Category: USSSA

1981 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1981 held at Hutchinson, Kansas.


Champion – Virginia Belles, Chesterfield, Virginia
Runner Up – Stroh’s Fox Valley Lassies, St. Charles, Illinois


  • MVP – Jeri Haynes (1 HR)
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • HR Leader – Patti Silye, Little Caesars – 2
  • HR Leader – Carmen King, Little Caesars – 2
  • Defensive MVP – Mary Stark, Stroh’s Fox Valley Lassies

1981 ALL WORLD TEAM

Jeri Haynes, Virginia Belles
Mary Stark, Fox Valley
Patti Silye, Little Caesars
Carmen King, Little Caesars
Information incomplete.

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 92 teams)

1. Virginia Belles, Chesterfield, VA
2. Stroh’s Fox Valley Lassies, St. Charles, IL
3. Little Caesars, Detroit, MI
4. Sweeney Chevrolet, Cincinnati, OH

1980 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1980 held at Kinston, North Carolina.


Champion – Taylor Sporting Goods Stingers, Taylor, Michigan
Runner Up – Wintonaire Restaurant, Rochester, New York


A bases loaded walk in the top half of the 7th inning with 2 outs was all it took for Taylor’s Sporting Goods to come out on top of the Championship game 9-8. Wendy Bolton walked Sue Pulji to force in the deciding run. The Rochester squad could not tie the game in the bottom of the 7th.


  • MVP – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Lynn Putham, Taylor Sports (.739)
  • HR Leader – N/A

1980 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Deb Keller, Fox Valley Lassies
C – Linda McCoy, Wintonaire
C – Jo Sauve, Fox Valley Lassies
1B – Jackie Huggins, Taylor Sporting Goods
1B – Liz Bush, Wintonaire
2B – Robin Wesselman, Ohio Rockettes
2B – Sue Reidel, Taylor Sporting Goods
3B – Cindy Martin, Wintonaire
SS – Denise Leary, Wintonaire
SS – Kim Reddington, Louisville Tams
OF – Patty Silya, Taylor Sporting Goods
OF – Nancy Gumtow, Taylor Sporting Goods
OF – Lynn Putnam, Taylor Sporting Goods
OF – Gail Lester, Ohio Rockettes
OF – Diane Keane, Ohio Rockettes
OF – Helen Biddle, Fox Valley Lassies
OF – Leilani Yopp, Green Machine
Manager – Al Campbell, Taylor Sporting Goods

FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 92 teams)

1. Taylor Sporting Goods Stingers, Taylor, MI
2. Wintonaire Restaurant, Rochester, NY
3. Fox Valley Lassies, Champaign, IL
4. Ohio Rockettes, Columbus, OH

1980 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1980 held at Concord, California.


Champion – Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, California
Runner Up – Dave Carroll Sports, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina


Campbell’s finished the year 116-12 and had the distinction of winning the ASA National Championship, The NSPC National Championship and after defeating Dave Carroll Sports, won the USSSA World Series. They won the Triple Crown of Softball. They ran through this tournament going undefeated winning all five games by a 87-44 margin. They defeated the homer happy DCS in the final. DCS led the tournament with 33 total HRs. Mike Parrott (9), Bruce Meade and Mike Bolen (6) each led the way. Campbell’s had 7 starters have 10 hits or more; Greg Fuhrman (16), Buddy Slater (13), Mike Cellura (12), Steve Williams (11), Dennis Myers, Dick Bartel and Elby Bushong (10) each. Myers led the team in homers with 7 and also had 14 RBIs.


  • MVP – Buddy Slater, Campbell’s (13-19, .684, 6 RBIs, 7 Runs, 5-0 pitching, gave up less then 10 runs per game)
  • Home Run Leader – Mike Parrott, Dave Carroll Sports (15-24, .625, 15 RBIs, 12 Runs) – 9
  • Batting Leader – Greg Fuhrman, Campbell’s (16-21, 2 HRs,16 RBIs, 9 Runs) – .761

MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Buddy Slater – Campbell’s Carpets (13-19, .684, 6 RBIs, 7 Runs) – Also 5-0 Pitching
  • Catcher – Cruz Martinez – Capitol Insulation (14-20, .700, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • First Base – Mike Bolen – Dave Carroll Sports (15-24, .625, 6 HRs, 8 RBIs, 15 Runs)
  • Second Base – Dennis Myers – Campbell’s Carpets (10-18, .556, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Third Base – Al White – Softball City (8-17, .470, 3 HRs, 11 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Steve Williams – Campbell’s Carpets (11-16, .688, 6 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Outfield – Mike Cellura – Campbell’s Carpets (12-18, .667, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Outfield – Dick Bartel – Campbell’s Carpets (10-19, .526, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs)
  • Outfield – Bruce Meade – Dave Carroll Sports (13-22, .591, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Craig Seaman – Softball City (10-20, .500, 4 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Utility – Mike Parrott – Dave Carroll Sports (15-24, .625, 9 HRs, 15 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Utility – Greg Fuhrman – Campbell’s Carpets (16-21, .761, 2 HRs, 16 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Utility – Gary Markland – Dave Carroll Sports (15-21, .714, 3 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Donnie Wood – Dave Carroll Sports (12-24, .500, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Randy Gorrell – Campbell’s Carpets

OTHERS

  • Don Arndt, Howards (5-7, .714, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Charles Wright, Jerry’s (5-8, .625, 3 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Rick Scherr, Howards (4-7, .571, 2 Runs)
  • Tom Beall, Howards (4-7, .571, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Craig Elliott, Jerry’s (5-9, .556, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Myles Shexnaydre, Jerry’s (6-11, 545, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Freddi Trice, Jerry’s (5-10, .500, 2 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • James Washington, Jerry’s (4-8, .500, 2 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Mike Macenko, Softball City (10-21, .476, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Elby Bushong, Campbells (10-21, .476, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Clyde Guy, Dave Carroll (9-19, .473, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Ron Whittleton, Capitol (7-15, .467, 5 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Chic Downing, Softball City (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Bo Webber, Capitol (10-22, .455, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Jerry King, Campbells (7-17, .412, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Denny Jones, Campbells (7-17, .412, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Rick Pinto, Softball City (7-17, .412, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Braxton Speller, Softball City (7-18, .389, 1 HR, 8 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Richard Wilborn, Campbells (7-19, .367, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Herman Rathman, Softball City (4-11, .363, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 4 Runs)
    Hank Kosmala, Capitol (7-20, .350, 4 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Joey Raby, Dave Carroll (9-26, .346, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Don Furnald, Capitol (6-18, .333, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
  • Joe Young, Softball City (7-22, .318, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Ken Carlton, Jerry’s (3-11, .273, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Stan Harvey, Howards (1-7, .143)
  • Bill Ferguson, Campbells (0-0, .000)
  • Rick Wheeler, Campbells (0-1, .000)
  • James Boyett, Jerry’s (0-4, .000)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, CA (5-0)
2. Dave Carroll Sports, SherriIls Ford, NC (5-2)
3. Softball City, Detroit, MI (4-2)
4. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (3-2)
5t. Lenoir Tire, Kinston, NC (2-2)
5t. Jesse’s, Louisville, KY (1-2)
7t. Jerry’s Catering, Miami, FL (1-2)
7t. Universal Campers, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
9t. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (1-2)
9t. Coors/Advance Real Estate, Yakima, WA (0-2)
9t. Bibb’s Realty, Sandusky, OH (0-2)
9t. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (0-2)

1979 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1979 held at Southgate, Michigan.


Champion – Little Caesar’s, Detroit, Michigan
Runner Up – Fox Valley Lassies, St. Charles, Illinois


Little Caesars went undefeated and beat Fox Valley 8-0 in the championship game. The tournament was plagued by rain and rising flood waters.


  • MVP – Izzy Forester, Little Caesar’s
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • HR Leader – N/A

1979 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Marcia Lackowski, Little Caesar’s
P – Sally Worden, East Tennessee Mills
C – Vel Seldon, Fox Valley Lassies
1B – Jackie Huggins, Taylor Sports Stingers
1B – Helen Biddle, Fox Valley Lassies
2B – Amy Gierak, Taylor Sports Stingers
2B – Mo Morrisrow, Little Ceasar’s
3B – Patty Rendine, Little Ceasar’s
SS – Pan Rendine, Little Ceasar’s
SS – Charlotte Dent, East Tennessee Mills
OF – Marcia Stark, Kentucky Fried Chicken
OF – Nancy Izzy Forrester, Little Caesar’s
OF – Irene Dill, Springfield Robinettes
OF – Dottie Davis, Little Caesar’s
OF – Jackie Cresco, Fox Valley Lassies
OF – Susan Slade, East Tennessee Mills
Manager – Mike Rendine, Little Caesar’s


FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 86 teams)

1. Little Ceasar’s, Detroit, MI
2. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY

All Sports Uniforms – Detroit, MI, Columbus Roadrunners – Columbus, OH, Proitti’s – Rochester, NY also participated.

1979 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1979 held at Kinston, North Carolina.


Champion – Nelson’s Painting, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Runner Up – Howard’s Furniture, Denver, North Carolina


Nelson’s went undefeated, winning all four of their games in route to defeating defending champ, Howard’s  Furniture 20-11 in the championship game. Nelson out scored their opponent 84-40 in the four games. Howard’s beat Dave Carroll Sports of North Carolina 12-6 and then upended Campbell Carpets of California 22-10 to get through the losers bracket to meet Nelson’s in the championship.

Tom Beall hit 2 HRs, while Stan Harvey, Don Arndt, Rick Scherr and Ray Fleetwood also hit HRs to led the way against DCS. Against Campbell’s, Howards collected 25 hits; Denny Hogan (4), Ed Roth, Stan Harvey, Don Arndt, Rick Scherr, Ray Fleetwood and HT Waller all had 3 hits apiece.

The championship game was another story as Chic Downing of Nelson’s had a monster game going 4-5, 3ith 3 HRs and 8 RBIs. Bruce Meade also had 4 hits for Nelson’s, including a home run. Meade was 12-18 (.667) with 5 HRs and 12 RBIs. Bill Ferguson had 6 HRs and Herman Rathman had 5 HRs for Nelson’s.

Terry Perryman (10-12, .833) led Nelson’s in batting. Stan Harvey and Don Arndt combined for 11 HRs and 30 RBIs for Howard’s.

In winning the USSSA World series, the Oklahoma City crew had the distinction of winning the first Triple Crown of Softball. They captured the NSPC title and won the ASA title as Nelco, Inc.


  • MVP – Chic Downing, Nelson’s Painting (13-19, .684, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • HR Leader – Chic Downing, Nelson’s – 8
  • HR Leader – Harold Kelley, DCS (13-14, 14 RBIs, 10 Runs) – 8
  • Batting Leader – Harold Kelley, Dave Carroll (13-14, 8 HRs,14 RBIs) – .928

USSSA MAJOR SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Buddy Slater – Nelson’s Painting Service (6-13, .461, 2 RBIs, 8 Runs) – Also 4-0 Pitching
  • Catcher – Chic Downing – Nelson’s Painting Service (13-19, .684, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • First Base – Harold Kelley – Dave Carroll Sports (13-14, .928, 8 HRs,14 RBIs)
  • Second Base – Denny Hogan – Howard’s/Western Steer (13-22, .571, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Third Base – Bill Ferguson – Nelson’s Painting Service (10-17, .588, 6 HRs, 11 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Russell Bradley – Campbell’s Carpets (12-24, .500, 2 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Bruce Meade – Nelson’s Painting Service (12-18, .667, 5 HRs, 12 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Outfield – Clyde Guy – Poindexter Lumber (12-19, .632, 5 HRs, 12 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Outfield – Denny Jones – Campbell’s Carpets (16-24, .667, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Richard Wilborn – Nelson’s Painting Service (10-15, .667, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Outfield – Joe Young – Nelson’s Painting Service (7-16, .438, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Outfield – Stan Harvey – Howard’s/Western Steer (10-18, .556, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Utility – Don Arndt – Howard’s/Western Steer (10-24, .417, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – John Braxton – Dave Carroll Sports (9-14, .643, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – John Stephens – Dave Carroll Sports (9-14, .643, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Terry Perryman – Nelson’s Painting Service 10-12, .833, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • Manager – RT Nelson – Nelson’s Painting Service

OTHERS

  • Braxton Speller, Softball City (5-7, .714, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Mickey Morrison, Dave Carroll (7-11, .636, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • James Boyette, Dave Carroll (8-13, .615, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Gordon Wheeler, Campbells (9-15, .600, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Ken Carlton, Green Machine (8-14, .571, 3 HRs, 10 RBIs, 6 Runs)
  • HT Waller, Howards (5-9, .556, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
  • Dennis Myers, Capitol (5-9, 556, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Randy Barlich, Campbells (11-20, .550, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Jerry King, Campbells (9-17, .529, 6 HRs, 13 RBIs, 10 Runs)
  • Ed Corum, Campbells (10-19, .526, 4 RBIs 6 Runs)
  • Gary Markland, Poindexter (10-19, .526, 1 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Mark Thompson, Poindexter (10-19, .526, 4 HRS, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Rick Scherr, Howards (11-22, .500, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Joe Seymour, Poindexter (9-18, .500, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs, 5 Runs)
  • Monty Tucker, Poindexter (9-18, .500, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Don Clatterbaugh, Dave Carroll (7-14, .500, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 8 Runs)
  • Rick Linz, Greater Cin. Sports (7-14, .500, 1 RBI, 5 Runs)
  • Ray Fleetwood, Howards (8-17, .471, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Greg Fuhrman, Campbells (9-20, .450, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Herman Rathman, Nelsons (8-18, .444, 5 HRs, 9 RBIs, 7 Runs)
  • Ed Roth, Howards (11-25, .440, 3 HRs, 9 RBIs, 11 Runs)
  • Dick Bartel, Campbells (10-24, .417, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Tom Beall, Howards (9-24, .375, 2 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Mike Jacobs, Howards (10-27, .370, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 9 Runs)
  • Rick Pinto, Softball City (2-6, .333, 2 RBIs)
  • Gee Fisher, Howards (1-3, .333,, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Steve Howard, Howards (6-19, .316, 4 Runs)
  • Elby Bushong, Capitol (3-10, .300, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 2 Runs)
  • Mike Cellura, Campbells (6-21, .286, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 4 Runs)
  • Gene Jones, Dave Carroll (3-11, .273, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 3 Runs)
  • Mike Parrott, Nelsons (0-4, .000)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Nelson’s Painting Service, Oklahoma City, OK (4-0)
2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-2)
3. Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, CA (3-2)
4. Dave Carroll Sports, Sherrills Ford, NC (2-2)
5t. Poindexter Lumber, Clemmons, NC (3-2)
5t. Green Machine, Starke, FL (2-2)
7t. Greater Cincinnati Sports, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
7t. Ruth’s Realty, Seattle, WA (1-2)
9t. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (1-2)
9t. Softball City, Detroit, MI (0-2)
9t. Taylor Beverage, Goldsboro, NC (0-2)
9t. D.M. Construction, Punta Gorda, FL (0-2)

*By winning the 1979 World Series, Nelson’s—-(QUALIFIED for 1980 WORLD SERIES) they folded – 2nd place Howards received the defending champ berth.

1978 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1978 held at Southgate, Michigan.


Champion – Little Ceasar’s, Detroit, Michigan
Runner Up – Pace Electronics, Rochester, New York (47-17 prior to World)


All Pace had to do is win one game to repeat their World Championship from 1977.  Sometimes things don’t go to plan as Little Caesars won the first final 15-11 behind 8 errors by Pace to send the tournament to the deciding game. And Little Caesars won 4-2 on a two out bad hop single in the 7th inning that plated the winning runs.


  • MVP – Carolyn Kavalauskus, Little Ceasar’s
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • HR Leader – N/A

1978 ALL WORLD TEAM

Carolyn Kavalauskus, Little Ceasar’s

The rest of the team is not available.


FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete)

1. Little Ceasar’s, Detroit, MI
2. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY

All Sports Uniforms – Detroit, MI, Columbus Roadrunners – Columbus, OH, Proitti’s – Rochester, NY also participated.

1978 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1978 held at Petersburg, Virginia.


Champion – Howard’s Furniture, Denver, North Carolina
Runner Up – Howard & Carroll, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina


It was a North Carolina final as Howard’s dumped Howard & Carroll into the losers bracket early with a 25-5 pasting behind Don Arndt and Stan Harvey (2 HR each), Dave Jocobs had 5 hits and 5 RBI to aid in the cause. H&C went through the losers bracket eliminating a tough Corpus Christi Brick & Lumber team 14-13. H&C then revenged the defeat by Howards by beating them 23-15 to set up the final game. James Boyette and Dave Carroll both had 4 hits in the win. Joey Raby had 2 HR and 6 RBI. Howard’s Furniture, who had won two ASA titles already, won it’s first USSSA Championship by defeating H&C 20-15 in the final game. Denny Hogan had a pair of 3-run homers to lead the way. Joey Raby, Don Arndt and Stan Harvey all collected 2 HRs in the game. James Boyette (3 HR) and Tom Beall (2 HR) were the big hitters for H&C. Dave Jacobs was 16-24 (.667) for Howard’s, while Don Arndt and Bill Howes all were 12-19 (.631), both hammering out 5 HR. Stan Harvey hit 9 HR to lead Howard’s. In the Battle of the stats, it was Howard & Carroll with 54 HR to Howard’s Furniture’s 35 HR. But Howards team out hit H&C .550 to .470.


  • MVP – Denny Hogan, Howard’s (12-19, .632, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • HR Leader – James Boyett, H&C (18-29, .621, 20 RBI, 15 Runs) – 13
  • Batting Leader – Bill Ferguson, C.C. Brick & Lumber (12-15, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 7 Runs) – .800

USSSA MAJOR ALL WORLD TEAM

  • Pitcher – Don Arndt – Howard’s Furniture (12-19, .632, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Catcher – Gene Fisher – Howard’s Furniture (10-19, .526, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • First Base – Stan Harvey – Howard’s Furniture (11-21, .550, 9 HR, 15 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Second Base – James Boyett – Howard & Carroll (18-29, .621, 13 HR, 20 RBI, 15 Runs)
  • Third Base – Tony Cloninger – Howard & Carroll (11-19, .579, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Shortstop – Steve Howard – Howard’s Furniture (8-17, .471, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • Outfield – Dick Bartel – C.C. Brick & Lumber (11-15, .733, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Outfield – Denny Hogan – Howard’s Furniture (12-19, .632, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Outfield – Mike Jacobs – Howard’s Furniture (16-24, .667, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 Runs)
  • Outfield – Mickey Morrison – Howard & Carroll (13-28, .464, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Utility – Ron Woody – Howard & Carroll (12-20, .600, 2 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Elby Bushong – Capitol Insulation (11-15, .733, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Utility – Mickey McCarty – C.C. Brick & Lumber (9-15, .600, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Utility – Bill Ferguson – C.C. Brick & Lumber (12-15, .800, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • Utility – Gene Jones – Howard & Carroll (11-25, .440, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 12 Runs)
  • Utility – Joey Raby – Howard & Carroll (12-25, .480, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Manager – Bobby Lutz – Howard’s Furniture

OTHERS

  • John Davide, County Sports (4-5, .800, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Rick Linz, LaRosa’s (7-10, .700, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
  • Braxton Speller, Snyders (7-10, .700, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs)
  • Hank Cluess, County Sports (4-6, .667, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
  • George Chernenko, Snyders (7-11, .636, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Bill Howes, Howard’s (12-19, .632, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 8 Runs)
  • Ron Shoquist, Snyders (7-12, .583, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Rick Scherr, Howard’s (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 7 Runs)
  • Richard Wilborn, CC Brick (8-16, .500, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 Runs)
  • Hal Ward, LaRosa’s (5-10, .500, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
  • Marty Rolnick, County Sports (3-6, .500, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 Runs)
  • Tom Beall, H&C (12-30, .400, 7 HRs, 16 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Dave Hardt, H&C (10-24, .416, 3 HRs, 5 RBI, 10 Runs)
  • Don Clatterbaugh, H&C (10-26, .384, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 11 Runs)
  • Rick Pinto, Snyders (3-8, .375, 1 Run)
  • Dennis Myers, Capitol (5-14, .357, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
  • Curtis Williams, Howard’s (5-16, .312, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 Runs)
  • Hank Kosmala, Capitol (4-14, .286, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
  • Buddy Slater, CC Brick (4-14, .286, 4 Runs)
  • Lou Russo, County Sports (2-8, .250)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (4-1)
2. Howard & Carroll, Sherills Ford, NC (5-2)
3. C.C. Brick & Lumber, Corpus Christi, TX (2-2)
4. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (2-2)
5t. LaRosa’s Greater Cincinnati Sports, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
5t. Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, MI (1-2)
7t. May Tool, Paramount, CA (0-2)
7t. County Sports, Levittown, NY (0-2)

*By winning the 1978  World Series, Howard’s (QUALIFIED for 1979 WORLD SERIES)

1977 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1977 held at Detroit, Michigan.


Champion – Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (77-20)
Runner Up – Real Estate One Stingers, Redford, MI (58-14)


Pace Electronics won 7 straight games to capture the USSSA World Championship. The Stingers jumped out to a 7-2 lead, but Pace fought back. Finally in the bottom of the 7th inning, Doris Chance drove in Mary Ellen Burt with the winning run in the final game to come out on top 8-7. Stan’s Auto, a team that has finished in the top 5 since 1972 was eliminated and finished in 10th place. They had a 59-11 record on the season and since 1972, they have been 465-57 with 2 World Series titles, 2 third place finishes, a fourth and now a tenth.


  • MVP – Kim Perkins, Pace Electronics (.535)
  • Batting Leader – N/A
  • HR Leader – N/A

1977 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Mary Ellen Ford, Pace Electronics
C – Pat Schmitt, Pace Electronics
1B – Sherry Albrecht, Real Estate One
2B – Nancy Izzy Forrester, Little Caesars
3B – Kim Malcolm, Pace Electronics
SS – Jenny Johnson, Sweeney’s
OF – Kim Perkins, Pace Electronics
OF – Julie Swartout, Real Estate One
OF – Carman King, Real Estate One
UT – Glenis Hester, Getz
UT – Pam Leonard, East Tennessee Mills
UT – Alice Kennedy, Kirkman Concrete
UT – Peggy Michelin, Sweeney’s
Manager – Duane McCoy, Pace


FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 58 total teams)

1. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY 7-0
2. Real Estate One, Detroit, MI
3. Little Caesars, Detroit, MI
4. Sweeney Chevrolet, Cincinnati, OH
5t. Kirkman Concrete, Ashville, NC
5t. N/A
7t. East Tennessee Mills, Johnson City, TN
7t. Stan’s Auto, New Castle, PA (68-6)

1977 USSSA Men’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1977 tournament held at Petersburg, Virginia.


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


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


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

1977 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

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

OTHERS

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

FINAL STANDINGS

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

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

1976 USSSA Women’s Major Slow Pitch World Series

1976 held at Petersburg, Virginia.


Champion – Sweeney’s Chevrolet, Cincinnati, Ohio
Runner Up – Squirrel Hill Softball Club, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


Sweeney’s came through the loser’s bracket to win five straight on the last day to capture the USSSA Worlds. They defeated Squirrel Hill from Pittsburgh 3-1 in 9 innings and then the final championship game 10-4.


  • MVP – Jenny Johnson, Sweeney’s Chevrolet (.556)
  • Batting Leader – Jenny Johnson, Sweeney’s – .556
  • HR Leader – Bev “Bunny” Fajerski,, Stan’s Auto – 1 (The only HR of the tournament)

1976 ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Peg Carney, Sweeney’s Chevrolet
C – Jo Woods, Sweeney’s Chevrolet
1B – Donna Doellman, Avoca Park
2B – Donna Hodnick, Squirrel Hill
3B – Annette Johnson, Squirrel Hill
SS – Jenny Johnson, Sweeney’s Chevrolet
OF – Rita Belavic, Stan’s Auto Sales
OF – Debbie Zarin, Squirrell Hill
OF – Bev “Bunny” Fajerski, Stan’s Auto Sales
OF – Carmen King, Real Estate One
UT – Joyce Miller, Fred Hill Builders
UT – Debbie Scruggs, Associate Consumers
UT – Lynn Putman Gendron, Real Estate One


FINAL STANDINGS (Incomplete – 62 total teams)

1. Sweeney’s Chevrolet, Cincinnati, OH
2. Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA (37-5)
3. Stan’s Auto Sales, New Castle, PA (55-8)
4. Real Estate One Stingers, Redford, MI
5t. Little Caesars, Detroit, MI