Category: ASA

1956 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • MVP – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Raybestos Brakettes (4-2 Pitching, pitched every inning for the Brakettes – 66 IP, 53 K, no hitter, eliminated by Buena Park 1-0 in 17 IP)
  • Batting Leader – Inez “Chick” Long, Lancaster IBEW Girls (6-10) – .600
  • HR Leader – Pat Snellings, Buena Park Lynx (1-13, .076, 1 RBI, 1 Run) – 1
  • Sportsmanship Award – Margie Law, PSBW Ramblers

1956 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

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

HONORABLE MENTION

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

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

1956 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1956 held at Sacramento, California.

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

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

Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers (Hit 2 HR in 14-8 championship game)

Clearwater Bombers – John Hunter (4-0, 28 IP, 45 K) and Eddie King (1-0, no hitter)

Raybestos Cardinals – John Spring (3-1) and Howie Wieland (2-1)

Weldon Haney, Lake Jackson Gators (2-0)

Billy Wojie, Raybestos Cardinals (6-17, .353, 10 RBI – set record for RBI)

  • MVP – Harvey Sterkel, Aurora Sealmasters (5-1, 5 shutouts, including 2 one-hitters, 97 K, 51 IP)
  • Batting Leader – Bobby Forbes, Clearwater Bombers (8-17, 5 RBI, 6 Runs) – .471
  • Home Run Leader – Lazarra, Baltimore (6-12, .500, 2 RBI, 2 Runs) – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Ed Tickey, Stratford (5-16, .313, 2 RBI, 6 Runs) – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater (5-16, .313, 6 RBI, 5 Runs) – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Don Ropp, Aurora (8-25, .320, 4 RBI, 6 Runs) – 2
  • Home Run Leader – John Spring, Stratford (5-19, .263, 5 RBI, 7 Runs, also 3-1 pitching) – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Richie Surhoff, Levittown (3-12, .250, 3 RBI, 2 Runs, also 2-1 Pitching) – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Neilson, Seattle – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Jacobs, Baltimore – 2
  • Home Run Leader – McLeod, Stratord – 2
  • Home Run Leader – VanArthos, Levittown – 2

1956 ALL AMERICANS

P – Harvey Sterkel, Sealmasters
P – John Spring, Raybestos Cardinals
P – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers
C – Ed Riddell, Clearwater Bombers
1B – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals
2B – Bill Manary, News-Leader
3B – Don Ropp, Sealmasters
SS – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Bob Sprentall, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Pete Van Arthos, Meenan Oilers
OF – Bobby Forbes, Clearwater Bombers
UTIL – Dick Surhoff, Meenan Oilers

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

NOTES: West Canada did not attend a representative. No information any rep from the US Army.

1955 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1955 held at Portland, Oregon.

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

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

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

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

  • MVP – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes (5-0, 4 shutouts, 1 Unearned Run, 35 IP, 52 K), won final 4-1, her triple drove in 2 runs. She had a no-hitter and a 1-hitter.
  • Batting Leader – Kay Rich, Leach Motor Rockets (11-18, 10 RBI, which set the tournament RBI record, 6 Runs, and she had 5 hits, including a grand slam and 6 RBI in one game) – .611
  • HR Leader – Erger, Bank of Denver (5-17, .294, 3 RBI, 4 Runs) – 2

1955 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Margie Law, Phoenix Ramblers (4-2, 31 Ks, 42 IP, including a 7-0 no-hitter,  and 6-19 at the plate with a .316 batting average)
P – Norma Jean McDaniel, KC CIO-AFL Dons (2-2, 20 Ks, 28 IP), She also went 7-13, .538 batting.
P – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes
C – Dot Wilkinson, Phoenix Ramblers (9-20, .450, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
1B – Gloria May, Fresno Hacienda Rockets (8-18, .444)
2B – Beverly Cox, Erv Lind Florists
3B – Jeanne Contel, Fresno Hacienda Rockets
SS – Kay Rich, Fresno Hacienda Rockets
OF – Jerry Pollard, Fresno Hacienda Rockets
OF – Zada Boles, Phoenix Ramblers
OF – Thelma Eisen, Orange Lionettes
UTIL – Harriet Leeke, Phoenix Ramblers

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

1955 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1955 held at Clearwater, Florida.

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

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

John Spring, Raybestos (4-0, 44 IP, 47 K, pitched the winners bracket final, winning 1-0).

Howie Wieland, Raybestos (2-0, 17 IP, 18 K, Pitched 2-hit shutout and drove in both runs in 2-0 championship).

Bombers – Eddie King (2-1, 10 IP, 15 K), Herb Dudley (1-0, 12 IP, 12 K) and John Hunter – had 45 straight K and hurled 47 consecutive hitless innings at one point during the season.

Buck Miller, Standard Parts (2-2, 24 IP, 41 K).

Clearwater Bombers – Nolan Whitlock (.318) and Bobby Sprentall (.304).

  • MVP – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers (3-1, 36 IP, 34 Ks, 3 Shutouts)
  • Batting Leader – Marion Cook, Standard Parts (8-16, 3 RBI) – .500
  • Home Run Leader – Ben Karrless, Lackland AFB War Hawks – 1
  • Home Run Leader – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Jim Ellis, Clearwater Bombers – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Frank Binkley, State Farm Insurance – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Palmer, Coca Cola – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Perry, Yellow Cab Merchants , – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Tony Pagluica, Raybestos Cardinals – 1

1955 ALL AMERICANS

P – John Spring, Raybestos Cardinals
P – Harvey Sterkel, Merchants
P – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers
C – Ernie Bertolini, Trenton Democratic Club
1B – George Adam, Raybestos Cardinals
2B – Don Miles, State Farm Insurance
3B – Billy Wojie, Raybestos Cardinals
SS – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Bob Sprentall, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Frank Binkley, State Farm Insurance
OF – Jim Ellis, Clearwater Bombers
UTIL – Tony Pagliuca, Raybestos Cardinals

Honorable Mention: P – Clarence (Buck) Miller, Standard Parts, P – Howard Wieland, Raybestos Cardinals, P – Eddie King, Clearwater Bombers, C – Marion Rabbit Cook, Standard Parts, 2B – Jerry Curtis, Clearwater Bombers, SS – Jack McLeod, Raybestos Cardinals, OF – Bill Baroff, Raybestos Cardinals, OF – Ray Gawerecki, Hanley’s Real Estate, OF – Ben Karass, Lackland AFB

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

1954 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1954 held at Orange, California.

Champion – Leach Motor Rockets, Fresno, California
Runner Up – Orange Lionettes, Orange, California

Carol Nelson shut out the Lionettes twice to win the title. She beat Bertha Ragan 1-0 on a 3 hitter in the Winner’s Bracket Finals and then after the Orange Lionettes squad survived a 14 inning battle with the Phoenix Ramblers, winning 4-0, Nelson once again got the better of Ragan and the Orange, defeating them 2-0 on a 2 hitter to win the championship for the Rockets. Bertha Ragan got one f the two hits Nelson surrendered This is the second straight year that Carol Nelson was pitched the final championship game for Fresno and won both of them by the identical score of 2-0.

The Lionettes had to defeat the Phoenix Ramblers in the semi-final game to get to the championship round. Bertha Ragan pitched a 14 inning shutout and won 4-0 with the Lionettes scoring 4 times in the top of the 14th off a tired Margie Law of Phoenix.

Lorene Ramsey, Kutis Funeral Home (3-1, 2 Shutouts)

Eloise Bielefeld, Buena Park Lynx (3-1, including a 16 inning no hitter)

  • MVP – Kay Rich, Leach Motor Rockets (6-19, .316, 2 RBI, 3 Runs) – Was 1-3 in the championship with an RBI single that gave the Rockets a 1-0 lead.
  • Batting Leader – Marge Grant, Cannerettes (6-12, 2 RBI, 2 Runs) – .500
  • HR Leader – Dot Wilkinson, Ramblers (10-22, .455, 5 RBI, 10 Runs) – 1

1954 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes (5-2, 4 shutouts,  also 19 K in her 7 inning game perfect game)
P – Margie Law, Phoenix Ramblers (5-2, 56 IP, 65 K), she also pitched a perfect game and her ERA was 0.63.
P – Carol Nelson, Fresno Leach Rockets (6-0, 40 IP, 31 K, 0.35 ERA; 3 Shutouts, gave up only 2 runs – pitched a 2-0 shutout in the championship game)
C – Dot Wilkinson, Phoenix Ramblers
1B – Ruth Sears, Orange Lionettes
2B – Carolyn Brown, Buena Park Lynx
3B – Phyliss Drikow, Kutis Funeral Home
SS – Kay Rich, Fresno Leach Rockets
OF – Joanne Moore, Buena Park Lynx
OF – Yvonne Anderson, Fresno Leach Rockets
OF – Joann Kammeyer, Orange Lionettes
UTIL – Barbara Prather, Fresno Rockets

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Leach Motor Rockets, Fresno, CA (6-0) (Defending Champ)
2. Orange Lionettes, Orange, CA (5-2) (Host)
3. PBSW Ramblers, Phoenix, AZ (5-2) (Cactus)
4. Nutrilite Lynx, Buena Park, CA (3-2) (South Pacific Coast)
5t. Kutis Funeral Home, St. Louis, MO (3-2) (Western)
5t. Tandy Leatherettes, Fort Worth, TX (2-2) (Texas)
7t. Cannerettes, Olympia, WA (2-2) (Northwestern)
7t. Crowhurst Motors, Vancouver, BC (2-2) (West Canada)
9t. Dabdoub Motors, New Orleans, LA (1-2) (Southwestern)
9t. Marchant Calculators, Berkley, CA (1-2) (North Pacific Coast)
9t. RH Hall Girls, St. Petersburg, FL (1-2) (Southern)
9t. G&W Construction, West Allis, WI (1-2) (West Central)
13t. Kalyx Cups, Toronto, ON (1-2) (East Canada)
13t. Victor’s Market, Minneapolis, MN (1-2) (Northern)
13t. Navy Skyraiders, San Diego, CA (0-2) (US Navy)
13t. Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT (0-2) (North Atlantic)
17t. Arians, Linden, NJ (0-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
17t. Bank of Denver, Denver, CO (0-2) (Rocky Mountain)

NOTES: Central Atlantic Champ – Columbia Girls Club, Washington DC did not attend. East Central Champ – Advance Fireplace, Detroit, MI did not attend. Northwestern – Cannerettes, Olympia, WA went in place of Northwestern Champ – Portland Pennant Shop, OR, who could not attend. West Canada – Crowhurst Motors, Vancouver, BC went in place of West Canada Champ – Govins, Regina, SK, who could not attend.

1954 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1954 held at Parade One in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 18-23.

Champion – Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, Florida
Runner Up – Briggs Beautyware, Detroit, Michigan

John Spring, Briggs Beautyware (5-1, 43 IP, 60 K).

Herb Dudley, Clearwater Bombers (2-0, 15 IP, 22 K).

Buck Miller, Standard Parts (3-1, 36 IP, 59 K).

Ollie Johnston, DeJur (3-0, 22 IP, 29 K).

Bill Gourley, Penridge AC (3-0, 21 IP, 22 K).

Paul Hoke Wilson (2-0) and Wayne Ward (2-1) led the Bloomington Chiefs pitching staff.

Howie Wieland, Raybestos Cardinals (1-1) – set a National Softball Record in the North Atlantic Regionals as he hurled 6 consecutive no hitters to win the crown.

  • MVP – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers (3-0, 21 IP, 33 Ks, no-hitter and 1-hitter in last 2 games)
  • Batting Leader – Al Martin, Denver NAS (5-11) – .455
  • Home Run Leader – Tom Brown, Penridge AC (3-14, .215, 4 RBI) – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Don Miles, State Farm Insurance- 1
  • Home Run Leader – George Adams, Briggs Beautyware – 1
  • Home Run Leader – Williams, Babbitt Realty – 1

ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

P – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers
P – John Spring, Briggs Beautyware
P – Clarence (Buck) Miller, Standard Parts
C – Marion Cook, Standard Parts
1B – George Adam, Trenton Democratic Club
2B – Don Miles, State Farm Insurance
3B – Ed Antolini, Naval Air Station Denver
SS – Nolan Whitlock, Clearwater Bombers
LF – Thomas Brown, Penridge AC
CF – Ken Sommers, DeJur
RF – AL Martin, Naval Air Station Denver
UTIL – Frank Harvey, Penridge AC

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (5-0) (Southern)
2. Briggs Beautyware, Detroit, MI (5-2) (Defending Champ)
3. State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL (4-2) (West-Central)
4. Penridge AC, Cincinnati, OH (3-2) (East-Central)
5t. Standard Auto Parts, Memphis, TN (3-2) (Southwestern)
5t. DeJur Cameramen, Long Island City, NY (3-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
7t. Babbitt Realty, Houston, TX (2-2) (Texas)
7t. Trenton Democrats, Baltimore, MD (2-2) (Central-Atlantic)
9t. Naval Air Station, Denver, CO (2-2) (Rocky-Mountain)
9t. Renton Cowboys, Seattle, WA (1-2) (Northwestern)
9t. New Bar, St. Paul, MN (1-2) (Northern)
9t. Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, CT (1-2) (North-Atlantic)
13t. Broekers Cigars, St. Louis, MO (1-2) (Western)
13t. Jersey Ice Cream, Minneapolis, MN (1-2) (Host)
13t. Casino Espanol, Havana (0-2) (Cuba)
13t. Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX (0-2) (US-Air-Force)
17t. Roughriders, Napa, CA (0-2) (North-Pacific-Coast)
17t. S-Site, Los Alomos, NM (0-2) (Cactus)

NOTES: South-Pacific-Coast Champ – Pepsi Cola Bottlers, San Diego, CA did not attend. East-Canada Champ – Steinberg’s, Montreal, Quebec did not attend. West-Canada Champ – McLean Motors, Vancouver, British Columbia did not attend. US-Navy Champ – US Navy Patrol Squadron 22, Kodiak, AK did not attend.

1953 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1953 held at Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Champion – Betsy Ross Rockets, Fresno, California
Runner Up – Orange Lionettes, Anaheim, California

The Rocket’s Carol Nelson pitched the 2-0 championship game victory behind the hitting of Betty Schlegal who went 2-2. Kay Rich drove in the first run with a single and then Terry Urrutia’s deep fly to Center Field scored Gloria May to gave the Rockets an insurance run. Nelson gave up four hits and struck out 6. The Lionettes were gunning for their 4th straight championship which would have set a record. The Rockets had a strong pitching staff as Joan Alsup (2-1, shutout), Carol Nelson (3-0, 2 shutouts) and Vera Miller pitched very well in relief

Nonnie Hoehn, Orange Lionettes (2-0, 16 IP, 13 K)

Joy Collicut, Gartens (5-11, .455, 1 RBI)

Jeanne Contel (3 run HR)

  • MVP – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes (6-2, pitched a 1-0 11 inning shutout in the first final and then lost 2-0 in the final game, she struck out 10 in that game, she had 29 K in 24 IP on final day and 91 K total in 58 innings pitched. Ragan also struck 20 batters in a 7 inning game, falling just one strikeout short of a striking out every batter.)
  • Batting Leader – Mary Baker, Canadian Legion (8-16, 1 RBI, 3 Runs) – .500
  • HR Leader – Bobby Jordan, Orange Lionettes (7-29, .241, RBI, 7 Runs) – 2
  • HR Leader – Bev Mulanet, Raybestos Brakettes (4-15, .267, 3 RBI, 4 Runs) – 2
  • HR Leader – Ann Edmondsen, Raybestos Brakettes (5-14, .357, 4 RBI, 3 Runs) – 2

1953 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Margie Law, Phoenix Ramblers
P – Joan Alsup, Betsy Ross Rockets
P – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes
P – Marion Fox, Gartens Furniture, (3-1, 30 IP, 19 Ks)
C – Dot Wilkinson, Phoenix Ramblers (7-18, .389, 2 Runs)
1B – Ruth Sears, Orange Lionettes (12-35, .343, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
2B – Mildred Dixon, Orange Lionettes
3B – Jeanne Contel, Betsy Ross Rockets
SS – Kay Rich, Betsy Ross Rockets (6-18, .333, 3 doubles, 2 triples) and
OF – Gloria Barnes, Denver King Soopers
OF – Dena Kuczo, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Laura Malesh, Regina, Canada Legion
UTIL – Mary Archer, Kalyx Cups

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Betsy Ross Rockets, Fresno, CA (5-1) (North Pacific Coast)
2. Orange Lionettes, Anaheim, CA (8-2) (Defending Champ)
3. King Soupers, Denver, CO (3-2) (Rocky Mountain)
4. Garten’s Furniture, Tornoto, ON (5-2) (Host)
5t. Raybestos Brackettes, Stratford, CT (2-2) (North Atlantic)
5t. PBSW Ramblers, Phoenix, AZ (2-2) (Cactus)
7t. Canadian Legion, Regina, SK (3-2) (West Canada)
7t. Dabdoub Motors, New Orleans, LA (2-2) (Southwestern
9t. Kalyx Cups, Toronto, ON (2-2) (East Canada)
9t. Arians, Linden, NJ (1-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
9t. Greenwood Electric, Des Moines, IA (1-2) (Western)
9t. G&W Construction, West Allis, WI (1-2) (West Central)
13t. Green Jackets, Bremerton, WA (1-2) (Northwestern)
13t. Construction Hornets, Fort Worth, TX (1-2) (Texas)
13t. Advance Fireplace, Detroit, MI (0-2) (East Central)
13t. Nutrilite Lynx, Buena Park, CA (0-2) (South Pacific Coast)
17t. KIHO Cubs, Sioux City, SD (0-2) (Northern)
17t. Lorelei Ladies, Atlanta, GA (0-2) (Southern)
17t. Garvin’s Grill, Washington, DC (0-2) (Central Atlantic)

NOTES: Dabdoub Motors, New Orleans went in place of Southwestern Champ – Baton Rough Solitaires, who could not attend. U.S. Navy Champ – Women Marine Recruit Depot, Pearl Harbor, HI could not attend. U.S. Air Force Champ – Lackland AFB Women Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, San Antonio, TX could not attend.

1953 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1953 held at Miami, Florida.

Champion – Briggs Beautyware, Detroit, Michigan
Runner Up – Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, Florida

John Spring, Briggs Beautyware (5-1, 41 IP, 47 Ks, 3 shutouts on final day, including 1-0 losers bracket final victory over State Farm and then; 2-0 and 1-0 shutouts over Clearwater in the finals, Spring only surrendered 5 hits total in the two championship games. He pitched 5 games in 24 hours). In the final 2 games, he defeated two of the greatest pitchers in the game in John Hunter and Herb Dudley.

Al Linde of Dow AC 5-14, .357, 1 Run.

John Hunter, Bombers (3-1, 35 K’s- lost 1-0 one-hitter in the final for first defeat in national play after 10 straight wins)

Hoke Wilson State Farm (4-0, 27 IP, 24 Ks) – led them to a third place finish, lost a 1-0 losers bracket final to John Spring and the Briggs team. Howie Wieland was 1-1 for State Farm with a no hitter.

Arno Lamb, AIS Miami Flyers was 3-1.

Herb Dudley hurled a 3-0 no hitter and then lost a 2-0 game to finish 1-1.

Rocco Palmeri, Briggs – solo HR in 4th inning of final championship was only hit off John Hunter to give Briggs a 1-0 win and the title.

  • MVP – John Spring, Briggs Beautyware
  • Batting Leader – Joe Morecraft, Trenton Democrats (6-16, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs, the 6 RBIs were in one game) – .375
  • Home Run Leader – Joe Morecraft, Trenton Democrats – 2

1953 ALL AMERICANS

P – John Hunter, Clearwater Bombers
P – John Spring, Briggs Beautyware
P – Paul Hoke Wilson, State Farm Insurance
C – Jack Sweeting, American Industrial Flyers
1B – George Adam, Trenton Democratic Club
2B – Joe Everett, Clearwater Bombers
3B – Knobby Rosa, American Industrial Flyers
SS – Otto Salzman, State Farm Insurance
OF – Al Linde, Dow Chemical
OF – Dave Sayyae, Briggs Beautyware
OF – Bobby Forbes, Clearwater Bombers
UTIL – Jerry Zarick, Briggs Beautyware

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Briggs Beautyware, Detroit, MI (6-1) (Defending Champs)
2. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (4-2) (Southern)
3. State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL (5-2) (West Central)
4. American Industrial Sales (AIS), Miami, FL (4-2) (Host)
5t. Dow Chemical AC, Midland, MI (2-2) (East Central)
5t. Jersey Ice Cream, Minneapolis, MN (2-2) (Northern)
7t. Elmendorf AFB Rockets, Anchorage, AK (2-2) (US Air Force)
7t. Trenton Democrats, Baltimore, MD (2-2) (Central Atlantic)
9t. Kenny Poe Plumbers, Boise, ID (1-2) (Northwestern)
9t. Gators, Lake Jackson, TX (1-2) (Texas)
9t. Phillips 66 Oilers, Okmulgee, OK (1-2) (Southwestern)
9t. Kroszer’s Restaurant, Bridgeport, CT (1-2) (North Atlantic)
13t. Chapel-of-the-Oaks, Oakland, CA (0-2) (North Pacific Coast)
13t. Rochester Radio, Rochester, NY (0-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
13t. Heart-of-America Tobacco, Kansas City, MO (0-2) (Western)
13t. Naval Air Station, Denver, CO (0-2) (Rocky Mountain)

NOTES: Kenny Poe Plumbers, Boise, ID went in place of Northwestern Champ Tacoma, WA, who could not attend. Cactus Champ – Peterson Brothers, Mesa, AZ who could not attend. South Pacific Coast Champ, Palemar Foods, San Diego, CA did not attend. US Army Champ, Green Hornets, Fort Lee, VA could not attend. US Navy Champ – US Navy Patrol Squadron 42, Kodiak, AK could not attend. East Canada Champ – Northern Electric, Verdun, Quebec could not attend. West Canada Champ – Giorday Fruits, Vancouver, British Columbia could not attend. Casino Espanol, Havana, Cuba did not attend.

1952 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1952 held at Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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

The Lionettes became the first team since the famous New Orleans Jax Maids to win 3 consecutive world championships. The Jax Maids performed the feat in 1945-1947.

The Rambler’s Amy Peralta-Shelton highlighted the first inning with a run scoring double and later scored. Dot Wilkinson and Locha Diaz also had hits and scored runs in the inning as well. This ignited the fireworks over the Fresno Rockets in the semi-final game. The Ramblers scored 4 in that first inning and won the game 8-2 behind the pitching of Margie Law to advance them into the finals against the Lionettes. The Rockets finished third as they lost their first game, then won 5 straight before the loss to the Ramblers. The Ramblers then defeated the Lionettes in the first final 3-2 behind Margaret Dobson’s 2-run homer. Bertha Ragan then came through with the 2-0 pitching gem in the final game, despite 2 hits by Amy Peralta-Shelton. Margie Law hurled the final two games for the Ramblers winning the first and losing the final. Amy May-Peralta-Shelton was 3-6 in the final two games to lead the Ramblers offense. Dot Wilkinson batted .360 for the Ramblers during the tournament.

Amy Peralta Shelton (9-23, .391, 2 RBI,4 Runs,  Double, 2 Triples)

Jean Contel, Fresno (9-21, .429, 4 RBI, 1 Run)

Vera Miller, Fresno Rockets (3-0, pitched 2 shutouts and gave up 1 ER in 27 IP)

  • MVP – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes (6-1, 51 IP, 65 K, 4 shutouts, including a 2-0 championship game win in which she struck out 6)
  • Batting Leader – Loretta Chushuk, Kansas City Dons (5-10, 1 RBI, 1 Run) – .500
  • HR Leader– Carolyn Broady, Buena Park (7-15, .467, 1 RBI, 4 Runs) – 1
  • HR Leader  – Bea Sanderson, Toronto Nortowns (10-22, .455, 4 RBI, 5 Runs) – 1
  • HR Leader  – Kay Rich, Fresno Rockets (8-20, .400, 7 RBI, 4 2B, 1 3B, 5 Runs, 17 Total Bases) – 1
  • HR Leader  – Carolyn Thome, Dieselettes (4-18, .222, 8 RBI, 4 Runs) – 1
  • HR Leader – and these players, stats unknown – Fortune, NY Pandoras; Breen, Nortowns; Richmond, Rockets; and Ray, Buena Park Lynx – all with 1

1952 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Bertha Ragan-Tickey, Orange Lionettes
P – Terry Hiltz, Toronto Nortowns (4-2, 37 IP, 50 K)
P – Margie Law, Phoenix Ramblers (5-2, 47 IP, 58 K, 3 Shutouts, no-hitter and two 1-hitters)
C – Dot Wilkinson, Phoenix Ramblers
1B – Newlyn Greer, Carpenters Local 1098
2B – Jake Duncan, KC Dons
3B – Lu Mahoney, Buena Park Lynx
SS – Kay Rich, Fresno Rockets
OF – Carolyn Thome, Caterpillar Dieselettes
OF – Irene Huber, Fresno Rockets
OF – Elaine Harris, Orange Lionettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orange Lionettes, Anaheim, CA (6-1) (Defending Champ)
2. PBSW Ramblers, Phoenix, AZ (5-2) (Cactus)
3. Betsy Ross Rockets, Fresno, CA (5-2) (North Pacific Coast)
4. Nortowns, Toronto, ON (4-2) (Host)
5t. Caterpillar Dieselettes, Peoria, IL (3-2) (West Central)
5t. Merchants, Metamora, OH (2-2) (East Central)
7t. Phoenix Clothier Rockettes, Allentown, PA (2-2) (Central Atlantic)
7t. Nutrilite Lynx, Buena Park, CA (2-2) (South Pacific Coast)
9t. Carpenters Local #1098, Baton Rouge, LA (1-2) (Southwestern)
9t. Goss ON Ross, Dallas, TX (1-2) (Texas
9t. KC Dons, Kansas City, MO (1-2) (Western)
9t. Pandoras, New York City, NY (1-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
13t. Kalyx Cups, Toronto, ON (1-2) (Canada)
13t. Hanes Hosiery, Winston-Salem, NC (1-2) (Southern)
13t. King Soupers, Denver, CO (0-2) (Rocky Mountain)
13t. Green Jackets, Bremerton, WA (0-2) (Northwestern)
17t. Victor’s Market, Minneapolis, MN (0-2) (Northern)
17t. Wallingford Owlettes, Wallingford, CT (0-2) (North Atlantic)

1952 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1952 held at Stratford, Connecticut.

Champion – Briggs Beautyware, Detroit, Michigan
Runner Up – American Industrial Sales Flyers, Miami, Florida (113-11)

John Spring of Briggs Beautyware was 5-0, 35 IP, 57 Ks, the 22 year old Spring pitched a perfect game in the winners bracket-finals to defeat Buck Miller and his Memphis squad and then came back with a 2-1 three-hitter in the finals.

Buck Miller of Memphis Corbitt Motors Independents went 3-2, 44 IP, 55 K.

Al Linde of Dow AC was 5-14, .357, 1 RBI, 4 Runs.

George Adam, Briggs went 7-17, .412, 3 RBI, 1 Run.

Miami Flyers Eddie Feigner went 3-1, 30 IP, 47 Ks, 3 shutouts and Arno Lamb 2-1, shutout, lost final game 2-1. Eddie King also pitched for the Flyers in relief.

Eddie Feigner and the Miami Flyers shutout Memphis 3-0 in the semi-finals. The win allowed Miami to play Briggs in the Championship game. Miami started the scoring as Mike Meilecke doubled into left center and scored when Joe Lewis ripped a sharp single to left field to lead 1-0. Raybestos came back as Dave Sayre (2 hits in the game) beat out an infield single. Roy Palmieri hit a sharp grounder that Miami’s second basemen let go off his leg into the outfield, allowing Sayre to score. Palmieri, who went to third on the error, then scored when Miami catcher Jack Sweeting let a pitch go through him for a passed ball in what proved to be the winning run in the 2-1 championship game. Johnny Spring struck out 6 and gave up 4 hits to get the win. Losing Pitcher Arno Lamb struck out 5 and surrendered only 3 hits.

  • MVP – John Spring, Briggs Beautyware
  • Batting Leader – Joe Overfield, Lackland AFB (6-11, 2 Runs) – .545
  • Home Run Leader – Johnny Marsden, Lackland AFB (5-13, 5 RBI, 5 Runs – also went 1-0 pitching 11 IP, 12 Ks) – 2

1952 ALL AMERICANS

P – John Spring, Briggs Beautyware
P – Clarence (Buck) Miller, Independents
P – Harvey Sterkel, Denver Public Service
C – Ernie Bertolini, Trenton Democratic Club
1B – George Adam, Briggs Beautyware
2B – Whitey Campbell, American Industrial Flyers
3B – Dick Duzik, Dow Chemical
SS – Albert Gaub, Mt. Carmel Guild
OF – Dave Sayyae, Briggs Beautyware
OF – Loren Dinkle, Dow Chemical
OF – John “Buster” Ziegler, American Industrial Flyers
UTIL – John Marsden, Warhawks

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Briggs Beautyware, Detroit, MI (6-0) (East Central)
2. American Industrial Sales (AIS), Miami, FL (5-2) (Southern)
3. Corbett Motors Independents, Memphis, TN (3-2) (Southwestern)
4. Trenton Democrats, Baltimore, MD (4-2) (Central Atlantic)
5t. Dow Chemical AC, Midland, MI (4-2) (Defending Champ)
5t. Mt. Carmel Guild, Jersey City, NY (3-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
7t. Goss ON Ross, Dallas, TX (2-2) (Texas)
7t. Steinberg’s, Montreal, QC (2-2) (Canada)
9t. Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX (2-2) (US Air Force)
9t. Public Service, Denver, CO (1-2) (Rocky Mountain)
9t. Sterling Beer, Louisville, KY (1-2) (West Central)
9t. Jersey Ice Cream, Minneapolis, MN (1-2) (Northern)
13t. Napa Merchants, Napa, CA (1-2) (North Pacific Coast)
13t. Irwin-Jones Dodgers, Tacoma, WA (1-2) (Northwestern)
13t. Jones Ranchers, Eloy, AZ (0-2) (Cactus)
13t. Casino Espanol, Havana (0-2) (Cuba)
17t. Columbus Auto Body, New Haven, CT (0-2) (North Atlantic)
17t. Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Sioux City, IA (0-2) (Western)
17t. Raybestos Cardinals, Stratford, CT (0-2) (Host)

NOTES: South Pacific Coast Champ – Plymouth Mo-Parts, San Ysidro, CA did not attend.