Category: ASA

1976 ASA Men’s A Fast Pitch Nationals

1976 held at Thompson Park in Hamilton, Ohio on September 1-7.

Champion – Millersville Merchants, Millersville, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Neals Truck Parts, Wyoming, Michigan

A young Millersville, PA outfit made believers of everybody Monday night at Thompson Park. Even it may be added, a young Millersville, PA outfit.

Buoyed by the heavy hitting of Denny Leathers and the steady pitching of Glen Wilner, Millersville stopped defending champion Neals Truck Parts of Grand Rapids, MI, 5-1 to annex the 1976 Men’s National Class A Fast Pitch title before 3,000 fans on this cool Labor Day evening.

“When we came down here we figured to win just a couple games,” admitted Millersville Manager Chub Kauffman. “We never thought we’d win it, but everything fell into place.

“Since the Fourth of July we’ve only lost two ballgames,” Kauffman added, “Our hitting and pitching have come around and our big man carried us,” he said, motioning towards Leathers.

Leathers, who was named the tournament’s MVP, hammered his fourth home run of the tourney and drove in two more runs with a single in the championship game.

The single came in the opening frame of the game and scored Park Kauffman and Mike Mull. That time Leathers was batting right handed.

The home run came in the fifth inning and extended the Millersville to 5-1. He batted left handed on this occasion. Both hits came off Neals Truck Parts righthander, Charlie Mitchell.

“Usually if I make an out I change around,” Leathers explained, “But, it depends a lot on the pitcher. I like to left handed against a drop ball pitcher.”

The tournament championship had leathers on cloud nine.

“I think after we won our first two games we felt we could win,” Leathers aid amid the trophy presentations. He turned to his manager and shook his head. “I still can’t believe this.”

“Neither can I,” said a smiling Kauffman.

Millersville had jumped on Grand Rapids starter Bob Ebels immediately.

Park Kauffman tripled off the fence in right field and Ebels walked Mike Mull and Rex Giberson.

Ebels left the game at this point in favor of Mitchell who was greeted by Leathers’ single to center.

The score stayed 2-0 until the third when Neals Truck Parts catcher Ron Engels reached first on a third strike passed ball.

Mitchell sacrificed him to second and Al Koop plated him with a single to right.

Phil Barley got a fourth inning Millersville rally started with a single and went to second on Wilner’s sacrifice.

Kauffman got his second hit of the game, and infield chopper to shortstop, and Barley went to third.

A wild pitch brought Barley home and Mull singled to center to score Kauffman and extend the leave to 4-1.

Leathers wound up scoring in the fifth with his long home run to right center. Wilner took care of business the rest of the way.

The Millersville right hander limited Grand Rapids to three hits and fanned 11.

Even in defeat, it would be difficult to expect the Grand Rapids club to be disappointed. They have come from nowhere to reach these finals.

A loser in the first game of this five day tournament. The 1975 champions clawed and scratched their way through the losers’ bracket.

They had to win one time Saturday, four times Sunday, and four more times Monday to get a chance at the big trophy. They did just that.

In the finals of the losers’ bracket they defeated Canton Merchants of Canton, NC and Big David Anderson, 2-0, making the North Carolinians the tournament’s third place team for a second year in a row.

Besides Leathers, special tournament awards went to Millersville’s Jerry Grantz as most valuable pitcher and Ole Oleson of Sunnyvale, CA, as the leading hitter.

Bob Jenkins of the host Champion EAA Chargers was named to the All-American team. Jenkins had eight hits in 18 tries.

  • MVP – Denny Leathers, Millersville Merchants
  • Batting Champion – Ole Olson, Cal West Falcons (.500)
  • Most Valuable Pitcher – Jerry Gantz, Millersville Merchants

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jerry Gantz, Millersville Merchants
P – Ken Bosch, Neals Truck Parts
P – Dave Anderson, Canton Merchants
C – Steve Moore, Millersville Merchants
C – Bill Lutke, Neals Truck Parts
1B – Andy Ondeslia, Coffeen Roadrunners
2B – Al Koop, Neals Truck Parts
3B – Bob Jenkins, Champion EAA
SS – Dan Tiger, Flo-Bend
OF – Denny Leathers, Millersville Merchants
OF – Ole Olson, Cal West Falcons
OF – Jim Burnell, Days Sanitary
OF – Park Kauffman, Millersville Merchants
UT – Larry Peterson, Twin City Tavern

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Rick Planger, Fayette
P – Ray Toler, Southern Distributing Co.
P – George Munsey, Tucson Cactus Room
C – Gary Taylor, Canton Merchants
C – Dave Hendrix, Cal West Falcons
1B – John Figervon, Cal West Falcons
2B – George Stevens, Holly Farms
3B – Tom Pelon, Neals Truck Parts
SS – Mike Mull, Millersville Merchants
OF – Terry Boe, Club 95
OF – Jack Tiger, Flo-Bend
OF – Denny Blankenburg, Wigman Company
OF – John Long, Days Sanitary
UT – Rexford Giberson, Millersville Merchants

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Millersville Merchants, Millersville, PA (7-0)
2. Neals Truck Parts, Wyoming, MI (9-2)
3. Canton Merchants, Canton, NC (5-2)
4. Fayette, Niles, MI (5-2)
5t. Tucson Cactus Room, Tucson, AZ (5-2)
5t. Champion EAA, Hamilton, OH (4-2)
7t. Southern Distributing Co., Tuscaloosa (4-2)
7t. Coffeen Roadruners, Coffeen, IL (4-2)
9t. Club 95, Hixton, WI (4-2)
9t. Trophy & Sports World, Bradenton, FL (4-2)
9t. Holly Farms, Baltimore, MD (4-2)
9t. Days Sanitary, Waterford, MI (4-2)
13t. Flo-Bend, Sand Springs, OK (4-2)
13t. Cal West Falcons, Sunnyvale, CA (3-2)
13t. Reed Construction, Andover, CT (3-2)
13t. Wigman Company, Sioux City, IA (3-2)
17t. Hanson Silo, Lake Lillian, MN (3-2)
17t. Wichita Falls Sportswear, Wichita Falls, TX (3-2)
17t. Twin City Tavern, Longview, WA (3-2)
17t. Razorback Concrete, West Memphis, AR (2-2)
17t. Renners Express, Inc., Indianapolis, IN (2-2)
17t. M-K Fuel Co. Oilers, Baton Rouge, LA (2-2)
17t. Rocco’s, Plainfield, NJ (2-2)
17t. Warsaw Grill, Lackawanna, NY (2-2)
25t. Duncanville Merchants, Dallas, TX (2-2)
25t. Steve’s Compadres, San Antonio, TX (2-2)
25t. Charleston Merchants, Charleston, WV (2-2)
25t. S&H Market, Hanford, CA (1-2)
25t. Haywood, Haywood, CA (1-2)
25t. Livermore Merchants, Livermore, CA (1-2)
25t. Fort Carson Post, Colorado Springs, CO (1-2)
25t. Louie’s Tavern, Mishawaka, IN (1-2)
33t. Winchester Merchants, Winchester, KY (1-2)
33t. Westside Chapel, Omaha, NE (1-2)
33t. Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes, CA (1-2)
33t. Mr. M’s, Oswego, NY (1-2)
33t. Tri-State Auction, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. Broken Bow, Broken Bow, NE (1-2)
33t. ABC Roofing, Portland, OR (1-2)
33t. Memphis Food Brokers, Memphis, TN (1-2)
33t. Nelson Construction, Austin, TX (1-2)
33t. OPCO-Kuehn, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Professional Chevron, Stockton, CA (0-2)
33t. Rising Sun Inn, Rising Sun, MD (0-2)
33t. St. Petersburg Merchants, St. Petersburg, FL (0-2)
33t. Chicago, Chicago, IL (0-2)
33t. Reich’s Club, Kansas City, KS (0-2)
33t. Robertson Plumbing Co., Greenville, MS (0-2)
49t. Driftwood Lounge, Newark, NJ (0-2)
49t. Chamberlin’s Upholstery, Toledo, OH (0-2)
49t. Wooster Merchants, Wooster, OH (0-2)
49t. Mr. Mel’s, Nashville, TN (0-2)
49t. Kazco Manufacturing, Pleasant Grove, UT (0-2)
49t. The Competition, Salt Lake City, UT (0-2)
49t. Hampton Merchants, Hampton, VA (0-2)
49t. Richmond Capitals, Richmond, VA (0-2)
49t. West Covina, West Covina, CA (0-2)

1980 ASA Men’s A Fast Pitch Nationals

1980 held in Oswego, New York on September 4-8.

Champion – S.H. Good, New Holland, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Blitz, Medford, Oregon

S.H. Good of New Holland, PA captured the ASA Class A national fastpitch softball championship Sunday when it defeated Blitz of Medford, OR 3-2 in 10 innings in the finals at Oswego, NY.

Dwane Hostetter’s 10th inning RBI single drove home Randy Sanger with the winning run as S.H. Good becomes the second local team to win the crown in the last five years. Millersville won the title in 1976 in Lake Tahoe, CA.

Irv Weaver, who relieved Bob Martin in the 6th inning, picked up the win. S.H. Good went through the double-elimination tournament unbeaten.

  • MVP – Jimmy Moore, Blitz
  • Batting Champion – Steve Liebeck, Lakewood Winston Oilers (.529)
  • Pitching Leader – N/A

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jimmy Moore, Merchants
P – Rick Fugate, Orr Park
P – Mike Ohi, U.S. Army
C – Steve Liebeck, Lakewood Winston Oilers
C – Warren Cooper, Blitz
1B – Tom Kloess, Merchants
2B – Rex Giberson, S.H. Good
3B – Rodger Hess, S.H. Good
SS – John White, Blitz
OF – Gary Glass, Blitz
OF – Parke Kauffman, S.H. Good
OF – Randy Sanger, S.H. Good
OF – Brad Schmidt, Merchants
UT – George Decker, Blitz

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Bob Mueller, Merchants
P – Bob Martin, S.H. Good
P – Dwane Hostetter, S.H. Good
C – Rich Jackson, Merchants
C – Mike Good, A.H. Good
1B – Alan Rohrbach, El Cajon Rangers
2B – Randy Irvin, El Cajon Rangers
3B – Bob Potter, U.S. Army
SS – Jim Cooper, Mount Pleasant
OF – Al Pesqueira, The Pub
OF – Dale Clark, Jolly Molly
OF – Bill Barren, Parker Mick
OF – Jerry Selmon, U.S. Army
UT – Mike Cornutt, Blitz

FINAL STANDINGS

1. S.H. Good, New Holland, PA (5-0)
2. Blitz, Medford, OR (5-2)
3. Orr Park, Orrville, OH (3-2)
4. Merchants, Fairview Heights, IL (5-2)
5t. Parker Mick, Jacksonville, FL (4-2)
5t. El Cajon Rangers, El Cajon, CA (2-2)
7t. U.S. Army, Washington, DC (3-2)
7t. Mount Pleasant, Mount Pleasant, MI (3-2)
9t. Jolly Molly, Lebanon, PA (3-2)
9t. Lakewood Winston Oilers, Long Beach, CA (2-2)
9t. Dealers Supply Co., Nashville, TN (3-2)
9t. The Pub, Tuscon, AZ (2-2)
13t. Hawaiian Heritage, Honolulu, HI (2-2)
13t. Rose’s Trucking, Bryan, TX (1-2)
13t. Penn Corpy, Sioux City, SD (1-2)
13t. Sil’s Seafood Inn, Provo, UT (2-2)
17t. Harverster IGA, St. Charles, MO (1-2)
17t. Reed Construction, Manchester, CT (1-2)
17t. Gridley’s, Memphis, TN (0-2)
17t. Artichoke Joe’s, Redwood City, CA (0-2)
17t. Gin Mill, New Brunswick, NJ (0-2)
17t. Wilber Lime Co., Galesville, WI (0-2)
17t. Mr. M’s, Oswego, NY (0-2)
17t. Hillview Bar, Jamestown, ND (0-2)

1987 ASA Men’s A Fastpitch Nationals

1987 held at Redding Softball Park, Caldwell Park, and South City Park in Redding, California on September 3-7. 

Champion – Jolly Molly, Lebanon, Pennsylvania (91-6)
Runner Up – Magna Plating, Burbank, California

Members of the Jolly Molly team of Lebanon, Pa., came to Redding last week looking for gold. Although their hopes of striking paydirt never panned out, the team still left town with the mother lode. Jolly Molly defeated Magna Plating of Burbank 4-1 Monday to capture the Amateur Softball Association Men’s Class A Fastpitch National Tournament.

With the victory over Magna, Jolly Molly completed a six-game sweep through the winners bracket of the six-day, 39-team, double-elimination tournament held at Redding Softball Park, Tiger Field, Kiwanis No. 3 Field. Jolly Molly advanced to the championship bracket Monday morning with a 4-1 win in 10 Innings over rival Howe Construction of Honeybrook. Pa. About a week prior to the tournament an article in a Reading. Pa., newspaper about gold panning in Northern California tempted some members of the Jolly Molly team to give it a try. While there were no reports of any major strikes in any north state streams, the Jolly Molly players nevertheless packed away lots of gold in the form of trophies and plaques and some golden memories.

It doesn’t get any better than this,” said pitcher Milt Howe, who shut down Magna Plating on five hits with no strikeouts or walks.

“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, I’ll tell you that,” said 33-year-old pitcher Gib Glessner, who won three games for Jolly Molly and said this is his last season. “That’s the only way I wanted to end (my career).

“I told them all at the beginning of the season we could go all the way. 1 knew we could,” Glessner said.

“This is the best team I’ve ever played on,” said Manager and left fielder John Yocklovich. “It makes you wonder what you can do next year, because you’ll never top this.” Sacking the most gold was Jolly Molly’s Roy Ilimmelberger. The second baseman delivered the game-breaker with a three-run home run in the fifth inning that gave Jolly Molly its 4-1 lead.

Himmelberger collected plaques for being the tournament’s most valuable player, for hitting the most home runs in the tournament with three, for being on the winning team, and an All-American award.

Magna’s lone run came in the first inning when Glen Harper singled home Steve Chase.

Jolly Molly improved its season record to 91-6.

  • MVP – Roy Himmelberger, Jolly Molly
  • Batting Champion – N/A
  • Pitching Leader – N/A

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Gib Glessner, Jolly Molly
P – Milt Howe, Jolly Molly
P – Tracy Satterfield, Magna Plating
C – Scott Weiant, Jolly Molly
C – Don Nicolary, Mocha’s Restaurant
1B – Tim Himmelberger, Jolly Molly
2B – Roy Himmelberger, Jolly Molly
3B – Mike Ruddell, Magna Plating
SS – Tab Wenrich, Jolly Molly
OF – Tom Amundson, Stroh’s Kimbrough
OF – Steve Chase, Magna Plating
OF – Jerry Hostetter, Howe Construction
OF – Fred Bower, Jolly Molly
UT – Paul Iverson, Magna Plating
DP – Glen Harper, Magna Plating

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Dennis Green, Graf Graphics
P – Scott Peradotto, Stroh’s Kimbrough
P – Phil Rider, Stroh’s Kimbrough
P – Dennis Parks, Magna Plating
C – Bob Adams, Magna Plating
C – Don Trotter, Stroh’s Kimbrough
1B – Jeff Holt, Knights of Columbus
2B – Dan Boer, Modesto Oilers
3B – Steve Hern, Stroh’s Kimbrough
SS – Ernie Yarbrough, Magna Plating
OF – John Yocklovich, Jolly Molly
OF – Larry Forrey, Howe Construction
OF – Jeff Waddle, Perry’s Deli
UT – Dave Galvez, Micha’s
DP – Bruce Smith, Sacramento Spurs

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Jolly Molly, Lebanon, PA (6-0)
2. Magna Plating, Burbank, CA (7-2)
3. Howe Construction, Honeybrook, PA (4-2)
4. Micha’s Restaurant, Tucson, AZ (4-2)
5t. Stroh’s Kimbrough, Redding, CA (6-2)
5t. Modesto Oilers, Modesto, CA (3-2)
7t. Knights of Columbus, Fargo, ND (5-2)
7t. Graf Graphics, Cramford, NJ (3-2)
9t. San Diego Eagles, San Diego, CA (3-2)
9t. Skagit Marine, Mount Vernon, WA (3-2)
9t. Sacramento Spurs, Sacramento, CA (2-2)
9t. Nava Brothers, Hayward, CA (2-2)
13t. CSE Insurance, Sacramento, CA (2-2)
13t. IET, Salt Lake City, UT (2-2)
13t. National Amusement, Honolulu, HI (2-2)
13t. Perry’s Deli, Redding, CA (2-2)
17t. Los Lobos, Houston, TX (2-2)
17t. Memphis Royals, Memphis, TN (2-2)
17t. Metro Concrete, Boulder, CO (2-2)
17t. X-Cel, Grand Rapids, MI (2-2)
17t. Holland Plumbing, Dubuque, IA (1-2)
17t. Gary’s, Oswego, NY (1-2)
17t. Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA (1-2)
17t. Wooster Merchants, Wooster, OH (1-2)
25t. Hershey Equipment, Millersville, PA (1-2)
25t. Michigan HMO, Waterford, MI (1-2)
25t. Nielsen, Grand Rapids, NE (1-2)
25t. US Air Force, Aiea, HI (1-2)
25t. Machine, Omaha, NE (0-2)
25t. Abbott Lab, Ashland, NE (0-2)
25t. Budmen, Bedford, MA (0-2)
25t. Effingham Truck, Effingham, IL (0-2)
33t. Poe Timber, Tuscaloosa, AL (0-2)
33t. Riverview Lumber, Elkhart, IN (0-2)
33t. WTAC Radio, Flint, MI (0-2)
33t. TNT, Gibson City, IL (0-2)
33t. Scandia, Scandia, MN (0-2)
33t. Faslube, Columbus, OH (0-2)
33t. O’Donnell’s, Hannival, MO (0-2)

1988 ASA Men’s A Fastpitch Nationals

1988 held at Mickelson Park in Fargo, North Dakota on September 5-8. 

Champion – Stewart-Taylor Printing, Duluth, Minnesota (65-25)
Runner Up – Metros, Columbus, Ohio

With the horror of the 1985 nationals facing them the Stewart-Taylor Printing team of Duluth, MN stood facing the Metros of Columbus, Ohio in the championship game at the 1988 nationals in Fargo, ND. This time they were coming from the loser’s bracket and each game was do or die.

In the first of the championship games each team started with a run in the first inning. Then in the top of the third, Metros batters, Tony Hamp and Mike Wood each hit a a home run, putting the Metros ahead 3-1. In the sixth Clayton Kerr hit a two run home run to tie the game for Stewart-Taylor Printing. The game went into extra innings and in the bottom of the 11th, Clayton Kerr hit his second home run of the game to win it 4-3 for Stewart-Taylor Printing. Brian Langeland took the win and Ed Cable the loss. This put them into the “if” game.

They were again facing the Columbus Metros and Ed Cable, the iron man, who pitch 57 innings, all but three innings of their seven games. But coming off the 11 inning loss, the Metros pitcher was tired.

In the top of the first inning Metros batters came out after pitcher Brian Langeland who had pitched the Championship game and beat them. Tony Hamp walked, Jerry Bucilla sacrificed him to second and Bill Chaffin singled Hamp home. Then Mike Wood singled Chaffin home for the second run. Those two runs were all Metro could score until a couple of errors brought home another in the fifth.

Stewart Taylor jumped on Cable for 3 runs on 5 hits in the first inning and then came up with 6 more runs on 5 hits to chase him with two out in the 4th. Mike Thomas relieved Cable and gave up
another 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 errors and Stewart Taylor became the National Class Champions by a score of 13-3.

The Duluth team started their run for the gold by Yakima. WA, 12-5. with Paul Friessen taking the win and Dean Crow the loss.

They had a harder time with Ithaса, NY. but came up with 3 runs on 8 hits to win 3-1. Brian Langeland took the win and Bill Morse the loss.

In their third game they beat Jolly Moily of Lebanon. PA. Jolly Molly was the defending champion from the 87 tourney in Redding, CA. Langeland shutdown Jolly Molly’s bats and pitched a 2-0 shut-out, allowing just 3 hits. Bob Rhoades took the loss that sent Jolly Molly reeling into the loser’s bracket.

Their next game pitted them against Marshal, MO. This time it took 10 innings to put the scrappy Outlaws away and it was an error that brought in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th. Langeland gave up 2 hits and claimed the 1-0 victory. Kyle Wardlow took the loss.

In their fifth game they met Grand Junction. CO. and won 4-1. Langeland again was the winner while the loser was Discher.

In the winner’s bracket final they met the Columbus Metros for the first of what turned out to be 3 games. Paul Freissen went to te rubber for Stewart Taylor and Ed Cable for the Metros.

Stewart Taylor went out in front by 2 in the top of the first. They added a run in the third but Metro came back with a run in the ist and 2 in the third to go ahead. Greg Lanning’s homer chased
starter Paul Friessen in the 4th. He took the 4-3 l0ss and Ed Cable recorded his sixth win.

In the loser’s bracket final Stewart Taylor met Lynden. WA and Langeland pitched another strong game, taking the 6-3 win. Neil Kamphouse took the loss. This put Duluth in the championship
game.

Columbus came into the tournament with only 10 players. Twice they brought in their back-up pitcher, 3rd baseman. Greg Lanning, who pitched 6 innings. Ed Cable pitched 60 2/3 innings in their 8 games in Fargo.

They began with a 7-0 win over Minot, ND. Cable was the winner and Pete Rice was the loser. Against Boulder, CO Cable was removed in the fourth with a 4-0 lead and Lanning allowed one run in
the save for a 4-1 victory. Les Archuleta was the loser.

The Lansing. MI Raiders proved somewhat of a problem as Cable went head to head with Al Hector. Metros jumped out ahead with 2 runs in the 1st and 2nd innings. The Raiders came back with one in the 5th and one in the bottom of the 7th to tie. In the top of the 12th Columbus came up with the game winner to win 3-2.

Next they met CSE Insurance of Sacramento. CA. This time it took 9 innings before Mike Woods won the game for Metro with a 2 run homer. Ed Cable scattered 6 hits to take the win while Randy Roeder took the loss.

This put Columbus in the winner’s bracket final against Duluth-Stewart Taylor.

With 54 teams in this tournament this reporter could not even begin to see them ail. A few kept the crowd interested. however, here are a few of them.

Rustic Bar from Duluth. MN — Here is a scrappy team with a great catcher. Scott Lord. Their second baseman. Denny Davis made 2nd team All-American.

The Minutemen Brewers of Lakewood. CA. This was their first time in National play. Their coach. Rich Apadoca. was a great player with the Long Beach Nitehawks. He hasn’t played in 5 years but when 2 of the players didn’t show on the first night he came in and played first base. In the bottom of the seventh. with 2 outs. he brought in the winning run with a single. Their young pitcher. Kevin Tantlinger. won 3 and lost 1 with an ERA of 0.95. He pitched a gem against the Jolly Molly team of Lebanon, PA. allowing just 4 hits and striking out 11 in 9 innings. Both Tantlinger and his teammate Charlie Munoz made 3rd Team All-American. (Wisconsin fast ballers will remember another player on the Lakewood Brewers. Rich Thompson. who at one time pitched for Bill Brandt’s teams out of La Crosse. WI).

Snitko Hearing of Flint, MI had 54 year-old Jim Doyle Jr. pitching and Jim Doyle III playing centerfield. They have a good hitting club and ended up with a 3-2 record.

The Knights of Columbus of Fargo, ND continues to get better every year. Led by outfielder, Scott Radloff and Kent Karlstrom. Their hitting brought them back time and time again to finish with a 5-2 record. Karlstrom and Radloff both made first team All-American.

The Lynden Herchants of Lynden. WA is another scrappy team whose bats and great plays gave them third place. Outfielder Dave Johnson and catcher Monte Mayberry made first team All-American. Third baseman, Greg DeBaan made 2nd team while pitcher. Rod Bierlink made 3rd team.

O’ Donnel’s Fastpitch of Hannibal, MO another homegrown team, had 2 pitchers who ended up with the same 1-1 record. Outfielder. Carlos Buckner made 2nd team All-American and third baseman Jim Haskins made the third team.

The Modesto Oilers of Modesto, CA has a famous name on it. Ray VanHiewhieyzen is a pitcher and so was his father when he helped Joaquin Construction win the ASA A title in Stockton. CA in 1979.

Wilber Lime of Galesville. WI is a team that sports a famous name as well. Jeff Hoore is the son of Bob Hoore who pitches for Stroh s/Gatsby’s out of St. Paul in the major division. Jeff is on his vay to making a name for himself in fastpitch circles on his own.

As for pitchers. Brian Langeland deserves a lot of the mention. Everyone was awestruck by the performance of Ed Cable, as they should have been. but they overlooked the young man who pitched Stewart Taylor to the Mational Championship. This young man reached back and gave it his all as he pitched and won 3 games on the final day of the tourney.

Fargo is a great place for a tournament, the fans and the tournament committee are great.

Just a final note in closing-there were 23 extra inning games and 46 one-run games. The fans loved the short fences as there were 108 homers in 107 games.

NHL Hall of Famer Brett Hull played left field and batted eighth in the tournament for Rustic Bar.

  • MVP – Brian Langeland, Stewart-Taylor Printing
  • Batting Champion – Tim McCamey, Houston, TX (.588)
  • Pitching Leader – N/A

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Brian Langeland, Stewart-Taylor Printing
P – Tony Rice, Rustic Bar
P – Ed Cable, Metros
C – Kasey Frank, Stewart-Taylor Printing
C – Monte Mayberry, Lynden Merchants
1B – Mike Woods, Metros
2B – Dave Duckworth, Metros
3B – Jim Olson, Stewart-Taylor Printing
SS – Bill Chaffin, Metros
OF – Tom Olson, Stewart-Taylor Printing
OF – Mark Gonce, Metros
OF – Scott Radloff, Knights of Columbus
DP – Kent Karlstrom, Knights of Columbus
UT – Carmen Rivas, Lasers

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mike Discher, Outlaws
P – Terry Luster, Marshall
P – Steve McFadden, Lasers
C – Darren Starr, Outlaws
C – Ben Guana, Lasers
1B – Ken Anderson, CSE Insurance
2B – Denny Davis, Rustic Bar
3B – Greg DeHaan, Lynden Merchants
SS – Mike Morrissey, Rustic Bar
OF – Mike Jackson, Petaluma, CA
OF – Steve Skolnicki, Lorain Merchants
OF – Kevin Henderson, Rustic Bar
OF – Carlos Buckner, O’Donnel’s
DP – Clayton Kerr, Stewart-Taylor Printing
OF – Ed Mort, Outlaws

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Rod Bierlink, Lynden Merchants
P – Kevin Tantilinger, Minute Man Brewers
P – Randy Roeder, CSE Insurance
C – Scott Weiant, Jolly Molly
C – Todd Willett, Bay Area Merchants
1B – Brian Powell, Domino’s Pizza
2B – Brad Emanuel, Stewart-Taylor Printing
3B – Jim Haskins, O’Donnel’s
SS – Tim McCamey, Los Lobos
OF – Jim Vargas, CSE Insurance
OF – Mike Sand, Wilber Lime
OF – Randy Hill, Stewart-Taylor Printing
OF – Parke Kauffkann, Hershey Equipment
DP – Charline Munoz, Minute Man Brewers
OF – Kelly Grindahl, Knights of Columbus

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stewart-Taylor Printing, Duluth, MN (8-1)
2. Metros, Columbus, OH (6-2)
3. Lynden Merchants, Lynden, WA (7-2)
4. Lasers, Louisville, CO (6-2)
5t. Marshall Fastpitch, Marshall, MO (4-2)
5t. Rustic Bar, Duluth, MN (4-2)
7t. CSE Insurance, Sacramento, CA (4-2)
7t. Outlaws, Grand Junction, CO (3-2)
9t. Knights of Columbus, Fargo, ND (5-2)
9t. Snitko Hearing Center, Flint, MI (3-2)
9t. Wilber Lime, Galesville, WI (3-2)
9t. O’Donnel’s, Hannibal, MO (2-2)
13t. Bay Area Merchants, Fremont, CA (3-1)
13t. Boulevard Tap, Elgin, IL (3-2)
13t. Jolly Molly, Lebanon, PA (3-2)
13t. Lorain Merchants, Lorain, OH (2-2)
17t. Antoinick Drywall, Tuscon, AZ (3-2)
17t. Labatts, Ithaca, NY (3-2)
17t. Scandia, Scandia, MN (3-2)
17t. Hershey Equipment, Millersville, PA (2-2)
17t. Lake Grove Printing, Aloha, OR (2-2)
17t. Westside Raiders, Lansing, MI (1-2)
17t. Minute Man Brewers, Lakewood, CA (3-2)
17t. North Bay Condors, Petaluma, CA (2-2)
25t. Howe Construction, Honeybrook, PA (2-2)
25t. Kidron, Kidron, OH (2-2)
25t. Los Lobos, Houston, TX (2-2)
25t. Pomen, Memphis, TN (2-2)
25t. Domino’s Pizza, Yakima, WA (1-2)
25t. Foster Farms, Modesto, CA (1-2)
25t. Gary’s, Oswego, NY (1-2)
25t. Illiana A’s, Highland, IN (1-2)
33t. Fastec, Elkhart, IN (1-2)
33t. Belmont, Melrose, MA (1-2)
33t. Moose Lodge, Fargo, ND (1-2)
33t. Nielsen’s, Grand Island, NE (1-2)
33t. Red Lion Café, Pine Grove, PA (1-2)
33t. Sycamore, Upper Sandusky, OH (1-2)
33t. Tulagis, Boulder, CO (1-2)
33t. Craig’s Video, Effingham, IL (0-2)
33t. Christ Church, Nashville, TN (0-2)
33t. Delta Travelers, Greenville, MS (0-2)
33t. Drake Orthodontics, Sioux Falls, SD (0-2)
33t. Marcus Merchants, Marcus, IA (0-2)
33t. Marksmen, Wausau, WI (0-2)
33t. New England Video, Collinsville, CT (0-2)
33t. Regency Electric, Jacksonville, FL (0-2)
33t. Texaco, Greenville, SC (0-2)
49t. Ehrlich Tobacco, Milton, MA (0-2)
49t. Fina Oilers, Big Spring, TX (0-2)
49t. Fredrick’s, Madison, WI (0-2)
49t. Freeway Exxon/Antoinick Drywall, Wilcox, AZ (0-2)
49t. Magic City Reps, Minot, ND (0-2)
49t. Magna Plating, Burbank, CA (0-2)

1986 ASA Men’s A Fast Pitch Nationals

1986 held Minot, North Dakota on August 28-September 1.

Champion – Tubbs & Sons Electric, Manteca, California
Runner Up – Raymax, Burbank, California

  • MVP – Pete Duanes, Tubbs & Sons Electric
  • Batting Champion – Les Crandall, Tubbs & Sons Electric (.571)
  • Pitching Leader – Bob Dugo, Tubbs & Sons Electric

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Ed Cable, Metros
P – Bob Duga, Tubbs & Sons Electric
P – Mile Howe, Ras-Deluxe
C – Nick Genna, Sacramento Spurs
C – Mike Good, Howe Construction
1B – Rocky Long, Ras-Deluxe
2B – Scott Anderson, Brewers Sunoco
3B – Bob Moffet, Brewers Sunoco
SS – Pete Duanes, Tubbs & Sons Electric
OF – Brian Connell, T&B Sports
OF – Les Crandall, T&B Sports
OF – Scott Wieant, Ras-Deluxe
OF – Wilson Tucker, Metros

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Alan Hector, Brewers Sunoco
P – Greg Issacson, Nick’s Phillips 66
P – Bruce King, Tubbs & Sons Electric
C – Chuck Colard, Engineering Repro Systems
C – John Melchorse, Metros
1B – Steve Ruiz, Tubbs & Sons Electric
2B – Bill Jochum, Raymax
3B – Ban Millard, Sacramento Spurs
SS – Bill Simpson, Metros
OF – Craig Beaubien, Raymax
OF – Tim Clinton, Moose Lodge
UT – Jerry Junkman, Engineering Repro Systems
DH – Bruce Smith, Sacramento Spurs

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Dave Gray, Raymax
P – Tom Lunden, Magic City Reps
P – Bob Vandenberg, Raymax
C – Mike Elgie, Magic City Reps
C – Eric Maiden, Raymax
1B – Milt Arnerick, Tubss & Sons Electric
2B – Steve Stanley, Sacramento Spurs
3B – Randy Graham, Raymax
SS – Darrel Summerville, Magic City Reps
OF – Al Bond, Nick’s Phillips 66
OF – Steve Capps, Raymax
OF – Doug Verduso, Anton Ick Drywall
UT – Doug Millar, Moose Lodge
DH – Joe Chrisman, Ras-Deluxe

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Tubbs & Sons Electric, Manteca, CA (6-1)
2. Raymax, Burbank, CA (5-2)
3. Metros, Columbus, OH (6-2)
4. Laser, Louisville, CO (4-2)
5t. Ras-Deluxe, Reading, PA (6-2)
5t. Brewers Sunoco, Ann Arbor, MI (4-2)
7t. Howe Construction, Honeybrook, PA (4-2)
7t. Nick’s Phillips 66, Wabasso, MN (4-2)
9t. Anton Ick Drywall, Tucson, AZ (4-2)
9t. ETV Trucking, Grand Rapids, MI (2-2)
9t. Sacramento Spurs, Sacramento, CA (2-2)
9t. T&B Sports, Santa Rosa, CA (2-2)
13t. Christ Church, Nashville., TN (2-2)
13t. Magna Plating, Burbank, CA (2-2)
13t. Engineering Repro Systems, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
13t. Magic City Reps, Minot, ND (2-2)
17t. Moose Lodge, Fargo, ND (2-2)
17t. Clennin Meats, California, MO (1-2)
17t. Trans-Aire, Elkhart, IN (1-2)
17t. National Amusement, Honolulu, HI (1-2)
17t. Custers Super Value, Howard Lake, MN (1-2)
17t. Kansas City Jazz, Kansas City, KS (1-2)
17t. Frank’s Recreation, Lorain, OH (1-2)
17t. Reasnor RPM’s, Monroe, IA (1-2)
25t. Boulevard Tap, Elgin, IL (1-2)
25t. Knights Of Columbus, Fargo, ND (1-2)
25t. Lynden Merchants, Lynden, WA (0-2)
25t. Front Page, Bismarck., ND (0-2)
25t. Uberti Landscaping, Framingham, MA (0-2)
25t. Graf Graphics, Garwood, NJ (0-2)
25t. Robertson Plumbing, Greenville, MS (0-2)
25t. Hershey Equipment, Lancaster, PA (0-2)
33t. Air Force, Colorado Springs, CO (0-2)
33t. Osceola Eagles, Osceola, FL (0-2)
33t. Martin Security, Portage, WI (0-2)

Al Rivard

Al Rivard

Former Minneapolis Metro ASA Commissioner, Al Rivard has passed away.

Following his service in the United States Army as a medic, Rivard pursued his education in physical education, which led to a long and impactful career with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. Beginning as a part-time employee, Rivard worked his way up through the department and ultimately served as the Softball Commissioner until his retirement in 1995.

In addition to his professional role, Rivard served as the Minneapolis Metro Commissioner, where he worked closely with USA Softball to support and grow the game at the local level. Through his leadership, he helped provide opportunities for athletes and teams across the region while contributing to the overall development of amateur softball.

Rivard’s passion for the sport and dedication to service left a lasting impact on the softball community, and he will be remembered for his commitment to growing the game and supporting those involved in it.

When Al was the commissioner there were over 1,000 teams playing in Minneapolis. This was before computers, so they had to manually register teams, type, and mail schedules. The Metro Tournament had as many as 116 teams. The tournament lasted a few weeks.

Allan Eugene Rivard, 88, Blaine, MN, passed away on April 5, 2026. He was born in Minneapolis on July 17, 1937 to Flavius “Fred” and Katherine (McQueen) Rivard.

Allan grew up in North Minneapolis. He graduated from North High in 1955.  After school, Allan joined the Army. He served for 3 years as a medic. Upon returning home, he completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in physical education.  Allan began working for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. His career began as part-time help, and he retired as the Softball Commissioner in 1995.

Allan met Joyce in 1972. The two were married on January 12, 1974. He became a step-father to six children; Larry, Lori, Mike, Jill, Joni, and Joel.

In his free time, Allan enjoyed being outdoors.  He loved to camp, fish, and golf.  During college, he played baseball.  He enjoyed playing cards and watching football.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his step-children, Larry (Theresa), Lori, Mike (Julie), Jill, Joni (Arlan), and Joel (Carol); 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Rivard; parents, Fred and Katherine Rivard; and siblings; Richard Rivard, Ronald Rivard, and Joan.

Dale Ferron

Dale Ferron

Dale Ferron (1947–2026)

Born on September 6, 1947 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to James F. and Wanda (Czajka) Ferron, Dale Ferron dedicated decades of service to the sport of softball through his leadership with USA Softball (ASA) of Wisconsin.

Ferron served the organization in numerous capacities throughout his career, including as an umpire, administrator, and eventually, Junior Olympic Commissioner of USA Softball of Wisconsin. Through his leadership and commitment to the game, he helped support and grow amateur softball throughout the state while working closely with athletes, officials, and volunteers across the USA Softball community. His dedication to the sport and years of service earned him induction into the ASA and Umpire Hall of Fame.

In addition to his involvement with USA Softball, Ferron spent many years officiating high school volleyball through the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and remained a strong supporter of amateur athletics through his work with the Badger State Games.

Ferron’s dedication to USA Softball and his lasting contributions to the game will be remembered by the many athletes, officials, and members of the softball community whose lives he impacted throughout his years of service.

Dick Brubaker

Dick Brubaker

Dick Brubaker (1933–2026)

Born on May 28, 1933, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Frank and Eloise Brubaker, Dick Brubaker became one of the most respected and accomplished pitchers in Men’s Fast Pitch softball. An Illinois native, Brubaker made his first appearance at a USA Softball National Championship at the age of 36 and quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers.

A staple of the Home Savings & Loan squad for 13 years, Brubaker was known for his lightning-fast delivery, trademark grunt and devastating drop ball that baffled hitters throughout his career. He compiled an outstanding 337-63 record with a remarkable 0.63 earned run average while earning USA Softball All-American honors four times. His teams finished runner-up at the Men’s Major Fast Pitch National Championship on five occasions, highlighting his consistent excellence in the circle.

Brubaker’s success also extended to the international stage, where he represented the United States on the 1972 USA Softball Men’s National Team. He played a key role in helping the team earn a silver medal at the 1972 WBSC Men’s World Championship, posting a 4-1 record with a 0.18 ERA while contributing offensively with a .333 batting average.

In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the sport, Brubaker was inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Mike Shenk – Pennsylvania’s Greatest

  • ASA
  • January 26, 2026

Click on the link to see Mike Shenk’s interview with Mike Macenko

http://www.bigcat844.com/legends_shenk.html

I want to thank Mike Shenk for his many years of friendship and for teaching me the proper way to play this game. Don’t worry about what YOU do, worry about what your TEAM does. This man honestly had no idea that he had all these accomplishments, the ONLY thing he ever counted was Championships. To this day, he still wears his 2001 Grand Slam Ring he got for playing with Long Haul when they won all four Associations Super National Championships. He told me many times, he would rather wear that instead of any of the Hall of Fame Rings he has. He is humbled by the Accolades and appreciates them, but what he values to this day are the people he played with and the friendships he made while winning Championships. He is a GOOD man and I am honored that we are friends. Thank You Mike Shenk.

Mike Shenk, Ephrata, PA (Third-Base)

Mike Shenk began playing softball after high school as a fast pitch player. He played fast pitch for two years and switched to slow pitch in order to be able to play the game with his friends. In his eleven-year career in the major and super division he batted over 600 every year, hitting over 700 in five of those years.  He hit a total of 1,098 home runs in those eleven years.  Remember most of those major and super games were played in baseball fields or fields with baseball type fence distances. The stats he compiled for playing only at the highest level in the country was incredible. And one has to remember, he played with and against the best of the best and still compiled these incredible numbers.  All the championships he won were at a time when there were consistently between 10-20 Major or Super teams in the country, unlike today, when it is luck if you find 3 Major teams in the whole country. He competed in a hitting demonstration in Detroit at Tigers’ Stadium and hit balls off the Press Box with a couple balls hitting the facing of the right field roof of the stadium. Truly amazing.  Mike and his wife Kathy and two children reside in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.  He is currently the ASA of Pennsylvania State Slow Pitch Deputy Commissioner and is a great ambassador for this sport in his home state, always saving time to help a young player with batting lessons and even though he is an imposing figure to say the least, still weighing in at a solid 290 lbs of muscle, his “Bulldog” nickname is a far cry from his real personality of a genuine person, great husband, father and loyal friend to those who know him best. He brings an aura of respect and integrity to the whole ASA of Pennsylvania softball program with his presence alone.

Mike was Inducted into the ASA of PA Hall of Fame by Andy Loechner in 2007. He played locally in the state when he started and won the 1987 and 1988 Class-A ASA of PA State Championship with is local team, Farrell’s Maintenance of Lititz, PA. His team finished in the top 7 for the next three years (1989-4th, 1990-5th & 1991-7th) in ASA of PA State Class-Major/Class-A competition. He went to a local tournament in Delaware and was discovered by the late Bill Taylor of Taylor Brothers in Providence, RI and played ASA Major ball for Taylor Brothers for the next 2 years.  (1992 and 1993). In 1994, he joined Shen Valley of Virginia and Played at the highest level in the country, ASA Super Softball until his retirement in 2002. He played for some of the best teams of all-time including Shen Valley, Lighthouse, Ritch’s-Superior, Team TPS and arguably the greatest team ever, the 2001 Long Haul/TPS team that compiled an incredible 70-6 Record in Super-Major play that season including winning the Grand Slam title (ASA, NSA, ISA and USSSA world titles), going undefeated in all four Association’s Championship play. Mike Shenk was a 9-time ASA National All-American selection and his teams won the ASA Super National Championship an incredible six (6) times, including four (4) in a row from 1999-2002. He also led teams that won the ASA’s Prestigious Smokey Mountain Classic on three (3) occasions. Mike Shenk’s team never finished less than 4th in the Super Softball Final rankings from 1994-2002. His teams finished in the top-2 for 7 of the 9 years he played the Super level. He was considered the ultimate team player and furthermore -simply – a winner as his career record in Super-major play was 569-172 (77% Winning Pct.). From 1996 through 2001, Mike Shenk was selected to the National Media All-Star teams by Famous Softball writers Jerome Earnest and Gordie Heagle. Here is the official information: (1996, 1st team Utility; 1997, Honorable Mention third baseman; and from 1998 through 2001, 1st team third baseman). He also was selected as the 2nd team – Third-baseman to the 1990’s All-Decade team by Jerome Earnest (behind only Charles Wright).  And also fitting, Jerome Earnest selected Mike Shenk to the All-Time All-Century team as an Honorable Mention Third-baseman. (Behind only ASA Hall of Famer Paul Tomasovich and Charles Wright). He is widely regarded one of the top-3 third basemen of all-time and also one of the top-10 left handed hitters of all-time. Including his ASA Championships, he has won over 15 National Championships at the highest level counting all associations. And also including his ASA honors, he has garnered over 22 National All-American/All-World team selections counting all associations, including three (3) National MVP awards plus a Defensive MVP award.

Bio

Although he started out playing fast pitch, Hall of Fame inductee Mike Shenk made his mark playing major level slow pitch softball from 1992 through 2002, playing for various teams throughout his career. Shenk began playing fast pitch softball after high school and played for two years before switching to slow pitch to play with his friends. During his 11-year career, Shenk has been named All American 22 times and has won 16 National Championships along with a lifetime batting average of.701 and has hit more than 1,500 home runs during his softball career. He batted .700 or higher five times of which his highest batting average was .739 in 2000 which included personal-high 144 homers. In the past years, Shenk had to shorten his softball career because of kidney problems but after receiving a kidney transplant, he is back on the ball field playing 40 & over. In the Super Nationals, Shenk batted .755, (117-for-155), hit 42 homers and drove in 113 RBI. Some of the top slow pitch teams boasted Shenk on their roster including Farrell Maintenance (1987-1989), Taylor Brothers (1990-1992) Shen Valley, Lighthouse (1995-1996), Ritch’s-Superior (1997), Team TPS, Team Easton and Long Haul/TPS in 2001 when the won the “Grand Slam of Softball.” In 2007, Shenk was inducted into the ASA of Pennsylvania Hall of Fame. He played for a local team in 1987 and 1988 and helped it win two ASA of PA state titles. In 1994, he joined Shen Valley and continued to play at the top level of men’s slow pitch until he retired after playing the 2002 season.

ASA Major/Super All America Team Honors (Tournament Stats listed if available):

These are the events where Mike Shenk was named ASA All-American
1992 ASA Major Nationals – Taylor Brothers of RI                          (no stats available)
1993 ASA Major Nationals – Taylor Brothers of RI                          (no stats available)
1994 ASA Super Nationals – Shen Velley/TPS of VA                       (15 RBIs, only available stat)
1995 ASA Super Nationals – Lighthouse/Worth of GA                    (16-22, .727, 3 HRs, 13 RBIs)
1996 ASA Super Nationals – Lighthouse/Worth of GA                    (25-31, .806, 11 HRs, 22 RBIs)
1997 ASA Super Nationals – Ritch’s-Superior/TPS of CT                (23-32, .719, 7 HRs, 18 RBIs)
2000 ASA Super Nationals – Team TPS of KY                                 (30-35, .857, 10 HRs, 20 RBIs)
2001 ASA Super Nationals – Long Haul/TPS of MN                        (10-18, .556, 6 HRs, 18 RBIs)
2002 ASA Super Nationals – Long Haul/TPS of MN                        (13-17, .765, 5 HRs, 7 RBIs)

Available Totals for ASA Super Nationals – (117-155, .755 average, 42 HRs, 113 RBIs)

ASA Major/Super National Championship Results

(also the final team ranking and final overall season record in Super-Major play)
Year – Team Played for –                     ASA Result                      Final Standings (Record)
1992 – Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI –                         Major and Super Nationals –              25th -final rank (record unavailable)
1993 – Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI –                         Major and Super Nationals –              18th -final rank – (41-19 Record)
1994 – Shen Valley/TPS, Bridgewater, VA –                    4th ASA Super Nationals –                  4th -final rank – (record unavailable)
1995 – Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA –          1st ASA Super Nationals –                  2nd -final rank – (56-25 Record)
1996 – Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA –          3rd ASA Super Nationals –                2nd -final rank – (60-27 Record)
1997 – Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT –        1st ASA Super Nationals –                  1st -final rank – (67-19 Record)
1998 – Team TPS, Louisville, KY –                                    3rd ASA Super Nationals –                1st -final rank – (70-17 Record)
1999 – Team Easton, Burlingame, CA –                           1st ASA Super Nationals –                  2nd -final rank – (56-27 Record)
2000 – Team TPS, Louisville, KY –                                    1st ASA Super Nationals –                  1st -final rank – (79-15 Record)
2001 – Long Haul/TPS, Albertville, MN –                         1st ASA Super Nationals –                  1st in final rank – (70-6 Record)
2002 – Long Haul/TPS, Albertville, MN –                         1st ASA Super Nationals –                  3rd in final rank – (70-17 Record)

Annual Major/Super Batting Statistics (Compiled by Jerome Earnest/Hank Basset)
Year   ABs    Hits   HRs    Avg.   Team                                         
1992        –         –      35    .669   Taylor Brothers of RI
1993   218    148      68    .679   Taylor Brothers of RI
1994   294    200      89    .680   Shen Valley/DJ’s Sports/TPS of VA
1995   362    250    121    .691   Lighthouse/Worth of GA
1996   407    295    133    .725   Lighthouse/Worth of GA
1997   383    269      93    .702   Ritch’s-Superior/TPS of CT
1998   390    286    106    .733   Team TPS of KY
1999   339    235    122    .693   Team Easton of CA
2000   437    323    144    .739   Team TPS of KY
2001   340    239      99    .703   Long Haul/TPS of MN
2002   360    247      88    .686   Long Haul/TPS of MN

Total  3530  2492  1098  .706

Mike Shenk is a player who has Hall of Fame numbers including the World Championship Teams he has played on to his batting average. But Mike will be the first to say that none of these accolades would be possible without the team mates he had over his career. Mike has won five NSA World Championship, Runner-up twice and Third twice. While playing NSA from 1993 to 2001, Mike was selected to the All World Team seven times, was World Series MVP once and All World Defensive Player once. During his years playing the NSA Major level, Mike had a batting average of .735 with 52 Homeruns and 112 RBIs. Those who witnessed Mike’s play, all will say he was the best 3rd Baseman to play the game. Mike’s wife Kathleen and their children Derrick and Kristina have stood by his side while he played the game he loves. For years Mike traveled the country but never faltered as being a husband and father. Any NSA umpire that worked a game that Mike played in will attest that he was a true gentleman on and off the field. Due to being unable to attend the Class of 2016 Induction Ceremony, Mike Shenk was inducted into the NSA Sports Hall of Fame in the Player Category on November 2, 2017.

Name – Mike Shenk

Position – Third Base

Year – 2012

Mike Shenk is a 2-time USSSA Major World Series Champion, a 4-time All-World Series Selection, the 1998 World Series MVP and now, a USSSA Hall of Fame member. A third basemen who has been affiliated with the association since 1990, Mike remembers the World Series of 1998 like it was yesterday. “I was playing for TPS and we were told on Saturday that we were part of the leaders bracket playing Sunday morning,” he reminisces, “We headed out to a 7am batting practice for an 8am game and after playing five games in a row, we didn’t step off of that field until 9 at night. We came back and became the 1998 World Series Champions, winning the final game on a walk off walk. I’ll never forget it.” With an impressive career behind him, Mike has made his mark on USSSA history.

Bob Holland, USSSA’s Atlantic Coast Vice President for 30 years running, re-iterates Mike’s accomplishments and athletic talents, “Mike Shenk was the best slow pitch player to come out of Pennsylvania.” Bob adds, “I had the pleasure to watch him grow as a young raw talent, to one of the best that slow pitch has seen in his era.” When asked what it means to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Mike said “This means everything to me. I was fortunate enough to play for some of the best teams to ever play. Throughout my career, the goal was to be there and give 110% to my team. That’s why it’s hard to go into the Hall of Fame, because without my team this wouldn’t be possible.” His advice to young and aspiring baseball and softball players, “You can never take enough batting practice and always be prepared and there for your teammates.”

TEAM USA

Mike Shenk and Bruce Meade – Honorary Captains for Team USA

 

 

The Legend of County Sports

  • ASA
  • October 30, 2025

From his sporting goods store in Levittown, New York, Doc Linnehan started the County Sports softball team, which has been called the greatest team to ever come out of the Northeast. First in fast pitch and then his teams dominated the slow-pitch game for decades. County Sports won the ASA National Title in 1968 and the USSSA National Title in 1981. Among the legends that played for Linnehan and County Sports are Jim Galloway, Lou Russo and John Davide. In this documentary you will hear from all-time great softball stars such as Davide, Rick Leek, Bob Schugman, Bobby Lombardi, Gary Richter, Chan Baker and Ron Hargrove. You will also hear from Doc’s son George Linnehan, as well as other players who suited up for County Sports.