Category: 1977

1977 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1977 / ASA / ASA Men's A Slow Pitch
November 1, 1977

1977 held at Richmond, Virginia.

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

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

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

ASA A ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

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

ASA A ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

1977 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1977 / ASA / ASA Women's Major Fast Pitch
October 30, 1977

1977 held at Hayward, California.

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

MVP – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes (7-1, 6 shutouts, 1 ER, 56 IP, 32 K; 6-20, .300 batting)
Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes (won final 2 games 1-0 and 3-0)
Erv Lind Defensive Award – Kathleen Strahan, Raybestos Brakettes
Batting Leader – Cathy Toppi, Bridgeport Coeds (8-14, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs) – .571
HR Leader – Suzie Gaw, Saints – 1
HR Leader – Jeanie Bryant, Texas Sundowners – 1
HR Leader – Sandra Wells, Lorelei Ladies – 1
HR Leader – Charlene Thompson, Lorelei Ladies (6-15, .400, 4 RBIs, 1 Run) – 1

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

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

1977 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

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

1977 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

1977 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1977 / USSSA / USSSA Major Slow Pitch
October 1, 1977

1977 tournament held at Petersburg, Virginia.

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

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

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

1977 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

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

OTHERS

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

1977 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1977 / ASA / ASA Men's Major Fast Pitch
September 30, 1977

1977 held at Midland, Michigan.

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

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

Dick Brubaker (3-1), Gary Hutchins (2-0) and Harvey Sterkel, Home Savings & Loans (0-1)

Ed Johnson, Days Inn (4-2, 38 IP, 33 K)

Graeme Arnold, Peterbilt (4-1, 36 IP, 34 K)

Bob Ryan, McArdle (3-1, 28 IP, 23 K)

MVP – Ty Stofflet, Billard Barbell (5-0, 35 IP, 49 K, 1 Shutout, 3 ER, 17 hits)
Batting Leader – George Bettineski, Peterbilt Western (10-21, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 Runs) – .476
Home Run Leader – Jeff Seip, Billard Barbell (6-18, .333, 2 RBI, 6 Runs) – 2
Most Outstanding Pitcher Award – Ty Stofflet, Billard Barbell

1977 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Ty Stofflet, Billard
P – Dick Brubaker, Home Savings and Loan
P – Graham Arnold, Peterbilt
C – Harry Haroian, Day’s Sanitary
C – Jim Marsh, Super Auto
1B – Darryl Day, Home Savings and Loan
2B – Ron Hoak, York Barbell
3B – Jeff Peck, McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac
SS – Elston Mitchell, Home Savings and Loan
OF – Bruce Miller, McArdle Pontiac-Cadillac
OF – Art Weida, Billard
OF – George Bettineski, Peterbilt
OF – Mike Drew, Home Savings and Loan
UTIL – Frank Drinkwine, A.U.L. Hawks

1977 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

1977 USSSA Men’s B Slow Pitch Worlds

1977 / USSSA / USSSA B/C/D/E
September 9, 1977

1977 held at Tullahoma, Tennessee.

Champion – Al’s Cafe, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Thurmers/Southwest, St. Louis, Missouri

MVP – Joe Aversa, Al’s Cafe
HR Leader – Mike Frederick, Pasquale’s
Batting Leader – N/A

1977 USSSA B ALL WORLD TEAM

Skeet Jones, Ram Neuse
Jim Burke, Thurmer’s/Southwest
Barry Glaser, Lee Supply
Ed Litty, Thurmer’s/Southwest
Jim Gricar, Al’s Cafe
Jim Picard, Al’s Cafe
Bill Schmidt, Lee Supply
John Paul, Al’s Cafe
John Bonzo, Thurmer’s/Southwest
Dave Snatchko, Al’s Cafe

FINAL STANDINGS (Standings Incomplete)

1. Al’s Cafe, Bethel Park, PA (8-1)
2. Thurmers/Southwest, St. Louis, MO (7-2)
3. Lee Supply, Washington, PA (6-2)
4. Etna Hotel, Arnold, PA (5-2)
5t. Ram Neuse, Kinston, NC (5-2)
5t. Pasquale’s, Detroit, MI (6-2)
7t. Softball City, Detroit, MI (7-2)
7t. Arrow Transfer, TN (6-2)
9t. Alexander’s Inn, Saxonburg, PA (3-2)
9t. Sonny’s, TN (3-2)
9t. Merchants, NV (3-2)
9t. Kynor Construction, McKeesport, PA (6-2)
13t. Hunt Bonner, TN (3-2)
13t. Heidel’s, WI (3-2)
13t. Neuse Sports, NC (4-2)
13t. Next Best Thing, WI (5-2)
17t. Renton Firemen, Renton, PA (3-2)
17t. Wintonaire, Rochester, NY (3-2)
17t. Trojan Homes, MI (2-2)
17t. Bird Cage, WI (2-2)
17t. Latin Lounge, OH (2-2)
17t. Lake to Lake, WI (3-2)
17t. Buzzard’s Roost, KY (3-2)
17t. Local 400, MI (3-2)
25t. Miller Auto, MI (3-2)
25t. Corner House, NJ (4-2)
25t. Stalling Oil, NC (4-2)
25t. Casa Di Pizza, NY (2-2)
25t. Lakeshore House, MI (2-2)
25t. Retzner & Zimmerman, IN (3-2)
25t. Libby’s Lounge, WI (2-2)
25t. Potter Hill, NC (2-2)
33t. Billy D’s, WI (2-2)
33t. Hill’s, TN (1-2)
33t. Bailey’s, SC (1-2)
33t. Watterson City, KY (2-2)
33t. Car Center, Baltimore, MD (2-2)
33t. Shifflett & Horn, MD (2-2)
33t. McDonald’s, MO (1-2)
33t. Nikki’s, Detroit, MI (1-2)
33t. West Side, TN (1-2)
33t. Little Caesars, MI (1-2)
33t. First National Bank, IL (1-2)
33t. Honey’s Pizza, Niagara Falls, NY (1-2)
33t. Honey Bucket, WI (2-2)
33t. Friar Tuck, VA (1-2)
33t. Big Bill’s, Dearborn Heights, MI (1-2)
33t. Dillon’s CA (1-2)
49t. Barbeque Kitchen, GA (2-2)
49t. Steve’s Inn, PA (2-2)
49t. Asches Tap, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
49t. Ford Realty, KY (1-2)
49t. Fult’s, IL (1-2)
49t. Danbar, MI (1-2)
49t. Buckett’s, MO (1-2)
49t. CFW Construction, TN (1-2)
49t. Bucci Furniture, PA (1-2)
49t. Randy’s Carpet, VA (1-2)
49t. House of Copper, UT (1-2)
49t. Rajun Cajun’s, IN (1-2)
49t. Owen’s Moving, NC (0-2)
49t. Richt Spot, WI (0-2)
49t. Foust Brothers, MO (0-2)
49t. Rudolph-Libbe, Toledo, OH (0-2)
65t. Logger’s, IL (0-2)
65t. Parisi’s, MO (0-2)
65t. Looking Glass, Los Angeles, CA (0-2)
65t. Wolfe Meat, IN (0-2)
65t. Six Pence, MI (0-2)
65t. The Library, WI (0-2)
65t. Bar Launch, MA (0-2)
65t. Audioland, MI (0-2)
65t. New Mill Tap, IL (0-2)
65t. Boone’s, VA (0-2)
65t. Mi Pueblito, MO (0-2)
65t. Lestician Trucking, NJ (0-2)
65t. IMPCO, SC (0-2)
65t. Jack’s Convenient, KY (0-2)

1977 Women’s College World Series (AIAW)

1977 / ASA / Fast / NCAA
May 30, 1977

1977 held at Dill Softball Center in Omaha, Nebraska on May 25-29.

Champion – Northern Iowa Panthers (30-2)
Runner Up – Arizona Wildcats

The 1977 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) was held in Omaha, Nebraska on May 25–29. Sixteen college softball teams met in the AIAW fastpitch softball tournament. This was the first WCWS in which regional tournaments were conducted for teams to qualify for the final tournament.

After appearing in three previous WCWS in 1973, 1975, and 1976, Northern Iowa won its first national championship by defeating Arizona, 7-0, in the “if necessary” game behind pitcher Pat Stockman.

Legendary Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins participated in the WCWS with Michigan State.

Paid attendance for the series was 5,251.

MVP – N/A
Batting Leader – Gayle Barrons, Michigan State (9-20, .450)
HR Leader – 6 tied at 1 (Brenda Marshall, Texas-Arlington; Cindy Salisbury, West Chester; Lisa Nicholson, Southwest Missouri State; June Koleber, Kansas; Gloria Graves, Kansas; DJ Parker, Northern Iowa)

OTHERS

Venus Jennings, Northern Colorado (.428, 9-21, 4 RBI)
Carmen King, Michigan State (.421, 8-19)
Jan Nelson, Southwest Missouri State (.417, 5-12, 4 RBI)
Kathy Drickey, Nebraska-Omaha (.409, 9-22, 2 RBI)
Kristie Koenig, Cal-State Sacramento (.400, 4-10)
Barb Wahlstrom, Northern Iowa (.375, 6-16, 1 RBI)
Lisa Nelson, Southwest Missouri State (.357, 5-14, 2 RBI)
Anne Davenport, Arizona (.350, 7-20, 3 RBI)
Connie Wichman, Nebraska-Omaha (.349, 8-23, 2 RBI)
Ann Anderson, Michigan State (.333, 6-18, 3 RBI)
Pat Bromley, Nebraska-Omaha (.333, 5-15, 1 RBI)
Carol Hutchins, Michigan State (.316, 6-19, 1 RBI)
Kris McCartney, Northern Iowa (.313, 5-16, 1 RBI)
Laurie Zoodsma, Michigan State (.300, 6-20, 2 RBI)
Paula Woodworth, Kansas (.300, 3-10)
Pat Stockman, Northern Iowa (3-1, 0.00 ERA, 3 shutouts)
Lou Piel, Northern Colorado (3-1, 0.00 ERA)
Gloria Graves, Kansas (2-0, 0.00 ERA)
Melanie Kyler, Arizona State (3-2, 0.49 ERA)
Penny Clayton, Southwest Missouri State (1-1, 1.06 ERA)
Marlene McCauley, Nebraska-Omaha (3-1, 1.16 ERA)
Michelle Thomas, Northern Iowa (2-0, 1.28 ERA)
Laurel Hills, Michigan State (2-1, 1.91 ERA)
Nancy Lyons, Michigan State (2-1, 1.93 ERA)
Tonja Adreon, Arizona (1-1, 2.04 ERA)
Phyliss Schachterle, Northern Colorado (1-1, 2.04 ERA)

Most Hits (9) Gayle Barrons, Michigan State; Venus Jennings, Northern Colorado; Kathy Drickey, Nebraska-Omaha.
Most Doubles (2) Anne Davenport, Arizona
Most Triples (2) Shelly Van Drimmelen, Cal-State Sacramento
Most RBI (5) Pat Stockman, Northern Iowa
Most Stolen Bases (4) Venus Jennings, Northern Colorado

SCORES

Nebraska-Omaha 6 Western Illinois 0
Arizona 4 Texas-Arlington 3
Southwest Missouri State 5 Springfield College 2
Arizona State 2 Cal-State Sacramento 1 (9 innings)
Northern Iowa 3 Southern Illinois 0
Kansas 1 Oklahoma State 0
Michigan State 6 West Chester State 2
Northern Colorado 6 Oregon State 0
Arizona 7 Nebraska-Omaha 4
Arizona State 2 Southwest Missouri State 0
Northern Iowa 4 Kansas 0
Michigan State 5 Northern Colorado 4 (8 innings)
Texas-Arlington 4 Western Illinois 1 (Western Illinois eliminated)
Cal-State Sacramento 6 Springfield 0 (Springfield eliminated)
Oklahoma State 3 Southern Illinois 2 (Southern Illinois eliminated)
Oregon State 8 West Chester State 6 (West Chester State eliminated)
Arizona 1 Arizona State 0
Northern Iowa 7 Michigan State 3
Northern Iowa 1 Arizona 0 (8 innings)
Northern Colorado 6 Texas-Arlington 0 (Texas-Arlington eliminated)
Kansas 5 Cal-State Sacramento 1 (Cal-State Sacramento eliminated)
Southwest Missouri State 3 Oklahoma State 1 (Oklahoma State eliminated)
Nebraska-Omaha 6 Oregon 0 (Oregon eliminated)
Northern Colorado 2 Kansas 1 (Kansas eliminated)
Nebraska-Omaha 2 Southwest Missouri State 1 (Southwest Missouri State eliminated, 10 innings)
Arizona State 2 Northern Colorado (Northern Colorado eliminated)
Michigan State 5 Nebraska-Omaha 1 (Nebraska-Omaha eliminated)
Michigan State 3 Arizona State 2 (Arizona State eliminated)
Arizona 2 Michigan State (Michigan State eliminated)
Northern Colorado 3 Nebraska-Omaha 0 (5th place game)
Arizona 1 Northern Iowa 0 (9 innings)
Northern Iowa 7 Arizona 0 (Arizona eliminated)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Northern Iowa Panthers (5-1)
2. Arizona Wildcats (5-2)
3. Michigan State Spartans (4-2)
4. Arizona State Sun Devils (3-2)
5. Northern Colorado Bears (4-2)
6. Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks (3-3)
7t. Kansas Jayhawks (2-2)
7t. Southwest Missouri State (2-2)
9t. Texas–Arlington (1-2)
9t. CSU–Sacramento (1-2)
9t. Oklahoma State Cowgirls (1-2)
9t. Oregon State Beavers (1-2)
13t. Southern Illinois (0-2)
13t. West Chester State (0-2)
13t. Springfield College (0-2)
13t. Western Illinois (0-2)

1977 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1977 / ASA / ASA Women's Major Slow Pitch
January 1, 1977

1977 held at Graham, North Carolina.

Champion: Fox Valley Lassies, St Charles, Illinois
Runner Up: Columbus Roadrunners, Columbus, Ohio

The Lassies beat the Roadrunners 8-6 in the winners bracket final. After the Columbus squad eliminated defending champ Sorrento’s Pizza in the losers bracket final, they were set to take on the Fox Valley Lassies once again in the final championship game. The win over Sorrento’s was big, because Sorrento pitcher Shirley Patterson had just twirled back to back shutouts. as both teams had 1 loss, this game went into the bottom of the 11th inning. Marylyss Runestead came through with a bases loaded single to win the title 8-7. It was her 4th hit of the game.

MVP – Marlyss Runestead, Fox Valley Lassies (17-25, .680, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
Batting Leader – Marlyss Runestead, Fox Valley – .680
Home Run Leaders – Crystal Thompson, Roadrunners 16-32, (.500, 9 RBI, 15 Runs) – 4
Home Run Leaders – Terri Sheridan, Bernwood Hall 10-21, (.480, 14 RBI, 8 Runs) – 4

1977 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Judy Hedgecock, Miami Dots
P – Marcia Ford, Fox Valley Lassies
C – Linda Ares, Miami Dots
C – Deb Pince, Americs
1B – Helen Biddle, Fox Valley Lassies
2B – Debbie Wohlers, Gremlins
3B – Deborah Jurca, Fox Valley Lassies
SS – Diane Hochrein, Bernward Hall
OF – Chrystal Thompson, Roadrunners
OF – Marlyss Runestad, Fox Valley Lassies
OF – Irene Dill, Roadrunners
OF – Christi Winter, Sorrento’s Pizza
UT – Mary Jane Snyder, York Barbellets
UT – Marsha Replogle-Ehlers, Sorrento’s Pizza

1977 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Judy Rose, Bernward Hal
P – Shirley Patterson, Sorrento’s Pizza
C – Valerie D. Seldon, Fox Valley Lassies
C – Bonnie Jo Rogers, KFC
1B – Linda Hargrove, Cowley County
2B – Eileen Rudoplh, Roadrunners
3B – Cathy Jean Robinson, KFC
SS – Tomi Lee Burns, Gremlins
OF – Kimbra Ellen Buchanan, KFC
OF – Kathy Cooper, Sorrento’s Pizza
OF – Debra Mihalka, Fox Valley Lassies
OF – Evelyn Hayes, Miami Dots
UT – Brenda Mueller, Bernward Hall
UT – Julie Middlebrooks, Roadrunners

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Fox Valley Lassies – St. Charles, IL
2. Columbus Roadrunners – Columbus, OH

TBD – on paper 40 teams