (1-2)
17t. Ami-Co-Travel Chasers, Huntington, NY (1-2)
17t. Summertime Blues, Thousand Oaks, CA (1-2)
17t. Hi-Landers, Louisville, KY (1-2)
17t. Universal Plastics, Nashville, TN (2-2)
25t. Armed Forces All-Stars, Wichita Falls, TX (1-2)
25t. DAPCO, Ann Arbor, MI (0-2)
25t. Fairway, Blair, NE (1-2)
25t. Sport Haus, Fond du Lac, WI (1-2)
25t. OC Spirits, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
25t. Huntington YMCA Mice, Huntington, NY (0-2)
25t. Lee Turzillo Contracting Co., Parma, OH (0-2)
25t. Bellingham Belles, Bellingham, WA (1-2)
33t. B&I Sports, Tacoma, WA (0-2)
33t. Ozark Athletics, Joplin, MO (0-2)
33t. Danny’s Angels, New Bradford, MA (1-2)
33t. Bernward Hall, Fond du Lac, WI (0-2)
33t. Dennis’ Mennaces, Greeley, CO (0-2)
33t. Dallas HIC, Dallas, TX (0-2)
33t. New Hampshire Lakers, Manchester, NH (0-2)
33t. Sorrento’s Pizza, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
33t. Lamps Construction, Lubbock, TX (0-2)

1977 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1977 held at Phoenix, Arizona on August 19-28.

Champion – Reno Toyota, Reno, Nevada
Runner Up – Nitehawks, Long Beach, California

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – Bob Penaluna, Reno Toyota
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – Bob Gregory, Reno Toyota
  • Leading Hitter – Tom Scott, Pearl Beer – .615
  • Most RBI – Bob Guy, Nitehawks – 10

1977 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Bob Gregory, Reno Toyota 4-0 0.00 9 7
P – Bob Todd, Nitehawks 5-0 1.09 27 5
P – Peter Landers, Tony’s 4-2 1.19 58 11
C – Leroy Wright, Reno Toyota .455
C – Stu Zink, Warriors .400
IF – Ted Tedford, Pearl Beer .462
IF – Bob Guy, Nitehawks .360
IF – Bill Penaluna, Reno Toyota .353
IF – Jimmy Williams, Bombers .476
IF – John Fuller, Bombers .429
OF – Tom Scott, Pearl Beer .615
OF – Jack Johnson, Nitehawks .423
OF – Dennis Furguson, Turquoise Kings .417
OF – Jerry Scavarda, Stevenson Toyota .600

1977 ISC SECOND TEAM ALL WORLD

N/A

FINAL STANDINGS (Tulsa Firebirds are mission)

1. Reno Toyota, Reno, NV
2. Nitehawks, Long Beach, CA
3. Tony’s, Oshawa, ON
4. Bombers, Vista, CA
5t. Turquoise Kings, Prescott, AZ
5t. All-American Bar, St. Paul, MN
7t. Spuds, Blackfoot, ID
7t. F.M.A. Roadrunners, Salt Lake City, UT
9t. Warriors, Kingman, AZ
9t. Mustangs, Sylmar, CA
9t. Pearl Beer, San Antonio, TX
9t. Schaefer-Smith Inc., Phoenix, AZ
13t. Mettler’s Bar, Mankato, MN
13t. Tommy’s Angels, Oshkosh, WI
13t. Industrial Bank-County Line Farm, Ft. Collins, CO
13t. Colonels, Winnipeg, MB
17t. Southern Truck Raiders, Phoenix, AZ
17t. Stifino’s, Pueblo, CO
17t. Keg Bar, La Crosse, WI
17t. Raiders, Rock Island, IL
17t. Sal’s Winchell’s, Fresno, CA
17t. Stevenson Toyota, Lakewood, CO
17t. Aacro’s, Edmonton, AB
17t. Utah Noodle Parlor, Ogden, UT
25t. Bob Hyatt’s Stereo Center, Rochester, NY
25t. Hawks, Baytown, TX
25t. Indians, Cache, 0K
25t. Mercury-Lincoln, Bergettstown, PA
25t. Brewer-RKT, Fresno, CA
25t. Trion Bar, New Haven, IN
25t. Waxman Scrappers, Hamilton, ON
25t. Joe Pagon Braves, Maui, HI
33t. Ring’s, Dubuque, IA
33t. Sonic’s, Tulsa, 0K
33t. McDonalds, Sterling, IL
33t. Gene’s IGA-National Cable, Logan, WV
33t. King Farms, Owen Sound, ON
33t. Roadrunners, Albuquerque, NM

1977 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1977 held at Detroit, Michigan.

Champion – Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (77-20)
Runner Up – Real Estate One Stingers, Redford, MI (58-14)

Pace Electronics won 7 straight games to capture the USSSA World Championship. The Stingers jumped out to a 7-2 lead, but Pace fought back. Finally in the bottom of the 7th inning, Doris Chance drove in Mary Ellen Burt with the winning run in the final game to come out on top 8-7. Stan’s Auto, a team that has finished in the top 5 since 1972 was eliminated and finished in 10th place. They had a 59-11 record on the season and since 1972, they have been 465-57 with 2 World Series titles, 2 third place finishes, a fourth and now a tenth.

  • MVP – Kim Perkins, Pace Electronics (.535)
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • HR Leader – N/A

1977 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Mary Ellen Ford, Pace Electronics
C – Pat Schmitt, Pace Electronics
1B – Sherry Albrecht, Real Estate One
2B – Nancy Izzy Forrester, Little Caesars
3B – Kim Malcolm, Pace Electronics
SS – Jenny Johnson, Sweeney’s
OF – Kim Perkins, Pace Electronics
OF – Julie Swartout, Real Estate One
OF – Carman King, Real Estate One
UT – Glenis Hester, Getz
UT – Pam Leonard, East Tennessee Mills
UT – Alice Kennedy, Kirkman Concrete
UT – Peggy Michelin, Sweeney’s
Manager – Duane McCoy, Pace

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 58 total teams)

1. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY 7-0
2. Real Estate One, Detroit, MI
3. Little Caesars, Detroit, MI
4. Sweeney Chevrolet, Cincinnati, OH
5t. Kirkman Concrete, Ashville, NC
5t. N/A
7t. East Tennessee Mills, Johnson City, TN
7t. Stan’s Auto, New Castle, PA (68-6)

1977 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1977 held at Parma, Ohio.

Champion – Nelson Painting, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (111-18)
Runner Up – Ken Sanders Ford, Birmingham, Alabama (97-17)

ASA revamped the regional structure this season. Instead of having 30-31 regional championships as had been the practice since 1967, the national ASA formed 15 Regions. These were said to be more evenly set up as the old system sometimes had no team represent a particular region, or a four team tournament and then other regions had 25 teams playing for the one berth. The Regional Champion and in many cases, the runner-up team earned berths to the National Championships. Some Regions were awarded an extra “at-large” berth if they had a larger number of ASA teams registered.

Nelson Painting came from losers bracket to defeat KSF twice; 24-23 and 26-25. Ironically, Nelson was put in the losers bracket by KSF 21-20. On the way to the finals, Nelsons eliminated Jerry’s Catering 30-14 and Howard’s Furniture 27-10, then had to defeat KSF twice. Nelson, trailing 23-20 in the 7th inning of the first championship game, scored 4 runs to win 24-23. Henry Koper led off the inning with his 5th home run of the game. Bruce Meade and Herman Rathman both flied out, then Al White singled and Mighty Joe Young hit a 2-run homer to tie the game. it was his second of the game. Dean Brunken came up and drilled a homer to give Nelsons the lead and they got KSF out in the bottom of the 7th to force the “if” game. Nelsons was leading 26-19 in the bottom of 7th, needing just 3 outs to win, but it wasn’t easy. Sidney Cooper, Charles Wright and Greg Smith all hit 2-run homers to get KSF within one run 26-25, but it wasn’t meant to be. Nelson held on for a 26-25 win. Herman Rathman hit 3 homers and had 8 RBI in the final game.

Bruce Meade, Henry Koper and Joe Young all had 2 HR for Nelsons. James Abercrombie and Charles Wright each hit 3 HR for KSF in the final game.

The powerful Nelson team had 6 players hit more then 10 HR, Meade (22) and Rathman (22) tie for the lead, Koper (15), Young (12), White (11), Bill Howes (11). KSF had Elliott (18), James Abercrombie (15) and Wright (12). 3rd place Howard’s had Don Arndt (13), Stan Harvey (12) and HT Waller (11). Greg Fuhrman hit 16 for 4th place Jerry’s Caterers.

For some reason, Mighty Joe Young was not selected to the All America team despite going 32-38 (.667) with 12 HR and 29 RBI.

  • Co-MVP – Craig Elliott, Ken Sanders Ford
  • Co-MVP – Bruce Meade, Nelson Painting
  • HR Leader – Herman Rathman, Nelson Painting – 22
  • HR Leader – Bruce Meade, Nelson’s Painting – 22
  • Batting Leader – Larry Franklin, Mid-State Oil – .762

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Craig Elliott, Ken Sanders Ford (26-36, .722, 18 HR, 32 RBI, 24 Runs)
P – Henry Koper, Nelson Painting (34-52, .635, 14 HR, 29 RBI, 33 Runs)
C – James Abercrombie, Ken Sanders Ford (19-28, .679, 15 HR, 29 RBI, 24 Runs)
C – John Tercheria, Campbell’s BAM (15-20, .750, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 12 Runs)
1B – Herman Rathman, Nelson Painting (32-50, .640, 22 HR, 39 RBI, 29 Runs) – set the national tournament home run record with 22.
2B – Jorge Milian, Jerry’s Catering (32-44, .727, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 33 Runs)
3B – Al White, Nelson Painting (36-49, .735, 11 HR, 19 RBI, 28 Runs)
SS – Charles Wright, Ken Sanders Ford (18-34, .529, 12 HR, 24 RBI, 17 Runs)
OF – Bruce Meade, Nelson Painting (32-50, .640, 22 HR, 40 RBI, 33 Runs) – set the national tournament home run record with 22.
OF – Scott McManis, Port City Ford (14-19, .737, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 12 Runs)
OF – Curtis Williams, Jerry’s Catering (25-43, .581, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 21 Runs)
OF – Richard Willborn, Ray Carpenter (21-29, .724, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 16 Runs)
UTIL – Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Catering (26-43, .605, 16 HR, 33 RBI, 29 Runs)
UTIL – Rick Scherr, Howard’s Furniture (18-28, .643, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 15 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Donald Svenson, Ohio Sealants (9-18, .500, 8 RBI, 4 Runs)
P – Don Arndt, Howard’s Furniture (19-34, .559, 13 HR, 16 RBI, 19 Runs)
C – Matthew ‘Chic’ Downing, Fliteline (12-20, .600, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 11 Runs)
C – Ray Fleetwood, Warren Motors (12-21, .571, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 17 Runs)
1B – James Washington, Jerry’s Caterers (27-44, .614, 10 HR, 22 RBI, 20 Runs)
2B – Mike Macenko, Hillcrest Tavern (15-21, .750, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 11 Runs)
3B – Frank Sorrells, Jerry’s Catering (26-43, .605, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 26 Runs)
SS – Terry Perryman, Nelson Painting (27-51, .529, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 23 Runs)
OF – Bob Birdsey, Gartenhaus (10-19, .526, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Sidney Cooper, Ken Sanders Ford (24-35, .686, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 23 Runs)
OF – Jim Underhill, Jerry’s Catering (26-44, .591, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 22 Runs)
OF – Bill Howes, Nelson Painting (22-38, .579, 11 HR, 26 RBI, 19 Runs)
UTIL – Larry Franklin, Midstate Oil (16-21, .762, 6 HR, 10 RBI, 9 Runs)
UTIL – Mike Parrott, Port City Ford (13-21, .619, 8 HR, 15 RBI, 12 Runs)

OTHERS

“Mighty” Joe Young, Nelson’s (32-48, .667, 12 HR, 29 RBI, 25 Runs)
Ted Larsen, Manning’s (8-8, 1.000, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Lou Russo, Pepsico (6-8, .750, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
Joe Kilby, Haven Tavern (11-15, .733, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
Anthony Guiliano, St. Margarets (8-11, .727, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
Ted Hocevar, Ohio Sealants (13-18, .722, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Arnold Hawkins, Rule Construction (10-14, .714, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs)
Jerry King, Dubois Chemical (5-7, .714, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
Mike Leadbetter, Trainham (14-20, .700, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Richard Mummaw, Warren Motors (15-22, .682, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
Mike Jacobs, Warren Motors (18-27, .667, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 15 Runs)
Garland Dewitt, Mid-State Oil (13-20, .650, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 12 Runs)
David Beaird, Ken Sanders (20-35, .571, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 19 Runs)
Greg Smith, Ken Sanders (20-35, .571, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 18 Runs)
Tony Cloniger, Howards (16-28, .571, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 14 Runs)
Shane Hammell, Ken Sanders (19-34, .559, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 15 Runs)
Ed Green, Campbell’s/Bam (10-18, .556, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
Dean Brunken, Nelson’s (25-45, .556, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 19 Runs)
Buddy Salda, Nelson’s (19-36, .528, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 16 Runs)
Gene Fisher, Howards (15-29, .517, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 18 Runs)
Denny Hogan, Howards (17-33, .515, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 17 Runs)
Stan Harvey, Howards (16-32, .500, 12 HR, 26 RBI, 14 Runs)
Joe Konicki, Marone Travel (4-9, .444, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
Roger Mayo, Ken Sanders (15-34, .441, 6 HR, 9 RBI, 15 Runs)
Ed Roth, Warren Motors (11-25, .440, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Nelson Painting, Oklahoma City, OK (9-1)
2. Ken Sanders Ford, Phoenix City, AL (5-2)
3. Howard Furniture, Denver, NC (5-2)
4. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (7-2)
5t. Campbell’s Bay Area Merchants, Richmond, CA (3-2)
5t. Gartensenhaus, Plainville, CT (3-2)
7t. Trainham Chevrolet, Rickmond, VA (4-2)
7t. Warren Motors, Jacksonville, FL (4-2)
9t. Ohio Sealants, Parma, OH (4-2)
9t. Ray Carpenter, San Antonio, TX (4-2)
9t. Fliteline, Fort Smith, AR (3-2)
9t. Hillcrest Tavern, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
13t. Port City Ford, Truck Sales, Houston, TX (3-2)
13t. Central State Painting, Kansas City, MO (2-2)
13t. Black Aces, St. Louis, MO (2-2)
13t. The Haven Tavern, Tacoma, WA (2-2)
17t. York Barbell, York, PA (1-2)
17t. Armed Forces, Dayton, OH (1-2)
17t. Midstate Oil, Jefferson City, MO (3-2)
17t. Bunca & Frey, Lamamazoo, MI (1-2)
17t. Rule Construction, Oakridge, TN (2-2)
17t. Holy Name Society, Lakewood, OH (2-2)
17t. Surplus City Diablos, Alburquerque, NM (1-2)
17t. Richfield VFW, Richfield, MN (1-2)
25t. Ron Farnsworth Construction, Salt Lake City, UT (0-2)
25t. St. Margaret’s Club, New Castle, PA (1-2)
25t. Marrone Travel, Westbury, NY (1-2)
25t. Pepsico Incorporated, Levittown, NY (1-2)
25t. Sunset Lounge, White Bear Lake, MN (0-2)
25t. Chico’s, Spokane, WA (1-2)
25t. Mitchell Brothers, Antioch, CA (0-2)
25t. Fraser’s Pub, Ann Arbor, MI (1-2)
33t. Goodrich Service Center, Midland, TX (0-2)
33t. Super Auto, Napa, CA (0-2)
33t. Decathlon, Jackson, MS (0-2)
33t. Taylor Brothers Construction, Providence, RI (0-2)
33t. Dubois Chemical, Columbus, OH (0-2)
33t. Ohio Players, Dayton, OH (0-2)
33t. Miracle’s, Richmond, IN (0-2)
33t. Manning’s, St. Paul, MN (0-2)
33t. Kentucky Fried Chicken, Indianapolis, IN (0-2)

1977 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1977 held in Richmond, Virginia.

Champion – Higgins Cycle, Greensboro, North Carolina
Runner Up – Bigham Insulation, Miami, Florida

Higgins Cycle beat Bigham Insulation twice, 28-15 (Rick Gentry 2 HR) and 32-4 (Gentry 3 HR). Higgins Cycle, 61 hits in the 2 games.

  • MVP – Rick Gentry, Higgins Cycle (16-29, .552, 9 HR, 26 RBI)
  • Batting Champion – George Runk, Athletic World (21-27, .778, 17 RBI)
  • HR Champion – Rick Gentry, Higgins (9)

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Martin Decker, Higgins Cycle
C – Rogers Beason, Raiders
1B – Rick Gentry, Higgins Cycle
2B – George Runk, Athletic World
3B – George Rice, Thompson’s Super Market
SS – Ormie Rich, Higgins Cycle
OF – Ricky Fagerlie, Norling’s Silo
OF – Allen Hanson, Houligan’s
OF – Bill Westwood, Athletic World
OF – Leonard Roy, Bigham Insulation
UT – PJ Williams, Bigham Insulation
UT – Mike Ogeba, Bigham Insulation
UT – Hershel Hicks, Raiders
UT – Donald Maness, Higgins Cycle

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Richard McCarty, Bigham Insulation
C – Daniel Hall, Crown Jewelers
1B – John Pinkett, Trenton Capitals
2B – Kurt Brock, Trenton Capitals
3B – Jerry Goedderz, Norling’s Silo
SS – Kelly Stevens, Houligan’s
OF – Kenny Woods, Raiders
OF – Gary Bartlett, Higgins Cycle
OF – Larry McGary, Athletic World
OF – Malcolm Whitley, Crown Jewelers
UT – Ray Sanford, Crosby Homes
UT – David Rasmussen, Houligan’s
UT – John Bodine, Trenton Capitals
UT – Don House, Tasty Pizza

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Higgins Cycle, Greensboro, NC (7-0)
2. Bigham Insulation, Miami, FL (5-2)
3. Athletic World, St. Petersburg, FL (5-2)
4. Houligan’s, Eau Claire, WI (6-2)
5t. Trenton Capitals, Trenton, NJ (5-2)
5t. Norling’s Silo, Svea, MN (4-2)
7t. Raiders, Pineville, KY (4-2)
7t. Crown Jewelers, Charlotte, NC (4-2)
9t. Pizza Baron, Portland, OR (4-2)
9t. Crosby Homes, Bristol, MD (3-2)
9t. Dayton A-1 Trophy, Dayton, OH (3-2)
9t. Guardsmen Lounge, Rice Lake, WI (2-2)
13t. Bi-Rite, Manchester, NH (2-2)
13t. Houston Wheels, Houston, TX (2-2)
13t. R&T Mobile Homes, Akron, PA (2-2)
13t. Tasty Pizza, Columbia Heights, MN (2-2)
17t. Levittown Legion, Levittown, NY (2-2)
17t. Thompson’s Super Market, Buchanan, MI (2-2)
17t. Golden Leaf Bar, Minneapolis, MN (1-2)
17t. Conti Brothers, Providence, RI (1-2)
17t. Nelco Manufacturing, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
17t. Lufkin Raiders, Lufkin, TX (1-2)
17t. Corner Pub, Rockville, MD (1-2)
17t. Citizens Club, Jeannette, PA (1-2)
25t. Abbey Inn, Austin, TX (1-2)
25t. Bert’s Union 76, Cleveland, OH (1-2)
25t. Mid-West Petro, Kansas City, MO (1-2)
25t. Schlichting Excavating, Rockford, IL (1-2)
25t. Universal Systems, Pascagoula, MS (0-2)
25t. Santa Cruz Merchants, Santa Cruz, CA (0-2)
25t. Helper Club, Helper, UT (0-2)
25t. Swaheli Roots, Richmond. CA (0-2)
33t. Lacey’s Rotary, Lacey, WA (0-2)
33t. K-Sports, Norfolk, NE (0-2)
33t. Ram Landmark, Swissvale, PA (0-2)
33t. Cheyenne Dodge, Cheyenne, WY (0-2)
33t. Whitehead, Stokes & Grymes, Richmond, VA (0-2)
33t. Agriform, Woodland, CA (0-2)

1977 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1977 held at Hayward, California.

Champion – Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (52-8)
Runner Up – Sarver Paving Company Sabres, Ashland, Ohio

The Ashland Sarver Sabres went through the winner’s bracket unbeaten, while the Brakettes had to defeat a tough Sun City Saints and the pitching of Paula Noel in the losers bracket final.

Barbara Reinalda came through out pitching Noel to get the Brakettes to the finals. Once there, it was all Reinalda as she hurled two consecutive shutouts, 1-0 and 3-0 to give the Brakettes another title in their storied history. Reinalda was 7-1 and only surrendered 1 ER the entire tournament. She hurled 6 Shutouts. Once again, She helped herself with the bat, going 6-20 (.300 average). In the last 2 ASA Nationals, Reinalda has been 13-2 on the mound and 15 for 41 at the plate (.366 average). She has won both the MVP and Outstanding pitching awards both years as well.

  • MVP – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
  • HR Leader – Suzie Gaw, Saints – 1
  • HR Leader – Jeanie Bryant, Texas Sundowners – 1
  • HR Leader – Sandra Wells, Lorelei Ladies – 1
  • HR Leader – Charlene Thompson, Lorelei Ladies (6-15, .400, 4 RBI, 1 Run) – 1
  • Batting Leader – Cathy Toppi, Bridgeport Coeds – .571
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Kathleen Strahan, Raybestos Brakettes

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lela Burns, San Fernando Valley Royals
P – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes (7-1, 6 shutouts, 1 ER, 56 IP, 32 K; 6-20, .300 batting)
P – Paula Noel, Sun City Saints (5-2, 52 IP, 19 K)
C – Lana Svec, Sarver Paving
C – Janet Leising, Tonawanda Shamrocks
1B – Diane Schumacher, Raybestos Brakettes
2B – Lee Ann Easley, Sun City Saints
3B – Billie Moore, Sun City Saints
SS – Kathleen Strahan, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Martha Litherland, Sarver Paving
OF – Catherine Toppi, Bridgeport Coeds (8-14, .571, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
OF – Mary Thompson, Lorelei Ladies
OF – Jeri Findlay, West Allis Bankettes
UTIL – Debbie Langevain, San Fernando Valley Royals

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Suzanne Houseman, Sarver Paving
P – Carol Townsend, West Allis Bankettes
P – Alice Coursen, Bridgeport Coeds
C – Nancy Elder, San Fernando Valley Royals
C – Debbie Kaminske, West Allis Bankettes
1B – Jean Hofstetter, Sarver Paving
2B – Mary Lou Cushing, Orlando Rebels
3B – Karen Mullins, Bridgeport Coeds
SS – Annette Sieracki, Tonawanda Shamrocks
OF – Susan Bachman, Orlando Rebels
OF – Gwen Berner, Tonawanda Shamrocks
OF – Judy Hoke, Sun City Saints
OF – Suzie Gaw, Sun City Saints
UTIL – Joan Van Ness, Raybestos Brakettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT (7-1) (Defending Champ)
2. Sarver Paving Company Sabres, Ashland, OH (4-2) (East Central)
3. Sun City Saints, Sun City, AZ (5-2) (Cactus)
4. Shamrocks, North Tonawanda, NY (3-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
5t. San Fernando Valley Royals, Burbank, CA (3-2) (Pacific Coast)
5t. Bridgeport Co-eds, Bridgeport, CT (3-2) (New England)
7t. West Allis Bankettes, West Allis, (2-2) (Great Lakes)
7t. Lorelei Ladies, Atlanta, GA (2-2) (South Atlantic)
9t. Frosts Sporting Goods, Springfield, MO (1-2) (Mid-America)
9t. Orlando Rebels, Orlando, FL (2-2) (Southern)
9t. Sundowners, Fort Worth, TX (1-2) (Texas)
9t. Lisle Ramsey Kan Do, Omaha, NE (1-2) (At-Large)
13t. La Pizza Kittens, Des Moines, IA (1-2) (Western)
13t. Oklahoma City A’s, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2) (Southwestern)
13t. Benjo’s, Bloomington, MN (0-2) (Northern)
13t. Plain Americans, Washington DC (0-2) (Central Atlantic)
17t. Falcolner’s Lifter, Hayward, CA (0-2) (Host)
17t. Windmills, South Holland, IL (0-2) (Midwest)
17t. Yakima High Country, Yakima, WA (0-2) (Northwestern)

NOTES

Rocky Mountain Champ – no representative was listed. Canada Champ – Vancouver Doc’s Blues, Vancouver, BC did not attend.

1977 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1977 tournament held at Petersburg, Virginia.

Champion – Mazzola Castle, Rochester, New York
Runner Up – Snyder’s, Novi, Michigan

Snyder’s trying to win three straight world series titles came close. They got off on the wrong foot, losing the opening game to the Candyman Bombers of North Carolina 11-0. Joe Seymour homered for the Bombers. They had to win 4 straight in the losers bracket to get to the finals. Once there, they defeated Mazzola-Castle 25-12 to force the final championship game. Snyder’s was led by Braxton Speller’s 4-5 game, 3 HR game; he also scored 4 runs and drove in 7 runs.  Rick Trudeau’s had 5 hits in the game, while Lon Parker and Rick Pinto both collected 4 hits. Mazzola manager Joe Nucci decided to switch things up in the final game. he brought in big Frank Taccone to pitch his crazy knuckleball. The move worked as Mazzola-Castle held off Snyder’s 16-14 to win the title. Mazzola jumped out to a 16-9 lead behind Cal Carmen’s 4-4 game, including a home run and 3 RBIs. Jerry Laspanara was 3-3. Frank Taccone also hit a homer. Snyder’s came roaring back behind two home runs from Larry Elkins and a homer each from Marv Geary and Braxton Speller. Speller was 4-4 in the game. Trailing by 3 going into the top of the 7th inning, big Frank Taccone held the Snyder’s powerhouse to just one run to clinch the 16-14 win. Rick Trudeau led Snyder’s with a 20-31 tournament (.645). Pitcher Rick Pinto batted .619 (13-21). Elkins, Geary and Speller combined for 18 homers and 47 RBIs.

  • MVP – Jerry Lasponara, Mazzola Castle (13-18, .722, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Home Run Leader – Marv Geary, Snyder’s (11-21, .524, 21 RBIs, 11 Runs) – 7
  • Batting Leader – Jerry Laspanara, Mazzola – .722

1977 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Rick Pinto – Snyder’s Softball Club (13-21, .619, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs) Catcher – Braxton Speller – Snyder’s Softball Club (13-26, .500, 6 HRs, 13 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Catcher – Jerry Laspanara – Mazzola Castle (13-18, .722, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • First Base – Ken Ewald – Savannah Cafe (7-13, .538, 4 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Second Base – Sammy Dickens – Candyman Bombers (8-12, .667, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Third Base – Mary Geary – Snyder’s Softball Club (11-21, .524, 7 HRs, 2) RBIs, 11 Runs) Shortstop – Rick Trudeau – Snyder’s Softball Club (20-31, .645, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Outfield – Mike Cellura – Capitol Insulation (6-12, .500, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Outfield – Hal Ward – Savannah Cafe (9-13, .692, 4 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Outfield – Dick Rodgers – Mazzola Castle (8-21, .352, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Outfield – Doug Farrell – Mazzola Castle (10-18, .556, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Chuck Drewicz – Snyder’s Softball Club (12-24, .500, 6 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Utility – Hank Kosmala – Capitol Insulation (8-15, .533, 4 HRs, 5 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Rick Palmieri – Mazzola Castle (8-19, .421, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Utility – Andy Santillo – Mazzola Castle (7-17, .412, 3 RBIs, 3 Runs)

OTHERS

  • Dan Everts, LKB Merchants (5-8, .625, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Doug Farrell, Mazzola (10-18, .556, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Matt Partridge, Kentucky Fried (5-9, .556, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Ron Shoquist, Snyders (11-22, .500, 9 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Larry Elkins, Snyders (13-27, .481, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Lon Parker, Snyders (9-20, .450, 5 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Frank Rodgriguez, Capitol (6-14, .429, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Tony Salamone, Savannah (6-14, .429, 1 RBI, 5 Runs)
  • John Braxton, Candyman Bombers (4-10, .400, 3 HRs, 4 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Tom Taylor, Savannah (2-5, .400, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Denny Hogan, Candyman Bombers (4-11, .364, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Cal Carmen, Mazzola (7-19, .368, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • George Chernenko, Snyders (5-16, .313, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Glen Eichelberger, Mazzola (2-8, .250, 1 RBI)
  • Joe Seymour, Candyman Bombers (2-11, .182, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 2 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Mazzola Castle, Rochester, NY (4-1)
2. Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, MI (5-2)
3. Savannah Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
4. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (2-2)
5t. Candyman Bombers, Wilson, NC (1-2)
5t. Kentucky Fried, Union Lake, MI (1-2)
7t. Universal A.C., Covington, KY (0-2)
7t. L.K.B. Merchants, Anaheim, CA (0-2)

*By winning the 1977 World Series, Mazzola Castle (QUALIFIED for 1978 WORLD SERIES) joined the Pro League – 2nd place Howard’s received the defending champ berth.

1977 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1977 held at Emerson Park in Midland, Michigan.

Champion – Billard Barbell, Reading, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Home Savings & Loan, Aurora, Illinois

The Reading team defeated Aurora 5-1 in the winner’s bracket final. Then after Aurora squad beat Peterbilt in the loser’s bracket final, they got another crack at the Sunners. Aurora proceeded to hand Billard Barbell its first loss 3-0. The tournament went to the final championship game. Ty Stofflet hurled the 4-0 shutout victory, surrendering only 3 hits and Carl Solarek was 3 for 3 and drove in 3 of the 4 runs as the Reading squad prevailed in the championship over Aurora for the second time in three years. The Home Savings & Loan team from Aurora has now lost in four consecutive finals.

  • MVP – Ty Stofflet, Billard Barbell
  • Batting Leader – George Bettineski, Peterbilt Western – .476
  • Home Run Leader – Jeff Seip, Billard Barbell (6-18, .333, 2 RBI, 6 Runs) – 2
  • Most Outstanding Pitcher Award – Ty Stofflet, Billard Barbell

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Ty Stofflet, Billard (5-0, 35 IP, 49 K, 1 Shutout, 3 ER, 17 hits)
P – Dick Brubaker, Home Savings & Loan (3-1)
P – Graham Arnold, Peterbilt (4-1, 36 IP, 34 K)
C – Harry Haroian, Day’s Sanitary
C – Jim Marsh, Super Auto
1B – Darryl Day, Home Savings & Loan
2B – Ron Hoak, York Barbell
3B – Jeff Peck, McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac
SS – Elston Mitchell, Home Savings & Loan
OF – Bruce Miller, McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac
OF – Art Weida, Billard
OF – George Bettineski, Peterbilt (10-21, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
OF – Mike Drew, Home Savings & Loan
UT – Frank Drinkwine, A.U.L. Hawks

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Bob Ryan, McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac (3-1, 28 IP, 23 K)
P – Bill McNelis, York Barbell
P – Gary Hutchins, Home Savings & Loan (2-0)
C – Butch Batt, Peterbilt
C – Robert Quinn, Home Savings & Loan
1B – Carl Walker, Raybestos Cardinals
2B – Terry Muck, Home Savings & Loan
3B – Bob Yoder, Billard
SS – Evans Telegades, Day’s Sanitary
OF – Jim Fillion, McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac
OF – Charles Blakely, Walnut Products
OF – Ray Allena, Super Auto
OF – Bill Pfeiffer, Home Savings & Loan
UT – George Nokes, Peterbilt

OTHERS

Harvey Sterkel, Home Savings & Loans (0-1)
Ed Johnson, Days Inn (4-2, 38 IP, 33 K)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Billard Barbell, Reading, PA (6-1) (Central Atlantic At-Large)
2. Home Savings & Loan, Aurora, IL (5-2) (Midwest)
3. Peterbilt, Seattle, WA (5-2) (Northwestern)
4. Day’s Sanitary, Pontiac, MI (4-2) (Great Lakes)
5t. Super Auto, Napa, CA (3-2) (Pacific Coast)
5t. McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac, Midland, MI (3-2) (Host)
7t. AUL Hawks, Flint, MI (2-2) (Great Lakes At-Large)
7t. York Barbell, York, PA (2-2) (Central Atlantic)
9t. Days Inn, Atlanta, GA (2-2) (South Atlantic)
9t. Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, CT (2-2) (Defending Champ)
9t. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (1-2) (Southern)
9t. Walnut Products, St. Joseph, MO (2-2) (Mid America)
13t. Horton’s, Springfield, MO (1-2) (Western)
13t. Lynch Industries, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2) (Southwestern)
13t. Quality Block, Mount Eaton, OH (0-2) (East Central)
13t. Foster’s Stephenville, TX (0-2) (Texas)
17t. Interstate Batterymen, Worcester, MA (0-2) (New England)
17t. Da-Ro’s, Buchanan, NY (0-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
17t. Tri Arc Travelodge, Salt Lake City, UT (0-2) (Rocky Mountain)
17t. Young Americans, Minot, ND (0-2) (Northern)

NOTES

Cactus Champ – no representative was listed. Canada Champ – Victoria Bates Construction, British Columbia did not attend. Armed Forces – no representative was listed – The Armed Forces team started to attend the Class-A Nationals. Alaska (merged into Northwestern) and Hawaii (merged into Pacific Coast) were eliminated. North Pacific Coast (eliminated) and South Pacific Coast (eliminated) were merged into one (Pacific Coast). West Central (eliminated) was split into 3 regions (Mid-West, Great Lakes and Mid-America).