Category: USSSA

1991 USSSA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Worlds

1991 held at San Clemente, California.

Champion – Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, California
Runner Up – Gooslin Construction, Columbus, Ohio

Coach Tim Millette of Dan Smith Plastering recently waxed retrospective. Amidst all of the excitement that has surrounds his 1991 “AA” World Champion club from San Jose, California, Millette’s thoughts harkened back to long summer days and nights of the past, talk with the “Bear”.

“You know, the Bear and I used to talk for hours and hours about winning the ‘AA” Championship,” said Millette. “Sometimes, that was all we would talk about.

The “Bear”, better known as Dennis Fransen, the longtime coach of Pro Team Sports and its recent moniker, Dan Smith Plastering, wasn’t able to enjoy his dream of winning a world title, as he died of a heart attack early this season.

The indescribable loss of this man – who served as a friend, coach and mentor to all members of Dan Smith Plastering – would have destroyed most softball teams. The team seemd to follow this pattern at first, as the veteran ball club slumped at the beginning of ’91.

But despite early problems, Millette knew it was only a matter of time before Dan Smith turned it around. After all, this team was on a mission – to win it all for the “Bear.”

Dan Smith Plastering did eventually turn it around, and completed its mission by capturing the “AA” World title at San Clemente, California Labor Day weekend with a 5-0 record.

For Millette and the rest of his charges, it wasn’t a matter of “if’ they would take the trophy back to San Jose, but of “how” they would do it. “We had to win – that’s why we were here,” said Millette. “Coming in second wasn’t good enough – we would just as soon as come in last than do that.”

Behind the MVP performance of outfielder Jeff Peterson, who hit .882, and the offensive power of Gary Robertson, Wes Lord, and Dave Feather, Dan Smith Plastering was able to put the runs on the board with regularity, as an opening 28-10 win over Budweiser from Omaha can attest.

However, Dan Smith presented itself as a champion in a field of winners by winning the money games. Down and nearly out in the bottom of the seventh to Taylor Brothers from Rhode Island 15-9 with one out, divine intervention seemed to be taking place.

“It was a miracle – a couple of those hits didn’t have a chance to get through,” said Millette of the rally. In probably the biggest inning in the team’s long history, Dan Smith Plastering completed the miracle with a three-run homer from Robertson to give the team a shocking 17-15 win.

“Dennis must have been up there helping us,” said Millette.

The defense, led by infielders Chris Alverado, Tim Allen and Todd Verner, served as gatekeepers in a 7-2 win over Michigan’s Bunca Car Wash, as few balls found the outfield grass. The Plastering crew completed its storybook finish with dual wins over Gooslin Construction of Columbus, Ohio, 29-13 and 13-11.

With the team still on cloud nine after winning at San Clemente, Dan Smith Plastering brought their amazing brand of softball to the cast coast with a remarkable fourth place finish at the Major World Series in Daytona Beach, Florida two weeks later. “Teams were looking right past us, but when we beat them, they were amazed,” said Millette. “I hope that a west coast teams will get more respect.”

Dan Smith’s torrid post-season finish culminated a complete turnaround from 1990, when the ten-named Pro Team Sports went 0-2 at the “A” Worlds after tearing up the west coast during the year.

“Some people in the grapevine were saying we couldn’t win the big one, and that hurt:’ said Millette.

But amid all of the hoopla that still surrounds Dan Smith, Millette is still thoughtful of the past season, and what it meant to all of those involved, past and present.

Millette could almost hear “Bear” say “Timmy, we did it!”

  • MVP – Jeff Peterson, Dan Smith Plastering
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Jeff Peterson, Dan Smith Plastering – .882
  • Defensive MVP – Brad Farrar, Gooslin Construction

1991 USSSA MEN’S CLASS “AA” WORLD TEAM

Kevin Birkofer, Gooslin Construction
Rich Courtney, Dan Smith Plastering (.700, 4 HR, 7 RBI)
Steve Dickinson, Gooslin Construction
Bill Dunlap, Slo-Pitch News
Brad Farrar, Gooslin Construction
Dave Feather, Dan Smith Plastering (.737, 10 RBI)
Tim Linson, Gooslin Construction
Wes Lord, Dan Smith Plastering (.687, 7 HR, 17 RBI)
Ron Pease, Slo-Pitch News
Jeff Peterson, Dan Smith Plastering (.882, 5 HR, 19 RBI)
Gary Robertson, Dan Smith Plastering (.813, 7 HR, 10 RBI)
Doug Shaneyfelt, Gooslin Construction
Todd Verner, Dan Smith Plastering

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (5-0)
2. Gooslin Construction, Columbus, OH (4-2)
3. Slo-Pitch News, Seattle, WA (5-2)
4. Stottler Stagg, Cocoa, FL (4-2)
5t. Bunca Car Wash, Kalamazoo, MI (2-2)
5t. Spectrum Screen Printing, Crystal, MN (2-2)
7t. Boys of Summer, Naples, FL (2-2)
7t. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (2-2)
9t. Rainbow Carpets, Houston, TX (2-2)
9t. Murls/Sonny’s/Worth, Broomfield, CO (1-2)
9t. Budweiser of Omaha, Omaha, NE (1-2)
9t. Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI (1-2)
13t. R&M/Midwest Metals, Waterloo, IA (0-2)
13t. Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas, NV (1-2)
13t. Worley’s Maverick’s, Jefferson City, MO (0-2)
13t. McDonald’s Survival, Wylie, TX (0-2)
17. Pacific Blues, Seattle, WA (0-2)

1991 USSSA Men’s A Slow Pitch Worlds

1991 held at  San Clemente, California on August 30-September 2.

Champion – Undercoverwear, Wilmington, Massachusetts
Runner Up – Post/Showtime Floor, Sacramento, California

UndercoverWear Refuses To Go Down In A World

It was a classic case of a team that wouldn’t allow itself to be beaten, as Undercoverwear of Wilmington, Massachusetts captured the 1991 USSSA “A” World Championship in San Clemente, California August 30-September 2. The winners overcame long odds as well as a long series to post a 9-1 record.

After dropping into the loser’s bracket after falling in game three, Undercoverwear reeled off seven consecutive victories in the loser’s bracket to claim the title. The final two wins came against previously unbeaten Showtime floor of Sacrament, who finished with a 5-2 marl.

Third place went to Alliance of Woodland Hills, California with a 4-2 mark, and Arizona Elite from Mesa surprised many with a fourth place finish and a 7-2 record. In all, 34 teams from around the United States participated in the tournament.

Undercoverwear’s success at world was surprising since teams from the New England region are usually not competitive in the “A” ranks. Even more impressive was the fact that Undercoverwear did it with local players from Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut.

To win the title, Undercoverwear went through a lot of adversity. “People laughed at us because of our name,” said coach Steve Crampton of the second year team “Our sponsor is a women’s lingerie producer.”

No one is laughing anymore, though.

Undercoverwear’s only “easy” win came in their opening game against Schooner Tavern from Tacoma, Washington, as they breezed to a 16-5 triumph. Schooner came back strong, however, to win four straight en route to an eighth place finish.

A tidy 10-5 victory over A&W Produce out of San Leandro, California was one of many victories Undercoverwear had over California-based teams. However, in their only had game of the tournament, Undercoverwear lost 10-2 to Showtime Floor to drop into the loser’s bracket.

At the same time, most of the attention was focused on local favorites such as Itchy Foot, Rebs, Dynasty and Alliance — the four top-ranked teams in the “A” division at the time.

Dynasty opened with runaway wins of 19-4 over Bancroft Softball Club from Grand Prairie, Texas and 33-8 over Beloli Heating of Taunton, Massachusetts. Reb’s, led by veterans Mike Cellura and Greg “C-Train” Cannedy, rolled in their first two games, including a 36-7 thrashing of Haro’s Team Sports from San Jose. Alliance and Itchy Foot also breezed through their early games.

Other teams that seemed to have beat on the world title included Arizona Elite, Showtime Floor, RAM/Unocal ’76 from Richmond, California and Bull on the Beach from Ocean City, Maryland. However, since many of these teams had the misfortune to play each other at this point, some of the favorites began to fall out of the picture.

Alliance edged rival Itchy Foot 14-13 to knock them into the loser’s bracket. RAM/Unocal 76 topped Dynasty and Arizona Magic to remain in contention. Maryland’s Bull on the Beach surprised Reb’s with a narrow 15-14 win, a loss which Reb’s wouldn’t recover from.

As Alliance Showtime Floors and Arizona Elite began to emerge from the pack in the winner’s bracket, Undercoverwear began what would prove to be a glorious run to the top. The East Coast team began to make their move with an efficient 12-6 win over Mizuno/Cooper from Martinez, California.

Reb’s was next, and Undercoverwear jumped out to a narrow lead and maintained it for most of the contest. However, they could never pull away from Reb’s and held a slim 13-11 lead going into the bottom of the seventh.

In the bottom of the inning, Reb’s put the tying and winning runs on second and third with two outs. Reb’s sent the consistent Donnie Furnald to the plate. Furnald couldn’t deliver, however, as he one-hopped the first pitch back to the mound, resulting in the third out and the win for Undercoverwear.

As Undercoverwear continued to climb through the loser’s bracket, the equally surprising Showtime Floor squad continued their run through the winner’s bracket. Their 27-14 rout of RAM/Unocal set Showtime up for a showdown with the other undefeated club, Alliance.

As North met South for California supremacy, Showtime Floor upended Alliance 20-10 to gain a spot in the championship final against the survivor of the loser’s bracket.

Meanwhile, Arizona Elite defeated Bull on the Beach 29-12 to knock them out of the tournament, while Undercoverwear eaked out a tough 8-7 decision over RAM/Unocal. Arizona Elite and Undercoverwear clashed for the right to meet Alliance in the loser’s bracket final, and the Wilmington-based squad recorded another narrow victory, 11-10, to win their third straight.

Playing in its fourth consecutive game on Labor Day, the hard-charging New Englanders fell fell behind once-beaten Alliance early in the contest. Undercoverwear trailed by two runs after six innings, but the tide seemed to turn when Alliance’s John thrown “Bull” Kramer was out at the plate to end the top of the seventh.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, a two-run single by Gino Espinal was disputed by Alliance players and coaches. Complaining that there was too much pine tar on the bat, the intensity of the game reached a fever pitch. However, the play stood and the score was knotted at 14-14. This dispute seemed to fuel Undercoverwear’s fire, however, and a fly ball to left scored the winning run from third to give Undercoverwear a 15-14 win and another crack to Showtime Floor.

In the championship game, Showtime Floor jumped out to an early 6-0 lead over Undercoverwear, and seemed on the verge of blowing the contest open. But over the next three innings, the Easterners came back to knot the score at 6-6.

After battling back and forth over the next few innings, Showtime held a slim 11-10 lead before Undercoverwear put two runs on the board in the bottom of the sixth to take a 12-11 lead. Showtime couldn’t respond, as they left runners on second and third to end the game.

Despite losing the first game, coach Rudy Rodriguez of Showtime Floor wasn’t worried. “We had never been beaten twice in a row like this,” he said. “We felt that they were tired. We honestly felt we could beat them.” It was almost a carbon copy of the first game, as Showtime Floor erupted for seven runs to take an early lead. Undercoverwear came back with four of its own the bottom of the inning to keep the game close.

Showtime padded its lead by scoring four more runs midway through the game to take a 11-4 lead. However, Undercoverwear roared back for seven runs in the fifth inning to Showtime’s one to edge closer, 12-11.

Showtime held a 14-13 lead going into the bottom of the sixth, but Undercoverwear struck with two runs to take a 15-14 lead, which held to the end.

“It was incredible because the team jelled a the right time,” said Crampton. “It was sweet to win it in their backyard.”

Rodriguez, though disappointed to lose two straight games to Undercoverwear, had no complaints. “The story in those two games was they got the timely hits, and we didn’t,” he said. “They wanted to win it really bad, and everything was going their way. They deserved to win, because they played better than we did.”

Espinal collected the MVP award, despite a bad shoulder that almost force the standout to stay at home. It was this type of dedication and perserverence that helped Undercoverwear go all of the way. “We just kept coming back and winning,” said Crampton. “We were like mosquitos out there.”

  • MVP – Gino Espinol, Undercoverwear
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • Defensive MVP – N/A
  • Offensive MVP – N/A

1991 USSSA MEN’S CLASS “A” WORLD TEAM

  • No Information Provided

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Undercover Wear, Wilmington, MA (9-1)
2. Post Oil/Showtime Floors, Sacramento, CA 5-2)
3. Alliance, San Fernando Valley, CA (4-2)
4. Arizona Elite, Mesa, AZ (7-2)
5t. Ram/Unocal 76, Richmond, CA (3-2)
5t. Bull on the Beach, Ocean City, MD (3-2)
7t. Rebs, North Hollywood, CA (3-2)
7t. Schoner Tavern, Tacoma, WA (4-2)
9t. Muzuno/Cooper, Martinez, CA (3-2)
9t. Arizona/Majic, Tempe, AZ (3-2)
9t. Trygg’s/Edina Realty/Ed’s Body Shop, Crystal, MN (3-2)
9t. Itchy Foot, San Gabriel, CA (2-2)
13t. Haro’s/Team Sports/Mizuno, San Jose, CA (2-2)
13t. Beloli Heating, Taunton, MA (2-2)
13t. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (2-2)
13t. Dynasty, Downey, CA (2-2)
17t. Roof Mechanics/GES, Wichita, KS (1-2)
17t. A&W Produce, San Leandro, CA (1-2)
17t. All Line Construction, Clearwater, FL (1-2)
17t. Hutchinson Softball Club, Hutchinson, KS (1-2)
17t. House of Travel, Waco, TX (1-2)
17t. Keystone/Bahama Bob’s, Fairfield, CT (1-2)
17t. Herb’s, San Diego, CA (2-2)
17t. Chipper’s Pub, South Beloit, IL (1-2)
25t. Bancroft Softball Club, Grand Prairie, TX (1-2)
25t. Steichen’s/Keller Lake Lounge, Roseville, MN (0-2)
25t. Landsharks/Rancho Suspension, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
25t. Jimmies, Kalamazoo, MI (0-2)
25t. Coors, Midland, TX (0-2)
25t. Hopkins Bowl/Hopkins JC’s, Hopkins, MN (0-2)
25t. Softball Express, Lunwood, WA (1-2)
25t. Precision Construction, Independence, MO (0-2)

1991 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1991 held at Concord, California.

Champion – Lady Blue, Carrollton, Texas (60-8)
Runner Up – Salem Hawks, Bellville, Illinois

Pitcher Mary Hoff cemented her MVP award by going 2-3 with 2 HR and 5 RBI in the championship game. She pitched the 16-14 victory. Leslie Kanter and Anna Clements were both 3-4 for the Lady Blue squad. Sue Kozoil smashed a HR and had 4 RBI. For the Hawks, Lori Ergenbeck was 3-4, with 2 HR and 6 RBI. Manager Al Campbell won his 5th USSSA World Series title.

  • MVP – Mary Hoff, Lady Blue (11-21, .524, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Batting Leader – Lori Ergenbeck, Salem Hawks (11-15, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 10 Runs) – .733
  • HR Leader – Denise Day, Lady Blue (12-23, .522, 12 RBI, 11 Runs)  – 9
  • Defensive MVP – Gina Vitale, Salem Hawks
  • Offensive MVP – Lori Ergenbeck, Salem Hawks (11-15, .733, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 10 Runs)

1991 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Mary Hoff, Lady Blue
C – Janet Dial, Mr. A’s Express
AH – Fran Nicholson, Mich
AH – Sue Day, Mr. A’s Express
AH – Lori Erpenbeck, Salem Hawks
1B – Jeril Junker, Auto Body Panels
2B – Leslie Kanter, Lady Blue
3B – Denise Day, Lady Blue
SS – Deanna Darrell, Empre
SS – Trina Hertzog, Salem Hawks
SS – Sue Koziol, Lady Blue
OF – Laura Troutman, Auto Body Panels
OF – Andy Auto Body Panels
OF – Allison Cole, Lady Blue
OF – Gina Vitale, Salem Hawks
Manager – Al Campbell, Lady Blue

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 16 Teams)

1. Lady Blue, Carrollton, TX (5-0)
2. Salem Hawks Softball, Belleville, MI (4-2)
3. Auto Body Panels, Cincinnati, OH (4-2)
4. Mr A’s Express, Sacramento, CA (4-2)
5t. Empress Chili, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)

1991 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1991 held at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Champion – Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
Runner Up – Starpath/LeAlCo, Monticello, Kentucky

Starpath, the second ranked team, most of the season put Ritch’s-Superior in the losers bracket with a 29-24 win in which they hits 21 Homers. Starpath then beat Sunbelt 28-17 in the winner’s bracket finals. Ritch’s won games in the losers bracket by scores of 6-5 and 13-11. Then in the loser’s bracket finals, their bats came alive as they defeated Sunbelt 24-3. The R-S Express then defeated undefeated Starpath twice to win the Championship. The scores were 29-6 and 18-8. In the final victory, Jim Fuller was 4-5 with 3 RBI. Dirk Androff, Britt Hightower, Dave Steffen and pitcher Paul Drilling all had 3 hits. Bruce Meade was 3-3 with 3 homers for Starpath. Big Dirk Androff, the regular First Basemen, had to play in the outfield when Cecil Whitehead went down with an injury, he was named the MVP for his play in the field and also for his clutch hitting as he went 23-34 (.696) with 13 HR and 27 RBI.

The Stottler Stagg team met for its morning meeting to talk softball and swill coffee.

But neither words nor caffeine could awaken the team. “I kept telling them that the fire and intensity weren’t there,” manager Dick Landress said. “I saw it in the first game [a 10-9 loss]. For some reason, we didn’t come here wanting to win badly enough. “I told them we lacked spirit [Thursday night]. I talked to them about it over our team meeting this morning, and they agreed. If we didn’t turn it around, we knew this game could be our last.” This game was Stottler Stagg’s last. The team, based in Cocoa, was eliminated from the United. States Slowpitch Softball Association Men’s Major World Series, 16-13, by Murfs (Colo.) before an estimated crowd of 600 Friday morning. Other scores from the second day of the tournament: Coors/Atkins (Kan.) beat Sports Hero’s (Minn.). 11-6; Neuse Sand and Gravel (N.C.) defeated AJD/Russell (Va.) 18-3; and Gooslin Construction (Ohio) topped Spectrum (Minn.), 12-5.

The only team from Florida left in the series is Bell Corp. of Tampa. Today’s games of the double-elimination tournament begin with the losers’ bracket pairings at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. The winners’ bracket games are scheduled for 6:30 and 8 p.m. Stottler Stagg, ranked ninth by Softball USA, wasn’t expected to win, but Landress said his team should have done better. Three players had hit 50 home runs or more during the season. And the team had chances but failed to capitalize. Stottler Stagg was beaten by Bunca in extra innings in its opening game. Then Muris scored five runs in the top of the seventh (last) inning to score a comeback victory in its last. “We didn’t play half as well as we could have,” said Landress, whose Stottler Stagg team has competed in three consecutive USSSA World Series. “We have six months apart in the off-season. “I’d like to have these same guys next year. They’ve been too good for too long not to come back and try again.”

  • MVP – Dirk Androff, Ritch’s-Superior (23-34, .676, 13 HR, 27 RBI, 19 Runs)
  • Home Run Leader – Bruce Meade, Starpath (18-23, .783, 23 RBI, 18 Runs) – 16
  • Batting Leader (15 ABs) – Gary Adams, Dan Smith (13-15, 7 RBI, 6 Runs) – .867
  • Defensive MVP – Larry Fredieu, Starpath/Le-Al-Co

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Andy Cook – Starpath (11-22, .500, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
P – Paul Drilling – Ritch’s/Superior (13-28, .464, 3 RBI, 7 Runs)
C – Bruce Meade – Starpath (18-23, .783, 16 HR, 23 RBI, 18 Runs)
1B – Rich Plante – Wlliams/Finke (14-21, .667, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 14 Runs)
2B – Darrell Beeler – Ritch’s/Superior (15-29, .517, 10 HR, 15 RBI, 16 Runs)
2B – Dan Schuck – Larry’s Used Cars (14-20, .700, 11 HR, 20 RBI, 14 Runs)
3B – Charles Wright – Ritch’s/Superior (14-25, .560, 9 HR, 15 RBI, 21 Runs)
3B – Carl Rose – Sunbelt Plastics (15-20, .750, 7 HR, 14 RBI, 14 Runs)
SS – Greg Whitlock – Starpath (11-20, .550, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
OF – Gary Jones – Starpath (12-17, .706, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 9 Runs)
OF – Larry Fredieu – Starpath (14-23, .609, 11 HR, 12 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Dirk Androff – Ritch’s/Superior (23-34, .676, 13 HR, 27 RBI, 19 Runs)
OF – Greg Schulte – Sunbelt Plastics (13-21, .619, 6 HR, 13 RBI,11 Runs)
OF – Jeff Peterson – Dan Smith (14-21, .667, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 14 Runs)
OF – Wes Lord – Dan Smith (14-19, .737, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Sylvin Little – Sunbelt Plastics (12-21, .545, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 10 Runs)
UTIL – Jim Fuller – Ritch’s/Superior (22-33, .667, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 19 Runs)
MGR – Buddy Slater – Ritch’s/Superior

OTHERS

Hank Garris, Stottler Stagg (6-6, 1.000, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
Randy Romagna, Neuse Sand & Gravel (11-14, .786, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 6 Runs)
Mark Heirlmeier, Bell Corp (11-15, .733, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 12 Runs)
Freddie Johnson, Larry’s Used Cars (14-20, .700, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
Mark Baker, Bell Corp (11-16, .688, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 10 Runs)
Bob Louria, Bunca (2-3, .667, 1 Run)
Rick Weiterman, Ritch’s/Superior (14-22, .636, 6 RBI, 9 Runs)
Cliff Carpenter, Bell Corp (10-16, .625, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 8 Runs)
Dave Steffen, Ritch’s/Superior (17-28, .607, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 14 Runs)
Cecil Whitehead, Ritch’s/Superior (7-12, .583, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Doug Flynn, Bell Corp (8-14, .571, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)
John Keigley, Williams/Finke (9-16, .563, 5 RBI, 9 Runs)
Steve Craven, Sunbelt (12-22, .545, 7 HR, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
Jeff Arnold, Williams/Finke (12-22, .545, 9 HR, 14 RBI, 11 Runs)
Chuck Maiorana, Bunca (6-11, .545, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
Kenny Carver, Sunbelt (10-19, .526, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 11 Runs)
Danny Williams, Sunbelt (11-22, .500, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
Ernie Montgomery, Larry’s Used Cars (10-20, .500, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 12 Runs)
Mike Martin, Bell Corp (7-14, .500, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 8 Runs)
Todd Martin, Neuse Sand & Gravel (4-8, .500, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
Britt Hightower, Ritch’s/Superior (15-33, .484, 9 HR, 15 RBI, 15 Runs)
John Grisson, Williams/Fink (12-25, .480, 6 HR, 7 RBI, 11 Runs)
Bill Blake, Larry’s Used Cars (9-19, .474, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 11 Runs)
Doug Roberson, Ritch’s/Superior (15-33, .455, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 13 Runs)
Todd Joerling, Sunbelt (9-20, .450, 6 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
Mike Macenko, Sunbelt (10-23, .435, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 10 Runs)
Ron Parnell, Ritch’s/Superior (12-28, .429, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 14 Runs)
Doug Berfeldt, Sports Heros (3-7, .429, 1 RBI, 1 Run)
Clyde Guy, Sunbelt (6-14, .429, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs)
Dave Allen, Starpath (8-20, .400, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
Craig Elliott, Neuse Sand & Gravel (4-10, .400, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
Rick Wheeler, Starpath (9-24, .375, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 Runs)
Doug Brown, Starpath (9-24, .375, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 8 Runs)
Jimmy Powers, Neuse Sand & Gravel (4-11, .364, 3 Runs)
Tot Powers, Neuse Sand & Gravel (4-13, .308, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Ritch’s/Superior, Windsor Locks, CT (7-1)
2. Starpath/LeAlCo, Monticello, KY (4-2)
3. Sunbelt Plastics/Worth, Stone Mountain, GA (3-2)
4. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (3-2)
5. Larry’s Used Cars/Capitols, Grand Prairie, TX (3-2)
6. Williams/Finke, Spring, TX (3-2)
7t. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (2-2)
7t. Neuse Sand & Gravek, La Grange, NC (2-2)
9t. Coors/Atkins, Dodge City, KS (1-2)
9t. Murfs/Sonny’s/Worth, Denver, CO (1-2)
9t. Bunca Car Wash, Kalamazoo, MI (1-2)
9t. Gooslin Construction, Columbus, OH (1-2)
13t. Spectrum Screen Print Inc., Crystal, MN (0-2)
13t. AJD/Russell Athletics, Richmond VA (0-2)
13t. Stottler Stagg/Cocoa Express, Cape Canaveral, FL (0-2)
13t. Sports Heros Athletics, Eagan, MN (0-2)

1990 USSSA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Worlds

1990 held at Versluis-Dickenson Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 31-September 2.

Champion – Sunset Technologies, Warren, Michigan
Runner Up – AJD/Moody’s, Richmond, Virginia

  • MVP – Brian Ward, Sunset (.737, 10 HR)
  • HR Leader – Doug Brown, AJD – 11
  • Batting Leader – Doug Brown, AJD – .750
  • Defensive MVP – no info

USSSA MEN’S CLASS “AA” WORLD TEAM

Brian Ward, Sunset Technology
Curt Dusek, Sunset Technology
Jeff Ott, Sunset Technology
Bob Woldyk, Sunset Technology
Chuck Maiorana, Sunset Technology
Bob Louria, Sunset Technology
Doug Brown, AJD Caps/Moody’s/Russell
Barry Roach, AJD Caps/Moody’s/Russell
Doc Crismond, AJD Caps/Moody’s/Russell
Bruce Tomlin, AJD Caps/Moody’s/Russell
Mike Reno, Las Vegas Aces
Eddie Walker, Las Vegas Aces
Doug Johnson, Las Vegas Aces
Ken Dohm, Joe Black’s
Phil Higgins, Joe Black’s
Manager – Lou Calvisi, Sunset Technology

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Sunset, Warren, MI (5-0)
2. AJD/Moody’s, Richmond, VA (4-2)
3. Aces, Las Vegas, NV (4-2)
4. Joe Black’s Softball Club, Highland Park, IL (3-2)
5. Williams/Thompson, Houston, TX (3-2)
5. Murl’s/Denver, CO (3-2)
7. Stottler Stagg, Cape Canaveral, FL (2-2)
7. Slo-Pitch News, Seattle, WA (2-2)
9. NOSI, Columbus, OH (2-2)
9. VIP/Express, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
9. Instant Landscape, Loxahatchee, FL (1-2)
9. Timeout Sports, Jackson, MS (1-2)
13. Sports Heroes, Eagan, MN (0-2)
13. Budweiser, Omaha, NE (0-2)
13. R&M Metals, Waterloo, IA (0-2)
13. Jock’s Nitch, Louisburg, KS (0-2)
17. Taylor Brothers, Providence, RI (0-2)

1990 USSSA Men’s A Slow Pitch Worlds

1990 held at Versluis-Dickenson Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 31-September 2.

Champion – Manitowoc Ice Machine, Lavonia, Michigan
Runner Up – Pace Electronics, Rochester, New York

  • MVP – Jeff Sherran, Manitowoc Ice Machine
  • HR Leader – Gene Legler, Pace Electronics  – 11
  • Batting Leader – Dave Brightman, Pace Electronics – .677
  • Defensive MVP – Earl Blackmon, Pace Electronics
  • Offensive MVP – not listed

USSSA MEN’S CLASS “A” WORLD TEAM

Jeff Ehrenberg – Manitowoc Ice Machine
Ken Perpich – Manitowoc Ice Machine
Jeff Sherran – Manitowoc Ice Machine
Bruce Wood – Manitowoc Ice Machine
Roger Breeding – Manitowoc Ice Machine
Dave Dorton – Manitowoc Ice Machine
Earl Blackmon – Pace Electronics
Gene Legler – Pace Electronics
Jim Smith – Pace Electronics
Dave Brightman – Pace Electronics
Dave Augley – Pace Electronics
Jim Spillane – Dusters
Joe Spaulding – Dusters
John Rodriguez – Dusters
Kiko Garcia – Sox
Denny Jones – Sox
Jerry Angel – Manitowoc Ice Machine

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Manitowoc Ice Machine, Lavonia, MI (7-0)
2. Pact Electronics, Rochester, NY (5-2)
3. Dusters, Palm Springs CA (6-2)
4. Sox, San Jose, CA (5-2)
5t. Spectrum Screen Printing, Crystal, MN (5-2)
5t. Bunca Car Washm Kalamazoo MI (3-2)
7t. Jay’s, Cincinnati, OH (4-2)
7t. Neuse Sand & Gravel, Kinston, NC (4-2)
9t. LaSalle Bank of Westmont, Westmont, IL (4-2)
9t. Coils Plus, Longview, TX (4-2)
9t. Darnell Custom Painting, Mechanicsville, VA (4-2)
9t. Rancho Suspension, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
13t. Larry’s Painting, Virginia Beach, VA (4-2)
13t. Wildcat Fence, Louisville, KY (3-2)
13t. Casual Sports, Santa Ana, CA (4-2)
13t. Reb’s, North Hollywood, CA (3-2)
17t. Riverside Paving, Louisville, KY (3-2)
17t. Jimmie’s, Kalamazoo, MI (3-2)
17t. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (2-2)
17t. Undercoverwear, Wilmington, MA (2-2)
17t. Dynasty, Downey, CA (2-2)
17t. King’s/Stanley, Lynchburg, VA (2-2)
17t. Troy Fish & Game, Troy, OH (2-2)
17t. Itchy Foot, Los Angeles, CA (1-2)
25t. Chowder’s, Fort Wayne, IN (2-2)
25t. Hutchinson Softball Club, Hutchinson, KS (2-2)
25t. Hopkins Bowl/Hanus Sports, Hopkins, MN (2-2)
25t. Hiller & Hamm, Fox Lake, IL (1-2)
25t. DJ’s of Miami, Crystal, MN (1-2)
25t. Gooslin/Geno’s, Columbus, OH (1-2)
25t. Dukes, Norwalk, CA (1-2)
25t. Northland Merchants, Liberty, MO (0-2)
33t. Davis Financial, Alexandria, VA (1-2)
33t. C-Hawks, Palatka, FL (1-2)
33t. Car Center, Baltimore, MD (1-2)
33t. Joe Klecko’s Bandits, Wilmington, DE (1-2)
33t. Movies At Home, Overland Park, KS, (1-2)
33t. St. Paul Athletic Club, St. Paul, MN (1-2)
33t. Miller Lite, Paola, KS (1-2)
33t. Jay’s Gym, Taylor, MI (1-2)
33t. O&S Cattle, St. Paul, MN (0-2)
33t. Pro Team Sports, Pleasantville, CA (0-2)
33t. Williams Ford, Kansas City MO (0-2)
33t. Armstrong Auto Mart, Kittanning, PA (0-2)
33t. Gordan’s Insulation, Fairfax, VA (0-2)
33t. Thumpers, Fort Wayne, IN (0-2)
33t. Nomads, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
33t. Stevens Trucking, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
49. Lee Roy’s Frame, Claremont NC (0-2)

1990 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1990 held at Concord, California.

Champion – Cannan’s Illusion, San Antonio, Texas (70-4)
Runner Up – Empress Chili, Cincinnati, Ohio (73-11)

Cannan’s Illusion defeated Empress Chili 5-1 in the championship game.

  • MVP – Bev Lovett, Cannan (3 HR)
  • Batting Leader – Kathy Riley, Cannan’s – .632
  • HR Leader – Beverly Lovett, Cannan – 3
  • Defensive MVP – Joann VanVliet

1990 ALL WORLD TEAM

Information Needed.

Pam Patrus, Empress Chili
Sue Wehrman, Empress Chili
Tina May, Empress Chili
Lyn Rose, Empress Chili
Theresa Shepherd, Empress Chili

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Cannan’s Illusion, San Antonio, TX
2. Empress Chili, Cincinnati, OH

1990 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1990 held at Greensboro, North Carolina.

Champion – Ritch’s/Kirk’s, Harrisburgh, North Carolina
Runner Up – Superior/Apollo, Windsor Locks, Connecticut

The big story was whether Steele’s Silver Bullets could complete the Grand Slam of Slow Pitch. They had previously won the ISA, NSA and ASA World Series and were trying to be the first to win all four Championships in the same year. Sports Heros of Minnesota stunned Steele’s in their first game by defeating them 21-18. After defeating the Las Vegas Aces and then Lighthouse of Stone Mountain, GA, the Men of Steele’s were eliminated by Bell Corp 29-28 on a 2-run walk off HR by Bell Corp’s Hal Harlan. The Grand Slam would have to wait. This tournament belonged to Cecil Whitehead and the Ritch’s/Kirk’s squad as they went undefeated and defeated defending champ, Superior/Apollo 35-14 in the Championship game. Whitehead was 4-5 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs and made some of the most incredible catches in left field. He was the HR and Batting leader of the tournament. Britt Hightower (4-5, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs), Greg Whitlock (4-5, 2 RBIs), Charles Wright an Rick Wheeler (3 HRs each) led the R/K offense. Clyde Guy was 4-4 for Superior/Apollo in a losing effort.

  • MVP – Cecil Whitehead, Ritch’s/Kirk’s (18-23, .783, 15 HRs, 25 RBIs, 21 Runs)
  • Home Run Leader – Cecil Whitehead, Ritch’s/Kirk’s – 15
  • Batting Leader – Cecil Whitehead, Ritch’s/Kirk’s – .783
  • Defensive MVP – Richard Wilborn, Hinson Capitals

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Paul Drilling – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (13-24, .542, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Catcher – Brian Ward – Sunset (10-17, .588, 8 HRs, 19 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Catcher – Jim Fuller – Superior/Apollo (24-35, .750, 12 HRs, 26 RBIs, 25 Runs)
  • First Base – Freddie Johnson – Hinson Capitols (15-22, .682, 9 HRs, 15 RBIS, 13 Runs)
  • First Base – Bruce Rains – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (10-18, .556, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Second Base – Dennis Graser – Superior/Apollo (16-24, .667, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 21 Runs)
  • Third Base – Mike Cuellar – Hinson Capitols (16-23, .696, 9 HRs, 11 RBIs, 14 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Greg Whitlock – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (16-23, .696, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Mike Gunnels – Hinson Capitols (15-24, .625, 8 HRs, 13 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Richard Wilborn – Hinson Capitols (12-21, .571, 7 HRs, 13 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Outfield – Cecil Whitehead – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (18-23, .783, 15 HRs, 25 RBIs, 21 Runs)
  • Outfield – Britt Hightower – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (17-27, .630, 7 HRs, 19 RBIs, 18 Runs)
  • Outfield – Cody Wyatt – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (13-23, .565, 4 HRs, 12 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Outfield – Rick Wheeler – Ritch’s/Kirk’s (12-24, .500, 9 HRs, 19 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Outfield – Dave Steffen – Superior/Apollo (20-31, .645, 10 HRs, 20 RBIs, 22 Runs)
  • Outfield – Andy Sanzaro – Superior/Apollo (18-28, .643, 8 HRs, 13 RBIs, 17 Runs)
  • Utility – Chuck Drewicz – Sunset (9-14, .643, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Manager – Buddy Slater – Ritch’s/Kirk’s

OTHERS

  • Rick Scherr, Superior/Apollo (1-1, 1.000)
  • Craig Elliott, Stewart’s (5-6, .833, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Todd Joerling, Steele’s (12-17, .706, 8 HRs, 9 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Mike Macenko, Steele’s (14-20, .700, 9 HRs, 15 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Howard Copeland, Bell Corp (13-19, .684, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Greg Fuhrman, Superior/Apollo (8-12, .667, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Ernie Montgomery, Steele’s (10-15, .667, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Chuck Maiorana, Sunset (9-14, .643, 1 RBI, 6 Runs)
  • Scott Virkus, Steele’s (7-11, .636, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Roger Snatchko, STewart’s (7-11, .636, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Ron Parnell, Superior/Apollo (19-30, .633, 11 HRs, 21 RBIs 21 Runs)
  • Rich Plante, Superior/Apollo (17-27, .630, 8 HRs, 14 RBIs, 20 Runs)
  • Mark Martin, Bell Corp (13-21, .619, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Clyde Guy, Superior/Apollo (15-25, .600, 9 HRs, 23 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Doug Roberson, Superior/Apollo (9-15, .600, 8 HRs, 14 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Kerry Everett, Bell Corp (13-22, .591, 4 HRs, 7 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Dirk Androff, Steele’s (10-17, .588, 7 HRs, 13 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Bill Blake, Steele’s (10-17, .588, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Wendell Rickard, Lighthouse (5-9, .556, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Charles Wright, Ritch’s/Kirk’s (12-23, .522, 9 HRs, 14 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Cliff Carpenter, Bell Corp (12-22, .545, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Mark Heirlmeier, Ritch’s/Kirk’s (12-22, .545, 9 HRs, 16 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Darrell Beeler, Superior/Apollo (17-32, .531, 10 HRs, 25 RBIs, 16 Runs)
  • Monty Tucker, Steele’s (9-18, .500, 5 HRs, 6 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Doug Brown, AJD (9-18, .500, 5 HRs, 15 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • John Beasley, Bell Corp (9-18, .500, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Steve Craven, Lighthouse (6-12, .500, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Curtis Williams, Lighthouse (5-10, .500, 3 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Danny Williams, Steele’s (7-15, .467, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • John Keigley, Superior/Apollo (12-27, .444, 6 RBIs, 13 Runs)
  • Rick Weiterman, Steele’s (7-16, .438, 1 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • Bob Louria, Sunset (3-7, .429, 3 Runs)
  • Carl Rose, Lighthouse (5-12, .417, 4 HRs, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Jon Meyers, Hinson Capitols (9-22, .409, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Chic Downing, Coors Atkins (4-11, .364, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Dan Schuck, Steele’s (4-12, .333, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Mike Cellura, Starpath (2-6, .333)
  • Mike Parrott, Hinson Capitols (6-19, .316, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Ron Ford, Stewart’s (4-13, .308, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Dewayne Frizzell, Lighthouse (3-10, .300, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Ricky Huggins, Lighthouse (3-11, .273, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Ted Larsen, Sports Heros (3-15, .200, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Ritch’s/Kirk’s, Harrisburg, NC (5-0)
2. Superior/Apollo, Windsor Locks, CT (4-2)
3. Hinson/Capitols Softball Club, Houston TX (4-2)
4. Sunset Technology, Warren, MI (3-2)
5. AJD Moody’s/Russell, Richmond, VA (3-2)
6. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (3-2)
7t. Sports Hero Athletics, Eagan, MN (2-2)
7t. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (2-2)
9t. Stewart’s Lounge, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
9t. Coors/Atkins, Dodge City, KS (1-2)
9t. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (1-2)
9t. Stottler Stagg, Cape Canaveral, FL (1-2)
13t. Williams & Thompson, Spring, TX (0-2)
13t. Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas, NV (0-2)
13t. VIP/Express Transport, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
13t. Starpath, Lexington, KY (0-2)

1989 USSSA Men’s AA Slow Pitch Worlds

1989 held at Cocoa Beach, Florida at the Expo Center.

Champion – Caesar’s Tavern/Maroadi, Jeanette, Pennsylvania
Runner Up – Stottler Stagg, Cocoa, Florida

  • MVP – Gary Perkins, Caesar’s Tavern
  • HR Leader – Jack Waldron, Stottler Stagg – 10
  • Batting Leader – Greg Birko, Caesar’s
  • Defensive MVP – no info

USSSA MEN’S CLASS “AA” WORLD TEAM

P – Greg Birko – Caesar’s Tavern
P – Bob Louria – People’s Choice TV/Glass
P – Greg Cannedy – Budweiser of San Francisco
C – Andy Alvis – Budweiser of San Francisco
C – Brian Ward – People’s Choice TV/Glass
EH – Tim Clemmons – Caesar’s Tavern
1B – Joe Dudek – Caesar’s Tavern
2B – Kenny Speed – Stottler Stagg
3B – Jack Waldron – Stottler Stagg
SS – Tim Linson – Caesar’s Tavern
OF – John Keigley – People’s Choice TV/Glass
OF – Bill Goodge – Stottler Stagg
OF – Phil Jobe – Stottler Stagg
OF – Gary Perkins – Caesar’s Tavern
UTIL – Kevin Birkofer – Caesar’s Tavern
Manager – Joe Baney – Caesar’s Tavern

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Caesar’s Tavern (Maroadi), Jeanette, PA
2. Stottler Stagg, Cocoa, FL
3. People’s Choice TV/Glass, Champaign, IL
4. Budweiser of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Other teams entered include

Premier Sports, Phoenix, AZ
Chaney Enterprises, Lothian, MD
Coils Plus, TX
Miller Medical, IA

1989 USSSA Women’s Major Fast Pitch World Series

1989 held at Hutchinson, Kansas.

Champion – Canton Softball Center, Plymouth, Michigan (67-2)
Runner Up – Empress Chili, Cincinnati, Ohio

Canton Softball Center won the championship game 15-3 over Empress Chili. They set a tournament record with 20 home runs for the tournament. They went 5-0 and out scored their opponents 85-15. They hit a tournament record 20 HR total.

  • MVP – Sue Kozoil, Canton
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • HR Leader – Sue Kozoil, Canton – 7
  • Defensive MVP – N/A

1989 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Mary Hoff, Canton Softball
C – Janet Williams, Empress Chili
EH – Denise Eckert, Canton Softball
EH – Mary Strotman, Empress Chili
1B – Lynn Gendron, Canton Softball
1B – Jenny Johnson, Empress Chili
2B – Leslie Kanter, Canton Softball
2B – Kacy Cronin, Mr. A’s Express
3B – Stacey Blaylock, Canton Softball
3B – Donna Smith, Leaverne’s Roadrunners
SS – Sue Koziol, Steele’s
SS – Joann VanVliet, Mr. A’s Express
OF – Allison Cole, Canton Softball
OF – Tina May, Empress Chili
OF – Lyn Rose, Empress Chili
OF – Jan Ezzell, Kate Latters
OF – Denise Haarman, Aero Battery
OF – Denise Sharps, Aero Battery
OF – Cathy Cano, Mr. A’s Express
Manager – Al Campbell, Canton Softball Center

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Canton Softball Center, Plymouth, MI
2. Empress Chili, Cincinnati, OH
3. Mr. A’s Express, Sacramento, CA
4. Steele’s Sports