Softball History USA

1998 ASA Men’s A Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Lawton, Oklahoma on September 4-8.

Champion – Thomas Bait & Tackle, Sanford, North Carolina
Runner Up – Dalton Chiropractic/Viggiani Plumbing, Ocean, New Jersey

Thomas Bait & Tackle of North Carolina completed an undefeated run through the ASA Class A Nationals over Labor Day weekend at Lawton, Okla., by overcoming a 16-run fourth inning by Dalton Chiropractic of New Jersey to win 28-25. Thomas, with six players from the Jerry’s team that won the Class B crown in 1997, breezed 20-1 over Dalton in the finals of the winner’s bracket en route to a 7-0 record.

The defending Class A champion Coffee Cup of Minnesota was a third-place finisher this year.

The favorite, Smokes/Harrison’s/TPS of Maryland, finished fourth in the 62-team field. Jim Johnson of Gary’s Auto Body of Michigan was the home run champion with 17 in seven games. The home run limit was six. MVP honors went to Thomas outfielder Scott Grant. His on-base numbers were 34-of-37. He reached base in his last 19 trips to the plate. He had six homers.

The leading hitter was Brad Gidcumb of Jacksonville Grover of Florida with an .885 average. “Scott made some nice plays in the outfield,” pointed out Thomas manager, who serves as the team’s extra hitter. “Our middle was outstanding on defense — Grant Batts at shortstop and Cullen Clark at second base. They turned a lot of double plays. And our pitcher, Bob Carter, played good defense too.”

Thomas had three players on the first team all-tournament — Grant, John Dutch Jr. and Roy Jarman — and two more on the second team — John Adams and Hollis Brice.

Dalton had two on the first team — Tom Laska and Anthony Delarnesis.

Coffee Cup had only one selection — Mike Ritzer on the second team.

Smokes had Steve Gilbert and Dewey Fussell on the first team and Steve Helewicz and Bobby Bayne on the second team.

Thomas topped Smokes 26-21 and Dalton was a 33-18 winner over Coffee Cup in the semifinal round of the winner’s bracket.

Coffee Cup eliminated L&L Paint of Alabama 17-16, while Smokes ousted Mercer of Indiana 43-23. Coffee Cup then kayoed Smokes 24-22 before dropped by Dalton 12-11.

Mercer eliminated Gary’s 30-15, while L&L ousted SCB/Easton of New York 34-14. L&L had a 7-2 record, Dalton and Coffee Cup were 6-2 and Smokes, Mercer and Gary’s 5-2 and SCB 4-2.

Ashley’s of Delaware and Kentucky Tucker each went 5-2 en route to a tie for ninth with Maroadi of Pittsburgh and Scott of Iowa.

Jacksonville Grover, Galyan’s of Indiana, Universal Dome of Indiana and Allied Tool of Kentucky tied for 13th.

Some highly regarded teams finished down the line, including K&G of Indiana, Riverside/Ram and Berardi’s of Kentucky, Paramount of Virginia, Deery Brothers of Iowa and Budweiser/DeMarini of Texas.

One of Paramount’s players was 52-year-old Don Clatterbaugh, a former Major player with such teams as Dave Carroll and Steele’s.

Berardi’s lost 25-16 to DeVault of Missouri and Budweiser/DeMarini lost 27-14 to Easton Sportstar of Kentucky in first-round games. Berard’s then lost 26-21 to Ohio Sealants.

Budweiser/DeMarini went 0-2 too, being ousted 20-18 by TCBY/DeMarini of Arkansas.

Deery was 0-2, losing to the Aragon Minnesota Merchants 32-23 and Barchella of New York (29-17).

Riverside lost 39-28 to SCB and K&G lost 27-26 to Jax Grover in the second round.

Paramount won two games before falling 29-28 to Mercer.

Thomas won 45-31 and 32-11 but had two tough games in the early rounds — 31-30 vs. Gateway Press of Kentucky and 28-25 vs. Allied Tool. Gateway built up a 27-7 lead going into the fifth inning. Thomas broke loose for 15 runs. “Then we were down nine going into the bottom of the seventh,” pointed out Marion. “We got 12 straight men on without an out.” Jay Lamm started things with a single and he ended it with a 2-run double.

Carter went 6-for-6, Grant 5-for-6 with a homer and Roy Jarman 5-for-5 with a homer. Lamm, John Dutch, Doug Flowers and Marion had homers.

Thomas won in the first round 45-31 over Cooper Sports of Cincinnati. Grant was 7-for-7, while Adams was 6-for-7 with a homer and Dutch 6-for-7. Flowers and Brice Hollis each had two homers and Jarman one. The 28-25 win over Allied Tool saw Adams go 4-for-5 with two homers. Grant had two homers, Dutch and Hollis one each. A 32-11 romp over Scott’s of Iowa saw Grant and Adams each go 5-for-5 and Jarman, Dutch, Batts and Marion each go 4-for-4. Dutch, Flowers, Hollis and Marion homered. Thomas was a 26-21 winner over Smokes. Jarman had three homers, Grant, Lamm, Dutch and Flowers one each. Grant and Lamm each went 5-5, Jarman and Dutch 4-5. Carter, Adams and Hollis also went 4-5. The easy 20-1 win over Dalton in the finals of the winner’s bracket saw Jarman and Dutch hit homers and Grant and Hollis each go 4-for-4. Lamm and Flowers each had three hits. So did Jarman. Dalton’s only run was a solo home run in the fifth inning. It was a different story vs. Dalton in the finale. The New Jersey team scored 16 runs in the fourth inning for a 22-12 lead.

The North Carolinians came back with six in the fifth and nine in the sixth. Jarman and Dutch homered in the fifth and Grant’s grand slam tied the game in the sixth. The Thomas team went on to score five more after the slammer. Final score: 28-25. Grant was 5-for-5 with 2 homers, Jarman 4-for-5 with 2 homers. Hollis also had a homer. Carter, Dutch and Lamm each notched four hits. Marion made note that clean-up batter Jim Rogers had to miss the tournament. “All the guys pulled together, picking it up a little bit to take up the slack. We played good team ball. It was really exciting. We had to come from behind in three games. We were not the best team there by far, but we showed a lot of heart.

Our boys never gave up. This was our first year in Class A.” Marion, whose team is based out of the central North Carolina town of Sanford, pointed out the inspiration of Jerry Sheffield, the team’s enthusiastic third base coach. “He was a motivator, slinging his towel around. He keeps everybody going.”

SCB dropped Gary’s into the loser’s bracket (23-14) before being bumped by Smokes 33-31. Smokes dropped L&L (37-8) and Jax Grover (30-7) into the loser’s bracket.

Coffee Cup won four — 27-20 over TCBY, 29-17 over Easton Sportstar, 26-13 over Las Vegas Funjet of Wisconsin and 30-17 over Maroadi — before losing to Dalton 33-18.

Dalton earlier won 34-21, 29-20, 31-26 (over B&A of Ohio) and 28-9 (over Mercer).

Ashley’s won four games in the loser’s bracket before being ousted 25-5 by SCB. Ashley’s was dropped into the loser’s bracket by Scott of Iowa (25-13).

Scott won 3 before losing to Thomas, then lost its first game in the loser’s bracket by 36-32 to L&L.

SCB won 4 games in the loser’s bracket before falling to Mercer (26-6).

  • MVP – Scott Grant, Thomas Bait & Tackle (23-26, .884; 11 BB, 34-37, .919 OBP, 6 HR)
  • Batting Champion – Brad Gidcumb, Jacksonville Grover/Franklin (23-26) – .885
  • HR Champion – Jim Johnson, Gary’s Auto Body – 17

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jim Johnson, Gary’s Auto Body
C – Roy Jarman, Thomas Bait & Tackle
EP – Mark Mastorovich, Maroadi Transfer Mifflin
1B – Steve Gilbert, Smokes/ABS/TPS
2B – Tom Lasko, Dalton Chiropractic Softball
3B – Cliff Eger, Universal Dome Softball Club
SS – Anthony DeFrancesco, Dalton Chiropractic Softball
OF – John Dutch, Thomas Bait & Tackle
OF – Brad Gidcumb, Jacksonville Grover/Franklin (23-26, .785)
OF – Scott Grant, Thomas Bait & Tackle (23-26, .884, 34-37, .919 ob%, 6 HRs)
OF – Mark Moore, Gary’s Auto Body
UT – Tom Shields, Grotto’s Pizza
UT – Louie Bruno, Universal Dome Softball Club
UT – Dewey Fussell, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
UT – Rob Rash, Grotto’s Pizza

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mike Stibal, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
C – Greg Ackerbeal, Gary’s Auto Body
1B – John Adams, Thomas Bait & Tackle
2B – Mike Engler, Maroadi Transfer Mifflin
3B – Dean Bowrosen, SCB/Easton
SS – Mike Ritzer, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
OF – Brice Hollis, Thomas Bait & Tackle
OF – Billy Gilbert, Grotto’s Pizza
OF – Mike Dill, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
DH – Bob Bayne, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
UT – Mark Hutchinson, L&L Painting/TPS
UT – Karl Komyathy, SCB/Easton
UT – Joseph Spadafino, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
UT – Kevin Gillott, L&L Painting/TPS

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Shannon Arnold, Scott Decorating/Wise Guys
C – Scott Johnson, Mercer Softball Club
1B – John Mutz, John Mercer Softball Club
2B – Russ Ortega, Gary’s Auto Body
3B – Dave Martinez, El Paso Kings
SS – Chad Riggs, Easton/Sportstar/KY Thunder
OF – Keith Carson Mercer Softball Club
OF – Edwin Clore, Smokes/ABS/Harrisons/TPS
OF – Shayne Havens, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
OF – Tim Dickmeyer, Coffee Cup/DeMarini
DH – Barry Shirley, L&L Painting/TPS
UT – Duane Sliter, Easton/Sportstar/KY Thunder
UT – Ron Probst, Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s
UT – Lee Martin, Grotto’s Pizza
UT – Wayne Dutton, SCB/Easton

OTHERS

Mark Weaver, Chase (12-15, .800, 7 HR)
Bob Fisher, Chase (16-21, .762, 8 HR)
Kenny Ezzell, Chase (21-28, .750, 3 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase (16-22, .727, 10 HR)
Larry White, Chase (16-23, .696, 2 HR)
Brian Justice, Reece (.688, 8 HR)
Ed Hicks, Chase (14-21, .667, 2 HR)
Randy Romanga, Chase (12-20, .600, 2 HR)
Ron Wilson, Reece (9 HR)
Jose Santiago, Chase (21-25, .840)
Tim Williamson, Chase (20-26, .769, 3 HR)
Chris Chilton, Chase (18-24, .750, 4 HR)
Derek Oliver, Reece (24-31, .774, 12 HR)
Larry Sauceman, Reece (.771)
Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven (23-27, .852)
Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven (.786)
Moose White, Gasoline Heaven (.750, 9 HR)
Vern Hensley, Planet/New (14 HR)
Kenny Carver, Chase (20-25, .800, 6 HR)
Jason Fleming, Chase (20-28, .714, 3 HR)
Keith Brady, Reece (.724, 8 HR)
Mark Webber, Reece (.724)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Thomas Bait & Tackle, Sanford, NC (7-0)
2. Dalton Chiropractic/Viggiani Plumbing, Ocean, NJ (6-2)
3. Coffee Cup/Demarini, St. Paul, MN (6-2)
4. Smokes/ABS/TPS, Ellicott, MD (5-2)
5t. Mercer Softball Club, Indianapolis, IN (5-2)
5t. L&L Painting, Pratville, AL (7-2)
7t. Gary’s Auto Body, Muskegon, MI (5-2)
7t. SCB/Easton, Long Island, NY (4-2)
9t. Maroadi/Mifflin Club, Versailles, PA (3-2)
9t. Easton/Sportstar/Thunder, Louisville, KY (5-2)
9t. Ashley’s/Eagle Group/Al’s, Dover, DE (5-2)
9t. Scott/Wise Guys, Davenport, IA (3-2)
13t. Galyan’s Trading/Steeles, Greenfield, IN (3-2)
13t. Allied Tool/Grover, Louisville, KY (3-2)
13t. Universal Dome Softball, Mishawaka, IN (4-2)
13t. Grover/Franklin, Jacksonville, FL (3-2)
17t. B&A Sports/Tiny Town, Harrison, OH (1-2)
17t. Paramount Builders, Virginia Beach, VA (2-2)
17t. Grotto’s Pizza, Newark, DE (3-2)
17t. Las Vegas Funjet/TPS, Milwaukee, WI (2-2)
17t. Hogan/Citizens Mortgage, Rolla, MO (2-2)
17t. OCP/CCC/Bud/Worth, Owatonna, MN (3-2)
17t. El Paso Kings, El Paso, TX (3-2)
17t. Demarini Softball, Sioux City, IA (3-2)
25t. K&G/TPS/Bike/Webbs, North Vernon, IN (2-2)
25t. Creative Glass Inc., Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
25t. Ohio Sealants, Willoughby, OH (2-2)
25t. First Commercial Bank, Little Rock, AR (2-2)
25t. Barchella Fellas/Easton, Port Chester, NY (2-2)
25t. Gateway Press/TPS, Louisville, KY (2-2)
25t. Brothers & Sisters/TPS, Lawton, OK (2-2)
25t. CTM, Georgetown, KY (2-2)
33t. Streder Mechanical, Jacksonville, IL (1-2)
33t. Wichita Slam/State Farm, West Falls, TX (0-2)
33t. Texas Roadhouse/TPS, Huntington, WV (1-2)
33t. Sullivan/Demarini, Spokane, WA (1-2)
33t. Stonecold, El Reno, OK (1-2)
33t. Classic Ward, Farmington, NM (1-2)
33t. Express/Play It Again, North Mankato, MN (1-2)
33t. Pohlman/Cooper Sports, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
33t. Davault Softball, Marble Hills, MO (1-2)
33t. Skipworth Plumbing, Iowa Park, TX (1-2)
33t. TCBY/Demarini, Sherwood, AR (1-2)
33t. Aragon’s/Minnesota Merchants, Albert Lea, MN (1-2)
33t. Riverside/TPS, Louisville, KY (1-2)
33t. RPT Mariners, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
33t. Community 1st Bank/Coors, Caledonia, MN (1-2)
33t. Sledgehammers/Stars, Lawton, OK (0-2)
49t. Sport Spot, Ponca City, OK (0-2)
49t. USA Cash, Lapeer, MI (0-2)
49t. Quality Builders/Trugreen, Bozeman, MT (0-2)
49t. San Antonio Sting, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
49t. Deery Brothers/Easton, Waterloo, IA (0-2)
49t. Budweiser/Demarini, College Station, TX (0-2)
49t. O’Connell’s Dawgs, Norman, OK (0-2)
49t. Doc’s, Sioux City, IA (0-2)
49t. Martin Construction/Worth, Evansville, IN (0-2)
49t. Fairfield Rebels, Fairfield, IA (0-2)
49t. Webworks, Davison, MI (0-2)
49t. Berardi’s/TPS, Lexington, KY (0-2)
49t. Players, Cleveland, OH (0-2)

1998 ASA Men’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Zenoff Park in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on September 4-7.

Champion – Chase Mortgage/Easton, Wilmington, North Carolina
Runner Up – Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, Tennessee

Chase/Easton of Wilmington, N.C., went 5-0 to win the ASA Major Nationals in Stevens Point, Wis., on Sunday (Sept. 6). Chase was a 30-9 winner in 4 innings over Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS of Lebanon, Tenn., in the finals. Chase beat Gasoline Heaven/Worth of Long Island, N.Y., 43-36, in the winner’s bracket finals, then Gasoline was ousted by Reece 32-18.

Backstop/Easton of Aurora, Ind., one of the favorites, managed only a 1-2 record, losing in the first round to Armed Forces All-Stars 37-35, then being eliminated 25-23 by Planet/New/TPS. Derek Oliver of Reece was voted the MVP trophy. He batted .774 with 12 home runs.

Planet/New/TPS was fourth. NASTY Boys/TPS of St. Louis and Central Paving/TPS of Decatur, Ill., tied for fifth.

Armed Forces and Backstop tied for seventh. Jose Santiago had an on-base percentage of .840 for Chase. Tim Williamson batted .769, Bob Fisher .762, Chris Chilton .708 and Jason Fleming .704. Santiago now has played on three consecutive ASA Major championship teams. He played on the Bell II/Easton team from Tampa in 1996 and the Long Haul/TPS team from Minnesota in 1997.

Brannon had 10 HR, Santiago and Fisher 8 each. Shortstop Larry Sauceman batted .771 for Reece, while Ron Wilson had 9 homers and Keith Brady and Brian Justice 8 each. Moose White had 9 for Gasoline Heaven.

Planet/New was the fourth-place finisher, winning five games in the loser’s bracket, including 25-23 over one of the co-favorites, Backstop/Easton of Aurora, Ind. Planet lost 44-33 to Gasoline Heaven in the first round, and finally was eliminated 49-37 by Reece. Planet catcher Vern Hensley led the tournament in home runs with 14.

Backstop was upset in the first round 37-35 by Armed Forces. The Armed Forces team then lost 32-31 to Central Paving and was ousted 37-32 by NASTY Boys of St. Louis.

NASTY lost in the first round to Chase (31-10), then won three in the loser’s bracket for a tie for fifth with Central Paving. NASTY was eliminated by Reece (56-41).

Planet ousted Central Paving 34-22.

Watanabe/TPS of Cincinnati played three high-scoring games, winning 31-30 over Sid Grinker of Milwaukee before losing 37-21 to Chase and 38-32 to Planet.

Armed Forces won one game in the loser’s bracket by 32-31 to the Hitmen of Traverse City, Mich.

In another high-scoring game, the Hitmen lost 33-30 in the opening round to the host team Aldo’s. The Stevens Point outfit then lost 32-11 to Reece and 22-9 to Backstop.

Chase compiled plenty of big on-base numbers. The team mark was .742. Tim Williamson was 21-27 with 3 homers, Mark Weaver 12-15 with 7 homers, Kenny Carver 20-25 with 6 homers, Bob Fisher 16-21 with 8 homers, Paul Brannon 16-22 with 8 homers. Chris Chilton was 18-24 with 4 homers, Jason Fleming 20-for-28 with 3 homers, Kenny Ezzell 21-28 with 3 homers, Larry White 16-23 with 2 homers, pitcher Ed Hicks 14-21 with 2 homers and shortstop Randy Romanga 12-for-20 with 2 homers.

Other pacesetters for Reece included shortstop Larry Sauceman with a .771 batting average, Keith Brady and pitcher Mark Webber each at .724 and Brian Justice at .688. Ron Wilson had 9 homers, Brady and Justice 8 each.

Gasoline Heaven’s Castellano got the biggest help from Andy Ahkao with a .786 average and pitcher Moose White with a .750 mark.

  • MVP – Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS
  • HR Leader – Vern Hensley, Planet/New – 14
  • Batting Leader – Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven – .852

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Moose White, Gasoline Heaven (18-24, .750, 9 HR)
C – Derek Oliver, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (24-31, .774, 12 HR)
1B – Vern Hensley, Planet/New (14 HR)
2B – Bill Jerich, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
3B – Steve Dickey, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS
SS – Larry Sauceman, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (17-22, .773)
OF – Tim Williamson, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-26, .769, 3 HR)
OF – Phil Castellano, Gasoline Heaven (23-27, .852)
OF – Andy Ahkao, Gasoline Heaven (22-28, .786)
OF – Mike Kinnett, Planet/New/Bike/TPS
EH – Hal Koubelka, U.S. Armed Forces
UT – Jose Santiago, Chase Mortgage/Easton (21-25, .840, 8 HR)
UT – Chris Chilton, Chase Mortgage/Easton (18-24, .750, 4 HR)
UT – Mike Lane, NASTY Boys
UT – Wayne Pennington, U.S. Armed Forces

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Mark Webber, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (21-29, .724)
C – John McNair, NASTY Boys
1B – Ron Wilson, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (9 HR)
2B – Monty McCory, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
3B – Don Harloss, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
SS – Brian Jeffers, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
OF – Keith Brady, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (21-29, .724, 8 HR)
OF – Brian Fletcher, Planet/New/Bike/TPS
OF – Jim Kearns, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
OF – Bob Van Erem, Backstop/Easton/Mizuno
EH – Kenny Carver, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-25, .800, 6 HR)
UT – Jason Fleming, Chase Mortgage/Easton (20-28, .714, 3 HR)
UT – Troy Summerfield, NASTY Boys
UT – Dave Noval, Gasoline Heaven/Worth
UT – Steve Roeder, Planet/New/Bike/TPS

OTHER PLAYERS

Mark Weaver, Chase Mortgage/Easton (12-15, .800, 7 HR)
Bob Fisher, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-21, .762, 8 HR)
Kenny Ezzell, Chase Mortgage/Easton (21-28, .750, 3 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-22, .727, 10 HR)
Larry White, Chase Mortgage/Easton (16-23, .696, 2 HR)
Brian Justice, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (11-16, .688, 8 HR)
Ed Hicks, Chase Mortgage/Easton (14-21, .667, 2 HR)
Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage/Easton (12-20, .600, 2 HR)
Ron Wilson, Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS (9 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Chase Mortgage/Easton, Wilmington, NC (5-0)
2. Reece/Sports World/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (4-2)
3. Gasoline Heaven/Worth, Commack, NY (3-2)
4. Planet/New/Bike/TPS, Lexington, KY (4-2)
5t. NASTY Boys/TPS, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
5t. Central Paving Astros/TPS, Decatur, IL (2-2)
7t. Backstop/Easton/Mizuno, Aurora, IN (2-2)
7t. U.S. Armed Forces, Arlington, VA (2-2)
9t. Aldo’s/Doug’s Sports Bar, Stevens Point, WI (1-2)
9t. Pub II/DeMarini/Miller Lite, Normal, IL (1-2)
9t. Watanabe/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
9t. TC Hitmen, Traverse City, MI (0-2)
13t. Export Light/Beck Masonry, La Crosse, WI (0-2)
13t. Sid Grinker/Couri Insurance/TPS, Milwaukee, WI (0-2)
13t. New Berlin Grading/Easton, Waukesha, WI (0-2)

1998 ASA Women’s Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Hartford County, Maryland on August 22-23.

Champion – Stadium Sportswear, Spokane, Washington
Runner Up – Stan Mill Mitts, Vestal, New York

  • MVP – Kathy White, Stadium Sportswear
  • Batting Champion – Randi Carine, J&J Thunderbolts
  • HR Champion – N/A

1998 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Diane Stanford, Stadium Sportswear
P – Stacie Johnson, Stan Mill Mitts
P – Kathy Zoltowski, On Deck
C – Michelle Kvasny, Stan Mill Mitts
1B – Vickie Sax, Stan Mill Mitts
2B – Lori Mueller, J.R.’s
3B – Randi Carine, J&J Thunderbolts
SS – Ellen Spruce, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Linda Bushinski, Stadium Sportswear
OF – Kristina Kowalski, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Cheryl Clark, J.R.’s
OF – Penny Houghtaling, On Deck
DP – Beth Hanson, J.R.’s
UTIL – Sherry Wantz, Sports Page
UTIL – Beth Bardouche, J.R.’s

1998 SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Stacey Warnke, J.R.’s
P – Kim Sears, J&J Thunderbolts
P – Trish Masters, Zopp’s Elytes
C – Lisa Locke, Sports Page
1B – Missy Sharp, Stadium Sportswear
2B – Carolee Morse, Stan Mill Mitts
3B – Debbie Hjortedal, Team Spokane
SS – Kelly Maslar, Sports Page
OF – Veronica Sansom, Sports Page
OF – Janet Skaife, Team Spokane
OF – Susan Rash, J&J Thunderbolts
OF – Bernadette McGovern, Stan Mill Mitts
DP – Misty West, Stadium Sportswear
UTIL – Amy Weaver, On Deck
UTIL – Stacy Mahlik, J.R.’s

1998 THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

C – Kim Lake, Zopp’s Elytes
1B – Juline McNamee, Team Spokane
2B – Andrea Zacher, Stadium Sportswear
3B – Kristy Kuntz, Stadium Sportswear
SS – Karen Morton, On Deck
OF – Bethy Sweigert, Stadium Sportswear
OF – Bridget Baxter, Stan Mill Mitts
OF – Michelle Blessent, Team Spokane
OF – Lisa Vosbury, Zopp’s Elytes
DP – Dina Terceira, J&J Thunderbolts
UTIL – Nicole Adamson, Roger’s Renegades

1998 ASA Men’s (9) Major Modified Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Scottsdale, Georgia on August 22-23.

Champion – Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, New York
Runner Up – Tarrs, Worcester, Massachusetts

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

1998 FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

N/A

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Texas Liquids/All Energy, Staten Island, NY (5-0)
2. Tarrs, Worcester, MA (5-2)
3. Gremlins, Clifton Park, NY (5-2)
4. LA Doughboys, California, CA (6-2)
5t. Wallen Construction, Bean Station, TN (5-2)
5t. D’Onofrio Softball, Brooklyn, NY (3-2)
7t. Martells, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ (3-2)
7t. La Wildcard, California, CA (4-2)
9t. Stingers, Atlanta, GA (3-2)
9t. TST, Lithonia, GA (2-2)
9t. Michigan Brick Pavers, Michigan, MI (2-2)
9t. D&S Roofing, Deer Park, NY (1-2)
13t. Copperfields, New York, NY (1-2)
13t. Boichot Concrete, Lansing, MI (2-2)
13t. Morristown Diamondbacks, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
13t. Globe, Redbank, NJ (2-2)
17t. Lindamans Insurance, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
17t. Amtrol, Rhode Island, RI (1-2)
17t. Warriors, Chapel Hill, NC (1-2)
17t. Tampa Bay Dragons, Tampa Bay, FL (1-2)
17t. Secory Flyers, Port Huron, MI (1-2)
17t. Jags 33, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
17t. Jenkins Motors, Tennessee, TN (1-2)
17t. Storm, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
25t. Auntie Anne’s, Parkesburg, PA (0-2)
25t. Speedboys, Durham, NC (0-2)
25t. Freebirds, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
25t. M-Town Brewers, Tennessee, TN (0-2)
25t. Jakes Lithunian Club, Connecticut, CT (0-2)
25t. Hollywood Sports, Stuart, FL (0-2)

1998 ISA Men’s AA Slow Pitch World Series

1998 held at Winter Haven, Florida on August 22-23.

Champion – Chase Mortgage, Wilmington, North Carolina
Runner Up – Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS, Cincinnati, Ohio

Chase won the ISA Class AA Championship Sunday (Aug. 23) at the beautiful, new Diamond Plex park in Winter Haven, Fla., beating favored Wessel/Hague in two out of three meetings. Chuck Caviness’ team now has two ISA titles to its credit in 1998, having won the ISA Winter Nationals back in January in St. Petersburg, Fla. Jeff Hague was seeking his third ISA AA crown in four years, having won in 1995 and 1996. Chase won a winners bracket matchup vs. Wessel/Hague 36-19 as Jose Santiago had four homers and Jason Fleming three. Chase had a 13-run second inning and a 13-run sixth inning. A 2-run homer by Santiago enforced the run rule. Chase had two lopsided wins — 34-3 in three innings over Reece and 38-2 over N.A.S.T.Y. Boys in three innings. Wessel forced an extra game with a 39-38 comeback win over Chase. A 2-runner with one out by Joe Foley won the game as Wessel rallied for nine runs in the bottom of the seventh. Chase then won the deciding game by 33-11 in five innings. Wessel had to play four games on Sunday, eliminating Planet/New/TPS 43-18 in three innings (Wessel scored 24 runs on 11 HRs in the first inning) and N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 37-18 in five innings. Chase’s veteran shortstop Randy Romagna, who sparkled on defense as well as at the plate, was the MVP selection. He went 21-for-27 with seven home runs. Wessel’s Tom White was the home run leader with 14 in 7 games on the 300-foot fences. He sizzled with 30-for-36. Wessel left fielder Dale Sensenig was named for the defensive award. Other leading hitters for Chase included Fleming at 26-31 with 11 homers, Santiago 24-29 with 7 homers, Kenny Carver 23-32 with 8 homers, Paul Brannon 21-30 with 8 homers, Tim Williamson 23-31 with 6 homers, Chris Chilton 22-29 and Larry White 21-26. Mark Weaver had a 5-for-5 game with a triple and three homers for 10 RBI in the final game. White and Brett Helmer had three big games on Sunday for Wessel. Each went 15-for-17 with 8 homers. Helmer wound up with 12 homers, while teammates Howie Krause and Tim Linson each had 11. Krause went 27-for-33, Linson 27-35 and Sensenig 23-for-32. Helmer had a tough Saturday and he was 1-for-3 in the last game, winding up 24-for-37, and seeing his on-base percentage skid to .772. He slipped from third to fifth on the OBA list. The veteran White sports a .792 OBA (Jeff Wallace of Team TPS is the pace-setter at .804) and has moved into the No. 6 slot in home runs with 156. White, Wallace and Helmer were teammates on the SoJern/TPS team out of New Jersey last season. N.A.S.T.Y. and Planet/New finishing third and fourth was quite a surprise. N.A.S.T.Y. moved through the winners bracket with a 24-9 win over Tiger/ChecKing, a 19-13 win over Long Haul and a 30-10, 4-inning win over Planet/New, which had won over Resmondo 19-4 and O&S 19-10. Planet eliminated Reece 51-45 . . . after trailing 38-14 going into the bottom of the third inning. Planet scored 22 runs in the bottom of the third. Long Haul and Reece tied for fifth. Long Haul eliminated Brandon’s 8-4 and Minnesota rival O&S 27-11 in 5 innings before losing to Wessel 33-28 when Wessel broke loose for 12 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Reece ousted Tiger 28-20 and Resmondo 35-20 in 5 innings. Chase was a 32-16 winner over Brandon’s in an opening round matchup of North Carolina teams. Several Brandon’s players were with Chase at the start of the season. “I knew we had to put it together sooner or later,” Caviness said at the awards ceremony. Chase and Wessel are now 3-3 vs. each other this season. Eleven of the 12 entries here were ranked in the Supreme Softball Top 25. Wessel was sixth, Reece seventh, Chase 10th, O&S 11th, Long Haul 12th, Brandon’s 14th, Resmondo 16th, Tiger 21st, N.A.S.T.Y. 22nd, Planet 23rd and Woerner tied for 25th. Woerner opened with a 30-19 win over Mizuno/DeMarini, then lost to Wessel 42-27 in 5 innings and Resmondo 38-28. O&S eliminated Mizuno 19-4 in 5 innings. Mizuno is a Florida team that won the state ISA and USSSA Class A titles. Roy Eppley, once one of the top hitters in the major ranks, is a member of the Mizuno/DeMarini team. The all-tournament team included Romagna, White, Chilton, Santiago, Williamson and Fleming of Chase, White, Krause, Linson and Foley of Wessel, plus Dennis Turner, Mike Lane and Rick Meyer of N.A.S.T.Y. Boys and Otis Barnes and Vern Hensley of Planet/New. Barnes went 19-for-23, while Hensley was 16-for-20 with 7 HR. Meyers batted .656 and Lane and Turner .650 each.

  • MVP – Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage (21-27, 7 HR)
  • HR Champion – Tom White, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (30-36, .833) – 14
  • Batting Champion – Otis Barnes, Plante/New/TPS (20-23) – .870
  • Defensive MVP – Dale Sensenig, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS
  • Offensive MVP – Tom White, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (30-36, .833, 14 HR)

ISA ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

  • Randy Romagna, Chase Mortgage (21-27, .778, 7 HR)
  • Larry White, Chase Mortgage (21-26, .808)
  • Jason Fleming, Chase Mortgage (26-32, .813, 11 HR)
  • Jose Santiago, Chase Mortgage (24-29, .828, 7 HR)
  • Tim Williamson, Chase Mortgage (23-31, .742, 6 HR)
  • Chris Chilton, Chase Mortgage (22-29, .759)
  • Tom White, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (30-36, .833, 14 HR)
  • Howie Krause, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (27-33, .818, 11 HR)
  • Tim Linson, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (27-35, .771, 11 HR)
  • Joe Foley, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS
  • Dale Sensenig, Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS (23-32, .719)
  • Rick Meyer, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys (.656)
  • Mike Lane, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys (.650)
  • Dennis Turner, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys (.650)
  • Vern Hensley, Planet/New (16-20, .800, 7 HR)
  • Otis Barnes, Planet/New (20-23, .870)

OTHERS

Kenny Carver, Chase (23-32, .719, 8 HR)
Paul Brannon, Chase (21-30, .700, 8 HR)
Brett Helmer, Wessel/Hague (24-37, .649, 12 HR)

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Chase Mortgage, Wilmington, NC, (4-1)
2. Wessel/Hague/SoJern/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (5-2)
3. N.A.S.T.Y. Boys/TPS, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
4. Planet/New/TPS, Lexington, KY (3-2)
5t. Reece/SportsWorld/Chip’s/TPS, Lebanon, TN (2-2)
5t. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (1-2)
7t. Resmondo/TPS, Lake Wales, FL (1-2)
7t. O&S/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (1-2)
9t. Woerner/Hudson’s/TPS, Elberta, AL (1-2)
9t. Brandon’s Trucking, Wilmington, NC (0-2)
9t. Tiger/ChecKing/AirTransat/TPS, Somers, CT (0-2)
9t. Team Mizuno/DeMarini, Fort Pierce, FL (0-2)

WINNERS BRACKET

N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 24, Tiger 9, 6 innings
Planet 19, Resmondo 4, 6 innings
Chase 32, Brandon’s 16, 5 innings
Woerner 30, Team Mizuno 19
N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 19, Long Haul 13
Planet 19, O&S 10
Chase 34, Reece 3, 3 innings
Wessel 42, Woerner 27, 5 innings
N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 30, Planet 10, 4 innings
Chase 36, Wessel 19, 6 innings
Chase 38, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 2, 3 innings

LOSERS BRACKET

Long Haul 8, Brandon’s 4
O&S 19, Team Mizuno 4, 5 innings
Reece 28, Tiger 20
Resmondo 38, Woerner 28
Long Haul 27, O&S 11, 5 innings
Reece 35, Resmondo 20, 5 innings
Wessel 33, Long Haul 28
Planet 51, Reece 45
Wessel 43, Planet 18, 3 innings
Wessel 37, N.A.S.T.Y. Boys 18, 5 innings

CHAMPIONSHIP

Wessel 39, Chase 38
Chase 33, Wessel 11, 5 innings

1998 ASA Girls’ 18-Under Gold Fast Pitch Nationals

1998 held in Phoenix, Arizona on July 26-August 2.

Champion – Gordon’s Panthers, Cypress, California
Runner Up – O.C. Batbusters, Santa Ana, California

Amanda Freed, the two-time Times Orange County softball players of the year, had the game winning hit as Gordon’s Panthers of Cypress beat Gary Haning’s Orange County Batbusters, 1-0 in eight innings to win the Amateur Softball Association Gold national championship game Sunday in Phoenix.

Freed, who is going to UCLA, pitched a one-hitter as the Panthers beat the Batbusters, 4-0, in the winners’ bracket final also on Sunday.

Freed would earn a Second Team All American at the ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch tournament later in the summer playing with the Redding Rebels.

FIRST TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Amanda Freed, Gordon’s Panthers
P – Jennie Finch, O.C. Batbusters
P – Kourtney Davis, So. Cal Athletics
C – Erin Tucker, O.C. Batbusters
1B – Jenny Topping, Gordon’s Panthers
2B – Kelsey Kollen, Gordon’s Panthers
3B – Lindsay Fossatti, O.C. Batbusters (Davis)
SS – Alexis Madrid, Gordon’s Panthers
OF – Janna Kovensky, So. Cal Athletics
OF – Rita Roach, O.C. Batbusters
OF – Tiffany Thomas, Flash D’ Gold
OF – Shealee Dunavan, So. Cal Athletics
DH – Lacy Hauxhurst, O.C. Batbusters
UTIL – Jodie Cox, Flash D’ Gold
UTIL – Brandy Stuart, O.C. Batbusters (Davis)

SECOND TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Jocelyn Forest, So. Cal Athletics
P – Kirsten Voak, Lady Sharks
P – Jennifer Stewart, Tulsa Eagles
C – Jessica Bashor, Flash D’ Gold
1B – Andrea Loman, So. Cal Athletics
2B – Nichole Thompson, So. Cal Athletics
3B – Brandy Thurman, Grapettes
SS – Jaime Clark, O.C. Batbusters
OF – Marissa Young, Gordon’s Panthers
OF – Tammy Donnell, Hawks
OF – Nneka Jones, Lady Sharks
OF – Melissa Cosgrove, Strikkers
DH – Samantha Kimura, Gordon’s Panthers
UTIL – Cara Maxey, Fresno Force
UTIL – Kenzi Meisenburg, Hot Shots

THIRD TEAM ALL AMERICANS

P – Leea Harlan, Sudden Impact
P – Kristen Hunter, Sun Supply
P – Kristi Hanks, Hawks
C – Roxanne Staniorski, So. Cal Athletics
1B – Leneah Manuma, Firecrackers
2B – Monique Mejia, O.C. Batbusters
3B – Gina Oaks, Flash D’ Gold
SS – Natasha Watley, So. Cal Athletics
OF – Melinda Moulden, Firecrackers
OF – Shandrika Lee, OC Athletics
OF – Stacy Weeks, Hot Shots
OF – Kassey Lemons, Lil Saints Gold
DH – Amy Dent, Lightning
UTIL – Veronica Nelson, Lady Sharks
UTIL – Erica Beach, Storm

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gordon’s Panthers, Cypress, CA (6-0)
2. O.C. Batbusters, Santa Ana, CA (5-2)
3. SoCal Athletics, Newport Beach, CA (5-2)
4. Sudden Impact, Chino, CA (6-2)
5t. Fresno Force, Fresno, CA (5-2)
5t. Strikkers, San Jose, CA (4-2)
7t. Flash D’ Gold, Rancho Cucamonga, CA (4-2)
7t. Storm, Phoenix, AZ (4-2)
9t. Stealth, Santa Clarita, CA (3-2)
9t. O.C. Athletics, Westminister, CA (4-2)
9t. TSI Thunderbirds, Vancouver, WA (4-2)
9t. Tulsa Eagles, Tulsa, OK (3-2)
13t. Lil Saints Gold, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
13t. O.C. Batbusters Davis, Anaheim, CA (3-2)
13t. Lady Sharks, San Jose, CA (2-2)
13t. Dynasty, Waldorf, MD (3-2)
17t. Boone & Darr, Ann Arbor, MI (3-2)
17t. Firecrackers, San Diego, CA (3-2)
17t. Hot Shots, Tempe, AZ (3-2)
17t. Hawks, Spring, TX (3-2)
17t. American Pastime, Upland, CA (3-2)
17t. Pirettes, Corona, CA (1-2)
17t. Sun Supply, Beaverton, OR (3-2)
17t. Choppers, Valencia, CA (3-2)
25t. Cruisers, La Palma, CA (2-2)
25t. Northwest Outlaws, Vancouver, WA (2-2)
25t. Lightning, San Diego, CA (1-2)
25t. NY/NJ Beach Girls, Brooklyn, NY (2-2)
25t. Rebels, San Juan Capistrano, CA (2-2)
25t. Shamrocks, Vienna, VA (2-2)
25t. USA Athletics, Irvine, CA (2-2)
25t. Grapettes, Stockton, CA (2-2)
33t. Metro Express, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
33t. Legend, Parker, CO (0-2)
33t. Cruisers, La Palma, CA (1-2)
33t. Vipers, Phoenix, AZ (1-2)
33t. Grand Slam, Uniontown, OH (1-2)
33t. Cats, Tucson, AZ (0-2)
33t. Mad Dogs, Alliance, OH (1-2)
33t. Aphis Ready Mix Gold, Vancouver, WA (1-2)
33t. Hot Stuff, Yorba Linda, CA (0-2)
33t. Humble Cobras, Humble, TX (0-2)
33t. R&R Gold, Stockton, CA (1-2)
33t. Cy-Fair Intruders, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Aztecs, Glendale, AZ (0-2)
33t. Windmills, Oak Park, IL (0-2)
33t. Impact Gold, Houston, TX (1-2)
33t. Mustangs Gold, Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
49t. Minors Gold, Corona, CA (0-2)
49t. Power, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
49t. Thunderbolts, Cottage Grove, MN (0-2)
49t. Heat, Kingwood, TX (0-2)
49t. Renegades, Houston, TX (0-2)
49t. Roadrunners, Tucson, AZ (0-2)
49t. Mizuno Sox, Richardson, TX (0-2)

1998 ASA Women’s Major Slow Pitch Nationals

1998 held at Aurora, Colorado.

Champion: Lakerettes, Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
Runner Up: Armed Forces, Williamsburg, Virginia

Lakerettes went 5-0 to capture the National Title. They defeated The Armed Forces 15-6 in the championship game. They won all five games easily. GAF/Blaze (25-1), Fraley’s Wildcats (6-2), Wakefield Bar & Grill of Mass. (14-2), Orthopedic Institute of Dayton, OH (20-8). The total run differential was 80-19. The Lakerettes defense was a big factor in the championship.

This tournament was set up in a different format combining the (2) Major teams with the (18) Class A teams and then had a separate All-America team just for the Major Players and then had a First and Second All America team for the combined Major and Class A players. They also had combined standings and then separate standings for Major and Class A.

  • MVP – Sue Bupp Ilyes, Lakerettes (Major)
  • Batting Leader – Michelle Harper, Personal Mgmt (Class A) (9-12) – .750
  • Home Run Leader – Wanda Graham, Armed Forces (Major) – 5
  • Home Run Leader – Mandy Van Dyke, Orthopedic Institute (Class A) – 5
  • Defensive MVP – Sue Bupp Ilyes, Lakerettes (Major)

NOTE – MVP and Batting Leaders Combined From Major Class and Class A Nationals

ASA MAJOR WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM (Major Players)

P – Jennifer Sis Woods, Lakerettes
C – Sue Warner, Lakerettes
1B – Sheri Nidiffer, Lakerettes
2B – Sue Bupp Ilyes, Lakerettes
3B – Pamela Smith, Armed Forces
SS – Carol Perroz, Lakerettes
OF – Jody Trimmer, Lakerettes
OF – Vivian Colbert, Armed Forces
OF – Bonnie Rodgers, Lakerettes
OF – Stephanie Minix, Armed Forces
DH – Carmela Williams, Armed Forces
UTIL – Barb Balestrino, Lakerettes
UTIL – Marie Schafer, Lakerettes
UTIL – Marcie May, Armed Forces
UTIL – Teri Andrew, Armed Forces

ASA MAJOR WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH ALL AMERICANS FIRST TEAM (Major & A Players Combined)

P – Melissa Marion, Armed Forces (Major)
C – Sue Warner, Lakerettes (Major)
1B – Trish Luiken, Armed Forces (Major)
2B – Sue Bupp Ilyes, Lakerettes (Major)
3B – Pamela Smith, Armed Forces (Major)
SS – Carol Perroz, Lakerettes (Major)
OF – Bonnie Rodgers, Lakerettes (Major)
OF – Wanda Grahem, Armed Forces (Major)
OF – Sonia Pez, Lakerettes (Major)
OF – Mary Holland, Orthopedic Institute (A)
UTIL – Mandy Van Dyke, Orthopedic Institute (A)
UTIL – Deanna Darrell, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
UTIL – Chery Trapnell, Armed Forces (Major)
UTIL – Anna DunaHoo, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
UTIL – Jennifer “Sis” Woods, Lakerettes (Major)

ASA MAJOR WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH ALL AMERICANS SECOND TEAM (Major & A Players Combined)

P – Lynda Hart, Orthopedic Institute (A)
C – Carla Scher, Orthopedic Institute (A)
1B – Jody Eickemeyer, Orthopedic Institute (A)
2B – Donna McLamb, Armed Forces (Major)
3B – Kelli Edwards, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
SS – Jodell Bendickson, Mr. Pizza (A)
OF – Diane Bowling, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
OF – Marie Shaffer, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
OF – Sharon Oxley, BK Bar & Grill (A)
OF – Cindy Hovet, Mr. Pizza (A)
EH – Donna Mills, BK Bar & Grill (A)
UTIL – Amy May, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
UTIL – Kim Hahner, Lakerettes (Major)
UTIL – Michelle Harper, Personnel Management (A)
UTIL – Melinda Fink, Grim’s Glass (A)

ASA MAJOR WOMEN’S SLOW PITCH ALL AMERICANS THIRD TEAM (Major & A Players Combined)

P – Tami Smith, Fraley’s Wildcats (A)
C – Barbara Frampton, BK Bar & Grill (A)
1B – Theresa Williams, Grim’s Glass (A)
2B – Jackie Orban, Personnel Management (A)
3B – Michelle Gladfelter, Grim’s Glass (A)
SS – Tracy Duest, Orthopedic Institute (A)
OF – Vicki Jo Thiesse, Mr. Pizza (A)
OF – Angie Gallmeyer, Personnel Management (A)
OF – Cindy Gorski, BK Bar & Grill (A)
UTIL – Kelli Eberhand, Personnel Management (A)
UTIL – Angel Floyd, MRC’s Shiva (A)
UTIL – Libby Parish, Total Package (A)
UTIL – Lynda Spinazola, BK Bar & Grill (A)
UTIL – Maureen Vokaty, Mr. Pizza (A)

FINAL STANDINGS MAJOR

1. Lakerettes, Conneaut Lake, PA (5-0)
2. Armed Forces, Williamsburg, VA (7-2)

FINAL STANDINGS A

1. Orthopedic Institute of Dayton, Dayton, OH (3-2)
2. Fraley’s Wildcats, Lexington, KY (5-2)
3. BK Bar & Grill, Wakefield, MA (2-2)
4. Mr. Pizza, Rochester, MN (2-2)
5t. Grim’s Glass, York, PA (2-2)
5t. Personnel Management, Inc., Lagrange, IN (3-2)
7t. Al’s Bar & Grill, Evansville, IN (1-2)
7t. MRC’s Shiva, San Francisco, CA (2-2)
9t. Total Package, Albany, GA (1-2)
9t. Don’t Go There, Aurora, CO (2-2)
9t. Crowbar Aces, Sioux Falls, SD (1-2)
9t. Lady Streamline/Easton, Bloomington, MN (1-2)
13t. Miscellaneous, Danville, IL (0-2)
13t. Reamstown AA, Reamstown, PA (0-2)
13t. Jan-Maid Service, Decatur, IL (1-2)
13t. Macken Plumbing/Budweiser, Rochester, MN (0-2)
17t. AME Group, Elk River, MN (0-2)
17t. GAF/Blaze, Bloomington, MN (0-2)

1997 ASA Men’s C Slow Pitch Nationals

1997 held at Seminole County Softball Complex in Altamonte Springs, Florida on September 25-28.

Champion – Maximum Softball, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Runner Up – Liners, Phoenix, Arizona

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

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tom Herrmann, Maximum Softball
C – Charles Hoffecker, Maximum Softball
1B – Rob Love, Maximum Softball
2B – Don Meyer, Investors Associates
3B – David Richardson, Harlow Brothers
SS – Randy Vollmer, Maximum Softball
OF – Kevin Kline, Maximum Softball
OF – Jim Kersten, Chicago Truck Center Wombats
OF – Gany Rodriguez, Artistic 1954 Softball
OF – Mike Marcoline, Chicago Truck Center Wombats
DP – John Park, Tony’s Muckers
UT – Justin Longtin, Green’s Towing
UT – Jeff Henning, Green’s Towing
UT – Mike Drake, Liners
UT – Anthony Dean, Plant 6

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Todd Reed, Liners
C – Al Bedinger, Liners
1B – Greg Harlow, Harlow Brothers
2B – Rusty Dodge, Team Talikka
3B – Greg Rush, Krupnik Brothers
SS – Mike Fayard, Harlow Brothers
OF – David Niemann, Plant 6
OF – Rob Word, Maximum Softball
OF – Justin Syler, Liners
OF – Ty Packer, Liners
DP – Teddy Bergevin, Artistic 1954 Softball
UT – Wayne Destefano, Tony’s Muckers
UT – Andy Harris, Harlow Brothers
UT – Dan Leatherman, Scent-Lok
UT – Mark Mills, Green’s Towing

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lino Alvarez, Artistic 1954 Softball
C – Jose Calo, Artistic 1954 Softball
1B – Chad Bisson, Liners
2B – John Dvorak, Chicago Truck Center Wombats
3B – Joe Manzella, Investors Associates
SS – Bill Boss, Pro Sports
OF – Larry Hingle, Stix Softball
OF – Chris Boutchie, Maximum Softball
OF – Bruce Schoenig, Investors Associates
OF – Gary Walker, Charlie D’s
DP – Frank Torres, Maximum Softball
UT – Art Lenart, Harlow Brothers
UT – Jeff Vilk, Team Talikka
UT – Bob Jones, Krupnik Brothers
UT – Kevin Aamodt, Scent-Lok

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Maximum Softball, Fort Lauderdale, FL (8-0)
2. Liners, Phoenix, AZ (7-2)
3. Harlow Brothers, Louisa, VA (8-2)
4. Team Talikka, Cleveland, OH (6-2)
5t. Artistic 1954 Softball, Hialeah Gardens, FL (6-2)
5t. Pro Sports, Ardsley, NY (5-2)
7t. Budweiser Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA (7-2)
7t. Stix Softball, Atlamonte Springs, FL (5-2)
9t. Krupnik Brothers, Severna Park, MD (7-2)
9t. Plant 6, Rochester, NY (6-2)
9t. Scent-Lok, Muskegon, MI (4-2)
9t. Green’s Towing, Mt. Pleasant, MI (4-2)
13t. Charlie D’s, Vancouver, WA (5-2)
13t. Investors Associates, Ronkonkoma, NY (5-2)
13t. Tony’s Muckers, Lynn, MA (5-2)
13t. Chicago Truck Center Wombats, Lockport, IL (4-2)
17t. Everlast, Flanders, NJ (3-2)
17t. Ron’s Rebels, Omaha, NE (4-2)
17t. Thunder, W. Chicago, IL (3-2)
17t. Conglomerate, Dripping Springs, TX (3-2)
17t. Minnehaha Liquors, St. Paul, MN (5-2)
17t. Diamond State Masonry, Vineland, NJ (5-2)
17t. Lithuanian Club, Rockford, IL (4-2)
17t. Cleary’s Homeplate, Greenfield, WI (4-2)
25t. Angle Inn Heat, Baltimore, MD (4-2)
25t. TPC/H&C Utilities, Goldsboro, NC (2-2)
25t. Mt. Clemens Eagles, Sterling Heights, MI (4-2)
25t. Wesco/Division Printing, North Massapequa, NY (4-2)
25t. Craft Cochran, Cedar Falls, IA (5-2)
25t. Russell’s Paint & Body, Altamonte Springs, FL (4-2)
25t. Hara’s Nautilus, Dallas, OR (4-2)
25t. Mega Sports, Tupelo, MS (3-2)
33t. U.S. Fuel, Conway, AR (3-2)
33t. Memphis Park Bums, Memphis, TN (4-2)
33t. Outlaws Softball Club, Citrus Heights, CA (3-2)
33t. The Strange, Highland, TN (2-2)
33t. Buckeye Supply, Bear, DE (4-2)
33t. Montego Bay/Camco, Island Park, NY (2-2)
33t. Athletic Imprinters, Cherry Hill, NJ (3-2)
33t. Chrystal Anderson, Twin Lake, MI (3-2)
33t. Spring Ford A.A., Birds Boro, PA (2-2)
33t. Computerland, Lakeland, FL (2-2)
33t. Metros, Millbrook, AL (2-2)
33t. Reality Executives, Bloomington, IL (2-2)
33t. J&P Softball, Manalapan, NJ (3-2)
33t. Ultimate, Franklin, WI (4-2)
33t. Nucoat Autobody/Easton’s, Merrimac, NH (4-2)
33t. Browning Press, Altamonte Springs, FL (3-2)
49t. Gators Dockside/Wiseguys, Altamonte Springs, FL (2-2)
49t. Westphal Ollies, Martinsburg, VA (2-2)
49t. Bash, Hackensack, NJ (2-2)
49t. Longhorn/Sub Zero/Worth, Orlando, FL (3-2)
49t. Franchise, Crete, IL (2-2)
49t. Miller Lite, College Station, TX (2-2)
49t. Hooters, Phoenix, AZ (3-2)
49t. Total Wireless Communications, Orlando, FL (3-2)
49t. West Union, Sauk, MN (3-2)
49t. Bullets, Elgin, IL (2-2)
49t. Bob’s Transmission, Orlando, FL (2-2)
49t. Toro’s, McAllen, TX (3-2)
49t. S&S, Vernon, FL (3-2)
49t. Ball Hawks, Escondido, CA (2-2)
49t. Lumber Co./Legends, Aurora, CO (2-2)
49t. Young’s Sporting Goods, Kearney, NE (1-2)
65t. Slammers, Oak Forest, IL (2-2)
65t. Budweiser R&D, Defiant, OH (2-2)
65t. Eliminating Outlaws, Kerrville, TX (1-2)
65t. Airport Toyota, Miamisburg, OH (1-2)
65t. Fuddruckers, Glen Allen, VA (1-2)
65t. B.T.C.A., New Hope, MN (2-2)
65t. Western Mechanical, Eielson, AK (1-2)
65t. Sports Of Course, York, PA (1-2)
65t. Team Go, Gainesville, FL (2-2)
65t. Roosters/Republic Savings, Dayton, OH (2-2)
65t. Arden Contracting, Crownsville, MD (1-2)
65t. Sedalia Grill, Castlerock, CO (1-2)
65t. Montano’s Tobacco & Candy, Milford, CT (1-2)
65t. Benfield Electric, Manassas, VA (1-2)
65t. Bully’s, Sparks, NV (1-2)
65t. 3D Lines, Martinsburgh, VA (2-2)
65t. Uptown Autobody Paulsboro, WA (1-2)
65t. El Conquistadores Waco, TX (1-2)
65t. Brandywines Lion’s Club Lothian, MD (1-2)
65t. McCormick Builders Medford, ME (2-2)
65t. Denny’s Bar/Northland Trenching Waterville, MN (1-2)
65t. Meximillian’s/Easton Wickliffe, OH (1-2)
65t. T. J. Lite Dunkirk, MD (1-2)
65t. Northern Coatings Bismarck, ND (1-2)
65t. GA Malone’s Coralville, IA (1-2)
65t. Long Homes/Nutter Mortgage Lee’s Summit, MO (1-2)
65t. Club Kaos Hudson, MI (1-2)
65t. Florida Pool Products New Port Richey, FL (1-2)
65t. Saddler Trucking Rushville, IN (1-2)
65t. Westcoast Garage Largo, FL (0-2)
65t. Jax Firefighters Jacksonville, FL (1-2)
65t. Misfits Cape Girardeau, MO (0-2)
97t. Busse Construction Dudley Wichita, KS (0-2)
97t. Eagle Automotive Concord, NC (1-2)
97t. Fred’s Coffee Smithfield, ME (1-2)
97t. Kenny Vice Ford Ladoga, IN (0-2)
97t. Wallabies Café Clinto, CT (0-2)
97t. Joes’ Pizza Gilbertville, IA (0-2)
97t. Scores/MGD Quincy, IL (0-2)
97t. Corelli Imports No. Syracuse, NY (0-2)
97t. Azalea Barber Shop Mechanicsville, VA (0-2)
97t. Tailgator’s/Housatonic Security Derby, CT (1-2)
97t. K Country 101 Leesburg, GA (1-2)
97t. Baby Bulls Pontiac, IL (0-2)
97t. Sports Trend Mt. Pleasant, IA (0-2)
97t. Grizwalds Chicago, IL (0-2)
97t. Chattanooga Ravens Chattanooga, TN (0-2)
97t. Lessors/Rodeo Cottage Grove, MN (0-2)
97t. Muddy River Smokehouse Portsmouth, NH (0-2)
97t. Outcasts Redwood City, CA (0-2)
97t. Memphis Reds Memphis, TN (0-2)
97t. Sports Direct Fairfax, CA (0-2)
97t. Telequip Storm Hickory Creek, TX (0-2)
97th Misfits Cape Girardeau, MO (0-2)
97th Sportsman’s Tavern Spokane, WA (0-2)
97th Janice’s Saloon Big Lake, MN (0-2)
97th Knights Des Moines, IA (0-2)
97th Court Sporting Goods Providence, RI (0-2)
97th Hobson Seal Coating Springfield, PA (0-2)
97th Ray’s Physical Therapy Apopka, FL (0-2)
129th Beloli/Five Star/TPS Waltham, ME (0-2)
129th Westside All Stars Jacksonville, FL (0-2)
129th Steve’s Place Ashland, NE (0-2)
129th Mountain Dew Tallahassee, FL (0-2)
129th Anthony’s Lewiston, ID (0-2)
129th Jackson Softball Club Jackson, WY (0-2)
129th Gabby’s Minneapolis, MN (0-2)
129th Suncoast Neon Clearwater, FL (0-2)
129th Coast To Coast Davisburg, MI (0-2)
129th Ace Range Riverview, FL (0-2)
129th Power Dogs Newburgh, IN (0-2)
129th Andy’s Maiden Rock, WI (0-2)
129th AZL/Mozzarellas Chesapeake, VA (0-2)
129th The Tribe White Earth, MI (0-2)
129th Team Eruption Keizer, OR (0-2)
129th AT&T/United Kingdom London, EG (0-2)
129th Carver Manufacturing Doe Run, GA (0-2)
129th Henson’s Knights Inman, SC (0-2)

1997 ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament

1997 held at Victoria, British Columbia on August 8-17.

Champion – The Farm Tavern, Madison, Wisconsin
Runner Up – Legends, Victoria, British Columbia

  • Cleo Goyette Memorial MVP Award – Tim Wahl, The Farm Tavern
  • Leroy Zimmerman Memorial Pitching Award – Paul Algar, The Farm Tavern
  • Kevin Herlihy Newcomer of the Year – N/A
  • Leading Hitter – Terry Wallin, Decatur Pride – .600
  • Most RBI – Kevin Brbroske, Legends – 15

1997 ISC FIRST TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Paul Algar, The Farm Tavern (4-0, 2.59 ERA, 45K)
P – Korrey Gareau, BC Legends (5-2, 2.95 ERA, 64K)
P – Shane Kirkwood, Fast as Flite (5-2, 2.63 ERA, 47K)
C – Tim Wahl, The Farm Tavern C .389
C – Mark Sorenson, All-Car Roadrunners C .529
IF – Kevin Bobroske, BC Legends IF .261
IF – Tim Hildebrant, The Farm Tavern IF .591
IF – Terry Wallin, Decatur Pride IF .600
IF – Keith Mackintosh, BC Legends IF .483
IF – Tom Montgomery, Salt Lake IF .550
OF – Darrell Sandback, BC Legends OF .394
OF – Mike Larabee, Fast as Flite OF .357
OF – Brian Paton, All-Car Roadrunners OF .533
DH – Jody Hennigar, The Farm Tavern DH .357

1997 ISC SECOND TEAM ALL WORLD

P – Steve Mitchell, Midwest GMC Dealers (3-1, 0.91 ERA, 30K)
P – Joey Basaraba, Prince George (3-0, 0.82 ERA, 19K)
P – Terrance Hibbert, Heflin Builders (3-2, 2.84 ERA, 61K)
P – Craig Gibson, DC Tire (3-0, 0.86 ERA, 44K)
C – Doug Chase, BC Legends C .300
C – Tim Scaber, BC Legends Sawyer C .389
IF – Trent Rubley, The Farm Tavern IF .350
IF – Steve Schott, Smokers IF .412
IF – Cliff Wisdom, Si Senor Amigos IF .533
IF – John Nicholas, Nitemares IF .467
IF – Dave Badoviniac, BC Legends IF .538
OF – Colin Abbot, All-Car Roadrunners OF .438
OF – Rick Elias, BC Legends OF .313
OF – Dennis Eckert, BC Legends OF .467
OF – Chris Delarwelle, The Farm Tavern OF .350
DH – Frank Forgrave, Heflin Builders DH .350

FINAL STANDINGS

1. The Farm Tavern, Madison, WI
2. Legends, Victoria, BC
3. All-Car Roadrunners, Green Bay, WI
4. Smokers, Tampa Bay, FL
5t. Larry Miller Toyota, Salt Lake City, UT
5t. Tiremen, Owen Sound, ON
7t. Fast as Flite, Abbotsford, BC
7t. Decatur Pride, Decatur, IL
9t. Explorers, Midland, MI
9t. Heflin Builders, Ballston Lake, NY
9t. Travelers, Broken Bow, NE
9t. Central Iowa Express, Marshalltown, IA
13t. Lumber Kings, Prince George BC
13t. Grey Sox, Vancouver BC
13t. Si Senor Amigos, Tumacacori, AZ
13t. Page Brake, Salt Lake City, UT
17t. Twins, Waterloo ON
17t. Happy Chef, Mankato, MN
17t. Meierhoffer/Fleeman, Savannah, MO
17t. Midwest GMC Dealers, St. Louis, MO
17t. Dolan & Murphy, Aurora, IL
17t. Smithson Drilling, Victoria, BC
17t. Nitemares, Invermere, BC
17t. Sawyer Sewing, Victoria, BC
25t. Windmillers, Westfield, NJ
25t. Colorado Ravens, Englewood, CO
25t. Merchants, Baltimore, MD
25t. Chiefs, Sioux Falls, SD
25t. Midland Metros, Midland, MI
25t. Jac & Do’s Pizza, Findlay, OH
25t. Millwrights, Milverton ON AW
25t. Michael’s Yakima Theatres, Yakima, WA
33t. Capital City Bombers, Olympia, WA
33t. Tri-City Merchants, Tempe, AZ
33t. Bandits, Pueblo, CO
33t. North Americans, Winnebago, NE
33t. Slam, Bramalea, ON
33t. Monarchs, Corner Brook, NF
33t. Merchants, Edmonton AB
33t. Mom’s Cafe, Sooke, BC
33t. Royal Kings, St. Paul, MN
33t. HLF Mountaineers, Springfield, MO
33t. Billy Bucks, Dubuque, IA
33t. Sambetti’s Knights, Des Moines, IA

1997 Coors Light USA Softball State Championship Results

Event State Date 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
1 Louisiana 6/20-6/22 Ameron Wall Street W. Monroe Sports
2 Oregon 6/20-6/22 Outlaws Bronx Bombers Team Eruption
3 New Mexico 6/20-6/22 Rhinos Desperados Sun Devils
4 Virginia 6/20-6/22 Harlow Bros. Lumber Spanky’s Spirit Graphics
5 Massachusetts 6/27-6/29 Beloli/Five Star Tony’s Muckers Clubhouse
6 South Carolina 6/27-6/29 Citizen Bank Bulls Dawgs
7 Wisconsin 6/27-6/29 Newport Hi-Liter Knuckle Heads
8 Indiana 6/28-6/29 Sports Center Captain’s Cabin GoldStar
9 West Virginia 6/28-6/29 Charlestown Moose 948 Westphal Ollies Craig’s Paving 3D Lines
10 New Jersey 7/4-7/6 Bash Everlast Nicky D’s
11 Florida 7/4-7/6 Maximum Softball Russell’s Paint & Body Paradise Christian School
12 Texas 7/12-7/13 Austin Hustlers Rosenberg Indians Austin Angels
13 Wyoming 7/18-7/20 North Bar Star Jenkins Music Coors Light
14 Minnesota 7/18-7/20 Minnehaha Liquors Pro Source Innovative Graphics
15 Kentucky 7/19-7/20 R&R Roofing R.I. Reds/Rodo Hitachi
16 Arizona 7/19-7/20 Liners Deer Valley Texaco USA Plumbing
17 Alabama 8/1-8/3 Sound Effects Satterfields CPP Softball
18 Maine 8/1-8/3 Louis Chevy Biddeford & Saco Maxwells
19 Michigan 8/1-8/3 UFP Universal Dawgs BBL/Lockes’
20 Hawaii 8/8-8/10 Go Nuts Homeboys Robo
21 Maryland 8/9-8/10 Angle Inn Heat B&L Painting Arden Contracting
22 California 8/9-8/10 Smog Stop Young Guns Global Bearing
23 Kansas 8/9-8/10 Long Homes Barley’s Brewhaus Jocks Nitch
24 Colorado 8/15-8/17 Buyers Edge FRS Master Collision
25 New York 8/16-8/17 KO’s Vets Armored Car Investor’s Associates
26 Pennsylvania 8/22-8/24 Enola Sportsman’s Assoc. Pasco Tool Legacy Killians
27 Nebraska 8/23-8/24 Mickey Finns/Godfathers Farmers & Merchants Ron’s Rebels
28 Illinois 8/23-8/24 Wombats Thunder Gypsies
29 Ohio 8/23-8/24 Steve’s Used Tires Airport Toyota Swanton Welding
30 North Carolina 9/5-9/7 H&H Express Carpets by Thad LeeRoy’s Frame

Maximum Softball is a team accustomed to winning tournaments and enjoying the fruits of victory: trophies, titles, free beer and just the mere satisfaction of a job well done.

But nothing had prepared the South Florida athletes for winning the Coors Light USA Softball World Series Oct. 11, when they walked away with a hefty $60,000 winner’s purse.

“It raised some eyebrows, that’s for sure,” said Maximum left-center fielder Kevin Kline of Plantation. “And when the sponsor told players to keep a big piece for themselves, it raised eyebrows even more.”

Maximum sponsor Chip Hoffecker of Pompano Beach has paid expenses for the C-division tournament team since it was formed one year ago.

“He’s been so good to us all year, putting us on planes whenever we had to travel out of state, taking care of everything,” Kline said. “I was just happy _ we were all happy _ to win this one for Chip.”

Hoffecker contributes more than money to the team, however. He also catches and boasts a batting average that hovers near .400.

The lucrative Coors event capped a dream season for Hoffecker’s team, a year that saw Maximum win five national titles in only six weeks.

“It was a helluva year,” said Maximum manager Jim Velez of North Lauderdale. “I’ve been in softball for 20 years, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Winning the Coors Light event was no fluke, however.

“We worked all season for that,” said Maximum’s ace pitcher, Tom Herrmann of Boca Raton. “This has been the biggest year of my career, by far.”

Maximum surpassed expectations by compiling a 91-9 record and clinching five national championships.

Along the way, they picked up a team mascot _ a life-sized color cutout of actress Pamela Anderson. After Maximum finished a disappointing second in a tournament in Atlanta, shortstop Randy Vollmer of Weston brought the Anderson cutout to their next big event, the National Softball Association tournament in Kissimmee.

With the cutout standing in the dugout, Maximum won the Kissimmee tournament. Vollmer kept bringing Anderson to every game, and players credit her with helping them win 26 straight games, culminating in the big win in October.

That win at the Coors Light event was the team’s crowning achievement. Played Oct. 10 and 11 at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers, 29 state champion teams fought for their share of the coveted $100,000 cash purse.

In April, according to Maximum second baseman Ryan Scott of Sunrise, 1,800 teams began competing nationally to represent their states in the national Coors money event. By October, Maximum was World Series-bound after earning the No. 1 spot in Florida, along with $5,000 in Coors state-championship prize money.

Maximum performed flawlessly in the big event, knocking off the creme de la creme from California, New York, Indiana, New Jersey and Massachusetts to advance into the finals, an ESPN-televised rematch with Beloli/5 Star of Massachusetts.

Fans nationally watched Maximum score six runs in the first inning, and five in the seventh and final inning, as South Florida’s dream team posted a decisive 14-8 win over Beloli.

First baseman Bob Love of West Palm Beach was 2 for 3 at the plate, with two RBIs, while both Dave Devane of Miami Springs and Kline went 3 for 4.

Love was named tournament MVP after going 18 for 21 at the plate to rack up an .850 average.