Category: ASA

1982 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1982 held at Parma, Ohio

Champion – Triangle Sports, Minneapolis, Minneapolis
Runner Up – Teamsters #293, Parma, Ohio

  • MVP – Glen Bourquin, Triangle Sports
  • HR Leader – Glen Bourquin, Triangle Sports – 14
  • Batting Leader – David Hensley, TNEMAC (15-18) – .833

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Ron Wood, Teamsters 293
P – Ted Larson, Triangle Sports
C – Louis Boone, Triangle Sports
C – Roger Wilt, Teamsters 293
1B – Mike Zadel, Teamsters 293
2B – John Magnan, Eastwood Tavern
3B – Gary Morris, Triangle Sports
SS – Steve Williams, Triangle Sports (27-36, .750, 9 HR)
OF – Mark Brown, Teamsters 293
OF – Mike Martin, Triangle Sports
OF – Jim Bowen, Triangle Sports
OF – Mike Foote, Kenmore, NY Eastern
UTIL – Glenn Bourquin, Triangle Sports (22-34, .647, 14 HR, 24 RBI)
UTIL – Gene White, Runners

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Pat Bolster, Nevada Insulators
P – Rick Flora, Kenmore N Y Eastern
C – Henry McBeth, Danny’s Drilling
C – Nick Farina, Runners
1B – Jerry King, Danny’s Drilling
2B – Dave Jakubs, Teamsters #293
3B – Steve Wiley, Eastwood Tavern
SS – Ron Nordquist, Eastwood Tavern
OF – Steve O’Neil, Runners
OF – Gary Perkins, Danny’s Drilling
OF – Scott Donley, Bushelman Construction
OF – Bruce Dean, Kenmore NY Eastern Life
UTIL – Herman Rathman, Wichita TMI (14-17, .823, 6 HR)
UTIL – Charlie Neal, Runners

OTHERS

Steve Williams, Triangle Sports (.750, 9 HR)
Herman Rathman, TMI (14-17, .823, 6 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Triangle Sports, Minneapolis, MN (9-1)
2. Teamsters 293, Parma, OH (5-2)
3. Kenmore NY Eastern Life, Akron, OH (4-2)
4. Pierson-Runners, Houston, TX (3-2)
5t. Insulators of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV (4-2)
5t. Danny’s Drilling, Newark, OH (4-2)
7t. Eastwood Tavern, Kalamazoo, MI (5-2)
7t. Bushelman Const., Cincinnati, OH (4-2)
9t. Wilkens House, Baltimore, MD (3-2)
9t. Stuffery-Cannizzaro, Modesto, CA (2-2)
9t. Lee & Bueltel Const., Topeka, KS (2-2)
9t. Cline Bros., Archbold, OH (3-2)
13t. Chisolm Sports, Malden, MA (3-2)
13t. Wichita TMI, Wichita, KS (2-2)
13t. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (2-2)
13t. Hoffman Blue, York, PA (2-2)
13t. TNEMEC, Franklin, IN (3-2)
17t. Cable TV Services, Garland, TX (1-2)
17t. Ray’s Metal Works, Alachua, FL (1-2)
17t. “D” Sports Shop, Columbia, MO (1-2)
17t. Fred Weber Merchants, St. Louis, MO (2-2)
17t. MTH-Master Pizza, Parma, OH 2-2
17t. Stark St. Pizza, Portland, OR (1-2)
17t. Fab Masters. Lexington, NC (2-2)
25t. Legion No. 39, St. Paul, MN (0-2)
25t. Palmer Const., Tacoma, WA (0-2)
25t. Scott Co. Bank, Austin, IN (0-2)
25t. County Sports, Levittown, NY (1-2)
25t. Slocum Real Estate, Alexandria, LA (1-2)
25t. Bayou Oilfield Rentals, New Iberia, LA (1-2)
25t. Gartenhaus Cafe, Plainville, CT (1-2)
25t. American Amicable Holiday Inn, Crestview, MA (0-2)
33t. No. 1 Elec.-Gast. Heating, Gastonia, NC (0-2)
33t. Glenn’s Colony, Hagerstown, MD (0-2)
33t. Budweiser, Jackson, MS (0-2)
33t. Taylor Bros. Jewelers, Irving, TX (0-2)
33t. Burke’s Sport Haven, Warren, MI (0-2)
33t. Cowan Equipment, Odessa, TX (0-2)

1982 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1982 held at Binghamton, New York.

Champion – Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (62-4)
Runner Up – Sun City Saints, Sun City, Arizona (57-15)

The Raybestos Brakettes won their 17th ASA National Championship. Kathy Arendsen finished the season with a 32-3 record.

Debbie Doom started the first final and went 4 innings and came out with the score tied 0-0.

Michele Thomas finished the game and was the winning pitcher as the Saints scored a run off losing Pitcher Barbara Reinalda to win 1-0.

Martha Rau was 2-3 in the game.

In the final Championship game, the Saints went with the same pitching plan, start Doom, then bring in Thomas.

Kathy Arendsen started for the Brakettes. She did what she does best, come through in the clutch as she pitched a no hitter and struck out 10 batters to clinch the title for the Brakettes.

The Doom and Thomas duo wasn’t as effective this time as each gave up a run in the 2-0 final.

  • MVP – Michelle Thomas, Sun City Saints
  • HR Leader – Sheila Cornell, Glomati Blazers – 3
  • Batting Leader – Venus Jennings, NJ Budweiser Belles – .533
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Helen Andrade, Sun City Saints

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michelle Thomas, Sun City Saints (6-0, 43 IP, 26 K, 4 Runs, 1 ER)
P – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes (4-0, 28 IP, 42 K, 4 shutouts, 2 no-hitters, 1 a perfect game, the 2-0 final was almost a perfect game as well except for 1 error.)
P – Linda Pagett, Royals
C – Marilyn Rau , Sun City Saints (13-34, .383, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs) and
C – Suzy Brazney, California Blazers
1B – Mary Faure, Sun City Saints
2B – Allyson Rioux, Raybestos Brakettes (7-19, .368, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
3B – Sheila Cornell Douty, California Blazers
SS – Ginny Walsh, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Suzie Gaw, Sun City Saints (10-34, .294, 2 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 Runs)
OF – Barbara Garcia, Sun City Saints
OF – Gina Vecchione , Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Nedra Jerry, California Blazers
DH – Margaret Rebenar, Sun City Saints (7-15, .467 batting and 1-1, with a shutout, pitching)
UTIL – Wendy Hedberg, Macomb Magic

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Debbie Doom, Sun City Saints (1-2, 40 IP, 50 Ks) – credited with the loss in the Championship game, going 4 innings and giving up the first run.
P – Clint Lowery, Orlando Rebels
P – Barbara Reinalda , Raybestos Brakettes (2-1, 21 IP, 7 hits, 1 Run)
C – Carol Vanderbunte, Royals
C – Teresa Gumm, Hamilton Bears
1B – Diane Schumacher , Raybestos Brakettes
2B – Karen Fellenz, Sun City Saints
3B – Jill Larson, Hamilton Bears
SS – Kim Miller, Hamilton Bears
OF – Venus Jennings, Budweiser Belles (8-15, .533)
OF – Sue Lewis, Long Beach Renegades
OF – Lindy James, Orlando Rebels
OF – Patty Cutright, Macomb Magic
DH – Cindy Lyon, Utah Bees
UTIL – Carol Sullivan, United Eagles

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lori Stoll, Hamilton Bears
P – Pam Boswell, Glomati Blazers
C – Doreen Denmon, Stratford Brakettes
C – Marcia Newsome, Orlando Rebels
1B – Cathy Troost, Wyoming Royals
2B – Sandy Simpson, Long Beach Renegades
3B – Helen Andrade, Sun City Saints
SS – Donna Whitley, Long Beach Renegades
OF – Pam Edde, Long Beach Renegades
OF – Cindy Krueger, Utah Bees
OF – Kathie Sims, United Eagles
OF – Lucy Innuso, Glomati Blazers
DH – Lori Garrison, Oklahoma Sundowners
UTIL – Missy Mapes, Stratford Brakettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT (6-1)
2. Sun City Saints, Sun City, AZ (7-2)
3. Glomati Blazers, Sepulveda, CA (4-2)
4. Wyoming Royals, Wyoming, MI (3-2)
5t. Orlando Rebels, Orlando, FL (4-2)
5t. Macomb Magic, Macomb, MI (4-2)
7t. Long Beach Renegades, Long Beach, CA (3-2)
7t. Hamilton Bears, Hamilton, MO (2-2)
9t. Oklahoma Sundowners, Stillwater, OK (3-2)
9t. United Eagles, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Budweiser Belles, Parsippany, NJ (2-2)
9t. Utah Bees, Salt Lake City, UT (2-2)
13t. Landmark Lettes, Peoria, IL (1-2)
13t. Waterford Mariners, Waterford, CT (1-2)
13t. Ponderosa Playmakers, Tucson, AZ (1-2)
13t. Budweiser Eagles, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
17t. Shimers Architect, Bloomington, MN (0-2)
17t. Allentown Patriettes, Allentown, PA (0-2)
17t. Binghamton Blazers, Binghamton, NY (1-2)
17t. Speedline, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
17t. Jomac’s Sports World, Flint, MI (0-2)
17t. Chico Peppers, Chico, CA (0-2)
17t. Miller Pumpers, Wooster, OH (0-2)
17t. Philadelphia Spirit, Philadelphia, PA (0-2)

1982 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1982 held at Midland, Michigan.

Champion – Peterbilt Western, Seattle, Washington (100-16)
Runner Up – Decatur ADM, Decatur, Illinois (103-27)

ADM of Decatur beat Peterbilt Western in the first final 6-4 to force the extra game. Peterbilt pitcher Jimmy Moore hurled a 2-hit shutout to clinch the title for the Seattle based team. Larry Seabaugh’s base hit scored Kim Sullivan with the first run in the 5th inning. Sullivan later scored on Greg VanGaver’s sac fly in the 7th inning to account for all the scoring.

Losing pitcher Brent Stevenson allowed only 4 hits in the game. Peterbilt then defeated ADM 2-0 to win the National Championship. ADM had won three previous that day, including the first final over Peterbilt 6-4. Dave Scott started the first game, but had to leave due to a blister on his finger in the 3rd inning. Brent Stevenson came into relieve Scott and eventually was the winning pitcher. It was Jimmy Moore’s first loss of the tournament. More came back in the final game to defeat Stevenson 2-0.

One of the Pre-tournament favorites, Franklin Cardinals of Stratford, CT was disqualified before the tournament started due to using Owen “The Fog” Walford in winning the New England Regional. Walford did not spend enough time in the USA to allow him to be legal for ASA play as he is from New Zealand.

Two old timers showed them they can still pitch as 48 year old Jimmy Doyle of Ashland Merchants hurled all 32 of his teams innings and went 2-2. For the Reading Sunners, the legendary Ty Stofflet was 1-2 with a shutout. He had 25 K in 23 IP. Stofflett (41 years old) was 27-9 on the season and struck out 414 batters in 259 innings pitched.

  • MVP – Butch Batt, Peterbilt Western
  • Batting Leader – Bruce Miller, Midland Explorers – .417
  • Home Run Leader – Brian Rothrock, Decatur ADM – 3
  • Most Outstanding Pitcher Award  – Jimmy Moore, Peterbilt Western

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Peter Brown, Guanella Brothers (3-2, 1 Shutout)
P – Peter Finn, Guanella Brothers (4-2, 39 IP, 70 K)
P – Jimmy Moore, Peterbilt (5-1, 38 IP, 50 K including 2-0 two-hit shutout championship game win)
C – Butch Batt, Peterbilt (6-17, .353, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
C – Tom Dallas, California Kings
1B – Jim Wright, Midland Explorers
2B – Frank Topolewski, Guanella Brothers
3B – Jeff Peck, Midland Explorers
SS – Ken Gay, Midland Explorers
OF – Bill Stewart, Peterbilt
OF – Brian Rothrock, Decatur ADM (9-27, .333, 8 RBI)
OF – Bruce Miller, Midland Explorers (10-24, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
OF – Mike Nevin, California Kings
DH – Mike Branz, Bloomington Hearts
UTIL – Ted Hicks, Decatur ADM

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Brent Stevenson, Decatur ADM (3-1, 28 IP, 24 K)
P – Randy Beckstead, Page Break
P – Jim Smith, Jets
C – Bill Summers, Saginaw Bolters
C – Art Tolfree, Midland Explorers
1B – Darryl Day, Decatur ADM
2B – Jack Starling, Midland Explorers
3B – Bill Menke, Happy Chef
SS – Doug Streeter, California Kings
OF – Greg Van Gaver, Peterbilt
OF – Craig Lloyd, Happy Chef
OF – Bob Miller, Peterbilt
OF – Dave Bedford, Midland Explorers
DH – Jon Nelson, Peterbilt
UTIL – Kevin Knop, Decatur ADM

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Peter Meredith, Farm Tavern (2-1, 1 Shutout, 27 IP and 41 K)
P – Gary Doyle, Ashland Merchants
P – Paul Magan, California Kings (2-1, 23 IP, 1 Save and 1 Shutout)
C – Rich Garner, Guanella Brothers
C – Eric Maiden, Jets
1B – Matt Dijak, Saginaw Bolters
2B – Dave Assman, Saginaw Bolters
3B – Mike Parnow, Guanella Brothers
SS – Vic Rivera, California Kings
OF – Bill Johnson, Happy Chef
OF – Randy Ward, Page Break
OF – Marty Boer, California Kings
OF – Ray Allena, Guanella Brothers
UTIL – Bob Aquilar, Jets

OTHERS

Kevin Heirlihy, Saginaw Bolters (2-2, 2 Shutouts, 1 No Hitter)
Mark Smith, Camarillo Kings (3-2, 42 IP, 49 K)
Chuck D’Arcy (2-1), Guanella Brothers
Mark Lee, ADM (1-0, 11 IP, 19 K, 1 perfect game, 1 save)
Dave Scott, ADM (3-1, 31 IP, 31 K)
Bob Ryan, ADM (1-0, 7 IP, 4 K)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Peterbilt, Seattle, WA (6-1)
2. ADM, Decatur, IL (7-2)
3. California Kings, Merced, CA (4-2)
4. Larry Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (5-2)
5t. Midland Explorers, Midland, MI (5-2)
5t. The Farm, Madison, WI (2-2)
7t. Camarillo Kings, Camarillo, CA (3-2)
7t. Guanella Brothers, Santa Rosa, CA (3-2)
9t. Lakewood Jets, Lakewood, CA (3-2)
9t. Budweiser Kings, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
9t. Ashland Merchants, Ashland, OH (2-2)
9t. Happy Chef, Mankato, MN (3-2)
13t. Billard Sunners, Reading, PA (3-2)
13t. Allentown Patriots, Allentown, PA (1-2)
13t. Bloomington Hearts, Bloomington, IL (2-2)
13t. Saginaw Bolters, Saginaw, MI (2-2)
17t. Odessa Merchants, Odessa, TX (1-2)
17t. Olympia Athletic, Portland, ME (1-2)
17t. Raiders, Charlottsville, VA (0-2)
17t. Faultless Rubber, Ashland, OH (1-2)
17t. Walnut Products, St. Joseph, MO (0-2)
17t. Sonny’s Exxon, Greenville, SC (0-2)
17t. MK Fuel, Baton Rouge, LA (0-2)
17t. Cullver Motors, Nogales, AZ (0-2)
25t. CMS, Tampa, FL (0-2)
25t. Scioto Services, Marysville, OH (0-2)
25t. Soloman’s Sports Shop, Elizabeth, NJ (0-2)

NOTES

Olympia Athletic of Portland, ME replaced New England Champs, Franklin Cardinals of West Haven, CT, who were suspended due to use of illegal player.

1982 Women’s College World Series (AIAW)

1982 held at at Reaves Park in Norman, Oklahoma on May 20-23.

Champion – Texas A&M Aggies (77-8)
Runner Up – Oklahoma State Cowgirls

The 1982 AIAW Women’s College World Series was held from May 20 through May 25 in Norman, Oklahoma. The final two games were postponed by rain for two days.

Twelve Division I college softball teams met in what was to become the last AIAW softball tournament of that organization’s history. After playing their way through the regular season and regional tournaments (and for Oklahoma State, a conference tournament), the 12 advancing teams met for the AIAW Division I college softball championship.

Days later, Oklahoma State went on to participate also in the NCAA WCWS tournament in Omaha. In 1982, the Division I softball tournaments of both the AIAW and the NCAA were called “Women’s College World Series.” That moniker has been used for the annual topmost-level collegiate women’s softball tournaments since the first one in 1969.

Historian Bill Plummer III wrote, “With their 77-8 season record, Texas A&M could have been a contender in Omaha − maybe even the top seed − against perennial softball powers like UCLA and Fresno State.

The Aggies had been invited to the NCAA’s first national tournament, but chose not to go. A&M coach Bob Brock had high respect for the eleven-year-old AIAW, even as the NCAA began to overshadow it. Out of a sense of loyalty to the AIAW, Brock said, his school chose the 1982 Norman championship over the NCAA’s first in Omaha.

Texas A&M, Utah, Michigan and California were the top four seeds.

Top-seeded Texas A&M lost its opener in an 8-inning perfect game by USIU pitcher Jenny Stallard. But the Aggies battled back through the losers’ bracket to claim the title by defeating Oklahoma State, who was unbeaten in the tournament to that point, twice in the championship final.

In the deciding “if-necessary” game, the Aggies went to bat in the last regulation inning trailing the Cowgirls by one run. A double and an outfield error scored the tying run for A&M, who went on to score twice in the extra inning for the 5-3 victory.

Texas A&M compiled a record of 7-1 in the tournament to become the first Texas A&M women’s varsity team to win a national championship.

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

1982 ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

P – Kim Van Wyk, Cal-State Fullerton
P – Linda Padgett, Central Michigan
C – Kim Fabian, Oklahoma State
1B – Pam Harper, Oklahoma State
2B – Yolanda Arvizu, Utah State
3B – Cathy Heator, Central Michigan
SS – Cindy Lyon, Utah
OF – Pat Stoffel, Western Illinois
OF – Karen Guerrero, Texas A&M
OF – Sue Lewis, Cal-State Fullerton
UTIL – Dot Richardson, UCLA
UTIL – Shari Fisher, California
UTIL – Lori Stoll, Texas A&M

SCORES

  1. U.S. International 1 Ohio State 0
  2. Rhode Island 2 Oklahoma 0
  3. Central Michigan 7 SW Missouri State 0
  4. Oklahoma State 7 Western Illinois 0
  5. U.S. International 1 Texas A&M 0
  6. Michigan 4 Rhode Island 1
  7. California 5 Central Michigan 0
  8. Oklahoma State 2 Utah 0
  9. Texas A&M 2 SW Missouri State 0 (SW Missouri State eliminated)
  10. Western Illinois 2 Rhode Island 1 (Rhode Island eliminated)
  11. Central Michigan 1 Ohio State 0 (Ohio State eliminated)
  12. Oklahoma 4 Utah 2 (Utah eliminated)
  13. Texas A&M 1 Western Illinois 0 (Western eliminated)
  14. Central Michigan 3 Oklahoma 1 (Oklahoma eliminated)
  15. Michigan 2 U.S. International 1
  16. Oklahoma State 3 California 0
  17. Central Michigan 1 U.S. International 0 (U.S. International eliminated)
  18. Texas A&M 5 California 0 (California eliminated)
  19. Oklahoma State 2 Michigan 1
  20. Texas A&M 2 Central Michigan 0 (Central Michigan eliminated)
  21. Texas A&M 5 Michigan 0 (Michigan eliminated)
  22. Texas A&M 4 Oklahoma State 1
  23. Texas A&M 5 Oklahoma State 3 (Oklahoma State eliminated)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Texas A&M Aggies (7-1)
2. Oklahoma State Cowgirls (4-2)
3. Michigan Wolverines (2-2)
4. Central Michigan Chippewas (4-2)
5t. U.S. International Gulls (2-2)
5t. Oklahoma Sooners (1-2)
7t. California Bears (1-2)
7t. Rhode Island Rams (1-2)
9t. Western Illinois Leathernecks (1-2)
9t. Ohio State Buckeyes (0-2)
9t. Utah Runnin Utes (0-2)
9t. SW Missouri State Bears (0-2)

1982 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1982 held at Marietta, Georgia.

Champion – Richmond Stompers, Richmond, Virginia (68-9)
Runner Up – Tifton Tomboys, Tifton, Georgia

The Tifton Tomboys were undefeated for the first 6 games (that’s 12 straight National victories in a row including last year) , but when they met the Stompers in the finals, they dropped two straight. The Richmond Stompers dethroned last years champs defeating them 3-1 in 8 innings of the first game and then 4-2 in the final game. Curnie Webster was the winning pitcher in both games and allowing only 3 runs. Brenda Smith and Debbie Brooks had 2 hits apiece in the final game to lead the Stompers. The Stompers finished with a 8-1 record in the tournament.

  • MVP – Brenda Smith, Richmond Stompers
  • Batting Leader – Shelly Vick, Spooks (14-25) – .560
  • Batting Leader – Paula Christlaw, JEA Awards (14-25) – .560
  • Home Run Leader – Josephine Wright, UPI – 3

1982 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Curnie Webster, Richmond Stompers
P – Charlotte Cates, Tifton Tomboys
C – Terry Allen, Getz
C – Terry Lancaster, Tifton Tomboys
1B – Paula Christlaw, JAE Awards
2B – Brenda Smith, Richmond Stompers
3B – Sharon Manci, Tifton Tomboys
SS – Darby Cottle, Tifton Tomboys
OF – Libby Parrish, Tifton Tomboys
OF – Joy Cimburke, Richmond Stompers
OF – Terry Donohue, Richmond Stompers
OF – Carol Stromberg, Spooks
UT – Rhonda Mueller, Gastonia Roadrunners
UT – Linda Boatright, Florida Zanderettes

1982 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

No team was listed.

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Richmond Stompers, Richmond, VA
2. Tifton Tomboys, Tifton, GA

1981 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Burlington, North Carolina.

Champion – Elite Coatings, Gordon, Georgia
Runner Up – Fred Weber/Merchants, St. Louis, Missouri

  • MVP – Ricky Huggins, Elite (25-40, .625, 8 HR, 20 RBI)
  • HR Leader – Cecil Whitehead, Elite – 10 (18-35, .514, 21 RBI)
  • Batting Leader – Jessie Walter, Cline Brothers – .810 (17-21, 9 RBI)

Elite won 16-14 and 16-10. Ron Knight and Greg Smith hit 3-run homers and Ricky Huggins also homered in the first win. Then Huggins came through with a HR and two triples in the final to clinch the title.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Pat Nolan, Fred Weber Merchants (16-26, .615, 6 RBI, 3 Runs)
C – Ed Jones, Elite Coatings (20-31, .645, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
C – Bob Narlock, Lilly Air Merchants (11-14, .786, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
1B – Gary Haas, Cline Brothers Roofing (13-21, .619, 2 RBI, 7 Runs)
2B – Jerry Hopkins, Morgan Boots (15-24, .625, 4 RBI, 9 Runs)
3B – Ricky Huggins, Elite Coatings (25-40, .625, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 18 Runs)
SS – Paul Wright, Elite Coatings (27-42, .643, 6 RBI, 18 Runs)
OF – Jesse Walter, Cline Brothers (17-21, .810, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Don Clatterbough, Bradley’s (12-15, .800, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
OF – Dave Meyer, Fred Weber Merchants (18-26, .692, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 17 Runs)
OF – Cecil Whitehead, Elite Coatings (18-35, .514, 10 HR, 21 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Rodney Nieman, Bayout Oilfield Rentals (14-24, .583, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 12 Runs)
UTIL – Paul Riess, Fred Weber Merchants (18-29, .552, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 12 Runs)
UTIL – Ron Smith, Morgan Boots (13-21, .619, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Donnie Maness, Fabmasters (18-29, .621, 7 RBI, 14 Runs)
P – Kenneth Carlton, Green Machine (11-18, .611, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 6 Runs)
1B – Clyde Zachery, Elite Coatings (19-27, .514, 3 RBI, 11 Runs)
2B – George Wade, Fred Weber Merchants (14-30, .467, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
3B – Tom Chmela, Lilly Air Systems (15-23, .652, 3 RBI, 14 Runs)
SS – Mike Foote, Sims NY Life (12-19, .632, 4 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Jay Lehman, Cline Brothers (11-21, .524, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
OF – Mike Lorden, Sunrise Budweiser (11-18, .611, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
OF – Don Knight, Elite Coatings (19-34, .559, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Leslie Picard, Bayou Oil Field Rentals (8-17, .471, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs)
UTIL – Ted Larson, Shimers (14-23, .609, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
UTIL – Jake Jacobi, Lilly Air Systems (15-23, .652, 7 RBI, 9 Runs)
UTIL – Tim Elridge, Shimers (18-29, .621, 8 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Mike Lewis, Bayou Oil Field Rentals (11-23, .478, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 5 Runs)

OTHERS

Ray Fleetwood, Green Machine (12-19, .632, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 12 Runs)
Larry Franklin, Hadens (9-15, .600, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
Mike Jacobs, Green Machine (14-24, .583, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 13 Runs)
Dennis Myers, Shimers (13-25, .520, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 10 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (8-1)
2. Fred Weber Merchants, St. Louis, MO (5-2)
3. Bayou Oilfield Rentals, New Iberia, LA (4-2)
4. Morgan Boots, Dallas, TX (4-2)
5t. Cline Bros. Roofing, Archbold, OH (5-2)
5t. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (4-2)
7t. Fab Masters, Lexington, NC (5-2)
7t. Shimer’s, Minneapolis, MN (5-2)
9t. Frank Cannizzaro Const., Modesto, CA (2-2)
9t. Green Machine, Starke, FL (4-2)
9t. D-Bar-G Ranch, Renton, WA (2-2)
9t. Chisholm Spt. Goods, Malden, MA (2-2)
13t. Sunrise Budweiser, Las Vegas, NV (3-2)
13t. Bradley’s, Mechanicsville, VA (2-2)
13t. Sim’s N.Y. Life, Akron, OH (3-2)
13t. Pierson & Assoc., Houston, TX (2-2)
17t. North Central BJ’s, Waterloo, IA (1-2)
17t. SW Industries, Taylor, MI (1-2)
17t. Mr. Bob’s, Crystal, MN (2-2)
17t. Haden’s, Springfield, MO (2-2)
17t. Unique Cleaners, Alcoa, TN (1-2)
17t. Frierson’s Building Supply, Jackson, MS (1-2)
17t. Gartenhaus Cafe, Plainville, CT (1-2)
17t. Bob Hoffman Blue, York, PA (1-2)
25t. Sports Line, Mt. Kisco, NY (0-2)
25t. Volk & Son, Turlock, CA (0-2)
25t. Smokey’s, Detroit, MI (1-2)
25t. Erieside Elect., Willoughby, OH (1-2)
25t. Sure Shine, Santa Clara, CA (1-2)
25t. American Fitness Center, Jacksonville, FL (0-2)
25t. Valley House, Batesville, IN (0-2)
25t. O.J. Shoemaker, South Bend, IN (0-2)
33t. Hillcrest Tavern, Cleveland, OH (0-2)
33t. Ruth Realty, Kent, WA (0-2)
33t. Last Chance Restaurant, Richmond, VA (0-2)
33t. Pit Stop, Zion, IL (0-2)
33t. Goodrich, Midland, TX (0-2)

1981 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Memphis, Tennessee.

Champion – Ray Sears & Son, Gambrills, MD (91-14)
Runner Up – U.S. Armed Forces, Oxnard, CA

MVP – Mike Norman, Armed Forces
HR Leader – no info available
Batting Leader – Dean Marquardt, Corner Pocket UAF – .714

Ray Sears and Son from Gambrills. MD, parlayed superb defense and timely base hits to down the Armed Forces all-stars from Oxnard, CA, 15-12, Sept. 7 at the Rodney Baber complex to win the Amateur Softball Association of America Class A Slow Pitch national championship at Memphis, TN.

It was the first trip to the nationals for Sears, a well-conditioned, speedy outfit that took advantage of its opponents’ mistakes to breeze through the tournament undefeated. Sears went 6-0 in the nationals and wound up the year with a 91-14 record. Ironically, the team was the runner-up In the Central Atlantic Regional to gain the berth in the finals.

The Armed Forces team, made up from all-stars picked from the all-military tournament, gained its highest finish ever in a national tournament, but manager Mike Jones was not particularly pleased. “It was a great tournament and I don’t want to take a thing away from Sears, they are the national champs, but I feel we were robbed by the umpiring in this game today,” he said. “There were a couple of calls that went against us that took our momentum away and I firmly believe we would have gone ahead in the fifth Inning if the calls hadn’t gone against us.”

Superb fielding by Sears nipped that rally, including a relay play in which an Armed Forces runner was thrown out at third before a run crossed the plate. It appeared that the runner had scored before the man was thrown out at third. Later, an Armed Forces runner was called out at first on a close play that cost another run and the crowd of an estimated 1,400 booed lustily.

Catcher Al Leightner and first basemen Larry Hall had 80 homers each for Sears coming into the national tournament, but the Maryland team relied mostly on team speed and pesky hitting to gain the championship. Sears specialized in winning the close game.

ASA A ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM

P – Dave Reed, Ride Motors
P – Robert Davis, Armed Forces
C – Al Leightner, Ray Sears & Son
C – Jerome Cross, Lumberman’s Mutual Insurance
1B – Larry Hall, Ray Sears & Son
2B – Jeff Kirk, Eastwood Tavern
3B – Leo Weitzel, Ride Motors
SS – Dean Marquardt, Corner Pocket UAF
OF – Fritz Drumm, Danny’s Drilling
OF – Mike Norman, Armed Forces
OF – Ronnie Herrin, Lufkin Raiders
OF – Cecil Norris, Lufkin Raiders
UTIL – Gurney Holley, Armed Forces
UTIL – Jack Rule, Western Sizzlin

ASA A ALL AMERICANS SECOND TEAM

P – Jay Newton, Ray Sears & Son
P – Don Cooper, Deep South Trophies
C – Meredith Scruggs, Western Sizzlin
C – Daryl Pitcock, Lufkin Raiders
1B – Tim Rhinehart, Western Sizzlin
2B – Jon Van Orden, Ray Sears & Son
3B – Dennis Worley, Goodman Redbirds
SS – Mack Green, Western Sizzlin
OF – Rick Wheeler, Goodman Redbirds
OF – Al Vincent Jr., East Homes
OF – Pete Mercer, Deep South Technologies
OF – Ed Tisdel, Lufkin Raiders
UTIL – Bob Morency, Ride Motors
UTIL – Bud Weathers, Lufkin Raiders

FINAL STANDINGS (incomplete – 39 teams)

1. Ray Sears & Son, Gambrills, MD (6-0)
2. U.S. Armed Forces, Oxnard, CA (5-2)
3. Western Sizzlin, Gastonia, NC (5-2)
4. Lufkin Raiders, Lufkin, TX (7-2)
5t. Goodman Redbirds, Los Angeles, CA (3-2)
5t. Ride Motors, Miami Shore, FL (6-2)
7t. Eastwood Tavern, Kalamazoo, MI (4-2)
7t. Danny’s Drilling, Newark, OH (5-2)
9t. Corner Pocket UAF, Missoula, MT(3-2)
9t. Ascor Steel Building, Willmar, MN (2-2)
9t. Brothers, Yonkers, NY (3-2)
9t. Pace Electronics, Fairport, NY (3-2)
13t. RT Hughes, Modesto, CA (2-2)
13t. Lumberman’s Mutual, Bellevue, OH (3-2)
13t. East Homes, Omaha, NE (3-2)
13t. Deep South Trophies, Bastrop, LA (2-2)
17t. George’s Mobil, Davis, CA (2-2)
17t. KC’s Pub, Minneapolis, MN (1-2)
17t. Houston Wreckers, Houston, TX (1-2)
17t. Sherrod Vans, Jacksonville, FL (1-2)
17t. Solcum Construction, Alexandria, LA (1-2)
17t. Independence Merchants, Independence, MO (1-2)
17t. Stark Pizza, Portland, OR (1-2)
17t. Brass Tomball, Spring TX (1-2)
25t. Williams Paint & Remodeling, Vinton, VA(1-2)
25t. Linn Corriher, Landis, NC (1-2)
25t. Conti Brothers, Johnston, RI (1-2)
25t. Straufler Realty, Warren, OH (1-2)
25t. Teresa Builders, Cleveland, OH (0-2)
25t. Grand Rapids Alloys, Wyoming, MI (0-2)
25t. Clark & Son, Rumford, RI (0-2)
25t. Chinook Resources, Douglas, WY (0-2)
33t. Monogram Industries, Seymour, IN (0-2)
33t. Nick Rack’s Sport Shack, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
33t. Annex Lounge, Warren, MI (0-2)
33t. Nick’s H&H Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
33t. Coca Cola Clubbers, Memphis, TX (0-2)
33t. Engle Printing, Gap, PA (0-2)
33t. Pat Clark/Chet’s Best Food, Las Vegas, NV (0-2)

1981 ASA Men’s Super Slow Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Burlington, North Carolina.

Champion – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina (160-15)
Runner Up – Steele’s Sports, Lima, Ohio

Surprise team, B&S Construction from Rome, GA made it to the winners bracket final where they lost to Howard’s 30-10.

Steele’s Sports, already in the loser’s bracket, eliminated Jerry’s Caterers of Miami 31-16 and then eliminated B&S 11-6 in the loser’s bracket final to get a shot at Howard’s in the Championship.  The North Carolina club was just too strong as they  beat Steele’s 30-13 in final, Scherr 4-4, 3 HR, 6 RBI in final.

Dick Bartel (5 hits, including a home run), Tom Beall (4 hits, including 2 HR) and Don Arndt (4 hits and also 2 HR). Ed Roth and Bill Ferguson also hit dingers for Howard’s. Howard’s broke the game open with a big 13-run third inning as Rick Scherr hit 2 of his home runs in that inning. Scherr swept most of the awards winning the MVP and Batting title. He also tied for the Home Run Lead with teammate Don Arndt and Henry McBeth of Steele’s, all three had 8.

For the entire tournament, Howard’s players had some crazy numbers: Dick Bartel (15-19, .789, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs), Bill Ferguson (12-17, .706, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 9 Runs), Russell Bradley (13-21, .619, 5 RBI, 11 Runs) and Tom Beall (9-18, .500, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs).

For Steeles, Chic Downing (16-25, .640, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 14 Runs), Jerry King (13-21, .619, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 14 Runs), John Brenner (17-28, .607, 11 Runs), Al White (12-20, .600, 14 Runs). Rick Hollingsworth (14-17, .824) and Warren Scarborough (11-15, .733, 7 HR, 13 RBI) were the top 2 hitters for B&S. Harold Kelly and Mighty Joe Young were both 13-21 (.619) and combined for 13 HR and 24 RBI to lead Jerry’s. Bruce Meade chipped in with a (12-20, .600, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs) performance.

York Barbell/Ken Sanders was led by the trio of Craig Elliott (9-12, .750, 6 HR, 15 RBI), James Boyette (9-14, .643) and Mike Nye (10-16, .625). This Howard’s team has been voted upon over the years to be one of the greatest teams of all time. They finished the season as the Triple Crown Champs, also winning the NSPC Regular Season and Playoff Championship and USSSA World Series Championships as well to finish the season 160-15.

  • MVP – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer
  • HR Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer  – 8
  • HR Leader – Don Arndt, Howard’s/Western Steer – 8
  • HR Leader – Henry McBeth, Steele’s Sports – 8
  • Batting Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer – .842

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Don Arndt, Howard’s/Western Steer (11-18, .611, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 11 Runs)
C – Harold Kelley, Jerry’s Catering (13-21, .619, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 12 Runs)
1B – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer (16-19, .842, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 14 Runs)
2B – Jerry King, Steele’s Sports (13-21, .619, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 14 Runs)
3B – Bill Ferguson, Howard’s/Western Steer (12-17, .706, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
SS – Russell Bradley, Howard’s/Western Steer (13-21, .619, 5 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Dick Bartel, Howard’s/Western Steer (15-19, .789, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Henry McBeth, Steels’s Sports (14-21, .667, 8 HR, 12 RBI, 10 Runs)
OF – Chic Downing, Steele’s Sports (16-25, .640, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 15 Runs)
OF – Rick Hollingsworth, B&S Construction (14-17, .824, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Mighty Joe Young, Jerry’s Catering (13-21, .619, 7 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)
UTIL – Craig Elliott, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (9-12, .750, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 9 Runs)
UTIL – Warren Scarborough, B&S Construction (11-15, .733, 7 HR, 13 RBI, 9 Runs)
UTIL – Al White, Steele’s Sports (12-20, .600, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 14 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Larry Garrard, Steele’s Sports (12-22, .545, 4 RBI, 2 Runs)
C – Herman Rathman, Steele’s Sports (9-19, .473, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
C – Ed Roth, Howard’s (7-14, .500, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 10 Runs)
1B – James Washington, Jerry’s Catering (10-21, .476, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
2B – James Boyett, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (9-14, .643, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
SS – John Brenner, Steele’s Sports (17-28, .607, 2 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Mike Nye, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (10-16, .625, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
OF – Tom Beall, Howard’s/Western Steer (9-18, .500, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs)
OF – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Catering (12-20, .600, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Denny Jones, Steele’s Sports (13-26, .500, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Myles Schexnayder, Jerry’s Catering (9-19, .473, 5 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
UTIL – Buck Hall, B&S Construction (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
UTIL – Sidney Cooper, B&S Construction (7-16, .438, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 6 Runs)
UTIL – Curtis Williams, York Barbell/Ken Sanders (8-15, .533, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 Runs)

OTHERS

Mike Parrott, Jerry’s Caterers (10-20, .500, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 9 Runs)
Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers (9-20, .450, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 Runs)
Freddie Trice, Jerry’s Caterers (5-12, .417, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Ron Ford, Yor Barbell/Ken Sanders (7-17, .412, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
John Geckle, Steele’s Sports (10-25, .400, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-0)
2. Steele’s Sports, Lima, OH (4-2)
3. B&S Construction Company, Rome, GA (2-2)
4. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (3-2)
5t. York Barbell/Ken Sanders, York, PA (2-2)
5t. Skoal Bandits, Sherrills Ford, NC (1-2)
7t. Kelly’s, Waco, TX (1-2)
7t. Nationwide Advertising, Cleveland, OH (1-2)
9t. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (0-2)
9t. LeAlCo, Lebanon, TN (0-2)

1981 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Houston, Texas.

Champion – Orlando Rebels, Orlando, Florida (76-8)
Runner Up – Raybestos Brackettes, Stratford, Connecticut (66-5)

In the 1980s, there were more at-large Berths, plus national regional and qualifiers were starting to be held. This caused more teams to attend the nationals on a yearly basis. It was harder to determine who actually won their respected region and who was the at-large team and who got their due to a national qualifier, etc. From 1981 on, just the standings were listed.

Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels (led team to 2-1 win in final “if” game). In the bottom of the 7th inning, She broke up Kathy Arendsen’s perfect game with a clutch line drive single. A bunt, an intentional walk and a single by Jo Ann Ackerman to load the bases. The next batter hit a ground ball and the play at the plate was close, but the ball eluded Brakettes Catcher Doreen Denman as Richardson slid head first into home with the tying run. Shirley Burton then hit a high chopper that Brakettes second Baseman Allyson Rioux grabbed, but threw wide to the plate. Patty Pyle slid into home giving Rebels Manager Marge Ricker her first National title in 28 years of coaching.

Brakettes won 8 games only to lose the final “if” game to Orlando Rebels. Kathy Arendsen was 2-1 (25 IP) and only gave up 2 runs, the ones that Orlando scored in the bottom of the 7th to win the championship. She pitched the 1-0 no hitter in the first final, winning in the 10th inning on Diane Schumacher’s HR. Arendsen (2-1, 2 no hitters) pitched 17 innings and struck out 23 in the 2 games; Vickie Swanson (2-1) and Barbara Reinalda (4-0) were a combined 6-1 for the Brakettes. Arendsen, by the way has been 90-6 over the last 3 years and incredibly has struck out 1368 batters in 738 innings.

  • MVP – Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels
  • Home Run Leader – Sue Kragseth, Shimers – 2
  • Batting Leader – Patty Cutright, Macomb Magic – .391
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Lou Piel, Orlando Rebels
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Barbara Reinalda, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Kathy Arendsen, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Lou Piel, Orlando Rebels (5-1, lost first game, pitched 4 straight shutouts and pitched 2-1 final “if” game)
C – Marilyn Rau, Sun City Saints
C – Starleen Orullian, Utah Bees
1B – Lisa Clinchy, Sun City Saints
2B – Patty Pyle, Orlando Rebels
3B – Sue Kragseth, Shimers
SS – Dot Richardson, Orlando Rebels
OF – Denette Stottlemyre, Hamilton Bears
OF – Sue Enquist, Raybestos Brakettes
OF – Patty Cutright, Macomb Magic (9-23, .391)
OF – Barbara Garcia, Sun City Saints
UTIL – Mary Owen, Shimers

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Debbie Doom, Sun City Saints
P – Vickie Swanson, Raybestos Brakettes
P – Lori Stoll, Hamilton Bears
C – Doreen Denmon, Raybestos Brakettes
C – Val Strachan, Shimers
1B – Gail Scott, Macomb Magic
2B – Allyson Rioux, Raybestos Brakettes
3B – Marty Grzanich, Macomb Magic
SS – Wendy Hedberg, Macomb Magic
OF – Sue Lewis, Long Beach Renegades
OF – Melonie Kent, Utah Bees
OF – Snookie Mulder, Orlando Rebels
OF – Pat Stoffel, Macomb Magic
UTIL – Missy Mapes, Raybestos Brakettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Orlando Rebels, Orlando, FL (6-1)
2. Raybestos Brackettes, Stratford, CT (8-2)
3. Sun City Saints, Sun City, AZ (3-2)
4. Macomb Magic, Macomb, MI (5-2)
5t. Renegades, Long Beach, CA (2-2)
5t. Bankettes, West Allis, WI (3-2)
7t. Coors, Springfield, MO (3-2)
7t. Shimers, Bloomington, MN (3-2)
9t. Salt Lakers, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2)
9t. Natural Light Comets, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Don Coburn, Ashland, OH (1-2)
9t. Lassies, Lansing, MI (1-2)
13t. Langhurst-Collins, Cedar Rapids, IA (1-2)
13t. Sunbirds, Buffalo, NY (1-2)
13t. Stealers, Yakima, WA (1-2)
13t. Patriettes, Allentown, PA (1-2)
17t. Bay Area Bandits, Sepulveda, CA (1-2)
17t. River City Gamblers, Memphis, TN (1-2)
17t. Spirits, Chattanooga, TN (1-2)
17t. Blazers, Sepulveda, CA (0-2)
17t. United Eagles, Conroe, TX (0-2)
17t. Stockman’s-Starman, Sioux City, SD (0-2)
17t. Topton VIPs, Topton, PA (0-2)
17t. Westfield Whips, Westfield, MA (0-2)

1981 ASA Men’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

1981 held at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 11-19.

Champion – Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Decatur, Illinois
Runner Up – Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, Ohio

Dave Scott had to pitch 18 innings Saturday night before ADM found the right combination for a 1-0 victory over stubborn Faultless Rubber Company and the championship in the 49th ASA Major National Men’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament In Phil Welch Stadium.

Mike Fenton singled in Brian Rothrock in the top of the 11th for his first hit off Faultless pitching in three tournament battles between the two teams.

Scott, who was named the tournament’s Mast Valuable Player shorty after his sixth victory in St. Joseph this week, protected the only lead he enjoyed in the two championship round games with the Ohioans before 5,000 people in Welch.

The right-handed drop ball artist struck out 10 Faultless batters and unwed only two his in the opening round at title play. But, the Ohioans won it 2-0, in seven innings because Scott’s first baseman Darryl Day threw to an open first base in the sixth inning.

Day’s error compounded a felony committed by Fenton in the first game as the ADM second baseman was nowhere near first when Tom Zappone hit a short shot between the mound and first Day speared the ball, turned to throw on what appeared to be no more than a routine play. However. Day let the ball go and it sailed across the foul line and near the dugout while Mike Glasser and Mike Van Dine sprinted home with what proved to be Faultless’ winning margin.

While Day’s error gave Faultless the winning margin in the first championship round game. Scott was as partially responsible since be put Glaser on when he hit the Ohio out-fielder voth a pitch and issued a walk W Van Dine.

Until that point, Faultless had only two base runners against Scott, Dick Riley, hit by a pitch in the second and Zappone’s single in the fourth. Scott struck out 10 and issued but two hits to the opener.

Meanwhile, Hank Miller, sling-shot spinner for Faultless, scattered four hits and survived four walks en route to the victory Decatur left eight men standing around in the first game Saturday night as Day and Ted Hicks singled in the first. Denny Place singled in the third and Day singled in the sixth. Where Scott struck out 10 and looked in good form, Miller labored and struck out four. However, the right hander notched his fourth win against no losses.

Scott and Miller waited around while their teams prepared for a second title game. with the same batteries Miller looked good early but Scott looked strong later Decatur collected a single from Rothrock in the third and Day and Hicks singled in the fourth with only one away. That was the last real Decatur threat until Rothrock led off the top of the 11th with a bunt single Mark Crawford sacrificed Rothrock to second. Following Buster Chumbley’s ground out to third. Fenton laced a Miller service into left for the winning run.

Faultless threatened in the fourth when Van Dime drew a leadoff walk but remained there as Scott retired Zappone and Messer as taps to the infield and struck out Dick Riley.

When Fenton delivered the game-winning blow it marked his first in 11 appearances against Faultless, beginning back when the Ohioans were in the semifinals Fenton had five hits in 22 trips in the tournament, but the fifth one won a championship for the team which was the choice of many to do just that before the tournament got under way on Friday night, September 11.

ADM hit with authority in the early games but used opponents’ errors and Scopitt’s pitching to pull through the second half of the competition.

Rothrock led off the bottom of the 11th with a single and stole second before Crawford and Buster Cumbley lined out to the infield. That left Fenton, a 5-for-22 hitter in this tournament, between ADM and its opponent.

61 year old Herb Dudley, Clearwater Bombers was named to the first team All-America team as a relief pitcher as he recorded 2 saves (3 IP, 2 K) and became the oldest pitcher to ever pitch in an ASA National. He saved the Bombers 4-2 victory coming in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and giving up a ground ball and the struck out the last batter. Then against last year’s champ, he came in with his team leading 3-2 in the 6th inning, 2 runners on base and no outs, he retired three men in a row and then in the 7th inning, did the same to preserve the win.

  • MVP – Dave Scott, ADM
  • Batting Leader – Steve Moore, Reading Sunners – .400
  • Batting Leader – Leon Wood, Clearwater Bombers – .400
  • Home Run Leader – Jeff Seip, Reading Sunners – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Jim Messmer, Ashland – 2
  • Home Run Leader – Charles Blakley, Walnut Products – 2
  • Most Outstanding Pitcher Award  – Dave Scott, ADM

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tim Reynolds, Walnut Products
P – Hank Miller, Faultless Rubber Company (4-1)
P – Dave Scott, Decatur ADM (6-1, 76 K, 51 IP, 3 ER, struck out 20 batters in ADM’s 1-0 11inning championship game win)
RP – Herb Dudley, Clearwater Bombers
C – Mark Crawford, Decatur ADM
C – Chip Kunnen, Clearwater Bombers
1B – Darryl Day, Decatur ADM
2B – Mike Fenton, Decatur ADM
3B – Steve Moore, Billard (8-20, HR, 5 RBI)
SS – Leon Wood, Clearwater Bombers (8-20)
OF – Ray Truluck, Clearwater Bombers
OF – Alan Rohrback, Lakewood Jets
OF – Mike Nevin, Guanella Brothers
OF – Bob Miller, Peterbilt
UTIL – Jim Messner, Faultless Rubber Company

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Chuck D’Arcy, Guanella Brothers
P – Vaughn Alvey, Miller Toyota
P – Ty Stofflet, Billard (4-1, 2 shutouts, Perfect Game, 41 IP, 69 K) His ASA National record now stands at 32-7.
C – Jim Marsh, Guanella Brothers
C – Mike Van Dyne, Faultless Rubber Company
1B – Bob Aquilar, Lakewood Jets
2B – David Grimes, Clearwater Bombers
3B – Ted Hicks, Decatur ADM
SS – Vin Sausa, Solomon’s Sports Shop
OF – Charles Blakely, Walnut Products
OF – Rick Riley, Lakewood Jets
OF – Mark Burris, Decatur ADM
OF – Pete Zoppi, Franklin Cardinals
UTIL – Jeff Seip, Billard (5-14, .357, 3B, 7 BB)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Decatur ADM, Decatur, IL (6-1) (Midwest)
2. Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, OH (5-2) (Great Lakes)
3. Billard, Reading, PA (4-2) (Central Atlantic)
4. Walnut Products, St. Joseph, MO (4-2) (Host)
5t. Guanella Brothers, Santa Rosa, CA (3-2) (Pacific Coast)
5t. Franklin Cardinals, Stratford, CT (4-2) (New England)
7t. Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT (3-2) (Rocky Mountain-Alpine)
7t. Clearwater Bombers, Clearwater, FL (4-2) (Southern)
9t. Jets, Lakewood, CA (3-2) (Pacific Coast-At Large)
9t. Peterbilt, Seattle, WA (2-2) (Northwestern)
9t. S.S.A., Phoenix, AZ (1-2) (Rocky Mountain-Cactus)
9t. Modern Piping, Cedar Rapids, IA (2-2) (Mid America)
13t. O’Byrne Electric, Springfield, MO (1-2) (Mid America-At Large)
13t. Solomon’s Sports Shop, Elizabeth, NJ (2-2) (Mid-Atlantic)
13t. Plangger Furniture, Benton Harbor, MI (0-2) (Great Lakes-At Large)
13t. Yakima Pepsi Bears, Yakima, WA (0-2) (Northwestern-At Large)
17t. James Gang, St. James, MN (0-2) (Northern)
17t. M.K. Fuels, Baton Rouge, LA (0-2) (Southwestern)
17t. Ohio Caverns, West Liberty, OH (1-2) (East Central)
17t. Saginaw Bolters, Saginaw, MI (0-2) (Great Lakes-At Large)
17t. Odessa Merchants, Odessa, TX (0-2) (Texas)
17t. Chameleons, Lancaster, CA (0-2) (Pacific Coast-At Large)

NOTES

Poyner’s, Portales, NM went in place went in place of Rocky Mountain-Cactus Champ – Reno Toyota, Reno, NV, who could not attend.