Softball History USA

Craig Elliott

Craig Elliott is considered the greatest player in slow pitch softball history by a lot of people and they wouldn’t be far off by feeling that way. At the end of his career when all was said and done; Craig Elliott made the ASA all-american team from 1977-1987 (11 straight times), he made the USSSA all-world team 6 times between 1981 and 1988, the NSPC all-tournament team 4 times from 1979 through 1983. He was a member of the ISA and NSA national all-tournament team as well. He has also been named the MVP of the Smoky Mountain Classic on three occasions (playing for 3 different teams, 1980 for Jerry’s, 1982 for York-Sanders and 1983 for Elite). In the 1982 classic, Elliott was only 31-39, .795 average with 26 home runs and 48 RBIs. By the way, he did all that in only 6 games. That was the beauty of Craig Elliott, He compiled stats like this that just made people shake their head in amazement. He is a consensus all-time first team player in both the ASA and USSSA.

Year   	ABs	Hits	HRs	Avg.	Team
1973			 35		Valley Merchants (7-16, .438, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs at ASA Nationals)
1974	 		117		Tom's Foods (75 games)
1975	 		125	.650	Ken Sander's Ford (80 games)
1976	 		131	.610	Tom's Foods (91 games)
1977			210	.675	Ken Sander's Ford
1978			197	.700	Ken Sander's Ford
1979			219	.718	Ken Sander's Ford
1980			190	.704	Jerry's Caterers
1981			226	.693	York Barbell/Ken Sander's
1982			193	.717	York Barbell/Ken Sander's
1983	753	576	390	.765	Elite Coatings (145 games)
1984	424 	300	217	.708	Elite Coatings
1985	830	554	310	.667	Steele's Sports
1986	810	561	337	.693	Steele's Sports
1987	1559	1101	661	.706	Steele's Sports
1988	1801	1287	751	.715	Steele's Sports
1989	1087	694	382	.638	Steele's Sports
1990	397	272	132	.685	TOTAL
	117	 62	 22	.533	Ritch's-Kirks
	280	210	110	.750	Stewart's Lounge & Superior (70 games)
1991	  				DNP- retired			
1992	  				DNP- retired	
1993					DNP- retired
1994					DNP- retired
1995	231	153	 76	.619	Steele's Hitmen (came out of retirement)
1996	 23	 14	  7	.609	Converters Unlimited (played one tournament)
1997					DNP- retired
1998					DNP- retired
1999	 26	16	10	.615	Kelly's Trucking (played one tournament)
2000					Craig's Hitmen/Nike (played a couple local tournaments)
Totals	8289	5708	4913	.688

Final National Team Rankings

1953

  1. Shield’s Contractors, Newport, KY (A-1) (45-3)
  2. Pennsylvania Merchants, Pittsburgh, PA (A-2)
  3. Wolf’s Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (A-3)
  4. D&G Cafe, Newport, KY (A-4)
  5. Baldwin Piano, Cincinnati, OH (A-5)
  6. Club 42, Louisville, KY (A-6)

Player of the Year – Myron Reinhardt, Shields, OF (46 HR, .592)


1954

  1. Waldneck’s Tavern, Cincinnati, OH (A-1)
  2. National Fruit, Pittsburgh, PA (A-2) (28-2)
  3. Peerless Woolens, Rossville, GA (A-3)
  4. Shield’s Contractors, Newport, KY (A-4) (69-7)
  5. Keeneland Bar, Covington, KY (A-5)
  6. Cincinnati Firefighters, Cincinnati, OH (A-6)

Player of the Year – Myron Reinhardt, Shields, OF (46 HR)


1955

  1. Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, KY (A-1) (40-5)
  2. Tresler Comets, Cincinnati, OH (A-2)
  3. Rhodes Garden Club, McKees Rocks, PA (A-3)
  4. Continental Can, Pittsburgh, PA (A-4)
  5. Waldeck’s Tavern, Cincinnati, OH (A-5)
  6. Perry Social, Pittsburgh, PA (ASA-6)
  7. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (ASA-7)
  8. Oscar’s Alleys, Islip Terrace, NY (ASA-8)
  9. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (Lost in ASA Area Regional)
  10. Cincinnati Firefighters, Cincinnati, OH (Lost in ASA Metro)

Player of the Year – Walt Wherry, Lang’s Pet Shop, OF


1956

  1. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (A-1) (34-3) all three losses to Lang’s Pet Shop
  2. Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, KY (A-2) (30-3)
  3. West End Merchants, Jefferson County, KY (A-3)
  4. Dormont Boosters, Pittsburgh, PA (A-4) (42-6)
  5. Helf Builders, Cleveland, OH (A-5)
  6. Westwood Merchants, Dayton, OH (A-6)
  7. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (A-7)
  8. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (A-8)
  9. Tresler Comets, Cincinnati, OH (Lost in ASA Metro)
  10. Waldeck’s Tavern, Cincinnati, OH (Lost in ASA Metro)

Player of the Year – Hal Wiggins, Lang’s Pet Shop, OF


1957

  1. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (A-1) (29-7)
  2. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville Reds (A-2)
  3. Lotus Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-3)
  4. 5&10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (A-4)
  5. Westwood Merchants, Dayton, OH (A-5)
  6. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (A-6)
  7. Viking Insurance Agency, Wantagh, NY (A-7)
  8. Spot Tavern, Creighton, PA (A-8)
  9. Lang’s Pet Shop, Covington, KY (Lost in ASA Area Regional)
  10. Helf Builders, Cleveland, OH (Lost in ASA Metro)

Player of the Year – Myron Reinhardt, Shields, OF


1958

  1. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (ASA-1)
  2. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (ASA-2)
  3. Boone’s Bar, Covington, KY (ASA-3)
  4. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (ASA-4)
  5. Ghezi Chevrolet, Spencer, MA (ASA-5)
  6. Helf Builders, Cleveland, OH (ASA-6)
  7. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (ASA-7) (31-3)
  8. Mt. Carmel Rec, Worcester, MA (ASA-8)
  9. Lambrecht’s, Milwaukee, WI (ASA-9)
  10. Dapper Dan’s, Vandergrift, PA (ASA-10)
  11. Viking Insurance Athletic Club, Wantagh, NY (ASA-11)
  12. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (ASA-12)
  13. Homer’s Boys, Louisville, KY (ASA-13)
  14. DiLeo’s Tavern (Hogan AC), Pittsburgh, PA (Most in ASA Metro)
  15. PBI (Spot Tavern), Creighton, PA (Lost in ASA States)

Player of the Year – Don Rardin, Boone’s Bar, 2B (.625)


1959

  1. Yorkshire Restaurant, Newport, KY (A-1)
  2. Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, KY (A-2)
  3. GE Turbine Jets, Cincinnati, OH (AInd-1)
  4. Grande Caruso, New Kensington, PA (A-3)
  5. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (A-4)
  6. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (ASA-5)
  7. Waljo Builders, Armonk, NY (ASA-6)
  8. Carney Auditors Bird Nest, Cleveland, OH (ASA-7)
  9. Westrum’s, Minneapolis, MN (ASA-8)
  10. Ghize Chevrolet, Spencer, MA (ASA-9)
  11. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (ASA-10)
  12. Sox’s Inn, Detroit, MI (ASA-11)
  13. 5&10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (ASA-12)
  14. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (ASA-23)
  15. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (Lost in ASA Area Regional)

Player of the Year – Walt Wherry, Yorkshire Restaurant, P (ASA MVP)


1960

  1. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (A-1)
  2. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (A-2)
  3. Pharr Yarn, McAdenville, NC (AInd-1)
  4. Buckhorn Cafe, Toledo, OH (A-3)
  5. Nassau Merchants, New York City, NY (A-4)
  6. Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (ASA-5) (37-12)
  7. Textile Workers TWUA, Leaksville, NC (ASA-6)
  8. Yorkshire Restaurant, Newport, KY (ASA-7)
  9. Gatliff Motors, Newport, KY (ASA-8)
  10. Maizie’s Gasiorowski’s, Toledo, OH (ASA-9)
  11. Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, KY (ASA-10)
  12. Sox Inn, Detroit, MI (ASA-11)
  13. Buddies Sporting Goods, Tallahassee, FL (ASA-12)
  14. East Side Sports, Detroit, MI (Lost in ASA Metro)
  15. 5&10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (Lost in ASA Metro)

Player of the Year – Ron Annotico, Sheffield Bronze, OF


1961

  1. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (A-1)
  2. Plateau Athletic Club, New York City, NY (A-2)
  3. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (A-3)
  4. Krivan Club, Springdale, PA (A-4)
  5. Pharr Yarn, McAdenville, NC (A-Ind1)
  6. Ready-Mix Concrete, Knoxville, TN (A-5) (41-3)
  7. Wilsman’s Trucking, Hamilton, OH (A-6)
  8. Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, KY 37-12 (A-7)
  9. Daly Drive-In, Detroit, MI (A-8)
  10. French Town Bar, Monroe, MI (A-9)
  11. Kelly’s Jet System, Richmond, VA (A-10)
  12. Knights of St. John, Louisville, KY (A-11)
  13. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (A-13)
  14. Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA 46-12 (Lost in ASA Metro)
  15. East Side Sports, Detroit, MI (Lost in ASA Metro)

Player of the Year – Sam Minniti, Hamilton Tailors, P


1962

  1. Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-1) (55-11)
  2. East Side Sports, Detroit, MI (A-2)
  3. Plateau Athletic Club, New York City, NY (A-3)
  4. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (A-4)
  5. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (A-5) (49-14)
  6. Stotz Garage, Valhalla, NY (A-6)
  7. TWUA Textile Workers, Leakesville, NC (A-7)
  8. St. Clair Merchants, Cleveland, OH (A-8)
  9. Enterprise Bar, Milwaukee, WI (A-9)
  10. Grande-Leah, New Kensington, PA (A-10)
  11. Mt. Carmel Rec, Worcester, MA (A-11)
  12. Bud’s Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (A-12)
  13. Hamilton Tailors, Cincinnati, OH (A-22)
  14. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (Lost in ASA Area Regional)
  15. Swing Inn, Cleveland, OH (Lost in ASA Metro)

Co-Player of the Year – John Stone, Enterprise Bar (ASA HR Leader)
Co-Player of the Year – Bill Cole, East Side Sports (ASA MVP)


1963

  1. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (A-1)
  2. Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-2) (62-13)
  3. East Side Sports, Detroit, MI (A-3)
  4. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (A-4)
  5. Pharr Yarn, McAdenville, NC (AInd-1)
  6. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (A-4) (45-14)
  7. Bill Elliott’s, Pittsburgh, PA (A-5)
  8. Lud & Angies, Milwaukee, WI (A-6)
  9. Karp Motors, Savannah, GA (A-7)
  10. Hamilton Tailors, Cincinnati, OH (A-8)
  11. TWUA Textile Workers, Leaksville, NC (A-9)
  12. Quinn Packing, Providence, RI (A-10)
  13. Lach’s Bar, Cleveland, OH (A-11)
  14. Sills Sporting Goods, Hialeah-Miami, FL (A-12)
  15. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (A-24)

Player of the Year – Jim Galloway, Musicaro Foods, 2B (ASA HR Leader)


1964

  1. Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-1) (69-11)
  2. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (A-2) (70-21)
  3. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (A-3)
  4. East Side Sports, Detroit, MI (A-4)
  5. TWUA Textile Workers, Leaksville, NC (A-6)
  6. Tom Sweeney Pontiac, Cincinnati, OH (A-5)
  7. Hudepohl Beer, Springfield, OH (A-7)
  8. Duff’s, Minneapolis, MN (A-8)
  9. Cities Service, Milwaukee, WI (A-9)
  10. Ready Mix Concrete, Knoxville, TN (A-10)
  11. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-11)
  12. John M. Forster Company, Rochester, NY (A-12)
  13. Huffman Oil, Burlington, NC (Lost in ASA States)
  14. Swing Inn, Cleveland, OH (Lost in ASA Metro)
  15. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (Lost in ASA States)

Player of the Year – Paul Tomasovich, Skip Hogan Athletic Club, 3B (ASA MVP)


1965

  1. Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-1)
  2. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (A-2)
  3. Swing Inn, Cleveland, OH (A-3)
  4. Tirabassi Excavators, Kenosha, WI (A-4)
  5. Cactus Club, Milwaukee, WI (A-5)
  6. Vigilant Club, York, PA (ASA-6)
  7. Chadwick Construction, Meriden, CT (A-7) (74-5)
  8. Millbury Old Time Inn, Millbury, MA (A-8)
  9. Seaport Inn, Toledo, OH (A-9)
  10. Gonzalez Mexican Foods, Richmond, CA (A-10
  11. TWUA Textile Workers, Leaksville, NC (A-11)
  12. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-12)
  13. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (A-13)
  14. Monroe Bombers, Monroe, MI (A-25)
  15. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (A-25) (60-10)

Player of the Year – Lou DelMastro , Skip Hogan Athletic Club, P (ASA MVP)


1966

  1. Michael’s Lounge, Detroit, MI (A-1)
  2. County Sports, Levittown, NY (A-2)
  3. Swing Inn, Cleveland, OH (A-3)
  4. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (A-4)
  5. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (A-5)
  6. NYC Titans, Maspeth-Queens, NY (A-6)
  7. Helf-Erie Sheet Metal, Cleveland, OH (A-7)
  8. Vigilant AA, York, PA (A-8) (32-2)
  9. Brookline Young Men’s Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-9)
  10. Jo’s Pizza, Milton, FL (A-10) (95-13)
  11. Seymour Merchants, Seymour, IN (A-11)
  12. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-13)
  13. Skip AC, Pittsburgh, PA (A-16)
  14. Huffman Oil, Burlington, NC (A-25)
  15. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (Lost in ASA Metro) (56-16)

Player of the Year – Jim Galloway, County Sports, 2B (ASA HR Leader)


1967

  1. Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh, PA (A-1) (75-13)
  2. Michael’s Lounge, Detroit, MI (A-2) (96-5)
  3. County Sports, Levittown, NY (A-3) (70-14)
  4. Twin City Construction, Southington, CT (A-4)
  5. Huffman Oil, Burlington, NC (A-5)
  6. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (A-6) (124-14)
  7. Erie Sheet Metal, Cleveland, OH (A-7)
  8. Snyder Masonry, Detroit, MI (A-8)
  9. Hudepohl Beer, Springfield, OH (A-9)
  10. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-10)
  11. LaGrange Screw, LaGrange, OH (A-11)
  12. Kwik Car Wash, Parma, OH (A-12)
  13. Kobax Corporation, Chattanooga, TN (A-13)
  14. Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, FL 93-15 (A-25)
  15. Non-Ferrous Metal Fabrics, Cleveland, OH (A-27)

Co-Player of the Year – Tex Collins, Michael’s Lounge, C (ASA HR Leader)
Co-Player of the Year – Jim Galloway, County Sports, 2B (ASA All American)


1968

  1. County Sports, Levittown, NY (A-1)
  2. Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, FL (A-2) (104-18)
  3. Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh, PA (U-3)
  4. Dick Luken Volkswagen, Cincinnati, OH (A-3)
  5. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (A-4)

Player of the Year – H.T. Waller, Joe’s Pizza House, 2B (216 HR)


1969

  1. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (A-1)
  2. Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, FL (A-2) (96-22)
  3. Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh, PA (U-1)
  4. Little Caesar’s, Southgate, MI (A-3)
  5. County Sports, Levittown, NY (A-4)

Player of the Year – H.T. Waller, Jo’s Pizza, 2B (219 HR, ASA MVP)


1970

  1. Little Caesar’s, Southgate, MI (A-1) (105-4)
  2. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (A-2)
  3. Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI (UE-1) (92-18)
  4. Worthington Steel, Columbus, OH (A-3)
  5. Golden Gallons, Chattanooga, TN (A-4)

Player of the Year – Mike Gouin, Little Caesars, OF (.685, ASA MVP)

Note: Accurate Welding beat Little Caesars 14-13 in a ASA-USSSA challenge match.


1971

  1. Pile Drivers, Virginia Beach, VA (A-1) (100-22)
  2. Little Caesar’s, Southgate, MI (A-2)
  3. Accurate Welding, Milwaukee, WI (U-1) (75-22)
  4. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (A-3)
  5. Century Tire, Cincinnati, OH (A-4)
  6. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-5) (92-20)
  7. Ace Movers, Milwaukee, WI (UE-2)
  8. Gene-Angelo’s, Parma, OH (A-6)
  9. Warren Motors, Jacksonville, FL (A-9) (79-23)
  10. Hicksville Astros, Hicksville, NY (UE-3)

Co-Player of the Year – Steve Loya, Gene-Angelos, C (.746)
Co-Player of the Year – H.T. Waller, Jo’s Pizza, 2B (225 HR)


1972

  1. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-1) (80-12)
  2. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (UE-1) (101-20)
  3. Warren Motors, Jacksonville, FL (A-3) (112-15)
  4. Marasco’s Variety Faire, Milwaukee, WI (U-1)
  5. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-4) (92-24)
  6. Little Caesar’s, Southgate, MI (A-7)
  7. Rolling Hills, Covington, KY (UE-2)
  8. Snyder’s Masonry, Redford, MI (UE-3)
  9. Triton Petroleum, Wichita, KS (A-2)
  10. Empire County Astros, Levittown, NY (A-11)

Co-Player of the Year – Bill Gatti, Jiffy’s Club, 2B (169 HR, .655, ASA HR Leader)
Co-Player of the Year – Don Arndt, Howard’s Furniture, P (150 HR, .663, ASA MVP)
Co-Player of the Year – Bert Smith, Pile Drivers, OF (217 HR)


1973

  1. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-1) (104-18)
  2. Bay Area Merchants, Richmond, CA (U-1)
  3. Empire County Astros, Levittown, NY (A-2)
  4. Little Caesar’s, Southgate, MI (A-3)
  5. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-4)
  6. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (A-5)
  7. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (U-2)
  8. Croten Dukes, New Castle, PA (UE-1)
  9. Pace Electronics, Rochester, NY (UE-3)
  10. Snyder’s Masonry, Redford, MI (UE-4) (97-24)

Player of the Year – Bert Smith, Howard’s, OF (218 HR, .694) (ASA MVP)


1974

  1. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-1) (117-14)
  2. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-2) (92-12)
  3. Dino’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (U-1)
  4. Bay Area Merchants, Richmond, CA (U-2)
  5. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (A-5)
  6. Champion Landscaping, King’s Mountain, NC (A-3)
  7. Thurman Bryant, Chattanooga, TN (A-4)
  8. Sol Mintz, Washington, PA (UE-1)
  9. Jesse’s, Louisville, KY (UE-2)
  10. Snyder’s Softball Club, Novi, MI (UE-21) (101-18)

Co-Player of the Year– Stan Harvey, Howard’s, OF (219 HR, .650)
Co-Player of the Year– Al White, Jerry’s Caterers, 1B (.683, ASA HR Leader)


1975 (Slo-Pitch News)

  1. Nelson Painting, Oklahoma City, OK (96-12)
  2. Snyder’s Softball Club, Redford, MI (U-1, UE-1) (102-23)
  3. Pyramid Cafe, Lakewood, OH (A-1)
  4. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-3) (107-23)
  5. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WS (U-3, UC-1) (110-15)
  6. Poindexter Lumber, Winston-Salem, NC (A-2)
  7. Preston Machine, Hamden, CT (A-4)
  8. BYM CLub, Pittsburgh, PA (A-5)
  9. Sol Mintz, Washington, PA (U-2)
  10. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (UW-1)

Co-Player of the Year – Bert Smith, Howard’s, OF (231 HR, .667)
Co-Player of the Year – Mike Nye, Nelson’s, OF (.673) (7 straight tournament MVP)


1976 (Southern Softball)

  1. Warren Motors, Jacksonville, FL (A-1) (94-2)
  2. Snyder’s Softball Club, Novi, MI (U-1) (105-12)
  3. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (69-15)
  4. Paul Johnson, Franklin, IN (A-2)
  5. Duggan & Duggan, Chattanooga, TN (A-3)
  6. Dubois Chemical, Columbus, OH (A-6)
  7. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-10) (96-19)
  8. Transport Oil, Milwaukee, WI (U-3, UC-2)
  9. Bunch Brothers, Arab, AL (A-4)
  10. BYM Club, Pittsburgh, PA (A-12)
  11. Pepsico, Levittown, NY (A-19)
  12. Taylor Brothers, Corpus Christi, TX (U-5, UC-1)
  13. Tom’s Foods, Phoenix City, AL
  14. Armco Steel, Middletown, OH (AInd-1)
  15. Green Machine, Starke, FL (A-5)

Co-Player of the Year – Mike Nye, Warren’s, OF (.769, 65 HR, ASA co-MVP)
Co-Player of the Year – Ronnie Ford, Warren’s, OF (160 HR, .707, ASA co-MVP)
Co-Player of the Year – Ray Fleetwood, Warren’s, OF (177 HR, .683)


1977 (Southern Softball)

  1. Nelson Painting, Oklahoma City, OK (A-1) (111-18)
  2. Ken Sanders Ford, Birmingham, AL (A-2) (97-17)
  3. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-3) (132-30)
  4. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-4) (89-24)
  5. Howard & Carroll, Sherrills Ford, NC (133-29)
  6. Mazzola Castle, Rochester, NY (U-1, UE-1) (88-22)
  7. Gartenhaus Cafe, Plainville, CT (A-6)
  8. Campbell’s-BAM, Richmond, CA (A-5)
  9. Snyder’s Softball Club, Novi, MI (U-2) (111-21)
  10. Trainham Chevrolet, Richmond, VA (A-7)
  11. Warren Motors, Jacksonville, FL (A-8)
  12. Ray Carpenter’s, San Antonio, TX (A-10)
  13. Fliteline, Ft. Smith, AR (A-11)
  14. Armco Steel, Middleton, OH (AInd-1)
  15. Port City Ford, Houston, TX (A-13)

Player of the Year – Herman Rathman, Nelson’s, C (244 HR, .642, ASA HR Leader)

Professional Champion (APSPL) – Detroit Caesars (48-15 record, including playoffs)

Professional MVP (APSPL) – Benny Holt, Chicago Storm (.690, 89 HR, 187 RBI)


1978 (Southern Softball)

  1. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (U-1, A-2) (110-27)
  2. Howard & Carroll, Sherrills Ford, NC (UE-1, U-2) (134-28)
  3. Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, CA (A-1, NS-1) (93-15)
  4. Ken Sanders Ford, Birmingham, AL (A-10) (83-15)
  5. Nelson Painting, Oklahoma City, OK (A-4) (92-35)
  6. C.C. Brick, Corpus Christi, TX (U-3, U-C-3)
  7. Port City Ford, Houston, TX (A-13, AA-1)
  8. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (U-4, UW-1)
  9. American Reality, Sacramento, CA (A-3)
  10. Snyder’s Softball Club, Novi, MI (U-6) (102-33)
  11. Hillcrest Tavern, Cleveland, OH (A-5)
  12. Steele’s Automotive, Lima, OH (A-7)
  13. LaRosa’s Cincinnati Sports, Cincinnati, OH (U-5, U-C-2)
  14. County Sports, Levittown, NY (U-8, UE-2)
  15. Dallas Merchants, Dallas, TX (A-6)

Player of the Year – James Boyett, Howard & Carroll, 2B (303 HR, .671, USSSA HR Leader)

Professional Champion (APSPL) – Detroit Caesars (56-15 record, including playoffs)

Professional MVP (APSPL) – Ron Ford, Detroit Caesars (.645, 80 HR, 201 RBI)


1979 (Southern Softball)

  1. Nelson Painting, Oklahoma City, OK (U-1, NSR-2, NS-1) (50-10)
  2. Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, CA (A-2, U-3, NSR-1, NS-3) (103-16)
  3. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (U-2, A-3, NSR-3, NS-2) (103-40)
  4. Nelco Mfg., Oklahoma City, OK (A-1) (92-18)
  5. Dave Carroll’s Sports, Sherrill’s Ford, NC (A-6, U-4, NSR-7, NS-5) (89-35)
  6. Ken Sanders Ford, Birmingham, AL (A-8, NSR-4, NS-4) (78-31)
  7. Steele’s Automotive, Lima, OH (A-22, NSR-5, NS-5) (101-26)
  8. Softball City, Detroit, MI (A-7) (108-40)
  9. Poindexter Lumber, Winston-Salem, NC (U-5, NSR-11) (98-20)
  10. American Realty, Sacramento, CA (A-9) (77-31)
  11. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (U-9, NSR-8) (77-30)
  12. Shimer’s, Minneapolis, MN (A-4) (67-24)
  13. Greater Cincinnati Sports, Cincinnati, OH (U-7, UC-1, NSR-9, NS-7) (76-26)
  14. York Barbell, York, PA (A-12, NSR-12) (88-21)
  15. Green Machine, Starke, FL (U-6, UE-1)

Co-Player of the Year – Mike Parrott, Port City Ford, P (220 HR)
Co-Player of the Year – Craig Elliot, Ken Sanders Ford, P (219 HR, .718)

Professional Champion (APSPL) – Milwaukee Schlitz (51-26 record)

Professional MVP (APSPL) – Rick Weiterman, Milwaukee Schlitz (.557, World Series MVP)


1980 (Southern Softball)

  1. *Campbell’s Carpets, Concord, CA (A-1, U-1, NSR-4, NS-1) (118-12)
  2. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (A-2, U-12, NSR-3, NS-2) (135-25)
  3. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-3, U-7, NSR-1, NS-5) (89-19)
  4. Dave Carroll’s Sports, Sherrill’s Ford, NC (U-2, NSR-8, NS-8) (100-26)
  5. Steele’s Sports, Lima, OH (A-4, NSR-5, NS-5) (149-26)
  6. Softball City, Detroit, MI (U-3, NSR-2)
  7. Ken Sanders Subaru, Birmingham, AL (NSR-6, NS-4)
  8. Le-Al-Co, Lebanon, TN (A-20)
  9. Newport Lounge, Milwaukee, WI
  10. Dubose Insurance, Pensacola, FL (A-6)
  11. Shimer’s, Minneapolis, MN (A-34, NSR-7, NS-7)
  12. Snyder’s Softball Club, Detroit, MI (NSR-10)
  13. T&K, Lexington, KY
  14. Hillcrest-Fashion Rite, Cleveland, OH (A-14, NSR-8, NS-9)
  15. Pierson & Associates, Houston, TX

USA Softball Player of the Year – Joe Young, Steele’s Sports, OF (337 HR, .716)

National Slo-Pitch Player of the Year – Buddy Slater, Campbell’s, P (USSSA & ASA MVP)

NOTE: Campbell’s beat Pro Champ Milwaukee Schlitz in an Amateur-Pro challenge match.

Professional Champion (NASL) – Milwaukee Schlitz (53-16 record, including playoffs)

Professional MVP (NASL) – Ron Olesiak, Chicago Nationwide Advertising (.555, 34 HR, 124 RBI)


1981 (Southern Softball)

  1. *Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-1, U-1, NSR-1, NS-1) (160-15)
  2. York Barbell/Ken Sander’s, York, PA (A-5, U-4, NSR-4, NS-3)
  3. Nationwide Advertising, Cleve., OH (A-8, U-6, NSR-2, NS-2)
  4. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-4, U-2, NSR-7, NS-7) (64-26)
  5. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (AM-1)
  6. Skoal Bandits, Sherrill’s Ford, NC (A-5, U-3)
  7. Snyder’s-Stroh’s, Detroit, MI (U-10, NSR-3, NS-7)
  8. Steele’s Sports, Lima, OH (U-12, NSR-5, NS-4)
  9. Green Machine, Starke, FL
  10. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (A-9, U-7)
  11. Morgan Boots, Irving, TX (AM-4)
  12. Sports Shack Capitals, Waco, TX
  13. Weber Merchants, St. Louis, MO (AM-2)
  14. Shimer’s, Minneapolis, MN (AM-8, U-8, NSR-6, NS-5)
  15. Pierson & Associates, Houston, TX (AM-16)

Southern Softball Player of the Year – Rick Scherr, Howard’s, 3B (295 HR, .723, ASA & USSSA MVP)

USA Softball Player of the Year – Rick Scherr, Howard’s, 3B (295 HR, .723, ASA & USSSA MVP)

Professional Champion (UPSL) – Kentucky Bourbons (47-29 record, including playoffs)

Professional MVP (UPSL) – Bill Gatti, Kentucky Bourbons (.622, 38 HR, 99 RBI, World Series MVP)


1982 (Southern Softball)

  1. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-1, U-1, NSR-N-2, NS-2) (83-13)
  2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-2, U-2, NSRN-1, NS-5) (143-24)
  3. York Barbell/Ken Sander’s, York, PA (A-3, U-3, NSRN-3, NS-1)
  4. Triangle Sports, Minneapolis, MN (AM-1) (70-7)
  5. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (A-4, U-4, NSRS-1, NS-3)
  6. Teamsters 293, Parma, OH (AM-2)
  7. Insulators of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (AM-5)
  8. Pierson Runners, Houston, TX (AM-4, U-5, NSRR-5)
  9. Kenmore NY Eastern, Akron, OH (AM-3, NSRE-6)
  10. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (U-8)
  11. Danny’s Drilling, Newark, OH (AM-6, NSRR-4)
  12. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (UA-3)
  13. Fabmasters, Lexington, NC (U-9, NSRA-1, NS-7)
  14. Class Act, Whittier, CA (U-6)
  15. Eastwood Tavern, Kalamazoo, MI (AM-7)

Southern Softball Player of the Year – Bruce Meade, Jerry’s Caterers, OF (102 HR, .695, ASA MVP)

Professional Champion (UPSL) – Milwaukee Schlitz (43-35 record, including playoffs)

Professional MVP (UPSL) – Dana Andry, Cleveland Competitors (.618, 65 HR, 128 RBI)


1983 (Southern Softball)

  1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (A-2, U-4, NS-1) (132-13)
  2. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-1, U-5, NS-2) (128-23)
  3. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-3, U-1, NS-3) (93-15)
  4. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (U-2, NS-4) (73-25)
  5. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (U-3, U-A-7)
  6. J&R Roofing, Phoenix, AZ (U-7, U-A-1)
  7. No. 1/GHAC, Gastonia, NC (AM-1, NS-5)
  8. Stone City Stars, San Antonio, TX (AM-2)
  9. Garret’s Raiders, Houston, TX (U-6, UA-5)
  10. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (U-8)
  11. Teamsters 293, Parma, OH (AM-4)
  12. Insulators of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (AM-7)
  13. Joe Theisman’s Restaurant, Fairfax, VA (UA-9)
  14. Timothy’s Runners, Houston, TX (AM-13)
  15. Basset Products/T&K, Lexington, KY

Southern Softball Player of the Year – Craig Elliot, Elite Coatings, P (390 HR, .765, NSPC-MVP)


1984 (Southern Softball)

  1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (A-3, U-1, I-2) (85-9)
  2. Jerry’s Caterers, Miami, FL (A-2, U-3) (61-25)
  3. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-1, U-2, I-1) (103-40)
  4. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (AM-5, U-5) (94-24)
  5. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (AM-13, U-7) (89-20)
  6. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (AM-1, U-11) (84-24)
  7. Blanton’s, Fayetteville, NC (U-6, I-3) (70-24)
  8. Cable TV Services, Garland, TX (AM-3)
  9. Stone City Stars, San Antonio, TX (AM-17, U-8) (76-21)
  10. Howard’s/No. 1 Electric, Gastonia, NC (AM-25)
  11. Miller High Life, Detroit, MI (U-4)
  12. Southwestern Fabricators, Detroit, MI
  13. Texas Raiders, Houston, TX (AM-7)
  14. Insulators of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (AM-33)
  15. Gregg Security, Pittsburgh, PA

Co-Player of the Year – Bruce Meade, Jerry Caterers, OF (229 HR, .705, USSSA HR Leader)
Co-Player of the Year – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/WS, 1B (257 HR, .665, ASA & ISA MVP)


1985 (National Slo-Pitch)

  1. Elite Coatings, Gordon, GA (A-2, U-1, I-2) (115-11)
  2. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (A-1, U-8, I-3) (159-27)
  3. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-4, U-3, I-1) (168-33)
  4. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (AM-9, U-2) (83-27)
  5. Lilly Air Systems, Chicago, IL (A-3, U-11) (76-17)
  6. Gregg Security, Pittsburgh, PA (U-6)
  7. Starpath, Lexington, KY (AM-5, U-10) (70-21)
  8. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (U-4) (100-27)
  9. Blanton’s, Fayetteville, NC (AM-1, U-12, IA-1) (97-24)
  10. Southwestern Fabricators, Detroit, MI (AM-17, U-9) (73-30)
  11. Capital Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (AM-9, U-2) (83-27)
  12. CDI/Garret’s, Oklahoma City, OK (U-13) (109-20)
  13. Zimglinghaus Electric, Palm Beach, FL (AM-2, U-7) (72-23)
  14. Morgan Boots, Seguin, TX (AM-33, U-4) (96-21)
  15. Imlay Bombats, Bordentown, NJ (AM-5)

Player of the Year – Rick Scherr, Howard’s/Western Steer, 1B (451 HR, .760)


1986 (National Slo-Pitch)

  1. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (U-1, I-1, N-5) (85-5)
  2. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (A-1, U-3, N-1) (217-13)
  3. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-4, U-2, I-1) (101-30)
  4. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (AM-1) (98-17)
  5. Blanton’s, Fayetteville, NC (AM-2, U-2) (95-17)
  6. Ardis Roofing, Greenwood, SC (U-6, UA-2) (82-28)
  7. Starpath Systems, Lexington, KY (AM-5, U-5) (78-23)
  8. Capitol Insulation, N. Hollywood, CA (AM-9, U-8) (57-20)
  9. Tire Centers, Richmond, VA (U-7, UA-1) (72-31)
  10. Budweiser, Minneapolis, MN (AM-3, U-11) (72-15)
  11. Imlay Bombats, Bordentown, NJ (AM-5) (72-21)
  12. Gregg Security, Pittsburgh, PA (AM-9) (64-20)
  13. Stottler-Stagg, Cocoa, FL (54-22)
  14. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (AA-1) (76-17)
  15. Shubin’s, Los Angeles, CA (AM-13, U-14) (75-28)

Player of the Year – Charles Wright, Steele’s Sports, 3B (503 HR, .721)


1987

  1. Smythe Sox, Houston, TX (U-1, N-1, I-2, NS-1) (96-10)
  2. Steele’s Sports, Grafton, OH (A-1, U-2, I-1, N-5) (340-15)
  3. Marlton Trucking, Portland, OR (AM-7, U-3) (79-25)
  4. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (U-4, I-3, N-3, NS-4) (85-27)
  5. Starpath Systems, Lexington, KY (AM-5, U-12, N-7) (57-13)
  6. Kirk’s Glass, Newport News, VA (U-5) (74-23)
  7. Athletic Shop, Hammond, LA (AM-4, U-6, N-1) (84-16)
  8. Ritch’s Salvage, Harrisburg, NC (U-7, I-4, NS-5) (95-29)
  9. Superior-Bombat, Windsor Locks, CT (AM-5, U-8, N-3) (70-20)
  10. County Sports, Levittown, NY (AM-2, NS-2)
  11. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (AM-3, U-9) (64-19)
  12. Capitol Insulation, North Hollywood, CA (U-11, NS-3) (76-24)
  13. Budweiser Merchants, Crystal, MN (AM-9, U-13) (87-27)
  14. Glass, Hammond, IN (U-14) (51-20)
  15. CDI, Oklahoma City, OK (N-7)

Player of the Year – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Sports, 2B (844 HR, .744, ASA & ISA MVP)


1988

  1. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (A-4, U-1, I-2, N-1) (366-20)
  2. Starpath, Monticello, KY (A-1, AM-2, U-12) (81-16)
  3. Howard’s/Western Steer, Denver, NC (A-13, AM-5, U-3, I-2, N-2) (115-31)
  4. Kirk’s Glass/Ritch’s Salvage, Hampton, VA (AM-5, U-2, I-4)
  5. Bell Corp./FAF, Tampa, FL (A-5, AM-1, U-4)
  6. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (A-3, AM-3, I-5, I-A-1)
  7. Superior-Spalding, Windsor Locks, CT (A-5, AM-4, U-6)
  8. John Hanson/Franey Parr, Rockville, MD (A-7, U-7, I-7)
  9. Maroadi Transfer, Pittsburgh, PA (U-5, UA-2, I-3)
  10. Sports Hero’s, Eagan, MN (A-2, U-13)
  11. Broken Drum Insulation, Northridge, CA (A-13, AM-9, U-8)
  12. Non-Ferrous Metals, Cleveland, OH (A-9, AM-7)
  13. Apollo/Lower East Side, Palm Beach, FL (U-5)
  14. Houston Sweepers, Houston, TX (N-2)
  15. Marlton Trucking, Portland, OR

Player of the Year – Mike Macenko, Steele’s Silver Bullets, 2B (830 HR, .745)


1989

  1. Superior/Apollo, Windsor Locks, CT (A-3, AM-2, U-1, N-3) (81-15)
  2. Ritch’s Salvage, Harrisburgh, NC (A-1, AM-1, U-15, I-2) (47-10)
  3. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (A-5, U-3, N-1, I-3) (263-26)
  4. Starpath/Kirk’s, Monticello, KY (A-2, AM-3, U-8, I-7) (52-23)
  5. Lighthouse, Stone Mountain, GA (A-7, AM-7, I-5, I-A-1)
  6. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (A-9, AM-5, U-4, I-1) (61-20)
  7. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (A-3, AM-4, I-4)
  8. Ken Michael’s/Franey Parr, Rockville, MD (A-9, U-2, I-5, N-4)
  9. Stewart’s Lounge, Pittsburgh, PA (A-7, AM-9, U-4)
  10. Century/Worth/Coors/Atkins, St. Louis, MO (A-5, AM-9, U-6, N-5)
  11. Budweiser, San Francisco, CA (U-7)
  12. Maroadi/Caesar’s Tavern, Pittsburgh, PA (U-AA-1, I-9)
  13. Austin Capitals, Austin, TX (U-11)
  14. Premier Sports, Tempe, AZ (A-9, U-14)
  15. Back Porch, Destin, FL

Co-Player of the Year – Dirk Androff, Steele’s Silver Bullets, 1B (413 HR, .705)
Co-Player of the Year – Clyde Guy, Superior-Apollo, OF (.709, USSSA-MVP)


1990 (Softball USA)

  1. Steeles Silver Bullets, Grafton, OH (A-1, U-8, I-1, N-1) (72-6) (226-9 overall)
  2. Ritch’s/Kirk’s, Harrisburg, NC (A-5, U-1, I-2) (47-10)
  3. Superior/Apollo, Windsor Locks, CT (A-3, U-2, I-9, N-2) (46-23)
  4. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (A-6, U-6, I-4, N-5) (68-27)
  5. Lighthouse/Sunbelt, Stone Mountain, GA (U-11, I-9, I-A-1) (61-21)
  6. Starpath, Monticello, KY (A-4, U-16, I-3, N-4) (49-25)
  7. Stewart’s Lounge, Pittsburgh, PA (U-9, I-7, N-3) (54-23)
  8. Sunset, Warren, MI (U-4, UA-1, I-5, N-9) (39-18)
  9. Hinson Capitals, Houston, TX (U-3) (32-7)
  10. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (AM-1, I-7)
  11. Premier/Century, Tempe, AZ (A-9, N-9, NAA-1)
  12. AJD/Moody’s/Russell, Richmond, VA (U-5, UAA-2) (51-16)
  13. Williams/Thompson’s, Houston, TX (A-8, U-13, UAA-5) (41-19)
  14. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (AA-1, I-A-5)
  15. Sports Hero’s, Eagan, MN (U-7, UAA-13) (63-16)

Player of the Year – Cecil Whitehead, Ritch’s/Kirk’s, OF (90 HR, .708, USSSA-MVP)


1991 (Softball USA)

  1. Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (A-2, U-1, I-1, N-1) (80-7)
  2. Starpath/LeAlCo, Monticello, KY (A-3, U-2, N-2) (59-20)
  3. Sunbelt/Worth, Centerville, GA (A-1, U-3, I-2, N-3) (72-28)
  4. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (A-6, U-7, I-4)
  5. Williams/Finke, Houston, TX (A-5, AM-3, U-6, N-4)
  6. Larry’s, Grand Prarie, TX (U-5)
  7. Datom-Argus, Lebanon, TN (AM-9, I-8, N-5)
  8. Gooslin, Columbus, OH (A-9, U-12, UAA-2)
  9. Stottler-Stagg, Coaco, FL (U-15, UAA-4, I-3)
  10. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (A-7, U-4, UAA-1)
  11. Ohio Transport, Cleveland, OH (A-5, AM-9)
  12. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (A-8, AM-7, N-5)
  13. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (AM-2, I-7, I-A-1)
  14. Bunca, Kalamazoo, MI (U-11, UAA-5)
  15. Amark/Debacco Brothers, Belleville, NJ

Player of the Year – Carl Rose, Sunbelt/Worth, 2B (230 HR, .751)


1992 (Softball USA)

  1. #Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (A-1, U-1, I-1, N-1) (80-9)
  2. Williams/Worth, Spring, TX (U-2, I-3, N-5) (44-21)
  3. Steele’s/Sunbelt, Brooke Park, OH (A-2, U-16, I-2, N-7) (78-30)
  4. Starpath, Monticello, KY (A-3, U-8, I-7, N-2) (47-20)
  5. Vernon’s, Jacksonville, FL (AM-5, U-4, I-7) (55-19)
  6. DJ’s Sports, Atchison, KS (A-5, U-5, N-3) (35-20)
  7. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (U-10, I-4, N-5) (53-17)
  8. Spectrum Screen Printing, Golden Valley, MN (UAA-1)
  9. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (AM-2, I-9, N-5)
  10. Nanney’s, Spartenburg, SC (U-6, I-5, N-9)
  11. Bunca, Kalamazoo, MI (U-6, UAA-2, I-9)
  12. Dan Smith Plastering, San Jose, CA (U-11)
  13. Datom-Argus, Lebanon, TN (AM-17, U-14, I-5, N-9) (63-21)
  14. Converter’s Unlimited, Kinston, NC (I-A-1, N-7)
  15. Moulton Furniture, Moulton, AL (AM-4, I-9, N-9)

Softball USA Player of the Year – Jim Fuller, Ritch’s-Superior, C (157 HR, .774)

Slo-Pitch News POY – Dirk Androff, Ritch’s-Superior, 1B (150, .756, ASA-MVP)


1993 (Softball USA)

  1. Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (A-1, U-9, I-1, N-1) (81-6)
  2. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (A-2, U-1, I-3, N-3) (79-24)
  3. Steeles/Sunbelt, Brook Park, OH (A-5, U-10, I-2, N-2) (71-30)
  4. Williams/Worth, Spring, TX (A-3, U-2, I-3, N-4) (58-30)
  5. Vernon’s/TPS, Jacksonville, FL (A-4, U-3, I-4, N-5) (49-22)
  6. Bunca/Worth, Kalamazoo, MI (U-4, UAA-1, I-A-1) (74-16)
  7. DJ’s Sports/TPS, Atchison, KS (A-6, U-6) (42-22)
  8. Converter’s/TPS, Kinston, NC (U-5, I-7, IA-5, N-7) (55-23)
  9. Back Porch/Worth, Destin, FL (AM-1, I-9, NA-5) (46-23)
  10. Worth Astros, Indianapolis, IN (AM-3) (68-31)
  11. Spectrum/Easton, Golden Valley, MN (UAA-2) (66-18)
  12. Riverside/RAM/TPS, Louisville, KY (A-8, AM-4) (72-20)
  13. Dan Smith/TPS, San Jose, CA (U-8, UAA-5) (33-14)
  14. Jay’s/Worth, Cincinnati, OH (UAA-3) (65-14)
  15. AJD/TPS, Richmond, VA (U-12, UAA-4, N-9) (48-27)

Softball USA Player of the Year – Charles Wright, Ritch’s-Superior, 3B (157 HR, .736, ASA MVP)

Slo-Pitch News Player of the Year – Charles Wright, Ritch’s-Superior, 3B


1994 (Softball USA)

  1. Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (A-2, U-3, I-1, N-1) (63-19)
  2. Converters/Vernon/TPS, Kingston, NC (A-3, U-1, I-2, N-5) (63-12)
  3. Bell Corp., Tampa, FL (A-1, U-4, I-5, N-3) (60-23)
  4. Shen Valley/DJ’s/TPS, Bridgewater, VA (A-4, U-16, UAA-7, I-4, N-2)
  5. Spectrum/Easton, Golden Valley, MN (U-2, UAA-3)
  6. Hague/Ohio Transport, Columbus, OH (U-6, UAA-1)
  7. Williams/Worth, Spring, TX (A-10, U-12, I-9, N-5)
  8. Lighthouse/Alford’s, Stone Mountain, GA (A-9, U-13, I-3, N-9)
  9. Steele’s/Sunbelt Hitmen, Brook Park, OH (A-5, U-10, I-7, N-9)
  10. Bunca/Worth, Kalamazoo, MI (U-9, UAA-2, I-A-1)
  11. Labtec/DeMarini, Portland, OR (A-11, U-7, UAA-9)
  12. Riverside/RAM/Taylor/TPS, Louisville, KY (A-8, AM-1, U-11)
  13. Back Porch/Worth, Destin, FL (A-7, AM-2, I-5, I-A-3)
  14. O&S Cattle/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (U-5, UAA-4)
  15. Dan Smith/TPS, San Jose, CA (A-13, U-8, UAA-9)

Softball USA Player of the Year – Jimmy Powers, Converters, C (175 HR, .790, USSSA MVP)

Slo-Pitch News Player of the Year – Dan Schuck, Bell Corp/Easton, OF (174 HR)


1995 (Supreme Softball)

  1. Ritch’s-Superior, Windsor Locks, CT (A-2, U-6, I-1, N-1) (72-14)
  2. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mt., GA (A-1, U-7, I-3, N-3) (56-25)
  3. Shen Valley/TPS, Bridgewater, VA (A-5, U-2, I-4, N-2) (67-27)
  4. Bell Corp./Sunbelt/Easton, Tampa, FL (A-3, U-5, I-2, IAA-1, N-4) (65-22)
  5. Hague/R&D/Ohio Transport, Columbus, OH (U-1, UAA-2, NAA-2)
  6. Spectrum/Easton, Golden Valley, MN (U-3, UAA-1)
  7. Riverside/RAM/Taylor/TPS, Louisville, KY (AM-1, A-6, U-8, I-7)
  8. Superior/Southland, Gainsville, FL (A-8, U-9, UAA-4, I-5, N-7, NAA-4) (56-25)
  9. Williams/Dudley, Spring, TX (A-4, AM-2, N-9)
  10. Steele’s Hitmen, Brook Park, OH (A-13, U-4, I-9, N-7) (33-25)
  11. D&D Throroughbreds/DeMarini, Portland, OR (A-9, U-11, N-6)
  12. O&S Cattle/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (UAA-3)
  13. Harrison’s/Power-Flite, Portsmouth, VA (A-10, U-10, N-5)
  14. Back Porch/Mounlton/TPS, Destin, FL (A-7, I-9)
  15. Tri-Gem’s/Easton, Cedarbrook, NJ (A-11, U-12, I-9, N-9)

Player of the Year – Dirk Androff, Ritch’s-Superior, 1B (154 HR, .779, NSA MVP)


1996 (Supreme Softball)

  1. Shen Valley/Taylor/TPS, Bridgewater, VA (A-2, U-1, I-1, N-2) (70-17)
  2. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mt., GA (A-3, U-3, I-3, N-1) (60-27)
  3. Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (A-1, U-4, I-5, N-9) (65-14)
  4. Sunbelt/Easton, Centerville, GA (A-5, U-5, I-2, N-7) (65-18)
  5. Dan Smith/Easton, San Jose, CA (A-7, U-2, UAA-1, NAA-1) (70-25)
  6. Steele’s Silver Bullets, Brook Park, OH (A-4, U-9, I-7, N-3) (45-28)
  7. Spectrum/POV’s/Easton, Golden Valley, MN (U-5, UAA-1) (42-8)
  8. Bell II/Easton, Tampa, FL (A-9, AM-1, U-9) (45-24)
  9. Hague/OH. Trans./Wessell, Columbus, OH (U-7, UAA-4, IAA-1, NAA-5) (48-18)
  10. Whips/Instant Landscape, Milwaukee, WI (U-13, UAA-3, NAA-7)
  11. Franklin/Grover, Los Angeles, CA (U-7) (27-19)
  12. SoJern/Specialty Tank, Cedarbrook, NJ (A-7, AM-9, NAA-9)
  13. Herrin/Dudley, Savannah, GA (A-13, U-9, UAA-5, IAA-2) (34-27)
  14. Southland/Porch/Moulton, Gainesville, FL (A-5)
  15. Herb’s/TPS, San Diego, CA (AM-2)

Player of the Year – Wendall Rickard, Lighthouse/Worth, EH (209 HR, .786)


1997 (Supreme Softball)

  1. Ritch’s-Superior/TPS, Windsor Locks, CT (A-1, U-2, I-7, N-2) (67-19)
  2. Shen Valley/Taylor/TPS, Bridgewater, VA (A-2, U-3, I-2, N-1) (77-23)
  3. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mt., GA (A-4, U-1, I-5, N-5) (68-24)
  4. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Easton, Centerville, GA (A-5, U-4, I-1, N-3) (63-20)
  5. Sierra/TPS, Reno, NV (A-3, U-5, UAA-1, I-7, IAA-1, NAA-1) (49-23)
  6. SoJern/Specialty Tank/TPS, Cedarbrook, NJ (A-9, AM-5, U-9, N-5, NAA-2) (42-34)
  7. Long Haul/TPS, Albertville, MN (A-13, AM-1, U-8, I-5) (48-31)
  8. Spectrum/POV’s/Easton, Golden Valley, MN (U-7, UAA-4)
  9. Hague/Ohio Transport/Wessell, Columbus, OH (A-7, U-10, UAA-7) (30-20)
  10. Steele’s/Reda, Brook Park, OH (A-9, U-11, I-4, N-4) (43-29)
  11. R&D/Grover, Lima, OH (A-9, U-6, UAA-13) (37-25)
  12. Lovill/Easton, Monroe, OH (UAA-2)
  13. D’s Alliance/JWM/Easton, Valley Center, CA (A-9, U-13, UAA-3)
  14. AJ’s/Worth, Richmond, VA (UAA-5, IAA-2)
  15. Sports World/Worth, Lebanon, TN (AM-7, NAA-5)

Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Rusty Bumgardner, Shen Valley, 2B (209 HR, .782, NSA MVP)
Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Jeff Hall, Sunbelt/Easton, OF (118 HR, .817)

Softball Today Player of the Year – Jason Kendrick, Shen Valley, OF (100 HR, .717)


1998 (Supreme Softball)

  1. Team TPS, Louisville, KY (A-3, U-1, I-7, N-1) (70-17)
  2. Sunbelt/Dan Smith/Esston, Centerville, GA (A-2, U-2, I-4, N-2) (59-23)
  3. Lighthouse/Worth, Stone Mt., GA (A-1, U-5, I-1, N-5) (56-20)
  4. Sierra/TPS, Reno, NV (A-4, U-3, I-2, N-4) (70-17)
  5. Wessell/Hague/SoJern, Cincinnati, OH (U-6, UAA-1, I-3, IAA-2) (58-28)
  6. Steele’s/R&D/Reda, Brook Park, OH (A-5, U-9, I-5, N-3) (50-27)
  7. Chase Mortgage, Wilmington, NC (A-5, AM-1, IAA-1, N-9) (43-30)
  8. Long Haul/Grover/Mizuno, Albertville, MN (U-7, UAA-2, IAA-5) (36-20)
  9. Herb’s/KCS/TPS, San Diego, CA (U-10, N-7, NAA-1) (24-20)
  10. Reece/Sports World, Lebanon, TN (A-7, AM-2, U-14, IAA-5, NAA-3) (36-26)
  11. Backstop/Easton/Bike/Mizuno, Aurora, IN (A-7, AM-7, U-11, I-5, N-7) (43-32)
  12. O&S Cattle/TPS, South St. Paul, MN (U-8, UAA-6, I-7, IAA-7) (25-20)
  13. Xtreme/Hinson/Bike/Worth, Little Rock, AR (A-9, UAA-3, N-9) (40-31)
  14. Brandon’s Trucking, Wilmington, NC (U-4, UAA-8, IAA-9, N-5)
  15. JWM/Easton, Riverside, CA (U-12, UAA-12)

Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Hank Garris, Sierra/TPS, C (196 HR, .751)
Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Carl Rose, Lighthouse/Worth, 2B (180 HR, .728, ISA MVP)
Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Jeff Wallace, Team TPS, 3B (151 HR, .776) (NSA MVP)

Softball Today Player of the Year – Hank Garris, Sierra/TPS, C (196 HR, .751)


1999 (Supreme Softball)

  1. R & D/Easton, Lima, OH (A-4, U-1, I-5, N-1) (64-22)
  2. Team Easton, Burlingame, CA (A-1, U-5, I-1, N-3) (56-27)
  3. Dan Smith/Worth, San Jose, CA (A-7, U-2, I-2, N-2) (70-24)
  4. Team TPS, Louisville, KY (A-2, U-5, I-4, N-4) (77-14)
  5. Hague/Resmondo, Columbus, OH (A-3, U-4, UAA-1, I-3, IAA-1, N-5) (59-20)
  6. Hendu’s/Long Haul/TPS, Albertville, MN (U-3, UAA-2, IAA-4, NAA-2) (45-21)
  7. Sunnyvale Valve/TPS, Sunnyvale CA (U-9, UAA-3, IAA-5, N-5, NAA-2)
  8. JWM/Herb’s/MG/TPS, Riverside, CA (A-5, AM-2, U-9, N-7)
  9. P&D/Tri-Gems/Tiger/Easton, Sommers, CT (U-7, UAA-4, IAA-2, NAA-3)
  10. Paramount Builders/TPS, Virginia Beach, VA (A-5, AM-4, U-7)
  11. KCS/TPS, Houston, TX
  12. Gasoline Heaven/Worth, Commack, NY (AM-1, NAA-5)
  13. Team Reece, Knoxville, TN (IAA-3)
  14. Thomas Bait/Jerry’s, Sanford, NC (AA-7, I-A-1)
  15. WET/Easton, Niceville, FL (IAA-9)

Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Jeff Wallace, Team TPS, 1B (156 HR, .786)
Supreme Softball Co-Player of the Year – Brett Helmer, Team Easton, 1B (128 HR, .789, ISA MVP)

Softball Today Player of the Year – Hank Garris, Team TPS, C (188 HR, .755)


2000 (TPS Power Ratings)

  1. Team TPS, Louisville, KY (A-1, U-3, I-4, N-1) (79-15)
  2. Dan Smith/Worth, San Jose, CA (A-3, U-1, I-1, N-5) (68-16)
  3. Long Haul, Albertville, MN (AM-1, U-2, UAA-1, I-5, IAA-1, N-2, NAA-2) (73-25)
  4. Sunbelt Plastics, Centerville, GA (A-4, U-5, I-2, N-4) (55-23)
  5. Bell Corp/Easton, Tampa, FL (A-2, U-7, I-6, N-3) (59-27)
  6. Hague/Resmondo/TPS, Columbus, OH (A-5, U-4, UAA-3, I-3, IAA-3) (48-32)
  7. Sunnyvale V&F, Sunnyvale, CA (U-6, UAA-2, I-7, IAA-2, N-5, NAA-3) (49-30)
  8. AJA/TPS, Houston, TX (AM-5, U-8, UAA-5, NAA-1)
  9. Suncoast/Dudley, Sarasota, FL (U-11, UAA-8, I-8)
  10. Reds/J&J/Fairweather/Worth, Tacoma, WA (A-7, AA-13, UA-13, N-9)
  11. Roosters/A+/Astros, Reynoldsburg, OH (A-7, AM-4, N-9, IAA-9)
  12. Maroadi Transfer/Nike, Pittsburgh, PA (U-14, UA-1, IAA-5, IA-1)
  13. Hooters/Easton, Kansas City, KS (AM-2, U-14, UA-4, I-A-9)
  14. Kevitt/J&H/Easton, Minneapolis, MN (AA-33, U-16, U-A-3, IA-5)
  15. Craig’s Hitmen, Wadley, AL (A-9)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Hank Garris, Team TPS, C (228 HR, .796) (ASA MVP)

Softball Today Player of the Year – Hank Garris, Team TPS, C


2001 (TPS Power Ratings)

  1. #Long Haul/TPS, Albertville, MN (A-1, U-1, I-1 N-1) (70-6)
  2. Dan Smith/Easton, San Jose, CA (U-5, I-3, N-3) (53-18)
  3. Hague/Resmondo/TPS, Columbus OH (A-2, U-2, I-2, N-2) (57-29)
  4. Reece/Roosters, Canal Winchester, OH (IAA-1, N-5, NAA-3) (33-16)
  5. Budweiser/Summerlin, College Station, TX (AM-3, U-9, IAA-2, N-6) (49-21)
  6. Povs/Walser/TPS, Bkln Center, MN (AM-4, U-5, UAA-1, I-4, IAA-5) (41-17)
  7. Mercer’s/K&G/TPS, N. Vernon, IN (AM-2, N-4, NA-1)
  8. Quick Roofing/Advanced/Nike, Arlington, TX (AW-2, U-5, UA-7)
  9. L&L Painting/TPS, Prattville, AL (AE-17, UA-5, IAA-3, I-A-4)
  10. Maroadi/Frank-n-Stein/Nike, Pittsburgh, PA (U-3, UAA-3, IAA-7, I-A-9)
  11. Reds/J&J/Fairweather/Worth, Seattle, WA (AW-5, U-A-5, I-5)
  12. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (A-4, AM-1, N-A-2)
  13. Mississippi/Worth, Jackson, MS (U-13, I-A-9)
  14. Hooters/B&B/Easton, Overland Park, KS (AW-4, U-9, UAA-5, UA-4, I-7)
  15. Aftershock/Easton, Alameda, CA (U-13, N-7)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Andy Purcell, Long Haul/TPS, P (43 HR, .659)

Softball Today Team of the Year – Long Haul/TPS (won Grand Slam of Softball)


2002 (TPS Power Ratings)

  1. Backman/Menosse/Dan Smith, San Jose, CA (A-2, U-2, I-1, N-3, WR-5) (71-13)
  2. Hague/Resmondo, Columbus OH (A-3, U-3, I-4, N-2, WR-2, W-1) (60-26)
  3. Long Haul/TPS, Albertville MN (A-1, U-5, I-2, N-5, WR-1, W-3) (70-17)
  4. Mid-South/Mizuno, Portage, IN (A-4, N-1, NAA-5, WR-3, W-3) (35-24)
  5. Chase/Reece/Roosters, Col., OH (AM-2, U-1, IAA-7, N-7, NAA-1, WR-4, W-2) (52-24)
  6. Budweiser/Summerlin, College Station, TX (U-9, I-3, NAA-7, WR-17) (50-21)
  7. Team Mizuno, Ft Pierce, FL (A-7, UA-5, IA-4, WR-8)
  8. Mountain Top/TPS, Northville, MI (AW-1, AA-1, U-4, UA-2, NAA-4)
  9. Sunnyvale V&F/Easton, Sunnyvale, CA (U-7, UA-13, N-5, WR-17)
  10. WW Gay/Aubrey’s, Gainesville, FL (A-7, AE-1, AA-2, IAA-3, IA-5, NA-1, WR-9)
  11. Hooters/B&B/Rew/Mizuno, Overland Park, KS (AW-2, U-7, NAA-7)
  12. Phonemasters/K&G/TPS, Wood River, IL (A-5, AM-3, NAA-2, WR-7)
  13. New Construction, Shelbyville, IN (A-5, AM-9, IAA-4)
  14. Florida Heat/Nave/Worth, Ft. Pierce, FL (U-9, UA-1, IAA-1, IA-1)
  15. Creative Stucco/Easton, Columbus, OH (U-9, UA-3, IA-7, WR-15)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Dal Beggs, Hague/Resmondo, SS (102 HR, .696, WSL-MVP)


2003 (The Old Scout)

  1. #Hague/Resmondo/Taylor, Columbus OH (A-1, U-1, I-1, N-1, WR-2, W-4) (73-17)
  2. Backman/Menosse/Dan Smith, San Jose, CA (A-2, U-2, I-2, N-3, WR-8, W-1)
  3. US Vinyl/Miken, Chattanooga, TN (A-3, AM-5, U-5, I-3, IAA-1, N-3, WR-1, W-2)
  4. B&J Logging/Kluevers/Worth, Sandoval, IL (AM-1, N-5, NAA-2, NA-2, WR-10, W-3)
  5. Benfield Electric/Worth, Fairfield, VA (U-5, IA-1, NAA-1, NA-1)
  6. Mountain Top/TPS, Brighton, MI (AM-9, U-9, UA-1, NAA-3, WR-3)
  7. Alesium/Chase/Reece/Easton, Las Vegas, NV (AM-2, U-3, IAA-2, NAA-5, W-5)
  8. NW Pipe/Bud Light/Easton, Westland, MI (AE-13, U-7, U-A-2)
  9. Aubrey’s/TPS, Savannah, GA (AE-3, UA-3, IA-7, N-4, NAA-4, WR-21)
  10. Budweiser/Sunnyvale/Fairweather, Kent, WA (U-4, N-6, WR-9)
  11. T&R Stucco/Easton, Polk City, FL (A-5, A-E-13, U-9, U-A-5, I-A-5, W-7)
  12. Doc’s/Easton, South Sioux City, NE (AE-17, U-7, UA-9, IA-7, WR-5)
  13. Holland/Terry’s/Easton, North Wilkesboro, NC (AM-5, UA-7, IA-5)
  14. C&M Sporting Goods/TPS, Dothan, AL (AE-4, UA-4, IA-2, WA-5)
  15. Watanabe/K&G/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (AM-4, NAA-5, NA-4, NA-13, S-2)

The Old Scout Co-Player of the Year – Jeff Wallace, Hague, 1B (128 HR, .742, ISA & USSSA MVP)
The Old Scout Co-Player of the Year – Andy Purcell, Hague, P (USSSA MVP)


2004 (The Old Scout)

  1. Dan Smith/Backman/Menosse/Holland/Easton, San Jose, CA (U-1, N-2) (76-6)
  2. Resmondo/Taylor Bros/K&H Investments, Columbus, OH (U-3, N-1) (43-12)
  3. US Vinyl/Meridian/Subway/Z-Wear, Lafayette, LA (U-2, N-3, AM-1, WM-2, SA-1) (74-27)
  4. Benfield/Alesium/Easton, Fairfield, VA (U-5, AM-4, NAA-13, WM-1, SA-2) (51-22)
  5. Team Synergy, Orlando, FL (U-5, AM-3, NAA-4, I-A-1, UA-7, AAE-1, AA-1) (98-16)
  6. Kluever Snap On/B&J Logging/Mizuno, Sandoval, IL (U-9, AM-2, NAA-1, WM-3)
  7. Aubreys/TPS, Savannah, GA (U-13, NAA-2, WM-5, IA-4, UA-2, AAE-2, SA-3)
  8. Mountain Top/Worth, Marysville, WA (UA4, IA-9, AAW-1, AA-2)
  9. Bell Corp/Docs/Easton, Tampa, FL (U7, N4, AM-4, I-A-2, U-A-5)
  10. Creative Stucco/TPS, Reynoldsburg, OH (NAA-5, NA-3, UA-1, AAE-4)
  11. Alpine Mortgage/Diamond/Easton, Middletown, OH (U-4, NAA-5, NA-2, UA-9, AAE-7)
  12. Tacoma Dodge/Easton, Puyallup, WA (U-13, IA-5, NA-1, UA-9)
  13. O&S Cattle/Mathesons/Povs/Mizuno, South St. Paul, MN (U-17, NAA-3, NA-9, UA-3)
  14. Gulf Coast/Easton, Sarasota, FL (U-13, WM-9, IA-7, UA-13)
  15. L&L Paint/Alabama Brick/TPS, Prattville, AL (NAA-7, WM-4, IA-3)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Jeff Hall, Dan Smith/Easton, 1B (122 HR, .806)


2005 (The Old Scout)

  1. Resmondo/Dan Smith/Menosse, San Jose, CA (U-1, N-2) (54-11)
  2. Bell Corp/Backman/Taylor/Easton, Tampa, FL (U-2, N-4) (39-15)
  3. AM/Las Vegas/Benfield/Easton, Manassas, VA (U-4, N-1, AM-1, NAA-1, UA-1, NA-1) (30-15)
  4. Team Stucco/K&G Sports/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (U-7, NAA-3, UA-1, N-A-1, AE-5) (35-17)
  5. Northwest Pipe/Bud Light/3n2/Easton, Brighton, MI (U-3, NA-5, UA-13, IA-2)
  6. Quick Roofing/AL Brick/Doc’s, S. Sioux City, NE (U-5, NAA-2, NA-2, UA-5, AW-4, WA-1)
  7. Aubrey’s/Resmondo/3n2/TPS, Savannah, GA (U-7, AM-3, UA-9, IA-1, AE-5)
  8. Watanabe/Alpine/Kattus/TTP/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (U-9, NAA-4, NA-7, UA-7)
  9. Barnes Logging/Worth, West Helena, AR (U-13, UA-3, IA-7)
  10. Long Haul/Miken, Albertville, MN (AW-1, WA-2)
  11. Berardi’s/Team LTP/TPS, Lexington, KY (NAA-5, N-A-5, UA-4, AE-1, A-2, WA-3)
  12. Quick Roofing/Promed/Cash Plus, Euless, TX (U-9, UA-9)
  13. Jean Shoppe/Worth, McKenzie, TN (UA-5, S-2, IB-1, WB-4)
  14. Team Combat/Kluever’s Snap On, Kent, WA (U-13, NAA-5, N-3)
  15. K&C/Easton/Graphic, Sacramento, CA (U-5)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Andy Purcell, Resmondo/Dan Smith/Menosse, P (.679, 49 HR)
The Old Scout Co-Offensive Player of the Year – Brett Helmer, Bell Corp/Easton (.792, 91 HR, 179 RBI)
The Old Scout Co-Offensive Player of the Year – Jeff Wallace, Resmondo/Smith (.737, 104 HR, 254 RBI)
The Old Scout Defensive Player of the Year – Don Dedonatis Jr., Resmondo/Dan Smith/Menosse


2006 (The Old Scout)

  1. Resmondo – KME Softball Club, Winter Haven, FL (UCR-1, UC-1, UC-1) (47-10)
  2. Bell Corp/Taylor Bros/Belcher/Easton, Tampa, FL (UCR-2, UC-2, UC-1) (43-13)
  3. Specialty Tank/Stucco/K&G/Worth, Columbus, OH (UCR-5, UC-2, U-3, NAA-2, IA-1) (50-22)
  4. Benfield/Reece/Easton/AM Las Vegas, Vienna, VA (UCR-3, UC-3, U-4, NAA-1, IA-2) (53-20)
  5. Northwest Pipe/Bud Light/3N2/Easton, Westland, MI (UCR-3, UC-5, U-5, UA-1, IA-7) (39-26)
  6. Jean Shoppe/Worth, McKenzie, TN (AA-3, UCR-4, UC-5, U-5, UA-2, NA-1, IA-3, WA-1) (50-24)
  7. Team Combat, Kent, WA (UCR-4, UC-5, U-7, NAA-7) (29-16)
  8. KME/Chaney’s/Body Glove/PB/Easton, Anaheim, CA (AA-1, U-7, UA-5) (30-14)
  9. K&C/TAI/Elite/G23/Easton, Cameron Park, CA (UCR-7, UC-9, U-9, UA-13)
  10. Cash Plus Pawn, Euless, TX (AA-7, UCR-11, U-9, UA-7)
  11. Watanabe/Tiny Town/Superior/R&A/TPS, Cincinnati, OH (UCR-14, U-13, UA-4, NA-5)
  12. Aubrey’s/MIT/Worth, Savannah, GA (UCR-10, UC-8, U-4, UA-3, NA-2, IA-7)
  13. Herrin’s/M.I.T/Left Field Lounge, Savannah, FL (UA-17, IA-5)
  14. Long Haul Trucking/Miken, Caledonia, MN (AA-2, WA-3)
  15. Team Worth/Barnes Logging/FBI/Miken, Ft Smith, AR (UCR-9, UC-5, U-13, UA-5, NA-9)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Dennis Rulli, Bell Corp/Taylor Bros/Belcher/Easton, MI (.751, 36 HR)

Softball Today Team of the Year – Resmondo – KME Softball Club, Winter Haven, FL

Softball Today “A” Team of the Year – KME/Chaney’s/Body Glove/PB/Easton, Anaheim, CA


2007 (The Old Scout)

  1. Resmondo Softball, Winter Haven, FL (UCR-1, UC-1, U-1) (60- 3)
  2. Bell Corp/Belcher/TAI/Backman, Tampa, FL (UCR-2, UC-2, U-3) (46-17)
  3. Team Combat/Benfield/Dalsanders, Seattle, WA (UCR-3, UC-5, U-2, NAA-1) (50-19)
  4. Jean Shoppe/Tanel/Worth, McKenzie, TN (UCR-4, UC-5, U-9, UA-1, WA-2) (43-26)
  5. KME/Chaney’s/Easton, San Diego, CA (UCR-6, UC-3, U-13, UA-2) (40-18)
  6. Aubrey’s/MIT/Elite/PhoneMasters, Savannah, GA (UCR-5, UC-5, U-5, UA-4, NAA-2) (46-24)
  7. The Scene/Mattingly Softball, Commack, NY (UA-5, NA-3, WA-1) (39-12)
  8. ABS/Easton, Baltimore, MD (UA-7, NAA-5, NA-1, WA-3, IA-1) (56-16)
  9. Wood Law/Quick Roofing/Worth, Bryant/Benton, AR (UCR-7, UC-9, U-9, UA-3)
  10. Fence Brokers Inc/Worth, Bryant, AR (UCR-9, UC-5, U-7, UA-9, NA-3, IA-8, WA-5)
  11. Laser Vision/Easton, Greenfield, MA (UCR-8, UC-5, U-7, UA-9, NA-1, WA-5)
  12. GTL/Combat, Othello, WA (UCR-11, UC-3, U4, UA-13, NAA-9)
  13. Long Haul Trucking/Miken, Albertville, MN (AA-1, WA-4)
  14. Pace/TPS, Rochester, NY (UCR-10, UC-9, U-9, UA-9, U-Blk-Maj-1)
  15. Suncoast/RBK, Parrish, FL (UCR-15, UC-9, U-5, UA-7)

The Old Scout Player of the Year – Jason Kendrick, Resmondo Softball (.781, 55 HR, 130 RBI)
The Old Scout Offensive Player of the Year – Jeff Wallace, Resmondo Softball (.813, 81 HR, 202 RBI)
The Old Scout Defensive Player of the Year – Don Dedonatis, Resmondo Softball

Softball Magazine Team of the Year – Resmondo Softball, Winter Haven, FL


2008 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL (U-2, UC-1)
  2. Dan Smith/Menosse/Benfield/Combat, San Jose, CA (U-1, UC-2)
  3. Jean Shoppe/Easton, MacKenzie, TN (UA-1, UC-3, AA-5)
  4. Long Haul/Phonemasters/Miken, Albertville, MN (AA-4)
  5. GTL/Creative Stucco/Worth, Seattle, WA (UA-2, UC-4)
  6. C-Town/American Funding/Easton/Elite, Boise, ID
  7. ABS/Easton, White Marsh, MD (AA-1)
  8. Taylormade/Floyd Environmental/Mizuno, Spotsylvania, VA (U-4)
  9. Suncoast/RBK, Tampa, FL (UA-3)
  10. Line Drive/Triple SSS Sportscards, Detroit, MI
  11. Ropeclub/Hennessys/Onqclub/Easton, Chicago, IL
  12. Classic Glass/Easton/DSS, San Jose, CA
  13. Combat USA/Elite/Pytch Blakk, San Diego, CA (U-3, UA-4, AA-3)
  14. Fence Brokers Inc/LaserVision/Worth, Bryant, AR
  15. Columbus Pipe/Easton, Columbus, OH

2009 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL
  2. Long Haul/Miken/Phonemasters, Albertville, MN
  3. Dan Smith/Menosse/Benfield/Combat, San Jose, CA
  4. T&R Stucco/Worth, Polk City, FL
  5. Jean Shoppe/Chaney’s/Easton/Sports55, MacKenzie, TN
  6. GTL Cartel/Stucco/Worth/Elite, Seattle, WA
  7. Taylormade/Titan/PAS/Mizuno, Spotsylvania, VA
  8. Northwest Combat/Trojans, Seattle, WA
  9. Fence Brokers/Illustrated Sportswear, Bryant, AR
  10. Bud Light/TPS/Linedrive/Sports55, Canton, MI
  11. Wood Law, Dallas, TX
  12. Johnny Blaze/Combat/Elite, Los Angeles, CA
  13. Classic Glass/Easton/DSS Bats, San Jose, CA
  14. Blitz/Watanabe/Weller/Minges/Easton, Cincinnati, OH
  15. Combat USA/Elite, Seattle, WA

2010 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Phonemaster, Winter Haven, FL
  2. Dan Smith/Menosse, San Jose, CA
  3. GTL Cartel/Worth, Seattle, WA
  4. Logo Express, Byron, GA
  5. Fence Brokers/Gametime Supply/Worth, Bryant, AR
  6. Team Combat/Laser Vision, Seattle, WA
  7. PIPAC/TCP/Easton, Waterloo, IA
  8. AJS/Easton/Supreme/Mike Foulks/Mojo, Fort Myers, FL
  9. Wood Law/Miken, Dallas, TX
  10. Aubrey’s/Taylormade/Mizuno, Savannah, GA
  11. EWS/Shirts And Logos, Chicago, IL
  12. Sinister/Line Drive/SSS/Worth/Mojo, Detroit, MI
  13. Northwest Combat/ CJ Financial, Seattle, WA
  14. Jean Shoppe/Easton/Down2Earthsports, MacKenzie, TN
  15. Albicocco’s/The Scene/Worth, Commack, NY

2011 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL
  2. GTL Cartel/Demarini, Seattle, WA
  3. Team Combat/Laservision/D2E/Supreme, Seattle, WA
  4. Team 454 Emerald/Worth, Glen Allen, FL
  5. Sonny’s/Desert Falls/Elite, Casper, WY
  6. R&M Metals/Troupe/TCP/Easton, Waterloo, IA
  7. Jean Shoppe/Team TPS/D2E/Elite, MacKenzie, TN
  8. Suncoast Reebok, Parish, FL
  9. Taylormade/TM Sports/Mizuno, Spotsylvania, VA
  10. Wood Law/Mizuno/Famous/Easton, Dallas, TX
  11. EWS/Shirtsandlogos/Drgraphx/Easton, Chicago, IL
  12. Doerflinger/Tsc/Pro-Coat/Combat, Seattle, WA
  13. Down2Earthsports.Com/Worth, Baxley, GA
  14. Blitz/Weller/Watanabe/Mab/Easton, Cincinnati, OH
  15. Sinister/Pritchard/Miken, Livonia, MI

2012 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL
  2. Demarini/Dirty/3N2/Atwldesigns, Orlando, FL
  3. Laservision/Anni/Supr/D2/Easton, Cicero, NY
  4. TYJA/Suncoast Reebok, Parish, FL
  5. Jean Shoppe/Team TPS/Elite, MacKenzie, TN
  6. Nordkap/Desert Falls/Easton, Andover, MN
  7. West Coast Doerflinger/Easton, Seattle, WA
  8. Team 454/Emerald/Worth, Orlando, FL
  9. Red’s Astros/TPS/Sports Den, Indianapolis, IN
  10. Team Combat/Pacific Headwear, Seattle, WA
  11. Sonny’s/Louisville Slugger, Casper, WY
  12. R&M Metals/Troupe/Pipac/S&R/Easton, Waterloo, IA
  13. Down2Earthsports.Com/SBC/Worth, Baxley, GA
  14. Team Demarini/Famoussports.com, Portland, OR
  15. Taylormade/TM Sports/Mizuno, Spotsylvania, VA

2013 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL
  2. Laservision/Desertfalls/Boombah/EAS, Cicero, NY
  3. Nordkap/Suncoast Reebok, Denver, CO
  4. Jean Shoppe/TYJALouisville Slugger, MacKenzie, TN
  5. Line Drive Sportz/SSS/Miken, Detroit, MI
  6. Demarini/Dirty/Xtremeathletics, Orlando, FL
  7. Albicocco/The Scene/Easton, Commack, NY
  8. GTL/Doerflinger/R&M/Easton, Seattle, WA
  9. Classic Glass/Easton/Dssbats, San Jose, CA
  10. Red’s Astros/Slugger/Stucco/Dirty, Indianapolis, IN
  11. Chaps/BWW/Worth/Buzini, Columbus, MS
  12. Taylormade/TM Sports/Mizuno, Spotsylvania, VA
  13. Sonny’s, Casper, WY
  14. Team Combat/LBG/Derby Boys, Kent, WA
  15. OC Swats/Easton, Anaheim, CA

2014 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL
  2. Laservision/H Auto/Easton, Cicero, NY
  3. Baugh Ford/Doerflinger/National Pawn/Easton, Clanton, AL
  4. Team Albicocco/Scene/Easton/Elite, Commack, NY
  5. Precision/Easton, Chicago, IL
  6. Backman/Jean Shoppe/Louisville Slugger, MacKenzie, TN
  7. Sonny’s, Casper, WY
  8. Buzini/BWW/Miken, Columbus, MS
  9. Line Drive Sports/R&M Metals/Easton, Detroit, MI
  10. Team Combat/Softball.com, Seattle, WA
  11. Red’s Astros/Louisville Slugger, Indianapolis, IN
  12. Classic Glass/Easton, San Jose, CA
  13. ASPnation/Easton, Dallas, TX
  14. Xtreme/Miken, Medina, MN
  15. H. Auto/Easton/Hooters MOA, Burnsville, MN

2015 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL (U-1, UCC-1)
  2. Smash It Sports/Compound Athletics, Cicero, NY (U-2, UCC-3)
  3. Precison/Easton, Chicago, IL (AA-2, U-10, UA-2, UCC-2)
  4. Backman/Jean Shoppe/Louisville Slugger, MacKenzie, TN (U-3, UCC-5)
  5. Team Combat/Baugh Ford/Softball.com, Seattle, WA (A-9, AA-6, U-8, UCC-8)
  6. Team Racks/Easton, Casper, WY (U-9, UA-7)
  7. Albicocco/The Scene/Easton, Commack, NY (U-4, UA-3, UCC-4)
  8. Fence Brokers, Inc./Buzini/Worth, Bryant, AR (U-11, UA-1)
  9. OC Swats/Doerflinger/Miken, Anaheim, CA (U-16, UCC-7)
  10. Red’s Astros/Louisville Slugger, Indianapolis, IN (A-7, AA-5, U-5, UA-6, UCC-6)
  11. Compound Athletics/Easton, Chicago, IL (AA-12, U-6, UA-16)
  12. Xtreme/Miken, Medina, MN (U-12, UA-14)
  13. Pure Romance/Foulks Auto, Cincinnati, OH (U-17)
  14. TG Brand, Detroit, MI (U-15, UA-5)
  15. Encompass/Eurotech/Easton, Champlin, MN (U-13, UA-15)

2016 (SoftballCenter)

  1. Backman/Louisville Slugger, Aurora, IL (U-2, UCC-1)
  2. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, Winter Haven, FL (U-5, UCC-3)
  3. Smash It Sports/ASP/H. Auto/Mr. Wiggles, Cicero, NY (A-6, U-1, UCC-2)
  4. Scene/Albicocco/Worth/Miken/Monsta, Commack, NY (U-3, UCC-5)
  5. Team Combat/Baughford.com, Kent, WA (A-4, AA-9, U-4, UCC-6)
  6. Team Racks/Miken/Sonny’s, Casper, WY (A-3, AA-3, U-11, UAA-14, UCC-8)
  7. TG/Red’s Astros/Headlines/K&G/Worth, Indianapolis, IN (A-7, AA-11, U-9, UAA-6, UCC-4)
  8. Newbreed/GTS/Beus Excavation/Dirtys, Bothell, WA (U-8, UAA-2, UCC-7)
  9. Precision, Chicago, IL (AA-7, U-10, UAA-1)
  10. 3rd Street/Louisville Slugger, West Chester, OH (U-6, UAA-9)
  11. Line Drive Sportz/Easton, Warren, MI (U-7, UAA-3)
  12. Xtreme/Miken, Medina, MN (U-12, UAA-4)
  13. JBL/Tailgaters/B&E/Worth, Kent, OH (U-13, UA-11)
  14. Bay Area Legends, San Francisco, CA (UA-3)
  15. BHR/Coppermine Lodge/ASP/Worth, Gladewater, TX (AA-1, U-15, UAA-11, UA-1)

2017 (TPS Power Ratings)

  1. Smash It/Scene/TDB/Miken/Worth, Rochester, NY (U-1, UCC-2)
  2. Resmondo/OA Apparel/H. Auto/SPTank, Winter Haven, FL (A-2, U-2, UCC-4)
  3. Smash It/Thunder/Miken/Worth/Louisville, Wading River, NY (U-7, UCC-1)
  4. Dan Smith/Menosse, San Jose, CA (U-3, UCC-3)
  5. Backman/S&S/Dr.Pepper/Louisville Slugger, Aurora, IN
  6. Newbreed/GTS/DeMarini, Tukwila, WA (U-16, UCC-5)
  7. Racks/Sonny’s/Athlon/Easton/Cutter, Casper, WY (U-5, UCC-6)
  8. Worth Astros/K&G/Klutch, Indianapolis, IN (U-11, UAA-3, UCC-7)
  9. Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon, Medina, MN (U-14, UAA-1)
  10. Precision/3rd St./GBrand/Easton, Chicago, IL (AA-1, U-8, UAA-2)
  11. The Scene/HDLNS/BHR/Easton, Hamilton, OH (U-4, UAA-7, UA-6)
  12. Classic Glass/Easton, San Jose, CA (UAA-4)
  13. OA Apparel/Broughton/KBI/Easton, Gladewater, TX (AA-2, U-15, UAA-9)
  14. Steel Sports/PowerhouseSportz/Miken, Corpus Christi, TX (U-17, UA-1)
  15. Myautojack.com/Tunie Sports, Glendale, AZ

2018 (TPS Power Ratings)

  1. Resmondo/RDD/H. Auto/All In/Sprizzi/, Winter Haven, FL (A-1, U-1, UCC-1)
  2. Smash It/Thunder/Backman/TDB/Miken, Rochester, NY (U-2, UCC-2)
  3. Dan Smith/Menosse/Steven Smith, San Jose, CA (U-3, UCC-6)
  4. Pure Sports/Monsta, Charleston, SC (U-8, UAA-1, UCC-11)
  5. TDB/FAI/Klutch/Miken, Charlotte, NC (U-4, UAA-2, UCC-3)
  6. Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon, Medina, MN (U-10, UAA-3, UCC-8)
  7. Rack’s/Worth Astros/Klutch/Troupe, Fishers, IN (A-2, AA-5, U-7, UAA-4, UCC-7)
  8. Newbreed/Steel Sports/DeMarini, Bothell, WA (U-5, UAA-9, UCC-5)
  9. Riot Sports/Broughton/Beckham/Worth, Tampa, FL (U-12, UAA-7, UCC-10)
  10. Pauer Sports/JBL/Tailgaters/B&E, Kent, OH (U-16, U-2)
  11. Premier/Easton/HDLNS, Morrow, OH (U-11, UAA-11, UA-4)
  12. Precision/3rd Street/Bull Dawg, Chicago, IL (AA-7, U-5, UAA-8, UCC-4)
  13. Rapid Fire Athletics/Bad Draw, Gainesville, FL (U-14, UA-1)
  14. All Out/A&A/Steel Sports/ASP/Miken, Gladewater, TX (AA-3, U-15, UAA-10, UCC-9)
  15. TG Brand, Flint, MI (UA-6)

2019 (TPS Power Ratings)

  1. Resmondo/SIS/Thunder/RDD/H.Auto, Winter Haven, FL (A-1, U-2, UCC-1)
  2. TDB/Racks/Athlon, Charlotte, NC (A-3, AA-4, U-3, UCC-3)
  3. Dan Smith/Menosse/Steven Smith/FAI, San Jose, CA (A-2, U-1, UCC-2)
  4. BayArea/Rapid Fire/Bad Draw/Easton, Oakland, CA (U-6, UAA-1, UCC-6)
  5. Pure Sports, Goose Creek, SC (U-10, UCC-4)
  6. SmashIt/Precision/3rdStreet/Bulldawg, Downers Grove, IL (AA-2, U-9, UAA-2)
  7. Monsta Athletics/Black Sheep, Calimesa, CA (A-7, AA-3)
  8. SIS/Thunder/Miken/Worth/Anarchy/OA, Wading River, NY (A-4, AA-1, U-5, UAA-7)
  9. T’s 13/Monsta/CTE, Omaha, NE (A-5, AA-5)
  10. Xtreme/Miken/ASP/Athlon, Medina, MN (U-4, UAA-10)
  11. MPT Rentals/EVO9X/Miken/Worth, Manahawkin, NJ (U-11, UAA-6)
  12. Riot Sports/Hubs Pub/Klutch/Showtime, Tampa, FL (U-8, UAA-5)
  13. Nightmare/Miken, Branson, MO (U-12, UAA-9, UCC-5)
  14. Newbreed/Cutter LLC/Thunder, Seattle, WA (U-7, UAA-3)
  15. RebelSports/TN/Troupe/M24/GameBrand, Dearborn, MI (U-16, UAA-4)

KEY

A = ASA Open/Super National
AM = ASA Major Class
AA = ASA-Class A
AE = ASA Eastern Class A
AW = ASA Western Class A
AInd = ASA Industrial Major
U = USSSA Major World Series
UAA = USSSA Class AA
UA = USSSA Class A
UE = USSSA Eastern World Series
UC = USSSA Central World Series
UW = USSSA Western World Series
UCC = USSSA Conference Championships
UCR = USSSA Conference Regular Season
I = ISA Major World Series
IAA = ISA Class AA
IA = ISA Class A
N = NSA Major World Series
NAA = NSA Class AA
NA = NSA Class A
W = WSL World Series
WR = WSL Regular Season
WA = WSL Class A
S = SSAA Class A National
NS = NSPC National Championships
NSR = NSPC Regular Season
NSRN = NSPC Regular Season National Division
NSRA = NSPC Regular Season Atlantic Division
NSRE = NSPC Regular Season Eastern Division
NSRR = NSPC Regular Season Northern Division
NSRS = NSPC Regular Season Southern Division
NSRW = NSPC Regular Season Western Division

NOTES

* Triple Crown Winner (ASA, USSSA and NSPC)
# Grand Slam Winner (ASA, USSSA, ISA and NSA)

Capitol Insulation

Capitol Insulation, sponsored by Bob Edmiston and Don Webster, fielded one of the best teams in the country from 1974-1988. Although never capturing a national championship, the team based in North Hollywood, California, defied all obstacles involving extensive travel and maintaining players on the West Coast to produce some of the top players in softball. Mike Cellura, Hank Kosmala, Rick Wheeler, Bo Webber, Cruz Martinez, Don Furnald, Elby Bushong, Frank Rodriguez, Dennis Meyers and Ken Dain are only a few of the many great players who played for manager Ron Whittleton in a Capital uniform.  As other California teams came and went over the years, Capitol upheld a strong standard of softball in that area and was a mainstay in the USSSA World Series, failing to qualify only twice between 1974 and 1988.

They came close to capturing the title in 1983 but eventually finished third behind Steele’s in their first year under Dave Neale and repeat champion Jerry’s. They continued to pursue softball excellence and played in every major tournament around the country, including the Smoky Mountain Classic in Maryville, Tennessee.

Mazzola-Castle

Mazzola of Rochester began as Pace Electronics and made its first appearance in the USSSA World Series in 1974. Led by Andy Santillo, Glenn Eichelberger and Frank Taccone, all of whom are USSSA Hall of Famers, as well as manager Joe Nucci, the team was a perennial top finisher in USSSA national tournaments and the World Series, combining great fielding with timely power hitting. As the team, matured, it began picking up additional players such as Jerry Lasponara, Mike Decillis, Pete Castle, Rick Palmiero and Bill Kreger. In 1977, they picked up Cal Carmen and merged with Castle Insurance.

Mazzola-Castle peaked at the right time that year, winning the Eastern World’s in Southgate, Michigan and defeating two time defending champion Snyder’s in the USSSA World Series in Petersburg, Virginia, Lasponara was MVP in both tournaments and they brought Rochester the community’s first softball championship. In 1978, the team moved into the Pro League, initially under the ownership of Dick Hill, where they were known as the Zeniths and played in Red Wings Stadium. Unfortunately, the ownership ceased after 1979 and although the team continued in the pro league through 1982, many of the players transitioned back to Pace Electronics in the USSSA.

Dino’s Pizza

Dino’s Pizza from Detroit was formed in 1970 by USSSA Hall of Fame Manager Gary Vitto who later managed Detroit Caesars and Detroit Softball City in the Pro League and became General Manager of Arena Football League Champion Detroit Drive. The team was led by one of the most colorful players ever to set foot on a softball field, first baseman Cal Carmen, also a member of the USSSA Hall of Fame. Joe Patti, MVP of the 1974 USSSA World Series, was the pitcher and the team included Joe Theisen, Jerry Johnston, Bill Klinger, Jim Haislip and Dan Murphy,

Dino’s was very competitive in major Detroit softball but could not defeat Little Caesars. After losing to Caesars in the 1972 ASA District at a time when only one team qualified to go the Regionals from each area, Dino’s decided to join the USSSA and promptly won the Eastern World’s in Petersburg that year, defeating Snyder’s in the Winner’s Bracket finals and Rolling Hills of Covington, Kentucky in Championship. Carmen was the star of the tournament along with Theisen.

The next year Dino’s lost to Bay Area Merchants in the USSSA World Series in Southgate, Michigan. Later that year, Dino’s finished 2nd in the Eastern World’s which qualified them for the expanded 8 team World Series the following year, where they defeated Bay Area Merchants to take the title. Competing as Uniroyal the following years, they finished 4th and 5th respectively in the USSSA World Series. The following year, Uniroyal disbanded and Gary Vitto, Dan Murphy, Tom Kaminski and George Birch joined the Detroit Caesars Pro Team where they won the 1977 and 1978 World Championships.

Big Time Softball

Until 1973, top level men’s slow pitch softball was almost exclusively made up of teams whose rosters were comprised of players within each local area. From the first ASA slow pitch champions in the mid-1950’s through the 60’s and early 70’s, teams made up of players from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Milwaukee and Long Island sponsored by smaller retail businesses battled it out for the Labor Day title. Teams pretty much played during the week in local leagues and drove to a half dozen out of town tournaments from May to August.

In 1971, Virginia Piledrivers won the championship in Cleveland after helping all-time great Bert Smith move from Long Island where he played with County Sports to Virginia. Several other players from the Maryland-Northern Virginia area also played on that team but other than Bert, it was a regional team. In 1973, Richard Howard became the first national sponsor to bring in multiple players from out-of state, those being Bert Smith, Stan Harvey, David Carroll and HT Waller. It paid off with Howard’s winning back-to-back championships in 1973 and 1974. Jerry’s Catering out of Miami finished second in 1974 and brought in Al White but most of the team was from Florida.

The USSSA at that point also had local teams as champions with Bay Area Merchants, Dino’s and Snyder’s in 1973-75.

1975 was the year that the ASA instituted a residency rule and the competition was very even with any one of 20 teams having a great chance to win championships. It turned out that 2 totally homegrown teams, Pyramid Cafe from Cleveland and Snyder’s from Detroit won the ASA and USSSA championships respectively.

Nelson’s Paint began some national recruiting in 1975 as did Warren Motors in 1976 although both teams had a majority of players from Oklahoma and Florida in those years. Also, in 1976, Taylor Brothers recruited Rick Sherr from Milwaukee and the 1976 USSSA World Series featured Little Caesar’s picking up Bert Smith, Stan Harvey and Denny Hogan from Howard’s and Snyder’s picking up Phil Higgins from Milwaukee and Braxton Speller from North Carolina. Braxton moved full-time to Detroit to work in the auto industry where he joined Chuck Drewicz who had moved from Milwaukee to Detroit earlier that year.

It was 1977 when the wholesale movement of players and significant costs began. With the advent of the professional league, players were paid to play and Bert Smith, Ronnie Ford, Mike Nye and Jack Roudebush were brought to Detroit to play for Detroit Caesars. Nelson’s recruited extensively, bringing in Bruce Meade, Herman Rathman, Joe Young and Al White and Crusher moved to North Carolina to play for Howard’s. By 1978, Campbell’s recruited players from coast-to-coast and it became apparent that to win championships, a sponsor would have to provide significant resources to compete for a championship.

Nelson’s, Campbell’s and Howard’s won the Triple Crown 1979-81 with rosters comprised of players from around the United States. Jerry’s won the USSSA in 1982 and 1983 with a similar roster and then Steele’s, Elite, Smythe Sox and Ritch’s Superior followed suit during the remainder of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Major Men’s Softball had become an expensive proposition that required partnerships with equipment manufacturers to offset certain costs.

Pro Softball and the National Slo-Pitch Conference

From 1977 to 1982, various softball owners and sponsors attempted to create separate organizations separate from the ASA and USSSA to make the sport a profitable business and meet the needs who wanted to take it beyond recreation. Ultimately, those efforts, which involved many individuals, did not succeed but it was an interesting time for all participants.

In 1977, Bill Byrne, who worked in the World Football League which was active in 1973 and 1974, started the American Professional Slo-Pitch League, based in Columbus, Ohio. He targeted markets primarily in the North and Midwest that had strong softball traditions and facilities that could accommodate several thousand fans. These included Cleveland, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Detroit, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Trenton, Baltimore, Chicago and Long Island. Ownership and facilities as well as on-field talent varied significantly based on location and ownership capabilities. Each team played a 56 game schedule, with each game part of a doubleheader played on weekends from May to September.

Detroit Caesars, owned by Mike Ilitch, greatly enhanced the softball field located in East Detroit to hold crowds of 4000-6000 which occurred often. He also signed Ronnie Ford, Bert Smith and Mike Nye to go with a strong team of local Detroit players that included all-World members Mike Gouin, Tex Collins, Doug Gerdes and Tony Mazza. He also signed former Detroit Tigers Norm Cash and Jim Northrup who created fan and media excitement.

The Kentucky Bourbons, owned by ASA Hall of Famer Don Rardin, Jr., brought together most of the best players in the Kentucky area, including Bill Gatti, Phil Schroer and Don Rardin, Jr. The team also played at a significantly enhanced facility, Bishop David Field and the team received significant media attention.

Chicago was made up of primarily 16 inch players such as Benny Holt, who won the League’s Triple Crown and MVP that year, Buddy Haines, Ron Olesiak and Tom Spahn, managed by former major leaguer Milt Pappas.

The Long Island team consisted of many top players from County Sports, including Jim Galloway, Mike Foley, Larry Chiappetta and Gary Richter. Unfortunately, unstable ownership caused many of these players to leave the team during the season.

Cleveland was owned by Jay Friedman and the team, made up of Pyramid stars Bobby Reid, Steve Loya, Shelley Hoffman, Dave Jakubs, Bob Hegedus as well as Dana Andry, Roger Wilt, Rich Petrunyak and other top players was very competitive and drew good crowds to Rose Field. There were other outstanding players who did not join the team as they were playing for top Cleveland amateur teams, including Mike Macenko, Steve Blanchette and Mark Brown.

The Cincinnati Suds played at Trechter Stadium and had Rick Linz, Emery Lucas, Tom Taylor, Jim Nageleisen, Mike Applin and other solid players. Similar to Cleveland and also Pittsburgh, there were quality players on amateur teams that did not join the pro league.

The Pittsburgh Hard Hats featured Tom Miller and Jim Nelson from Joe’s Army Navy, Columbus took most of the Worthington Steel team, including Bill Swords, Tom Pappas and Goldie Rich, Columbus played its home games in the Clippers’ stadium.

The Minnesota franchise played its games in Midway Stadium and featured most of the best players from the Twin Cities, including Gene Parrish, John Locke, Joe Russell and Lou Boone. Former Twins shortstop Zoilo Versalles also played for the team.

The Trenton team was made up of players from that area such as John Spadaccino and Tom Krenchicki as well as former New York Met Danny Napoleon. In its second year, the team featured former New York Yankee Joe Pepitone, who turned out to be a very good player.

Baltimore featured players from the Maryland/Northern Virginia area, including Piledrivers and All-World performer Johnny Dollar, Lawrence Hutcherson and John Copenhaver.

Milwaukee combined the top teams in that area which had been perennial powers in the Big Eight League and the USSSA, Transport Oil and Copper Hearth. Phil Higgins, Arlis Jones, Doug Czaplewski, Derek Gallagher, Jim Dillard, Kenny Parker, Paul Wenzel and a young first baseman, Dennis Graser, made up the roster. The franchise built on the popularity of softball in that community to draw large crowds to Wilson Park as well as good ratings for the locally televised games and very strong media coverage.

For the most part, the teams with the most stable ownership, Detroit, Milwaukee, Louisville, Cleveland and Cincinnati, were the best on the field and in attendance. That first year demonstrated the gap that persisted during the 6 year history of the League as well in the National Slo-Pitch Conference during its existence relative to the ability to identify and sustain a majority of  strong owners/sponsors who possessed both the vision and the resources to continue to grow their own teams on and off the field as well as strengthen the organization as a whole.

The games among the top teams were very competitive as Detroit and Kentucky vied for the League’s best record through the final weekend of the regular season. Cleveland barely edged out Cincinnati for a playoff berth where they faced and defeated the favored Milwaukee team and came very close to upsetting Detroit. Meanwhile, Baltimore, which had little competition in its division, upset Kentucky in the playoffs. Given new life, Detroit disposed of Baltimore in 4 straight games to capture the World Series. Mike Nye was MVP of the Series.

Before the season began, the League announced that the winner of the World Series would receive $50,000. However, after the completion of the Series, it was discovered that the League had significant financial expenses, including the financing of the Columbus franchise, and was unable to provide that prize money.

The League was reorganized in 1978. Bill Byrne and his team parted ways with the owners and Don Rardin, Sr. was named League President with the office relocating to Detroit. Rardin sold the Bourbons to Larry Gatti and sold his interest in the Cleveland Jaybirds to Ted Stepien. The Long Island, Columbus and Baltimore franchises disbanded and were replaced by the defending USSSA Champions from Rochester, the Zeniths, owned by Dick Hill, who played their games in Red Wings Stadium, the New England Pilgrims and the Philadelphia A’s, who played their games in Veteran’s Stadium.

The Minneapolis franchise was sold to Richard Doran, who built a strong franchise with a talented roster and strong marketing.  Schlitz became involved with the Milwaukee franchise that year as well. Unfortunately, ownership in Cincinnati and Chicago ceased in the middle of that season, forcing the League to carry those franchises until the end of the year.

The schedule was expanded to 64 games. Detroit and Minnesota were the best two teams in the League that year and each won 4 of the 8 games played head-to-head. They reached the World Series with Detroit disposing of Cleveland and Minnesota defeating Cincinnati in the playoffs. Detroit dominated the World Series, beating Minnesota in 4 straight games with Bert Smith, World Series MVP going 16 for 17, the only out being a base hit that was disallowed when Bert was called for stepping on the plate. Ronnie Ford was the regular season MVP, leading the League in home runs and RBI and barely losing the batting title to Mike Nye the last game of the season.

Another reorganization took place that off season when Ted Stepien, who had purchased full control of the Cleveland franchise and renamed it the Competitors, became League President and moved the League office to Cleveland. The Chicago franchise was disbanded and replaced by Ft. Wayne. Larry Luebbers became the owner of the Cincinnati franchise and the team played their games at a reconstructed Crosley Field in Luebbers’ backyard in Florence, Kentucky.

The League also instituted several rule changes, including moving the base paths to 70 feet from 65, moving the pitcher’s mound to 49 feet and several of the fields lengthened their dimensions to 315-330 feet from 300 feet. That season, Milwaukee, led by first year pitcher Rick Weiterman and Manager Mike Basile, got off to a strong start and held the best record in the League all year, followed closely by Kentucky. Detroit got off to a slow start, much of it due to injuries and though it made a late run, was never able to catch the Schlitz. Ronnie Ford, despite missing over 20 of the 64 games with injuries, led the League in home runs and RBI. Weiterman won the batting title and was named MVP. In the playoffs, Milwaukee defeated Cleveland and Detroit and Kentucky defeated Pittsburgh and Rochester to reach the World Series.

Earlier that summer, the League signed a contract with a new 24 hour sports cable network, ESPN, to televise the World Series which turned out to be ESPN’s first live telecast. This should have been a major step forward for big-time softball but unfortunately, it was a missed opportunity that was never recaptured. Milwaukee wound up winning the Series over Kentucky, 5 games to 3 and Weiterman was the World Series MVP as well.

Following the season, the Minnesota and Trenton franchises disbanded, Dick Hill ceased ownership of the Rochester franchise and Mike Ilitch, who had owned the flagship franchise, Detroit Caesars, announced that he was no longer participating in professional softball. These occurrences led to the formation of a second league, the NASL, by Ted Stepien, who owned the Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, Lexington, Chicago and Pittsburgh franchises. The other two teams came from the APSPL, defending champion Milwaukee and Fort Wayne. Pittsburgh, Louisville, Rochester, Philadelphia, New England and Cincinnati remained in the original league. Due to the defections and divisions, ESPN withdrew from their contract, the last time that big-time softball would have the opportunity to receive regular national television coverage.

in the 1980 season, Milwaukee wound up winning their 2nd consecutive championship, beating Detroit after defeating a very good Chicago team in the playoffs, many of whose players joined Lilly Air the following year, including Ron Olesiak, who was League MVP.  Kenny Parker was the World Series MVP. Rochester defeated Pittsburgh to win the APSPL.

The NASL folded after the season with Cleveland moving to the National Slo-Pitch Conference in 1981 as Nationwide Advertising and Snyder’s absorbing several of the Detroit pro players on their NSPC team. Milwaukee rejoined the established pro league, now called the USPSL. Kentucky, led by Bill Gatti, won the World Series, defeating New England. The Cincinnati franchise acquired many of the players who had played for Greater Cincinnati Sports in the USSSA and NSPC and with its games at St. Bernard Field, had local television coverage for several games during the MLB strike that summer.

In 1982, Cleveland returned to the Pro League with several of its Nationwide stars, including Mike Macenko, Steve Blanchette, Marty Rolnick, Dana Andry, Doc Booker, Rich Petrunyak and Jim Bizzell. Dave Neale also added Paul Wright and brought back Bobby Reid. Cleveland and Kentucky were the best regular season teams but by the playoffs, Petrunyak and Wright were injured. Detroit, which was comprised of much of the Snyder’s NSPC team, including Braxton Speller, Chuck Drewicz, Rick Trudeau, Doug Gerdes and Gary Geister, added power-hitting Charlie Mitchell. Milwaukee got off to a slow start and lost shortstop Paul Wenzel at mid-year.

Both Detroit and Milwaukee peaked at the right time. Detroit defeated Philadelphia and Cleveland in the playoffs, all on the road. Milwaukee defeated Cincinnati and Kentucky, In the World Series, Milwaukee defeated Detroit, a team they had lost to 11 of 16 times in the regular season, 5 games to 1 to capture their third championship in 4 years, led by Higgins, Graser and Weiterman.

During the off-season, Ted Stepien, who owned both the Cleveland and Detroit franchises, was focused on issues involving his Cleveland Cavaliers and announced that both teams were being disbanded. With other issues that arose, professional softball ended and was not revived.

There were opportunities for success with owners like Ilitch, Stepien, Gatti and Doran as well as the ESPN coverage. However, it was imperative for teams to play in facilities such as minor league or college baseball type facilities that were markedly better than the recreation fields where most softball was played. These facilities were required for projecting a professional image as well as providing a backdrop for televising games. Unfortunately, most of the owners did not have the resources or the inclination to do so. They also were unable to obtain the best softball players, in many cases, even in their own cities, where lack of credibility caused many to stay with their amateur teams. Also, the League was unable to obtain national sponsorships from beer, equipment and other companies that would have enticed established softball sponsors with strong resources such as Richard Howard, Ken Sanders, Jerry Pendergast, Campbell Strange and R.T. Nelson to become professional owners.

The other effort to develop a second organization began in 1978 as an effort to counteract Professional Softball and maintain the traditional tournament format. The National Slo-Pitch Conference was formed by Jim Snyder, R.T. Nelson and Richard Howard. The first year, there were nine teams, including Howard’s, Nelson’s, Ken Sanders, Campbell’s, Dave Carroll, Taylor Brothers, Capitol Insulation and Poindexter Lumber. R.T. Nelson ran the Conference Office with Jerome Earnest. Four tournaments were held and Campbell’s won 2, Howard’s and Dave Carroll each won one. Campbell’s, which had spent the off-season recruiting players from around the country, went on to win the ASA over Howard’s and was regarded as the best team in the country that year.

In 1979, Dave Carroll ran the Conference Office out of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, again with Jerome. There were 22 members of the Conference participating in a full slate of 13 tournaments held throughout the country from April to July with the championship held in August in Birmingham, Alabama. The teams were located in all regions and it gave teams that had previously played a mostly local schedule to compete against the best teams prior to the Labor Day Championships. Dudley and Dave Carroll Sports were the primary national sponsors and each local tournament obtained local sponsorship as well as ticket sales.

Campbell’s picked up where they left off the previous season and won the regular season NSPC title. Nelson’s, made up of players from CC Brick and other top teams, took the Championship on its way to the 1979 Triple Crown. The Conference office once again moved in the off-season, this time to Seymour, Indiana. The 1980 Conference had 19 members and 15 tournaments. In addition to Nelson’s leaving softball after the Triple Crown victory, other sponsors who were not as competitive determined that the costs of travel and player expenses were not sustainable.

Jerry’s Catering won the Conference regular season title in 1980 and was featured in Sports Illustrated. However, just as in the previous year, another team on its way to the Triple Crown, Campbell’s, with 5 members of the 1979 Nelson’s team, won the Championship and proceeded to capture the ASA and USSSA Championships. Once again, citing the high cost of operating a national team, the second consecutive Triple Crown winner, citing the high costs associated with operating a national softball team, disbanded following the season.

In 1981, due in part to the mergers of Ken Sanders and York Barbell and Teamsters and Hillcrest along with the Cleveland professional team to form Nationwide Advertising and the disbanding of Detroit Softball City and GB Wilcher, the NSPC functioned with 8 teams. Miller Brewing Company and its local distributors sponsored most of the 14 Conference Tournaments that year along with Dudley Sports. Worth was involved with Ken Sanders-York Barbell, Easton with Howard’s and Steele’s with its team and Nationwide.

Howard’s, with the addition of Dick Bartel, Richard Willborn, Buddy Slater and Bill Ferguson, led from start to finish with Nationwide Advertising beating out Ken Sanders-York, Jerry’s and Snyder’s as the 2nd best team for most of the year. In the Championship at Willoughby, Ohio, Howard’s defeated Nationwide twice to win the title. However, it took a Bartel catch against the fence to rob Doc Booker of a game winning three run homer in the bottom of the 7th of the first game. Howard’s went on to win the Triple Crown but unlike the two previous winners, came back to defend its championships in 1982.

The Conference office was moved to Denver, North Carolina and the structure was changed to allow more teams to participate in the Conference on a limited regional basis while the top 3 teams, Jerry’s, Howard’s and Sanders-York, played a more full national schedule. In the Championship,held in Knoxville at the World’s Fair and sponsored by Miller, Ken Sanders won his first Big 3 championship as York-Sanders won the last NSPC Championship. Jerry’s wound up winning the ASA and USSSA Championships that year.

Following the season, the NSPC as well as the pro league folded permanently. There was one NSPC invitational tournament in 1983 but all of the remaining teams and players from both organizations were absorbed by the ASA and USSSA. The NSPC had some similar sustainable challenges to  the pro league with respect to the wide disparity between sponsors in terms of resources and ability to procure players. Additionally, even the most affluent sponsors focused on winning championships and recruiting players as opposed to building a strong league/conference. As a result, as businessmen, they eventually saw the amounts they were expending with no emphasis or ability to obtain return on investment.

Also, the teams that did have individual sponsorship affiliations were not inclined to sacrifice those for competing national affiliations that might have made the organization stronger. Big time softball, if it had been properly organized with all of the right people, may have had an opportunity to be successful, particularly with the amount of sports that has been televised since the 1980’s. It was a missed opportunity. As the sponsors went back to the ASA and USSSA, the same pattern ensued with teams winning and disbanding a short time later. Steele’s and Howard’s were the exceptions who sustained their teams for almost another decade.

In the end, both organizations brought together a lot of good owners/sponsors and players and created great memories for the participants and fans.

Howard’s Furniture

Of the many people responsible for the growth and success of men’s slow pitch softball throughout the United States, none had a greater impact or love of the game as Richard Howard, a truly amazing individual in every respect. The former Marine who never left his roots in Denver, North Carolina, Mr. Howard was a true Horatio Alger, building a successful business empire through hard work, loyalty and integrity. As he was building his family and his businesses consisting of furniture, retail food establishments as well as distribution, real estate, bowling establishments, insurance, auto racing and other enterprises, he became interested in slow pitch through his church team in the 1950’s.

As time went on, his team improved and began developing a winning reputation in North Carolina. The players were all from the North Carolina area and among some of the original team members were Don Arndt and Gene Fisher, both destined to become all-time greats. Their first ASA National Tournament was in 1969 and they lost their first two games. Eventually, they picked up players from other North Carolina teams and continued to improve, finishing 4th in the ASA Nationals in Jacksonville in 1972 where Don Arndt was named MVP.

In 1973, Mr. Howard determined to win a title and he did so by recruiting Bert Smith, the MVP of the 1968 and 1991 ASA Nationals with County Sports and Virginia Piledrivers from Virginia Beach, Stan Harvey and David Carroll from Tennessee and H.T. Waller from Florida. He also prevailed upon his neighbor, Tony Cloninger, who had recently retired from Major League Baseball after a very successful 15 year career to come in to play 3rd base. This combination of players,together with Denny Hogan, Randy Ewing, Tommy Maiden and Steve Howard, won their first championship, beating County Sports twice in the Finals. Bert Smith was again MVP.

Howard’s repeated that championship in 1974 in York, Pa., defeating Jerry’s Catering in the Finals. 1975-77 was an unusual period with no championships but the team returned to form in 1978, winning the USSSA World Series in Petersburg, Va. over arch-rival Dave Carroll Sports after barely losing out to Campbell’s in the ASA Championship. Denny Hogan was MVP and among the contributors that year was Rick Sherr who joined Howard’s in 1977.

In 1981, Howard’s put together its best team and one of if not the best team ever assembled with a combination of defense, hitting, baserunning, depth and the ability to adapt to all conditions. In addition to stalwarts Arndt, Harvey, Sherr, Tom Beall and Howard, Dick Bartel, Richard Willborn, Buddy Slater and Bill Ferguson came aboard. Additionally, Mike Cellura played for Howard’s in the NSPC and was all-tournament there. This team won everything from the Hejaz Classic in Spartanburg to the Smoky Mountain to the NSPC regular season. For Ferguson, Slater and Willborn, it was their third straight Triple Crown. Randy Gorrell and Bob Lutz, Jr. guided the team from the bench and in the Triple Crown Tournaments, Howard’s lost a total of 1 game.

Although favored to win in 1982, they came up short but rebounded in 1983 with another ASA Super Division crown. Until 1989, when he retired from softball, Richard Howard was one of the most respected individuals in the history of the sport. He treated everyone with respect and kindness and did everything he could to better the sport. It is a real tribute that most of the players he brought to his team stayed in North Carolina throughout their careers and raised their families close to the Howards. Among two examples are Stan Harvey, who moved from Tennessee in 1973, stayed the rest of his life with his family, including son Bryan, who became one of the best closers in the Major Leagues. Similarly, Rich Sherr, whose son grew up in Denver, NC and is one of the top performers in the WWE. Of course, Bob Lutz, Jr. one of the top coaches in college basketball, learned much from his father and uncle and growing up around and coaching Howard’s Furniture.

An amazing legacy of an amazing individual who built a championship team on the field he constructed in his back yard.

Campbell’s

Although men’s slow pitch softball was growing in California in the 1970’s, Campbell Strange took it to a whole new level. In 1973, Bay Area Merchants with a roster made up of players from Northern California won the Men’s USSSA World Series, beating favorite Dino’s Pizza of Detroit, 4-2 in Southgate, Michigan. The next year, Bay Area Merchants finished 2nd to Dino’s in Pinole, California out of an expanded field of 8 teams.

In 1975, a team from Southern California that would make a strong mark in Men’s Softball for more than a decade emerged, Capitol Insulation, sponsored by Don Webster and Bob Edmiston. Their first few years, they were made up exclusively of Southern California players and they made the USSSA World Series almost every year.

Campbell Strange, a native of Ireland, became interested in men’s softball in the mid-70’s through several of his employees in his successful carpet business. Soon, he took over sponsorship of Bay Area Merchants, called Campbell’s-BAM and entered numerous national tournaments. Although the team had a good showing in the 1977 ASA Championship, that experience caused Campbell’s competitiveness to seek out players from coast-to coast in order to capture a national title. During that off-season, he went to Tennessee to recruit Ron Masterson and Eddie Corum, North Carolina to get Russell Bradley, Louisiana by way of North Carolina to obtain Denny Jones, Oklahoma for Al White and Gordon Wheeler and closer to home, Southern California for Mike Cellura.

He also retained several of the Campbell’s-BAM team, including Charlie Pierce, at that time the best player to come out of Northern California. He molded that group into a true team through the efforts of manager Tom Crellin and coach Ed Mennosse and pretty much dominated the 1978 season, winning two of the initial four NSPC tournaments as well as other national titles, traveling across the country, before defeating Howard’s to win the ASA Championship in Elk Grove, California.

In addition to developing a championship team, Campbell did a great deal to promote softball in California and around the United States. He was very instrumental in making the 1978 ASA Championship and the 1980 USSSA Championship, both in Northern California, extremely successful events from a fan and publicity standpoint.

In 1979, Campbell continued his recruiting, getting Jerry King, Greg Fuhrman and Dick Bartel and went into the season as a prohibitive favorite. However, Nelson’s wound up with the Triple Crown that year. Unfortunately for softball but fortunately for Campbell, Bob Nelson retired from softball following that season. Campbell then obtained Richard Willborn, Mickey McCarty, Buddy Slater and Bill Ferguson from Nelson’s and also recruited Elby Bushong and Dennis Meyers from Capitol. That team, managed by Randy Gorrell, recovered after a relatively slow start and won the Triple Crown over Jerry’s Catering, the favorite going into 1980.

Campbell determined after that achievement to follow Bob Nelson into retirement from softball. During the relatively brief time that sponsored a team, he made a huge impact, both in on-field success and popularizing slow pitch throughout the country and in California in particular.

Robert Brown

Robert Brown became involved while in high school with men’s softball in 1971, joining Mertz Bake Shop from Oak Park, Michigan in the Detroit area as statistician-coach. At that time, Detroit was a hotbed for softball with defending ASA Champion Little Caesar’s, Snyder’s, Dino’s Pizza, Daly’s Drive-In and other teams that appeared in national tournaments on a regular basis. The following year, 1972,  Mertz was a charter member of the Detroit Major Metro Travel League and finished 4th in the USSSA Eastern World in Petersburg, Va. Robert later joined Stroh’s, Bert’s Blackhorse which finished 2nd to County Sports in the 1975 Stroh’s Invitational in Springfield, Ohio and Uniroyal which finished 5th in the 1976 USSSA World Series in Wyandotte, Michigan.

In 1977, after graduating University of Michigan where he was a student manager for the football and hockey teams, Robert joined Detroit Caesars of the American Professional Slo-Pitch League and became Assistant General Manager as well as administrator for the League Office in 1978. In 1979, Robert became Vice President of Marketing for the League and was responsible for procuring a contract with ESPN which televised the Pro World Series between Milwaukee and Kentucky as their first live network event.

Robert became Commissioner of the professional North American Softball League in 1980 and Executive Director of the National Slo-Pitch Conference in 1981. In 1982, he became General Manager of the Detroit Softball City Pro Team which lost to Milwaukee in the World Series. That turned out to be the last year of pro softball and the NSPC and Robert became Michigan USSSA Director 1982-83. He left softball to become General Manager of the Detroit Express Professional Soccer Team and attend law school. Robert was inducted into the Michigan USSSA Hall of Fame in 1990.