Softball History USA

1956 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1956 held at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio on September 3-5.

Champion – Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, Kentucky (34-3)
Runner Up – Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, Kentucky (30-3)

Gatliff Auto beat West End Merchants from Jefferson County (Louisville Area) Kentucky 5-0 in the winners bracket final behind the shutout pitching of Vern Roberts. Defending champ Lang’s Pet Shop lost its first game to Pittsburgh’s Dormont Boosters 5-4 and stormed through the losers bracket winning 6 straight games then eliminating the West End Merchants of Jefferson County-Louisville, KY 9-6 for their seventh straight win and advanced to the finals.

Malio Valvano pitched all the games for Langs. They had to defeat Gatliff’s twice to win the title. Gatliff’s pitcher Vern Roberts made sure that didn’t happen as Gatliff’s dethroned Lang’s 2-1 in the Championship game. Vern Roberts helped his cause by getting a hit and scoring a run.

Lou Smith had a big sac fly for Gatliff’s to score Gene Dittoe and Bill Bieger chipped in with 2 hits.

For Lang’s, Earl Berryman and Bo Stuntbeck both had doubles, with Berryman scoring the only run for Langs. Vern Roberts had 2 shutouts and surrendered only 17 runs in 5 games. Gatliff finished the season with only 3 defeats the entire year, all to Lang’s.

  • MVP – Vern Roberts, Gatliff Auto Sales
  • HR Leader – Lenny Roth, Helf Builders – 5
  • Batting Leader – Earl Berryman, Lang’s Pet Shop – .615
  • Manager – Al Brausch, Gatliff Auto Sales

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Vern Roberts, Gatliff Auto Sales (5-0 pitching, including 2 shutouts; gave up only 1 run in the two final games)
C – Bill Bieger, Gatliff Auto Sales
1B – Dick Hufnagel, Dormont Boosters
2B – Don Rardin, Gatliff Auto Sales
3B – Ray “Whitey” Brown, Lang’s Pet Shop (12-30, .400, 3 HR, 13 RBI)
SS – JD McDonald, McAdenville Reds
SF – Donnie Key, West End Merchants
OF – Hal Wiggins, Lang’s Pet Shop (17-30, .567)
OF – Earl Berryman, Lang’s Pet Shop (16-25, .615)
OF – Lenny Roth, Helf Builders (5 HR)
OF – Myron Reinhardt, Gatliff Auto Sales

OTHERS

Malio Valvano (7-2) pitching

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (5-0)
2. Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, KY (7-2)
3. West End Merchants, Jefferson County, KY (4-2)
4. Dormont Boosters, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
5t. Helf Builders, Cleveland, OH (4-2)
5t. Westwood Merchants, Dayton, OH (3-2)
7t. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (3-2)
7t. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
9t. Green Seven, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)
9t. Jefferson Grill, Rochester, NY (2-2)
9t. Spot Tavern, Creighton, PA (2-2)
9t. Blue Grass Café, Louisville, KY (1-2)
13t. Dave’s Bar, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
13t. Rips All Stars, Detroit, MI (2-2)
13t. Roth Drugs, Canton, OH (1-2)
13t. West Park Methodist, Columbus, OH (1-2)
17t. Maltese Drug, Wantagh, NY (1-2)
17t. Cincy Matthews Stoppers, Staten Island, NY (1-2)
17t. Dutt’s Drug, Akron, OH (1-2)
17t. Elks Club, Warren, OH (1-2)
17t. Fire and Police, Rossville, GA (0-2)
17t. Eureka Bar, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
17t. Heilman Old Style Lagers, Sheboygan, WI (0-2)
17t. Exchange Club, Sandusky, OH (0-2)
25t. Green Oak Inn, Toledo, OH (0-2)
25t. General Shoe Corporation, Frankfort, KY (0-2)

Joe Gatliff Auto Sales

Joe Gatliff Auto Sales

1956 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1956 held at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Florida on September 3-8.

Champion – Orange Lionettes, Orange, California
Runner Up – Nutrilite Lynx, Buena Park, California

The Orange Lionettes won the championship for the second consecutive year and 5th time overall as they defeated the Buena Park Lynx 1-0 in the Championship game. Teddy Hamilton hurled a perfect game for the Lionettes, striking out 3 batters. She and Nonie Hoehn split the pitching duties for the Orange as former Lionette, Bertha Ragan left after year to join the Raybestos Brakettes. The Lionettes ended the tournament unbeaten and it ended just like it started for them, with a no-hitter. Nonnie Hoehn opened up the tournament hurling a no-hitter for the Lionettess’ first win. In the final game, Thelma Eisen smacked a base hit and then was sacrificed to second by Ricki Caito. Snookie Doyle then doubled home Eisen with the run that would prove to be the only one of the game for either team. Losing pitcher, Pat Snellings of the Lynx gave up only 5 hits in the game, two by Eisen. Eloise Bielefeld tossed a 3-0, 2-hit shutout for the Lynx over the Kansas City Dons in the semifinal to propel the Lynx into the title game.  The Hamilton-Hoehn pitching combo for the Orange hurled 5 shutouts in the 6 games, surrendering only 1 unearned run.

Nonie Hoehn, Orange Lionettes (3-0, 3 shutouts, perfect game, 4 hits, 0 Runs).

Teddy Hamilton, Orange Lionettes (3-0, 2 shutouts, perfect game, 3 hits, 1 unearned run) Pitched a 1-0 perfect game in finals to beat Lynx.

Buena Park Lynx Pitchers – Pat Snellings (4-1) and Eloise Bielefeld (2-1) – combined for 5 shutouts and surrendered only 5 runs in 8 games.

Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Raybestos Brakettes was 4-2 pitching, pitched every inning for the Brakettes, 66 IP, 53 K, no hitter, eliminated by Buena Park 1-0 in 17 innings pitched.

Inez “Chick” Long of Lancaster IBEW Girls was 6 for 10.

  • MVP – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Raybestos Brakettes
  • HR Leader – Pat Snellings, Buena Park Lynx – 1
  • Batting Leader – Inez “Chick” Long, Lancaster IBEW Girls – .600
  • Sportsmanship Award – Margie Law, PSBW Ramblers

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Nonie Hoehn, Orange Lionettes
P – Pat Snellings, Buena Park Lynx (4-1 pitching, 1-13, .076, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 Run)
P – Marion Fox, Toronto Dawes Furs
C – Joy Collict, Toronto Dawes Furs
1B – Robbie Mulkey, Orange Lionettes
2B – Estelle (Ricki) Caito, Orange Lionettes
3B – Carol Spanks, Buena Park Lynx
SS – Snookie Doyle, Orange Lionettes
OF – Jerry Summers, CIO Dons
OF – Hap Beryl-Piper, Erv Lind Florist
OF – Annabelle Lockabey, Orange Lionettes
UTIL – Kay Rich, Fresno Rockets

HONORABLE MENTION

P – Eunice Futch, Bardin Rockets
P – Teddie Hamilton, Orange Lionettes
C – Dot Wilkinson, PSBW Ramblers
C – Pat Rock, CIO Dons
C – Mickie Machetti, Raybestos Brakettes
1B – Zada Bole, PSBW Ramblers
1B – Glorida May, Fresno Rockets
2B – Muri McKenzie, R.H. Hall Girls
2B – Terri Urrutia, Buena Park Lynx
3B – Jeanne Contel, Fresno Rockets
3B – Bobbie Jordan, Orange Lionettes
3B – Margaret Dobson, Erv Lind Florist
SS – Beverly Cox, Erv Lind Florist
SS – Kay Rich, Fresno Rockets
SS – Kathy Bielefeld, Buena Park Lynx
SS – Hazel Gill, Water Maids

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orange Lionettes, Orange, CA (6-0) (Defending Champs)
2. Nutrilite Lynx, Buena Park, CA (6-2) (South Pacific Coast)
3. CIO Dons, Kansas City, MO (3-2) (Western)
4. Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT (4-2) (North Atlantic)
5t. Garten’s Furniture, Toronto, ON (2-2) (East Canada)
5t. Erv Lind Florist, Portland, OR (2-2) (Northwestern)
7t. IBEW Girls, Lancaster, PA (2-2) (Central Atlantic)
7t. Hacienda Rockets, Fresno, CA (2-2) (North Pacific Coast)
9t. PSBW Ramblers, Phoenix, AZ (1-2) (Cactus)
9t. Water Maids, New Orleans, LA (1-2) (Southwestern)
9t. Construction Hornets, Forth Worth, TX (1-2) (Texas)
9t. RH Hall Girls, St. Petersburg, FL (1-2) (Host)
13t. Bardin Rockets, Ashboro, NC (1-2) (Southern)
13t. Anchor Fence Anchorettes, Indianapolis, IN (0-2) (West Central)
13t. Pandoras, New York City, NY (0-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
13t. NW Phantoms, Toledo, OH (0-2) (East Central)
17. El-Car Fences, Denver, CO (0-2) (Rocky Mountain)

NOTES

Northern Champ – Dave’s Comets, Minneapolis, MN (could not attend). South Atlantic Champ – Lorelei Ladies, Atlanta, GA (could not attend).

1956 Raybestos Brakettes. L-R, top row- unidentified, Kathy Ries, Marie “Jo-Jo” Ottaviano, Joan Kammeyer, Mary and Madeline Hartman (behind trophy presentation), Bev Mulonet, unidentified, Brenda Reilly, Joan Wallace, Bertha Ragan, Joan Joyce, Micki Macchietto, John E. Lindquist, Connecticut ASA Commissioner. At trophy presentation- Manager Bernie Kaplan, unidentified, William S. Simpson, General Manager Raybestos Division. Bottom row- Joyce Keatley, Ann DeLuca, Ann Gregorini, Edna Fraser

1956 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1956 held in Sacramento, California.

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

John Hunter of the Bombers out dueled John Spring of Raybestos 2-1 in the winners bracket final, Raybestos then had to defeat the Aurora Sealmasters and MVP Pitcher Harvey Sterkal, which they did, winning 1-0 and got another shot at Hunter and the Bombers in the Final. Hunter dashed that dream, winning his 4th game of the tournament by a 14-9 score. Eddie King came in for relief help. King also pitched an earlier game in the tournament and tossed a no-hitter for the Bombers. There were 44 total home runs hit in this tournament compared to 1955 when there were 8 were hit.

  • MVP – Harvey Sterkel, Aurora Sealmasters
  • Batting Leader – Bobby Forbes, Clearwater Bombers – .471
  • Home Run Leader – Joe Lazarra, White Pot Coffee – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Ed Tickey, Raybestos Cardinals – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Don Ropp, Aurora Sealmasters – 2
  • Home Run Leader – John Spring, Raybestos Cardinals – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Richie Surhoff, Meenan Oilers – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Gordy Neilson, Federal Old Line Insurance – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Jacobs, White Coffee Pot – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Jack McLeod, Raybestos Cardinals – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Pete VanArthos, Meenan Oilers – 2

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Harvey Sterkel, Stephens-Adamson Sealmasters (5-1, 5 shutouts, including 2 one-hitters, 97 K, 51 IP)
P – John Spring, Raybestos Cardinals (5-19, .263, 5 RBI, 7 Runs, also 3-1 pitching)
P – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers (4-0, 28 IP, 45 K)
C – Ed Riddell, Clearwater Bombers
1B – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals
2B – Bill Manary, News-Leader Parrots
3B – Don Ropp, Sealmasters (8-25, .320, 4 RBI, 6 Runs)
SS – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers (5-16, .313, 6 RBI, 5 Runs hit 2 HR in 14-8 championship game)
OF – Bob Sprentall, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Pete Van Arthos, Meenan Oilers
OF – Bobby Forbes, Clearwater Bombers (8-17, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
UT – Richie Surhoff, Meenan Oilers (3-12, .250, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, also 2-1 Pitching)

HONORABLE MENTION

P – Sam Hemphill, White Coffee Pot
P – Weldon Haney, Lake Jackson Gators (2-0)
C – Leroy Hess, Stephens-Adamson Sealmasters
C – Ed Tickey, Raybestos Cardinals (5-16, .313, 2 RBI, 6 Runs)
1B – Joe Lewis, Clearwater Bombers
2B – Don Dwyer, Stephens-Adamson Sealmasters
3B – Gordy Neilson, Federal Old Line
3B – Stan Priebe, Coca-Cola All-Stars
SS – Jack McLeod, Raybestos Cardinals
SS – Pat Campagna, Meenan Oilers
OF – Booker Thomas, Fisher Brothers Tomato Kings
OF – Joe Lazzara, White Coffee Pot (6-12, .500, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
OF – Raymond “Ned” Wickersham, Stephens-Adamson Sealmasters

OTHERS

Eddie King, Clearwater Bombers (1-0, no hitter)
Howie Wieland, Raybestos Cardinals (2-1)
Billy Wojie, Raybestos Cardinals (6-17, .353, 10 RBI – set record for RBI in the Men’s Major National Tournament)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (5-0) (Southern)
2. Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, CT (5-2) (Defending Champ)
3. Stephens-Adamson Sealmasters, Aurora, IL (6-2) (West Central)
4. News-Leader Parrots, Springfield, MO (3-2) (Western)
5t. Federal Old Line Insurance, Seattle, WA (4-2) (Northwestern)
5t. Meenan Oilers, Levittown, NY (2-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
7t. Texas Gators, Lake Jackson, TX (3-2) (Texas)
7t. Atlantic Submarine Fleet, Norfolk, VA (2-2) (US-Navy East)
9t. Fisher’s Tomato Kings, Montreal, Quebec (2-2) (East Canada)
9t. Lincoln Heat Treatment, Detroit, MI (2-2) (East Central)
9t. Miramar Jets, San Diego, CA (2-2) (US-Navy Western)
9t. Anderson Furniture, San Diego, CA (1-2) (South Pacific Coast)
13t. Merchants, Redwood City, CA (1-2) (North Pacific Coast)
13t. Coca Cola All-Stars, Sacramento, CA (2-2) (Host)
13t. White Coffee Pot, Baltimore, MD (2-2) (Central Atlantic)
13t. American Bank, Baton Rouge, LA (1-2) (Southwestern)
17t. Madero Tamaulejas, Tampico (1-2) (Mexico)
17t. New Bar, St. Paul, MN (0-2) (Northern)
17t. Sewart AFB, Smyrna, TN (0-2) (US-Air Force)
17t. Lawson Plumbers, Salt Lake City, UT (0-2) (Cactus)
17t. Arvada Merchants, Denver, CO (0-2) (Rocky Mountain)
17t. Mexico City College (0-2) (Mexico City Metro)
17t. Columbus Auto Body, New Haven, CT (0-2) (North Atlantic)

NOTES

West Canada did not attend a representative. US Army did not send any information.

1955 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1955 held at New Bedford, Illinois on August 28-September 5.

Champion – Nitehawks, Long Beach, California
Runner Up – Condors, Dinuba, California

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – Kenny Law, A-1 Construction
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – LeRoy Zimmerman, Nitehawks
  • Leading Hitter – Charles Fazzone, Future A.C. – .583
  • Most RBI – N/A
  • Most Promising Young Player – Wally Gifford, Potter’s Drive-In

1955 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – LeRoy Zimmerman, Nitehawks
P – Bryan Voigt, Condors
P – Jim Boender, Elites
P – Jack Randall, Nitehawks
C – Stan White, Nitehawks
C – Jack Miers, Elites
C – Don Helmuth, Condors
1B – Larry Silvas, Nitehawks
2B – Ray Unruh, Condors
3B – J.Mato, Condors
SS – Cleo Goyette
OF – Charles Fazzone, New Castle
OF – Lou Novikoff, Nitehawks
OF – Les Arnold, Elites
UTIL – Jim Brown, Reynolds
UTIL – Bob Neely, A-1 Construction

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Nitehawks, Long Beach, CA
2. Condors, Dinuba, CA
3. Elites, New Bedford, IL
4. Local 1014 Chief’s, Gary, IN
5t. A-1 Construction, Phoenix, AZ
5t. Reynolds, Arlington, TX
7t. Future A.C., New Castle, PA
7t. Potter’s Drive-in, Elgin, IL
9t. Public Service Co., Platteville, CO
9t. National Cash Register, Dayton, OH
9t. Motors, Cochituate, MA
9t. Seiben’s Hybrids, Geneseo, IL
13t. Mid-America Securities, Salt Lake City, UT
13t., Springfield, MO
13t. Silver Tavern, Kenosha, WI
13t. VFW, Ft. Madison, IA

1955 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1955 held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Champion – Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, Kentucky
Runner Up – Tresler’s Comets, Cincinnati, Ohio

Lang’s Pet Shop defeated Tresler’s Comets 6-1 in the winners bracket final and watched as the Comets beat Rhodes-Garden Club of Pennsylvania 11-5. Rhodes had previously eliminated last year’s champ, Waldeck’s Tavern by a 13-6 score.

Tresler’s Comets then eliminated Rhodes-Garden 5-1 to get another crack at Lang’s. The Comets defeated Lang’s 7-6 behind the big bat of Jack Carmichael and then forced another game.

Lang’s prevailed in the final championship game 19-13. Paul Zembrodt was 3-4 with a triple, 2 HR and 5 RBI for Lang’s. Ralph Bo Stuntebeck, Jack Nie and Gene Dittoe (2B, 3B, HR, 3 RBI), also collected 3 hits apiece. Bill Zeigler smacked a 3-run homer to chip in for Lang’s. Ed Reuter (HR, 4 RBI) and Art Merten (3B, 3 RBI) led Tresler’s with 3 hits each. Jack Carmichael added 2 more hits, including a double and 2 RBI to complete an outstanding tournament performance. Lang’s pitcher Tom Infield won 5 straight including the winner’s bracket final giving up only 9 runs, he hurled 3 consecutive 1-Run games to the King Seat.

Tresler’s Comets played in the same league as Shield’s Realty, Waldeck’s Tavern, and the Cincinnati Firefighters.

  • MVP – Jack Carmichael, Tresler’s Comets
  • HR Leader – Jack Carmichael, Tresler’s Comets
  • Batting Leader – Gene Dittoe, Lang’s Pet Shop – .667
  • Outstanding Pitcher Award – Tom Imfield, Lang’s Pet Shop

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tom Imfield, Lang’s Pet Shop (6-1 record, gave up only 5 runs in the first 5 games)
C – Francis Scumaci, Continental Can
1B – Art Merten, Tresler’s Comets
2B – Ralph Bo Stuntebeck, Lang’s Pet Shop
3B – Joe Ober, Tresler’s Comets
SS – Bob Trainor, Waldeck’s Tavern
SF – Ed Rueter, Tresler’s Comets
OF – Jack Carmichael, Tresler’s Comets
OF – Walt Wherry, Lang’s Pet Shop
OF – Albert Tankosh, Rhodes-Garden Club
OF – Gene Dittoe, Lang’s Pet Shop (16-24, .667)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, KY (6-1)
2. Tresler’s Comets, Cincinnati, OH (6-2)
3. Rhodes-Garden Club, McKees Rocks, PA (4-2)
4. Continental Can, Pittsburgh, PA (5-2)
5t. Waldeck’s Tavern, Cincinnati, OH (4-2)
5t. Perry Social, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)
7t. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
7t. Oscar’s Alleys, Islip Terrace, NY (3-2)
9t. Delco DIAA, Dayton, OH (2-2)
9t. Jackie’s Bar, Detroit, MI (2-2)
9t. Maltese Drug, Wantagh, NY (2-2)
9t. Homestead Café, Hamilton, OH (1-2)
13t.Engineers, Chattanooga, TN (2-2)
13t. Blue Grass Athletic Club, Louisville, KY (1-2)
13t. Fire and Police, Rossville, GA (1-2)
13t. Victory Club Rainbows, Middleton, CT (1-2)
17t. Oscar’s Boys, Louisville, KY (1-2)
17t. Packard Electric, Warren, OH (1-2)
17t. Steve Master’s Grill, Rochester, NY (0-2)
17t. Twin City Automatics, Minneapolis, MN (0-2)
17t. Slovak Club, Glassmere, PA (0-2)
17t. First Baptist Church, Frankfort, KY (0-2)
17t. Baldwin Piano, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
17t. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (0-2)

1955 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1955 held at Portland, Oregon.

Champion – Orange Lionettes, Orange, California
Runner Up – PBSW Ramblers, Phoenix, Arizona

The Orange Lionettes captured their fourth National championship to move within one of the all time record held by the New Orleans Jax Maids in the 1940’s. The tournament was a one women show as Bertha Ragan-Tickey pitched all five Orange triumphs, 4 of them shutouts (2-0, 3-0, 1-0, 1-0) and the final game, which was a 4-1 victory in which the only run scored by the Ramblers was unearned. This is the 6th straight year that a team from California has won the championship. On another note, this year would mark the last time that Betty Evans Grayson of Erv Lind Florists would play in a National Tournament as she retired after the season. She pitched the Florists over the defending champs, Fresno Rockets 4-1 and then lost the semi-final game to the Ramblers 6-1.

The legendary Nina Korgan of New Orleans Jax Maids fame in the 1940’s, who came out of retirement last year, hurled for the Jurisich Transfer team of New Orleans, LA. She went 1-1 and struck out 25 batters in 18 innings. She pitched last year for the New Orleans team and although lost the Southwestern Regional Final, She was named regional MVP. This year, she led her team to the Regional championship and once again was named Regional MVP. She pitcher in her first ASA National Championship Tournament back in 1935 for the Syracuse, Nebraska Blue Birds.

Carol Nelson, Fresno Rockets (3-2, including a no-hitter).

Erger, Bank of Denver went 5-17, .294, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 Runs.

  • MVP – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes
  • HR Leader – Erger, Bank of Denver – 2
  • Batting Leader – Kay Rich, Leach Motor Rockets – .611

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Margie Law, PBSW Ramblers (4-2, 31 Ks, 42 IP, including a 7-0 no-hitter,  and 6-19 at the plate with a .316 batting average)
P – Norma Jean McDaniel, KC CIO-AFL Dons (2-2, 20 Ks, 28 IP), She also went 7-13, .538 batting.
P – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes (5-0, 4 shutouts, 1 Unearned Run, 35 IP, 52 K), won final 4-1, her triple drove in 2 runs. She had a no-hitter and a 1-hitter.
C – Dot Wilkinson, PBSW Ramblers (9-20, .450, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
1B – Gloria May, Fresno Hacienda Rockets (8-18, .444)
2B – Beverly Cox, Erv Lind Florists
3B – Jeanne Contel, Fresno Hacienda Rockets
SS – Kay Rich, Fresno Hacienda Rockets (11-18, 10 RBI, which set the tournament RBI record, 6 Runs, and she had 5 hits, including a grand slam and 6 RBI in one game)
OF – Jerry Pollard, Fresno Hacienda Rockets
OF – Zada Boles, PBSW Ramblers
OF – Thelma Eisen, Orange Lionettes
UTIL – Harriet Leeke, PBSW Ramblers

HONORABLE MENTION

1B – Virginia Bickle, PBSW Ramblers
3B – Margaret Dobson, Erv Lind Florists
SS – Kay Rohrer, PBSW Ramblers
OF – Carolyn Thome, Caterpillar Dieselettes.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orange Lionettes, Orange, CA (5-0) (South Pacific Coast)
2. PBSW Ramblers, Phoenix, AZ (4-2) (Cactus)
3. Erv Lind Florists, Portland, OR (4-2) (Host)
4. Hacienda Rockets, Fresno, CA (3-2) (Defending Champ)
5t. Bank of Denver, Denver, CO (3-2) (Rocky Mountain)
5t. Tilden U-Drive It, Vancouver, BC (3-2) (West Canada)
7t. RH Hall, St. Petersburg, FL (2-2) (Southern)
7t. CIO-AFL Dons, Kansas City, MO (2-2) (Western)
9t. National Cash Register, Dayton, OH (1-2) (East Central)
9t. Caterpillar Dieselettes, Peoria, IL (1-2) (West Central)
9t. Jurisich Transfer, New Orleans, LA (1-2) (Southwestern)
9t. Arcade Pontiac, Washington DC (1-2) (Central Atlantic)
13t. Texas Motorettes, Fort Worth, TX (0-2) (Texas)
13t. Airflytes, Seattle, WA (0-2) (Northwestern)
13t. Muirhead Transfer, Toronto, ON (0-2) (East Canada)
13t. Jet Girls, Alameda, CA (0-2) (North Pacific Coast)

NOTES

North Atlantic – Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT could not attend. Mid-Atlantic – Pandoras, New York City, NY did not attend. Northern – Shaper Sales, Minneapolis, MN did not attend. Texas Motorettes, Fort Worth, TX went in place of Texas Champ – Tandy Leatherettes, Forth Worth, TX, who could not attend.

1955 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1955 held in Clearwater, Florida.

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

After being so close for a while now, the Raybestos Cardinals finally reached the summit. They won their first National Crown and defeated the Clearwater Bombers in doing so. The Bombers were knocked into the loser’s bracket and had to win three straight to claim the crown. They defeated the Trenton Democratic Club of Baltimore 2-0 in 10 innings. Then in the first final, the Bombers won another 2-0 battle behind John Hunter’s 3-hit shutout and Harry Hancock’s double. But, when it came down to the Final game for the title, Howie Wieland hurled the 10 inning 2-0 victory and for good measure, he delivered the double that produced the two runs. Hunter went 9 innings in the final game and Eddie King came in to pitch the 10th inning and gave up the winning runs and was charged with loss.

  • MVP – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers
  • Batting Leader – Marion Cook, Standard Parts – .500
  • Home Run Leader – Ben Karrless, Lackland AFB War Hawks – 1
  • Home Run Leader – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Jim Ellis, Clearwater Bombers – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Frank Binkley, State Farm Insurance – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Palmer, Coca Cola – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Perry, Yellow Cab Merchants – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Tony Pagluica, Raybestos Cardinals – 1

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – John Spring, Raybestos Cardinals (3-1, 36 IP, 34 K, 3 Shutouts)
P – Harvey Sterkel, Merchants
P – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers (4-0, 44 IP, 47 K, pitched the winners bracket final, winning 1-0)
C – Ernie Bertolini, Trenton Democratic Club
1B – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals
2B – Don Miles, State Farm Insurance
3B – Billy Wojie, Raybestos Cardinals
SS – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers (.318)
OF – Bob Sprentall, Clearwater Bombers (.304)
OF – Frank Binkley, State Farm Insurance
OF – Jim Ellis, Clearwater Bombers
UT – Tony Pagliuca, Raybestos Cardinals

HONORABLE MENTION

P – Clarence “Buck” Miller, Standard Parts (2-2, 24 IP, 41 K)
P – Howard Wieland, Raybestos Cardinals (2-0, 17 IP, 18 K, pitched 2-hit shutout and drove in both runs in 2-0 championship)
P – Eddie King, Clearwater Bombers (2-1, 10 IP, 15 K)
C – Marion “Rabbit” Cook, Standard Parts (8-16, 3 RBI)
2B – Jerry Curtis, Clearwater Bombers
SS – Jack McLeod, Raybestos Cardinals
OF – Bill Baroff, Raybestos Cardinals
OF – Ray Gawerecki, Hanley’s Real Estate
OF – Ben Karass, Lackland AFB

OTHERS

Herb Dudley (1-0, 12 IP, 12 K)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, CT (6-1) (North Atlantic)
2. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (6-2) (Defending Champ)
3. Trenton Democratic Club, Baltimore, MD (4-2) (Central Atlantic)
4. State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL (4-2) (West Central)
5t. Standard Parts, Memphis, TN (3-2) (Southwestern)
5t. Haney Real Estate, Omaha, NE (2-2) (Western)
7t. Yellow Cab Merchants, Denver, CO (2-2) (Rocky Mountain)
7t. Coca Cola, Sacramento, CA (2-2) (North Pacific Coast)
9t. Roth’s Rangers, Clearwater, FL (2-2) (Host)
9t. Hilliard’s Cafe, Houston, TX (2-2) (Texas)
9t. Canton YMCA, Canton, NC (1-2) (Southern)
9t. Lackland AFB War Hawks, San Antonio, TX (1-2) (Air Force)
13t. McAllister Studebakers, Albuquerque, NM (0-2) (Cactus)
13t. Hispano Americana, Manzanillo, Cuba (0-2) (Cuba)
13t. New Bar, St. Paul, MN (0-2) (Northern)
13t. Flame Show Bar, Detroit, MI (0-2) (East Central)
17t. Shamrock Tavern, Longview, WA (0-2) (Northwestern)
17t. Kodak Park AA, Rochester, NY (0-2) (Mid Atlantic)

NOTES

South Pacific Coast Champ – Anderson Furniture, San Diego, CA did not attend. Fisher Brothers, Montreal, Quebec were supposed to go in place of Canada Champ – Lew Kanes, Windsor, ON but could not attend. US Army Champ – First Army, Fort Monmouth, NJ did not attend. US Navy Champ – Submarine Bs, New London, CT did not attend.

1954 NSC Women’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1954 held at Phoenix, Arizona

Champion – A-1 Queens, Phoenix, Arizona
Runner Up – Georgia Peaches, Atlanta, Georgia

The A-1 Queens won the last ever NSC Women’s Championship by defeating the Atlanta Peaches 5-3 in the final.

Alma Wilson won her 5th game out of the 6 games the Quuens played. She was relieved in the 6th inning with a (5-1) lead.

Rosemary Urtuzuastegui, who previously won a game in the tournament for Phoenix surrendered 2 runs and then pitched out of another jam in the last inning with the tying runs on base to preserve the 5-3 Championship game victory. Urtuzuastegui was 1-0 in the tournament, hurling 13 innings and gave up 4 runs.

Alma Wilson, former Oklahoma City Hurler now pitching for the Queens was (5-0) and surrendered 13 hits and 7 runs in the 41 innings she pitched.

Shortstop Bev Cox was named the MVP as she came through with hits when needed and played a tremendous defense. Her bat got the Queens off and running in the opening game of the tournament as she was 3-3 with a HR and 3 RBIs in the 6-2 win.

The Queens outscored their opponents 38-11 in the 6 games.

Queens Dodie Nelson swung a hot bat and was named the batting champ.

In 1955 the National Softball Congress (NSC) disbanded the Women’s portion of their National Championship Tournament.

  • MVP Award – Beverly Cox, A-1 Queens (Great defensive play at shortstop position led Queens to the title. She also had a good tournament at the plate driving in runs and also hit a HR)
  • Outstanding Pitcher – Alma Wilson, Phoenix (5-0), 41 IP, gave up 13 hits and 7 runs)
  • Leading Hitter – Dodie Nelson, A-1 Queens (12-24) – .500
  • Miss Softball Award – Jan Newman, A-1 Queens (Second Basemen, had 2 RBIs in Final and also drove in a run in the semi-final series)

1954 NSC ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Alma Wilson, Phoenix A-1 Queens (5-0)
P – Dorothy Dean, Georgia Peaches (3-3)
P – Lucy Munoz, Tempe Arizona Debs (3-3)
C – Goldie Darby, Georgia Peaches
C – Charlene Woodward, Phoenix A-1 Queens
1B – Catherine Rochelle, Georgia Peaches
2B – Louise Hamrick, Georgia Peaches
3B – Gerry Pomeroy, Oklahoma City Ramblers
SS – Beverly Cox, Phoenix A-1 Queens
OF – Jeanna Hernandez, Tempe Arizona Debs
OF – Dixie McCarty, Phoenix A-1 Queens
OF – Dodie Nelson, Phoenix A-1 Queens
UTIL – Stretch Lopez, Oklahoma City Ramblers
UTIL – Betty Sipe, Tucson Rancherettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. A-1 Queens, Phoenix, AZ (6-0)
2. Georgia Peaches, Atlanta, GA (3-3)
3. Tempe Debs, Tempe, AZ (3-3)
4. Tucson Rancherettes, Tucson, AZ (2-3)
5t. Oklahoma City Ramblers, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
5t. Childress All Stars, Childress, TX (0-2)
7. Rhor Jewelers, West Allis, WI (0-2)

* Winners bracket semifinals and finals were best of 3 series.

HONORS

  • All Time MVP – Dodie Nelson
  • All Time Outstanding Pitcher – Charlotte Armstrong

Pos – Player, team AA Awards and Other Accolades
P – Charlotte Armstrong 6x AA, 3x MV-Pitcher (23-4 NSC Championship Record)
P – Carolyn Morris 4x AA, 2x MV-Pitcher, 1x Miss Softball (13-1 Record)
P – Lottie Jackson 3x AA, 1x MV-Pitcher (9-4 Record)
P – Betty Evans 2x AA, 1x MV-Pitcher (9-2 Record)
C – Lois Williams 6x AA, 1x MVP, 1x Miss Softball
1B – Flossie Ballard 3x AA
1B – Robbie Mulkey 3x AA
2B – Margie Yetmen 4x AA, 1x MVP, 1x Leading Hitter
2B – Hazel Gill 2x AA
3B – Mildred Dixon 2x AA
3B – Margaret Dobson 2x AA, 1x Miss Softball
SS – Kay Rohrer 4x AA
SS – Bev Cox 2x AA, 1x MVP
OF – Dodie Nelson 8x AA, 2x MVP, 2x Leading Hitter, 1x Miss Softball
OF – Dottie Myers 3x AA
OF – Mearle Keagle 2x AA
OF – Elizabeth Locke 2x AA, 1x MVP
UTIL – Alma Wilson 5x AA, 1x MVP, 1x MV-Pitcher, 2x Leading Hitter
UTIL – Alice Jorgensen 4x AA, 1x Leading Hitter
UTIL – Shirley Topley 2x AA
UTIL – Bonnie Martin 1x AA, 1x MVP

All Time Team – A-1 Queens, 5x Champ, 2x runner-up, 1x 4th
HM – Erv Lind Florists 1x Champ, 1x runner-up, 1x 3rd
HM – Funk Gems/Mesa Premiums 1x Champ, 1x runner-up, 1x 3rd
HM – Jax Maids 1x Champ, 1x 3rd

1954 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1954 held at Selma, California on August 28-September 6.

Champion – Hoak Packers, Selma, California
Runner Up – Condors, Dinuba, California

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – N/A
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – Dana Exum, Condors
  • Leading Hitter – Cleo Goyette, Nitehawks – .500
  • Most RBI – N/A

1954 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Dana Exum, Condors
P – LeRoy Zimmerman, Hoak Packers
P – Bryan Voigt, Condors
C – Stan White, Nitehawks
C – Hal Britton, Hoak Packers
1B – Bob McTeer, Condors
2B – Cleo Goyette, Nitehawks
3B – Clint Herron, Nitehawks
3B – James Abbot, Lyons
SS – Bruce Stone, Condors
OF – Ray Meagher, Hoak Packers
OF – Les Ratzlaff, Condors
OF – Ted Fuchs, Hoak Packers
OF – Abe Klassen, Condors
UTIL – Weldon Haney, Lyons
UTIL – Ray Unruh, Condors

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Hoak Packers, Selma, CA
2. Condors, Dinuba, CA
3. Nitehawks, Long Beach, CA
4. Lyons, Lorenzo, TX
5t. Elites, New Bedford, IL
5t. Merchants, Plattville, CO
7t. VFW, Ft.Madison, IA
7t. Yerger Insurance Co., Fresno, CA
9t. Douglas Aircraft Co., Tulsa, OK
9t. Harsch Lumber Co., Longmont, CO
9t. Toy of the Month Club, Salt Lake City, UT
9t. Ingating, Covington, KY
13t. Mathes Coolers, Arlington, TX
13t. Blocks, Norristown, PA
13t. Motors, Cochituate, MA
13t. National Cash Register, Dayton, OH

1954 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1954 held at Bonneycastle Field and Brown & Williamson Field in Louisville, Kentucky on September 4-6.

Champion – Waldeck’s Tavern, Cincinnati, Ohio
Runner Up – National Fruit Merchants, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Waldeck’s Tavern won 6 straight games to capture the title, outscoring their opponents 82-36 along the way. They defeated Peerless Woolens of Georgia 32-7 in the winners bracket final behind the hitting of Jerry Huber, Fred Heimkreiter and John Drees, all of which had five hits. Drees getting a couple homers.

Waldeck’s collected 38 hits in the contest. Waldeck’s then sat back and waited as last year’s runner-up, Pittsburgh National Fruit eliminated defending champs, Shields Contractors 5-4 and then disposed of Peerless Woolens 15-11 in the losers bracket final to get back to the finals.

Waldeck’s Tavern proved to be too strong as it won final 13-7 hitting 8 HR, John Drees went 4 for 4 and hit 4 straight homers while Frank Hiemkrieter, Jim Trainor, Bob Trainor, and Frank Kramer each had 1 to back the pitching of Malio Valvano (Valvano surrendered only 31 runs in 6 games for Waldeck). Drees ended the tournament getting 9 straight hits, including 6 HR.

Pittsburgh pitcher Tony Bova had 2 home runs in a losing cause for the National Fruit Merchants. Mike Sabbio and Bruce Gilbert also hit HR for Pittsburgh. James Caldwell of Shields went 13-18 to lead the tournament in hitting.

Ralph Bo Stuntebeck, delayed due to work commitments, only played the last two games for Shields, yet still made the all-tournament team as he went 6-9 with 3 HR and 2 doubles.

Donnie Key of the Louisville Stars started the tournament with 8 straight hits, before going 2-4 with 2 HR in the third game.

Some sources say the MVP would have been Waldeck’s pitcher, Malio Valvano, pitching Waldeck’s to the title.

  • MVP – N/A
  • HR Leader – John Drees, Waldeck’s Tavern
  • Batting Leader – James Caldwell, Shields – .722
  • Outstanding Pitcher Award – Malio Valvano, Waldeck’s Tavern

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Malio Valvano, Waldeck’s Tavern (6-1)
P – Tony Bova, National Fruit Merchants (6-2)
C – Fred Heimkreiter, Waldeck’s Tavern
1B – Don Heilman, Shield’s Realty
2B – Ralph Bo Stuntebeck, Shield’s Realty (6-9, .667, 3 HR)
3B – Charles Geyer, Peerless Woolens
SS – Bob Trainor, Waldeck’s Tavern
OF – Myron Reinhardt, Shield’s Realty
OF – John Drees, Waldeck’s Tavern (9-9 with 6 HR in last 2 games)
OF – Walt Wherry, Keeneland Bar
OF – Donnie Key, Oertels Stars Brewers (10-15, .667, 2 HR)
MGR – Mike Waldeck, Waldeck’s Tavern

OTHERS

  • James Caldwell, Shield’s Realty (13-18, .722)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Waldeck’s Tavern, Cincinnati, OH (6-0)
2. National Fruit Merchants, Pittsburgh, PA (6-2)
3. Peerless Woolens, Rossville, GA (3-2)
4. Shield’s Realty, Newport, KY (4-2)
5t. Keeneland Bar, Covington, KY (2-2)
5t. Fire Fighters, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
7t. Oertels Stars Brewers, Louisville, KY (3-2)
7t. Delco, Dayton, OH (2-2)
9t. Klug Trucking, Hamilton, OH (2-2)
9t. Sterling Sters, Louisville, KY (2-2)
9t. Early Times Distillers, Louisville, KY (1-2)
9t. Continental Can, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
13t. Boisel Tire, Springfield, OH (0-2)
13t. Forks of Elkhorn, Frankfort, KY (0-2)
13t. RBM, Knoxville, TN (0-2)
13t. Engineers, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
17t. Twin City Automatics, Minneapolis, MN (0-2)
17t. Schwedes/Charley Geigers, Lakewood, OH (0-2)