Category: USSSA Major Slow Pitch

1984 held at Indianapolis, Indiana.

Champion – Elite Coatings, Gordon, Georgia
Runner Up – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina

Elite dominated Howards by a 35-9 score in the Championship game. Led by MVP Craig Elliott, who went 4-6 with 2 HR and drove in 5 runs. Bill Gatti was 3-4, also, had 2 HR with 5 RBI as well. Freddie Trice had a homer and 5 RBI. Ricky Huggins was the big gun for Howards as he went 3-3 with 3 HR and 4 RBI. Clyde Guy and Dick Bartel also had HR for Howards. Elite finished the season with an 85-9 record and the number #1 ranking for the 1984 Season.

• MVP – Craig Elliott – Elite Coatings (12-19, .632, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 12 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s (11-17, .647, 16 RBI, 11 Runs) – 7
• Home Run Leader – Ricky Huggins, Howard’s (16-25, .640, 12 RBI, 15 Runs) – 7
• Batting Leader – Clyde Guy, Howard’s (18-24, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 14 Runs) – .750
• Defensive MVP – Curtis Williams, Howard’s/Western Steer

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

• P – Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers (9-19, 474, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 5 Runs)
• P – Chuck Drewicz, Miller High Life (12-20, .600, 5 RBIs, 6 Runs)
• C – Braxton Speller, Miller High Life (12-22, .545, 7 RBIs, 7 Runs
• 1B – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer (13-26, 5 HRs, 13 RBIs, 15 Runs)
• 1B – Bill Pollock, Elite Coating (10-17, .588, 5 HRS, 10 RBIs, 13 Runs)
• 2B – Bill Meyer, Jerry’s Caterers (14-19, .737, 3 RBIs, 8 Runs)
• 3B – Ricky Huggins, Howard’s/Western Steer (16-25, .640, 7 HRs, 12 RBIs, 15 Runs)
• 3B – Charles Wright, Elite Coating (10-15, .667, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 11 Runs)
• SS – Chuck Maiorana, Miller High Life (10-18, .556, 4 RBIs, 10 Runs)
• SS – Ed Collins, Steele’s Sports (11-15, .733, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 7 Runs)
• OF – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers (11-17, .647, 7 HRs, 16 RBIs, 11 Runs)
• OF – Clyde Guy, Howard’s/Western Steer (18-24, .750, 5 HRs, 13 RBIs, 14 Runs)
• OF – Dennis Graser, Elite Coating (9-17, .529, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 9 Runs)
• OF – Curtis Williams, Howard’s/Western Steer (14-25, .560, 10 RBIs, 14 Runs)
• OF – Ronnie Ford, Elite Coating (10-15, .667, 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 6 Runs)
• UTIL – Craig Elliott, Elite Coating (12-19, .632, 5 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
• MGR – Charles Hackett, Elite Coating

OTHERS

• Terry Pyka, Stone City Stars (10-15, .667, 9 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Chic Downing, Jerrys (4-6, .667, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
• Rich Plante, Bobby’s Groceries (4-6, .667, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Ken Parker, Lilly Air (6-10, .600, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Dana Andry, Steeles (7-12, .583, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Ron Parnell, Capitol (7-12, .583, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Bruce Rains, Blantons (9-16,.563, 2 HR, 12 RBIs, 8 Runs)
• Ben Holt, Lilly Air (6-11, .545, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Richard Wilborn, Howards (13-24, .542, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Elby Bushong, Capitol Insulation (8-15, .533, 2 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Steve Williams, Elite (9-17, .529, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Freddie Trice, Elite (9-17, .529, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 10 Runs)
• Dennis Graser, Elite (9-17, .529, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 12
• Mike Maceno, Steeles (10-18, .556, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Paul Wright, Elite (8-15, .522, 4 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Ken Loeri, Steeles, (8-16, .500, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Dick Bartel, Howards (12-24, .500, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 12 Runs)
• Mike Cellura, Jerrys (9-18, .500, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Mike Bolen, Jerrys (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Bobby Reid, Steeles (9-16, .463, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Don Arndt, Howards (6-13, .462, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Don Clatterbaugh, Blantons (6-13, .462, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Harold Kelley, Jerrys (5-11, .455, 1 RBI, 1 Runs)
• Douh Brown, Jerrys (9-21,.429, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Cecil Whitehead, Elite (7-17, .429, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Monty Tucker, Joe Theisman’s (3-7, .429, 3 HR, 7 RBIs, 3 Runs)
• Bill Gatti, Elite (7-17, .412, 5 HRs, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
• Rick Weiterman, Elite (7-17, .412, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Charlie Mitchell, Miller (9-22, .409, 2 HR, 10 RBIs, 4 Runs)
• Denny Jones, Jerrys (7-18, .389, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Phil Higgins, LIlly Air (3-8, .275, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
• Stan Harvey, Howards (5-15, .333, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Rick Wheeler, Jerrys (6-20, .300, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Dave Steffen, Steeles (5-17, .294, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Elite Coating, Gordon, GA (4-0)
2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (4-2)
3. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (3-2)
4. Miller High Life, Detroit, MI (4-2)
5t. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (2-2)
5t. Blanton’s, Fayetteville, NC (2-2)
7t. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (2-2)
7t. Stone City Stars, San Antonio, TX (2-2)
9t. B.F. Goodrich, Richmond, VA (1-2)
9t. Philip Morris, Richmond, VA (0-2)
9t. Lilly Industries, Chicago, IL (1-2)
9t. Larry’s Painting, Virginia Beach, VA (1-2)
13t. Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Fairfax, VA (0-2)
13t. Bobby’s Grocery/Imperial, ZebuIon, NC (0-2)

1983 held at Greensboro, North Carolina.

Champion – Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, Florida
Runner Up – Steele’s Sports, Grafton, Ohio

Led by Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers beat an upstart Steele’s Sports in the final. Jerry’s came through the losers bracket and beat Steele’s twice in the finals. The top 5 hitters on Jerry’s (Meade, Harold Kelley, Denny Jones, Mike Bowlin and Mike Cellura) totaled 64 home runs during the tournament. That was more then most teams hit total.

Don Arndt was 11-13 with an .846 average to lead all hitters, but was 2 at bats short from the minimum of 15 to qualify for the title.

Dennis Myers of J&R Roofing and Mike Parrot of Garret’s Raiders were both in the same boat as they both went 10-12 (.833).

This makes what Bruce Meade did that much more impressive as he shattered the USSSA HR record for a single World Series with 18.

Jerry’s beat Steeles 25-20 on Meade’s 4-5, 3 HR performance in the first final and then won the title going away 26-12 as Meade once again was 4-5 with 3 more HRs. Doug Brown and Mike Cellura also hit 3 homers in that game.

Here is something that will tell you why Meade was the MVP. On the last day of the tournament, Bruce Meade was 17-19 with 14 HRs.

• MVP – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers (28-37, .757, 18 HRs, 35 RBIs, 31 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s – 18
• Batting Leader – Don Arndt, Howard’s (11-13, 6 HRs, 8 RBIs, 9 Runs) – .846
• Batting Leader (over 15 At Bats) – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers – .757
• Defensive MVP – Denny Jones, Jerry’s Caterers

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

• Pitcher – Dana Andry – Steele’s Sports (15-25, .600, 6 HRs, 20 RBIs, 11 Runs)
• Pitcher – Mike Parrott – Garrett’s Raiders (10-12, .833, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs, 8 Runs)
• Catcher – Harold Kelley – Jerry’s Caterers (23-37, .622, 12 HRs, 25 RBIs, 23 Runs)
• First Base – Dennis Graser – Steele’s Sports (14-19, .737, 8 HRs, 20 RBIs, 16 Runs)
• First Base – Bill Pollock – Elite Coating (15-22, .682, 10 HRs, 13 RBIs, 14 Runs)
• Second Base – Charles Wright – Elite Coatings (14-19, .737, 10 HRs, 12 RBIs, 15 Runs)
• Second Base – Mike Bolen – Jerry’s Caterers (26-41, .634, 13 HRs, 25 RBIs, 22 Runs)
• Third Base – Dennis Meyers – J&R Roofing (10-12, .833, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs, 8 Runs)
• Third Base – Rick Weiterman – Steele’s Sports (15-23, .652, 3 RBIs, 6 Runs)
• Shortstop – Danny Basso – Jerry’s Caterers (18-29, .621, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 12 Runs
• Outfield – Rick Wheeler – Capitol Insulation (15-22, .682, 9 HRs, 19 RBIs, 14 Runs)
• Outfield – Ron Galvan – Capitol Insulation (12-19, .632, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs, 6 Runs)
• Outfield – Bruce Meade – Jerry’s Caterers (28-37, .757, 18 HRs, 35 RBIs, 31 Runs)
• Outfield – Bill Gatti – Elite Coating (15-20, .750, 10 HRs, 15 RBIs, 17 Runs)
• Outfield – Denny Jones – Jerry’s Caterers (19-33, .576, 10 HRs, 19 RBIs, 17 Runs)
• Outfield – Mike Cellura – Jerry’s Caterers (19-29, .655, 11 HRs, 27 RBIs, 20 Runs)
• Utility – Frank Rodrigues – Capitol Insulation (9-20, .450, 4 HRs, 7 RBIs, 4 Runs)
• Utility – Dan Arndt – Howard’s/Western Steer (11-13, .846, 6 HRs, 8 RBIs, 9 Runs)

OTHERS

• Stan Harvey, Howards (10-13, .769, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 5 Runs)
• Bill Blake, Garrett’s Raiders (8-12, .667, 4 HRs, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
• James Washington, Jerrys (16-25, .640, 10 HRs, 19 RBIs, 17 Runs)
• Tom Beall, Howards (10-16, .625, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 9 Runs)
• Ron Ford, Elite (12-19, .632, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 9 Runs)
• Doug Brown, Jerrys (22-36, .611, 10 HRs, 20 RBIs, 22 Runs)
• Cecil Whitehead, Elite (12-20, .600, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs, 10 Runs)
• Rick Scherr, Howards (9-15, .600, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 10 Runs)
• Charles Pierce, Philly Steak Out (7-10, .700, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)
• Doug Roberson, Apollo Parking (5-8, .625, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs)
• Craig Elliott, Elite (14-24, .583, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 12 Runs)
• Elby Bushong, J&R Roofing (7-12, .583, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 7 Runs)
• Al White, Philly Steak Out (7-12, .583, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 5 Runs)
• Fred Trice, Elite (13-23, .565, 9 HRs, 14 RBIs, 12 Runs)
• Curtis Williams, Howards (8-15, .533, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 7 Runs)
• Mike Nye, Jerrys (21-41, .512, 5 RBIs, 18 Runs)
• Phil Higgins, Steeles (10-20, .500, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 10 Runs)
• Rick Trudeau, Steeles (10-20, .500, 7 RBIs, 10 Runs)
• Richard Wilborn, Howards (8-16, .500, 2 RBIs, 6 Runs)
• Ron Parnell, Capitol (9-19, .474, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
• Dick Bartel, Howards (7-15, .467, 7 HRs, 10 RBIs, 10 Runs)
• Ben Holt, Lilly Air (5-11, .455, 4 HRs, 5 RBIs, 5 Runs)
• Steve Williams, Elite (8-18, .444, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs, 8 Runs)
• Mike Macenko, Steeles (11-25, .440, 6 HRs, 14 RBIs, 9 Runs)
• Cruz Martinez, Capitol (9-21, .429, 5 HRs, 9 RBIs, 11 Runs)
• Monty Tucker, Apollo Parking (3-7, .429, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs)
• Ricky Huggins, Elite (8-19, .421, 6 HRs, 9 RBIs, 8 Runs)
• Steve Blanchette, Steeles (10-24, .417, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 6 Runs)
• Jerry King, Philly Steak Out (4-11, .364, 1 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Joe Young, Garrett’s Raiders (3-12, .250, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 4 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (7-1)
2. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (4-2)
3. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (3-2)
4. Elite Coating, Gordon, GA (2-2)
5t. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (2-2)
5t. Garrett’s Raiders, Houston, TX (1-2)
7t. J&R Roofing, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
7t. Lilly Industries, Chicago, IL (1-2)
9t. PhiIly Steak Out, Mill Valley, CA (1-2)
9t. Timothy’s Raiders, Houston, TX (1-2)
9t. Philip Morris, Richmond, VA (0-2)
9t. Apollo Parking, West Palm Beach, FL (0-2)

1982 held at Greensboro, North Carolina.

Champion – Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, Florida
Runner Up – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina

Mike Bolen came through in the clutch as his 2-run single in the top of the 7th inning gave Jerry’s a 6-5 lead in the championship game. Howard’s had two men on base in the bottom of the 7th, but pitching of Greg Fuhrman, combined with Jerry’s Defense sealed the deal and the World Series for Jerry’s Caterers. In that final game, Bruce Meade hit a 2 run homer for Jerry’s. Greg Fuhrman and Bill Meyer both had 2 hits. For Howard’s, Rick Scherr was the batting star as he had 2 hits, including a 2-run home run. Stan Harvey, Mike Cellura and Buddy Slater all had 2 hits as well.

• MVP – Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers (17-22, .775, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 9 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Charles Wright, York Barbell/KSF (11-23, .478, 18 RBI, 10 Runs) – 10
• Batting Leader – Greg Fuhrman, Jerry’s Caterers – .775
• Defensive MVP – James Washington, Jerry’s Caterers

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

• P – Greg Fuhrman – Jerry’s Caterers (17-22, .775, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 9 Runs) – Also 5-0 Pitching
• P – Craig Elliott – York Barbell/Ken Sanders (13-20, .650, 9 HR, 22 RBI, 14 Runs)
• 1B – James Washington – Jerry’s Caterers (10-20, .500, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
• 1B – Bill Pollock – York Barbell/Ken Sanders (13-22, .590, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 14 Runs)
• 2B – Charles Wright – York Barbell/Ken Sanders (11-23, .478, 10 HR, 18 RBI, 10 Runs)
• 3B – Rick Scherr – Howard’s/Western Steer (14-21, .667, 9 HRs, 19 RBI, 15 Runs)
• SS – Kenny Webb – Elite Coating (13-21, .619, 3 RBI, 10 Runs)
• OF – Mike Nye – York Barbell/Ken Sanders (14-23, .609, 4 RBI, 14 Runs)
• OF – Dick Bartel – Howard’s/Western Steer (11-19, .578, 4 HR, 13 RBIs, 11 Runs)
• OF – Denny Jones – Jerry’s Caterers (11-16, .688, 5 HRs, 6 RBI, 10 Runs)
• OF – Bruce Meade – Jerry’s Caterers (12-22, .545, 8 HR, 13 RBI, 13 Runs)
• OF – Don Arndt – Howard’s/Western Steer (10-19, .527, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
• UTIL – Doug Brown – Elite Coating (13-20, .650, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
• UTIL – Tom Beall – Howard’s/Western Steer (9-18, .500, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
• UTIL – Mike Parrott – Jerry’s Caterers (10-20, .500, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
• UTIL – Chip Sheffield – Elite Coating (20-27, .741, 8 RBI, 14 Runs)
• MGR – Ernie Yaroshuk, Jerry’s Caterers

OTHERS

• Mack Thompson, William Painting (12-16, .750, 5 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Buddy Slater, Howards (8-11, .727, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
• Ron Olesiak, Lilly Air (8-11, .727, 6 HR, 7 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Mike Cellura, Howards (13-20, .650, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Ken Dain, Class Act (10-16, .625, 4 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Freddie Trice, Elite (13-22, .591, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 13 Runs)
• Ron Ford, Elite (15-26, .576, 9 RBI, 12 Runs)
• Charles Neal, Runners (10-18, .556, 3 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Monty Tucker, Williams Painting (9-17, .529, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 10 Runs)
• Ricky Huggins, York/Sanders (11-21, .524, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Clyde Guy, York/Sanders (10-20, .500, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Curtis WIlliams, York/Sanders (9-19, .473, 1 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Cecil Whitehead, Elite (11-24, .454, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 11 Runs)
• Stan Harvey, Howards (10-22, .455, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
• Richard Wilborn, Howards (8-19, .421, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Mike Bolen, Jerry’s (9-33, .409, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Steve Williams, York/Sanders (8-20, .400, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 Runs)
• Harold Kelley, Jerry’s (7-18, .390, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 Runs)
• James Boyett, York/Sanders (6-16, .375, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
• Ben Holt, Lilly Air (4-12, .333, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (5-0)
2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (3-2)
3. York Barbell-Ken Sanders, York, PA (3-2)
4. Elite Coating, Gordon, GA (4-2)
5t. The Runners, Houston, TX (2-2)
5t. Class Act, Whittier, CA (2-2)
7t. Williams Painting, Roanoke, VA (2-2)
7t. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (1-2)
9t. Fabmaster, Lexington, NC (0-2)
9t. Garrett and Houck, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
9t. The Saloon, Pittsburgh, PA (0-2)
9t. Valley Players, Orem, UT (0-2)

1981 held at Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Champion – Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, North Carolina
Runner Up – Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, Florida

Howard’s/Western Steer became the third team in the last three years to win Softball’s Triple Crown (ASA, NSPC and USSSA Championships). It wasn’t easy as they had to Jerry’s twice to in the crown. The won the first final 31-24 as Dick Bartel was 5-5 with 4 HR and 7 RBI. Rick Scherr and Stan Harvey chipped in with 2 HR each. In the Final Championship game, Howards won 25-11. Stan Harvey’s 2 HR and 6 RBI, along with Dick Bartel and Bill Ferguson, who both combined for 7 hits and 9 RBI. For Jerry’s, Harold Kelley was 7-9 with 5 HR and 7 RBI in both games total. This victory cumulated Howard’s/Western Steer’s triple crown as they previously won the NSPC and ASA titles. they finished the year with a 160-15 record and many people consider this team to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest teams of all time.

• MVP – Rick Scherr, Howard’s (21-27, .778, 15 HR, 34 RBI, 22 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Rick Scherr, Howard’s – 15
• Batting Leader – Mickey Morrison, DCS (12-15, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 9 Runs) – .800
• Defensive MVP (Given out for the First Time) – Steve Howard, Howard’s/Western Steer

USSSA MAJOR WORLD SERIES ALL WORLD TEAM

P – Craig Elliott – York Barbell/Ken Sanders ( – Also 3-2 Pitching
P – Buddy Slater – Howard’s/Western Steer (7-14, .500, 2 RBIs, 7 Runs) – Also 3-1 Pitching
C – Cruz Martinez – Capitol Insulation (10-13, .769, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 9 Runs)
C – Fred Trice – Jerry’s Caterers (21-36, .583, 11 HRs, 23 RBIs, 18 Runs)
1B – Rick Scherr – Howard’s/Western Steer (21-27, .778, 15 HRs, 34 RBIs, 22 Runs)
2B – Steve Howard – Howard’s/Western Steer (15-29, .517, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 10 Runs)
3B – Ken Carlton – Jerry’s Caterers (19-33, .576, 13 HRs, 25 RBIs, 21 Runs)
SS – Russell Bradley – Howard’s/Western Steer (14-33, .424, 2 RBIs, 13 Runs)
OF – Dick Bartel – Howard’s/Western Steer (17-30, .567, 11 HRs, 17 RBIs, 14 Runs)
OF – Ron Ford – York Barbell/Ken Sanders (13-20, .650, 6 HRs, 12 RBIs, 13 Runs)
OF – Tom Beall – Howard’s/Western Steer (11-21, .524, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 14 Runs)
OF – Mickey Morrison – Dave Carroll’s Skoal Bandits (12-15, .800, 5 HRs, 13 RBIs, 9 Runs)
OF – Rich Petrunyak – Nationwide Advertising (15-21, .714, 9 HRs, 13 RBIs, 14 Runs)
OF – Harold Kelley – Jerry’s Caterers (24-40, .600, 9 HRs, 24 RBIs, 21 Runs)
OF – Joel Todd – Jerry’s Caterers (31-39, .795, 14 HRs, 24 RBIs, 25 Runs)
OF – Stan Harvey – Howard’s/Western Steer (21-28, .750, 13 HRs, 21 RBIs, 21 Runs) – Also 1-0 Pitching
OF – Richard Willborn – Howard’s/Western Steer (14-26, .538, 8 HRs, 19 RBIs, 13 Runs)
UTIL – Greg Fuhrman – Jerry’s Caterers (20-38, .526, 13 HRs, 31 RBIs, 20 Runs) – Also 6-2 Pitching
MGR – Randy Gorrell – Howard’s/Western Steer

OTHERS

James Boyette, Bedsole/Kinlaw (4-5, .800, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
Marty Rolnick, NAS (15-20, .750, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
Bill Ferguson, Howards (10-14, .714, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 8 Runs)
Kevin May, Fabmasters (10-14, .714, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs)
Steve Williams, Capitol (10-14, .714, 6 HR, 10 RBI, 11 Runs)
Fred Miller, NAS (13-19, .684, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 Runs)
Glen Borguin, Shimmers (9-14, .643, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 9 Runs)
Joe Young, Jerrys (24-39, .615, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 26 Runs)
Dana Andry, NAS (11-18, .611, 8 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
Mike Cellura, Capitol (9-15, .600, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 9 Runs)
Jerry King, Steeles (4-7, .571, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 Runs)
James Washington, Jerrys (21-37, .568, 12 HR, 22 RBI, 22 Runs)
Roger Wilt, NAS (10-18, .556, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
Bill Pollock, KSF (11-21, .524, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 Runs
Clyde Guy, DCS (9-16, .563, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 6 Runs)
Charles Wright, NAS (9-17, .529, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 11 Runs)
Benny Holt, NAS (10-19, .526, 9 HR, 16 RBI, 12 Runs)
Larry Hutcherson, KSF (10-20, .500, 6 HR, 10 RBI, 9 Runs)
Braxton Speller, Snyders/Strohs (4-8, .500, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
Al White, Steeles (4-8, .500, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
Mike Macenko, NAS (10-21, .476, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 12 Runs)
Don Arndt, Howards (13-29, .448, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 10 Runs) – Also 1-0 Pitching
Myles Schexnaydre, DCS (14-32, .438, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 15 Runs)
Mike Bolen, DCS (5-12, .417, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 7 Runs)
Mike Nye, KSF (9-22, .409, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 11 Runs)
Ed Roth, Howards (8-22, .364, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 14 Runs)
Chuck Drewicz, Snyders/Strohs (1-3, .333, 1 Run)
Jim Fuller, LeAlCo (3-3, 1.000, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (5-1)
2. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (6-2)
3. Dave Carroll’s/Skoal Bandits, Sherrills Ford, NC (2-2)
4. York Barbell/Ken Sanders, York, PA (3-2)
5t. Fabmasters, Lexington, NC (2-2)
5t. Nationwide Advertising, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
7t. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (1-2)
7t. Shimers, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
9t. Le-Al-Co, Lebanon, TN (0-2)
9t. Snyder’s/Stroh’s, Detroit, MI (0-2)
9t. Bedsole/Kinlaw, Fayetteville, NC (0-2)
9t. Steele’s Sports, Lima, OH (0-2)

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 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 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 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 held at Wyandotte, Michigan.

Champion – Snyder’s, Novi, Michigan
Runner Up – Joe’s Army & Navy, Kittanning, Pennsylvania

Joe’s Army & Navy took an early lead on Gary Smith’s homer and Denny Brown’s RBI single. The game went back and forth until the top of the 7th, when Snyder’s trailing 7-5, erupted for four runs to ice the game. Lon Parker, Rick Trudeau and Phil Higgins all hit singles, with Parker scoring on Higgins’ hit. Doug Gerdes, who was 0-3 up to that point, hit a dramatic 3-run homer into a strong wind to give Snyder’s the 9-7 lead. Rick Pinto got Joe’s out in the bottom of the 7th to win the title.  Rick Trudeau (12-17, 706) and Phil Higgins (11-16, .688, 10 RBIs) led the Snyder offense.

• MVP – Rick Pinto, Snyder’s (8-13, .615, 1 RBI, 6 Runs; 2-3 in Final, 4-0 Pitching)
• Home Run Leader – Tom Miller, Joe’s Army & Navy  (9-16, .563, 11 RBIs, 9 Runs) – 6
• Batting Leader – Fred Ryan, Joe’s Army & Navy (12-16, 4 HRs, 8 RBIs, 9 Runs) – .750

1976 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

• P – Rick Pinto – Snyder’s Softball Club (8-13, .615, 1 RBI, 6 Runs) – also 4-0 Pitching
• C – Tex Collins – Little Caesars (6-13, .462, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 5 Runs)
• 1B – Tom Miller – Joe’s Army & Navy (9-16, .563, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs)
• 2B – Doug Czaplewski – Transport Oil (6-16, .375, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
• 3B – Doug Gerdes – Snyder’s Softball Club (10-18, .556, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs)
• SS – Rick Trudeau – Snyder’s Softball Club (12-17, .706, 7 RBI, 12 Runs)
• OF – Jim Dillard – Transport Oil (6-15, .400, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 8 Runs)
• OF – Larry Elkins – Snyder’s Softball Club (7-15, .467, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
• OF – Gary Smith – Joe’s Army & Navy (9-15, .600, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 Runs)
• OF – Fred Ryan – Joe’s Army & Navy (12-16, .750, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9 Runs)
• OF – Dave Rhodes – Snyder’s Softball Club (1-5, .200)
• UTIL – Bill Sepich – Joe’s Army & Navy (4-17, .235, 3 RBI, 1 Run)
• UTIL – Phil Higgins – Snyder’s Softball Club (11-16, .688, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 7 Runs)
• UTIL – Dennis Hogan – Little Caesars (9-16, .563, 5 HR, 5 RBI, 9 Runs)
• UTIL – Derek Gallagher – Transport Oil (8-19, .421, 4 Runs)

OTHERS:

• Mickey McCarty, Taylor Brothers (8-12, .667, 4 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Jim Mitchell, Uniroyal (4-6, .667, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs)
• Al Gibson, Uniroyal (5-8, .625, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 Runs
• Buddy Slater, Taylor Brothers (5-8, .625, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Dennis Horvath, Little Caesars (9-15, .600, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Gary Bauman, Little Caesars (8-14, .571, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Bob Voss, Snyders (9-16 .563, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Chuck Drewicz, Snyders (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
• Denny Brown, Joe’s Army & Navy (8-15, .533, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
• Matt Partridge, Snyders (5-10, .500, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Stan Harvey, Little Caesars (2-4, .500, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
• Hank Kosmala, Kerr-Copper State (3-6, .500, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
• Braxton Speller, Snyders (8-17, .471, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 Runs)
• Arlis Jones, Transport Oil (8-17, 471, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Elby Bushong, Kerr-Copper State (3-7, .429, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 Runs)
• Dennis Myers, Kerr-Copper State (3-7, .429, 2 Runs)
• Buck Buchanon, Taylor Brothers (3-7, .429, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Rick Scherr, Taylor Brothers (5-12, .417, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Cal Carman, Uniroyal (3-8, .375, 1 RBI, 2 Runs)
• Bill Ferguson, Taylor Brothers (4-11. .364, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Dick Bartel, Taylor Brothers (4-11, .364, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Mike Gouin, Little Caesars (5-15, .333, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Bert Smith, Little Caesars (5-16, .313, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 Runs)
• Jim Foxy Nelson, Joe’s Army & Navy (4-17, .235, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 4 Runs)
• Glenn Eichelberger, Uniroyal (0-3, .000)
• Jim Puckett, Little Caesars (0-3, .000)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. *Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, Ml (4-0)
2. Joe’s Army & Navy, Kittaning, PA (3-2)
3. Transport Oil, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)
4. Little Caesars, Detroit, MI (2-2)
5t. Taylor Brothers, Corpus Christi, TX (1-2)
5t. Uniroyal, Detroit, MI (1-2)
7t. Kerr-Cooper, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
7t. Rodeo Room, Anaheim, CA (0-2)

*By winning the 1976 World Series, Snyder’s qualified for the 1977 USSSA Major World Series.

1975 held at Rochester, New York.

Champion – Snyder’s, Novi, Michigan
Runner Up – Sol Mintz, Washington, Pennsylvania

Sol Mintz had to defeat two powerhouse teams in the loser’s bracket to get a crack at the championship game. Synder’s had beaten Sol Mintz 18-17 to send them tot he loser’s bracket. Sol Mintz then beat Uniroyal of Detroit 12-11 (former USSSA Champion Dino’s Pizza) behind the home run power of Big Tom Miller, then beat Copper Hearth 14-10 in the loser’s bracket final behind George Taylor’s four hits and homers from Chuck Yesenchak and Tom Miller. Gary Smith held the bats scoreless in the final to inning.  Now in the finals, Sol Mintz faced Snyder’s Softball Club of Michigan. Rick Pinto hurled a 5-hit shutout to give Snyder’s the championship via a 11-0 victory. Matt Partridge had 3 hits and Doug Gerdes made it look easy with a booming home run among his two hits and 3 RBIs. Jim Mitchell was 9-13 (.692) with 5 HRs and 10 RBIs to lead Snyder’s in hitting. Matt Partridge was 11-17 (.647). For Sol Mintz, Denny Brown was 15-22 (.681), with 13 Runs Scored. Don Matthews (15-23, .652) also had a big weekend.

This was the first All World Team was selected. The previous selections were East, West or Central.

• MVP – Doug Gerdes, Snyder’s (10-16, .625, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 8 Runs)
• Home Run Leader – Tom Miller, Sol Mintz  (12-18, .667, 15 RBI, 12 Runs) – 6
• Batting Leader – Phil Higgins, Copper Hearth (12-16, 3 HR,11 RBI, 10 Runs) – .750

1975 USSSA ALL WORLD TEAM

Pitcher – Rick Pinto – Snyder’s Softball Club (5-15, .333, 1 Run) – also 4-0 Pitching
Pitcher – Chuck Drewicz – Copper Heath (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 Runs)
First Base – Don Matthews – Sol Mintz (15-23, .652, 3 RBI, 13 Runs)
Second Base – Stan Brown – Snyder’s Softball Club (9-14, .643, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
Third Base – Doug Gerdes – Snyder’s Softball Club (10-16, .625, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 8 Runs)
Shortstop – Derek Gallagher – Builders Hardware (7-12, .583, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
Outfield – Phil Higgins – Copper Hearth (12-16, .750, 3 HR,11 RBI, 10 Runs)
Outfield – Stan Rocca – Sol Mintz (6-24, .250, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
Outfield – Matt Partridge – Snyder’s Softball Club (11-17, .647, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 11 Runs)
Outfield – Dan Murphy – Uniroyal (8-14, .571, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Outfield – Dave Rhodes – Snyder’s Softball Club (8-15, .533, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 Runs)

OTHERS

Jim Mitchell, Snyders (9-13, .692, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs)
Jim Yesenchak, Sol Mintz (13-19, .684, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 Runs)
Denny Brown, Sol Mintz (15-22 . 682, 4 RBI, 13 Runs)
Tom Miller, Sol Mintz (12-18, .667, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 12 Runs)
Tom Kaminsky, Uniroyal (9-14, .643, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8 Runs)
Charlie Pierce, Capitol Insulation (5-8, .625, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs)
Al Gibson, Uniroyal (8-13, .615, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)
Doc Nuebauer, Copper Hearth (9-16, .562, 5 Runs)
Rick Scherr, Copper Hearth (6-12, .500, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs)
Hank Kosmala, Capitol Insulation (3-6, .500, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs)
Frank Tacone, Mazzola (3-6, .500, 1 Run)
Rick Trudeau, Snyders (8-17, .471, 2 RBI, 7 Runs)
Chuck Drewicz, Copper Hearth (7-15, .467, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 Runs)
Lon Parker, Snyders (6-17, 353, 5 Runs)
Elby Bushong, Copper State (3-9, .333, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 3 Runs)
Jim Mortl, Copper Hearth (5-16, .312, 1 RBI, 6 Runs)
Larry Elkins, Snyders (2-13, .154, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 Runs)
Cal Carman, Uniroyal (1-14, .071)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, MI (4-0)
2. Sol Mintz, Washington, PA (4-2)
3. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
4. Uniroyal, Detroit, MI (2-2)
5t. Builders Hardware, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
5t. Copper State Nut & Bolt, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
7t. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (0-2)
7t. Mazzola, Rochester, NY (0-2)

NOTE: By winning the 1975 World Series, Snyder’s qualified for the 1976 USSSA Major World Series.