Softball History USA

1969 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1969 held at State Road Park in Parma, Ohio.


Champion – Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (77-5)
Runner Up – Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, Florida (96-22)


H.T. Waller almost single handily carried Jo’s to the championship. He had 7 HR and 16 RBI in the final 4 games. Jo’s eliminated Little Caesars 21-19 as Waller hit 3 HR. Then Waller’s HR  won the first final 8-6 over Copper Hearth.

In the Final championship, Copper Hearth led 8-1, Waller hit two 3-Run HR to pull them to 13-11, but fell just short. Copper ended up winning 13-12.

Jim Becker led Copper Hearth all weekend with a .593 batting average including 6 HR and 20 RBI. Tony Galecke also hit .593 and he scored 16 Runs. Mike Grbich led the Hearth Men with a .609 average (14-23). Fred Maas chipped in hitting .556. Luther Ates was the table setter for Jo’s Pizza House collecting 23 hits and scoring 17 Runs.


  • MVP – H.T. Waller, Jo’s Pizza House
  • HR Leader – H.T. Waller, Jo’s Pizza House – 16
  • Batting Leader – Joe Konicki, Hicksville Astros – .800

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jerry Martello, Jo’s Pizza House (7-2 Pitching and 16-34, .471, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
C – Joe Konicki, Hicksville Astros (16-20, .800, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 15 Runs)
C – Tex Collins, Little Caesars (17-26, .654, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 16 Runs)
1B – Jim Becker, Copper Hearth (16-27, .593, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 16 Runs)
2B – HT Waller, Jo’s Pizza House (19-32, .594, 16 HR, 28 RBI, 21 Runs, 6 Intentional Walks, set the national tournament home run record with 16)
3B – Bill Cole, Little Caesars (14-25, .560, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 11 Runs)
SS – Chet Forte, County Sports (19-28, .679, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 12 Runs)
OF – Bert Smith, County Sports (22-34, .647, 14 HR, 26 RBI, 20 Runs)
OF – Luther Ates, Jo’s Pizza House (23-38, .605, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 17 Runs)
OF – Tom Sorcic, Copper Hearth (13-26, .500, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 9 Runs)
OF – Gerry Lyle, Jo’s Pizza House (18-34, .529, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 13 Runs)
UT – Jim Galloway, County Sports (19-30, .633, 11 HR, 21 RBI, 20 Runs)
UT – Steve Loya, Gene’s Sohio (14-25, .560, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 11 Runs)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tom Cannonberg, Copper Hearth (6-1 Pitching and 5-21, .238, 1 RBI, 3 Runs)
P – Jim True, Wilsman Trucking (4-2 Pitching and 14-21, .667, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 9 Runs)
C – Ben Hogan, Golden Gallons (15-21, .714, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 12 Runs)
C – Dan Vlahovic, Teamsters Local  (no info)
1B – Mike Axelson, Little Caesars (18-25, .720, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 12 Runs)
2B – Joe Petriello, Hicksville Astros (9-20, .450, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
3B – Fred Maas, Copper Hearth (10-18, .556, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
SS – Wayne Chopus, Ciccio’s Homes (13-17, .765, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
OF – Tom Drabik, Gene’s Sohio  (no info)
OF – Carl Neubauer, Copper Hearth (12-29, .414 , 3 HR, 7 RBI, 11 Runs)
OF – Jim Wessel, Wilsman Trucking (17-25, .680, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 12 Runs)
OF – Tony Galecke, Copper Hearth (16-27, .593, 4 RBI, 15 Runs)
UT – Bill Malloy, County Sports (19-32, .594, 10 HR, 19 RBI, 15 Runs)
UT – Al Waltz, Little Caesars (12-19, .632, 5 RBI’s, 4 Runs)


OTHERS

Bob Auten, Little Caesars (18-30, .600, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 14 Runs)
Rocky Salice, County Sports (14-25, .560, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 11 Runs)
Bill Brown, County Sports (16-29, .552, 6 HR, 10 RBI, 11 Runs)
Bob Harrison, Wilsman (12-22, .545, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 13 Runs)
Bob Lombardi, County Sports (14-23, .519. 0 HR, 2 RBI, 10 Runs)
Oscar Steadman, Hicksville (10-20, .500, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
Bob Schugman, County Sports (15-30, .500, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 15 Runs)
Tony Mazza, Little Caesars (15-30, .500, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 13 Runs)
Bill Tolbert, Jo’s Pizza (19-38, .500, 9 HR, 21 RBI, 18 Runs)
Mike Gouin, Little Caesars (15-31, 484, .8 HR, 17 RBI, 14 Runs
Chester Dungan, Jo’s Pizza House (17-35, .486, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 11 Runs)
Lou Russo, Hicksville Astros (10-21, .476, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 9 Runs)
Andy Loya, Gene’s Snoco (9-20, .450, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 Runs)
Andy Masseta, Gene’s Sunco (9-21, .429, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 Runs)
Steve Shurina, Hicksville (8-20, .400, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Howie Krause, Pyramid (7-18, .389, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 Runs)
Bob Malicki, Little Caesars (8-23, .381, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 6 Runs)
Dave Neale, Pyramid (2-15, .133, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 Runs)
Mike Foley, Hicksville Astros (15-20, .750, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 15 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, WI (6-1)
2. Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, FL (7-2)
3. Little Caesar’s Pizza, Detroit, MI (5-2)
4. County Sports, Levitton, NY (5-2)
5t. Gene’s Sohio, Parma, OH (5-2)
5t. Hicksville Astro Motor Inn, Hicksville, NY (3-2)
7t. Golden Gallons, Chattanooga, TN (3-2)
7t. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (4-2)
9t. Teamsters Local #293, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
9t. Pyramid Cafe, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
9t. 615 Lounge, York, PA (3-2)
9t. Ciccio’s Homes, Plainville, CT (3-2)
13t. Eddie’s Cafe, Cincinnati, OH (2-2)
13t. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (2-2)
13t. Glidewell Brothers, Richmond, VA (2-2)
13t. Maplewood Plumbing & Heating, Maplewood, MN (2-2)
17t. Canal Lanes, Southampton, MA (1-2)
17t. Gramma’s Lucky, Billings, MT (1-2)
17t. Gregg’s Lettering, Oakland, CA (1-2)
17t. Romero Music Company, New Iberia, LA (1-2)
17t. Tom’s, Columbus, GA (1-2)
17t. Pantorium Cleaners, Dayton, OH (2-2)
17t. Jerry’s Catering, Miami, FL (1-2)
17t. Heidelberg, Tacoma, WA (2-2)
25t. Shakey’s Pizza, Washington, D.C. (1-2)
25t. Kwajalein All Stars, Marshall Islands (0-2)
25t. Virginia Door, Chesapeake, VA (0-2)
25t. Al Green’s Tavern, Rochester, NY (0-2)
25t. Wilmar Lounge, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
25t. Central Brevard Merchants, Cocoa, FL (0-2)
25t. D.K. Asphalt, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
25t. Shipwreck Lounge, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
33t. Professional Disc. Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
33t. Howard’s Furniture, Denver, NC (0-2)


1968 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1968 held at Jones Beach, New York.


Champion – County Sports, Levittown, New York (72-4)
Runner Up – Jo’s House of Pizza, Milton, Florida (104-18)


Jo’s House of Pizza beat County Sports 7-5 in winners bracket final, County Sports then came back and beat Jo’s twice 11-7, 17-12 to win the crown. Bert Smith hit HR in his first two at bats to ignite County Sports in the final championship game. Smith came up big the Long Island team every game getting 23 hits and 24 RBI in the teams 8 games.

County Sports’ Jim Galloway chipped in with 6 HR and11 RBI, and along with Bill Malloy (9 HR, 19 RBI), Lou Russo (5 HR, 13 RBI) and Pitcher Bill Brown’s 5 HR, led an explosive offense.

HT Waller was a one man machine for Jo’s House of Pizza as he led them going 13-21 (.619) with 9 HR and 17 RBI. Jo’s Pitcher Gerry Martello and Outfielder Luther Ates played outstanding defense for Jo’s.

County Sports pitcher Bill Brown fractured a bone in his hand and Don Burns was called on to pitch the final two games to win the title.

Jo’s House of Pizza received a special sportsmanship trophy for staying the extra day, waiting out the rain to play. At the time of the postponement, Jo’s was the only undefeated team and could have left and been declared the National Champion. They opted to stay and play. And as mentioned, County Sports defeated them twice to win the title.

County Sports will receive an automatic berth to the 1969 Nationals as the defending National Champs and the ASA of Long Island Tournament committee also awarded Jo’s Pizza an automatic berth in the 1969 Nationals as the defending National Runner-up for what they did. Had Jo’s won the tournament, HT Waller probably would have been the MVP as he was Jo’s leading hitter and also had the most HR in the tournament at the time.


  • MVP – Bert Smith, County Sports
  • HR Leader – Bert Smith, County Sports – 11
  • Batting Leader – Bill Goedde, Dick Luken Volkswagen – .813

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Jerry Martello, Jo’s House of Pizza (4-2 Pitching and 5-19, .263, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
C – Bill Malloy, County Sports (21-33, .638, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 14 Runs)
1B – Lou Russo, County Sports (20-35, .571, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 15 Runs, 10 Doubles)
2B – H.T. Waller, Jo’s House of Pizza (13-21, .619, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 11 Runs)
3B – Bill Goedde, Dick Luken (13-16, .813, 9 RBI, 3 Runs)
SS – Tom DeLanzo, Hudepohl Beer (12-21, .571, 2 RBI, 7 Runs)
OF – Bob Schugman, County Sports (19-38, .500, 2 RBI, 12 Runs)
OF – Jerry Booher, Wilsman Trucking (16-26, .615, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 13 Runs)
OF – Bert Smith, County Sports (23-37, .622, 11 HR, 24 RBI, 19 Runs)
OF – Luther Ates, Jo’s House of Pizza (10-22, .455, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 Runs)


SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Ron Ritter, Jiffy Club (3-2 Pitching and 10-16, .625, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 Runs)
C – Mark Chandler, Erie Sheet Metal (10-16, .625, 4 HR,11 RBI, 8 Runs)
1B – Cal Bodenstein, Jo’s House of Pizza (9-19, .476, 3 HR, 2 RBI, 3 Runs)
2B – Jim Galloway, County Sports (19-35, .543, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 17 Runs)
3B – Mac Stalcup, Kobax Corporation (9-13, .692, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs)
SS – Roy Hill, Kobax Corporation (8-17, .471, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
OF – Larry Harbin, Anderson Shell (13-22, .591, 11 RBI, 7 Runs)
OF – Gordon Pfeiffer, Heidelberg Beer (10-12, .833, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 6 Runs)
OF – Junior Riggs, Jiffy Club (8-13, .615, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 Runs)
OF – Otto Knowles, Jo’s House of Pizza (10-18, .556, 5 RBI, 5 Runs)


OTHERS

Jim Sibert, Gene Angelos (10-13, .769, 2 RBI, 9 Runs)
Jack Goodrich, Gene Angelos (8-12, .667, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs)
Steve Loya, Gene’s Sunoco (6-10, .600, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
Preston Powell, Erie Sheet Metal (10-17, .588, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 10 Runs)
Bill Brown, County Sports (12-21, .572, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 10 Runs)
Rocky Salice, County Sports (15-30, .500, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 12 Runs)
Chester Dungan, Jo’s House of Pizza (10-21, .476, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 Runs)
Andy Loya, Gene’s Sunoco (5-11, .455, 1 HR. 7 RBI, 3 Runs)
Ron Annotico, Gene’s Sunoco (5-11, .455, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs)
Steve Shurina, County Sports (13-33, .394, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 10 Runs)
Stan Harvey, Kobax Corporation (5-14, .357, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 Runs)
Howie Krause, Erie Steel (6-20, .300, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. County Sports, Levittown, NY (7-1)
2. Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, FL (4-2)
3. Dick Luken Volkswagon, Cincinnati, OH (5-2)
4. Wilsman Truckers, Hamilton, OH (5-2)
5t. Erie Sheet Metal, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
5t. Heidelberg Beer, Tacoma, WA (2-2)
7t. Anderson Shell Misfits, Anderson, SC (4-2)
7t. Hudepohl Beer, Springfield, OH (3-2)
9t. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (3-2)
9t. Twin Cities Construction, Meriden, CT (3-2)
9t. Kobax Corporation, Chattanooga, TN (2-2)
9t. Ragu Foods, Rochester, NY (2-2)
13t. Climatic Air Rams, Maspeth, NY (2-2)
13t. Bayer & Mingola, Millbury, MA (2-2)
13t. Kutis Funeral Hone, St. Louis, MO (2-2)
13t. Playboy Tavern, Kennewick, WA (2-2)
17t. Central Brevard Merchants, Cocoa, FL (1-2)
17t. Shakey’s, Rockville, MD (1-2)
17t. Colonial Inn, Richmond, VA (0-2)
17t. Mahan Ford, Columbus, IN (0-2)
17t. Gene’s Sunoco, Cleveland, OH (1-2)
17t. Countryside Realty, Hopkins, MN (0-2)
17t. S.M. Pisut, Joliet, IL (1-2)
17t. Buck Moore’s Service Station, Macon, GA (0-2)
25t. Wamble Realty, Virginia Beach, VA (0-2)
25t. Del Campo Baking, Wilmington, DE (0-2)
25t. Coast Wholesalers Supply, Long Beach, MS (0-2)
25t. Kilberg-Grochran, San Carlos, CA (0-2)

1967 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1967 held at State Road Park in Parma, Ohio.


Champion – Jim’s Sport Shop, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania (75-13)
Runner Up – Michael’s Lounge, Detroit, Michigan (96-5)


ASA started the “Regional Championships” this season. After 62 teams entered the 1966 National and with the rain and delays, the tournament was played throughout the night. It became too much, so ASA divided up the country into 30 regions and no longer were State and Metro Champs guaranteed a spot in the Nationals.

The Regionals brought together a specified number of State and Metro Champs to play in that particular Regional Championship Tournament. That winner then earned a berth to the National Championship.

The Defending Champion also had an automatic berth at each National along with the Host Team. This cut the number of teams down to a manageable number each year.

Jim’s Sports Shop started the season as Skip Athletic Club, but Jim’s Sports Shop took over the financial backing by the end of the season. Miller “Killer” Adams of Jim’s was a dominating force at bat and in the field as Jim’s beat the defending champs 14-8 to win the title.

Paul Tomasovich hit a home run and collected 3 RBI in the final game. Tomasovich ended up 15-29 (.517) for the tournament. Both Ray Kruel and Andy Zilka also had 3 RBI.

Tex Collins of Michael’s hit 4 HR against County Sports, but it took Jack Westerlund’s walk off 3-run homer in the 7th inning to eliminate the Long Islanders 22-21. Collins’ effort offset great individual performances by County Sports Jim Galloway and Bill Brown who each hit 3 homers apiece in the loss. Michael’s then went to the finals where they defeated Jim’s 9-5 in the first final. Collins hit 13 HR to set a record, 6 straight at one point.


  • MVP – Miller “Killer” Adams, Jim’s Sports Shop
  • HR Leader – Carl “Tex” Collins, Michael’s Lounge – 13
  • Batting Leader – Ray “Corky” Kruel, Jim’s Sport Shop – .840

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Bill Brown, County Sports
C – Carl “Tex” Collins, Michael’s Lounge (17-27, .630, 13 HR, 27 RBI, set new national tournament HR record which broke old HR record of 11.)
1B – John Stone, Copper Hearth
2B – Ray “Corky” Kruel, Jim’s Sport Shop (19-23, .840)
3B – Jim Galloway, County Sports
SS – John Lorenzo, Twin Cities Construction
OF – Miller “Killer” Adams, Jim’s Sport Shop (16-24, .667, 7 HR, 13 RBI)
OF – Mike Gouin, Michael’s Lounge
OF – Bob Malicki, Michael’s Lounge
OF – Steve Shurina, County Sports


OTHERS

Paul Tomasovich, Jim’s Sport Shop (15-29, .517, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 11 Runs)
Bill Malloy, County Sports (6 HR)
Bert Smith, County Sports (2 HR)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Jim’s Sports Shop, Pittsburgh, PA (6-1)
2. Michael’s Lounge, Detroit, MI (6-2)
3. County Sports, Levittown, NY (4-2)
4. Twin City Construction, Southington, CT (5-2)
5t. Huffman Oil, Burlington, NC (3-2)
5t. Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, MI (4-2)
7t. Erie Sheet Metal, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
7t. Snyder Masonry, Detroit, MI (3-2)
9t. Hudepohl Beer, Springfield, OH (2-2)
9t. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (3-2)
9t. LaGrange Screw, LaGrange, OH (3-2)
9t. Kwik Car Wash, Parma, OH (2-2)
13t. Heidelberg, Tacoma, WA (2-2)
13t. Abrams Texaco, Cincinnati, MO (2-2)
13t. Breton Motors, Rochester, NY (2-2)
13t. Kobax Corporation, Chattanooga, TN (2-2)
17t. AD McCombs, San Antonio, TX (1-2)
17t. Countryside Realty, Hopkins, MN (0-2)
17t. Dominique’s Motors, Beau Bridge, LA (1-2)
17t. Jimmy’s Colonial Inn, Richmond, VA (0-2)
17t. Marks Brothers, Miami, FL (1-2)
17t. Tom’s #2, Columbus, GA (1-2)
17t. Bayer-Mingola, Millbury, MA (1-2)
17t. Fred’s Colonial Inn, Washington DC (1-2)
25t. Jo’s Pizza House, Milton, FL (0-2)
25t. Martin Hay Specialties, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
25t. Kutis Funeral Home, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
25t. Non-Ferrous Metal Fabrics, Cleveland, OH (0-2)
25t. E.C. Womack Athletic Club, Virginia Beach, VA (0-2)


NOTES

The following teams did not show up: Loray, El Cerrito, CA, Hilo All Stars, Hilo, HI, Northwest Region 27 team.


REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

  • Defending Champ – Michaels Lounge, Detroit, Michigan
  • Host – Kwik Car Wash, Parma, Ohio
  • ASA Region 1 – Marks Brothers, Miami, Florida
  • ASA Region 2 – Jo’s Pizza, Milton, Florida
  • ASA Region 3 – Tom’s #2, Columbus, Georgia
  • ASA Region 4 – Huffman Oil, Burlington, North Carolina
  • ASA Region 5 – EC. Womack A.C, Vuginia Beach, Virginia
  • ASA Region 6 – Jimmy’s Colonial Inn, Richmond, Virginia
  • ASA Region 7 – Fred’s Colonial Inn, Rockville, Maryland
  • ASA Region 8 – Breton Motors, Rochester, New York
  • ASA Region 9 – Twin Cities Construction, Southington, Connecticut
  • ASA Region 10 – County Sports, Levittown, New York
  • ASA Region 11 – Bayer-Mingolla Industries, Milbury, Massachusetts
  • ASA Region 12 – Jim’s Sports Shop, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (defeated Vigilante AA, York, PA)
  • ASA Region 13 – Hudepohl Beer, Springfield, Ohio
  • ASA Region 14 – LaGrange Screw Products, LaGrange, Ohio
  • ASA Region 15 – Snyder’s Masonry, Detroit, Michigan
  • ASA Region 16 – Non-Ferrrous Metal Fab, Cleveland, Ohio
  • ASA Region 17 – Erie Sheet Metal, Cleveland, Ohio
  • ASA Region 18 – Abrams Texaco, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • ASA Region 19 – Jiffy Club, Louisville, Kentucky
  • ASA Region 20 – Kobax Corp, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • ASA Region 21 – Countryside Realty, Hopkins, Minnesota
  • ASA Region 22 – Copper Hearth, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • ASA Region 23 – Kutis Funeral Home, St. Louis, Missouri
  • ASA Region 24 – Dominiques Motors, Breau Bridge, Lousiana
  • ASA Region 25 – AD McCombs, San Antonio, Texas
  • ASA Region 26 – Heidelberg, Tacoma, Washington
  • ASA Region 27 – N/A – (only 1 team came from Region 26/27 area)
  • ASA Region 28 – Loray, El Cerrito, California – (Could not attend National)
  • ASA Region 29 – Martin Hay Specialists, Phoenix, Arizona
  • ASA Region 30 – N/A

1965 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1965 held at Maumee, Ohio


Champion – Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (54-7)
Runner Up – Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, Kentucky (87-11)


Skip Hogan Athletic Club won this championship in dominating fashion, with tremendous defense and the pitching of Lou DelMastro. Skip’s defeated a great Swing Inn team from Cleveland in the winner’s bracket final 6-2 behind 2 home runs from Paul Tomasovich.

Swing Inn then lost the loser’s bracket final to Gatliff’s 13-5 to finish 3rd. In the championship, that wasn’t even close, Skip’s exploded for 9 home runs in the 23-7 Championship Game victory. They scored 9 runs in the second inning. Bill Downey started it off with a 3-run Homer.

Jimmy Watts had a 2-run homer and Bill Hopkins and George Siford also hit homers in the inning. Bill Hopkins, George Siford and Bill Downey all hit 2 home runs in the game, while Jimmy Wallace, Joe ‘Bull’ Yimen and Paul Tomasovich also hit home runs. Skip AC had 25 hits during the game and their cause was helped by the fact Gatliff committed 5 errors.

Ageless Myron Reinhardt hit .770 (17-22) to lead the Gatliff team, somehow, he was left off the All America team. MVP Pitcher Lou Delmastro upped his ASA National Championship record to 25-2 with this 7-0 performance.

Skip’s were 26-6 in their Pittsburgh Metro League and 18-1 in tournament play for a 54-7 total record.


  • MVP – Lou DelMastro, Skip Hogan Athletic Club
  • HR Leaders – Jack Goodrich, Swing Inn – 5
  • HR Leaders – Don Hansen, Chadwick Construction – 5
  • HR Leaders – Bob Auten, Monroe Bombers – 5
  • HR Leaders – George Siford, Skip Hogan Athletic Club – 5
  • HR Leaders – Paul Tomasovich, Skip Hogan Athletic Club – 5
  • Batting Leader – Bob Auten, Monroe Bombers – .867

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lou Delmastro, Skip Hogan Athletic Club (7-0, 29 runs allowed in 7 games)
C – Ted Budny, Cactus Club
1B – Bob Auten, Monroe Bombers (13-15, .867, 5 HR)
IF – Hudson Knock, Gatliff’s Auto Sales
IF – Ron Kaintz, Skip Hogan Athletic Club
IF – Jack Goodrich, Swing Inn (5 HR)
IF – Paul Tomasovich, Skip Hogan Athletic Club(4 2B, 5 HR)
OF – Don Hansen, Chadwick Construction (5 HR)
OF – Dennis, DeLoria, Tirabassi Excavators
OF – George Siford, Skip Hogan Athletic Club (5 HR)
OF – Bob Black, Ready-Mix


OTHERS

Myron Reinhardt, Gatliff’s Auto Sales (17-22, .770)
Ray “Whitey” Brown, Gatliffs (14-28, 500)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (7-0)
2. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (6-2)
3. Swing Inn, Cleveland, OH (6-2)
4. Tirabassi Excavators, Kenosha, WI (4-2)
5t. Cactus Club, Milwaukee, WI (5-2)
5t. Vigilant AA, York, PA (5-2)
7t. Chadwick Construction, Meriden, CT (4-2)
7t. Millbury Old Time Inn, Millbury, MA (4-2)
9t. Seaport Inn, Toledo, OH (3-2)
9t. Gonzalez Mexican Foods, Richmond, CA (4-2)
9t. TWUA Textile Workers, Leaksville, NC (4-2)
9t. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (5-2)
13t. Dick’s Market, Richmond-Oakland, CA (3-2)
13t. A.D. McCombs, San Antonio, TX (2-2)
13t. Stotz Garage, Valhalla, NY (3-2)
13t. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (2-2)
17t. Al’s Sports Center, Smithers, WV (3-2)
17t. Penn TV, Cranston, RI (3-2)
17t. Ready-Mix Concrete, Knoxville, TN (4-2)
17t. Fountain’s Marine, Savannah, GA (3-2)
17t. Duff’s/Westrum’s, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
17t. Beavercreek Merchants, Beavercreek, OH (2-2)
17t. Donaldsville Independents, New Orleans, LA (2-2)
25t. Falstaffers, Rock Hill, SC (1-2)
25t. Brookline BYMC Club, Pittsburgh, PA (2-2)
25t. Hays Trucking, Phoenix, AZ (2-2)
25t. Foster Lumber Company, Dodge City, KS (1-2)
25t. Monroe Bombers, Monroe, MI (2-2)
25t. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (2-2)
25t. Hayes International, Birmingham, AL (1-2)
25t. Professor Erny’s Music, Lafayette, LA (1-2)
25t. East Toledo Independents, Toledo, OH (1-2)
33t. Family Tavern, Washington DC (2-2)
33t. Kelly’s Jet System, Richmond, VA (1-2)
33t. Pisut’s Funeral Home, Joliet-Chicago, IL (0-2)
33t. Del Campo Baking, Wilmington, DE (1-2)
33t. Polish Hall, Granite City, IL (0-2)
33t. John M. Forster Company, Rochester, NY (0-2)
33t. Lusardi’s Schaefer, Somerville, NJ (1-2)
33t. The Players Tavern, Tacoma, WA (0-2)
33t. Hillcrest Bowl, St. Paul, MN (0-2)
33t. M.B. Hagen Company, Hopkins, MN (0-2)
33t. Southern Bell Dairy, Danville, KY (0-2)
33t. Sperry Electric, Long Beach, MS (0-2)
33t. Lake Drive Liquors, Cocoa, FL (1-2)
33t. Beachcombers Drive-In, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
33t. Jo-Dog Manufacturing, Bedford, IN (0-2)
33t. Tasmanian Devils, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
49t. Cote St. Luc Leafs, Quebec, Canada (0-2)
49t. Trinity Lutheran, Atlanta, GA (1-2)
49t. McConaghy Drugs, Mobile, AL (0-2)
49t. Texas Club, Miles City, MT (0-2)
49t. Omaha Ace Roofing, Omaha, NE (0-2)
49t. Opalock Merchants, Miami, FL (0-2)

1964 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1964 held at Springfield, Ohio.


Champion – Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (69-11)
Runner Up – Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, Kentucky (70-21)


In a National Championship that featured a couple of great comebacks in the history of this event, Musicaro jumped out to an 11-5 lead on homers from Jim Galloway, Oscar Steadman and Lou Russo (3 hits in that game), Zeke Sinicola also had 3 hits for Musicaro’s – everybody at the tournament thought it was going to be a Musicaro-Gatliff championship matchup …. But, Gatliff come back in their usual way and scored 7 runs in the 5th inning to eventually win 13-11.

In the final, Skips came came twice in the last two innings. Trailing 12-7 in the bottom of the 6th, the Skips scored 6 runs, highlighted by Paul Tomasovich’s (Tomasovich had 2 HR in the game) homer to give his team a 13-12 lead.

Gatliff’s came back with 4 runs in the top of the 7th behind Bob Harrison’s HR (That was Harrison’s 3rd of the game) to take a 16-13 lead. Skips pushed across 2 runs with a series of hits and with 2 outs, up comes George Siford of Skip’s to pinch hit with with 2 runners on base.

Siford hits a dramatic walk off 3-run homer to give Skip’s the championship 18-16 over Gatliff.

Lost in all the commotion was the incredible feat pulled off by TWUA’s Don Arndt, as he had a weekend for the ages. It was stated that he started the tournament with 22 consecutive hits. He finished up 24-26 for a .923 average and also was the Home Run leader with 10. He was also walked intentionally 9 times.


  • MVP – Paul Tomasovich, Skip AC
  • HR Leader – Don Arndt, TWUA – 10
  • Batting Leader – Don Arndt, TWUA – .923

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lou DelMastro, Skip Athletic Club
C – Hudson Knock, Gatliff Auto Sales
1B – Barry Norman, Gatliff Auto Sales
2B – Ray “Whitey” Brown, Gatliff Auto Sales (14-28, .500)
3B – Paul Tomasovich, Skip Athletic Club (17-24, .708, 7 HR, 2 2B, 4 3B)
SS – Mike Kovach, Skip Athletic Club
OF – Oscar Steadman, Musicaro’s
OF – Clint Boisel, Hudepohl Beer
OF – Bob Harrison, Gatliff Auto Sales (7 HR)
OF – Jim Galloway, Musicaro’s


OTHERS

Don Arndt, TWUA (24-26, .923, 10 HR, 2 2B, 4 3B, 9 Intentional Walks, 33-35 on base – OB% of .943) – Set new national tournament batting record


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Skip Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, PA (6-0)
2. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (6-2)
3. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa, NY (6-2)
4. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (6-2)
5t. TWUA Textile Workers, Leaksville, NC (5-2)
5t. Tom Sweeney’s Pontiac, Cincinnati, OH (4-2)
7t. Hudepohl Beer, Springfield, OH (4-2)
7t. Duff’s, Minneapolis, MN (4-2)
9t. Cities Service, Milwaukee, WI (4-2)
9t. Ready Mix Concrete, Knoxville, TN (4-2)
9t. Jiffy Club, Louisville, KY (3-2)
9t. John M. Forster Company, Rochester, NY (3-2)
13t. Fox Lake, Chicago Metro, IL (3-2)
13t. Ragusa Market, Gretna-New Orleans, LA (3-2)
13t. Stubbs Howe Company, Savannah, GA (3-2)
13t. Olden AA, Trenton, NJ (2-2)
17t. Krivan Club, Springdale, PA (2-2)
17t. Christy’s Eggs, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
17t. Tom Benson Chevy, San Antonio, TX (2-2)
17t. Pizza Hut, Hutchinson, KS (2-2)
17t. Quinn Packing, Providence, RI (2-2)
17t. Caruso Florist, Washington DC (2-2)
17t. Rockledge Electric, Cocoa, FL (2-2)
17t. Farmers Merchants Bank, Breaux Bridge, LA (2-2)
25t. Mira’s Cafe, Bellvue, OH (2-2)
25t. Quality Aluminum, Coldwater, MI (2-2)
25t. Rueter’s, St. Louis Park, MN (2-2)
25t. Strand Tavern, Waukesha, WI (2-2)
25t. Park Lumber, Bremerton, WA (2-2)
25t. May Avenue Methodist, Oklahoma City, OK (1-2)
25t. Spengler Dawes, Granite City, IL (1-2)
25t. Venice Cafe, Boston, MA (1-2)
33t. Tucci & Sons, Tacoma, WA (1-2)
33t. Cavalier AC, Petersburg, VA (1-2)
33t. Assembly of God, Mesa, AZ (1-2)
33t. Schubert’s, Indianapolis, IN (0-2)
33t. Red Bull Transfer, Omaha, NE (0-2)
33t. St. Anthony’s, Wilmington, DE (0-2)
33t. McConaghy Drugs, Mobile, AL (0-2)
33t. Stotz Garage, Valhalla, NY (0-2)
33t. Strats, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
33t. Dorothy’s Lounge, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
33t. Top Hatters, Bickmore-Clay, WV (0-2)
33t. Surfside, Restaurant, Fairfield, CT (0-2)
33t. North St. Paul VFW, St. Paul, MN (0-2)
33t. Millbury Old Time Inn, Millbury, MA (0-2)
33t. Bill’s Tavern, Evansville, IN (0-2)
33t. Plaza Gardens, Toledo, OH (0-2)
49t. Canister Stores, Whitley City, KY (0-2)
49t. Cafe Ideal, Miami, FL (0-2)

1963 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1963 held at Jones Beach, New York


Champion – Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, Kentucky (56-6)
Runner Up – Skip Hogan Athletic Club, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (62-13)


After Gatliff’s had dismantled Skip Hogan’s 15-2 in the winner’s bracket final, the Pittsburgh squad came back to defeat the defending national champs, East Side Sporting Goods of Detroit 5-2 in the loser’s bracket final. This gave them another crack at Galiff’s. Skip Hogan won he first final 16-6 as they hit 6 home runs in the game. Jimmy Watts had 2 HRs and 2 doubles, Bill Downey also had 2 homers, including 4 RBI. Pitcher Lou DelMastro had a double, triple and a 3-run homer, good for 5 RBI. Ron Diulus had the other homer. After a 10 minute break, Gatliff’s came out. Bob Harrison of Gatliff hit home runs in his first two at bats, giving them a 3-0 lead. The Hogans came back with hits from Mike Kovach and Paul Tomasovach. Joe Bull Yimin scored them both with a double. After Ron Diulus hit a single, moving Yimin to third, while Dilius went to second on the throw, Louie DelMastro scored them both with a hit to make the score 4-3 in favor of Hogan’s (DelMastro collected 7 RBIs in the two championship games). In the 5th inning, Skip Hogan’s made 3 errors and Bob Harrison scored the last two runners of the inning to give Gatliff a 9-4 lead. Tomasovich hit a 2-run HR in the 6th, but it wasn’t enough as Gatliff won the title 9-6. For Pittsburgh, Jimmy Watts had 5 HR on the Tournament. The legendary Myron Reinhardt was awarded the MVP award for his clutch hitting and overall excellence and leadership.


  • MVP – Myron Reinhardt, Gatliff Auto Sales (16-30, .533, 4 HR)
  • HR Leaders – Lou Russo, Musicaro Foods (13-21, .619) – 6
  • HR Leaders – Jim Galloway, Musicaro Foods (15-24, .625) – 6
  • Batting Leader – James Mortl, Lud & Angie’s, Milwaukee (18-25) – .720
  • Outstanding Defensive Player – Ken Bryson, Sills Sports Shop, Miami

1963 ASA MEN’S OPEN SLOW PITCH ALL-AMERICAN FIRST TEAM

P – Lou Delmastro, Skip Hogan Athletic Club (6-2)
C – Lou Russo, Musicaro’s (13-21, .619, 6 HR)
C – Myron Reinhardt, Gatliff Auto Sales (16-30, .533, 4 HR)
1B – Jim Galloway, Musicaro’s (15-24, .625, 6 HR)
2B – Don Whitford, Gatliff Auto Sales
3B – Bill Shuman, Karp Motors
SS – George Caloia, East Side Sports
OF – Jimmy Watts, Skip Hogan Athletic Club (5 HR)
OF – Paul Tomasovich, Skip Hogan Athletic Club
OF – Emelio Zeke Sinicola, Musicaro’s (10-20, .500 3 HR)
OF – Walt Roeckers, Bud’s Cafe
OF – Hal Wiggins, Gatliff Auto Sales (14-27, .519, 2 HR)


OTHERS

James Mortl, Lud & Angie’s, Milwaukee (18-25, .720)
Jim Puckett, East Side Sports (17-26, .654, 1 HR)
Bill Downey, Skip Hogan Athletic Club (15-23, .652, 4 HR)
F. Battista, Bill Elliott’s (16-25, .640, 1 HR)
Paul Nutley, Bud’s Cafe (14-22, .636)
Joe Gauci, East Side Sports (16-28, .571)
Paul Nutley, Bud’s Cafe (14-22, .636)
Ron Diulis, Skip Hogan Athletic Club (8-13, .615, 1 HR)
Bill Armfield, TWUA (6-10, .600)
Gene Cupertino, Lud & Angie’s (7-12, .583, 2 HR)
Frank Frietag, Strand Tavern (11-19, .579)
Joe Gauci, East Side Sports (16-28, .571)
Stan Smiley, Cote Saint Luc (6-11, .545)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (7-1)
2. Skip & Hogan A.C., Pittsburgh, PA (7-2)
3. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (6-2)
4. Musicaro Foods, Massapequa Park, NY (5-2)
5t. Bill Elliott’s, Pittsburgh, PA (5-2)
5t. Lud & Angie’s, Milwaukee, WI (5-2)
7t. Karp Motors, Savannah, GA (5-2)
7t. Hamilton Tailors, Cincinnati, OH (5-2)
9t. TWUA Textile Workers, Leaksville, NC (4-2)
9t. Quinn Packing, Providence, RI (3-2)
9t. Lach’s Bar, Cleveland, OH (2-2)
9t. Sills Sporting Goods, Hialeah-Miami, FL (2-2)
13t. Strand Tavern, Waukesha, WI (4-2)
13t. Homer’s Boys, Louisville, KY (2-2)
13t. Westrum’s, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
13t. VFW-World War Vets, Parkersburg, WV (2-2)
17t. Polish Hall, Madison, IL (3-2)
17t. Cote Saint Luc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (2-2)
17t. Fitzgerald Funeral Home, St- Louis, MO (2-2)
17t. Earl’s Furniture, Knoxville, TN (2-2)
17t. Dick’s Market, Richmond, CA (2-2)
17t. Silver Springs Sports, Washington, DC (1-2)
17t. DeLoe’s Recreation, Hutchinson, KS (1-2)
17t. Wilsman Trucking, Hamilton, OH (1-2)
25t. Bernson Silk Mills, Buena Vista, VA (2-2)
25t. Local #20, Toledo, OH (2-2)
25t. St. Anthony’s, Wilmington, DE (1-2)
25t. Club 149, Trenton, NJ (1-2)
25t. Grande-Leah, New Kensington, PA (1-2)
25t. Indiana Avenue Church, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)
25t. Pabst Blue Ribbon, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
25t. St. Charles Ramblers, New Orleans, LA (0-2)
33t. Stotz Garage, Valhalla, NY (1-2)
33t. Mt. Carmel Rec, Worcester, MA (1-2)
33t. Trio’s Restaurant, Bridgeport, CT (1-2)
33t. Professor Erny’s Music, Lafayette, LA (0-2)
33t. Ted’s Portway, Richfield, MN (0-2)
33t. Thompson State Builders, Cocoa, FL (0-2)
33t. Burgies, Davis-Sacramento, CA (0-2)
33t. Troubadours Social Club, Boston, MA (0-2)
33t. South Bend Merchants, South Bend, IN (0-2)
33t. Monroe Greenhouse, Monroe, MI (0-2)
33t. Babylon Republican Club, Babylon, NY (0-2)
33t. Willie’s Tavern, Mobile, AL (0-2)
33t. Fox Lake Merchants, Chicago, IL (0-2)
33t. Al Green’s Tavern, Rochester, NY (0-2)

1961 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1961 held at Louisville, Kentucky


Champion – Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, Ohio
Runner Up – Plateau Athletic Club, New York City, New York (68-9)


Hamilton Tailors eliminated Gatliff’s 11-1 behind Sam Minitti’s Pitching. Then the Tailors had to win both games in the finals to repeat as ASA Open National Champions.

Sam Minnitti pitched a 5-2 victory in the first game and also hit a 3-run home run to win the game in the 7th inning. Then he came back and pitched 3-hit shutout against the powerful New York City team to clinch the championship 2-0. Minnitti gave up only 7 total hits in both games. He also went 7-1 overall as a pitcher and in 8 games, only gave up 22 runs, including a shutout and three 1-run games. Somehow he was not named the MVP.

Jim Harper of 4th place Ready-Mix from Knoxville was named MVP. Minnitti was named Most Valuable Pitcher. Counting the 1960 Nationals where he was 9-1, Minniti had a 16-2 pitching record in the back to back titles. Becoming only the second team to perform this feat.

Gatliff’s of Kentucky won two straight in 1956 and 57. Plateau AC won its first 5 games, defeating The Tailors along the way 9-8 to send them to the losers bracket. Plateau’s stars were Bob Beier and George O’Neill, who both started off the tournament with 8 straight hits and Morty Weinberg, who excelled in short field and hit 2 HR also.


  • MVP – Jim Harper, Ready Mix Concrete
  • Most Valuable Pitcher Award – Sam Minniti, Hamilton Tailors
  • HR Leader – Jim Harper, Ready Mix Concrete – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Hal Wiggins, Gatliff Auto – .650

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Sam Minniti, Hamilton Tailors (7-1, pitching and 2 HR)
C – Jim Harper, Ready Mix Concrete – won award, even though his team finished 5th.
1B – Harry Phillips, Wilsman Trucking
2B – Bob Beier, Plateau AC
3B – Virgil Hoffman, Duffy’s Tavern
SS – Ron Cutter, Hamilton Tailors
SF – Mort Weinberg, Plateau AC (2 HR)
OF – Leo Wilham, Gatliff Auto Sales
OF – Ron Annotico, Sheffield Bronze
OF – Hal Wiggins, Gatliff Auto Sales (13-20, .650)


OTHERS

Joe Okruhlica, Wilsman Trucking (11-21, .524, 10 Runs)
Jim Wessell, Wilsman Trucking (10-24, .417, 1 HR, 5 Runs)
Dick Bonar, Wilsman Trucking (10-24, .417, 3 HR, 8 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (7-1)
2. Plateau Athletic Club, Maspeth, New York, NY (5-2)
3. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (5-2)
4. Krivian Club, Springdale, PA 4-2
5t. Ready-Mix Concrete, Knoxville, TN (5-2)
5t. Wilsman’s Trucking, Hamilton, OH (5-2)
7t. Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, KY (4-2)
7t. Daly Drive-In, Detroit, MI (3-2)
9t. French Town Bar, Monroe, MI (4-2)
9t. Kelly’s Jet System Hamburger, Richmond, VA (4-2)
9t. Knights of St. John, Louisville, KY (3-2)
9t. Johnson Construction Company, Macon, GA (2-2)
13t. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
13t. Al’s Green Tavern, Rochester, NY (2-2)
13t. Mike’s Bar, Minneapolis, MN (2-2)
13t. Freightways, Toledo, OH (2-2)
17t. Seawall Restaurant, Bridgeport, CT (3-2)
17t. Mobile All-Stars, Mobile, AL (2-2)
17t. Otto Candies, New Orleans, LA (2-2)
17t. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (1-2)
17t. Mt. Carmel, Worcester, MA (1-2)
17t. 5 and 10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
17t. Carter Sporting Goods, Tallahassee, FL (1-2)
17t. Field Shop, Miami, FL (1-2)
25t. Olden A.A., Trenton, NJ (2-2)
25t. Burch’s Blue Note, Hopkins, MN (1-2)
25t. Antonelli’s Restaurant, Warwick, RI (0-2)
25t. V&M Foods, Pass Christian, MS (0-2)
25t. Gold Bond Stamps, Atlanta, GA (0-2)
25t. U.S. National Bank, Omaha, NE (0-2)
25t. South Bend Merchants, South Bend, IN (0-2)
25t. Tip Toe Inn, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
33t. Peterson’s, Big Bend, WI (0-2)
33t. Stan’s Cafe, Pittsburgh, PA (0-2)
33t. Reno County, South Hutchinson, KS (0-2)
33t. Charlies Mustangs, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
33t. Dougies Restaurant, San Antonio, TX (0-2)
33t. Indiana Avenue Church, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)


1960 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1960 held at Toledo, Ohio


Champion – Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, Ohio
Runner Up – Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, Ohio


After being dropped to the loser’s bracket by losing to Sheffield 12-9, Hamilton Tailors had to win five straight games and did so with the pitching of Sam Minniti, defense of Third Baseman, Don Sawyer (who made diving grabs to rob Sheffield of at least 4 hits). Sheffield defeated Buckhorn Cafe of Toledo in the winners bracket final 16-7. Hamilton Tailors came back to eliminate Buckhorn 16-5 in the semi-final to set the stage for the championship against Sheffield Bronze. With Sam Minniti on the mound, The Tailors defeated Sheffield twice; 12-4 and then 17-2 to claim the title.

Bernie Roeckers was 4-5 with 2 doubles, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI in the final game. Sam Minniti surrendered 14 runs in the five straight wins to the title after the loss to Sheffield. Including the 12 runs he gave up to Sheffield in the loss, Minniti gave up just 41 runs in the 10 games. He was 9-1 in the tournament.


  • MVP – Sam Minniti, Hamilton Tailors
  • HR Leader – Denny Braun, Sheffield Bronze – 6
  • Batting Leader – Paul Nutley, Hamilton Tailoring – .667

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Sam Minniti, Hamilton Tailors (9-1, pitched 5-hitter in championship, gave up only 43 runs in 10 games)
C – Ed French, Hamilton Tailors
1B – Jim Desmond, Buckhorn Cafe
2B -Bernie Roeckers, Hamilton Tailors
3B -Don Rardin, Yorkshire Restaurant
SS -Paul Tomasovich, Skip Hogans
OF – Paul Nutley, Hamilton Tailoring (18-27, .667)
OF – Ron Annotico, Sheffield Bronze
OF – Denny Braun, Sheffield Bronze (6 HR)
OF – Charlie Conley, Yorkshire Restaurant


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (9-1)
2. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (5-2)
3. Buckhorn Cafe, Toledo, OH (4-2)
4. Nassau Merchants, Maspeth, NY (5-2)
5t. Hogan A.C, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
5t. Textile Workers TWUA, Leaksville, NC (4-2)
7t. Yorkshire Restaurant, Newport, KY (4-2)
7t. Gatliff Motors, Newport, KY (4-2)
9t. Maizie’s Gasiorowski’s, Toledo, OH (2-2)
9t. Sox Inn, Detroit, MI (2-2)
9t. Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, KY (2-2)
9t. Buddies Sporting Goods, Tallahassee, FL (2-2)
13t. Sill’s Sport Shop, Miami, FL (2-2)
13t. St. Louis Park Drug, St. Louis Park, MN (2-2)
13t. Cantwell Home Improvement, Knoxville, TN (2-2)
13t. Star Drive-In, New Orleans, LA (1-2)
17t. Black Bear Beverages, Milwaukee, WI (1-2)
17t. Schroeder’s Bunny Acres, Hutchinson, KS (1-2)
17t. Tobin’s, Rochester, NY (1-2)
17t. Krivian Club, Springdale, PA (1-2)
17t. Olden A.A., Trenton, NJ (1-2)
17t. Sunbeam Bread, Springfield, OH (1-2)
17t. Northern Scrap Iron, Minneapolis, MN (1-2)
17t. Pagliacci, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
25t. New-Mo Tavern, Oakland, CA (0-2)
25t. Schubert Garage, Indianapolis, IN (0-2)
25t. Richmond Rebels, Richmond, VA (0-2)
25t. Smithfield Fire Company, Greenville, RI (0-2)
25t. Edgemere Lodge, Edgemere, MA (0-2)
25t. Bud and Al’s Service, Waukesha, WI (0-2)
25t. Wesley UM Church, Oklahoma City, OK (0-2)


1959 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1959 held at Cleveland, Ohio.


Champion – Yorkshire Restaurant, Newport, Kentucky
Runner Up – Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, Kentucky


Yorkshire won their first two games, then lost to Grande-Caruso of PA 11-2. They then won the next seven straight games behind the pitching of Walt Wherry, who only surrendered 27 runs in the final 7 games of the tournament.

In the losers bracket semi final, Yorkshire came back to win in dramatic fashion as Don Rardin’s 3 run homer late in the game, beat Sheffield Bronze 3-2. They then got their revenge on the Grande-Caruso squad with a 6-4 win in the losers bracket final then had to defeat undefeated Duffy’s twice. Duffy’s had beaten New Kensington’s Grande-Caruso 8-6 as Ish Cornett’s home run with brother Al Cornett aboard iced the game in the last inning.

Yorkshire Restaurant became the first team in the history of the Slow Pitch Nationals to come through the losers bracket and win the title. The first final was over quick as Yorkshire won 11-1.

In the 10-6 final, Yorkshire jumped out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back as Myron Reinhardt delivered a 2-run homer with Rardin aboard. This was followed by consecutive doubles by Walt Wherry and Bill Beiger, along with singles from Coleman Arthur, Tom Kuhlman and Ralph Champman for 3 more runs. Wherry had a single, double and a triple in the game, while Reinhardt had a Homer and 2 singles. Yorkshire picked up Myron Reninardt and Walt Wherry from Gatliff for the Nationals.


  • MVP – Walt Wherry, Yorkshire Restaurant
  • HR Leader – George Rosewicz, Grande Caruso – 4
  • Batting Leader – Richard Rader, Sunbeam Sandwich – .833

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Walt Wherry, Yorkshire (7-0 Pitching and 12-27, .444, HR, 8 RBI, 5 Runs)
P – Chuck Jacobs, Sheffield Bronze (Pitched 2 shutouts, 3-14, .214, )
C – Jack Bickerstaff, McAdenville Reds (11-25, .440, HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
1B – Robert Kranscik, Grande-Caruso (11-26, .423, HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs)
2B – Don Rardin, Yorkshire  (20-34, .588, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 12 Runs)
3B – Ray “Whitey” Brown, Yorkshire (11-31, .355, HR, 6 RBI, 7 Runs)
SS – Michael “Dick” Batten, Grande-Caruso (4-16, .250, 1 Run)
SF – Andy “YaYa” Massetta, Sheffield (8-18, .444, HR, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
LF – Ishmeal Cornett, Duffy’s (11-26, .423, 4 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 Runs)
CF – Myron Reinhardt, Yorkshire (7-21, .333, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs – played with injury and had to sit out some games)
RF – Austin “Al” Cornett, Duffy’s (10-27, .370, 4 RBI, 7 Runs)


BATTING LEADERS (15 at bat minimum)

Richard Rader, Sunbeam Sandwich (15-18, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 10 Runs) – .833 – Set the national tournament batting record
Irv Adams, East Side Sports (13-18, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 Runs) – .733
Nolan Shepard, Bob Reese Ford (12-18, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 6 Runs) – .667
Don Rardin, Yorkshire (20-34, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 12 Runs) – .588
Art Falsetti, Grande Caruso (10-17, 2 RBI, 5 Runs) – .588
Carroll Beale, McAdenville (13-23, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 5 Runs) – .565
Ted Burliend, Waljo Builders (10-18, 1 RBI, 6 Runs) – .556
Clint Boisel, Sunbeam (11-20, 1 HR, 6 RBI) – .550
Jim Passabet, Waljo (8-15, 3 RBI, 5 Runs) – .533
Ron Elkind, Ghize (10-19, 1 HR, 6 RBI) – .526
Mason Leeper, McAdenville (15-29, 7 RBI, 5 Runs) – .517
Dave Stucky, Sunbeam (10-20, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 8 Runs) – .500
Cotton Perrin, Electric Motor Service (9-18, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs) – .500
John Stariha, Krivan (8-16, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs) – .500


OTHERS

George Rosewicz, Grande Caruso (9-22, .409, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 7 Runs)
James Vieburg, Westrums (10-14, .714, 3 RBI, 5 Runs)
Joe Goodwin, Waljo Builders (9-14, .643, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 Run)
Steve Massong, Hamilton Tailors (5-8, .625, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Dave Burke, Duffy’s (8-14, .571, 2 RBI, 4 Runs)
Bernie Roeckers, Hamilton Tailors (4-8, .500, 4 Runs)
Sam Minnitti, Hamilton Tailors (4-8, .500, 2 Runs)
Ron Engler, Krivan Club (7-15, .467, 4 RBI, 4 Runs)
Dave Demko, Sheffield (9-20, .450, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Bill Campo, McAdenville (11-25, .440, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 Runs)
Joe Gauci, East Side Sports (7-16, .438, 3 RBI, 3 Runs)
Roy Lombardo, East Side Sports (8-19, .421, 5 RBI, 2 Runs)
Will Sasseville, Ghize Chevrolet (9-23, .391, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 Runs)
JD McDonald, McAdenville (12-31, .387, 5 RBI, 7 Runs)
Charles Conley, Yorkshire (13-34, .382, 1 HR, 3 RBI)
Patsy Mastrocinque, Grande Caruso (8-21, .381, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 8 Runs)
George Coloia, East Side Sports (5-14, .357, 3 Runs)
Ron Annotico, Sheffield (6-17, .353, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs)
Bill Braden, Duffy’s (9-28, .321, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 3 Runs)
Tom Kuhlman, Yorkshire (7-26, .269, 2 RBI, 5 Runs)
Frank Matoh, Sheffield (5-20, .250, 1 RBI, 4 Runs)
Walt Roeckers, Hamilton Tailors (2-8, .250, 3 RBI, 1 Run)
George Corona, East Side Sports (4-17, .235, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 Runs)


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Yorkshire Restaurant, Newport, KY (9-1)
2. Duffy’s Tavern, Louisville, KY (6-2)
3. Grande Caruso, New Kensington, PA (5-2)
4. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (4-2)
5t. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (6-2)
5t. Waljo Builders, Armonk, NY (4-2)
7t. Carney Auditors Bird Nest, Cleveland, OH (3-2)
7t. Westrum’s, Minneapolis, MN (3-2)
9t. Ghize Chevrolet, Spencer, MA (4-2)
9t. East Side Sporting Goods, Detroit, MI (3-2)
9t. Sox’s Inn, Detroit, MI (3-2)
9t. 5&10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (3-2)
13t. Krivian Club, Springdale, PA (3-2)
13t. Electric Motor Service, Knoxville, TN (3-2)
13t. Bob Reese Motors, Toledo-Lucas County, MI (3-2)
13t. Sunbeam Sandwich Shop, Springfield, OH (3-2)
17t. Ed Tate Sporting Goods, Dayton, OH (1-2)
17t. Wayne Lee’s Restaurant, Pascagoula, MS (1-2)
17t. Meneitos, Havana, Cuba (1-2)
17t. Viking A.C., Wantagh, NY (1-2)
17t. Fourth Avenue Office Sales, Fargo, ND (1-2)
17t. Colucci Tile, Pittsburgh, PA (1-2)
17t. Hamilton Tailoring, Cincinnati, OH (1-2)
17t. Willie’s Tavern, Mobile, AL (1-2)
25t. Bernsen Silk Mills, Buena Vista, VA (1-2)
25t. Shaw Lounge, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
25t. Club 185, Columbus, OH (1-2)
25t. Stewart Truckers, Toledo, OH (1-2)
25t. Venus Beverage, Biloxi, MS (1-2)
25t. Kennedy Drugs, Savannah, GA (1-2)
25t. Cincy Mat Stoppers, Staten Island, NY (0-2)
25t. PNA #83, South Bend, IN (0-2)
33t. Contract Plating, Stratford, CT (0-2)
33t. Ted’s Portway, Richfield, MN (0-2)
33t. Emmanuel Restaurant, Rochester, NY (0-2)
33t. Douglas Tire Company, Providence, RI (0-2)
33t. Jednote #831, Tarentum, PA (0-2)
33t. Club Snafu, Sheboygan, WI (0-2)
33t. VFW Post #8006, Florence, MA (0-2)
33t. Capri Lounge, Trenton, NJ (0-2)


1957 ASA Men’s Open Slow Pitch Nationals

1957 held at McCarthy Field and Oakland Park in Toledo, Ohio on August 30-September 2.


Champion – Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, Kentucky
Runner Up – McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, North Carolina


Gatliffs started out winning five straight games including the winners bracket final. Vern Roberts won the first three games, Tom Imfeld won the fourth, then Roberts came back to win the winners bracket final to make Gatliffs the only undefeated team.

McAdenville pounded out 20 hits, including 5 HR (Bill Campo, Mason Leeper, Harold Helton, Red Jenkins and Carroll Beale) while defeating Lotus Club of Pittsburgh 18-12 in the losers bracket final. Then they came back and defeated ace hurler Vern Roberts and unbeaten Gatliffs 13-10 in the first championship game.

Gatliff’s came back with Tom Imfeld pitching again and won the final game 8-4. Myron Reinhardt started off the hitting barrage with a 2-run homer in the first inning. Three straight home runs followed off the bats of Dan Heilman, Ralph Bo Stutebeck and Alex Burhart.

Reinhardt later added another home run. He finished the last game 2-3 with 2 HR, 3 RBI and 2 Runs scored.

Red Jenkins pitched all 7 games for McAdenville.

Vern Roberts finished the tournament with a 4-1 pitching record. In a word of note, Frank Matoh of Sheffield Bronze set a tournament record by hitting 4 consecutive Home Runs in one game during Sheffield’s 19-7 win over the Staten Island Stoppers of NYC.


  • MVP – No MVP Awarded (Many sources say Myron Reinhardt would have won easily leading Gatliffs to the title, batting .680  and winning the HR award)
  • HR Leader – Myron Reinhardt, Gatliff’s Auto Sales – 8
  • Batting Leader – Phil Perlongo, 5&10 Tap – .696

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tom Imfeld, Gatliff Auto Sales (2-0)
P – Ray Red Jenkins, McAdenville Reds (5-2)
P – Phil Perlongo, 5&10 Tap (4-2 Pitching and 16-23, .696)
C – Joe Wooten, McAdenville Reds (12-24, .500, 3 HR)
C – Jim McKenzie, Lotus Club
IF – Don Whitford, Gatliff Auto Sales
IF – JD McDonald, McAdenville Reds
IF – John Henry, Gatliff Auto Sales
IF – John Beam, McAdenville Reds (2 HR)
IF – Harold Helton, McAdenville Reds (12-22, .545, HR)
OF – Joe Lacher, Lotus Club
OF – Myron Reinhardt, Gatliff’s (17-25, .680, 8 HR)
OF – Jack Moser, 5&10 Tap
OF – Bob Fisher, Lotus Club
MGR – Al Brausch, Gatliff Auto Sales


OTHERS

Vern Roberts, Gatliff Auto Sales (4-1) pitching


FINAL STANDINGS

1. Gatliff Auto Sales, Newport, KY (6-1)
2. McAdenville Reds, McAdenville, NC (6-2)
3. Lotus Club, Pittsburgh, PA (4-2)
4. 5&10 Tap, Milwaukee, WI (4-2)
5t. Westwood Merchants, Dayton, OH (4-2)
5t. Sheffield Bronze, Cleveland, OH (4-2)
7t. Viking Insurance Agency Athletic Club, Wantagh, NY (3-2)
7t. Spot Tavern, Creighton, PA (3-2)
9t. Knoxville Police, Knoxville, TN (3-2)
9t. Cincy Mat Stoppers, Staten Island, NY (3-2)
9t. Rip’s All Stars, Detroit, MI (2-2)
9t. Macomber Inc., Canton, OH (2-2)
13t. Neighborhood Inn, Toledo, OH (2-2)
13t. Homer’s Boys, Louisville, KY (2-2)
13t. Ethiers Café, Worcester, MA (2-2)
13t. Hill City Club, Rome, GA (2-2)
17t. Armands, Sandusky, OH (1-2)
17t. Legion Post #435, Richfield, MN (1-2)
17t. Latonia A.C., Covington, KY (1-2)
17t. Dutt’s Drug, Akron, OH (1-2)
17t. Snafu Club, Sheboygan, WI (1-2)
17t. Country Charm, Toledo, OH (0-2)
17t. Ben’s Bar, Sidney, OH (0-2)
17t. T.T. Bearings,  Rochester, NY (0-2)
25t. Elks Club #295, Warren, OH (0-2)
25t. 2424 Club, Minneapolis, MN (0-2)
25t. Marion Grill, Columbus, OH (0-2)
25t. Rosmarin Reality, Cincinnati, OH (0-2)
25t. Duraflex, Buena Vista, VA (0-2)