American Professional Slo-Pitch League (1977-1980)
United Professional Softball League (1981-1982)
Tombstone
Born: 1977 – APSPL founding franchise
Folded: Postseason 1982
First Game: May 29, 1977 (L 15-12 & L 15-14 @ Minnesota Goofy’s)
Last Game: August 28, 1982 (L 13-4 @ Milwaukee Schlitz)
APSPL Championships: None
UPSL Championships: None
Stadia
Marketing
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owners:
- 1977-1978: ??
- 1979-????: Larry Luebbers
OUR FAVORITE STUFF
Cincinnati Suds Logo T-Shirt
The Suds were the Queen City’s “Major League” Slo-Pitch team from 1977 to 1982. This was an era (in fact, the only era) when a succession of eastern and midwestern leagues tried to professionalize the high-scoring men’s softball variant.
This Suds shirt is also available in long-sleeved, 3/4 length, women’s cut, sweatshirt and hoodie variations from Cincy’s own Old School Shirts!
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Background
The Cincinnati Suds softball team played in various locales in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from 1977 until 1982. Slo-Pitch softball enjoyed 15 minutes of fame as a pro sport in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when a group of enthusiasts and speculators attempted to establish a marketplace for men’s softball as a nationwide professional sport. Three league different leagues came and went during this time, with most of the clubs being clustered in softball’s Rust Belt strongholds in the Northeast and upper Midwestern states. Investors included Mike Ilitch, future owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, and Ted Stepien, the future owner the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, along with a considerable number of mom & pop types.
Of the several dozen teams formed during Slo-Pitch softball’s brief pro moment, the Cincinnati Suds were one of only two clubs (along with the Kentucky Bourbons) who played for all six seasons from 1977 to 1982. The Suds were a founding member of the first league out of the gates, the American Professional Slo-Pitch League. After the APSPL folded in 1980, the Suds joined the United Professional Softball League and played two more seasons before that league went out of business at the end of the 1982 season.
There has been no professional softball league for men in the U.S. since 1982.
The Suds played their games at several locations, including Trechter Field on the campus of Cincinnati Technical College.
Downloads
1977 Cincinnati Suds Ticket Brochure
1977 Cincinnati Suds Ticket Brochure
1979 American Professional Slo-Pitch League Franchise Sales Brochure
Links
###
2 Responses
I have 3 sheets of uncut Cincinnati Suds 1977 playoff tickets.. It’s season
I’ve also got some 1977 playoff tickets from that same season. I wonder if there is any value to them?