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TNT Sports Club 2005Charles "Sonny" Termine
Amateur Softball Association (ASA) National Champions
ASA National Champion Team
Members:
Classification: Men's
Senior Class 50 AA Slow Pitch
Tournament Name:
ASA Men's Senior Class 50 AA Slow Pitch
First Team
Dreams can come True as TNT Sports Club captures National Title Way back in July of 1994, Times Herald Sports Writer Cheryl Kehoe Rogers interviewed Sonny Termine about his highly competitive teams on the area softball fields. At the end of the interview, Sonny stated that he was successful on the local and state level, but wanted to go compete in the World and National level. He wanted to put together that superstar team and win a World and/or National Tournament. That was his ultimate goal. Well Sonny’s dreams have come true: Manager/Sponsor Sonny Termine and his TNT Sports Club 50 & over slow pitch softball team traveled down to Burlington, NC last week and did what they will never soon forget. They won the 50 & over Class-AA Amateur Softball Association (ASA) National Championship. The team started out on Friday in the preliminary round and went 1-1. They beat the Dayton Ohio Legends 19-13, but then lost to State College Pennsylvania 14-12. On Saturday, they started the Double Elimination portion of the event that would eventually crown a national champ. First up was the Tennessee Hacker Sign Company. TNT prevailed 26-14. Next up was the North Dakota Dust-Tex. TNT came up on the short-end of a 17-12 decision which put the locals in the loser’s bracket. Termine said their backs were against the wall now, as one more loss would send them home. Here is where the heart of a champion emerges as the TNT squad came out against Lansing Michigan Windmill Truck Stop and beat them 14-10 behind the Ron Postell’s 4-4 performance. This win enabled the locals to play the Dayton Ohio Legends again and TNT prevailed 27-25 in a spectacular game. The locals trailed most of the game and scored three runs in the top of the 7th inning to pull out the victory. Dale Hood led the way going 4-5 with 5 RBIs. Carl Miller was 5-5 with 4 RBIs and Ron Postel and Lou Lussi combined to drive in 7 runs. Up next for TNT was long time rival Tom Schadt and his Spring-Ford AA team from nearby Linfield, PA. TNT took an early 8-0 lead and held on to defeat the Spring-Ford squad 23-20. This put TNT in the championship where they had to beat the undefeated North Dakota Dust-Tex team twice to claim the title. The first game was nip and tuck, but TNT prevailed 25-20 behind the hot bats of Dale Hood (4-4, 6 RBIs), Randy Clouser (4-5, 6 RBIs), Carl Miller (4-4) and Ron Postell (4-5). Jeff Frey, Dana Holstoy, Tom Fairlie, Lou Lussi and Tom Funk all chipped in with three hits each. Now it was down to one game, winner take all for the national championship. TNT jumped out to an early lead and never looked in capturing the national title with an 18-10 win. When the dust had settled, TNT Sports Club from Norristown, Pennsylvania had won the National Championship. They became the first Norristown based Softball team to win a National Title in any association or any class. Leading the way for TNT was Dale Hood who was named the National Tournament MVP Award winner as he batted .778 with 3 HRs and 23 RBIs for the event which included a 7 for 8 performance in the final two championship games. The Offensive Player Award went to Randy Clouser with a .743 average including 2 HRs and 24 RBIs. TNT Members selected to the ASA All-World team include: Tom Funk (RF, .778, 13 RBIs), Dana Holstoy (2B, .659, 1 HR, 23 RBIs), Ron Postell (3B, .639, 13 RBIs), Carl Miller (SS, .603, 13 RBIs), Lou Lussi (C, .600, 1 HR, 12 RBIs), Jeff Frey (LC, .594, 12 RBIs) and Tom Fairlie (RC, .588, 15 RBIs). Other team members contributing to the championship squad were Don King, Ron Weikel, Bob Keyser and Mike Corliss. For Manager Tom Schadt and his Spring-Ford AA team, which came in third, these players made the all-world team; Rodney Mellott (SS, 13-16, .813), Keno Wert (2B, 17-23, .739) and Bill Adams (LF, 11-17, .647)
International Senior Softball Association (ISSA) World Champions
ISSA World Champion Team Members:
TNT Sports Club Final Results / Standings
50+ AA Awards
50+ AA All World Team
International Softball Federation (ISF) World Cup Champions
ISF World Champion Team Members:
TNT Sports Club Final Results / Standings
Most Valuable Player
50+ C All World Team
National Senior Games (NSGA) Olympic Champions
Most Valuable Player Award - Jim Anderson
Senior Softball World Championship (SSWC) National Qualifier ChampionsTNT Sports Club of Norristown, PA captured the SSWC World Qualifier in Glen Burnie, MD. Manager Sonny Termine took his 50&over squad to Maryland and for the second straight year, won this event. They are now qualified to play in the World Championship to be held later on this Summer. TNT defeated teams from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey in route to the title. Local players who have been icons in Norristown softball for many years paved starred for TNT. Leading the way were Ron Postel (16-25, .640), Dale Hood (17-28, .607), Randy Clouser (19-26, .731), Bob Keyser (10-16, .625) and Ron Weikel (16-25, .640). Other players contributing were Delaware County's Eddie Turner (19-27, .704) and Lynn Thompson (14-19, .739), Harrisburg's Dana Holstoy (13-18, .722), Carl Miller (13-20, .650), Jeff Frey (14-24, .583), Scranton's Lou Lussi (17-25, .680), Richie Collonese (14-21, .667) and Claude Kendricks of Hempstead, NY (13-22, .591). TNT played it's final three games against Pill & Pill of Morgantown, WV scoring 63 runs while allowing 42. In the whole tournament, TNT scored 136 runs and allowed only 63. The defense also turned an amazing 14 double plays. Leading Hitter - Lynn Thompson (14-19, .739)
Amateur Softball Association of Pennsylvania (ASA of PA) States
ASA of PA 55 & Over State Championship, Linfield, PA
Most Valuable Player
==================================== ASA of PA 50 & Over State Championship, Linfield, PA
Most Valuable Player ASA of PA 50 & Over All State Team
Sonny Termine receives Norristown's symbolic "Key to the City"MUNICIPALITY OF NORRISTOWN PROCLAIMATION WHEREAS, the Municipality of Norristown recognizes Sonny Termine and the TNT Sports Club of Norristown for their involvement in several tournaments throughout the region WHEREAS, the TNT Sports Club entered into tournaments and successfully won the following for 2005: Olympic Gold Medal Nationals, Pittsburgh, PA; State Championship, Linfield, PA; Senior Softball World Championship Qualifier, Glen Burnie, MD; International Softball Federation World Cup, Manassas, VA; International Senior Softball Association World Championship, Manassas, VA;; and ASA National Championship, Burlington, NC. WHEREAS, the Municipality of Norristown congratulates this team effort and the example they set for youth of Norristown. THEREFORE, we Norristown Municipal Council hereby appreciate the good sportsmanship exhibited by TNT Sports Club and wish them many more successful wins. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Municipality to be affixed this 4th day of October 2005 – Signed, Rochelle Griffin Culbreath, President.
The Cast of Characters:The Locals: Sonny Termine, Manager/Coach/Sponsor – Started TNT Sports Club back in 1978 and has sponsored teams since in Softball, Basketball, Football, Bowling and Darts. His teams have won over 100 championships and he has been a big part of all of them as either a star pitcher, a concerned coach or a stern manager. He has the biggest heart in the world and cares about this players more then anybody on this team can even imagine. Member of the 2002 ISSA (50+-AA) All-World Team for 2nd place TNT Sports Club and also ISSA Manager of the Year for 2005. Butch Fisher – You can't talk about the success of TNT's 50 & Over program without mentioning Butch Fisher. He was the guy who sat with Sonny Termine back in 2001 and together they decided to put this team together. After TNT came in 2nd in the 2002 ASA of PA States, Butch made it a point to get contacts from the best 50+ teams in the tri-state area and inquire about their best players wanting to play in national tournaments with TNT Sports Club. In the beginning, it was rough, but Butch kept Sonny's hopes up and made him never give up and looking back now, he is probably the main reason this team is where it's at today. He played with the powerful Tony Rich teams in Norristown back in his day. He also took some pressure off Sonny by managing the 50+ team for a while and played in the 2002 ISSA Class-AA World Championships and batted .667 with 9 RBIs. Jim "Hondo" Hontz – He is one of the most respected people on this team. He may not say much, but when he does, people listen. Everywhere he goes, championships follow him. He is one of the nicest and genuine people you can ever meet and has been part of just about every single championship mentioned on this page. He doesn’t get much credit, but he sure deserves it. Dale Hood – Considered one of the living legends of Norristown Softball. Got his start right out of High School in the early 1970’s with the Meadowbrook Tavern/Ragusa Hauling teams before going over to Al’s Cold Cuts and winning 14 Norristown titles, 8 Conshohocken titles and 7 Bridgeport titles. After Al’s disbanded, he went over to Triple S Sports Club and won even more. Dale can be described in one word – “winner”. Also won various ASA state titles; Al’s Cold Cuts (Class-A ’84 & ‘86), Mascaro Hauling (35+), Trappe Tavern (35+), Paragon Alliance (45+) and TNT (50+). Member of the 2002 ISSA (50+-AA) All-World Team for 2nd place TNT Sports Club. Randy Clouser – His career can be traced all the way back to 1970’s with Duff Plumbing of the Norristown League. He also played with the powerhouse Woodsream teams of Norristown. Won ASA state titles with Masacaro Hauling (35+), Trappe Tavern (35+), Gunn Sports (35+), Paragon Alliance (45+) and TNT (50+). He has won over 30 titles in the Collegeville, Linfield and Phoenixville Leagues. Ron Postel – The “Quiet Man” as he is called. He gives it his all every single time he plays and that is why he is the unsung hero of this team. Won ASA state titles with Vince’s Tavern (’78 Class-B), Masacaro Hauling (35+), Trappe Tavern (35+), Paragon Alliance (45+) and TNT (50+). Also played for state powerhouses Charlie G’s and Our Place and has won many titles in Linfield, Pottstown and Collegeville over the years Member of the 2002 ISSA (50+-AA) All-World Team for 2nd place TNT Sports Club. Bob Keyser – Played in Norristown with such teams as J&L Towing (1981 ASA Class-C State Champion) and the legendary Tony Rich teams that always battled Al’s Cold Cuts for Norristown and Bridgeport League supremacy in the early 1980’s. gravitated over to the Collegeville League where he has captured a dozen or so League championships. Won ASA state titles with Masacaro Hauling (35+), Trappe Tavern (35+) and Paragon Alliance (45+). The slick fielding first basemen is always considered one of the "good guys" of the sport. Ron Weikel - Played in Norristown years back for Kulp Paving. Won ASA state titles with Masacaro Hauling (35+), Trappe Tavern (35+), Paragon Alliance (45+) and TNT (50+). Also plays for TNT in Norristown and has won many titles in Collegeville over the years. Member of the 2003 ISF (50+, Class-B) All-World Team for 3rd place TNT Sports Club. Still going strong as he plays over 150 games a year in various leagues and tournaments. Mike Corliss – Played in Norristown, Bridgeport and Collegeville for many, many years with many different teams. A genuine class act, he has won the Norristown Softball Sportsman of the Year award in the past and also still plays in the tough Norristown “A” Division with the Bonecrushers. Formerly of Cannon Roofing where he was part of 10 league titles including 5 Norristown A-Division crowns, 2 Bridgeport League championships and 3 Quakertown titles. Pat Fynes – Played most of his career in the Ambler, Maple Glen and NE Philly areas. Has always been considered one of the best pure hitters to ever play and has led his NE Philly teams to over 20 league championships. When the end of the year batting averages come out, you can always find Pat’s name up at the top. Member of the 2002 ISSA (50+-AA) All-World Team for 2nd place TNT Sports Club. Sam Rosen – Former 50 & Over player. Has been a hitting machine since he first gained fame with Norristown Sporting Goods back in 1980 when they snapped Al’s Cold Cuts steak of eight straight Norristown League titles. He has won ASA state titles with Vince’s Tavern (Class-B), Mascaro Hauling (35+), Gunn Sports (35+), Trappe Tavern (35+), Paragon Alliance (45+) and TNT (50+). Member of the 2002 ISSA (50+-AA) All-World Team for 2nd place TNT Sports Club. Bobby Searles- From the Collegeville area. Has played for TNT's 50 & Over team for three years and is an integral part of the squad. Bobby stays sharp by playing in area leagues against younger competition. Pitched all six games when TNT won the 50 & Over ASA of PA State Championships back in 2003. Thom Eisenberger – Former 50 & Over player, manager of Gunn Sports (35+) and Paragon Alliance (45+) state title winning teams. Back when the mainstays of this group started in 1992 (Mascaro 35+ state champs), there have been many lean years, but Thom has tried to keep it together through-out and deserves a lot of the credit for the majority of these player staying together all these years. He has assisted Manager Termine on many occasions.
The Scranton Legend: Lou Lussi – The elder statesmen of the 50 & Over team. Considered an icon up in the Scranton area where he played for best teams from that area. He played for Matt’s of Old Forge when they were runner-up in the ASA Class-D state championships back in 1994. Has been an important part of the TNT success for over three years now and still hits the ball harder than many guys half his age. A member of the 2002 ISSA Class-AA Runner-up team whre he batted .611 with 9 RBIs. Was also named to the ASA of PA 45 & Over All-State team in 2005.
The Harrisburg Crew: Dana Holstoy – Played in the Harrisburg area for many years for many different teams including AIA/Enola Sportsmen. They won the ASA 35 & Over National this year and Dana was elected to the All-America team. Jeff Frey - Played in the Harrisburg area for many years for many different teams including Vector Security. They won the ASA 40 & Over and 45 & Over State titles this past year and also won the USSSA 45 & Over World Series last year. Carl Miller – One of the most smoothest fielding people you have ever seen and also a magician at the plate. This guy defines the word ‘class act’ and has won ASA state titles with Vector Security in the 40+ & 45+ class as well as a 45 & Over USSSA World Series with them last year. Don King - Played in the Harrisburg area for many years for many different teams including Vector Security. They won the ASA 40 & Over and 45 & Over State titles this past year and also won the USSSA 45 & Over World Series last year. Tom Funk- Picked up from the Harrisburg area. Only played one tournament for TNT Sports Club and that was the the big one - the 2005 ASA Nationals Championships in which he has named to the All-America team.
The Delco Contingent: Tom Fairlie - Played in Delaware County many teams including Riddle Ale House, Wayne Tavern, Wayne Beef and Ale and most recently Manoa Tavern. His teams have won a multitude of Delco league titles. He is still considered one of the best fielding second basemen to ever play in Delco. Member of the 2004 ISF (50+, Class-C) All-World Team for TNT Sports Club. Lynn Thompson – Played the majority of his career in Delaware County where he also has won countless league titles and is considered by many to be one of the nicest guys and teammates you can have. He missed out on a good deal of his prime years while he took time to coach his daughters teams. Member of the 2003 ASA of PA State Champion team as well as the teams that won SSWC Qualifiers in Glen Burnie, MD and Bridgewater, NJ Eddie Turner – He is largely recognized as the All-time hit leader in Delaware County. This comment has been made by anybody and everybody that was involved in Delco softball. He led the Bombers to eleven Delco Independent League titles (seven in a row at one stretch). Played for Spinglers in 1982 when they won the ASA Class-B state title. Also played for Manoa Tavern for many years. Al Fioravanti – Recently voted the all time greatest player in Delaware County Softball History. Won ASA Class-C state titles with JC Perry (’82) and Willowbrook Pub (’92). Also won the 35 & Over States with Sloppy Joes of Chester and the 50 & Over state with TNT (he batted .773 in the State Tournament). He was named the MVP of the Delaware County Times Champs n Charity Tournament in 1987 and his teams have won that prestigious tournament eight times. Jose Castro – Former 50 & Over player and Native from Alabama, he actually played football for Bear Bryant in college. He has won over 20 league championships in Delaware County over the years. Member of the 2002 ISSA (50+-AA) All-World Team for 2nd place TNT Sports Club and also a member of the 2003 ASA of PA 50 & Over State Championship team where he batted .727 . One of the counties class acts and softball ambassadors. Gunn sports Earl Dawson – Played in Delaware County for many years with the Thumpers. He won the inaugural Home Run Derby at the Millennium Sunday League All Star game in 1998.
Others: Terry Ernst – From the Osterburg area (near Johnstown). Played for Pennsylvania state powerhouse Ernst Trucking in 1995 when they won the ASA Class-B state championship. Rick Reisinger –A native of Silver Springs, Maryland where he played for the Silver Springs Mining Seniors Team which competed against TNT in the ISSA and ISF World Tournaments. Claude Hendrick – Native of Hempstead, NY. Incredible athlete who played on some of Long Island New York's masters and senior teams that always do well in the world competitions. Richie Collonese – Has played two tournaments for TNT Sports Club and his play has helped them win both tournaments. In 2004, he was a member of TNT's SSWC Qualifier win in Glen Burnie, MD and this year he came back to pitch all weekend and helped them repeat. he also played on the 2003 squad that won a SSWS qualifier in Bridgwater, NJ. Even More to Mention - Some of the other players who have played for TNT's 50 & Over teams over the past few years include: Bob Dobbins, Dave Nyce, Charlie Ferris, Bob Learch, Larry Trout, John O'Neil, Pete Sisson, Sam Boccella, Billy Frangiose, Paul Foley, Kenny Watts, Dick Dadonna, Fran Cayman, George Wertman, Mike Episcopo and Mike Molitor to name a few. The Old Days of TNT:
©1998 Steve Dimitry, all rights reserved. Email: sdimitry@verizon.net
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