Softball History USA

1972 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1972 held at Tucson, Arizona.

Champion – Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (60-6)
Runner Up – Orange Lionettes, Orange, California (78-9)

For the fourth straight year, the Raybestos Brakettes and the Orange Lionettes met in the Championship game. Orange Lionettes won in 1969 and 1970, while the Raybestos Brakettes won last year (1971) and this year (1972).

Donna Lopiano pitched a brilliant game to seal the deal for her MVP Award. The game was scoreless for 8 innings, but in the top of the 9th, the Orange Lionettes scored 2 runs on an RBI single by Mickey Davis and a solo Home Run by Nancy Ito.

Welborn took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, only to see the Raybestos Brakettes come through and score three runs to win. After Cece Ponce walked, Pat Harrison bombed a 2-run homer into the left field bleachers to tie the score at two. Later in the inning, Willie Roze (5-15, .333 average in the tournament) came through with the game winning double to win the title.

Lopiano gave up four hits and struck out 4.

Losing pitcher Nancy Welborn scattered 9 hits and struck out 2.

Marilyn Harris of Pekin Lettes was 6-13 .462 and did not have enough at bats to qualify for the batting title.

Fern Gardner of Salt Lake City Shamrocks 3-1.

  • MVP – Donna Lopiano, Raybestos Brakettes
  • HR Leader – Marjorie Drew, Waltham Drifters – 2
  • Batting Leader – Carol Spanks, Orange Lionettes – .417
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching MVP Award – Nancy Welborn, Orange Lionettes
  • Erv Lind Award Defensive MVP – Chris “Pettina” Miner, Fresno Rockets

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Joan Joyce, Raybestos Brakettes (3-0, 32K/21 IP, 1 ER and 6-18, .333 average, 2 RBI at the plate)
P – Donna Lopiano, Raybestos Brakettes (3-0, 20 Ks/23 IP, 2 ER, no-hitter, pitched 3-2, 9 inning final; .7-21, .333 average, 6 RBI, 1 Run, Grand Slam HR batting)
P – Nancy Welborn, Orange Lionettes (6-2, 3 shutouts, 34 K, 59 IP, 8 ER in 8 games)
C – Nancy Ito, Orange Lionettes
C – Paula Boulette, Waltham Drifters
1B – Marge Drew, Waltham Drifters
2B – Rose Marie “Rosie” Adams, Raybestos Brakettes
3B – Sue Sims, Orange Lionettes
SS – Chris “Pettina” Miner, Fresno Rockets (6-13) – .462 – not enough at bats to qualify for batting title
OF – Mary Lou Adams, Orange Lionettes
OF – Sheila Patterson, Fresno Rockets
OF – Carol Greene, Waltham Drifters
OF – Willie Roze, Raybestos Brakettes
UTIL – Carol Spanks, Orange Lionettes (10-24, .417, 5 RBI)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Cathy Benedetto, Portland Lee Nuggets (3-2, 33 IP, 32 K)
P – Joyce Bak, Waltham Drifters (3-1)
P – Pat Whitman, Rising Sun Wanderers
C – Marta Aardema, Utah Shamrocks
C – Sherron Bredeen, Portland Lee Nuggets
1B – Shirley Topley, Orange Lionettes
2B – Joan Paulson, Rimnac-Hanson
3B – Rosemarie Derer, Rising Sun Wanderers
SS – Phyllis Shaak, Rising Sun Wanderers
OF – Nancy Snyder, Portland Lee Nuggets
OF – Gloria Helms, Fresno Rockets
OF – Mickey Davis, Orange Lionettes
OF – Cecilia Ponce, Raybestos Brakettes
UTIL – Jody Schwick, Utah Shamrocks

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT (6-0) (Defending Champ)
2. Orange Lionettes, Orange, CA (6-2) (South Pacific Coast)
3. Fresno Rockets, Fresno, CA (3-2) (North Pacific Coast)
4. Dave Lee Golden Nuggets, Portland, OR (3-2) (Northwestern)
5t. Manero’s Walthem Drifters, Waltham, MA (4-2) (New England)
5t. Rising Sun Wanderers, Telford, PA (2-2) (Central Atlantic)
7t. Utah Shamrocks Salt Lake City, UT (2-2) (Rocky Mountain)
7t. Rimnac-Hanson Benjos, Bloomington, MN (2-2) (Northern)
9t. Lorelei Ladies, Atlanta, GA (1-2) (South Atlantic)
9t. Pekin-Lettes, Pekin, IL (1-2) (West Central)
9t. Orlando Rebels, Orlando, FL (1-2) (Southern)
9t. Ed Meir Ford Mustangs, Memphis, TN (1-2) (Southwestern
13t. Detroit Metros, Detroit, MI (1-2) (East Central)
13t. JFK Patriettes, Omaha-Wahoo, NE (1-2) (Western)
13t. Sun City Saints, Sun City, CA (0-2) (Cactus)
13t. Shamrocks, North Tonawanda, NY (0-2) (Mid Atlantic)
17t. Tucson Roadrunners, Tucson, AZ (0-2) (Host)
17t. Chargers, Freeport, TX (0-2) (Texas)

NOTES

Alaska Champ – Alaska 49ers, Anchorage, AK did not attend. Canada Champ – Vancouver Green & Louie, Vancouver, BC did not attend.

1972 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1972 held in Dallas, Texas on September 10-16.

Champion – Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, Connecticut
Runner Up – Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, Florida

Left fielder Al Yaeger singles with the bases loaded in the eighth inning as the Raybestos Cardinals defeated the Clearwater Bombers 1-0 to win the national fastpitch championship.

Yaeger’s one out single off Bomber right hander Bob Quinn broke up a tight pitcher’s duel.

  • MVP – Metro Szeryk, Raybestos Cardinals
  • Batting Leader – Vinnie Caserto, Little Brauhaus – .444
  • Home Run Leader – Larry Daniels, Clearwater Bombers – 3
  • Home Run Leader – Doug Mason, Clearwater Bombers – 3
  • Home Run Leader – Gerry DeFiglio, Little Brauhaus – 3
  • Most Outstanding Pitcher Award – Metro Szeryk, Raybestos Cardinals

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Metro Szeryk, Raybestos Cardinals (4-0, 26 IP, 29 K, gave up only 1 run, pitched a 1-0 final)
P – Chuck D’Arcy, Sargent’s (3-1)
P – Al Lewis, Raybestos Cardinals (2-0)
C – Dick Paparo, Clearwater Bombers
C – Jack Tillery, Armed Forces
1B – Don Speed, Clearwater Bombers
2B – Tommy Moore, Clearwater Bombers
3B – Doug Mason, Clearwater Bombers (7-18, .389, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
SS – John Anquillare, Raybestos Cardinals
OF – Don Marrs, Scenic Shoppers
OF – Al Yaeger, Raybestos Cardinals
OF – Vinnie Caserto, Little Brauhaus (8-18, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
OF – Joe Molinaro, Little Brauhaus
UTIL – Bob Bellmore, Raybestos Cardinals

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Bobby Quinn, Clearwater Bombers (2-2)
P – Dick Christensen, Pay ‘n Pak
P – Cliff Ong, Little Brauhaus
C – Junior Williams, Scenic Shoppers
C – Gerry DeFiglio, Little Brauhaus (6-9, .667, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
1B – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals
2B – Phillip Johnson, Armed Forces
3B – Don Dungee, Little Brauhaus
SS – Roger Bledsoe, Pay ‘n Pak
OF – Andy Stunick, Sargent’s
OF – Larry Daniels, Clearwater Bombers (6-17, .353, 7 RBI, 3 Runs)
OF – Carl Walker, Raybestos Cardinals
OF – Bob Green, Hagestad’s VW
UTIL – Bill Cooper, Clearwater Bombers

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, CT (6-0) (New England)
2. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (4-2) (Southern)
3. Little Brauhaus, Poughkeepsie, NY (5-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
4. Sargents, Sacramento, CA (3-2) (North Pacific Coast)
5t. Hagestad VW, Englewood, CO (3-2) (Rocky Mountain)
5t. Armed Forces, USA (3-2) (Armed Forces)
7t. Welty Way, Cedar Rapids, IA (2-2) (Defending Champ)
7t. Pay ‘n Pak, Seattle, WA (2-2) (Northwestern)
9t. Scenic Shoppers, Springfield, MO (2-2) (Western)
9t. Wilsey Construction, Indianapolis, IN (1-2) (West Central)
9t. Light Crete, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI (1-2) (East Central)
9t. Whitaker Buick, St. Paul, MN (1-2) (Northern)
13t. U-Kamp, Phoenix, AZ (1-2) (Cactus)
13t. AB & S Sports, Inglewood, CA (1-2) (South Pacific Coast)
13t. Schaefer Beer, Baltimore, MD (0-2) (Central Atlantic)
13t. Robertson Plumbing, Greenville, MS (0-2) (Southwestern)
17t. Combustion Engineers, Chattanooga, TN (0-2) (South Atlantic)
17t. Pal’s National Paint, Dallas, TX (0-2) (Host)
17t. SH Lynch, Dallas, TX (0-2) (Texas)

NOTES

Alaska Champ – Alaska Builders Cache, Anchorage, AK did not attend. Hawaii Champ – Midas Muffler, Oahu, HI did not attend. Canada Champ – Weyburn Canadians, Saskatchewan did not attend.

1972 USSSA Men’s B Slow Pitch Worlds

1972 held at Baltimore, Maryland.

Champion – Sol Mintz, Washington, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Etna Hotel, Arnold, Pennsylvania

  • MVP – Gary Smith, Sol Mintz
  • HR Leader – George Talsma, Douglas Auto – 7
  • HR Leader – Red Kowalski, Etna Hotel – 7
  • Batting Leader – N/A

1972 USSSA B ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Ray Wizzer White, Etna Hotel
P – Rick DeLeo, Sportarama
C – Bob Oliver, Sportarama
1B – Tom ‘Lumpy’ Daskovich, Etna Hotel
2B – George Talsma, Douglas Auto (13-25, .520, 7 HR)
3B – Jim Kuhn, Copper Marina
SS – George Taylor, Sol Mintz
IF – Carl Wade, Etna Hotel
OF – Mike Ennis, Smith Towing
OF – Gary Pinnow, Douglas (12-24, .500, 6 HR)
OF – Ed Gaffney, Sportarama
OF – Red Kowalski, Etna Hotel (7 HR)
OF – Chuck Yesenchak, Sol Mintz (2 HR in final)
UTIL – Joe Kern, Sol Mintz
UTIL – Jim Dimusio, Etna Hotel
MGR – Bill Christy, Sol Mintz

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Sol Mintz, Washington, PA (7-0)
2. Etna Hotal, Arnold, PA (9-2)
3. Douglas Auto Wash, Racine, WI (5-2)
4. Sportarama, Hicksville, NY (6-2)
5t. Coppers Marina (Queen City Pattern), Law, IN (5-2)
5t. Smith’s, Baltimore, MD (5-2)
7t. Reichert’s News, Milwaukee, WI (4-2)
7t. Baden Roadrunners, Rochester, NY (3-2)
9t. Surry Colonials, Surry, VA (5-2)
9t. Bank of Smithfield, Smithfield, VA (5-2)
9t. Tax Savers, Detroit, MI (4-2)
9t. Renzie’s Lounge, Pittsburgh, PA (3-2)
13t. Anderson Home Care, Poughkeepsie, NY (4-2)
13t. Myron Club 29, Rochester, NY (3-2)
13t. Brooklyn Dodgers, Baltimore, MD (3-2)
13t. Camp Tire, Roanoke Rapids, NC (3-2)
17t. Jules Brothers, Miami, FL (3-2)
17t. W.A. Thompson, Williamsburg, VA (3-2)
17t. Westbrook Village, Cincinnati, OH (3-2)
17t. KY Model Shop, Louisville, KY (3-2)
17t. Shamrocks, Belleville, IL (2-2)
17t. Bachelors II, Kenoska, WI (2-2)
17t. Jet Sets, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)
17t. Bassett Motel, Williamsburg, VA (2-2)
25t. Twin Kegs, Taylor, MI (2-2)
25t. Sgrignias, New Kensington, PA (2-2)
25t. Gus’s Manor Inn, Baltimore, MD (2-2)
25t. Greenview Body Shop, Louisville, KY (2-2)
25t. Mayor trolley, Taylor, MI (2-2)
25t. Knopfel’s Guy, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)
25t. Peterson, Howell & Heather, Baltimore, MD (2-2)
25t. Tarters, Eloise, MI (1-2)
33t. Mertzmen, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. Giannerinis, Baltimore, MD (1-2)
33t. White Allen, Dayton, OH (1-2)
33t. Tim Tam AC, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. Buckeye Carry Out, Toledo, OH (1-2)
33t. Universal Underwriters, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. Curtis Athletic Club, Dayton, OH (1-2)
33t. Alpha Engineering, Apollo, PA (1-2)
33t. Sonny’s Hollow, Westport, CT (1-2)
33t. Union 76, Covington, KY (1-2)
33t. Tractormen, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. Raven’s Nest, Baltimore, MD (1-2)
33t. House of Miller, Baltimore, MD (1-2)
33t. William F. DeCarbo, New Castle, PA (1-2)
33t. Guiseppi’s, NJ (1-2)
33t. Motor Freight, York, PA (1-2)
49t. Up and Down Lounge, Milwaukee, WI (0-2)
49t. Car Center, Baltimore, MD (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
49t. unavailable (0-2)
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49t. unavailable (0-2)

1972 Women’s College World Series (DGWS)

1972 held at George W. Dill Softball Center in Omaha, Nebraska on May 18-21.

Champion – Arizona State Wildcats
Runner Up – Tokyo-Nihon

The 1972 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) was contested among 16 college softball teams on May 18–21 in Omaha, Nebraska. This fourth WCWS was notable for the only appearance of a team from outside the United States, as the team from Tokyo–Nihon University of Japan proved to be a hit with both spectators and the other teams in the tournament.

Three-time defending champion John F. Kennedy College was excluded from the tournament by an organizational rule change the previous month. The new rule prohibited a team from appearing in the WCWS if it gave scholarships to any women athletes, not just softball players (JFK College openly awarded women’s basketball scholarships). JFK never returned to the WCWS, and the school closed just three years later.

In addition to the ouster of JFK, the tournament was limited to 16 teams an amount voted on by the coaches at the 1971 event. If the 16 team amount could not be filled by the state tournament winners, additional teams could be added by the DGWS director.

  • MVP – N/A
  • Leading Hitter – Jean Holzkamp, South Dakota (.500, 7-14)
  • HR Champion – N/A
  • Outstanding Manager – Valerie Lindbloom, Western Illinois

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

N/A

SCORES

  1. Tokyo-Nihon 4 Central Missouri State 0
  2. Illinois State 8 Kansas State 0
  3. South Dakota State 3 Luther College 2
  4. Keene State 10 Purdue 3
  5. Southwest Missouri State 7 Nebraska-Omaha 2
  6. Northern Colorado 5 South Carolina 2
  7. Arizona State 11 Minot State 0
  8. Western Illinois 12 Wayne State 4
  9. Central Missouri State 8 Kansas State 4 (Kansas State eliminated)
  10. Luther 6 Purdue 1 (Purdue eliminated)
  11. Nebraska-Omaha 6 South Carolina 0 (South Carolina eliminated)
  12. Wayne State 10 Minot State 6 (Minot State eliminated)
  13. Tokyo-Nihon 3 Illinois State 2
  14. South Dakota State 5 Keene State 0
  15. Northern Colorado 4 Southwest Missouri State 2
  16. Arizona State 3 Western Illinois 0
  17. Central Missouri State 9 Southwest Missouri State 3 (Southwest Missouri State eliminated)
  18. Western Illinois 7 Luther 2 (Luther eliminated)
  19. Illinois State 4 Nebraska-Omaha 1 (Nebraska-Omaha eliminated)
  20. Wayne State 15 Keene State 0 (Keene State eliminated)
  21. Tokyo-Nihon 6 South Dakota State 0
  22. Arizona State 11 Northern Colorado 1
  23. Western Illinois 9 Central Missouri State 4 (Central Missouri State eliminated)
  24. Illinois State 10 Wayne State 0 (Wayne State eliminated)
  25. Western Illinois 8 South Dakota State 3 (South Dakota State eliminated)
  26. Illinois State 11 Northern Colorado 4 (Northern Colorado eliminated)
  27. Arizona State 2 Tokyo-Nihon 1
  28. Western Illinois 2 Illinois State 1 (Illinois State eliminated)
  29. Tokyo-Nihon 4 Western Illinois 0 (Western Illinois eliminated)
  30. Tokyo-Nihon 1 Arizona State 0
  31. Arizona State 8 Tokyo-Nihon 5 (Tokyo-Nihon eliminated)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1)
2. Tokyo–Nihon (5-2)
3. Western Illinois Leathernecks (5-2)
4. Illinois State Cardinals (4-2)
5t. Northern Colorado Bears (2-2)
5t. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (2-2)
7t. Wayne State College Wildcats (2-2)
7t. Central Missouri State College Jennies (2-2)
9t. Keene State College Owls (1-2)
9t. Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks (1-2)
9t. Luther College Norse (1-2)
9t. Southwest Missouri State Bears (1-2)
13t. South Carolina Gamecocks (0-2)
13t. Minot State College Beavers (0-2)
13t. Kansas State Teachers College Wildcats (0-2)
13t. Purdue Boilermakers (0-2)

1972 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1972 held at York, Pennsylvania.

Champion: Riverside Ford, Cincinnati, Ohio (60-11)
Runner Up: Satellite Beach Comets, Satellite Beach, Florida (59-16)

Comets forced the championship to a second game with a 4-3 win, but Riverside Ford won the final game 5-4 on a 2-out single that plated the tying and winning runs. Gail Fitzgerald (15-26, .577) and Nancy Oldham (18-34, .529, HR, 9 RBI) lead the Comets.

  • MVP – Sue Malcolm, Riverside Ford (14-27, .529, 1 HR, 4 RBI)
  • Batting Leader – Susan Smith, Acme Rebelletes (11-19, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 11 Runs) – .579
  • Home Run Leader – Connie Schnell, Louisville (10-21, .476, 4 RBI) – 3
  • Home Run Leader – L. Thomas, Detroit (9-12, .429, 12 RBI) – 3

1972 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Judy Hedgecock, Satellite Beach Comets
P – Marsha Replogle, Riverside Ford
C – Marty Sibley, Acme Revellettes
C – Gail Fitzgerald, Satellite Beach Comets
1B – Rita Clanton, Acme Revellettes
2B – Debbie Bush, Acme Revellettes
3B – Sue Malcolm, Riverside Ford
SS – Nancy Oldham. Satellite Beach Comets
OF – Sharon Harris, Satellite Beach Comets
OF – Velma Lehman, Riverside Ford
OF – Connie Schnell, Hi-Landers
OF – Judy Blucker, Fotochrome Dots
UT – Diane Heilman, York Barbellets
UT – Corliss Bivan, Hi-Landers

1972 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Millie Medina, Fotochrome Dots
P – Ann Paules, York Barbellets
C – Clara Cochran, Springfield Robinettes
C – Vicki Lollar, Motown Soul Sisters
1B – Karen McGrath, Satellite Beach Comets
2B – Charlotte Howza, Motown Soul Sisters
3B – Sharon Johnson, Springfield Robinettes
SS – Linda Polley, Avantis
OF – Vicki Stambaugh, Riversde Ford
OF – Marcia Mueller, Hi-Landers
OF – Beatrice Lollar, Motown Soul Sisters
OF – Susan Smith, Acme Revellettes
UT – Jenny Johnson, Satellite Beach Comets
UT – Sharon Holtzapple, York Barbellets

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Riverside Ford, Cincinnati, OH (6-1)
2. Satellite Beach Comets, Satellite Beach, FL (8-2)
3. Acme Revellettes. Montgomery, LA (4-2)
4. Hi-Landers, Louisville, KY (4-2)
5t. York Barbellettes, York, PA (3-2)
5t. Fotochrome Dots, Miami, FL (5-2)
7t. Robinettes, Springfield, OH (4-2)
7t. Motown Soul Sisters, Detroit, MI (3-2)
9t. Willowood Nursing Home, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
9t. Avantis, Minneapolis, MN (3-2)
9t. Rebel Drive-In, Chattanooga, TN (2-2)
9t. Kings, Billings, MT (2-2)
13t. Long Island AC Mice, Long Island, NY (2-2)
13t. Raney Tire, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
13t. Hensley’s, Charlottesville, VA (2-2)
13t. Gators, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (2-2)
17t. Alamo National Bank, San Antonio, TX (1-2)
17t. Fox Valley Lassies, St. Charles, IL (1-2)
17t. Frisch’s Big Boys, Sidney OH (1-2)
17t. Browne’s, Hays, KS (1-2)
17t. East End Debs, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
17t. Block-Meeks Jacks, Little Rock, AR (1-2)
17t. The Virginians, Virginia Beach, VA (1-2)
17t. Yellow Jackets, Essex Junction, VT (0-2)
25t. Rock-n-Gans, Kansas City, KS (0-2)
25t. Rubi-Otts, Greensboro, NC (0-2)
25t. Hamilton Towing, Bellingham, WA (0-2)
25t. Salvation Army, York, PA (0-2)
25t. Chavez Construction, Espanola, NM (0-2)
25t. MHA Royals, Santa Rosa, CA (0-2)
25t. Hawaii ASA, Honolulu, HI (0-2)
25t. Allies, East Greenwich, RI (0-2)

1971 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1971 held at Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 27-September 5.

Champion – Nitehawks, Long Beach, California
Runner Up – Spencer’s, Englewood, Colorado
Runner Up – LaTapatia, El Paso, Texas

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – Gil Aragon, Schaefer-Smith Insurance
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – N/A
  • Leading Hitter – Chuck Coldera, Hustlers – .600
  • Most RBI – Don Frazier, Nitehawks – 5

1971 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Roger Teske, Spencer’s (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 15 K, 1 BB)
P – Paul Lopez, LaTapatia (4-1, 2.18 ERA, 35 K, 5 BB)
P – Gil Aragon, Schaefer-Smith Insurance (4-2, 2.45 ERA, 65 K, 6 BB)
C – Jack Palmore, LaTapatia C .286
C – Butch Chambers, Schaefer-Smith Insurance C .278
IF – Don Frazier, Spencer’s IF .455
IF – Bob Robinson, Carolina Hawks IF .429
IF – Bill Crumm, Schaefer-Smith Insurance IF .421
IF – Bill Manning, LaTapatia IF .400
IF – Don Sears, Spencer’s IF .364
OF – John Wilson, Spencer’s OF .556
OF – Frank Van Patton, Hustlers OF .417
OF – Bob Brozovich, Spencer’s OF .400
OF – Denny Ferch, Lux Club OF .333

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Nighthawks, Long Beach, CA
2. Spencer’s, Englewood, CO
3. LaTapatia, El Paso, TX
4. Oregon Clothing, Oshkosh, WI
5t. Schaefer-Smith Insurance, Phoenix, AZ
5t. Hustlers, Hawthorne, CA
7t. Carolina Hawks, Columbia, SC
7t. Quickick, Tulsa, OK
9t. Clearfield Cheese, Wellsville, UT
9t. Trail Liquor, Lamar, CO
9t. Burger-Chef, Clarksburg, WV
9t. Fair-Way Motors, Reno, NV
13t. Sports Shop, Rock Island, IL
13t. Kingsport Club, Kingsport, TN
13t. Cowboys, Clovis, CA
13t. White Glove, Houston, TX
17t. Oklahoma Army National Guard, Oklahoma City, OK
17t. Reeg Motor Sales, Huntington, IN
17t. Lux Club, Dubuque, IA
17t. W.M. Heitgras Co., Tulsa, OK
17t. Tally-Page, Phoenix, AZ
17t. Dallas-Ft. Worth All Stars, Dallas, TX
17t. Beavers, Granite Falls, NC

1971 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1971 held at Las Vegas, Nevada.

1970 East World Champ played the 1970 West World Champ in the 1971 World Series best of 7 series Accurate Welding of Milwaukee, WI (EAST) —– defeated —– Goettl’s Metals of Phoenix, AZ (WEST) – (4 games to 0)

Accurate Welding was 75-22 on the season. They also played Little Caesars in a USSSA vs ASA match of champions. Playing by ASA rules, Accurate emerged victorious 14-13. Accurate shocked USSSA people by how dominating they really were in the series. They collected 68 hits total in the four games, including 5 HRs on the big 300′ fences. They outscored their opponent by a 45-10 margin.

  • MVP – James Mortl, Accurate Welding (12-15, .800, 6 RBI)
  • Home Run Leader – Carl Bruce, Accurate Welding (8-11, .727, 14 RBI) – 3
  • Batting Leader – James Mortl, Accurate Welding – .800

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

No All-World Team was selected – just a best of 7 series between 2 teams. The East and West selected All World Teams in their respective Tournaments.

GAME SCORES

  • Game 1 – Accurate Welding 17 vs. Goettl’s Metals 3 – Accurate had 25 hits. Jim Mortl was 4-4, Carl Bruce (HR), Jim Warras (HR) and John Wegner had 3 each.
  • Game 2 – Accurate Welding 13 vs. Goettl’s Metals 0- Accurate dominated again with 22 hits. Jim Mortl, John Wegner and Gary Perkins had 3 hits apiece.
  • Game 3 – Accurate Welding 8 vs. Goettl’s Metals 1 – Accurate had only 11 hits, but still managed to emerge victorious. Jim Mortl led Accurate with 2 hits.
  • Game 4 – Accurate Welding 7 vs. Goettl’s Metals 6 – Goettl’s scored 5 runs in the 5th inning to take a 6-5 lead. Carl Bruce of Accurate hit a 2-run homer to win it 7-6.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI (4-0)
2. Goettl’s Metals, Mesa, AZ (0-4)

1971 World Series Stats (at least 10 ABs)

Jim Mortl, Accurate (12-15, .800, 6 RBI)
Carl Bruce, Accurate (8-11, .727, 3 HR, 14 RBI)
Gary Perkins, Accurate (7-11, .727, 3 RBI)
Gene Cupertino, Accurate (6-12, .500, 3 RBI)
Dick Polgar, Accurate (6-12, .500, 4 RBI)
Jim Warras, Accurate (5-10, .500, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
John Wegner, Accurate (7-14, .500, 2 RBI)
Daryl Greenmeier, Accurate (5-11, .455, 1 RBI)
Ron Stanton, Accurate (3-11, .273, 1 HR, 3 RBI)

*No Stats available for Goettl’s Metals

Larry Harrell
Jack Beavers
Adam Bauer
Denny Bush
Bruce Simmons
Fred Goettl
Bill Wright
Rick Gardner
Hank Goettl
Randy Gill
Paul Digarnde
Skip Hancock
Greg Witherspon
Jerry Beavers
Jim Kelly

1971 East Worlds held at Louisville, Kentucky.

Champion – Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI
Runner Up – Ace Movers, Milwaukee, WI

Accurate defeated Ace Movers 12-4 in the winner’s bracket finals on the strength of home runs from Carl Bruce and John Wegner. Ace came back to score a couple on run scoring doubles off the bats of John Gross and Willie May. John Wegner hit his second HR of the game and Darryl Greenmeier’s triple put the game out of reach. Accurate defeated Fairdale AC of KY 13-1 and Feldotts of IL 8-5 to reach the final. Ace defeated 6th Ward of Pittsburgh 22-7 and the Iron Dukes of New Castle PA 5-4 to gain their final berth. The Milwaukee Commandos (Robert’s Lounge) were playing the powerful Hicksville Astros of New York in the loser’s bracket. Hicksville was leading 1-0 when it started to rain hard. After 6 hours of rain, it was called and Accurate declared the champ, with Ace second and Hicksville awarded third and the Commandos fourth.

  • East MVP – John Wegner, Accurate Welding (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
  • East HR Leader – Larry Chiapetta, Hicksville Astros
  • East Batting Leader – Darrell Greenmeir, Accurate Welding (12-16, 6 RBI) – .750

1971 USSSA EAST ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Mike Fox, Ace Movers
Catcher – Willie May, Ace Movers (12-17, .706)
First Base – Oscar Steadman, Hicksville Astros
Second Base – Jim Mortl, Accurate Welding (10-22, .455, 7 RBI)
Third Base – Carl Bruce, Accurate Welding (11-17, .647, 2 HR, 9 RBI)
Shortstop – Mike Foley, Hicksville Astros
Outfield – John Wegner, Accurate Welding (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
Outfield – Darrell Greenmeier, Accurate Welding (12-16, .750, 6 RBI)
Outfield – Arlis Jones, Commando’s
Outfield – Jim Sieloff, Ace Movers

EAST FINAL STANDINGS (top-10 listed, 38 total teams …. rain shortened)

1. Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI (6-1)
2. Ace Movers, Milwaukee, WI (4-1)
3. Hicksville Astros, Hicksville, NY (6-1)
4. Milwaukee Commandos, Milwaukee, WI (7-1)
5. Iron Dukes, New Castle, PA (3-2)
6. Feldotts Plateau, Napierville, IL (3-2)
7. Sports Center, Covington, KY (5-2)
8. Queen City Patterns, Miamitown, OH (4-2)
9. Milwaukee Forging, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)
10. Sixth Ward Club, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)

1971 USSSA West Worlds held at Azusa, California.

Champion – Johnson’s Big Apple, Phoenix, AZ
Runner Up – Berg Ford, Mesa, AZ

Big Apple won five straight games to win the Western Worlds. All were close games as they beat in order; Bemco 5-2, VB Morgan Trucking 6-4, Kerr’s Sporting Goods 4-3 and Glenwood Motors 5-3. In the Championship, they defeated Berg Ford 9-3. Weekes earlier, Berg defeated Big Apple to win the Arizona USSSA State Championship. Berg also played a series of close games to reach the title game. They won 10-9 over the Carpetbaggers, 6-3 over Bit of Italy, both from California. Then Glenwood Motors beat Berg 7-6 to send them to the losers bracket. There, they eliminated Blinky’s 2-0, Kerr’s 6-4 and Glenwood Motors 2-0. Pitcher Benny Crittenden hurled the two shutouts. Shortstop Vince Peralta sparkled on defense and drove in the deciding runs in some of the close games.

  • West MVP – Vince Paralta, Big Apple
  • West HR Leader – Elby Bushong, Kerr Sporting Goods
  • West Batting Leader – Jack Beavers, Goettl’s Metal ( .623)

1971 USSSA WEST ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Benny Crittenden, Berg Ford (.529)
Catcher – Elby Bushong, Kerr Sp. Goods (.400)
First Base – Ken Novak, Glenwood Motors (.450)
Second Base – Dave Hibbert, Berge Ford (.563)
Third Base – Jack Beavers, Goettl’s (.623)
Shortstop – Vince Peralta, Big Apple (.471)
Shortstop – Gordon Loveless, Berg Ford (.341)
Outfield – Joe Contraras, Big Apple (.333)
Outfield – Dan McMann, Blinky’s (.500)
Outfield – Frank Wilson, Glenwood Motors (.474)
Outfield – Frank Valunzuela, Big Apple (.385)

FINAL RESULTS

1. Johnson’s Big Apple, Phoenix, AZ (5-0)
2. Berg Ford, Mesa, AZ (5-2)
3. Glenwood Motors, Glenwood, CA (4-2)
4. Kerr Sporting Goods, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
5t. Goettl’s Metals, Mesa, AZ (4-2)
5t. Nevada Test Site Bears, Nye County, NV (4-2)
7t. Bit of Italy, Huntington Park, CA (3-2)
7t. V.B. Morgan Truckers, Lakewood, CA (2-2)
9t. Austin & Wolfe Refrigeration, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
9t. Honeywell, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
9t. Bemco, Industry, CA (1-2)
9tt. Foothill Dairy, Azusa, CA (2-2)
13t. Shakey’s, CA (2-2)
13t. Motorola Blue, AZ (2-2)
13t. Bohunks, CA (1-2)
13t. Carpet Baggers, NV (0-2)
17t. Garrey Room, CA (0-2)
17t. Motorola White, AZ (0-2)
17t. So. Phoenix Merchants, AZ (0-2)
17t. Sierra Produce, NV (0-2)
17t. Wonder World, NV (0-2)
17t. The Pitcher, AZ (0-2)

1971 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1971 held at Parma, Ohio.

Champion – Virginia Beach Pile Drivers, Virginia Beach, Virginia (100-22)
Runner Up – Little Caesar’s, Southgate, Michigan (112-10)

Bert Smith hit a 3-run homer to spark the Piledrivers to a 9-4 win in the Championship Game over Little Caesars, who lost their opening round game to Howard’s Furniture and won 8 straight games before being beaten in the final.

Bob Auten (11 HR, 19 RBI), Tex Collins (7 HR, 18 RBI), Bill Cole (6 HR, 10 RBI), Gary LaDue (4 HR, 10 RBI), Bob Malicki (5 HR, 15 RBI) and Mike Gouin (8 HR, 17 RBI) all led Little Caesars back to the final.

Johnny Dollar (14-23, .609, 14 RBI), Nick Sessoms and Lynwood Strickland all played a big role in the Piledrivers championship run. MVP Bert Smith came up big when it counted once again. He was 15-22 for a .682 average with 7 HR and 22 RBI.

  • MVP – Bert Smith, Pile Drivers
  • HR Leader – Jim Pucket, Little Caesar’s – 13
  • Batting Leader – Bill Gatti, Jiffy’s Club – .867

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Don Griever, Stroh’s (13-14, .929, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 10 Runs)
P – Bob Auten, Little Caesars (20-38, .526, 11 HR, 19 RBI, 17 Runs)
C – Dave Lane, Trailways (12-18, .667, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)
C – Tex Collins, Little Caesars (13-25, .520, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 12 Runs)
1B – Terry Smith, Stroh’s (11-13, .846, 10 HR, 19 RBI, 11 Runs)
2B – Nick Sessoms, Piledrivers (14-25, .560, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 14 Runs)
3B – Bill Cole, Little Caesars (16-32, .500, 6 HR, 10 RBI, 13 Runs)
SS – Don Jones, Howard’s (9-16, .563, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Bill Gatti, Jiffy Club (13-15, .867, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Bert Smith, Piledrivers (15-22, .682, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 14 Runs)
OF – Andy Loya, Gene-Angelo’s (12-19, .632, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Jim Puckett, Little Caesars (21-30, .700, 13 HR, 26 RBI, 22 Runs)
UT – Ed Green, Pacific Standard Life (12-14, .857, 7 HR, 14 RBI, 9 Runs)
UT – Lynwood Strickland, Piledrivers (9-19, .474, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Don Arndt, Howard’s Furniture (9-18, .500, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 Runs)
P – Joe Yacabet, Gene-Angelo’s (11-18, .611, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
C – Myron Rozmark, Maplewood Plumbing (8-13, .615, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)
C – Preston Powell, Non Ferrous (10-18, .556, 6 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
1B – Emory Lucas, Century Tire (23-30, .767, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 17 Runs)
2B – Carl Tomsic, Gene-Angelo’s (12-18, .667, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 6 Runs)
3B – John DeVoss, Pacific Standard (10-12, .833, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
SS – Bob Malicki, Little Caesars (18-32, .523, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Johnny Dollar, Piledrivers (14-23, .609, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Tommy Maiden, Howard Furniture (12-18, .667, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
OF – Jerry Marcum, Al Stokes VW (12-20, .600, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Corky Rogers, Warren Motors (12-17, .706, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 12 Runs)
UT – Bob Rosin, Non Ferrous Metals (9-17, .529, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6 Runs)
UT – Steve Loya, Gene-Angelo’s (13-21, .619, 9 HR, 14 RBI, 12 Runs)

OTHERS

Tom Taylor, Century Tire (17-29, .586, 10 HR, 21 RBI, 15 Runs)
Bob Voss, Little Caesars (21-36, .583, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 18 Runs)
Gary Ladue, Little Caesars (19-35, .543, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 17 Runs)
Gene Fisher, Howard Furniture (8-17, .471, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 8 Runs)
Ron Potter, Jiffy Club (8-17, .471, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
Mike Gouin, Little Caesars (18-40, .450, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 15 Runs)
Cobbie Harrison, Jiffy Club (9-20, .450, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Steve Massong, Century Tire (9-20, .450, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 9 Runs)
Mike Nye, Warren Motors (10-23, .433, 8 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
Tony Mazza, Little Caesars (13-34, .382, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Pile Drivers, Virginia Beach, VA (6-0)
2. Little Caesars, Detroit, MI (8-2)
3. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (4-2)
4. Century Tire, Cincinnati, OH (5-2)
5t. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (3-2)
5t. Gene’s-Angelo’s, Parma, OH (3-2)
7t. Al Stokes Volkswagon, Houston, TX (3-2)
7t. Maplewood Plumbing, St. Paul, MN (3-2)
9t. Warren Motors, Jacksonville, FL (3-2)
9t. Stroh’s, Springfield, OH (2-2)
9t. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (3-2)
9t. Trailways, Knoxville, TN (3-2)
13t. Brookline YMC, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)
13t. Virginia Door, Norfolk, VA (2-2)
13t. Pacific Standard Life, Davis, CA (2-2)
13t. Clutch Specialty, Mobile, AL (2-2)
17t. Al’s Green Tavern, Rochester, NY (1-2)
17t. Green Belt Shell, Washington, DC (1-2)
17t. Johnny Mac’s Sport, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
17t. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
17t. Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI (1-2)
17t. Eastway Construction, Eastlake, OH (1-2)
17t. Queen City Motors, Burlington, VT (1-2)
17t. Valley Merchants, Langdale, AL (1-2)
25t. Cagles Cardinals, Lawton, OK (0-2)
25t. South-Shore Outdoor, Long Island, NY (0-2)
25t. Taggares, Othello, WA (0-2)
25t. Priced Rite Trophy, Salt Lake City, UT (0-2)
25t. Wilmer-Bilgere, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
25t. Daly Drive-In, Westland, MI (0-2)
25t. Heidelberg, Tacoma, WA (0-2)
25t. Curve Form, Youngstown, OH (0-2)

1971 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1971 held in Louisville, Kentucky.

Co-Champion – Troy Redman, Troy, Michigan
Co-Champion – St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus, Detroit, Michigan

  • No MVP or All-American team was named and no other information available

This was the first year of the ASA A Men’s Slow Pitch National Championships. The Class “A” meet drew-a field of 26 teams in its first outing. Teams came from Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, Delaware, Rhode Island, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Michigan and six metro areas.

The winners bracket final between Troy Redmen and St. Patrick’s was tied 6-6 in the fifth inning when torrential rains came and washed away the rest of the tournament. Troy and St. Pats were awarded Co-Champs and Des Speilhaus of Wisconsin and Fairport Merchants of Rochester third and fourth respectively. Both were alive in the loser’s bracket.

Jefferson County Merchants and 5&10 Tap were awarded 5th and 6th as they were still alive as well, but did not advance as far as the other two teams with one loss. Also, Fairport defeated Jefferson County head-to-head. In the final few games played:

Winner’s bracket – Fairport Rochester Merchants defeated Jefferson County Merchants 4-1. Troy Redmen defeated Fairport Rochester Merchants 15-5. St. Patrick’s K of C defeated Milwaukee 5&10 Tap 10-3. In Loser’s Bracket games, Des Speilhaus eliminated Schumacher’s 12-4. Jefferson Merchants eliminated Corbin Pepsi Cola.

Also, Fairport Merchants defeated Jefferson County head-to-head. In the final few games played: Winner’s bracket – Fairport Merchants defeated Jefferson County Merchants 4-1. Troy Redmen defeated Fairport Merchants 15-5. St. Patrick’s K of C defeated Milwaukee 5&10 Tap 10-3. In Loser’s Bracket games, Des Speilhaus eliminated Schumacher’s 12-4. Jefferson Merchants eliminated Corbin Pepsi Cola.

FINAL STANDINGS

1t. Troy Holy Name Redmen, Troy, OH (4-0)
1t. St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus, Detroit, MI (4-0)
3. Des Spielhaus, River Falls, WI (6-1)
4. Fairport Merchants, Rochester, NY (2-1)
5t. Jefferson County Merchants, Louisville, KY (4-1)
5t. 5&10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (2-1)
7t. Schumacher SWBT, St. Louis, MO (4-2)
7t. American Savings, Pekin, IL (3-2)
9t. Pepsi Cola, Corbin, KY (2-2)
9t. Wayside, Buffalo, MN (2-2)
9t. Shoney’s Big Boy, Richmond, VA (2-2)
9t. St. Elizabeth, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
13t. Minnesota Mutual, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
13t. Moore Painting, Orlando, FL (1-2)
13t. Milford Merchants, Milford, MI (1-2)
13t. Howard Johnson’s, Lexington, KY (1-2)
17t. Mack’s Lounge, Newport, RI (1-2)
17t. Local 851, Joliet, IL (1-2)
17t. Digby Dodgers, Indianapolis, IN (1-2)
17t. Hicks Chevrolet, Kansas City, MO (0-2)
17t. Embalmers, Wilmington, DE (0-2)
17t. Red Roosters, Grand Island, NE (0-2)
17t. Moody Blues, Louisville, KY (0-2)
17t. Portland AC, Bowling Green, KY (0-2)
25t. Keilwood, Brownsville, KY (0-2)
25t. Jet Sets, Pittsburgh, PA (0-2)

 

 

1971 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1971 held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Champion – East End Debs, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (52-6)
Runner Up – Pittsburgh Orioles, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Jeri Reidel of the Debs hurled a 9-0 shutout over the Pittsburgh Orioles to win the Championship. The Orioles managed just six hits off Reidel. She helped her own cause by going 3-4 and scoring 2 runs herself. Reidel pitched all the games for the Debs and went 5-0, allowing just 6 runs in those 5 games. It was a Pittsburgh affair as the Orioles had to beat Pittsburgh Baierl Chevrolet in the losers bracket final to reach the Debs. Pittsburgh teams finished 1, 2, 3 and 5. Georgetown Village of Ohio was 4th and Penn Hills of Pittsburgh was 5th. 22 teams entered this event, making it the largest Women’s World Championship to date. 5 of the teams were from PA. 4 were from KY, NY and VA. 2 from Maryland, while 1 each from OH, IN and NC.

  • MVP – Jeri Riedel, East End Debs (allowed 6 runs in 5 games)
  • Batting Leader – Jeri Riedel, East End Debs
  • Batting Leader – Janet Schmidt, East End Debs
  • HR Leader – Dottie Galligan, Indiana Majorettes – 3

1971 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Jeri Reidel, Debs (3-4 in final)
P – Olivia Jones, Orioles (0-3 in final)
C – Sue Anderson, Debs (2-4 in final)
C – Pat Miller, Baierl Chevrolet
1B – Sue Dixon, Orioles (1-3 in final)
2B – Jan Kasnevica, Baierl Chevrolet
3B – Bonnie Perella, Debs (2-4 in final)
SS – Debbie Cecerie, Orioles (1-2 in final)
SS – Dottie Galligan, Indiana Majorettes
SF – Debbie Lesesne, Orioles (0-3 in final)
OF – Janet Schmitt, Debs (3-4 in final)
OF – Jody Manore, Georgetown
OF – Jean Deliman, Baierl Chevrolet
Manager – James Reidel, Debs

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 22 total teams)

1. East End Debs, Pittsburgh, PA (5-0)
2. Pittsburgh Orioles, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
3. Baierl Chevrolet, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
4. Georgetown Village, Toledo, OH (4-2)
5. Penn Hill, Pittsburgh, PA (3-2)