Almost 40 years ago, a softball team that I played for accomplished a most amazing feat — winning a “one of its kind” — a Slo-Pitch World Championship!
In September of 1975 the United States Slo-Pitch Softball Association, led by local USSSA leaders Frank and Al Ciacca, hosted the first ever “Class C” World Championships at Scottsville’s Athletic Softball Complex. Sixty-four teams from all over the United States (the furthest being from California) entered this event as the U.S.S.S.A. previously had only a “Class B” World Championship.
Gaze Realtors of Brockport stunned this strong field by winning seven straight games and in the process upsetting pre-tourney favorites, Price’s Restaurant from Virginia, in the semi-finals 6-4.
Gaze was the first team from Rochester and New York State to win a USSSA Class C World Championship as more Rochester teams would win in the years that followed in various divisions from Classes A,B,C,and D.
The Gaze team was led by future Rochester Softball Hall of Fame members Harry Tufano, Max Robertson, and Rick Page. National ASA and USSSA Hall of Fame member, Tommy Castle, even umpired the final game of Gaze’s most surprising run to the 1st Class C Championship.
Max Robertson (OF) was named MVP of this event and teammates Bob Webster (2B) and Dave Thomas (P) were named to the All World Tournament team.
On Thursday, August 6, Gaze Realty owners Jim, Sue and Jack Gaze hosted a long overdue picnic to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of Rochester’s Slo-Pitch Softball’s most unlikely champions. Nine of the original Gaze members enjoyed an evening of laughter and reminiscing of that terrific weekend of almost 40 years ago. Each member received a commemorative polo shirt and championship ring.
Dave Thomas
Gaze Team Member
