Softball History USA

NSA Women’s 16 Inch Slow Pitch

Year Champion Runner-up MVP
2002 Blaze, Chicago, IL Sloan Value, Broadview, IL Charlene Davis, Blaze
2003 Blaze, Chicago, IL Brat Pack, Normandy Park, IL Rosie Guraci, Blaze

The tournament was discontinued after the 2003 season.

NSA Men’s 16 Inch Slow Pitch

 

Year Champion Runner-up MVP
2000 Jynx, Chicago, IL Rebels, Hickory Hills, IL Tom Balek, Jynx
2001 McDivots, Palos Heights, IL Fat Sam’s, Chicago, IL Darren Neputy, McDivots
2002 Storm, Whiting, IN Iron Men, Chicago, IL Mick Balestri, Storm
2003 Out There, Berwyn, IL Smitty’s, Bensenville, IL Wayne Wenke, Out There
2004 Gator Aid, IL Storm, Whiting, IN Ron Risden, Gator Aid
2005 Lugnuts, Whiting, IN Fiasco, Palatine, IL N/A
2006 Binge, Chicago, IL AJ’s Bevi, Naperville, IL N/A
2007 Lemons, Berwyn, IL Wallace, Forest Park, IL Brian Rice, Wallace
2008 Rats, Chicago, IL Cowboys, Chicago, IL N/A
2009 Mutiny, Worth, IL Thunder, Palatine, IL Brian Rice, Wallace
2010 OBI, Chicago, IL Mutiny, Worth, IL N/A
2011 Bushleaguers, Chicago, IL Dirty South, Chicago, IL N/A
2012 Lugnuts, Whiting, IN Money Ball, Chicago, IL N/A
2013 Snappers, Chicago, IL Hammer the Clam, Whiting, IN N/A

The tournament was discontinued after 2014.

USSSA Men’s A 16 Inch Slow Pitch

Year Champion Runner-up MVP
1989 Hometown Crush, Chicago, IL Irving’s Red Hots, Broadview, IL Mick Balestri, Hometown Crush
1990 Irving’s Red Hots, Broadview, IL N/A N/A
1991 Revere Electric Longshots, Chicago, IL Falco’s Pizza Unknowns, Chicago, IL N/A
1992 Luciano’s Gamblers, Cicero, IL California Gold, Cicero, IL Mick Balestri, Luciano’s Gamblers
1993 Jokermen, Palos, IL Pandas, Downers Grove, IL Rick Mindo, Jokermen
1994 DLD, Dolton, IL Mudcats, Calumet City, IL N/A
1995 Jimbos Crush, Boyce Park, IL Kennedy Park Problems, Chicago, IL Mick Balestri, Jimbos Crush

Tournament discontinued in 1996.

USSSA Men’s Major 16 Inch Slow Pitch

Year Champion Runner-up MVP
1969 Marston’s Sporting Goods, Phoenix, AZ Tappa Keggas, Torrance, CA Jerry Stiteler, Marston’s Sporting Goods
1970 Wild Mustangs, Torrance, CA Los Angeles Old-Timers, Los Angeles, CA Bob Williams, Wild Mustangs
1971 Redondo Beach AC, Redondo Beach, CA Tissaw’s, Flagstaff, AZ Harry Jenkins, Redondo Beach AC
1972 Redondo Beach AC, Redondo Beach, CA Long Beach Seahawks, Long Beach, CA N/A
1973 Dependable Trophies, Torrance, CA Tappa Keggas, Torrance, CA N/A
1974 Tully Tappa Keggas, Torrance, CA Torrance AC, Torrance, CA Torrance AC, Torrance, CA
1975 Tappa Keggas, Torrance, CA Hawthorne Old-Timers, Los Angeles, CA N/A
1976 The Beacon, Racine, WI Saxon Lodge, Hidden Lake, IN Dick Laba, The Beacon
1976 Western Salty Dogs, Mosher Beach, CA Dependable Trophies, Torrance, CA Ross Pittman, Salty Dogs
1977 K-Club, Phoenix, AZ Moe Allen Body Shop, Phoenix, AZ Kurt Nielson, K-CLUB
1978 not held
1979 not held
1980 Hiller & Hamm, McHenry, IL Nancy’s Tavern/Hiller Construction, McHenry, IL Gary Ryndak, Chicagoans
1981 C&K Old Style Bobcats, Chicago, IL Waukegan, IL Jerry Kelleher, C&K Old Style Bobcats
1982 Budweiser Whips, Harvey, IL C&K Old Style Bobcats, Chicago, IL Mike Tallo, Budweiser Whips
1983 Budweiser Whips, Harvey, IL Rat Pack Runts-Rollers, Chicago, IL John Kelleher, Budweiser Whips
1984 Budweiser Whips, Harvey, IL Stompers, Chicago, IL Jack Kelly, Budweiser Whips
1985 Stompers, Chicago, IL Budweiser Whips, Harvey, IL N/A
1986 J-Birds, Mt. Prospect, IL Stompers, Chicago, IL N/A
1987 Apple Chevrolet Whips, Harvey, IL Sports Station, Blue Island, IL N/A
1988 Apple Chevrolet Whips, Harvey, IL Meadows, Rolling Meadows, IL Dave Brishoff, Apple Chevrolet Whips, Jerry Keller, Apple Chevrolet Defensive MVP
1989 Bud Light Blues, Mt. Prospect, IL Pete’s Hideway Whips, Chicago, IL Gary Mariano, Blues
1990 Miller Taggers, Mt. Prospect, IL Aces, Chicago, IL Ken Butzen, Miller Taggers
1991 Miller Taggers, Mt. Prospect, IL March Manufacturing, Glenview, IL Mike Stout, Miller Taggers
1992 Old Style Rabbits, Chicago, IL Stickmen, Chicago, IL Rich Ladewig, Old Style Rabbits
1993 Ice Softball, Cicero, IL L.A. Peacemakers, Chicago, IL Mike Stout, Ice Softball
1994 Lettuce, Chicago, IL Ice, Mt. Prospect, IL Don Mustari, Lettuce
1995 Thrashers, Mt. Prospect, IL Ice House, Chicago, IL N/A

Tournament discontinued in 1996.

ASA Men’s A 16 Inch Slow Pitch

Year Champion Runner-up MVP
1984 Golden Q, Mishawaka, IN Woodrow Wilson, Whiting, IN N/A
1985 Last Chance, Aberdeen, SD Turtles, Des Plains, IL N/A
1986 Edison Park Inn, Chicago, IL Turtles, Des Plains, IL Kurt Uidal, Turtles
1987 Aces, Chicago, IL Touch of Class, Chicago, IL Mike Brady, Aces
1988 Doctors, Chicago, IL Bridgeport Crush, Chicago, IL N/A
1989 Aces, Chicago, IL Saints, Chicago, IL Team MVP-Aces
1990 Chicago Gamblers, Chicago, IL Bridgeport Crush, Chicago, IL N/A
1991 Stickmen, Chicago, IL Doctors, Chicago, IL N/A
1992 Ice, Cecero, IL Saints, Chicago, IL N/A
1993 Galeswood, Chicago, IL Panthers, Chicago, IL N/A
1994 Rebels, Chicago, IL Gators, Chicago, IL Tom Neputy, Rebels
1995 Jynx, Chicago, IL Scooters, Chicago, IL Mark Munnizzi, Jynx
1996 Trojans, Mt. Prospect, IL Flash, Melrose Park, IL N/A
1997 Splinters, Chicago, IL Crush, Chicago, IL Mitch Grubisic, Crush
1998 Men From Uncle, Blue Island, IL Candelight Shooters, Chicago, IL Mike McKenna, Men from Uncle
1999 Lemonheads, Chicago, IL Traffic, Mt. Prospect, IL N/A
2000 Trojans, Mt. Prospect, IL Storm, Whiting, IN Dave Maize, Trojans
2001 Rebel’s, Chicago, IL Crush, Chicago, IL John Pellegrino, Rebels
2002 Mudville, Cicero, IL Storm, Whiting, IN John Doss, Mudville
2003 Outsiders, Chicago, IL Lobcocks, Chicago, IL Kenny Keselica and Tim Laughlin, Outsiders (Co-MVPs)
2004 Binge, Chicago, IL Lemonheads, Chicago, IL Chuck Wiggington, Binge
2005 Steel Gold, Chicago, IL Lugnuts, Whiting, IN Gary Johns, Steel Gold
2006 Woodpeckers, Melrose Park, IL Roadhouse, Chicago, IL John Eccardt, Woodpeckers
2007 Thunder, Mt. Prospect, IL Wallace, Forest Park, IL Steve Rigney, Thunder
2008 Kings, Rolling Meadows, IL Crush, Chicago, IL Rob Sniegowski, Kings
2009 Traffic, Chicago, IL OBI, Chicago, IL Jerry Ulrich, Traffic
2010 Eastern Lounge, Mt. Prospect, IL Barrage, Mt. Prospect, IL Jack Naranishi, Lounge
2010 Western Budweiser Kongs, Yuma, AZ Busters Revenge, Long Beach, CA Ray McGowan, Budweiser Longs
2011 Eastern Solutions, Chicago, IL Roto Rooter Bombers, Cedar Rapids, IA Antone Thrash, Solutions
2011 Western Cancelled
2012 Smackout, Summit, IL Da Hood, Chicago, IL Rich Aseves, Smackout
2013 Punch, Chicago, IL Rip, Chicago, IL Juner Leonard, Punch
2014 Silver Bullets, Chicago, IL Players, Elmwood Park, IL Joe Peterson, Silver Bullets
2015 Budweiser, Yuma, AZ Remax/Team Kleen, Yuma, AZ Matt Fox, Budweiser
2016 Cancelled

The tournament was discontinued after 2016.

ASA Men’s Major 16 Inch Slow Pitch

Before the Official 16-inch Slow Pitch National Championships were conceived in 1964, there was a National Slow Pitch Championship held in Chicago at the World’s Fair in 1933. The First Men’s and Women’s Fast Pitch Championships were held at the same time, but 10 teams opted to play a “Slow Pitch” version.  The 14 Inch ball was used. When the dust cleared, it was an all-Chicago finale as Cuyler Missions of Chicago’s Church League were crowned the National Slow Pitch Champions by defeating the Cinderella Florists, who won the Chicago Open title, 10-6 in the Championship game. No information is available on the standings. Here is the list of the 10 teams that entered, all mostly champions of Chicago Area programs. The program the team came from, if any is listed along with who they beat to get the invitation to the Nationals.

Year Champion Runner-Up MVP
1933 Cuyler’s Missions, Chicago, IL Cinderella Florists, Chicago, IL N/A
1964 Bobcats, Chicago, IL Ken Allen Company, Chicago, IL N/A
1965 E. Miller Ins./Bobcats, Chicago, IL Ken Allen Company, Chicago, IL N/A
1966 Sobies, Chicago, IL Bobcats, Chicago, IL Ed Surma, Sobies (21-24, .875)
1967 Sobies, Chicago, IL Miller-Zolna’s, Chicago, IL Lynwood Earl Creech, Ritz Restaurant
1968 Sobies, Chicago, IL Bobcats, Chicago, IL Henry Currie Jr., Kuppenheimer Clothes
1969 Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats, Fox Lake, IL Sobies, Chicago, IL Eddie Zolna, Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats
1970 Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats, Fox Lake, IL Dwarf’s, Chicago Jake Jacobi, Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats
1971 Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats, Fox Lake, IL Sobies, Chicago, IL Eddie Zolna, Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats
1972 Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats, Fox Lake, IL American Rivet, Chicago, IL Frank Lentine, Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats
1973 Bobcats, Chicago, IL Kerr Sporting Goods, Phoenix, AZ 1st MVP – Eddie Zolna, Dr. Carlucci’s Bobcats, 2nd MVP – Sal Martinez, Kerr Sporting Goods
1974 Strikers, Chicago, IL (181-12) Danan’s Inn, Pell Lake, WI Len West, Strikers
1975 Josef’s Restaurant, Chicago’s Danan’s Inn, Pell Lake, WI Mike Marchinski, Josef’s Restaurant
1976 Republican Bank Bobcats, Chicago, IL Amalga Monsters, Chicago, IL Willie Simpson, Republican Bank Bobcats
1977 Bobcats, Chicago, IL American Rivet, Chicago, IL Willie Simpson, Bobcats
1978 Bobcats, Chicago, IL Big Banjo Sports Pub, Wheaton, IL Larry Kelly, Bobcats
1979 Bobcats, Chicago, IL Monsters, Chicago, IL Ron Olesiak, Bobcats
1980 Har-Crest Whips, Chicago, IL Monsters, Chicago, IL Mike Glab, Muskets
1981 Budweiser Whips, Chicago, IL C&K Old Style Bobcats, Harvey, IL Jerry Kelleher, Budweiser Whips
1982 Park Avenue Spats, Chicago, IL Motherlode Runts, Des Plaines, IL Jim Fanta, Park Avenue Spats
1983 Budweiser Whips, Chicago, IL (113-8) Stray Cats, Hanover Park, IL Jack Kelly, Budweiser Whips
1984 Budweiser Whips, Chicago, IL Safari Tigers, Chicago, IL Jack Kelly, Budweiser Whips
1985 Touch, Chicago, IL Safari Tigers, Chicago, IL Randy Lee, Safari Tigers
1986 Ducks, Oak Lawn, IL Coopers Sporting Goods, Meadows, IL Tom Czarnick, Coopers Sporting Goods
1987 Sports Station, Blue Island, IL Whips, Chicago, IL Larry Kelly, Sports Station
1988 Whips, Chicago, IL Auto Mart, Mount Prospect, IL Mark Wilson, Whips
1989 Whips, Chicago, IL Bud North, Mount Prospect, IL Wally Filkins, Whips
1990 Pete’s Hidaway Whips, Chicago, IL Splinter’s Sports Club, Mount Prospect, IL Jack Kelly, Pete’s Hidaway Whips
1991 Splinter’s Sports Club, Mount Prospect, IL Lettuce Entertain You, Chicago, IL Tom Czarnick, Splinter’s Sports Club
1992 Lettuce, Chicago, IL March Manufacturing, Mount Prospect, IL Matt Biondic, Lettuce
1993 Lettuce, Chicago, IL March Manufacturing, Mount Prospect, IL Frank Mustari, Lettuce
1994 Hollywood Casino, Mount Prospect, IL Prime Time, Mount Prospect, IL Dello Bianchini, Hollywood Casino
1995 Carpet Country, Marshalltown, IA Life-Prime Time, Hodgkins, IL Brad Van Meter and Rick Barnes, Carpet Country (Co-MVPs)
1996 Lettuce, Chicago, IL Splinters Sports, Hodgkins, IL Tom Czarnick, Lettuce
1997 Miller Lite-Splinters, Hodgkins, IL Lettuce, Chicago, IL Rich Vila and Keith Filkins, Miller Lite-Splinters (Co-MVP’s)
1998 Lettuce, Chicago, IL Miller 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL N/A
1999 Puglise Softball, Riverside, IL Lettuce, Chicago, IL David Bischoff and Keith Filkins, Puglise Softball (Co-MVP’s)
2000 Licorice, Mount Prospect, IL Bucks Softball, Mount Prospect, IL Randy Russ, Licorice
2001 Miller 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL Bucks Softball, Mount Prospect, IL N/A
2002 Licorice, Mount Prospect, IL Stover Softball, West Des Moines, IA Randy Russ, Licorice
2003 Golden Tee 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL Stover Softball, West Des Moines, IA Mark Holstein, Golden Tee 45’s
2004 Miller 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL Flash, Des Plains, IL Jeff Berger, Miller 45’s
2005 Miller 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL (86-5) Bucketheads, Mount Prospect, IL Rick Gancarz and Jim Matlock, Miller 45’s (Co-MVP’s)
2006 Miller 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL Maxim, Chicago, IL Mark Holstein and Larry Downes, Miller 45’s (Co-MVP’s)
2007 Miller 45’s, Mount Prospect, IL Stover Softball, West Des Moines, IA None selected (Keith Filkens, Miller 45s, batting leader)
2008 Flashback, Mount Prospect, IL Stover Softball, West Des Moines, IA Ralph Lawrence, Flashback
2009 Flashback, Mount Prospect, IL Jynx, Chicago, IL Randy Russ, Flashback
2010 Windy City Softball, Franklin Park, IL Flashback, Mount Prospect, IL Pat Caputo, Windy City Softball
2011 Tides, Marshalltown, IA Cover, Urbandale, IA N/A
2012 OBI, Chicago, IL Roadrunners, Rolling Meadows, IL John Ryan, OBI
2013 OBI, Chicago, IL Roadrunners, Rolling Meadows, IL John Ryan, OBI
2014 OBI, Chicago, IL Impact, Mount Prospect, IL N/A
2015 Solutions, Chicago, IL N/A N/A
2016 Solutions, Chicago, IL N/A N/A
2017 Solutions, Chicago, IL N/A N/A
2018 Solutions, Chicago, IL Trash, Chicago, IL Levar Brown, Solutions
2019 Solutions, Chicago, IL N/A N/A
2020 Pharaohs, Chicago, IL Moist, Chicago, IL Curtis King and Shavantae Samuels, Pharaohs
2021 N/A N/A N/A

Chicago started its own Labor Day Major Nationals in 2014. ASA called these tournaments “National Invitationals”.

Sikorsky Aircraft

Sikorsky Aircraft numbers were astronomical in ASA Major Industrial Softball. It was hard to find stats for these guys at nationals as they weren’t covered well. These guys also played regular open softball on the class A level and they made a couple All-American teams and also played with Bender Plumbing in 40 & Over Nationals and some are still playing 50+ softball.

In 2015 and 2016 industrial nationals were cancelled. In 2017 the industrial softball nationals were no longer offered.

Sikorsky Aircraft played in 46 ASA Industrial Major Nationals

  • 18 Championships
  • 9 Runner-Ups
  • 3 Third Place
  • 1 Fourth Place
  • 3 Fifth Place
  • 7 times 6th through 10th
  • 27 of 46 years, played in Championship Game(s)
  • 34 years of 46, finished in top 5
  • 41 years of 46, finished in top 10
  • 5 times finished outside of the top 10
  • 25 year period from 1979-2004, 16 Championships and 5 Runner-ups.
  • 7 straight championships 1992-1998
  • 10 of 12 years were champions, 1990-2001

NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS PARTICIPATION FROM 1963

  • 1963 – 14th Place
  • 1964 – lost in states
  • 1965 – lost in states
  • 1966 – lost in states
  • 1967 – 9th Place
  • 1968 – 4th Place
  • 1969 – 2nd Place
  • 1970 – 2nd Place
  • 1971 – lost in states
  • 1972 – 10th Place
  • 1973 – 8th Place
  • 1974 – 23rd Place
  • 1975 – 12th Place
  • 1976 – lost in regionals
  • 1977 – 9th Place
  • 1978 – 33rd Place
  • 1979 – Champions
  • 1980 – Champions
  • 1981 – 6th Place
  • 1982 – Champions
  • 1983 – 2nd Place
  • 1984 – Champions
  • 1985 – 2nd Place
  • 1986 – 9th Place
  • 1987 – Champions
  • 1988 – 2nd Place
  • 1989 – 13th Place
  • 1990 – Champions
  • 1991 – 5th Place
  • 1992 – Champions
  • 1993 – Champions
  • 1994 – Champions
  • 1995 – Champions
  • 1996 – Champions
  • 1997 – Champions
  • 1998 – Champions
  • 1999 – 2nd Place
  • 2000 – Champions
  • 2001 – Champions
  • 2002 – 2nd Place
  • 2003 – 7th Place
  • 2004 – Champions
  • 2005 – 3rd Place
  • 2006 – 5th Place
  • 2007 – 5th Place
  • 2008 – Cancelled
  • 2009 – 3rd Place
  • 2010 – 2nd Place
  • 2011 – Champions
  • 2012 – 3rd Place
  • 2013 – 2nd Place
  • 2014 – Champions

PLAYERS OF SIGNIFICANCE

Mark Trembley – 15 All Americans, 5 MVP

YEAR DIVISION CLASS PLACE POSITION OTHER
1982 Industrial Major 1st OF MVP, 24-39, .615
1985 Industrial Major 1st OF
1988 Industrial Major 1st UT
1990 Industrial Major 1st P MVP
1994 Industrial Major 1st P MVP
1995 Industrial Major 1st P MVP
1996 Industrial Major 1st P
1997 Industrial Major 1st P
1998 Industrial Major 1st P
1999 Industrial Major 1st P
2000 Industrial Major 1st P
2002 Industrial Major 1st P MVP
2003 Industrial Major 2nd P
2004 Industrial Major 1st P
2007 Industrial Major 2nd 3B

Bob Kownacki – 13 All-Americans, 2 MVP

YEAR DIVISION CLASS PLACE POSITION OTHER
1985 Industrial Major 2nd SS  
1986 Industrial Major 3rd UT  
1987 Industrial Major 1st 2B MVP, .720
1988 Industrial Major 3rd 3B  
1993 Industrial Major 2nd UT  
1994 Industrial Major 1st SS  
1995 Industrial Major 1st UT  
1996 Industrial Major 1st UT MVP, .630
1997 Industrial Major 1st SS
1998 Industrial Major 1st 2B  
1999 Industrial Major 2nd 2B  
2001 Industrial Major 1st UT  
2004 Industrial Major 2nd UT

Ed Muzyka – 13 All-Americans

YEAR DIVISION CLASS PLACE POSITION  OTHER
1993 Industrial Major 3rd 1B  
1994 Industrial Major 2nd OF  
1995 Industrial Major 1st OF  
1996 Industrial Major 1st OF  
1997 Industrial Major 2nd OF  
1998 Industrial Major 3rd OF  
1999 Industrial Major 1st EP  
2000 Industrial Major 1st UT  
2002 Industrial Major 1st 1B  
2004 Industrial Major 1st UT  
2005 Industrial Major 2nd 1B  
2006 Industrial Major 2nd OF  
2007 Industrial Major 2nd 1B

Jeff Toni – 11 All-American, 4 MVP, 5 Batting titles, and 3 HR titles

YEAR DIVISION CLASS PLACE POSITION OTHER
1994 Industrial Major 1st 3B  
1997 Industrial Major 1st 3B MVP
1998 Industrial Major 1st SS MVP, HR Leader, Batting Leader, 18-19, 11 HR, .947
1999 Industrial Major 1st SS HR Leader, Batting Leader, 13 HR, .742
2000 Industrial Major 1st SS MVP
2001 Industrial Major 1st SS Batting Leader, 15-20, .750, 6 HR, 14 RBI
2002 Industrial Major 1st SS
2003 Industrial Major 1st UT Batting Leader, 20-20, 1.000
2004 Industrial Major 1st SS Batting Leader, .850
2005 Industrial Major 1st UT
2010 Industrial Major 1st OF HR Leader

Tom DeBernardo – 13 All American, 3 MVP, 1 Batting title

YEAR DIVISION CLASS PLACE POSITION OTHER
1992 Industrial Major 1st OF  17-26, .654, 4 HR, 18 RBI
1993 Industrial Major 1st OF  
1994 Industrial Major 1st OF  
1997 Industrial Major 1st OF  
1998 Industrial Major 1st OF  
1999 Industrial Major 1st 1B  
2000 Industrial Major 1st OF Batting Leader (.889)
2001 Industrial Major 1st OF  
2003 Industrial Major 2nd UT  
2004 Industrial Major 1st OF
2005 Industrial Major 2nd OF

1987 National Slo Pitch Conference

Champion – Smythe Sox, Houston, Texas
Runner-Up – County Sports, Levittown, New York

Playing in a Baseball Stadium and billing this as the Super Bowl of Softball, County Sports went through the winners bracket undefeated, beating Capitol Insulation 17-14. The Smythe Sox, who lost their very first game had to come all the way back through the losers bracket, eliminating national powers Lighthouse 12-8, Ritch’s 14-5, Howards 10-3, Capitol Insulation 7-6 (in 9 innings on a walk off homer from Smythe’s Bill Blake). In the first final, Smythe jumped out to a 6-0 lead and defeated County Sports 9-3. Doug Brown, Bill Gatti, John Grissom and Bill Blake drove in two runs each to provide the runs for the Sox.

The Final Game was a 4-1 Smythe Sox win in which both teams combined for just 11 hits. Smythe got all its runs in the second inning as Blake, Cecil Whitehead and Bruce Meade all singled to account for the first run. Britt Hightower’s single scored the second run. Mike Parrott hit a long sac fly ball to get the final two runs in. None of the 8 teams batted over .500 and in fact the average for all the teams was .394 with just 23 total home runs, 24 doubles and 13 triples. 7 of the 15 games were single digit games.  Smythe Sox hit 16 of 23 total HRs and had 6 of the total 13 triples. Their team average was .452 (109-241) as compared to the scrappy County Sports squad who batted .377 (61-162). Capitol batted .421 and had 2 HRs. Vernons batted .375 with 3 HRs.

Of the 15 total games played, 6 games saw both teams in single digits Only 2 games all weekend saw both teams score double digits runs. Vernons beat Smythe Sox 15-11 and County Sports beat Capitol 17-14.  Capitol had a 13-0 lead after three innings and County Sports came back win that game which was the winner’s bracket final.

AWARDS

  • MVP – Bill Blake, Smythe Sox (14-22, .636, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • HR Leaders – Bruce Meade, Smythe Sox (13-21, .619, 11 RBI, 7 Runs) – 5
  • HR Leaders – Bill Blake, Smythe Sox – 5
  • Batting Leader – Bill Blake, Smythe Sox- .636
  • Outstanding Defensive Player – Scott Smith, County Sports

ALL NATIONAL TEAM

Bill Blake, Smythe Sox (14-23, .609, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 9 Runs)
Bruce Meade, Smythe Sox (13-21, .619, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 7 Runs)
Bill Gatti, Smythe Sox (13-24, .542, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
Greg Whitlock, Smythe Sox (10-23, .435, 2 RBI, 6 Runs)
Cecil Whitehead, Smythe Sox (9-20, .450, 3 RBI, 7 Runs)
Mike Parrott, Smythe Sox (10-19, .526, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Mauro Chiti, County Sports (8-13, .615, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
Ron Hargrove, County Sports (8-17, .471, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 Runs)
Mike Cellura, Capitol Insulation (8-15, .533, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 8 Runs)
Larry McGee, Capitol Insulation (9-13, .692, 8 RBI, 1 Run)
Scott Smith, County Sports
Manager Award – John Cooke, Smythe Sox

OTHERS:

Curtis Williams, Howard’s (5-6, .833, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
Kenny Broadwell, Ritch’s Salvage (8-11, .727, 7 Runs)
Darrell Misenheimer, Ritch’s Salvage (7-10, .700, 5 RBI, 1 Run)
Chip Sheffield, Lighthouse (4-6, .667, 1 RBI, 1 Run)
Stan Harvey, Howard’s (5-9, .556, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Baxter Burris, Ritch’s Salvage (5-9, .556, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 Runs)
Ron Ford, Vernons (5-9, .556, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
John Grissom, Smythe Sox (8-15, .533, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Gary Richter, County Sports (8-17, .471, 4 RBI, 7 Runs)
Cruz Martinez, Capitol (6-13, .462, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
Doug Brown, Smythe Sox (11-26, .423, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Kevin Daugherty, County Sports (7-17, .412, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
Rick Wheeler, Smythe Sox (9-25, .369, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 Runs)
John Davide, County Sports (5-14, .357, 4 RBI, 2 Runs)
Rick Scherr, Howard’s (4-12, .333, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Clyde Guy, Howard’s (3-10, .300, 4 RBI, 1 Run)
Mark Heirlmeier, Smythe Sox (6-21, .286, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
Bill Pollock, County Sports (4-14, .286, 8 RBI, 3 Runs)
Britt Hightower, Smythe Sox (6-22, .273, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
Sylvin Little, Lighthouse (1-6, .167)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (6-1)
2. County Sports, Levittown, NY (3-2)
3. Capitol Softball Club, Northridge, CA (2-2)
4. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (2-2)
5t. Ritch’s Auto Salvage, Harrisburg, NC (1-2)
5t. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (1-2)
7t. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (0-2)
7t. Snyder’s Softball Club, Wixom, MI (0-2)

After the tournament the NSPC is disbanded and never held a tournament again.

1983 National Slo-Pitch Conference

Champion – Elite Coatings, Gordon, Georgia
Runner-Up – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina

After Howard’s eliminated Steele’s and then Jerry’s in the losers bracket, Elite defeated Howard’s 24-16 to capture the NSPC Championship. They went undefeated winning 4 straight They broke the game open in the 4th inning with 9 runs on Homers by Craig Elliott, Bill Gatti and Bill Pollock.  Elliott was named the MVP for the second straight year.  He was second in both the HR and Batting title, trailing Rick Scherr in HR 12 to 11 and in batting to teammate Fred Trice .824 to .800.

AWARDS

  • MVP – Craig Elliot, Elite Coatings (16-20, .800, 11 HR)
  • HR Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s – 12 (.747)
  • Batting Leader – Fred Trice, Elite (14-17) – .824
  • Outstanding Defensive Player – Denny Jones, Jerry’s Caterers

ALL NATIONAL TEAM

Craig Elliott, Elite Coatings (16-20, .800, 11 HRs)
Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer  (12 HRs)
Fred Trice, Elite Coatings  (14-17, .824)
Cecil Whitehead, Elite Coatings
Steve Williams, Elite Coatings
Charles Wright, Elite Coatings
Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers
Mike Bolen, Jerry’s Caterers
Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers
Denny Jones, Jerry’s Caterers
Ed Roth, Howard’s/Western Steer
Russell Bradley, Howard’s/Western Steer
Dick Bartel, Howard’s/Western Steer

STANDINGS

1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (4-0)
2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (5-2)
3. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (2-2)
4. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (3-2)
5t. No. 1 Electric, Gastonia, NC (3-2)
5t. Cable TV, Garland, TX (3-2)
7t. Southwestern Fabricators, Detroit, MI (1-2)
7t. Unique Cleaners, Maryville, TN (1-2)
9t. Miller Beer, Detroit, MI (1-2)
9t. Memory Lane, Maryville, TN (1-2)
9t. Budget Rentals, Johnson City, TN (0-2)
9t. Jim Lane’s, Maryville, TN (0-2)

There was no NSPC held in 1984, 1985, or 1986.

1982 National Slo-Pitch Conference

Champion – Ken Sanders Ford, Birmingham, Alabama
Runner-Up – Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, Florida

In 1982, There were 6 regional divisions; National (3 teams), Eastern, Northern, Atlantic, Southern and Western (6 teams each). Each division held their own qualifiers and kept their own regular season division standings.  The 3 teams from the National division were automatically awarded berths to the National Championship Tournament and the other 5 division winners plus some wildcards were also awarded berths to the National Championship Tournament.

York Barbell/Ken Sanders had to come through the losers bracket and defeat undefeated Jerry’s twice. To get there, They had to beat Rule & Lee (beat them 5-4 on a dramatic Craig Elliott walk off HR in 8th inning) and also  Elite (beat them 22-9 on Craig Elliott’s 2 HRs and 8 RBIs). The First game of the Finals was a 24-14 victory over Jerry’s. Craig Elliott (4-4, 2 HRs, 3B, 2 2Bs and 8 RBIs) and Charles Wright (4-5, 2 HRs and 6 RBIs). The final championship game was a slugfest as York/Sanders came out on top 35-27. Craig Elliott was 5-5 with 3 HRs. James Boyette, Bill Pollock and Charles Wright had 4 hits each and accounted for 4 HRs and 14 RBIs. Steve Williams had 2 HRs and 5 RBIs and Ricky Huggins hit 3 HRs with 7 RBIs. For Jerry’s, Bruce Meade was 6-6, 2 HRs and 5 RBIs. The tournament was played on a baseball field at the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN.  In the 19 games played, only 92 HRs were hit.

AWARDS

  • MVP – Craig Elliot, York/Ken Sanders (19-29, .655, 10 HR’s, 23 RBIs) – 9-9, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs in final 2 games
  • HR Leader – Charles Wright, Ken Sanders (19-27, .704)  – 11
  • Batting Leader –  Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers (20-25) – .800
  • Outstanding Defensive Player – Mac Stalcup, Rule and Lee

ALL NATIONAL TEAM

Craig Elliott, York/Sander’s (19-29, .655, 10 HRs, 23 RBI) – (9-9, 4 HR, 11 RBI and 11 runs scored in final championship games)
Charles Wright, York Barbell/Ken Sander’s (19-27, .704, 11 HR) – (8-9, 4 HR, 11 RBI and 11 runs scored in final championship games)
Bill Pollack, York Barbell/Ken Sander’s (4-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI and 6 Runs scored in final game)
Mike Nye, York Barbell/Ken Sander’s (3 hits in each final game with 5 RBI and 6 Runs scored)
Curtis Williams, York Barbell/Ken Sander’s (7-9 in final championship games)
Clyde Guy, York Barbell/Ken Sander’s (2 HR, 5 RBI in final championship games)
Steve Williams, York Barbell/Ken Sander’s (3-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI and 5 runs scored in final game)
Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers (6-6, 2 HR, 5 RBI and 6 Runs scored in final game)
Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers (4-4, HR and 6 RBI in first final)
Mike Bolen, Jerry’s Caterers (4-6, HR, 4 RBI  and 4 runs scored in final game)
Mike Parrott, Jerry’s Caterers (5-5, 2 HR in final game)
Cecil Whitehead, Elite Coatings
Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer
Mac Stalcup, Rule and Lee

Stats from Both Championship Games

Craig Ellott, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (9-9, 1.000, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 Runs)
Charles Wright, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (8-9, .889, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 11 Runs)
Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers (8-10, .800, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)
Curtis Williams, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (7-9, .778, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)
Mike Parrott, Jerry’s Caterers (7-9, .778, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 Runs)
Mike Nye, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (6-9, .667, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
Danny Basso, Jerry’s Caterers (6-9, .667, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
Bill Pollock, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (6-10, .600, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
Mike Bolen, Jerry’s Caterers (6-10, .600, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers (6-10, .600, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 Runs)
James Washington, Jerry’s Caterers (6-10, .600, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
James Boyett, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (5-9, .556, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
Denny Jones, Jerry’s Caterers (4-8, .500, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
Joey Raby, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (4-8, .500, 4 RBI)
Harold Kelley, Jerry’s Caterers (2-4, .500, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Bill Meyer, Jerry’s Caterers (5-11, .454, 4 RBI)
Joel Todd, Jerry’s Caterers (4-9, .444, 3 RBI, 1 Run)
Ricky Huggins, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (4-10, .400, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
Clyde Guy, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (4-10, .400, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Steve Williams, Ken Sanders/York Barbell (3-8, .375, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Miles Schexnaydre, Jerry’s Caterers (0-3, .000)

York/Sanders Trip to the Title

  • Beat TNEMAC 13-7
  • Lost to Elite 10-12
  • Beat Southside 12-2
  • Beat Rule/Lee 5-4
  • Beat Elite 22-9
  • Beat Jerrys 24-14
  • Beat Jerrys 35-27

STANDINGS

1. York Barbell/Ken Sander’s, York, PA (#3 National Division) (6-1)
2. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (#2 National Division) (4-2)
3. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (Southern Division Champ) (2-2)
4. Rule and Lee, Maryville, TN (Host Team-Southern Division) (3-2)
5t. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (#1 National Division) (2-2)
5t. Southside Sports, Louisville, KY (Southern Division at-large) (2-2)
7t. Fabmasters, Lexington, NC (Atlantic Division Champ) (0-2)
7t. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (Eastern Division Champ) (0-2)
9t. Garrett and Houck, Oklahoma City, OK (Western Division Champ) (0-2)
9t. TENEMEC, Indianapolis, IN (Northern Division Champ) (0-2)

Carolina A’s, Shelby, NC (Atlantic Division at-large) No Show

(** Qualified for National Championship Tournament)

1982 Final Regular Season Standings

1982  Regular Season NSPC Qualifying Tournaments Listed (Each Division was separate)

Location/Division and Top Teams with available info (MVP, ODPA, HR, Batting Leaders)

National Division

1. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (24-7) **
2. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (18-6) **
3. York Barbells/Ken Sanders, York, PA (21-9) **

Atlantic Division

1. Fab Masters, Lexington, NC (10-2) **
2. Carolina A’s, Shelby, NC (9-3) **
3. Gastonia Heat/No #1 Electric, Gastonia, NC (3-9)
4. World of Wheel’s, Kannapolis, NC (2-10)

May 15-16, Fayetteville, NC (Atlantic Division Championship)

1. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (4-0)
2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (3-1)
3. Fabmasters, Lexington, NC (1-3)
4. Carolina A’s, Shelby, NC

AWARDS

  • MVP – Mike Parrott, Jerry’s Caterers
  • Rick Scherr, Howard’s and Harold Kelley, Jerry’s – 6 HR
  • ODPA – Denny Jones, Jerry’s

May 29-30, Clemmons, NC (Atlantic Division Round Robin)

1. Fabmasters, Lexington, NC (4-0) **
2. Carolina A’s, Shelby, NC **
3. World of Wheels, Kannapolis, IN
4. Gastonia-No.1 Electric, Gastonia, NC

July 10-11, Burlington, NC (Atlantic Division Round Robin)

No information available or not held

Eastern Division

1. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (8-4) **
2. County Sports/Steele’s, Levittown, NY (7-5)
3. Gartenhaus, Plainville, CT (7-5)
4. Farrell’s Maintenance, Lancaster, PA (4-8)
5. Stan’s Place, Nashua, NH (4-8)

July 24-25, New Britain, CT (Eastern Division Championship)

1. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC
County Sports/Steele’s, Levittown, NY
Gartenhaus, Plainville, CT
Farrell’s Maintenance, Lancaster, PA
Stan’s Place, Nashua, NH
Simsbury Raiders, Simsbury, CT
Dack Industries, Bristol, CT

May 22-23, Rochester, NY (Eastern Division Round Robin)

1. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (3-1) **
2. Stan’s Place, Nashua, NH (3-1)
3. County Sports-Steele’s, Levittown, NY (2-2)
4. Farrell’s Maintenance, Ephrata, PA (1-3)
5. Gartenhaus, Plainville, CT (1-3)

AWARDS

  1. MVP – not listed

June 26-27, York, PA (Eastern Division Round Robin)

1. York Barbells/Ken Sanders, York, PA (6-0)
Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY
County Sports/Steele’s, Levittown, NY
Gartenhaus, Plainville, CT
Farrell’s Maintenance, Lancaster, PA
Stan’s Place, Nashua, NH
Hoffman Blue, York, PA

AWARDS

  • MVP – not listed

Northern Division

1. TNEMEC, Indianapolis, IN (4-0) **
2. Lo-Temp Brazing, Toledo, OH (0-4)
Synders Softball Club, Detroit, MI forfeited
Danny’s Drilling, Newark, OH forfeited
Triangle Sports, Minneapolis, MN forfeited
Kenmark NY Eastern/Steele’s, Akron, OH forfeited

June 12-13, Dayton, OH (North Division Championship)

1. York Barbell/Ken Sander’s, York, PA
2. TNEMEC, Indianapolis, IN **
3. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC
4. Lo-Temp Brazing, Toledo, OH

AWARDS

  • MVP- Bill Pollack, York-Sanders
  • Craig Elliott, York-Sanders – 13 HR
  • ODPA- Rick Scherr, Howard’s

May 22-23, Site TBD (Northern Division Round Robin)

No information available or not held

June 26-27, Indianapolis, IN

1. TNEMEC, Indianapolis, IN (4-0)
2. Lo-Temp Brazing, Toledo, OH (0-4)
Synders Softball Club, Detroit, MI
Triangle Sports, Minneapolis, MN
Danny’s Drilling, Neward, OH
Kenmark NY Eastern/Steele’s, Akron, OH

AWARDS

  • MVP – Kenny Brooks, TNEMAC (16-19, .842)
  • Gil Janek, TNEMAC – 8 HR
  • Lloyd Allison, TNEMAC – .822

Southern Division

1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (14-2) **
2. Rule and Lee, Maryville, TN (11-8) ** (at large team and host for NSPC National)
3. Fred Weber/St. Louis Merchants, St. Louis, MO (6-10)
4. Southside Sports, Louisville, KY (3-11) **
5. T&K, Lexington, KY (4-12)
Unique Cleaners, Maryville, TN forfeited

May 22-23, Hendersonville, TN (Southern Division Championship)

No information available or not held

April 24-25, Louisville, KY (Southern Division Round Robin)

1. Elite Coatings, Gordan, GA **
2. Southside Sports, Louisville, KY **
3. T&K, Lexington, KY
4. Rule & Lee, Maryville, TN **

AWARDS

  • MVP- Chip Sheffield, Elite Coatings
  • ODPA – Cecil Whitehead, Elite Coatings – 8 HR

June 19-20, Macon, GA (Southern Division Regional)

No information available or not held

Western Division

1. Garrett and Houck, Oklahoma City, OK (11-1) **
2. Cable TV, Garland, TX (6-6)
3. Taylor Brothers Jewelers, Dallas, TX (4-8)
4. Stone City Stars, San Antonio, TX (3-9)
Pierson’s, Houston, TX forfeited
Slocum Construction, Alexandria, LA forfeited

July 3-4, San Antonio, TX (West Division Championship)

1. York Barbell-Ken Sanders, York, PA (6-1)
2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (3-2)
3. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (4-2)
4. Taylor Brothers Jewelers, Dallas, TX (2-2)
5t. Hill Country Car Ctr, San Marcos, TX (2-2)
5t. Cable TV, Garland, TX (1-2)
7t. Stone City Stars, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
7t. Garrett & Houck, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
9t. Steve Dillard Auto, Austin, TX (0-2)
9t. Lufkin Raiders, Lufkin, TX (0-2)
9t. Auto Transmission, San Antonio, TX (0-2)

AWARDS

  • MVP – Craig Elliott, York-Sanders – 21 HR
  • Charles Wright, York-Sanders – 21 HR
  • ODPA – Richard Wilborn, Howard’s

P – Craig Elliott, York-Sanders
C – Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s
1B – Bill Pollock, York-Sanders
2B – Charles Wright, York-Sanders
3B – Ricky Huggins, York-Sanders
SS – Danny Basso, Jerry’s
OF – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s
OF – Dick Bartel, Howard’s
OF – Mike Nye, York-Sanders
OF – Mike Cellura, Howard’s
UTIL – Rick Scherr, Howard’s
UTIL – Russell Bradley, Howard’s

June 12-13, Garland, TX (Western Division Round Robin)

1. Garrett and Houck, Oklahoma City, OK (5-1) **
2. Cable TV, Garland, TX
3. Taylor Brothers Jewelers, Dallas, TX
4. Stone City Stars, San Antonio, TX

AWARDS

  • MVP – Glen Bourquin, Garrett and Houck (.679, 6 HR)
  • Peter Ortega, Garrett & Houck – 9 HRs
  • ODPA – Homer Salizar, Garrett & Houck

May 15-16, Moore, OK (Western Division Round Robin)

No information available or not held

Regular Season MVP winners

  • Craig Elliott, York-Sanders
  • Bill Pollack, York-Sanders
  • Mike Parrott, Jerry’s Caterers
  • Glen Bourquin, Garrett and Houck
  • Chip Sheffield, Elite Coatings
  • Kenny Brooks, TNEMAC

Regular Season ODPA Awards

  • Denny Jones, Jerry’s Caterers
  • Cecil Whitehead, Elite Coatings
  • Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer
  • Richard Wilborn, Howard’s/Western Steer
  • Homer Salizar, Garrett & Houck