This month's softball sports person of the month is Walter "Cobbie" Harrison. Cobbie was born and raised in Louisville, which is where his storied softball career began.

He is the proud father of another prominent athlete, Lisa Harrison, who was honored as Miss Kentucky in high school basketball in 1989 while attending Southern High School, and she has been named the best prospect in the country in one publication and in the Top 5 in several others. She currently plays for the 1989 Women's National Champions, the University of Tennessee Volunteers, where she has started some games and has played a big role in their Number 3 ranking this year.

Cobbie attended Male High School where he lettered in three sports: baseball, basketball and football. He excelled in all three sports, playing forward in basketball, which is what he claims to have been his best sport. He was tight end and roving linebacker for his football squad which won the state title in 1964 and 1965. He pitched on the baseball team, where he threw five no-hitters, which undoubtedly boosted his chances of playing pro baseball. The pro scouts were in love with his 94 miles-per-hour fastball, which enabled him to be the second player drafted in the Minnesota Twins organization in 1966 behind one of the most prolific hitters in ball history, Rod Carew. He was also fortunate enough to play with Gold Glove winner, Craig Nettles, whom Cobbie says, "couldn't pitch a ground ball when he first came up, but he learned quickly."

Harrison played with the Orlando Twins, Wisconsin Rapids and AA ball with the Charlotte Twins. A wandering, mixed-up head is what he blames on costing him a chance in the majors.

In 1969, Cobbie Harrison began his illustrious softball career with a lot of his buddies on a team named Greenerts. "I couldn't hit a ball over the fence for my first year-and-a-half of softball," exclaimed Cobbie. That problem changed dramatically over the next several years.

In 1970, he played for Hikes Point which came in second in the LIT to powerful Howard's out of North Carolina. At the end of 1970, he was picked up to play for Jiffy in the open ASA Nationals in Parma, Ohio, where they finished sixth in the world.

Jiffy became his softball "home" when they picked him up and Bill Gatti up to play full-time in 1971. He played with Jiffy from 1971-1976, where he accumulated several honors. Cobbie hit a whopping 29 for 32 in the ASA open world in 1972 which still stands today as the best batting average ever in that tournament. He was 16 for 16 until he made his first out by stepping on the plate. Jiffy went on to win the world tournament that year, beating Triton from Wichita, Kansas. In the last five years that Cobbie played with Jiffy, the team never finished less than fifth in the world.

Cobbie's famed softball success continued when he joined the Kentucky Bourbons in the newly-formed pro league in 1977. He played with them through 1981 when the league finally folded.

 

His career climaxed in 1980 when the Kentucky Bourbons won the pro softball World Series by beating the New England Pilgrims 4 games to 2. He was 7 for 7 in his first two games in that series with seven home runs. He was named All-Pro as a player and as a manager that year. The Bourbons were also runners-up in 1979 and 1981, both to Milwaukee Schlitz. In 1981, he said his greatest disappointment was not repeating, but he also remarked, "there was no way

to beat Milwaukee at home that year. Their was 315 feet to left, about 325 feet to center, and 285 feet down the right field line. They had seven lefthanders with power, which was the downfall of the Bourbons in the series."

After the pro softball league, he began coaching and managing, starting with White Lightning and Walt' s Gym, two Louisville based powerhouses. He brought up players such as David Johnson and Gary Jones who now play for Starpath and who were both members of the 1988 Starpath team which won the Smoky Mountain Classic and the Super ASA World Series. Jones won the MVP in the 1987 ASA Major and Johnson won the MVP in the 1988 Super World Series.

Harrison briefly lost interest in coaching because of lack of sponsoring and mainly because of the success of his daughter coming up and being a super basketball player. From 1986-1989 he helped and supported his daughter through high school until, in 1989 she was named Kentucky's Girls High School Player of the Year. Since she is at college in Tennessee, Harrison is now able to coach again and is bringing up a young, but talented Wildcat Fence team to compete in the major tournaments in Kentucky and around the area.

Among Cobbie's many individual accomplishments were three years as All-World player in 1972, 1974 and 1975. He was All-Pro for the Bourbons in 1979 and 1980 along with All-Pro manager in 1980. He was also on the LIT All-Tournament Team for eight years.

As Harrison reminisced about past years, he said, "the best outfielder I ever saw was Ronnie Ford from the Detroit Pro team, the best hitter was Louisville native Bill Gatti, best infielder was Greg Whitlock, as lo from Louisville, and the hardest out was Dennis Graser who was an automatic double.

From coaching standpoint, he

He doesn't really look like a ball player with his less than muscular stature wearing a gaudy blue kneepad to protect his shins. He's not known for his home runs and he doesn't turn a lot of heads with his hitting.

What he is known for is his skillful pitching and he performs on the mound better than anyone in the game of softball today.

The player being referred to is Louisville native, Dave Elder, who currently plays for the 4th ranked team in the nation, Starpath.

Hank Bassett, Starpath's coach, refers to Elder as the "glue" of the team. "A great pitcher is the hardest position to come by in this level of competition (Super Level)," said Bassett.

Besides pitching which is easily Dave Elder's strong suit, he has enjoyed great periodic success as a hitter. In the 1988 Smoky Mountain Classic, Elder won the most coveted award an individual could hope for in all of softball-- the Smoky Mountain MVP. The trophy for the MVP is a gold plated bat which is second to none. To deserve the gold bat, Elder hit over .750 and had 14 home runs which are super offensive numbers for someone known mostly by his pitching. In the Smoky's, ,he played in what he thought was the best softball game he has ever been associated with. The game was the finals which saw Starpath stun Marlton Trucking 59-56.

Besides the "gold bat" from the Smoky's, Elder won over 20 MVP's and 12 defensive player awards. He regarded the defensive award at the Thoroughbred Classic in Lexington as high on his list of individual accomplishments. Among the other feats were 5 straight LIT (Louisville International Tournament) all tournament efforts from 1984-1988 topped by the MVP in 1986 where he led Starpath past LeAlco with a ..750 average.

With all of these individual accomplishments his teams would certainly see some kind of benefits. Of course, this was the case as his first team, LGE from Louisville, won the industrial world in New York in 1972. Dave went from LGE to several other teams the next few years including Frank's Boys, the Hoosiers, Superior Fuel, Angilos, Tim Tam, Burger Queen, Bill Clark's and Southside (all Louisville teams). He added 9 city championships to an already budding softball career.

In 1984 Elder had a brief stint with USSSA world series champion, Elite Coating from Georgia before joining his old team, Southside, which is where his pitching foundation was laid. He gives credit to Ron Thomas from Southside and Herald "Skid" Skidmore for giving him the opportunity to play at a competitive level.

 

 

 

 

After the '85 season, Elder left Southside to join a promising upcoming team, Starparth. The "motivator" Tommy Brooks was coaching at the time until Hank Bassett, current coach and manager, took over. "You can't say enough good things about Hank," remarked Dave. He is a player's coach, and I respect him a great deal".

The 1986 team, Starpath, placed well in all of their tournaments finishing 5th in the world. In 1987, when Hank took over midway through the season, a team chemistry took place which saw the team win the ASA major championship. In 1988, Elder again was instrumental in Starpath's greatest season as he batted .600 with 69 home runs en route to the Smoky Mountain title, the ASA Super, and 2nd in the ASA Major.

Last year Dave played again with Starpath as they suffered through a down year by Super standards. "It's hard to repeat and when we picked up the Kirk's players we never meshed as a team." "We were never awed by the big teams even in 1988 when we won it all, but last year we certainly weren't able to sneak up on anyone." Also, last year Elder and about half of his Starpath members won the gold medal at the Olympic Festival for the West team.

Currently Dave is pitching for Starpath, helping them earn a #4 national ranking and hopefully for him wining it all again. He was just named pitcher of the decade bye Softball USA which adds that much more icing to an already well decorated cake.

Best of the Best

Being the best at his position, it was interesting to learn who he thought was the best at their positions.

The best outfielder he ever saw was Ronnie Ford, consensus All American front he Detroit Little Caesars team and later Elite Coating. The best hitter was Mike Nye even though his personal hardest out was Mike Bolin. The best infielders he saw were Greg Whitlock, shortstop of seemingly every national champion in the last 10 years and Stevie Williams from Campbell's Carpet out of California. The most awesome power hitter, who always rises to the occasion, was Bill Gatti, Louisville native.

The 2 players eh walked the most were Rick Sherr and Bruce Meade because "they could drill the middle" along with tattooing the long ball. Today's best hitter is Jim Fuller who plays for Apollo. "He hits it hard every time and you have no idea where it's going".

Pitching Not Always Easy

Dave Elder learned to pitch from watching 3 others, Steve Stewart, Johnny Weber, and Dave Burke who was a "pitcher's coach". He began as a shortstop but relieved on day in Las Vegas when his team was down 40 runs. "If it wasn't for our Burger Queen team getting beat 65-6 by Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carpet, I might not have ever pitched."

Another interesting sidelight to Elder's career is that every Friday night, he eats pizza and leaves the pizza on the TV so it will stay warm for the morning. He also sleeps with his bat on occasion. A true "softball junkie", Elder plans on pitching 3 or 4 more years and then retiring to spend more time with his son, Adam.

Greg won the Super Nationals with Starpath in 1988 playing shortstop next to major league Gold Glover, Doug Flynn. He also won the Super Nationals the following year (1989) with the Kentucky's Bourbons, where he was honored as the MVP of the series. In his modest way he suggests, "my brother, Dave, could have easily been named MVP in that series. He hit only .09 percentage points less than I did."

Whitlock has also won the ASA Major with Elite in 1985, the Super on three separate teams, Steele's in 1986, Starpath in 1988, and Ritch's in 1989; the USSSA World Series with Smythe Sox in 1987; and for good measure the Smoky Mountain Classic three separate times in the 80's. He was named all world four of the last five years.

With all the championships and individual awards at the highest softball levels, you would think that Mr. Whitlock is a candidate to be boastful, egotistical, and even hard to get along with. A psychologist would have been wrong on all three accounts, as Greg seems very modest, humble, and very pleasant to be around.

Greg possibly developed his modesty at an early age because at 21 he was asked to play for the Professional Kentucky team, the Bourbons. He was surrounded by a wealth of talent, and he knew he had to listen, watch, and practice to get better. He concedes that each year he became a better shortstop with the Bourbons after he adjusted from playing baseball. His hitting stats progressed yearly also and the two hitters he studied were Nick Nikitas and Don Rardin. Whitlock said he knew he didn't have raw power, so he learned and watched two of the best hitters on the team.

After the Bourbons and before big time Super Amateur softball, Whitlock briefly played with Southside in 1983 and Frisco's in 1984. Unfortunately, 1984 was a "bust" year for Greg, because he suffered from an infected appendix attack which turned into "gangrene". A normal appendectomy recovery requires two days in the hospital, whereas he spent nine days and almost lost his life.

 

 

 

 

 

In the fall of 1984, Whitlock had recovered well, and Mr. Neal from Steele's met with him in Cleveland and asked him to play and work for Steele's. Greg took the offer and since then has made every team he's played on a winner.

Softball is not the only interest in Greg's life. He enjoys golfing, listening to music of the 50's and 60's (Elvis is his favorite, and he sings to Elvis with his brother), and of course, his family: Mark & Matt who are his 10 year old twins, Danny who is 3, and his wife of 11.5 years, Kathy. "She's the only woman in the world that would have stayed with me over the years. I wasn't ready to be married so young, but she has made everything worth while," replied a very happy husband and father.

Besides his wife, Greg has the other best friends which he met through softball. He says, "one of the best things about softball are the contacts and lifetime friends you meet."

In the future, Whitlock would like to see the bases at 70 feet or even 75. The fences would be best at 315 with a true core 47 ball. Obviously, being noted for his defense, Greg would like to see this become more important. If he were to start a new team, he would pick Mike Nye and Dennis Graser when they were in their primes because, "they played softball like it was supposed to be played, with hustle."

Whitlock thinks Mike Macenko is the best power hitter in the game because of his consistency. He says Bill Gatti had the most power for his size. His favorite infielder was Charles Wright as an all around player (hitting and fielding) and the best glove man in Doug Flynn. In the outfield, the person with the most raw talent is Britt Hightower, according to Greg.

Another futuristic hope for Greg is that steroids are banned. Greg bulked up some after the 1987 season without steroid use, and he believes they're bad for the game.

Mr. Whitlock plans on continuing his softball career, and you can bet that whatever team he plays for next year will be a winner.

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Until 1991, H&W Sport Shop from Mt. Sterling, KY was known mainly for their nice pin stripe uniforms. With probably the most exciting "threads" in Kentucky. H&W not only wanted to look good, but they also wanted some recognition for the talent of their ball club.

They began the 1991 season in Georgetown, KY at the Ball Diamond Classic where they narrowly lost the championship finishing 2nd behind the soon to be 1991 NSA "B" Kentucky State Champs, Clower's Furniture from Richmond.

Fifteen tournaments later, after going through the rigorous hills and valleys of softball, H&W became the first team in their area to go to a National Championship-- the ASA "B" Nationals which were held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Before making it to Tulsa, H&W had to made several "stops" to prepare them for what was ahead. Among their early "stops" were the Ball Diamond Classic-- 2nd place finish; the Scott Rose Games in London-- 5th place; the Mt. Sterling Derby Day Classic, which was one of their favorites because they performed in front of their hometown fans-- 1st place; and two 2nd's in separate Softball City tournaments.

"Through June we were struggling tremendously," recounts Bo Queen, H&W's coach, sponsor, and player. In Campbellsville, Lake Cumberland, and the LIT we stunk, but I knew we could turn things around. And that's just what they did beginning in the Daniel Boone Classic. H&W finished 2nd in a very strong field falling only to Mason Shell, who at the time was the hottest team in the state. "That was definitely our turning point," remarked Bo. "With the addition of Jerome Crowe, long time veteran from Lexington known for his power, and a kind of re-dedication from our players, I knew we were back on track."

 

 

 

 

 

After the Daniel Boone, H&W took the gold at the Bluegrass Games in a very competitive field. The next week, H&W used a one day event at Softball City to prepare them for the ASA "B" State, which was held in Lexington.

A fifth place finish in the 48-team state was not exactly what H&W had in mind, but they were still pleased because the finish qualified them for the "B" National Midwest Regional, which was played mainly at Holy Name in Louisville.

H&W responded well to the regional competition by knocking off Jabolis from Louisville, 9-4; St. Leon's of Cincinnati, 13-7; and Walmart/Sasquatch from Middlesboro, KY, before losing in it's 4th game to Jay's/Angilos, 11-10, in a heart breaker.

The Mt. Sterling men hung on in the losers' bracket defeating Illinois #2, 23-8, in 5 innings and Alvis Trucking, 11-8, to set up a rematch with Jay's.

Their second encounter mirrored their first with H&W bowing out, 14-11. The loss gave H&W 3rd place and qualified them for their first every national tournament- the ASA "B" Nationals.

TULSA BOUND- To Fly or Not to Fly?

After earning their way to participate in the 69 team National Championship, H&W was faced with the task of getting to their destination. They were able to raise about $3000 in a community effort which enabled Bo Queen to get plane tickets for the long haul. "That was only half of the batter," recalled Queen. "Six of the guys had never been air bound as opposed to by car, all arrived safely and were ready to play in the "Sooner" state."

Early game butterflies were certain to overtake most of H&W players since the National was the biggest tournament that they had ever participated in.

Their first game against John's Shoe Repair from Sioux Falls

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota brought out some of the "jitters" as the Kentucky squad gave up 8 early runs aided by balls which the sun partially caused havoc with. After settling down, "Big" Norman Swartz tattooed a grand slam to pull H&W close, but they could never catch up and were sent to the long losers' bracket 16-13.

There were no breathers in the losers' bracket as H&W faced 1990's defending "B" Runner-UP-- Coca Cola from Newburgh,NY. The boys from the "Big Apple" were no match for H&W as the Mt. Sterling squad sent Coca-Cola back to New York with a convincing, 12-3 victory. H&W's defense help off Baird Dry Cleaners from Boise, Idaho, 7-3, thus sending their 2nd team home, this time to the other side of the United States.

H&W's short but significant run in the losers' bracket ended against League City Texas' representative, Bad Boys. The Bad Boys were "bad" indeed, scoring 18 runs on their way to the 18-13 drumming of H&W. The loss left H&W in 26th place, which was better than 43 other teams.

"We had a heck of a season, and I was proud of the guys the way they stuck together through the rough times. The Nationals is what softball is all about," remarked Bo Queen.

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The "A" picture in the state of Kentucky is definitely beginning to take shape. Already in March it is more exciting than any other time in the 90's. In the late 80's, Buffalo and Dads, California Waterbeds, Washington Co. Merchants, and South Dixie dominated the state and scared off any potential newcomers. A lot of "A" teams slid down to the "B" ranks election not to knock heads with the Big 4.

Of the Big 4, only 1 is left in the "A" classification-- Washington Co. Merchants-- who have taken on Grady Stewart from Frankfort as a sponsor. South Dixie has moved up to Major by virtue of winning the ASA "A" National Regional in 1993 which makes the champion move up in class. Buffalo & Dads and California Waterbeds' players have dotted Major rosters for years including Riverside, Wildcat Fence, Denny Lumber, New Construction, Worth Astros and now Reece's and others.

Although Grady's and Washington Co. Merchants are as strong as ever, their presence hasn't deterred any "A" State hopefuls from taking their shot at the title.

There are several reasons for the upsurge of the "A" teams. Last year's ASA State Champion, Shelbyville Athletic Club, proved that the Washington Co. and South Dixie armor could be pierced. Shelbyville, who had played rather poorly for most of 1993 put it all together in Lexington during the first weekend in August. After Shelbyville captured the ASA "A" crown, several "B" teams could be heard grumbling, "we beat them this year, we should have played "A" but chose to play down and with a 3 home run limit, some of them got what they deserved.

Besides, Shelbyville an even more monumental upset occurred in the ASA "A" National Regional. The best team, South Dixie, came out on top, but the runner-up was little known, Joose, started the year playing "B" and "C" ball then added coach, Mike Adams, who in turn picked up a few key players, and more importantly instilled confidence in his very young ball club.

Among the beaten in the ASA "A" Regional was Mathy's from the Louisville Metro. Mathy's went 2 and out against "A" competition including Joose, Washington Co., Shelbyville, and others, and was embarrassed by their performance, yet, 3 weeks later played in the ASA Major in Tifton, GA and finished a surprising 7th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the last 3 or 4 years, Kentucky Softball News has preached to those playing in the wrong class that the home run limit would catch up to them. Finally, after the Mathy's mess up of '93, the Pink Cadillac "no brainer" of '92, the sermon has been taken to heart and teams realize that the "A" rule of 6 homers a game is much more inviting than only 3 in the "B".

Mathy's, who relied heavily on the long ball, ran out way too early in the "A" Regional thus diminishing their chances of a regional title. The Pink Cadillac joke in 1992 was when they played "B", smacked 3 consecutive homers to start their opening "B" State game, then launched 10 more balls over the fence for outs. The Cadillac men scored only 3 runs--because of the home run rule. Southeast Christian played in the USSSA "C" State and went home before some teams had played their second game; then a few weeks later jumped up to the ASA "A" National Regional and finished 2nd. Again, not having to hold back their powerful swings and playing in the right class, proved beneficial.

1994's Washington Co. might have too much power for "A" but their veterans should be able to adjust. With David Hensley, Bobby Storie, Steve Whitlock, Jude Spalding, Mike Ritchie, and a handful of other deep threats, W.C. will be done after 2 or 3 innings if they play on the "B" Shillito filed-- 291' to 293' -- in the state tournament. However, if they play on either the A or C fields where the fences are much farther, they will be the team to beat because their lineup is lethal #1 thru #11 and their defense is better than average.

Gradys/Washington Co. should have plenty of others to contend with. Mason Shell is back and this time with the veterans that made them successful a couple of years ago. Catfish Clark and the McCreary County connection--Tim Stephens, Rob Jones, Mike Ross and Donnie Wright-- are all back as well as the best. "A" pitcher in the state, light hitting lefty, Jeff Taylor. One new young star could also help Mason Allen's group-- power laden Shawn Settles, who played with Laurel Co. Merchants last summer.

Settles has also been rumored to be playing for another contender, Knoxville Billiards out of Corbin, KY. Coach Bill Crook, who managed Grade Power in 1993 has toned his power line up down and is building his team more on defense. With or without Settles, the Billiard boys should improve from last year.

Focusing on defense, which should ultimately decide the

 

 

 

 

 

 

"A" champion, Berardi's of Lexington should have no weaknesses. Berardi's infield of Dale Lenox at 3rd, John Powell (Mesa Verde) at shortstop, and either Damon Piatt (H&W) or Mark Mangione at 2nd is stellar. Either of the 2 that doesn't play 2nd will play outfield. Mac Hullette is back on the mound where he excels as a defensive player. Defense won't be Berardi's only attribute. They have a strong hitting attack from top to bottom after combining with H&W and Mesa Verde. They virtually have 11 interchangeable clones of one another and can play just about anywhere with the exception of a couple DH types.

Hounding Berardi's from the Lexington area will be last season's surprise team of the year, Joose, of Lawrenceburg, and Rogers Restaurant. Joose returns Adam Beasley with 104 home runs (son of All-American Junior Beasley of T&K fame) leading hitter Jerry Freeman, plus 2 other .600 plus men, Toby Curtsinger and Clark Mongeau. DP combo, Crouch and Bryant, are back and bigger than ever, and pitcher, Greg House, brings his youthful intensity and quick hands to the mound.

Joose additions couldn't be better. Darrell Adams, Kentucky All-Defensive outfielder, will play left fields. Adams is in his prime and big numbers offensively are expected. Another veteran, Brent McMurray will fill in as a left handed hitting outfielder with a beautiful swing. McMurray adds wrong-sided punch along with Mark Lily.

Up-and- comer, Robbie Buchanan, fills out the infield and gives Joose a lead off hitter with power. Buchanan, an ex-UK baseball player and professional baseball minor leaguer with Kansas City, will be enjoying his first full year of softball. Keith Doss (McDonald's) and the Drury Brothers (RPT) will also increase the hitting.

Rogers Restaurant is coached by player/coach, Scotty Sutton, whose S&S Tire team just missed in last year's state tournament. Two or three players short last year kept S&S from being real "A" threats. 1994 should be entirely different. They've added veterans, Stevie and Greg Higgins and Larry Cann from RPT and are working on Bo Bobbitt from Frankfort. Another addition is one of Northern Kentucky's best players, Chuckie "Cheese" Johns.

J&K, the NSA "A" State Champs of 1993 are back, and strong off season pickups designate them as the "Beast of

 

Harrison, Ohio-- Watanabe Optical/Scarlota's Pizza/Easton's reign atop Greater Cincinnati's manager's polls may have been short-lived.

1992's top "B" team took over the number one ranking in the final poll of the season last fall after a dismal year by Greater Cincinnati's "Major" clubs--McCluskey Chevrolet and Jay's.

And while you can't judge the whole season by a single tournament, if the 17th Annual CINCINNATI SOFTBALL NEWS round robin is any gauge, Jay's/Worth could be Greater Cincinnati's top team in 1993.

Averaging 22 runs a game, Jay's/Worth romped past seven opponents, soundly defeating Watanabe in the finals of the 32 team event, 18-6 in five innings.

The victory ended a year of frustration for the champions, who never won a tournament in 1992, as they struggled through one of the worst years in the team's long history.

The winners were never challenged in seven contests. A 23-15 victory over Perkins/TPS of Louisville was as close as any team would come to stopping their march to the title.

In what was billed as a "tune-up" tournament, Jay's/Worth appeared to be in mid season form in their very first game, coasting to an 18-6 victory over the Dawgs of Newport, KY as Doug Shanyfelt, Tim Haley and Tom Thompson each went 3 for 4 with a home run.

Craig Mills celebrated his return to Jay's after a year with Case Trucking with a 4 for 4, three home run performance in game two as Jay's/Worth walloped Wessel Construction of Cincinnati, 23-10. Highly touted newcomer Cliff Carpenter went 4 for 4 and homered twice, while Tom Thompson chipped in with a pair of dingers and was perfect in three at bats.

Tim Clemmons did most of the damage in game three, collecting two home runs and a double to help Jay's erase Blue Moon 18-5 and finish round robin play undefeated.

In the elimination bracket, Jay's turned the offense up a notch, smashing three out of town teams without working up a sweat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First they sent Mathys Builders back to Louisville on the short end of a 23-10 decision, as Craig Mills exploded for four home runs in four at bats, while Cliff Carpenter left the yard twice. Doug Shanyfelt chipped in with four safeties, and Bob Gesenhues, Tim Haley, Kevin Birkofer and Marty Monterosso combined for 12 hits.

Perkins, another Louisville team, was soon to follow Mathys down I-71, as Jay's out slugged the Kentucky entry 23-15. Clemmons and Haley shared ten hits and homered, while Carpenter pitched in with four hits, including two homers.

Jay's/Worth saved their best offensive performance for Demarini Sports/Elite in the semi-finals, mashing the Indianapolis club 29-9. Tim Clemmons paced the winners with a 4 for 4, while Genushues, Carpenter, Haley, Monterosso. Burbrink and Mills combined for 12 hits.

Meanwhile Watanabe Optical was systematically erasing their opposition, maneuvering ever-closer to an early season "dream" showdown with Jay's /Worth to establish local bragging rights as "King of the Hill".

Hitting into the wind in round robin play, Watanabe eased past three local clubs-- Ohio Pike Lanes, 8-0; Westview Inn/Jeff Pohlman Tires, 15-8; and Pro-Liquitech, 11-7.

Gary Nelson recorded the shutout over Ohio Pike, handcuffing the eastside club on five hits, while Mike Kinnett, Dave Shiveley, Steve Davis, and Terry Wolf combined for eight hits to lead the offense.

Kinnett had three home runs, Davis went 3 for 3 and homered, and Rick Hoffman added three hits to lead Watanabe in game two; then, Davis and Tom Harris paced a 20 hit attack with three hits each in the victory over Pro-Liquitech, Harris also homered in the contest.

In elimination play, Watanabe banged out 26 hits and scored in every inning to overpower Florida Tan/Tony's, 17-9. Tom Harris had three hits, including two homers, and five RBI's to lead the winners. Shively, Hoffmann, Nelson, and Randy Lewis chipped in with three hits each, and Kinnett, Lewis and John Earls homered.

Watanabe raced to a 13-2 lead over upstart Hosea Worldwide, a surprise division

 

 

 

 

 

 

winner and final eight participant, then coasted to a 14-6 victory. Hoffman was perfect in four plate appearances, while Nelson homered and collected 6 RBI's.

That victory set the stage for a clash with Fry Fastening/Dudley, a local ball club that had just stopped defending champion Worth Astros, a USSSA AA team from Indianapolis, 17-16.

In a low scoring contest, Watanabe scored a run in each of the first five innings to take a 9-4 advantage then held on to win as Kinnett, Nelson and Kroell had three hits each for the winners.

Watanabe's offense faltered again in the finals, as Jay's built an early 8-0 lead before Watanabe struck with five runs in the 3rd to cut the deficit to three. Jay's padded their lead to 11-5 in the 4th, then with a lone Watanabe run in the top of the 5th, invoked the mercy rule with five runs in the bottom of the 5th to make the final 18-6.

Both managers downplayed the first significant encounter between what most area softballers concur will be Cincinnati's top rated teams.

"Watanabe didn't play as well as they could play. They didn't hit, and they've got some hitters, " said Jay's/Worth manager Jay Hopkins.

"They're going to hit better than that this year. I just hope they do well this year for our area."

"Really we were happy just to get seven games in," said Dave Watanabe of Watanabe/Scarlato's/Easton.

Right now with the players they've got they should be in the finals of a lot of tournaments this year. They definitely have an improved line-up. But, if we can improve, we can make things interesting."

Jay's/Worth was paced primarily by Doug Shanyfelt (.690, 20 hits), Cliff Carpenter (.778, 21 hits, 23 RBIs, 9 home runs). Tim Clemmons (.759, 9 home runs, 22 hits, 21 RBIs), Tim Haley (.760, 6 home runs, 19 hits, 21 RBIs), Craig Mills (.679, 7 home runs, 19 hits, 13 RBIs) and Kevin Birkofer (20 hits), who led the club in hitting with a .800 average.

Marty Monterosso chipped in with a .750 average, Bob Gesenhues hit .607, Jim Burbrink and Keith Reganhard battled .545 and Tom Thompson battled .500.

"They were impressive," beamed Hopkins. "I'm more than pleased. I thought we'd play good because of the guys we got."

 

 

 

Maryville, Tennessee

It's that time of the year again when the largest crowds to see slow pitch softball in America gather at beautiful Sandy Springs Park in Maryville, TN over July 12-14 weekend.

Around 20,000 people will flood through the various ball parks which make up the Smoky Mountain Classic during the three day event to check out their favorite teams or players from across the country.

The fans, which make a vacation out of it, will be treated to the best softball in the world and with 7 different diamonds, they will get their "spicy" variety to boot. The two main fields, Sandy Springs Park - fields #3 and #4 on your brackets- sit side by side in a valley making the ridge in between the choice seating of the tournament.

A few friendly wagers have been known to pass from fan to fan while on the ridge- something like "I'll give you 3-1 that Macenko ( Mike- the #1 home run hitter of all time in softball ) will hit one into the tennis courts" or "maybe 5-1 that Dirk Androff of Ritch's blasts one into the practice field some 400 feet away". Maybe an even up bet of a coke that Ritch's wins for the fourth year in a row or any number of bets to add a little more fun and flair to the games.

Besides Sandy Springs, there is Everett Park which has two fields - #1 and #2 - which sit down in a valley also. They are a little shorter and if one of your favorite teams gets on Field #1, they had better score 30 or more runs to win.

Field #8 (on the bracket) is Springbrook Park next to a school, and it's a right handers delight with a great hitting background and plenty of trees to shoot for to measure the many home runs. Dingers are harder to come by for lefties at Springbrook because the fence pushes out well past the 300 foot mark in the right center field alley and the little bit of summer wind usually breezes out to left.

Speaking of dingers, if your team doesn't hit them, don't bother to go to the Pole Climber's field -- #10 in your program. The fences are not much more than 285' to 290' and although only a few teams have to endure the long games, there seems to be a few upsets each year at the Pole Climber's Friday night tilts.

Finally, Alcoa High School has been added starting in 1995 to accommodate the 32 teams which all have to play on Friday night. The scores should be down at the high school field with its barriers well surpassing 300 feet everywhere around the fences.

Not only will there be plenty of world-class softball to watch, there will be souvenir booths, plenty of food, and lots to do in between games with malls galore, Gatlinburg, and Pidgeon Forge just a few minutes away.

The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night and continues through Sunday afternoon. Everyone plays Friday night with each winner advancing to play a second game later that evening. Bring a chair or two, your kids, a blanket and enjoy the 28th Annual Smoky Mountain Classic in Maryville, Tennessee.

4 IN A ROW?
Ritch's-- Superior/Tri Gems/Beloli/TPS of Windsor Locks, Connecticut is looking to sweep their fourth consecutive Smoky Mountain crown thus breaking the mark held by themselves and Elite Coatings from Gordon, Georgia.

The perennial all star power that is again dominating Super and Major softball has only stumbled twice in 9 Super tournaments and they finished 2nd both time in those.

Ritch's has suffered 6 total losses with 38 wins and 7 tournament titles to keep their #1 national ranking-- something they have done virtually all throughout the 90's.

On June 21-23, Ritch's tied for 1st at the Dudley/Bud USSSA Major NIT at Brooklyn Park, Minnesota with Sunbelt/Easton of Cetnerville, Georgia, the only team with a winning record over them. Sunbelt came out of the losers' bracket to win 6 straight games in the Worth/Cajun Classic -- the last two over Ritch's 32-28 and 41-40.

Ritch's won two of the three ASA Super qualifiers they've played in this year including the first one of the year in Altamonte Springs, Florida, one on June 7-9 in the Seattle, Washington area and placed 2nd to 1995 ASA Super World champion, Lighthouse/Worth of Stone Mountain, Georgia, June 28-30 in Las Vegas.

The Smoky Mountain Classic is another Super qualifier with the highest finishing team that doesn't already have a berth qualifying for the 16 team ASA Super to be

held in Johnson City, Tennessee in mid August.

So far, Ritch's, Sunbelt, Bell II, Shen Valley, Dan Smith, So Jern, Lighthouse, Planet Softball, and No Limit have earned bids to the ASA Super.

Besides Ritch's, does anybody else have a shot at the coveted Smoky Mountain trophies?

Lighthouse is the hottest team coming off of their ASA Super Las Vegas showing and Sunbelt has a winning record over Ritch's, but it will be hard to beat them twice. Shen Valley and Steele's, the other two Super classed teams have the horses to make a run, but they'll probably fall short as well.

Three others could be considered dark horses-- Bell II, Franklin/Grover, and Herrin/Dudley. Bell II of Tampa has 5 wins in 15 Super tries this season and Franklin has beaten Ritch's once and two of the other Supers' -- Sunbelt and Steele's-- giving them slim hopes of a Smoky triumph. Herrin, with most of their players from the old Back Porch team, seems to play well each mid July in the Classic.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
If your team is already out or you're not familiar with the "Super" personnel, Kentucky Softball News will try to give you a few favorites to look for over the weekend.

For instance, Charles Wright, the "Georgia Peach", will most likely be around on Sunday. Wright, who now mans the hot corner for Sunbelt, has won 9 Smoky Mountain Classics including the last three with Ritch's. If you're on the hill as a fan, it's the bottom of the 7th and Sunbelt needs a run or two with Wright up- bet all your diet cokes on him to win it!

Of course, keep an eye out for Dirk Androff of Ritch's. Actually, he'll be hard to miss with his 6'8" frame. The All-American slugger took the professional baseball stars to school with his home run exhibition on ESPN in celebrity softball game and last year's Smoky MVP is always a joy to watch.

Dirk's teammate, Britt Hightower, should also be noticeable. The 1994 Smoky MVP might have his sleeves rolled up or his shirt cut off, and he'll certainly be firing at the Spring Park fences.

If you're looking for legends - pick out the large lefty for Steele's. Mike Macenko is the all-time leading home run hitter in the history of slow pitch softball. His 800 plus homers in one season

during the Steele's Hit Men tour a few years ago will probably never be duplicated.

Another old timer resides with Lighthouse. Ricky Huggins, "the sultan of swat", as he is affectionately called my Smoky announcer, Ray Molphey, is 43 years old and still kicking. As a matter of fact, thru June 25, Huggins is 4th in the country with 74 homers.

One long haul ball ahead of Huggins is "Grunt and Groan" Dave Steffen of Sunbelt. The 300 pound mauler can be heard after most of his balls leave the park. Dave kind of grunts and groans in the box as a ritual he goes through while hitting his dingers.

Perhaps the longest of all missile launchers will be J.C. Phelps of Shen Valley. J.C. has 60 tape measure dongs so far and is 2nd in the nation with an .812 batting average. Phelps will be the guy slapping his bat to the ground and staring aimlessly toward one of his shots. He will eventually make it around the bases.

Two other power men of note are Worth's poster boys, large Wendell Rickard and Carl Rose. Both men have been turning the baseball stadiums and have planned on hitting a home run out of each Major League Park. Currently, Rickard leads the country with 82 homers and Rose has his 73. Both Rose and Rickard play for Lighthouse.

While Rickard leads the country in homers, Al Davis is tops in hitting. In 197 plate appearances, Davis has reached 162 times for an .822 average.

If power is not your thing and an outstanding play thrills you more, look for several of the great shortstops around. Todd Joerling (Sunbelt), Ron Parnell (Ritch's), Larry Sauceman (Lighthouse), John Mello (Shen Valley), and Mike "Boney" Jeffers (Steele's) are not among the Supers just for their bats. They are also the slickest fielding middle infielders in America.

There are so many superstars at the Smokies that it would take days to mention them all, but hopefully everyone will become more familiar and enjoy their favorites as the weekend goes on.

 

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J.C. Phelps grew up in the small southwestern Kentucky town of Russell Springs, and he never dreamed he would be the leading softball hitter in the country. Most likely J.C.'s sporting aspirations were more like following in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer or maybe he could jump off the ropes like "Macho Man" Randy Savage and body slam with the force of the "Hulk" Hogan.

That's right-- golf and wrestling were his favorite sports and his close to scratch game made him a golf standout in high school. Shortly afterwards, JC had the itch to mix it up in the ring as a wrestler. He was in one of those smallish A,B,C,D,E,F,G wrestling federations, and although JC was excited by half-nelsons, chairs to the side of the head, and flying gut first from the top of the ropes onto the always unsuspecting opponents, his heart was somewhere else.

Two things which JC took from his golfing and wrestling actually indirectly helped him in his soon-to-be softball career. From the links, Phelps realized his John Daly-like drives made birdies a lot easier to come by, and from the ring he understood that lifting weights could at least ensure when he got hit (or almost hit as in the case of wrestling) that it wouldn't hurt as much and maybe he would be able to dish out some punishment.

So, long drive and lifting weights became synonymous with Phelps softball persona, and as early as 1990, he began to hone his skills. With Sports

Den of Somerset, Kentucky, JC turned the heads of those watching the Scott Rose Games. Even though the fences were only 285 feet away in London's annual charity event. Phelps' record breaking 14 homers well down the hill was even more impressive since he was just 20 years old.

Editor and Publisher, Raymond Moscoe, of the Kentucky Softball News, saw JC in the Scott Rose Games and introduced him to the Major level. He asked JC to go up to Shelbyville, Indiana as a pickup player and play in an exhibition round robin with New Construction, the Astros, and another Indiana top team. In his first game against New, he hit two monster pop up, one weak fly ball and one long eye popping bomb into the trees. Moscoe had bragged on how good this young boy was going to be and the rest of the weekend, Phelps, hit a few shots and managed a .550 average. But, that didn't stop Roger New from keeping an eye out for him in the future as a prospect.

Another memorable look at JC occurred when Moscoe, who was with Wildcat Fence at the time, took Cobbie Harrison (Wildcat's coach then, currently with Steele's for 1997) to watch a first round game in the Bowling Green Spring classic. Wildcat wasn't scheduled to play until Saturday, so Harrison and a few of his players went to watch Washington Co. Merchants and in particular JC. In JC's first at bat he struck out looking, subsequently went berserk shaking the backstop into oblivion and was promptly thrown out of the game. Harrison in a chuckle said, "Boy you really

know how to pick 'em," and his boys went out to eat.

JC matured quickly from his Bowling Green antics, and his year with Washington Co. in the "A" class in 1991 helped him fine tune his swing enough where New picked him up for the 1992 and 1993 season.

While with New, Phelps continued to get better and better, and his homers were going farther and farther. A couple of memorable 400 foot plus tape measure jobs had the crowd buzzing at Kentuckiana Sports Complex at the Shively Classic and a bomb over the trees and the river in Pineville's Mt. Laurel Classic still has people talking.

New and JC Phelps almost won the ASA Major Nationals in Jacksonville, Florida in 1992, but another slugger took center stage for the eventual champions-- Ricky Huggins of Vernon's. JC received All-American credentials for his efforts and was primed for a big season in 1993 with New.

In 1993, the small town boy came up with some big time numbers hitting .727 with 142 home runs. He was 7th in the country in average and 16th in home runs, and 23rd in home run frequency knocking out balls every 2.84 at bats.

From New Construction, Mr.Phelps graduated to DJ's of Atchison, Kansas and their first clash among the Supers was a national shock. DJ's surprised Ritch's, Bell, Steele's, and others on their way to the Cocoa Beach qualifier championship, and a few weeks later placed 2nd in the Conway Twitty. DJ's later on that summer, became DJ's/Shen

Valley, and in 1996 Shen Valley/Taylor Brothers.

Phelps went on to post a .735 average with 104 dingers for DJ's and landed on the Softball USA 1994 first team all-star club.He continued with Shen Valley through 1995, won his many awards, and primed himself for his best year ever- 1996.

As indicated by the accompanying stats, JC had a Superyear. One particular stat sticks out and shows his consistency -- in 16 weeks against the very best players in the nation, he never hit below .600. His worst weekend was .615 with 3 homers in just 3 games at Milwaukee.

JC's .796 average was one of the best ever recorded, but there is the dreaded asterisk that goes along with it. In 1996, walks counted as hits and sacrifice files were outs instead of no official at bats. For a pure batting average, JC's .770 ranks among the highest ever in softball. TPS will award JC their battling average trophy, giving him his most coveted award to date.

Phelps can be seen donning the blue and gold Shen Valley colors again this year, and you can bet another battling title or home run championship will have to go through him first.

 

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When ranking Kentucky's top softball teams for the upcoming 1998 season, two things become apparent- there are some familiar mainstays missing and several clubs who have merged.

The most prominent name not present in this year's pre-season poll is Reece of Springfield. Mike Reece of Tazewell, TN has moved his sponsorship to the Volunteer State with Sportsworld of Lebanon, TN. The Sportsworld/Reece/Chip's/TPS combo is the early pre-season #1 team in the "Big Orange".

With Reece's money, also went Jackie Arnold's hope of fielding his own hand picked team, but don't feel sorry for Jackie Arnold's hope of fielding his own hand picked team, but don't feel sorry for Jackie and his players just yet. They have basically split their talents and have landed on two teams which will obviously help both of them.

Half of Reece included coach Arnold, who guided Reece to two "A" National Championships, went east to Ahsland and joined Texas Roadhouse. Corky Salyers, who was a part of a successful merger with the Roosters two seasons ago, hopes for the same this time out. The Reece add-ons include leading hitter, Jamie Swanagan, Mo Daulton, Stevie Thompson, and Roger Gonterman. Donnie Harper will also aid Corky's bid for an "A" State championship. Harper, who left Buffalo & Dad's, has been a Major player for many years and has a national championship ring with Riverside to show for his play.

Other Reece starters including Bobby Storie and Jack Comparoni will surface with Pepsi All Sport Corbin. They will join the powerful David Hensley and several other Southeasterners who played for WEB last season. Jeff Vorbeck has yet to unveil the official version of his Pepsi team, but clearly the rumored "next generation" starters should be among Kentucky's finest.

Besides Reece, a couple of other 1997 Top 10's have disbanned-- The Cave, runners up in the "A" State, and Kentucky Thunder, the 1998 Lake Cumberland Champs.

Most of the Cave have joined Bluegrass Tower of Georgetown giving them a very formidable "A" lineup. Key pickups include Ritchie Tyre, who will fill a needed shortstop position, Adam Beasley, Keith Doss, and Toby Curtsinger.

The Cave additions should compliment 10 returners from a Bluegrass Tower Squad that won the H&W Classic in Campbellsville and finished among the top in several Kentucky tournaments a year ago. Leading hitter, Rand Marshall, (.739, 63HRs, 177 RBIs) is back along with Whitlock father and son duo - Steve and Michael.

Kentucky Thunder's breakup will benefit several Top 10 contenders with a smattering of players on three or four different teams, but Sportstar Easton of Louisville gets Thunder's best player, Andy Trosper, and their coach, Dean Forbes. Sportstar needed a bosst after losing their

 

 

 

 

 

offensive star, Chad Hobbs (.787, 102 HRs) to Riverside.

Hobbs is just one of many additions which should give Riverside their best team since winning the ASA Major in 1995. Hobbs will be joined by Tommy Scott, Tommy Smith, and Eric "Piggy" Moore, a trio of starters who were on the 1995 championship roster.

Riverside, #2 in the pre-season is opting to reclaim the #1 spot but they have to conquer the team that has occupied #1 for over 2 1/2 years-- Planet Softball. The all stars from Lexington and the tri-state region have defeated Riverside the last 5 meetings and haven't lost to them since May of 1995.

Helping Planet Softball keep its hold on #1 will be Roger New of Shelbyville, Indiana who has won the ASA Major with New Construction and was 3rd in the ASA Super a few years back. New will bring over his coaching expertise along with .700 plus power hitter Vern Hensley and long time New starter, Dave "Doc" Randolph. Planet will also be picking up Demond Thomas of Elizabethtown who played for Top 10 nationally ranked So Jern of New Jersey. Tony Martin is one of a trio of players who participated on two squads last season but New expects to keep these three the whole season in 1998. Martin played for Berardi's, then New, and led them in hitting. David "Otis" Barnes is back after playing for Planet Softball, then So Jern the last month of the season and Mike Kinnett, who played for Planet Softball and then Backstop, returns to play left field. Kinnett was an ASA All-American three seasons ago with Watanabe when they won the ASA "A" Nationals at Stevens Point, WI, which is where Planet will travel this season for the ASA Major Nationals.

Also, returning from last year's Planet Softball squad is Tony Stansbury two-time National Championship of Riverside fame; Raymond Moscoe, two-time National Champs and NSA World MVP in 1984; Todd Johnston; and Brian "Primetime" Fletcher-- 1995 ASA Major All-American.

Another Lexington based team besides Planet Softball is loaded with Major talent-- Fraley's. The Blue and White clad sluggers have recruited ex-Major Leaguer, Gold Glover, Doug Flynn, and have captured three stars from Tennessee's #1 team of a year ago. The Sportsworld defectors are PJ Jones, Jeff Minnis, and Stacy Harris. Kentucky's ASA "B" State Champs-- Berties-- have also decided to join Fraley's which should give them one of the best teams in the bluegrass.

Scanning through the rest of the Top 40, one would probably notice a few other "no shows" such as Red Boy's, Mudcats, and a Tommy Locke coached team.

Red Moore had been rumored to have started negotiating for another Northern Kentucky Club, and

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chad Tate of the Mudcats is possibly producing another team with a lesser role to be played for him.

Tommy Locke of Elizabethtown, among the top coaches in Kentucky fielded Modern Welding last season and was very successful with his South Dixie powerhouses in the past, but will step down and become mostly a spectator in 1998. One team he might be watching closely in his area is the newly renovated Vessels who won the "B" State a couple of seasons ago. Vessels will add Accu-Truss and Sundeck to their name and will keep the majority of their state title roster.

Another team returning after a year of hiatus will be Sting of Danville. The Sting was a borderline "A" - "B" bunch who played well most of the 1996 season but faltered at the "B" State. Look for their "bite" to be venomous once again in 1998.

Up the road from Sting will be a new group from the Capitol City with youth and potential. The Versailles Merchants with most of their players actually coming from Frankfort have acquired two ex-baseball Minor Leaguers who were All Staters with the University of Kentucky-- Pookie Jones and Eddie Brooks. Jones was also UK's quarterback while holding down two sport job with the Bat Cats in the off season. Brooks was a two-time Kentucky State baseball champion and his potential is unlimited for the softball diamond. Brooks dad, Tommy Brooks, was the first coach for the highly acclaimed Starpath team who dominated in the mid 80's and early 90's.

One of Tommy Brooks standouts on his Starpath team was Scott Jones who now plays for the 35 and over National Champions -- B-Dry/Buffalo and Dad's of Lexington. A couple of Jones Starpath teammates play occasionally on Buffalo and Dad's older rivals from Louisville- Leroys. Pitcher, Dave Elder, Smoky Mountain Classic MVP with Starpath and Dave Johnson, one of Starpath's all time leading power hitters, are among the superstars who will play sparingly but still have the desire to win once they step on the field.

With all the old teams, the new teams, the returning teams, and the merging teams, one thing is for sure-- Kentucky will be as competitive in 1998 as in the past few seasons.

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For the most part, the articles in the Kentucky Softball News are written by me, yet on certain special occasions, other writers grace the pages of my publication.

Mark Linneman from Cincinnati has helped out several times and I appreciate his expertise; and to all those who have written for the Kentucky Softball News in the past, I oew a deep felt --THANK YOU.

The 'by-lines' have been many over the past decade, and until now, I needed no introduction for those whose names occupy that by-line space. But, this issue's special guest writer is and will always be the most special of all for me - because she is my grandmother.

Lena Moscoe, my grandma was born in 1912, and she is currently 86 years young. She has taken care of 19 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren, and of course, her favorite is me... well, at least I am one of her 52 or so favorites.

Grandma, the most devout christian I know, has many talents and hobbies, one of which is knowing how to write very well. She has had many excerpts published in such papers as the Frankfort State Journal, among others, and when you read the passage below you will plainly see why.

Keep in mind the following was written by an 86 year old who doesn't have the benefit of a spell checker, and when she sent me this article, there was not even one word misspelled or any grammatical errors. Any writing talent I might have can be traced directly to Grandma and her great penmanship. By the way, Grandma, I lvoe you and hope you have a Happy Mother's Day.

By Lena Moscoe
SOFTBALL-80YEARS AGO

One of my grandsons is a softball nut. He also publishes a softball newspaper. I thought maybe he would like to hear a little about the game as it was played some 80 years ago when I was a kid.

There might have been minor, major, or even a national baseball league, but we didn't know much about them. There were no radios or TV and it was only once in a blue moon, that we got a newspaper. There was not much about ball games in them, for they were "Newspapers" not sports bulletins.

We had never heard the term softball, it was baseball. Maybe some lucky fellow would get a store-bought baseball for Christmas. But most them were homemade. You started by finding a big fat walnut or a smooth round rock from the creek. You wrapped a bunch of rags around that. The leftovers from your winter long john's was just the thing for that.

Then you wrapped it good and tight with binder twine and for the outside cover you used smooth cotton string. Then you got your Mama to cook up some of that old fashioned starch, the kind she used on the collar of your Sunday shirt. After soaking the ball in the starch, it was placed on a fence post to bake in the sun. In a week or ten days, it was ready for a game. Believe me, it was no "softball".

I don't recall what was used for a bat. Probably a discarded fence post or a young sapling from the creek bank whittled down to where it would drive the old ball home if handled just right. I don't know if they had gloves or not. But, after handling a plow or axe handle all week, your hands were tough enough to catch a ball on Sunday. For it was on Sunday, after church and a big meal, that the neighbors gathered in for the game.

The field was usually someone's cow pasture, so the field had to be prepared. All the cow chips had to be removed, for if you hit one that was not quite dry, you slid whether you wanted to or not. Bases were marked with flat rocks from the creek, and then you were ready to decide who played where. It was an all boys team for girls were not allowed to play. They did not wear pants then because that was not lady like. But, have you ever tried playing baseball wearing a dress? So, we were the audience. We could yell as loud with a dress on as we could if we wore britches.

Mothers didn't come out to watch their little darlings play like they do today. They stayed in the house and did whatever it was that Mothers did on Sunday afternoon. So, if you had trouble with the umpire you took care of him yourself, with out any help from your mother.

When the game was over winners and losers alike went to the house for a snack-- usually cold chicken, biscuits, and buttermilk. The only "McDonalds" we knew was the one who owned the farm where all the fun too place. Soon, everyone headed from home to get the chores done and get ready for another workweek. But, we looked forward to the game the next Sunday and the next, as long as the good weather lasted. A good time was had by all and it was good clean fun, that is if the field was properly prepared. ----

When I read my grandmother's depiction of her childhood memories of softball, I couldn't help but make the comparison of how much some things have changed, while still 80 years later, other things have stayed the same on the ball diamond.

There are no more "wood" products in the bats used by today's softball athletes. Instead of fence posts or saplings, aluminum is the element used most by manufacturers to make

 

the bats that are more like lethal weapons these days. Binder twine and cotton string has been replaced by tightly wound leather covers that give players the "spin" they are looking for to knock the ball over the waiting fences.

While technology has changed, one old fashioned remedy is just like it was at the turn of the last century. My grandmother mentioned sitting a homemade, starch soaked, ball on a post to bake in the sun. In the 90's alone, I have witnessed guys "baking" their balls on roof tops to make them tighter and harder, and some have actually put softballs into their ovens and microwaves to get an edge for th ose "hit your own ball" tournaments.

I was also struck by the toughness of yesteryear's ball players. "After handling an axe or plow handle all week, your hands were tough enough to catch a ball (without a glove). In this era, a player wears a glove under another glove with wrist bands and when he bats he has to wear two gloves- one for each hand.

Sunday is still the day of most excitement for today's sluggers as it was in the 2nd and 3rd decades of the 1900's because if your team makes it to Sunday, you are in the th ick of things regarding finishing high in your weekend tournament. It would be nice if tournaments didn't schedule games until after church, but with more and more teams flying in players and the length of games being extended, the games are played before, during, and after church services.

Sadly to say, one sentance which still evokes bad thoughts is the one about playing in someone's cow pasture. Altogether, today's diamonds have certainly improved, but there are still those "cow pastures" which are sad excuses for those who have to roam the outfields and field ground balls. A number of batter's boxes are so deep, "Gar King" could sometimes get lost while trying to dig in. I have played with telephone poles in the field of play, and the most common complaint today are the light systems or lack there of at the parks. As a child, Grandma and her friends had to "prepare" their fields to get them ready to play-- not a bad idea for some of the complex owners of today.

Finally, she ended by saying a "good time was had by all, it was good clean fun, and everyone looked forward to the game by next Sunday." By today's standards, the game is obviously still fun or millions of people wouldn't play every weekend. But, a little "cleaning up" could help promote the nation's #1 participation sport. The language is certainly one issue which needs to be addressed and the abuse these poor umpires take is a bit overdone.

Competition was probably as fierce back then as it is now as the desire to win is inherent in most of us, but we don't have to be so "socially accepted" cruel to our counterparts.

Of course, we can never go back to 80 years ago when things were a little more innocent, but we can

learn one thing from our ancestors, and that is an overall respect for the game of softball and life. Our forefathers had to work a little harder for what they had and did not take things for granted as much as we do now. Maybe we can work a little harder to help out the umpires by encouraging them or even trying to control our tempers (me included) when things don't go right at bat or on the field.

Thanks Grandma for your upbringing. I hope all of us can approach softball the way you did -- with a fun, Christian, enthusiastic, and working hard attitude.

 

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I was first introduced to the Conway Twitty in 1984 as a young shortstop for Kentucky Sporting Goods, and my first encounter with big time softball conjures up many memories.

My first memory was a trail of cars on Friday night sputtering along at a slow crawl into Drakes Creek Park entrance, and all I could think about was that we were going to be late for our game.

In an instant, Steve Higgins, Lynn Perry, Steve Bugg, and I made our first executive softball decision and jumped out of our car and prroceeded to walk across the bridge, past the traffic, so we could make it to our game in plenty of time to get loose. I was carrying my Bombat and my A-2000 Wilson baseball glove, and Lynn Perry was toting his hitting stick. (We didn't have bat bags at the time and the Bombat was shared by most of our players.)

We arrived at Hendersonville's main stage in plenty of time to stretch and throw and still be able to take in the awesome crowds and the carnival - like atmosphere at the Twitty.

We were greeted by our legendary player and coach, Ken Perry, brother of Lynn, and he gave us each our Conway Twitty key chains, which I thought was the coolest back then, and he asked us what kind of "chew" we wanted. There was some tobacco company pushing their product and we got free samples. And, although I chose Bazooka bubble gum as my palatable pleasure, I still took one of those tobacco pouches. Lather that weekend as part of the festivities, there was a tobacco spitting contest and our very own, Gary Hatchett, took home first prize (but I don't remember what that was).

I really knew I had made it "big" when Coach Perry handed me my $20.00 expense envelope, for this was our first travel tournament of the year even though we had played a few tournaments back home near Stamping Ground, Kentucky.

Giving me $20.00 to play softball was like giving me a million because I just played because I loved the sport. I had been playing baseball since I was 6 years old and through my college days, a bat and a ball was all I knew.

Finally, on Friday night it was time to playe ball, and we (Kentucky Sporting Goods) had our lineup announced by the "Voice of Softball" Ray Molphey. In his best radio tone, Mr. Molphey introduced the two teams as "2 undefeated

champions". We had not lost a game going into the Twitty and neither had our opponet, #1 Elite Coating of Georgia. The only difference was that Elite had been conquering the best teams in the country while we were dominating Paris, Stamping Ground, and Milville, Kentucky competition.

After it (the game) was over, there was only one undefeated team left in the country and it was not Kentucky Sporting Goods. Elite defeated us 12-1, and although we lost, we felt like world champions because we kept the game close. That kind of rationalization still goes on today as the losers always replay the game and say, "if we would have done that, and not hit into that double play, or if we would have caught so and so's ball, or if the wind wasn't blowing in we could have scored more runs."

Some things never change as the excuses after a loss are still a ritual that is just as prevalent in the new millennium as they were when we lost to Elite Coating in 1984.

However, as I played in my 18th consecutive Conway Twitty (now designated as the Worth Twitty) many things have changed for myself, of course, and the Twitty.

My hair has changed from dark brown to gray and my memories of shortstop have been preserved by watching Johnny Mello of Long Haul and Billy Byrd of Reece/Roosters. I used to be in awe of Starpath's Greg Whitlock's quick hands, Todd Joerling's youthful range, and Major Leaguer Gold Glover, Doug Flynn, who showed his stuff with Bell Corporation at the Twitty's gone by. Other shortstop superstars were "Hands" Williams of Howard's and Ron Parnell, who just might have been the best overall shortstop ever. Those guys would have loved the 2001 Super/Major division with the new 80 foot bases and grass infield.

The bases have been moved back from 60 feet to 65, then most recently to 70, and now to 80 feet during my 18 years at the Twitty. The mound has also been pushed back more than 5 feet and the show field, which used to be close to 300 feet all the way around has seen the fences reposted to a distance of 320 feet down the lines, 345 in the gaps and 370 to center field.

What would old time Twitty home run kings think like Bruce Meade, the handlebar mustache mauler from Florida, or Bill Gatti of Louisville who used to line them out of the Twitty. What about the Georgia Peach as Ray Molphey used to call Charles Wright or Rick "Crusher" Scheer of Howard's Furniture who had hair down to his belly button and .

 

looked more like a "Hell's Angel" then a helluva ball player.

"Crankin" Craig Elliot was probably one of the most feared home run hitters of his day and he was very popular at the Twitty, and now his son, John, can be seen there. Mike Macenko, who smashed more home runs than anyone in a single season with the Steele's Barnstorming teams, is yet another legend that might scratch his head at the longer fences. But! Most likely these past power producers would just say give me one of those TPS XXL's or an Easton Tri-Shell or a Worth PST or a DeMarini B-52 and "let me take my chances".

On the subject of bats, the Twitty is another reminder of the manufacturing changes that have taken place over the years. The 34-38 ounce Howard's Furniture bats, Bombats, Dave Carroll bats, and Elite's have been replaced by the aforementioned manufacturers with 26 ounce shells closer to the norm than those 34 ounce clubs used in the 80's.

And in between the first aluminum bat of yesteryear and the multiwall bats of today was the bat that changed softball the most in one season-- the Titanium. Easton began this real "Bat War" in 1995 with their first version of the Titanium bat, and at the Twitty, Louisville Slugger unveiled theirs for the world to see.

Balls ripped through the infields at blinding speeds and a good indication of the Titanium's lethalness can be gauged by the "Paul Drilling Effect". Paul Drilling in 1995 smashed 21 home runs at the Twitty alone with his new Titanium. Drilling, one of the best pitchers ever to take the mound in slow pith softball, was never known for his power- although he could go long if needed-- yet his Titanium made him (as wella s anyone else that swung one) a home run threat and a legitimate danger to all pitchers. Drilling in 2001 has 1 home run, and although not nearly the hitter he was in 1995, he could still pick up one of those Titaniums and hit it out of the Twitty.

The Titanium was banned shortly after the Twitty, and the COR 44 ball was introduced a couple of years later to let some of the sting out of the newest bats.

learn one thing from our ancestors, and that is an overall respect for the game of softball and life. Our forefathers had to work a little harder for what they had and did not take things for granted as much as we do now. Maybe we can work a little harder to help out the umpires by encouraging them or even trying to control our tempers (me included) when things don't go right at bat or on the field.

Thanks Grandma for your upbringing. I hope all of us can approach softball the way you did -- with a fun, Christian, enthusiastic, and working hard attitude.

 

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Hal Mumme, ex-coach and flight commander of the University of Kentucky Football 'Air Raid', has been shot down.

Rick Pitino has went from UK Blue to Celtic Green to his current Cardinal Red.

And, Bill Fraley is hanging up his coaching shoes after 29 years of managing women's slow pitch softball.

Three coaches, three distinct personalities, three men, who have two things in common-- lasting ties to the University of Kentucky and bluegrass memories that will last a lifetime.

Mumme's victory over Alabama's Crimson Tide in 1999 was a goal post tearing down experience that rocked Lexington til the wee hours of the morning.

UK's 6th national basketball championship in 1996 was directed by KY's Godfather of basketball Rick Pitino and the city street's celebration is yet another fond memory of UK folklore.

And, Fraley's Wildcats women's softball championship in 1994 gave Bill Fraley good reason to throw one of his infamous parties that rivals any celebration of any kind.

Coach Fraley who likes to organize get together's for the many athletes he has come in contact with might not be as well known on a national level as his other coaching cohorts Mumme and Pitino, but if one asks about women's softball in KY or around the country Bill Fraley's name will be one of the 1st mentioned.

BEGINNINGS BASKETBALL AND BEING BILL

Fraley's wildcat days can be traced back 70 years ago when he was raised by his grandparents in a house where Rupp Arena now sits. Lack of the 'green' stuff turned Fraley toward sports and to KY blue-- both of which have been and still are his passions to this day.

Bill the athlete was a shooting guard for Latin High School and his eye for the basket is still 20/20 at least according to him. "We did not have 3- pointers

back then but if we did I think I could have made a living from behind that line." He would still take on all comers in a game of H-O-R-S-E -- a game that must have originated here in KY with the thoroughbred industry being so prominent.

Besides playing the game of H-O-R-S-E one might find Fraley playing the horses at Keeneland, Churchill Downs, or one of the other racetracks around the bluegrass.

Of course, horse racing is just another of Bill's many sports that he has burning desire for.

Back to Fraley's hoop dreams- He led the Lexington City independent league in scoring when he and Jock Sutherland shared the spotlight in 'their' day.

In 1957 just after his Parkette amateur basketball team became the 1st independent hoopsters to play in UK's Memorial Coliseum against UK's junior varsity and beat them by 20, Fraley became interested in another sport -- slow pitch softball.

Fraley's softball roots sprouted earlier than '57, a decade before, in 1948 as a fast pitch player but his slow pitch love did not materialize until those late '50's.

From playing, the lad from Lexington went directly to the administrative end of things in 1970 by coaching, sponsoring,and sparingly playing both basketball and softball.

His basketball teams won 10 of 12 Lexington city championships and in the middle of those glory years (1977) he began to get more serious about coaching and sponsoring his women's teams.

"My 1st women's softball team ever was our neighborhood girls with my wife, Dian, (they've been married for 38 years) and other girls from the neighborhood. We were 11-0 and to this day I never had a tougher group of girls to manage. We were the "Bad News Bears" yet we would always find a way to win. No girl on our team could catch a ground ball but they could all hit.

After the neighborhood

 

experiment, coach Bill started up the women's Fraley's Wildcats-- a name which did not come by happenstance. His love for University of Kentucky athletics was the direct link to the wildcat name which he used for his softball, flag football, and basketball teams. He did use the name Ladycats when he sponsored two girls teams at once along with Wildcats for his other girls team.

A testament to Bill Fraley's love for UK's sports is 'The Streak'. 'The Streak' began in 1951 when big blue Fraley attended his first UK football game in the fall of 1951. Thirty-one years later the streak ended after he had made every away trip and partied at every home tailgate party from '51 to Labor Day of 1982.

"If it was not for my girls team going to Austin, Minnesota during Labor Day weekend and a few more later attempts for the ASA national championships I suppose the streak might still be intact." I just couldn't miss that one" referring to the Minnesota Nationals where the wildcats finished 9th of 39 teams. I just had to be there for the girls."

The girls, the women and men, the players-- that is what he lived for and why he coached and sponsored so many teams. "I never asked for a dime and never did it for any gain, just out of respect for the players who gave their best and showed their commitment. I liked being around the hometown folks and making those trips," recalled Fraley.

' Those trips were especially memorable for many reasons and a blue and white travel bus made the trips even more memorable. "We took that bus everywhere we could and we ate, played cards, drank a little and just had good times."

Jerome Crowe one of Fraley's men's players took a trip or two on the bus and he viewed the school-like model, passenger vehicle as a party-filled warning. "Bill knew how to make his players relax and have a fun time on the way to our destinations but when an opponent saw us coming they knew they were in for a competitive weekend of softball."

 

As cabin fever begins to adjust its locks to keep all of us softballers behind closed doors for the next 3 months, it is time to reflect on what took place between the lines in the Bluegrass during the hot, smothering summer of 2002.

Although the main focus of this article will concentrate mostly on the upper level in Kentucky, that by no means tells all the stories that occurred in 2002.

One such story had a fairy tale ending for Larry Rodgers of W.E.T./Miken.

Mr. Rodgers, who has been sponsoring teams over the past 20 or so years in Kentucky, might be more well known for his 35 and over teams that suited up for Campbellsville every year for a shot at being the best in the ASA "older" championship.

Perhaps, others had a nationwide glimpse of Larry when his W.E.T. money journeyed southward four years ago to Gator country where he assembled one of the finest Major teams in the land.

His W.E.T. men's team came into Bowling Green, KY in late April four Springs ago and left undefeated at the Spring Classic, an unlimited home run showcase of 30 teams that represented the finest from the south.

W.E.T. reached a pinnacle of piercing the nation's top 10 in those glory days.

With accolades surrounding sponsor, Larry Rodgers, with his 35 and Over men and his Major men's teams it was time for a new venture back to women's softball where Rodgers had already been established.

He took his W.E.T./Miken teams to Hartford County, Maryland for the ASA East Women's C Nationals during Labor Day weekend with hopes of a top 10 finish and came away with much more-- THE ASA EAST NATIONAL CHAMPS 1ST PLACE HARDWARE.

W.E.T. (Waste Energy Technology) from Columbia, KY the new East National Champs earned a trip to Montgomery, Alabama on October 18-20 to face the ASA West Champs, Minot Chiropractic of Minot North Dakota.

ASA awarded W.E.T. 15 paid flights and 8 hotel rooms as well as Minot the same package to compete in a best 3 of 5 for the only true national champ.

The softball USA Championship began in 2001 for women's teams in divisions B,C, and D. The same format

is used for the Men's East and West and the ASA just recently picked up Hooter's as National sponsor, thus the men's playoff will be called The Hooter's National Softball Championship for years to come with best 3 of 5 series between the A, B, C and D classes.

Both the men and women teams met this year at Montgomery, Alabama and began play in each of the seven classes on Friday, October 18th.

After W.E.T.'s first inning on Friday night it was apparent that the only Kentucky entrant was not only a dominant force in their class but could have been considered the cream of the crop among all seven divisions.

W.E.T. scored ten runs in their 1st inning vs. Minot highlighted by four home runs, one of them an electrifying inside-the-parker by Lindsay Hauser.

Hauser added a second homer and increased her R.B.I. output to five for W.E.T.'s 20-4 opener. Jaime Albert, Patika Barlow, and Monica Rodgers also circled the bases with one swing in their lopsided Friday night flick.

In the second game of the best 3 of 5 the Kentuckians were even more convincing as they mastered Minot, 19-1. Sixteen-year old phenom Barlow was perfect again going 4-4 for her seventh consecutive hit of the series.

The third contest proved to be the clincher for W.E.T. who outscored Minot Chiropractic, 18-6, for the ASA Women's National title.

Donna Owens of W.E.T. just nipped counterpart Barlow for the MVP with Owens capping off a 3-3 performance and ending with a perfect weekend. Congratulations to Larry Rodgers and W.E.T.

 

Besides W.E.T.'s top story of 2002 there were certainly many other weekends and events surrounding KY worth mentioning.

Near the top of the list is the always popular Woodbine Rebels shootout in Corbin, KY in early June.

The 29th version of the Woodbine Shootout proved to be a record breaker for eventual victors Elite Printing or Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Elite lost their first game to Cynthiana Outlaws,11-10, then persevered through the 34 team loser's bracket recording a monumental 11 straight wins for the Championship.

Among Elite's 11 straight victims were NWO twice, HDI, Clark Electric, Cynthiana Merchants,

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STS, Bond Dodgers, Stallions, Shriner's, Nasty Dawgs and the Tar Tar Cats.

Other outstanding performances of 2002 included Line Drive, winning two state titles, the NSA B and the USSSA C; Southern Rental winning the ASA B and also among the top 10 at the Cincinnati Metro; and Bond Dodgers moving up in tournaments to come in 3rd at the H&W in Campbellsville where New Construction, Central and all of the top A teams were present, but on the flip side winning only two games at the Woodbine Rebels Shootout which was chocks full of C and D teams.

There were several separate deserving accomplishments on and off the field in 2002 that were too numerous to mention, but I would like to touch on the summer of "A" ball in the Bluegrass.

"A" teams in KY fight parity, the weather, injuries, and roster changes for superiority. The 2002 upper level softball season began in late March when two of the pre-season's top ranked "A" teams met at the A-1 Auto Classic in Campbellsville, KY. B&C/Miken of Bowling Green, KY overcame a 13 run deficit to upend Sports Den of Somerset, KY in the finals of the winner's bracket. The reversal of fortune for B&C set the stage for a pattern that played out five times versus Sports Den-- the last being a 27-26 elimination of Sports Den at Hopkinsville's A state.

After the A-1 and a couple of tune-ups it was time for the Ball Diamond Classic where all 10 of KY's "A" hopefuls gathered in Lexington to see each other for the first time in 2002.

The Ball Diamond occurring in mid April gave everyone an indication of the parity among the "A" teams with Sports Den run ruling 2001 powerhouse Sportstar 26-11 in 3 and a half innings.

Weather ultimately postponed the Ball Diamond which was finished up in June with Sports Den defeating Southern Rental of NKY for the championship.

Team competitiveness and weather were main themes circulating throughout the "A" circuit in 2002 and as April turned into May there were also a few pretenders that decided to drop down or out.

Among the Kentucky A's with high aspirations at the beginning of the year were Texas Roadhouse, MMG, A-1 Auto, and Southern Rental.

However as the season progressed the four aforementioned teams took different routes for their state tournament

 

quests .Southern Rental played "up" in the Cincy Metro then dropped down to win the Kentucky ASA B State; Texas Roadhouse decided Lexington was a lot closer and more winnable than Hoptown; MMG lost JC Phelps to New, Steve Bugg to Sports Den, Phil Hardy to Thompson Realtors and a slew of other roster changes pointed them to the B state; and A-1 retooled completely but had to play in Hopkinsville because of prior commitments from their newest players.

With the defection of some, the ASA A State shrunk to a smallish but very tough 7 teams-- Berardi's, A-1, Sports Den, Riverside, B&C, Sportstar, and Thompson Realtors.

The sensational six (with the exception being A-1) participated in most of the KY Cup and "A" tournaments around the region and all six had their moments of glory.

B&C's mastery over Sports Den going 5-0 throughout the summer was just a portion of their "glorious" wins. The boys from the Bowling Green and Campbellsville area were very consistent all summer and more impressive than some of their state conquests were their wins over some of the nation's best.

Among the B&C National triumphs were wins versus LDJ (Michigan's #1 team) at the Twitty, and a run at the Thoroughbred that included run-rules over K&G 20-6, Kluever's 24-3, and Perkins 38-27 in the losers bracket. K&G finished 2nd in the ASA Major, Perkins 3rd in the 2002 Major, and Kluevers was Illinois' #1 "A" team all season.

Sports Den had a two week stretch where they defeated 2001 Major National Champion, New Construction at the Lake Cumberland Classic in Monticello, Berardi's and Riverside twice a piece in both the Lake Cumberland and the Super Slam, Jonesboro, TN's #1 "A" team and Central Paving IN's top "A" squad.

In that same two week period Sports Den finished runners up at Lake Cumberland and the KY Super Slam to Sportstar in both instances.

Sportstar's streak began in Monticello, followed by 1st place in Louisville at the Super Slam, then two more 1sts, one at the B&C Classic in Bowling Green and finally all the marbles at the Daniel Boone in Richmond.

In Sportstar's 4 week avalanche, the Louisvillians rolled over several top 20 foes and as an interesting side bar one of those top 20 teams was Perkins of Ohio. The reason Perkin's was of interest was because they decided, after playing in the "A" Super Slam, to go to Johnson

 

We have been on a slippery downhill softball slope for sometime, yet IT has finally happened. Yes, remember that skier who was captured by Wide World of Sports in that horrific downhill accident where he went tumbling down the snow covered mountain. That skier, through much rehabilitation, survived that avalanche-like-crash and today is a well-known safety ski supplier for the Olympics and other international skiing events.

Johann Nordstrom patented the breakaway ski several winters ago, thus making the slopes for slalom and downhill skiing a somewhat safer place to be.

Like Mr.Nordstrom, softball has finally run head first into that mesh breakaway fence which saved the skier's life and maybe now softball can look forward to what they can do to ake their sport safer and more enjoyable for all.

Like Nordstrom's skiing accident, like the stock market crash in October of 1929, like the alcoholic or drug addict-- sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before positive changes can occur.

Last year it seems as though softball finally hit its lowest point with deaths and lawsuits and lower participation numbers mainly due to composite technology within the softball bat.

Lessons were learned, compromises were made, and positive rules and regulations have been put into place for a future that looks like the softball bag is closer to half full than half empty.

Will 2004 be the turn-around year? -- the year that softball moves back up the bell curve? In my opinion, YES. And I can see changes happening already.

For example, the Bash for Cash, March 13-14, in Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area in only it's third year is expecting 132 teams to participate in 2004 as compared to 80 plus in 2003. The Hooter's Spring Fling in Lexington, KY in mid April has upped its entries from 24 to 40. The Twitty Worth Classic in Hendersonville, TN has moved its time slot from early May to June 6-8 and has also increased their entries from 32 last spring to 40 iin 2004 with an "A" and a Major class along with the women's competition.

Other exciting innovations in place include a TV show for softballers, beginning July 5, 2004."Softball 360" will air on local Fox Sports channels and is expected to run for 18 weeks. Softball topics from Softball 360 will include olympics slow pitch, fast pitch, regional tournaments, and a wide array of interesting subjects concerning the softball world.

ASA is also sweetening their Major class after abolishing the Super class which existed close to 25 years. ASA will be offering nearly $25,000 in prize money for the top finishers at the 2004 Major Nationals-- $10,000 goes to 1st place, $6,000 to 2nd, $4,000 to 3rd, and $2,500 for 4th place. Also, 12 ASA Major qualifiers will be played throughout the summer, and points awarded according to the team's finishes. The top 2 point getters at the end of the summer will receive $1,000 each to go toward their trip to Sanford, Florida, September 16-19 to play in the Major Nationals. The top 14 point getters receive berths to the Major and the additional 2 spots, to make it a sweet 16, will come from the ASA "A" East and ASA "A" West winners.

USSSA and a few other companies have also addressed an ever growing bat tampering market and will levee still penalties for those who try to

 

cheat by "souping up" bats that are already too hot.

Bat legislation is currently in writing to tone down bats in 2005 after a grandfathering period takes place this season thru June where bats already manufactured can be used, but no new bats can be made after June without meeting a specific standard set by the association.

COR 44, .375 compression balls should also help dampen a bit of the danger that softball players have had to endure over the past couple of seasons especially as a pitcher or 3rd baseman where reaction time is vital.

The WSL, headed by John Daniels, is yet another endeavor aimed at promoting slow pitch. Money at different events, a WSL softball show, and HR hitting contests at such places as the Metrodome in Minnesota-- home of the Twins-- are just a few of the perks used to entice more player and team participation.

Corporate Sponsors such as Hooters, Easton, Miller Lite, Bud, Fox News, and others are beginning to step in to support softball and ultimately this could become softball's savior.

Hooters has undertaken most of the financial responsibility for the Hooters Championship Series to be played in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma October 14-17.

For the last two seasons ASA and Hooters have combined to conduct the jewel of all softbabll national championshops, bringing together ASA East vs. ASA West Champions for a best 3 of 5 playoff to decide an overall national champ. A, B, C, and D teams across the country will vie for this coveted series all season climaxing at their East and West national venues. The class winners of each East and West will receive an all expenses paid trip to Oklahoma City including air fare, hotels, and other perks

only given at the Hooters championship.

Excitement is again back in the softball air and maybe 2004 will be remembered as the year that softball began its climb up the popularity ladder.

 

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