Author: Dan Pfeffer

1998 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Worlds

1998 / USSSA / USSSA Major Slow Pitch
October 1, 1998

1998 held at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Champion – Team TPS, Louisville, Kentucky
Runner Up – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, Georgia

Pre-Tournament favorite Team TPS lost early in the tournament to Wessell/Hague/SoJern and worked their way through the losers bracket even though the tournament was plagued by numerous rain delays. They reached the loser’s bracket final game. They dug down deep and eliminated Sierra/TPS 23-22 in a great game. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton had been sitting around for a while to see who they would play in the championship. The first final was a blowout at first as Team TPS jumped out to a 23-5 lead, only to see Sunbelt come back and make it close, but the clutch hitting of Mike Shenk carried them to a 30-20 victory. The skies were threatening again and many wondered whether they would get the final Championship game in. Sunbelt woke up and took a 20-5 lead early on. Pitcher Rick Weiterman made an emotional speech to his team and whatever he said worked. Slowly, Team TPS battled back and Weiterman baffled Sunbelt with his array of pitches. Home Runs by Doug Kissane, Mike Shenk, Rusty Bumgardner’s grand slam and then Dewaynw Nevitt’s homer made it 20-19. In the top of the 7th, Britt Hightower singled and then some daring base running after a Shane Dubose base hit, Hightower came home on a head first slide to make it 21-19 in favor of Sunbelt. Sunbelt had scored just one run and just 3 hits in its last four at bats against Weiterman. In the bottom of the 7th, TPS scored two runs to tie the score. With one out and two runners on base, Sunbelt elected to intentionally walk Doug Kissane and take their chances with Doug Roberson. Sunbelt pitcher Jimmy Powers pitching carefully to Roberson, ended up walking him and that what is, the winning run came trotting home with the 22-21 championship.

MVP – Mike Shenk, Team TPS (29-35, .829, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 21 Runs)
HR Leader – Jeff Wallace, Team TPS (20-41, .488, 27 RBI, 20 Runs) – 10
Batting Leader – Robin Higinbotham, Lighthouse – .846
Defensive MVP – Todd Martin, Team TPS
Offensive MVP – Robin Higinbotham, Lighthouse/Worth (22-26, .846, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 20 Runs)

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Greg Harding – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (20-27, .741, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 20 Runs)
1B – Jimmy Powers – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (18-27, .667, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 19 Runs)
1B – Jeff Wallace – Team TPS (23-46, .500, 10 HR, 27 RBI, 20 Runs)
2B – Bobby Gilbert – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (17-26, .654, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 13 Runs)
2B – Carl Rose – Lighthouse/Worth (21-29, .724, 9 HR, 28 RBI, 19 Runs)
2B – Jeff Hall – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (17-29, .586, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 17 Runs)
2B – Rusty Bumgardner – Team TPS (24-41, .585, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 22 Runs)
3B – Howie Krause – Wessel/Hague/So-Jern/TPS (11-17, .647, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 10 Runs)
3B – Mike Shenk – Team TPS (26-38, .684, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 21 Runs)
SS – Ron Pamell – Sierra/TPS (13-20, .650, 9 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Robin Higginbotham – Lighthouse/Worth (22-26, .846, 6 HRS, 22 RBI, 20 Runs)
OF – Jason Kendrick – Sierra/TPS (15-20, .750, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 14 Runs)
OF – Doug Kissane – Team TPS (22-40, .550, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 19 Runs)
OF – Shane Dubose – Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton (15-26, .577, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 17 Runs)
OF – Hank Garris – Sierra/TPS 13-21, .619, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 14 Runs)
OF – Dewayne Nevitt – Team TPS (24-36, .667, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 21 Runs)
UTIL – Paul Drilling – Sierra/TPS (14-20, .700, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Slim Brant – Brandon’s Trucking (13-17, .765, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
UTIL – Todd Martin – Team TPS (21-37, .568, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 22 Runs)
UTIL – Chris Absner – Brandon’s Trucking (14-20, .700, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
MGR – Mike Glasscock – Team TPS

OTHERS

Dennis Mendoza, Lighthouse (16-21, .762, 10 RBI, 14 Runs)
Dewayne Frizzel, Lighthouse (20-28, .714, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 17 Runs)
Jimmy Devine, Steele’s/R&D (10-14, .714, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 9 Runs)
Larry Carter, JWM (10-14, .714, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 Runs)
Billy Messina, JWM (10-14, .714, 5 RBI, 8 Runs)
Bryan King, JWM (10-14, .714, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
Jeff Franks, Long Haul (10-14, .714, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 Runs)
Kurt Gleeton, Gil’s Arizona Heat (7-10, .700, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 7 Runs)
David Hood, Steele’s/R&D (9-13, .692, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs)
Brett Helmer, Wessell/Hague (11-16, .688, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 10 Runs)
Lance Peterson, O&S Cattle, (11-16, .688, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 5 Runs)
Kerry Everett, Sierra/TPS (11-16, .688, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
Rod Hughes, Steele’s/R&D (8-12, .667, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 8 Runs)
Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World (6-9, .667, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)
Scott Striebel, Lighthouse (15-23, .652, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 14 Runs)
Keith Roberts, Brandons (13-20, .650, 5 RBI, 10 Runs)
Randy Kortokrax, Steele’s/R&D (9-14, .643, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs)
Albert Davis, Lighthouse (14-22, .636, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 14 Runs)
Mark Creson, Sierra/TPS (13-21, .619, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 14 Runs_
Tim Linson, Wessell/Hague (11-18, .611, 3 HRS, 13 RBI, 9 Runs)
John Mello, Team TPS (21-35, .600, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 15 Runs)
Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse (15-25, .600, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
Curtis Williams, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (15-25, .600, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 16 Runs)
Greg Cannedy, Sierra/TPS (12-20, .600, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
Dennis Rulli, JWM (9-15, .600, 9 RBI, 5 Runs)
Brad Stiles, Team TPS (18-30, .600, 12 RBI, 19 Runs)
Steve Craven, Lighthouse (13-23, .565, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
Phil Jobe, Team TPS (16-29, .552, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 20 Runs)
Doug Roberson, Team TPS (22-40, .550, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 19 Runs)
John McCraw, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (16-30, .533, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 12 Runs)
Scott Brown, O&S Cattle (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Doug Berfeldt, O&S Cattle (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
Randall Boone, Team TPS (15-30, .500, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 16 Runs)
Tim Cocco, Wessell/Hague (9-18, .500, 2 RBI, 9 Runs)
Chaun Demars, Long Haul (6-12, .500, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 6 Runs)
Tot Powers, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (14-28, .500, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 14 Runs)
Britt Hightower, Sunbelt/Dan Smith (13-27, .481, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
Darrell Beeler, Sierra/TPS (10-21, .476, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 10 Runs)
Larry Fredieu, Sierra/TPS (10-21, .476, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 10 Runs)
Dal Beggs, Steele’s/R&D (5-14, .357, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
Rick Weiterman, Team TPS (3-12, .250, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Team TPS, Louisville, KY (8-1)
2. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, GA (4-2)
3. Sierra/TPS, Reno, NV (3-2)
4. Brandon’s, Wilmington, NC (3-2)
5t. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA (3-2)
5t. Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
7t. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (2-2)
7t. O&S/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (2-2)
9t. Backstop/Easton, Aurora, IN (1-2)
9t. Herb’s/KCS/TPS, San Diego, CA (1-2)
9t. Steele’s/R&D/Reda, Brook Park, OH (1-2)
9t. JWM/Easton, Riverside, CA (1-2)
13t. RPM/TPS, Concord, CA (0-2)
13t. Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
13t. Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (0-2)
13t. Adams/RSH/Worth, Ridgeland, MS (0-2)

1998 USSSA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Worlds

1998 / USSSA / USSSA AA Slow Pitch
October 1, 1998

1998 tournament site unknown.

Champion – Wessel/Hague/SoJern, Cincinnati, Ohio
Runner Up – Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, Minnesota

MVP – Jim Burbrink, Wessel (14-22, .636)
HR Leader – Ken Bean, Extreme (15-25, .600) – 9
Batting Leader – Rich Courtney, RPM (11-14) – .786
Defensive MVP – Richie Aliotti, Long Haul
Offensive MVP – Brett Helmer, Wessel/Hague (14-21, .667, 4 HRs)

1998 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

Jim Burbrink, Wessel/Hague (14-22, .636)
Brett Helmer, Wessel/Hague (14-21, .667, 4 HRs)
Howie Krause, Wessel/Hague (.667, 2 HRs)
Tim Cocco, Wessel/Hague
Joe Foley, Wessel/Hague (3 HRs)
Mike Much, Wessel/Hague
Dale Sensenig, Wessel/Hague
Rob Darhower, Long Haul (18-26, .692)
John Keigley, Long Haul
Chaun Demars, Long Haul
Mike Stanley, Long Haul (.625)
Ken Beane, Xtreme (15-25, .600, 9 HRs)
Lamar Echols, Xtreme (5 HRs)
Chris Alvarado RPM
Rich Courtney, RPM (11-14, .786)
Alex Lavorico, Hendu’s (.750, 8 HRs)

OTHERS

Scott Alley, Resmondo (.727)
Kenny Pruitt, Xtreme (.682)
Chaun Demars, Long Haul (.667)
Bill Garber, Resmondo (.643)
Brian Arnold, Resmondo (.643)
Greg Schulte, Xtreme (7 HRs)
Tom White, Wessel/Hague (3 HRs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Wessel/Hague/SoJern/Ohio Transport/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (4-1)
2. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (5-2)
3. Xtreme/Hinson/Worth, Little Rock, AR (4-2)
4. RPM/TPS, Concord, CA (3-2)
5t. Resmondo/TPS, Lake Wales, FL (2-2)
5t. O&S/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (1-2)
7t. Hendu’s 42/TPS, Seattle, WA (2-2)
7t. Brandon’s, Wilmington, NC (1-2)
9t. Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
9t. Adams/RSH/Worth, Ridgeland, MS (1-2)
9t. Tiger/ChecKing/AirTransat/TPS, Somers, CT (1-2)
9t. JWM/Easton, Riverside, CA (0-2)
13. Joe Black’s/TPS, Chicago, IL (0-2)

Wessel/Hague/SoJern/Ohio Transport/TPS of Cincinnati won two of three meetings with Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno of Albertville, Minn., to win the USSSA Class AA championship Sunday (Sept. 6) at the Mid-America Complex in Shawnee, Kan. Wessel won 16-10 in the finals of the winners bracket, but Long Haul forced an extra game with a 13-11 win. Wessel built up an 8-0 lead in the first three innings and went on to win 10-4 in the deciding game. Two of Long Haul’s runs came in the bottom of the seventh. Wessel pitcher Jim Burbrink was an overwhelming choice for the MVP award. The tournament was played on two baseball fields. The dimensions on the main field were 325-400-325. The second field was the same except for a 310 left field that had a 24-foot screen. Ken Bean of third-place Xtreme/Hinson/Worth of Little Rock, Ark., won the home run trophy with nine. Alex Lavorico of Hendu’s 42/TPS of Seattle had eight. Greg Schulte of Xtreme had seven. Wessel’s big Brett Helmer was the Offensive MVP. He batted .667 with four home runs. Other Wessel pace-setters were Howie Krause at .667 with two homers, Joe Foley and Tom White each with three HRs. Burbrink helped his own cause with a .636 mark. Long Haul shortstop Richie Aliotti was the Defensive MVP. Long Haul had the tournament’s leading hitter (based on 20 at-bats). Rob Darhower went 18-for-26 for a .692 average. RPM/TPS of Concord, Calif., was fourth. O&S/TPS of South St. Paul, Minn., and Resmondo/TPS of Lake Wales, Fla., tied for fifth, while Hendu’s/TPS of Seattle and Brandon’s of Wilmington, N.C., tied for seventh. Lavorico had five of his homers in the first game. It was on the short left field fence, but all over his homers cleared it with plenty to spare. Plus, he had a double that hit high off the screen in left center. Lavorico homered 7 times in his first 9 swings, and 8 in his first 13 (out of 18). Lamar Echols was another Xtreme HR producer with 5. The Xtreme squad by far hit the most home runs — 35 in six games. In addition to Krause, who batted .667 with 2 homers, left fielder Dale Sensenig stood out on defense for Wessel. Long Haul’s Doug Johnson and Chaun Demars each had 4 homers. RPM opened with a 16-12 win over Brandon’s. RPM took an 11-5 lead in the first two innings as Ken Dain and Scott Purcell each had a homer and another hit and Bob Newman had a homer. Larry Grant had two hits in the first two innings and wound up 4-for-4 with a home run. Newman added another home run. Brandon’s managed only one run over four innings, then put on a 6-run rally in the top of the seventh as Eddie Foust homered and Keith Roberts and Chris Graves tripled. Jerold Smith had a 3-run HR in the first inning. Graves and Chris Calcutt each had three hits in a losing effort. Hendu’s dropped Resmondo into the losers bracket (31-18). Lavorico smacked home runs in his first three trips to the plate, totaling seven RBI, as Hendu’s moved into a 14-9 lead. He finished with a 6-for-6 game, with 5 HRs and 11 RBI. His only non-HR at-bat was a double off the screen in left center. Kent Johnson chipped in with five hits and Ken Briggs and Billy Wallace four each. Hendu’s totaled 11 HRs, with Joe Sposi hitting two. Jeff Vargo, Marty Dailey, Scott Alley and Ron Howard homered for Resmondo, which led 16-14 and was within 19-17 after five innings. Long Haul was a 9-3 winner over Joe Black’s of Chicago. Leading 4-1 after three and 7-1 going into the bottom of the fifth, it was an easy game for veteran pitcher Ted Larson (47). Long Haul did not have a home run. Jeff Franks, Rob Darhower and John Keigley had triples. Darhower had three hits for four RBI. Mike Stanley had two walks and a hit. Jeff Ross was 3-for-3 for Joe Black’s, which did not have a home run either. Adams/Worth of Mississippi knocked Xtreme into the losers bracket (12-10). Xtreme had a 6-2 lead after two innings on the strength of a homer and triple by Lamar Echols, but did not score again until the top of the seventh. Adams won it with a 9-run bottom of the fourth. Richie McAlister singled, Jody Hurst doubled, Scott Holman singled, Clay Hudson singled and Bobby Fowler doubled before the first out. Cleveland Dortch then singled, Craig Upton doubled and Richard White tripled. Fowler added a solo homer in the bottom of the sixth before Xtreme scored four runs, then left the bases loaded. Tiger was a 23-6 winner over Gil’s Arizona Heat/Easton. Ten runs in the third and 10 more in the bottom of the fourth made it a run-rule game. Rich Lonquil homered in each inning, while Chris Santucci had three hits in the two innings. Mark Gabourel and Dave Koser also homered. It was Koser’s second of the game. Gabourel had two other hits, Koser another. Lonquil walked twice for a perfect game at the plate. Randy Noe drew three walks. Tiger had to play without three of its Canadian players, including Jacques Millier. Santucci was 4-for-4. Manager Alan Walker had to play, and produced a 3-for-3 game. Glenn Flood homered and doubled in a losing cause. RPM beat California rival JWM/Easton for the second weekend in a row. The score was 9-6. RPM built up a 9-4 lead with three runs in the top of the sixth. Chris Alvarado and Bob Newman had hits, along with two errors and two sacs. Alvardo had three hits. Tim Jones and Dennis Rulli each had three hits for JWM. Wessel/Hague opened with a 29-5 hammering of Hendu’s. Wessel pushed across 11 runs in the top of the fifth for the run rule win. Howie Krause had a 3-runner, Joe Foley a 2-runner and Tom White a grand slam. It was the second HR of the game for Krause. He was 4-for-4, plus a walk. Foley and Tim Cocco each had 4 hits. So did Chris Lashley, one of them an inside-the-park job with the bases loaded. Pitcher Jim Burbrink had 3 hits. Lavorico, Ruben Gonzalez and Rob Crane homered for Hendu’s. O&S/TPS of Minnesota turned back Adams 16-6. O&S owned an early 8-4 lead, then exploded for six runs in the top of the seventh. R.J. Olson had a pinch hit double, Scott Brown and Doug Berfeldt singles, Lance Peterson a 2-run double, Mark Crandall and Tedd Lindgren singles and Scott Logan an inside-the-park homer with two on. Derrick Williams had a 2-run HR in the first and Peterson a 3-runner in a 6-run third. Brown had three hits. Long Haul rolled over Tiger 26-5 in 4 innings. Tiger was missing French Canadian slugger Jacques Millier, and a couple other Canadians. Doug Johnson had 2-run homers in the first two at-bats. Butch Smith and Shawn Demars also homered in the second inning. In fact, it was three in a row. Long Haul led 16-0 after two, then hit for 10 in the top of the fourth. Jeff Franks had a 5-for-5 game, Richie Aliotti 4-for-4. Rob Darhower had three hits, plus a walk. Demars added a double and triple. Pitcher Ted Larson had three hits. Mark Gabourel and Randy Noe homered for Tiger. Gil’s eliminated Joe Black’s 15-9. Gil’s pushed across six runs in the top of the seventh, then Joe Black’s drew a blank. Gil’s big seventh saw hits by Tim Kellner, Dan Semiento, Mike Aquila, Chuck Henniger, Raith Adair and Kelly Radcliff. Adair had three hits and Curt Gleaton had a first-inning homer. Mike Bombardier, Bob Woldyk and Burgess Watts homered for Joe Black’s. Xtreme sent JWM packing 25-23. James Beane’s 3-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh sent JWM reeling with an 0-2 record after a third-place finish last year. Xtreme plated 10 runs in the second inning as Chris Butler and Ken Bean hit 2-run homers. Beane had two hits in the inning. Bean homered in the first and he homered again in the fifth as he had a 4-for-5 game. Beane had another homer in the fifth as he went 4-for-5 too. Rick Goyette had an inside-the-park homer and Lamar Echols homered in the 6-run fifth. Another HR was hit by Greg Schulte. For JWM, Andy Alvis and Ed Martin each had two homers and Mike Moore, Larry Carter and Bryan King each had one. JWM scored seven runs in the top of the seventh for a short-lived 23-21 lead. Tim Jones had four hits. Alvis added tow hits to his two HRs. Wessel sneaked past RPM 9-8 in an extra inning. Wessel did not score in the fifth, sixth or seventh, and had to win it with two runs in the bottom of the first extra inning. After one out, Howie Krause tripled to deep right center and Tim Linson’s hit went for a triple when the right fielder misplayed the ball. The next two batters (Tim Cocco and Joe Foley) were given free passes and Dale Sensenig produced a short sac fly to left. Tom White homered in the first for Wessel and Cocco homered in the fourth. RPM tied the score with two in the top of the seventh as Larry Grant singled and, after two outs, Rich Courtney tripled and Chris Alvardo doubled. Courtney had four hits, Alvarado three. RPM got a run in the top of the eighth on a singles by Bob Newman, Ken Ritter and Grant. The latter two came after two outs. Long dropped Minnesota rival O&S into the losers bracket (29-13 in 5 innings). Scoring 10 in the second, seven in the third and eight in the fourth, Long Haul won easily. Nine of the O&S runs came in the third inning. Chaun Demars had three of Long Haul’s nine HRs. Tim Magner had two, Mike Stanley, Rob Darhower, Doug Johnson and Butch Smith one each. Jeff Franks had an inside-the-park homer, two triples, a double and a walk, Smith a single, double and a walk in addition to his homer and Johnson two singles and a walk in addition to his homer. Lance Peterson had a homer, triple and walk for O&S. John Whaley, Scott Bailey and Derrick Williams homered. Brandon’s ousted Adams 17-14. Brandon’s pushed across three runs in the top of the seventh, and Adams did not answer. Hits by Chris Beck, Randy Calcutt, Chris Absher and Gene Lewis led to the winning runs. Calcutt and Lewis each went 4-for-4. Eddie Foust was 4-for-5 and Jerold Smith homered. Chris Gambrill had a homer and two singles and Jody Hurst a homer and single for Adams. They combined for 11 RBI. Tiger had to forfeit to Resmondo when Mike McColman left to catch a plane, leaving his teammates miffed. Resmondo was a 43-28 winner over Brandon’s. Resmondo went into the bottom of the third on the short end of a 14-2 count, then went crazy with 12, 17 and 11 runs over the next four inings. Gar King had three home runs, a single and two walks. Scott Alley and Brian Arnold each had two homers and seven RBI. Arnold added a triple and single, Alley two singles and a walk. Resmondo had four triples (Marty Dailey had two and Ron Howard one). Resmondo was helped by eight free passes and three Brandon’s errors. Dailey, Jeff Vargo and Charlie Brown also homered. Jeff Haag was 6-for-6. Garber, Marty Lanoux, Dailey and Howard each had four hits. Gene Lewis had four hits for Brandon’s, while Eddie Foust, Chris Calcutt, Chris Graves, Chris Roberts and Chris Absher homered. Three were 3-runners, the other two 2-runners. Hendu’s eliminated Gil’s 14-12. Lavorico had a single, double and homer and Ruben Gonzalez a double and two homers for Hendu’s, which built up a lead with five in the third and four in the fourth. Gil’s accounted for seven of its runs in the fourth. Joe Sposi and Briscoe Baker also homered for Hendu’s. Chad Sylte had a inside-the-parker and Tommy Shinn a double and triple. Kenny Briggs had two triples. Glenn Flood had two homers and Tom Kellner one for Gil’s. Randy Medina had three hits. Hendu’s then was kayoed by Xtreme (25-11). Greg Schulte had three homers for six RBI to set the pace for the Xtreme team. Chris Butler had two HRs.

1998 ASA Men’s B Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Men's B Slow Pitch
September 28, 1998

1998 held at Cargill Park in Shreveport, Louisiana on September 24-27.

Champion – Wine Trucking, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Runner Up – Austin Spurs, Austin, Texas

Wine Trucking of Virginia took the title in the ASA Men’s Slow-pitch Class B National Championship held at Cargill Park last weekend.

Wine Trucking went undefeated (8-0) taking a victory of 24-10 over the Austin Spurs from Texas in the final game on Sunday.

The area’s host team, the Ark-La-Tex Pallets finished thirteenth out of 78 participating teams. The team lost its first game and won the next four before being eliminated Saturday evening with a loss to the Miller Screwballs from Maine. 25-12.

“We made a lot of fielding mistakes and didn’t hit the ball as well as we have,” said Palletts coach Bill Bennett, who said several of the teams at the tournament were impressive. “Teams that could hit the ball inside the field after hitting the three home runs that were allowed, were the one that won.”

In ASA Class B three home runs are allowed per team per game, any home run made after that is counted as an out for that tourney.

The tournament marked the end of the softball season. but Bennett said they will be ready for next year. “I think our team will be intact for next year,” he said.

The other top five finishers were Select Specialty from Virginia. Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders, of Connecticut, Flyjuice, of Connecticut and Powertel/Team Victory), of Tennessee.

The Most Valuable Player award went to pitcher Bobby Fox from Wine Trucking. The Batting champion and Home-run champion was Dean Thomas of Acme Woodworking from Massachusetts, who hit .826 (19 of 23) and had 10 home runs during the tournament.

MVP – Bobby Fox, Wine Trucking
Batting Champion – Dean Thomas, Acme Woodworking (.826)
Home Run Champion – Dean Thomas, Acme Woodworking (10)

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Bobby Fox, Wine Trucking
C – Greg Harlow, Wine Trucking
1B – Wil Searcy, Select Specialty
2B – Billy Lenzi, Wine Trucking
3B – Dave Cushman, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
SS – Russ Desrocher, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
OF – Mike Fayard, Wine Trucking
OF – Ernest Kee, Powertel/Team Victory
OF – Darrell Lambert, Select Specialty
OF – Phil Sheets, Select Specialty
EP – Terrell Townsend, Austin Spurs
UT – Ronald Acker, Austin Spurs
UT – William Thomas, Wine Trucking
UT – Scott Schaefer, Austin Spurs
UT – Ernest Teague, Austin Spurs

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Richie Corder, Southern Spray
C – Dennis Quarlis, Southern Spray
1B – Richard Phillippi, Wine Trucking
2B – Mike Fayard, Wine Trucking
3B – Mark Bowles, Wine Trucking
SS – Mark Pevey, Austin Spurs
OF – Kevin Dollins, Austin Spurs
OF – Chris Spates, Austin Spurs
OF – Keith Savoie, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
OF – John Gustafson, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
EP – David Kuchinsky, Willimantic Brewery/Anderson Builders
UT – George Coffey, Select Specialty
UT – Todd Byrd, Select Specialty
UT – Darrin Nicely, Select Specialty
UT – Dane Davidson, Southern Spray

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Eric Killinger, Wine Trucking
C – David Richardson, Wine Trucking
1B – Steve Laxton, Deluxe Bakery
2B – Mike Taylor, Deluxe Bakery
3B – Steve Piniero, Deluxe Bakery
SS – Gary Lynch, Team Talikka
OF – Rennis Rouse, Team Talikka
OF – Jack Penrod, Powertel/Team Victory
OF – Joey Kite, Powertel/Team Victory
OF – Joe Cennamo, Flyjuice
EP – Barry Shular, Flyjuice
UT – Chris Jones, Flyjuice
UT – Jimmy Guy, Southern Spray
UT – Mike Reed, Southern Spray
UT – Andy Harris, Wine Trucking

FINAL RESULTS

1. Wine Trucking, Fredericksburg., VA (8-0)
2. Austin Spurs, Austin., TX (7-2)
3. Select Specialty, Palmyra., VA (5-2)
4. Willimantic Brewery/ Anderson Builders, Willimantic., CT (5-2)
5t. Flyjuice, Stamford., CT (5-2)
5t. Powertel/Team Victory, Millington., TN (5-2)
7t. Minnesota Merchants/Mizuno, Eden Prairie., MN (6-2)
7t. Southern Spray, Memphis., TN (5-2)
9t. Deluxe Bakery, Bellmawr., NJ (5-2)
9t. Twohig Iii, Lakewood., OH (4-2)
9t. Miller Screwballs, Berwyn., IL (5-2)
9t. Accu Truss/The Sun Deck/Vessels, Elizabeth Town., KY (3-2)
13t. Team Talikka, Mentor., OH (5-2)
13t. Tulsa Heat, Tulsa., OK (5-2)
13t. Acme Woodworking/Doc Holidays, Wakefield., MA (5-2)
13t. Ark-La-Tex Palletts, Haughton., LA (4-2)
17t. Sun Valley, Maryland Heights., MO (3-2)
17t. Driftwood Lounge, Whapeton., ND (3-2)
17t. S&S Landscaping/Xtreme Softball, Ashaway., RI (3-2)
17t. T&B, Glen Ellyn., IL (3-2)
17t. Mizuno On-A-Mission, Roberts., WI (2-2)
17t. Franchise, Crete., IL (2-2)
17t. Ichabod’S, Effington., IL (2-2)
17t. Logomax, Coalvalley., IL (2-2)
25t. Boomers, San Antonio., TX (3-2)
25t. Hot Rod Café, Post Falls., ID (3-2)
25t. Moose’s Saloon, Kalispell., MT (3-2)
25t. Millinax Ford/Steele, Parma., OH (3-2)
25t. Turner Motor Company, Dardanelle., AR (3-2)
25t. A&B Contracting, West Columbia., WV (2-2)
25t. Team Yager, Kalispell., MT (2-2)
33t. Hooters-Memphis, Memphis., TN (3-2)
33t. Frame-All, Hinds Dale., MA (2-2)
33t. LA Express, Bossier City., LA (2-2)
33t. K.R. Plaza, Iowa City., IA (2-2)
33t. Baker Insurance, Bismark., ND (2-2)
33t. Bartok Kennels, Enterprise., AL (1-2)
33t. A1 T’s, Utica., NY (1-2)
33t. Telequip Storm, Hickory Creek., TX (1-2)
33t. Team Dudley, Houston., TX (1-2)
33t. Hooters-Dropped Out, Thibodeaux., LA (1-2)
33t. Spirit Softball Club, Sacramento., CA (1-2)
33t. Spirit Graphics, Mechanicsville., VA (1-2)
33t. Odd Fellows Lodge, Bloomington., IN (1-2)
33t. Ultimate, Franklin., WI (1-2)
33t. Potomac Valley Brick, Wheaton., MD (1-2)
33t. Brent’S Carpet, Belmont., MS (1-2)
49t. OEI/S.S. Softball, Livonia., MI (2-2)
49t. T-Shirt Express, Edinburgh., IN (2-2)
49t. Cleary’s Home Plate, Greenfield., WI (1-2)
49t. Pudgy’s Cycle, Auburn., ME (1-2)
49t. Team Thirsty’s, Kearney., NE (1-2)
49t. Regulators, Cedar Rapids., IA (0-2)
49t. Warren Construction, Smyrna., TN (0-2)
49t. Allsport Mfg/Equalizer, Mercer Island., WA (0-2)
49t. Bigelow Enterprises, Bryon., MN (0-2)
49t. National Roofing, Grand Blane., MI (0-2)
49t. All American Athletics, Lumberton., TX (0-2)
49t. Free Agents, Port Lavaca., TX (0-2)
49t. Jimmy’s Fish & Seafood, Brownsdale., MN (0-2)
49t. Bat Source, Manchester., TN (0-2)
49t. Mayslack’s/Déjà Vu, Minneapolis., MN (0-2)
49t. Hooters Softball Club, Plano., TX (0-2)
65t. Brew/Kidd Jones, Tyler., TX (0-2)
65t. Stingers, Waco., TX (1-2)
65t. Jackson Softball Club, Jackson., WY (0-2)
65t. Colby Telephone, Harrisville., RI (0-2)
65t. Gem City, Frankfort., IN (0-2)
65t. GPAC/Reda Sports, Easton., PA (0-2)
65t. Advantage Softball, Papillion., NE (0-2)
65t. Memphis Reds, Olive Branch., MS (0-2)
65t. Sports Fanatic/Acorns, Amesbury., MD (0-2)
65t. Three Star Construction, Browersville., MN (0-2)
65t. P.A.C., Booneville., MS (0-2)
65t. Shelter Insurance, Lockesburg., AR (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Men's Major Fast Pitch
September 13, 1998

1998 held at Bill McKinney Softball Complex in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 5-12.

Champion – Meierhoffer-Fleeman, Savannah, Missouri (56-12)
Runner Up – Midland Explorers, Midland, Michigan (39-16)

MVP – Grover Musser, Meierhoffer-Fleeman
Batting Leader – Ross Dey, Meierhoffer-Fleeman – .500
HR Leader – David Boys, Tampa Bay Smokers – 4
Herb Dudley Pitching Award – Doug Middleton, Meierhoffer-Fleeman

Meierhoffer defeated Midland Explorers 7-0 in the winner’s bracket finals as Doug Middleton best Doug Gillis of Midland. Grover Musser led the Meierhoffer-Fleeman squad with 2 hits, including a big HR. The Explorers then had to play the defending champ Tampa Bay Smokers. The Smokers fell to the Explorers 4-3 to gain another crack at the Meierhoffer squad, only to lose the championship game 4-0. Meierhoffer pitcher Chris Bigelow hurled a two hitter to win the championship game. The Smokers finished the season with a 73-12 record. Meierhoffer outscored its opponents 31-0 during its five game undefeated run.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Doug Middleton, Meierhoffer-Fleeman (4-0, 24 IP, 40 K, 4 Shutouts)
P – Doug Sleep, Tampa Bay Smokers
P – Doug Gillis, Midland Explorers
C – John Huebner, Tampa Bay Smokers
1B – Mike Schwieger, Meierhoffer-Fleeman
2B – Steve Horning, Midland Explorers
3B – Ross Dey, Meierhoffer-Fleeman (8-16)
SS – David Boys, Tampa Bay Smokers (13 RBI)
OF – Grover Musser, Meierhoffer-Fleeman (7-16, .438, 1 HR)
OF – Shawn Rychick, Tampa Bay Smokers
OF – Steve Bohn, Midland Explorers
OF – Steve King, The Farm
DH – Brent Eickholt, Sioux City Huskies
UT – Greg Melchert, Midland Explorers
UT – Kerry Shaw, Meierhoffer-Fleeman

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michael White, Decatur Pride
P – Alan Rebling, Central Iowa Express
P – Rick Plangger, The Farm
C – Brian Neveau, The Farm
1B – Trent Rubley, Tampa Bay Smokers
2B – Jason Hanson, Tampa Bay Smokers
3B – Kyle Beane, Midland Explorers
SS – John Bargfeldt, Decatur Pride
OF – Steve Schott, Tampa Bay Smokers
OF – Ron Wiedmann, Central Iowa Express
OF – Pete Spoerl, Larry Miller Toyota
OF – Tim Wargo, Decatur Pride
DH – John Wodtke, Meierhoffer-Fleeman
UT – Bob Soricelli, Tampa Bay Smokers
UT – Ehren Earleywine, Decatur Pride

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Pete Sandman, Sioux City Huskies
P – Joe Simoni, Sioux City Huskies
P – Peter Meredith, Larry Miller Toyota
C – J. D. Robertson, Decatur Pride
1B – Dan Smet, The Farm
2B – Kyle Magnusson, Larry Miller Toyota
3B – Brett Alvey, Larry Miller Toyota
SS – Byron Peyton, Central Iowa Express
OF – Todd Davis, River City Rage
OF – Clayton McGovern, Midland Explorers
OF – Rich Lira, Central Iowa Express
OF – Bob Blakley, Herzog
DH – David Frank, Page Break
UT – Jeff Neumann, Sioux City Huskies
UT – Todd Twachtman, Decatur Pride

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Meierhoffer-Fleeman, Savannah, MO (5-0)
2. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (4-2)
3. Tampa Bay Smokers, Clearwater, FL (6-2)
4. The Farm, Madison, WI (5-2)
5t. Sioux City Huskies, Sioux City, IA (2-2)
5t. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL (2-2)
7t. Central Iowa Express, Marshalltown, ID (2-2)
7t. Larry Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2)
9t. Page Break, Salt Lake City, UT (1-2)
9t. St. Louis Dealers, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
9t. Herzog, St. Joseph, MO (1-2)
9t. River City Rage, Peoria, IL (1-2)
13t. Thunder, Cameron, MO (0-2)
13t. HLF Mountaineers, Springfield, MO (1-2)
13t. Abbott Labs, Ashland, OH (0-2)
13t. Tradewinds, Ames, IA (0-2)
17t. 51 Classics, Portage, WI (0-2)
17t. The Freight, Vandalia, IL (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Men's A Slow Pitch
September 9, 1998

1998 held at Lawton, Oklahoma on September 4-8.

Champion – Thomas Bait & Tackle, Sanford, North Carolina
Runner Up – Dalton Chiropractic/Viggiani Plumbing, Ocean, New Jersey

Thomas Bait & Tackle of North Carolina completed an undefeated run through the ASA Class A Nationals over Labor Day weekend at Lawton, Okla., by overcoming a 16-run fourth inning by Dalton Chiropractic of New Jersey to win 28-25. Thomas, with six players from the Jerry’s team that won the Class B crown in 1997, breezed 20-1 over Dalton in the finals of the winner’s bracket en route to a 7-0 record.

The defending Class A champion Coffee Cup of Minnesota was a third-place finisher this year.

The favorite, Smokes/Harrison’s/TPS of Maryland, finished fourth in the 62-team field. Jim Johnson of Gary’s Auto Body of Michigan was the home run champion with 17 in seven games. The home run limit was six. MVP honors went to Thomas outfielder Scott Grant. His on-base numbers were 34-of-37. He reached base in his last 19 trips to the plate. He had six homers.

The leading hitter was Brad Gidcumb of Jacksonville Grover of Florida with an .885 average. “Scott made some nice plays in the outfield,” pointed out Thomas manager, who serves as the team’s extra hitter. “Our middle was outstanding on defense — Grant Batts at shortstop and Cullen Clark at second base. They turned a lot of double plays. And our pitcher, Bob Carter, played good defense too.”

Thomas had three players on the first team all-tournament — Grant, John Dutch Jr. and Roy Jarman — and two more on the second team — John Adams and Hollis Brice.

Dalton had two on the first team — Tom Laska and Anthony Delarnesis.

Coffee Cup had only one selection — Mike Ritzer on the second team.

Smokes had Steve Gilbert and Dewey Fussell on the first team and Steve Helewicz and Bobby Bayne on the second team.

Thomas topped Smokes 26-21 and Dalton was a 33-18 winner over Coffee Cup in the semifinal round of the winner’s bracket.

Coffee Cup eliminated L&L Paint of Alabama 17-16, while Smokes ousted Mercer of Indiana 43-23. Coffee Cup then kayoed Smokes 24-22 before dropped by Dalton 12-11.

Mercer eliminated Gary’s 30-15, while L&L ousted SCB/Easton of New York 34-14. L&L had a 7-2 record, Dalton and Coffee Cup were 6-2 and Smokes, Mercer and Gary’s 5-2 and SCB 4-2.

Ashley’s of Delaware and Kentucky Tucker each went 5-2 en route to a tie for ninth with Maroadi of Pittsburgh and Scott of Iowa.

Jacksonville Grover, Galyan’s of Indiana, Universal Dome of Indiana and Allied Tool of Kentucky tied for 13th.

Some highly regarded teams finished down the line, including K&G of Indiana, Riverside/Ram and Berardi’s of Kentucky, Paramount of Virginia, Deery Brothers of Iowa and Budweiser/DeMarini of Texas.

One of Paramount’s players was 52-year-old Don Clatterbaugh, a former Major player with such teams as Dave Carroll and Steele’s.

Berardi’s lost 25-16 to DeVault of Missouri and Budweiser/DeMarini lost 27-14 to Easton Sportstar of Kentucky in first-round games. Berard’s then lost 26-21 to Ohio Sealants.

Budweiser/DeMarini went 0-2 too, being ousted 20-18 by TCBY/DeMarini of Arkansas.

Deery was 0-2, losing to the Aragon Minnesota Merchants 32-23 and Barchella of New York (29-17).

Riverside lost 39-28 to SCB and K&G lost 27-26 to Jax Grover in the second round.

Paramount won two games before falling 29-28 to Mercer.

Thomas won 45-31 and 32-11 but had two tough games in the early rounds — 31-30 vs. Gateway Press of Kentucky and 28-25 vs. Allied Tool. Gateway built up a 27-7 lead going into the fifth inning. Thomas broke loose for 15 runs. “Then we were down nine going into the bottom of the seventh,” pointed out Marion. “We got 12 straight men on without an out.” Jay Lamm started things with a single and he ended it with a 2-run double.

Carter went 6-for-6, Grant 5-for-6 with a homer and Roy Jarman 5-for-5 with a homer. Lamm, John Dutch, Doug Flowers and Marion had homers.

Thomas won in the first round 45-31 over Cooper Sports of Cincinnati. Grant was 7-for-7, while Adams was 6-for-7 with a homer and Dutch 6-for-7. Flowers and Brice Hollis each had two homers and Jarman one. The 28-25 win over Allied Tool saw Adams go 4-for-5 with two homers. Grant had two homers, Dutch and Hollis one each. A 32-11 romp over Scott’s of Iowa saw Grant and Adams each go 5-for-5 and Jarman, Dutch, Batts and Marion each go 4-for-4. Dutch, Flowers, Hollis and Marion homered. Thomas was a 26-21 winner over Smokes. Jarman had three homers, Grant, Lamm, Dutch and Flowers one each. Grant and Lamm each went 5-5, Jarman and Dutch 4-5. Carter, Adams and Hollis also went 4-5. The easy 20-1 win over Dalton in the finals of the winner’s bracket saw Jarman and Dutch hit homers and Grant and Hollis each go 4-for-4. Lamm and Flowers each had three hits. So did Jarman. Dalton’s only run was a solo home run in the fifth inning. It was a different story vs. Dalton in the finale. The New Jersey team scored 16 runs in the fourth inning for a 22-12 lead.

The North Carolinians came back with six in the fifth and nine in the sixth. Jarman and Dutch homered in the fifth and Grant’s grand slam tied the game in the sixth. The Thomas team went on to score five more after the slammer. Final score: 28-25. Grant was 5-for-5 with 2 homers, Jarman 4-for-5 with 2 homers. Hollis also had a homer. Carter, Dutch and Lamm each notched four hits. Marion made note that clean-up batter Jim Rogers had to miss the tournament. “All the guys pulled together, picking it up a little bit to take up the slack. We played good team ball. It was really exciting. We had to come from behind in three games. We were not the best team there by far, but we showed a lot of heart.

Our boys never gave up. This was our first year in Class A.” Marion, whose team is based out of the central North Carolina town of Sanford, pointed out the inspiration of Jerry Sheffield, the team’s enthusiastic third base coach. “He was a motivator, slinging his towel around. He keeps everybody going.”

SCB dropped Gary’s into the loser’s bracket (23-14) before being bumped by Smokes 33-31. Smokes dropped L&L (37-8) and Jax Grover (30-7) into the loser’s bracket.

Coffee Cup won four — 27-20 over TCBY, 29-17 over Easton Sportstar, 26-13 over Las Vegas Funjet of Wisconsin and 30-17 over Maroadi — before losing to Dalton 33-18.

Dalton earlier won 34-21, 29-20, 31-26 (over B&A of Ohio) and 28-9 (over Mercer).

Ashley’s won four games in the loser’s bracket before being ousted 25-5 by SCB. Ashley’s was dropped into the loser’s bracket by Scott of Iowa (25-13).

Scott won 3 before losing to Thomas, then lost its first game in the loser’s bracket by 36-32 to L&L.

SCB won 4 games in the loser’s bracket before falling to Mercer (26-6).

MVP – Scott Grant, Thomas Bait & Tackle (23-26, .884; 11 BB, 34-37, .919 OBP, 6 HR)
Batting Champion – Brad Gidcumb, Jacksonville Grover/Franklin (23-26) – .885
HR Champion – Jim Johnson, Gary’s Auto Body – 17

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jim Johnson, Gary’s Auto Body
C – Roy Jarman, Thomas Bait & Tackle
EP – Mark Mastorovich, Maroadi Transfer Mifflin
1B – Steve Gilbert, Smokes/ABS/TPS
2B – Tom Lasko, Dalton Chiropractic Softball
3B – Cliff Eger, Universal Dome Softball Club
SS – Anthony DeFrancesco, Dalton Chiropractic Softball
OF – John Dutch, Thomas Bait & Tackle
OF – Brad Gidcumb, Jacksonville Grover/Franklin (23-26, .785)
OF – Scott Grant, Thomas Bait & Tackle (23-26, .884, 34-37, .919 ob%, 6 HRs)
OF – Mark Moore, Gary’s Auto Body
UT – Tom Shields, Grotto’s Pizza
UT – Louie Bruno, Universal Dome Softball Club
UT – Dewey Fussell, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
UT – Rob Rash, Grotto’s Pizza

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mike Stibal, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
C – Greg Ackerbeal, Gary’s Auto Body
1B – John Adams, Thomas Bait & Tackle
2B – Mike Engler, Maroadi Transfer Mifflin
3B – Dean Bowrosen, SCB/Easton
SS – Mike Ritzer, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
OF – Brice Hollis, Thomas Bait & Tackle
OF – Billy Gilbert, Grotto’s Pizza
OF – Mike Dill, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
DH – Bob Bayne, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
UT – Mark Hutchinson, L&L Painting/TPS
UT – Karl Komyathy, SCB/Easton
UT – Joseph Spadafino, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
UT – Kevin Gillott, L&L Painting/TPS

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Shannon Arnold, Scott Decorating/Wise Guys
C – Scott Johnson, Mercer Softball Club
1B – John Mutz, John Mercer Softball Club
2B – Russ Ortega, Gary’s Auto Body
3B – Dave Martinez, El Paso Kings
SS – Chad Riggs, Easton/Sportstar/KY Thunder
OF – Keith Carson Mercer Softball Club
OF – Edwin Clore, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
OF – Shayne Havens, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
OF – Tim Dickmeyer, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
DH – Barry Shirley, L&L Painting/TPS
UT – Duane Sliter, Easton/Sportstar/KY Thunder
UT – Ron Probst, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
UT – Lee Martin, Grotto’s Pizza
UT – Wayne Dutton, SCB/Easton

OTHERS

Mark Weaver, Chase (12-15, .800, 7 HR)
Bob Fisher, Chase (16-21, .762, 8 HR)
Kenny Ezzell, Chase (21-28, .750, 3 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase (16-22, .727, 10 HR)
Larry White, Chase (16-23, .696, 2 HR)
Brian Justice, Reece (.688, 8 HR)
Ed Hicks, Chase (14-21, .667, 2 HR)
Randy Romanga, Chase (12-20, .600, 2 HR)
Ron Wilson, Reece (9 HR)
Jose Santiago, Chase (21-25, .840)
Tim Williamson, Chase (20-26, .769, 3 HR)
Chris Chilton, Chase (18-24, .750, 4 HR)
Derek Oliver, Reece (24-31, .774, 12 HR)
Larry Sauceman, Reece (.771)
Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven (23-27, .852)
Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven (.786)
Moose White, Gasoline Heaven (.750, 9 HR)
Vern Hensley, Planet/New (14 HR)
Kenny Carver, Chase (20-25, .800, 6 HR)
Jason Fleming, Chase (20-28, .714, 3 HR)
Keith Brady, Reece (.724, 8 HR)
Mark Webber, Reece (.724)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Thomas Bait & Tackle, Sanford, NC (7-0)
2. Dalton Chiropractic/Viggiani Plumbing, Ocean, NJ (6-2)
3. Coffee Cup/Demarini, St. Paul, MN (6-2)
4. Smokes/ABS/TPS, Ellicott, MD (5-2)
5t. Mercer Softball Club, Indianapolis, IN (5-2)
5t. L&L Painting, Pratville, AL (7-2)
7t. Gary’s Auto Body, Muskegon, MI (5-2)
7t. SCB/Easton, Long Island, NY (4-2)
9t. Maroadi/Mifflin Club, Versailles, PA (3-2)
9t. Easton/Sportstar/Thunder, Louisville, KY (5-2)
9t. Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s, Dover, DE (5-2)
9t. Scott/Wise Guys, Davenport, IA (3-2)
13t. Galyan’s Trading/Steeles, Greenfield, IN (3-2)
13t. Allied Tool/Grover, Louisville, KY (3-2)
13t. Universal Dome Softball, Mishawaka, IN (4-2)
13t. Grover/Franklin, Jacksonville, FL (3-2)
17t. B&A Sports/Tiny Town, Harrison, OH (1-2)
17t. Paramount Builders, Virginia Beach, VA (2-2)
17t. Grotto’s Pizza, Newark, DE (3-2)
17t. Las Vegas Funjet/TPS, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
17t. Hogan/Citizens Mortgage, Rolla, MO (2-2)
17t. OCP/CCC/Bud/Worth, Owatonna, MN (3-2)
17t. El Paso Kings, El Paso, TX (3-2)
17t. Demarini Softball, Sioux City, IA (3-2)
25t. K&G/TPS/Bike/Webbs, North Vernon, IN (2-2)
25t. Creative Glass Inc., Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
25t. Ohio Sealants, Willoughby, OH (2-2)
25t. First Commercial Bank, Little Rock, AR (2-2)
25t. Barchella Fellas/Easton, Port Chester, NY (2-2)
25t. Gateway Press/TPS, Louisville, KY (2-2)
25t. Brothers & Sisters/TPS, Lawton, OK (2-2)
25t. CTM, Georgetown, KY (2-2)
33t. Streder Mechanical, Jacksonville, IL (1-2)
33t. Wichita Slam/State Farm, West Falls, TX (0-2)
33t. Texas Roadhouse/TPS, Huntington, WV (1-2)
33t. Sullivan/Demarini, Spokane, WA (1-2)
33t. Stonecold, El Reno, OK (1-2)
33t. Classic Ward, Farmington, NM (1-2)
33t. Express/Play It Again, North Mankato, MN (1-2)
33t. Pohlman/Cooper Sports, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. Davault Softball, Marble Hills, MO (1-2)
33t. Skipworth Plumbing, Iowa Park, TX (1-2)
33t. TCBY/Demarini, Sherwood, AR (1-2)
33t. Aragon’s/Minnesota Merchants, Albert Lea, MN (1-2)
33t. Riverside/TPS, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. RPT Mariners, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
33t. Community 1st Bank/Coors, Caledonia, MN (1-2)
33t. Sledgehammers/Stars, Lawton, OK (0-2)
49t. Sport Spot, Ponca City, OK (0-2)
49t. USA Cash, Lapeer, MI (0-2)
49t. Quality Builders/Trugreen, Bozeman, MT (0-2)
49t. San Antonio Sting, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
49t. Deery Brothers/Easton, Waterloo, IA (0-2)
49t. Budweiser/Demarini, College Station, TX (0-2)
49t. O’Connell’s Dawgs, Norman, OK (0-2)
49t. Doc’s, Sioux City, IA (0-2)
49t. Martin Construction/Worth, Evansville, IN (0-2)
49t. Fairfield Rebels, Fairfield, IA (0-2)
49t. Webworks, Davison, MI (0-2)
49t. Berardi’s/TPS, Lexington, KY (0-2)
49t. Players, Cleveland, OH (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Men's Major AA Slow Pitch
September 8, 1998

1998 held at Zenoff Park in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on September 4-7.

Champion – Chase Mortgage/Easton, Wilmington, North Carolina
Runner Up – Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, Tennessee

Chase/Easton of Wilmington, N.C., went 5-0 to win the ASA Major Nationals in Stevens Point, Wis., on Sunday (Sept. 6). Chase was a 30-9 winner in 4 innings over Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS of Lebanon, Tenn., in the finals. Chase beat Gasoline Heaven/Worth of Long Island, N.Y., 43-36, in the winner’s bracket finals, then Gasoline was ousted by Reece 32-18.

Backstop/Easton of Aurora, Ind., one of the favorites, managed only a 1-2 record, losing in the first round to Armed Forces All-Stars 37-35, then being eliminated 25-23 by Planet/New/TPS. Derek Oliver of Reece was voted the MVP trophy. He batted .774 with 12 home runs.

Planet/New/TPS was fourth. NASTY Boys/TPS of St. Louis and Central Paving/TPS of Decatur, Ill., tied for fifth.

Armed Forces and Backstop tied for seventh. Jose Santiago had an on-base percentage of .840 for Chase. Tim Williamson batted .769, Bob Fisher .762, Chris Chilton .708 and Jason Fleming .704. Santiago now has played on three consecutive ASA Major championship teams. He played on the Bell II/Easton team from Tampa in 1996 and the Long Haul/TPS team from Minnesota in 1997.

Brannon had 10 HR, Santiago and Fisher 8 each. Shortstop Larry Sauceman batted .771 for Reece, while Ron Wilson had 9 homers and Keith Brady and Brian Justice 8 each. Moose White had 9 for Gasoline Heaven.

Planet/New was the fourth-place finisher, winning five games in the loser’s bracket, including 25-23 over one of the co-favorites, Backstop/Easton of Aurora, Ind. Planet lost 44-33 to Gasoline Heaven in the first round, and finally was eliminated 49-37 by Reece. Planet catcher Vern Hensley led the tournament in home runs with 14.

Backstop was upset in the first round 37-35 by Armed Forces. The Armed Forces team then lost 32-31 to Central Paving and was ousted 37-32 by NASTY Boys of St. Louis.

NASTY lost in the first round to Chase (31-10), then won three in the loser’s bracket for a tie for fifth with Central Paving. NASTY was eliminated by Reece (56-41).

Planet ousted Central Paving 34-22.

Watanabe/TPS of Cincinnati played three high-scoring games, winning 31-30 over Sid Grinker of Milwaukee before losing 37-21 to Chase and 38-32 to Planet.

Armed Forces won one game in the loser’s bracket by 32-31 to the Hitmen of Traverse City, Mich.

In another high-scoring game, the Hitmen lost 33-30 in the opening round to the host team Aldo’s. The Stevens Point outfit then lost 32-11 to Reece and 22-9 to Backstop.

Chase compiled plenty of big on-base numbers. The team mark was .742. Tim Williamson was 21-27 with 3 homers, Mark Weaver 12-15 with 7 homers, Kenny Carver 20-25 with 6 homers, Bob Fisher 16-21 with 8 homers, Paul Brannon 16-22 with 8 homers. Chris Chilton was 18-24 with 4 homers, Jason Fleming 20-for-28 with 3 homers, Kenny Ezzell 21-28 with 3 homers, Larry White 16-23 with 2 homers, pitcher Ed Hicks 14-21 with 2 homers and shortstop Randy Romanga 12-for-20 with 2 homers.

Other pacesetters for Reece included shortstop Larry Sauceman with a .771 batting average, Keith Brady and pitcher Mark Webber each at .724 and Brian Justice at .688. Ron Wilson had 9 homers, Brady and Justice 8 each.

Gasoline Heaven’s Castellano got the biggest help from Andy Ahkao with a .786 average and pitcher Moose White with a .750 mark.

MVP – Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS
HR Leader – Vern Hensley, Planet/New – 14
Batting Leader – Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven – .852

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Moose White, Gasoline Heaven (18-24, .750, 9 HR)
C – Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (24-31, .774, 12 HR)
1B – Vern Hensley, Planet/New (14 HR)
2B – Bill Jerich, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
3B – Steve Dickey, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS
SS – Larry Sauceman, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (17-22, .773)
OF – Tim Williamson, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-26, .769, 3 HR)
OF – Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven (23-27, .852)
OF – Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven (22-28, .786)
OF – Mike Kinnett, Planet/New/Bike/TPS
EH – Hal Koubelka, U.S. Armed Forces
UT – Jose Santiago, Chase Mortgage/Easton (21-25, .840, 8 HR)
UT – Chris Chilton, Chase Mortgage/Easton (18-24, .750, 4 HR)
UT – Mike Lane, NASTY Boys
UT – Wayne Pennington, U.S. Armed Forces

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mark Webber, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (21-29, .724)
C – John McNair, NASTY Boys
1B – Ron Wilson, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (9 HR)
2B – Monty McCory, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
3B – Don Harloss, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
SS – Brian Jeffers, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
OF – Keith Brady, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (21-29, .724, 8 HR)
OF – Brian Fletcher, Planet/New/Bike/TPS
OF – Jim Kearns, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
OF – Bob Van Erem, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
EH – Kenny Carver, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-25, .800, 6 HR)
UT – Jason Fleming, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-28, .714, 3 HR)
UT – Troy Summerfield, NASTY Boys
UT – Dave Noval, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
UT – Steve Roeder, Planet/New/Bike/TPS

OTHER PLAYERS

Mark Weaver, Chase Mortgage/Easton (12-15, .800, 7 HR)
Bob Fisher, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-21, .762, 8 HR)
Kenny Ezzell, Chase Mortgage/Easton (21-28, .750, 3 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-22, .727, 10 HR)
Larry White, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-23, .696, 2 HR)
Brian Justice, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (11-16, .688, 8 HR)
Ed Hicks, Chase Mortgage/Easton (14-21, .667, 2 HR)
Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage/Easton (12-20, .600, 2 HR)
Ron Wilson, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (9 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Chase Mortgage/Easton, Wilmington, NC (5-0)
2. Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (4-2)
3. Gasoline Heaven/Worth, Commack, NY (3-2)
4. Planet/New/Bike/TPS, Lexington, KY (4-2)
5t. NASTY Boys/TPS, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
5t. Central Paving Astros/TPS, Decatur, IL (2-2)
7t. Backstop/Easton/Mizuno, Aurora, IN (2-2)
7t. U.S. Armed Forces, Arlington, VA (2-2)
9t. Aldo’s/Doug’s Sports Bar, Stevens Point, WI (1-2)
9t. Pub II/DeMarini/Miller Lite, Normal, IL (1-2)
9t. Watanabe/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
9t. TC Hitmen, Traverse City, MI (0-2)
13t. Export Light/Beck Masonry, La Crosse, WI (0-2)
13t. Sid Grinker/Couri Insurance/TPS, Milwaukee, WI (0-2)
13t. New Berlin Grading/Easton, Waukesha, WI (0-2)

1998 ASA Women’s Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Modified
August 24, 1998

1998 held at Hartford County, Maryland on August 22-23.

Champion – Stadium Sportswear, Spokane, Washington
Runner Up – Stan Mill Mitts, Vestal, New York

MVP – Kathy White, Stadium Sportswear
Batting Champion – Randi Carine, J&J Thunderbolts
HR Champion – N/A

1998 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Diane Stanford, Stadium Sportswear
P – Stacie Johnson, Stan Mill Mitts
P – Kathy Zoltowski, On Deck
C – Michelle Kvasny, Stan Mill Mitts
1B – Vickie Sax, Stan Mill Mitts
2B – Lori Mueller, J.R.’s
3B – Randi Carine, J&J Thunderbolts
SS – Ellen Spruce, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Linda Bushinski, Stadium Sportswear
OF – Kristina Kowalski, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Cheryl Clark, J.R.’s
OF – Penny Houghtaling, On Deck
DP – Beth Hanson, J.R.’s
UTIL – Sherry Wantz, Sports Page
UTIL – Beth Bardouche, J.R.’s

1998 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Stacey Warnke, J.R.’s
P – Kim Sears, J&J Thunderbolts
P – Trish Masters, Zopp’s Elytes
C – Lisa Locke, Sports Page
1B – Missy Sharp, Stadium Sportswear
2B – Carolee Morse, Stan Mill Mitts
3B – Debbie Hjortedal, Team Spokane
SS – Kelly Maslar, Sports Page
OF – Veronica Sansom, Sports Page
OF – Janet Skaife, Team Spokane
OF – Susan Rash, J&J Thunderbolts
OF – Bernadette McGovern, Stan Mill Mitts
DP – Misty West, Stadium Sportswear
UTIL – Amy Weaver, On Deck
UTIL – Stacy Mahlik, J.R.’s

1998 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

C – Kim Lake, Zopp’s Elytes
1B – Juline McNamee, Team Spokane
2B – Andrea Zacher, Stadium Sportswear
3B – Kristy Kuntz, Stadium Sportswear
SS – Karen Morton, On Deck
OF – Bethy Sweigert, Stadium Sportswear
OF – Bridget Baxter, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Michelle Blessent, Team Spokane
OF – Lisa Vosbury, Zopp’s Elytes
DP – Dina Terceira, J&J Thunderbolts
UTIL – Nicole Adamson, Roger’s Renegades

1998 ASA Men’s (9) Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Modified
August 24, 1998

1998 held at Scottsdale, Georgia on August 22-23.

Champion – Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, New York
Runner Up – Tarrs, Worcester, Massachusetts

MVP – N/A
Batting Champion – N/A
HR Champion – N/A

1998 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

N/A

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, NY (5-0)
2. Tarrs, Worcester, MA (5-2)
3. Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (5-2)
4. LA Doughboys, California, CA (6-2)
5t. Wallen Construction, Bean Station, TN (5-2)
5t. D’Onofrio Softball, Brooklyn, NY (3-2)
7t. Martells, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (3-2)
7t. La Wildcard, California, CA (4-2)
9t. Stingers, Atlanta, GA (3-2)
9t. TST, Lithonia, GA (2-2)
9t. Michigan Brick Pavers, Michigan, MI (2-2)
9t. D&S Roofing, Deer Park, NY (1-2)
13t. Copperfields, New York, NY (1-2)
13t. Boichot Concrete, Lansing, MI (2-2)
13t. Morristown Diamondbacks, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
13t. Globe, Redbank, NJ (2-2)
17t. Lindamans Insurance, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
17t. Amtrol, Rhode Island, RI (1-2)
17t. Warriors, Chapel Hill, NC (1-2)
17t. Tampa Bay Dragons, Tampa Bay, FL (1-2)
17t. Secory Flyers, Port Huron, MI (1-2)
17t. Jags 33, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
17t. Jenkins Motors, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
17t. Storm, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
25t. Auntie Anne’s, Parkesburg, PA (0-2)
25t. Speedboys, Durham, NC (0-2)
25t. Freebirds, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
25t. M-Town Brewers, Tennessee, TN (0-2)
25t. Jakes Lithunian Club, Connecticut, CT (0-2)
25t. Hollywood Sports, Stuart, FL (0-2)

1998 ISA Men’s AA Slow Pitch World Series

1998 / ISA / ISA AA World Series
August 24, 1998

1998 held at Winter Haven, Florida on August 22-23.

Champion – Chase Mortgage, Wilmington, North Carolina
Runner Up – Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS, Cincinnati, Ohio

Chase won the ISA Class AA Championship Sunday (Aug. 23) at the beautiful, new Diamond Plex park in Winter Haven, Fla., beating favored Wessel/Hague in two out of three meetings. Chuck Caviness’ team now has two ISA titles to its credit in 1998, having won the ISA Winter Nationals back in January in St. Petersburg, Fla. Jeff Hague was seeking his third ISA AA crown in four years, having won in 1995 and 1996. Chase won a winners bracket matchup vs. Wessel/Hague 36-19 as Jose Santiago had four homers and Jason Fleming three. Chase had a 13-run second inning and a 13-run sixth inning. A 2-run homer by Santiago enforced the run rule. Chase had two lopsided wins — 34-3 in three innings over Reece and 38-2 over N.A.S.T.Y. Boys in three innings. Wessel forced an extra game with a 39-38 comeback win over Chase. A 2-runner with one out by Joe Foley won the game as Wessel rallied for nine runs in the bottom of the seventh. Chase then won the deciding game by 33-11 in five innings. Wessel had to play four games on Sunday, eliminating Planet/New/TPS 43-18 in three innings (Wessel scored 24 runs on 11 HRs in the first inning) and N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 37-18 in five innings. Chase’s veteran shortstop Randy Romagna, who sparkled on defense as well as at the plate, was the MVP selection. He went 21-for-27 with seven home runs. Wessel’s Tom White was the home run leader with 14 in 7 games on the 300-foot fences. He sizzled with 30-for-36. Wessel left fielder Dale Sensenig was named for the defensive award. Other leading hitters for Chase included Fleming at 26-31 with 11 homers, Santiago 24-29 with 7 homers, Kenny Carver 23-32 with 8 homers, Paul Brannon 21-30 with 8 homers, Tim Williamson 23-31 with 6 homers, Chris Chilton 22-29 and Larry White 21-26. Mark Weaver had a 5-for-5 game with a triple and three homers for 10 RBI in the final game. White and Brett Helmer had three big games on Sunday for Wessel. Each went 15-for-17 with 8 homers. Helmer wound up with 12 homers, while teammates Howie Krause and Tim Linson each had 11. Krause went 27-for-33, Linson 27-35 and Sensenig 23-for-32. Helmer had a tough Saturday and he was 1-for-3 in the last game, winding up 24-for-37, and seeing his on-base percentage skid to .772. He slipped from third to fifth on the OBA list. The veteran White sports a .792 OBA (Jeff Wallace of Team TPS is the pace-setter at .804) and has moved into the No. 6 slot in home runs with 156. White, Wallace and Helmer were teammates on the SoJern/TPS team out of New Jersey last season. N.A.S.T.Y. and Planet/New finishing third and fourth was quite a surprise. N.A.S.T.Y. moved through the winners bracket with a 24-9 win over Tiger/ChecKing, a 19-13 win over Long Haul and a 30-10, 4-inning win over Planet/New, which had won over Resmondo 19-4 and O&S 19-10. Planet eliminated Reece 51-45 . . . after trailing 38-14 going into the bottom of the third inning. Planet scored 22 runs in the bottom of the third. Long Haul and Reece tied for fifth. Long Haul eliminated Brandon’s 8-4 and Minnesota rival O&S 27-11 in 5 innings before losing to Wessel 33-28 when Wessel broke loose for 12 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Reece ousted Tiger 28-20 and Resmondo 35-20 in 5 innings. Chase was a 32-16 winner over Brandon’s in an opening round matchup of North Carolina teams. Several Brandon’s players were with Chase at the start of the season. “I knew we had to put it together sooner or later,” Caviness said at the awards ceremony. Chase and Wessel are now 3-3 vs. each other this season. Eleven of the 12 entries here were ranked in the Supreme Softball Top 25. Wessel was sixth, Reece seventh, Chase 10th, O&S 11th, Long Haul 12th, Brandon’s 14th, Resmondo 16th, Tiger 21st, N.A.S.T.Y. 22nd, Planet 23rd and Woerner tied for 25th. Woerner opened with a 30-19 win over Mizuno/DeMarini, then lost to Wessel 42-27 in 5 innings and Resmondo 38-28. O&S eliminated Mizuno 19-4 in 5 innings. Mizuno is a Florida team that won the state ISA and USSSA Class A titles. Roy Eppley, once one of the top hitters in the major ranks, is a member of the Mizuno/DeMarini team. The all-tournament team included Romagna, White, Chilton, Santiago, Williamson and Fleming of Chase, White, Krause, Linson and Foley of Wessel, plus Dennis Turner, Mike Lane and Rick Meyer of N.A.S.T.Y. Boys and Otis Barnes and Vern Hensley of Planet/New. Barnes went 19-for-23, while Hensley was 16-for-20 with 7 HR. Meyers batted .656 and Lane and Turner .650 each.

MVP – Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage (21-27, 7 HR)
HR Champion – Tom White, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (30-36, .833) – 14
Batting Champion – Otis Barnes, Plante/New/TPS (20-23) – .870
Defensive MVP – Dale Sensenig, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS
Offensive MVP – Tom White, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (30-36, .833, 14 HR)

ISA ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage (21-27, .778, 7 HR)
Larry White, Chase Mortgage (21-26, .808)
Jason Fleming, Chase Mortgage (26-32, .813, 11 HR)
Jose Santiago, Chase Mortgage (24-29, .828, 7 HR)
Tim Williamson, Chase Mortgage (23-31, .742, 6 HR)
Chris Chilton, Chase Mortgage (22-29, .759)
Tom White, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (30-36, .833, 14 HR)
Howie Krause, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (27-33, .818, 11 HR)
Tim Linson, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (27-35, .771, 11 HR)
Joe Foley, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS
Dale Sensenig, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (23-32, .719)
Rick Meyer, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys (.656)
Mike Lane, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys (.650)
Dennis Turner, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys (.650)
Vern Hensley, Planet/New (16-20, .800, 7 HR)
Otis Barnes, Planet/New (20-23, .870)

OTHERS

Kenny Carver, Chase (23-32, .719, 8 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase (21-30, .700, 8 HR)
Brett Helmer, Wessel/Hague (24-37, .649, 12 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Chase Mortgage, Wilmington, NC, (4-1)
2. Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (5-2)
3. N.A.S.T.Y. Boys/TPS, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
4. Planet/New/TPS, Lexington, KY (3-2)
5t. Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (2-2)
5t. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (1-2)
7t. Resmondo/TPS, Lake Wales, FL (1-2)
7t. O&S/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (1-2)
9t. Woerner/Hudson’s/TPS, Elberta, AL (1-2)
9t. Brandon’s Trucking, Wilmington, NC (0-2)
9t. Tiger/ChecKing/AirTransat/TPS, Somers, CT (0-2)
9t. Team Mizuno/DeMarini, Fort Pierce, FL (0-2)

WINNERS BRACKET

N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 24, Tiger 9, 6 innings
Planet 19, Resmondo 4, 6 innings
Chase 32, Brandon’s 16, 5 innings
Woerner 30, Team Mizuno 19
N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 19, Long Haul 13
Planet 19, O&S 10
Chase 34, Reece 3, 3 innings
Wessel 42, Woerner 27, 5 innings
N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 30, Planet 10, 4 innings
Chase 36, Wessel 19, 6 innings
Chase 38, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 2, 3 innings

LOSERS BRACKET

Long Haul 8, Brandon’s 4
O&S 19, Team Mizuno 4, 5 innings
Reece 28, Tiger 20
Resmondo 38, Woerner 28
Long Haul 27, O&S 11, 5 innings
Reece 35, Resmondo 20, 5 innings
Wessel 33, Long Haul 28
Planet 51, Reece 45
Wessel 43, Planet 18, 3 innings
Wessel 37, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 18, 5 innings

CHAMPIONSHIP

Wessel 39, Chase 38
Chase 33, Wessel 11, 5 innings

1998 ASA Girls’ 18-Under Gold Fast Pitch Nationals

1998 / ASA / ASA Girls Fast Pitch GOLD
April 1, 1998

1998 held in Phoenix, Arizona on July 26-August 2.

Champion – Gordon’s Panthers, Cypress, California
Runner Up – O.C. Batbusters, Santa Ana, California

Amanda Freed, the two-time Times Orange County softball players of the year, had the game winning hit as Gordon’s Panthers of Cypress beat Gary Haning’s Orange County Batbusters, 1-0 in eight innings to win the Amateur Softball Association Gold national championship game Sunday in Phoenix.

Freed, who is going to UCLA, pitched a one-hitter as the Panthers beat the Batbusters, 4-0, in the winners’ bracket final also on Sunday.

Freed would earn a Second Team All American at the ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch tournament later in the summer playing with the Redding Rebels.

FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Amanda Freed, Gordon’s Panthers
P – Jennie Finch, O.C. Batbusters
P – Kourtney Davis, So. Cal Athletics
C – Erin Tucker, O.C. Batbusters
1B – Jenny Topping, Gordon’s Panthers
2B – Kelsey Kollen, Gordon’s Panthers
3B – Lindsay Fossatti, O.C. Batbusters (Davis)
SS – Alexis Madrid, Gordon’s Panthers
OF – Janna Kovensky, So. Cal Athletics
OF – Rita Roach, O.C. Batbusters
OF – Tiffany Thomas, Flash D’ Gold
OF – Shealee Dunavan, So. Cal Athletics
DH – Lacy Hauxhurst, O.C. Batbusters
UTIL – Jodie Cox, Flash D’ Gold
UTIL – Brandy Stuart, O.C. Batbusters (Davis)

SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Jocelyn Forest, So. Cal Athletics
P – Kirsten Voak, Lady Sharks
P – Jennifer Stewart, Tulsa Eagles
C – Jessica Bashor, Flash D’ Gold
1B – Andrea Loman, So. Cal Athletics
2B – Nichole Thompson, So. Cal Athletics
3B – Brandy Thurman, Grapettes
SS – Jaime Clark, O.C. Batbusters
OF – Marissa Young, Gordon’s Panthers
OF – Tammy Donnell, Hawks
OF – Nneka Jones, Lady Sharks
OF – Melissa Cosgrove, Strikkers
DH – Samantha Kimura, Gordon’s Panthers
UTIL – Cara Maxey, Fresno Force
UTIL – Kenzi Meisenburg, Hot Shots

THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Leea Harlan, Sudden Impact
P – Kristen Hunter, Sun Supply
P – Kristi Hanks, Hawks
C – Roxanne Staniorski, So. Cal Athletics
1B – Leneah Manuma, Firecrackers
2B – Monique Mejia, O.C. Batbusters
3B – Gina Oaks, Flash D’ Gold
SS – Natasha Watley, So. Cal Athletics
OF – Melinda Moulden, Firecrackers
OF – Shandrika Lee, OC Athletics
OF – Stacy Weeks, Hot Shots
OF – Kassey Lemons, Lil Saints Gold
DH – Amy Dent, Lightning
UTIL – Veronica Nelson, Lady Sharks
UTIL – Erica Beach, Storm

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gordon’s Panthers, Cypress, CA (6-0)
2. O.C. Batbusters, Santa Ana, CA (5-2)
3. SoCal Athletics, Newport Beach, CA (5-2)
4. Sudden Impact, Chino, CA (6-2)
5t. Fresno Force, Fresno, CA (5-2)
5t. Strikkers, San Jose, CA (4-2)
7t. Flash D’ Gold, Rancho Cucamonga, CA (4-2)
7t. Storm, Phoenix, AZ (4-2)
9t. Stealth, Santa Clarita, CA (3-2)
9t. O.C. Athletics, Westminister, CA (4-2)
9t. TSI Thunderbirds, Vancouver, WA (4-2)
9t. Tulsa Eagles, Tulsa, OK (3-2)
13t. Lil Saints Gold, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
13t. O.C. Batbusters Davis, Anaheim, CA (3-2)
13t. Lady Sharks, San Jose, CA (2-2)
13t. Dynasty, Waldorf, MD (3-2)
17t. Boone & Darr, Ann Arbor, MI (3-2)
17t. Firecrackers, San Diego, CA (3-2)
17t. Hot Shots, Tempe, AZ (3-2)
17t. Hawks, Spring, TX (3-2)
17t. American Pastime, Upland, CA (3-2)
17t. Pirettes, Corona, CA (1-2)
17t. Sun Supply, Beaverton, OR (3-2)
17t. Choppers, Valencia, CA (3-2)
25t. Cruisers, La Palma, CA (2-2)
25t. Northwest Outlaws, Vancouver, WA (2-2)
25t. Lightning, San Diego, CA (1-2)
25t. NY/NJ Beach Girls, Brooklyn, NY (2-2)
25t. Rebels, San Juan Capistrano, CA (2-2)
25t. Shamrocks, Vienna, VA (2-2)
25t. USA Athletics, Irvine, CA (2-2)
25t. Grapettes, Stockton, CA (2-2)
33t. Metro Express, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
33t. Legend, Parker, CO (0-2)
33t. Cruisers, La Palma, CA (1-2)
33t. Vipers, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
33t. Grand Slam, Uniontown, OH (1-2)
33t. Cats, Tucson, AZ (0-2)
33t. Mad Dogs, Alliance, OH (1-2)
33t. Aphis Ready Mix Gold, Vancouver, WA (1-2)
33t. Hot Stuff, Yorba Linda, CA (0-2)
33t. Humble Cobras, Humble, TX (0-2)
33t. R&R Gold, Stockton, CA (1-2)
33t. Cy-Fair Intruders, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Aztecs, Glendale, AZ (0-2)
33t. Windmills, Oak Park, IL (0-2)
33t. Impact Gold, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Mustangs Gold, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
49t. Minors Gold, Corona, CA (0-2)
49t. Power, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
49t. Thunderbolts, Cottage Grove, MN (0-2)
49t. Heat, Kingwood, TX (0-2)
49t. Renegades, Houston, TX (0-2)
49t. Roadrunners, Tucson, AZ (0-2)
49t. Mizuno Sox, Richardson, TX (0-2)