{{short description|Professional softball team}} {{Use American English|date=February 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} The '''Detroit Caesars''' were a professional softball team played in the [[Men's professional softball in the United States|American Professional Slo-Pitch League (APSPL)]] from 1977 to 1979.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://funwhileitlasted.net/2012/01/11/1977-1979-detroit-caesars/|title=1977-1979 Detroit Caesars • Fun While It Lasted|date=January 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64826778/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 29, 1977|pages=63|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64826847/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 29, 1977|pages=68|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
==History== Prior to formalized professional play, Detroit was a hotbed for softball, with some of the top players in the country playing in competitive local leagues and for national softball championships.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65038471/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 18, 1976|pages=5|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65038558/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 18, 1976|pages=9|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65038403/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=June 1, 1976|pages=5|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65038706/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=June 1, 1976|pages=7|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65039135/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=July 14, 1970|pages=35|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1977/07/29/slow-pitch-pros-fast-becoming-favorites/2dff2748-c53f-4fd6-9a20-b08f18cd2a5c/|title=Slow-Pitch Pros Fast Becoming Favorites|first=John|last=Feinstein|date=July 29, 1977|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1977/05/26/pro-slo-pitch-softball-debuts-sunday/cca52509-c3c2-4116-a1d7-323d2e1b6bc3/|title=Pro Slo-Pitch Softball Debuts Sunday|first=Russell|last=Carter|date=May 26, 1977|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/|title=Softball History USA – This site is dedicated to collecting the history of the great sport of softball.|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref> A major sponsor of softball in the Detroit area was [[Little Caesar's Pizza]], whose team had won the 1970 [[Amateur Softball Association]] national title with future Caesars Mike Gouin, Tex Collins, and Tony Mazza.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65039045/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=September 8, 1970|pages=37|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/1970-asa-mens-open-slow-pitch-nationals/|title=1970 ASA Men's Open Slow Pitch Nationals – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com|date=12 November 2018 }}</ref> Little Caesar's was founded and owned by [[Mike Ilitch]], a former [[Detroit Tigers]] farmhand and later the owner of the MLB team, one of several professional sports teams he was eventually to own.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ilitchholdings.com/ |title=Home |website=ilitchholdings.com}}</ref> The Caesars were his first independent step into professional sports ownership.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170212/BLOG007/170219954/of-mike-ilitch-softball-and-business|title=Of Mike Ilitch, softball — and business|date=February 12, 2017|website=Crain's Detroit Business}}</ref> Ilitch has previously been part-owner of the [[Detroit Wheels]], a football team that played in the [[World Football League]] for the 1974 season, and a member of a 33-person ownership group that included [[Motown]] singer [[Marvin Gaye]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://funwhileitlasted.net/2013/07/13/1974-detroit-wheels-wfl-football/|title=1974 Detroit Wheels • Fun While It Lasted|date=July 13, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821421/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=157|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821471/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=158|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821524/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=159|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821572/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=160|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821623/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=161|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821686/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=163|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64821758/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 27, 1974|pages=164|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
The APSPL was formed by former World Football League executive [[Bill Byrne (sports entrepreneur)|Bill Byrne]], who would go on to form the [[Women's Professional Basketball League]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64700049/valley-news/|title=Clipped From Valley News|newspaper=Valley News|date=May 25, 1977|pages=42|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64767329/the-journal-times/|title=Clipped From The Journal Times|newspaper=The Journal Times|date=April 3, 1977|pages=47|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Former [[New York Yankees]] player [[Whitey Ford]] was brought on to serve as league commissioner.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64607292/lansing-state-journal/|title=Clipped From Lansing State Journal|newspaper=Lansing State Journal|date=July 21, 1977|pages=42|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64783650/the-courier-journal/|title=Clipped From The Courier-Journal|newspaper=The Courier-Journal|date=September 3, 1978|pages=8|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Caesars would play at Memorial Field in [[Eastpointe, Michigan|East Detroit]], a small [[suburb]] of Detroit, and with promotions tied in with the pizza chain, Ilitch signed former Detroit Tiger stars, [[Jim Northrup (baseball)|Jim Northrup]], [[Mickey Stanley]], [[Jim Price (catcher)|Jim Price]] and [[Norm Cash]] to play part-time and promotional roles to boost attendance.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65001199/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 3, 1977|pages=27|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65001222/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 3, 1977|pages=32|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65001453/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 12, 1977|pages=9|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30865579/cash-and-northrup-with-the-caesars-77/|title=Cash and Northrup with the Caesars '77|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 13, 1977|pages=45|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30865617/cash-and-northrup-with-the-caesars-77/|title=Cash and Northrup with the Caesars '77 pt 2|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 13, 1977|pages=46|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65002796/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=June 9, 1978|pages=60|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64662504/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=July 13, 1978|pages=12|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64697852/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=July 24, 1979|pages=13|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65013784/lansing-state-journal/|title=Clipped From Lansing State Journal|newspaper=Lansing State Journal|date=July 3, 1979|pages=23|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Amateur all-world softball players Mike Nye, Ron Ford, Bert Smith, Mike Gouin and Tex Collins were signed to play for the Caesars.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65002599/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 10, 1977|pages=39|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.softballhistoryusa.com/ |title=Home |website=softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref> Showing his financial commitment to winning, Ilitch even signed Ford and Nye to personal service contracts with Little Caesar's, employing them through the company, and did the same for Cash and Northrup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1977/06/13/its-easy-come-easy-go|title=It's easy come, easy go|first=Kent|last=Hannon|website=Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64826906/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=March 8, 1980|pages=33|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2706&dat=19770804&id=XQVKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eR4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1249,3981844|title=The Michigan Daily - Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com}}</ref> In 1977, Ford and Nye would make $25,000 a year with the Caesars as a result; Northtrup and Cash $30,000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65067666/the-times-herald/|title=Clipped From The Times Herald|newspaper=The Times Herald|date=July 30, 1978|pages=31|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The [[Major League Baseball]] minimum salary in 1977 was $19,000.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/charts/salary/major_league_salaries.shtml | title=Major League Baseball Minimum Wage | Baseball Almanac }}</ref>
The team was led by manager Gary Vitto, and the Caesars would win two World Series titles before disbanding after the 1979 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64697392/caesar-first-class/|title=Caesar first class|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=August 10, 1979|pages=50|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://detroitcaesars.weebly.com/|title=Detroit Caesars|website=Detroit Caesars}}</ref> Vitto would go on to serve as General Manager of the [[Detroit Drive]] of the [[Arena Football League]] and then served in the front office of the Detroit Tigers until his death in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2001/12/09/Detroit-Tigers-executive-dies/98941007935570/|title=Detroit Tigers executive dies|website=UPI}}</ref>
Five members of the Detroit Caesars are in the American Softball Association Hall of Fame - Mike Gouin, Carl "Tex" Collins, Mike Nye, Ron Ford and Bert Smith.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/National-Softball-Hall-of-Fame/Members |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531152611/https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/National-Softball-Hall-of-Fame/Members |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |title= List of members |website=www.teamusa.org|access-date=2020-12-10}}</ref> In addition, former Caesars Cal Carmen, Gary Vitto and Chuck Drewicz are members of the [[United States Specialty Sports Association|United States Slowpitch Softball Association (USSSA)]] Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hof.usssa.com/fame/|title=USSSA Hall of Fame and Museum|website=hof.usssa.com}}</ref>
==1977 APSPL champions== In 1977, Detroit dominated the league with a league-best record of 42–14, two games ahead of the [[Kentucky Bourbons]]' 40–16 mark.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/category/other/aspsl/|title=ASPSL – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref> The opening series against the [[Chicago Storm (professional softball team)|Chicago Storm]] got attention in the league as the Caesars hit 49 home-runs in winning 3 of a 4-game series in Chicago (28-21, 25–27, 31–18, 46-24). Chicago owner Lou Knudston said of the Caesars, "they've got a bunch of guys who stand 6'4" and weigh about 280, and they walk up there and whack it out of sight." He proposed modifying stadiums and deadening balls after that first weekend.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64969235/chicago-tribune/|title=Clipped From Chicago Tribune|newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 1, 1977|pages=49|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64969281/chicago-tribune/|title=Clipped From Chicago Tribune|newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 1, 1977|pages=51|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64455709/pro-soft-06-01-77-detroit-free-pr/|title=PRO SOFT 06-01-77 Detroit Free Pr Team's 49 Homers Jolt League|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 1, 1977|pages=9|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65002707/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 1, 1977|pages=10|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In the post-season, Detroit and Kentucky received first-round playoff byes and the Caesars beat the [[Cleveland Jaybirds]] 2–1 (4–7, 22–5, 8–6) in a tight series as Jaybird [[pitcher]] took advantage of the larger Trechter Stadium in [[Cincinnati]] to negate the power-game of Detroit in the opener.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65436852/the-cincinnati-enquirer/|title=Clipped From The Cincinnati Enquirer|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer |date=September 5, 1977|pages=55|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Gary Geister hit a pair of 3-run homers to lead a blowout in the second game, and then delivered a 2-run home-run in the 4th inning of the 3rd and deciding game to take the series.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65436997/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 6, 1977|pages=44|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
Detroit advanced to the first professional softball World Series against the [[Baltimore Monuments]] and hosted the series with the league-best record.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65003490/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 9, 1977|pages=71|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Caesars would dominate the series and win 4–0 (18–16, 13–8, 25–16, 28–11) with Mike Nye (.600, 2 HRs) taking the MVP trophy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64982616/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 12, 1977|pages=11|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
Six Caesars made the all-league team - Mike Gouin (.561 BA, 35 HRs, 124 RBIs), Ron Ford (.607, 85 HRs, 184 RBIs, 150 runs scored), Mike Nye (.659, 36 HRs, 104 RBIs), Bert Smith (.512, 53 HRs, 122 RBIs), Tony Mazza (23-6 pitching record) and Doug Gerdes (.599, 60 HRs, 124 RBIs). Caesars Jim Mitchell (.603, 37 HRs, 77 RBIs), Al Gibson (.527, 26 HRs, 60 RBIs) and Tex Collins (.569, 61 HRs, 119 RBIs) had excellent seasons in support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/category/1977/|title=1977 – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref> Only a triple-crown performance by league MVP [[Chicago Storm (softball)|Chicago Storm]] [[catcher]] Benny Holt (.690, 89 HRs, 187 RBIs) could overshadow the individual performances by various Caesars.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30865498/detroit-caesars-77/|title=Detroit Caesars '77|newspaper=The Times Herald |date=July 17, 1977|pages=27|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65003298/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 1, 1977|pages=45|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65003333/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 1, 1977|pages=48|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
==1978 APSPL champions== Ilitch made the team even better for 1978, adding Rick Trudeau, Larry Elkins and Chuck Drewicz from Snyder's, a Detroit amateur softball power who had won the 1975 and 1976 USSSA national title (runner-up in 1977).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/1975-usssa-mens-major-slow-pitch-world-series/|title=1975 USSSA Men's Major Slow Pitch World Series – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com|date=12 November 1975 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/1976-usssa-mens-major-slow-pitch-world-series/|title=1976 USSSA Men's Major Slow Pitch World Series – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com|date=October 1976 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/1977-usssa-mens-major-slow-pitch-world-series/|title=1977 USSSA Men's Major Slow Pitch World Series – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com|date=October 1977 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65041396/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=May 24, 1978|pages=64|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Cleveland manager Tom Bruening said before their season opener, "we'll be overpowered by Detroit. There is no way you can stop them."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65041603/democrat-and-chronicle/|title=Clipped From Democrat and Chronicle|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle |date=May 12, 1978|pages=48|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Caesars rolled again in 1978 with another league best record, 49–15 (.766), 9 games ahead of the [[Minnesota Norsemen]] in the Midwestern Division, and received a first-round bye in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65003706/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=July 1, 1978|pages=22|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In the APSPL semifinals the Caesars again faced Cleveland, winning 2–0 (27–22, 30–24), and advancing to face Minnesota, with the second-best league record, in the World Series.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64983119/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 8, 1978|pages=15|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64982985/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 8, 1978|pages=10|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Caesars would repeat as professional softball champions with a dominating 4–0 victory (22–16, 50–12, 24–16, 26–12) as Detroit's Bert Smith hit 15–16 (.940) with 5 home-runs and 16 RBIs to earn the series MVP.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64982945/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 10, 1978|pages=13|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Smith's only out was a base hit that was disallowed when Bert was called for stepping on the plate.<ref name="auto2"/>
Seven Detroit players were all-league - Ron Ford (.645, 80 HRs, 201 RBIs), Mike Nye (.654, 33 HRs, 110 RBIs), Doug Gerdes (53 HRs, 112 RBIs), Gary Geister (45 HRs, 106 RBIs), Mike Gouin (.601 BA), Jack Roudebush (.579 BA) and newcomer Chuck Drewicz (25-5 pitching record). Larry Elkins (.488, 27 HRs, 76 RBIs) and Bert Smith (.529, 42 HRs, 104 RBIs) had productive campaigns as well.<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65041846/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 19, 1978|pages=13|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The mid-season 1978 APSPL All-Star game actually featured the Caesars playing a team of all-stars chosen from all the other teams. The Caesars took the double-header (14-9, 8-3).<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/professional-slow-pitch-softball-history/|title=Professional Slow Pitch Softball History – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com|date=9 November 2018 }}</ref>
Ron Ford of Detroit was edged out in the last game of the season by teammate Mike Nye in batting percentage (.654 to .645) to prevent his taking of triple-crown honors, but still took home league MVP. Manager Gary Vitto offered to sit the two Caesars stars in the last game of the season as they were essentially tied for the battle title, but they elected to play and compete on the field. Ford went 2-5 and Nye 6–6 with two grand slams to take the batting crown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bigcat844.com/legends_nye.html|title=Interviews - Mike Nye|website=www.bigcat844.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/category/1978/|title=1978 – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref> Detroit owner Ilitch made news in 1978 when he offered $30,000 for the contract of former MLB player [[Joe Pepitone]] of the [[Trenton Statesmen]]. The offer was rejected.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64595204/the-central-new-jersey-home-news/|title=Clipped From The Central New Jersey Home News|newspaper=The Central New Jersey Home News |date=July 21, 1978|pages=13|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64597397/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 2, 1978|pages=52|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
After having no broadcast coverage in 1977, the Caesars had their home games carried by [[WDKL (FM)|WBRB]] radio (AM 1430 and FM 102.7) in 1978.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98616755/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|date=September 9, 1978|pages=26|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
== 1979 APSPL season == Early season injuries to Ron Ford, Mike Nye and Bert Smith had the Caesars off to a less than dominant start in 1979.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65016248/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=May 14, 1979|pages=52|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65013695/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 16, 1979|pages=29|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65013736/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=May 26, 1979|pages=30|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65013304/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=July 2, 1979|pages=57|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65003844/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 25, 1979|pages=8|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65004247/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=July 4, 1979|pages=30|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Rick Trudeau, Charles Mitchell and Mike Gouin were hurt as well, missing 26 games among them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65016486/democrat-and-chronicle/|title=Clipped From Democrat and Chronicle|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle |date=June 22, 1979|pages=33|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Caesars also switched radio stations, as [[WJLB|WMZK]] (FM 97.9) carried the club's home games in 1979.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99297684/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=The Daily Journal |date=August 17, 1979|pages=9|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
A summer hot streak aside, the Caesars backed up and the rival [[Milwaukee Schlitz]], led by APSPL star Phil Higgins and league and eventual APSPL World Series MVP Rick Weiterman, were ready.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65003953/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=July 8, 1979|pages=68|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65016294/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 18, 1979|pages=30|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Detroit would finish second in the Midwestern Division behind Milwaukee and advanced to play the [[Cincinnati Suds]] in the first round of the playoffs winning 3–2 (18–8, 7–8, 11–14, 3–1, 7–6) when the Suds 5-run 7th inning rally came up one run short of tying the game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65005743/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 27, 1979|pages=58|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Detroit advanced to the semifinals, losing to the surging Schlitz 3–0 (11–5, 7–4, 5–1).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65004017/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 3, 1979|pages=39|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Milwaukee went on to beat the Kentucky Bourbons 5–3 in the APSPL World Series, broadcast nationwide on the new start-up sports network [[ESPN]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2019/08/28/e-60-espn-commemorates-its-first-broadcast-softball-game-lannon-wisconsin/1902053001/|title=40 years ago, the first live ESPN game ever broadcast was a slow-pitch softball game in Wisconsin. How did it happen?|first=J. R.|last=Radcliffe|website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}</ref> Detroit Caesar and former [[Detroit Tigers|Detroit Tiger]] [[Jim Price (catcher)|Jim Price]] was part of the broadcast team for the series.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fz1bSViIZw&feature=emb_logo ESPN Broadcast, 1979 APSPL World Series, Game 8, Milwaukee at Kentucky]
The APSPL had also instituted several rule changes in 1979, including moving the base paths to 70 feet from 65, moving the pitcher's mound to 49-feet and several of the fields lengthened their dimensions to 315–330 feet from 300-feet in an effort to promote a less power-oriented game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64696095/the-miami-news/|title=Clipped From The Miami News|newspaper=The Miami News |date=January 11, 1979|pages=59|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The league also had Detroit and Cleveland use a different ball in home games.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64666599/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=March 8, 1980|pages=33|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64666746/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=March 8, 1980|pages=37|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64696950/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=July 12, 1979|pages=53|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Offensive production dropped as a result league wide. On Detroit, Ron Ford's [[home run]] total dropped from 80 in 1978 to 43 and RBIs fell from 201 to 122 in the same number of league games and Ford still led the league in both categories, even with missing 21 games due to injury. Ford batted .617, but was not officially recognized as the batting champion due to not having enough at bats for eligibility, missing out on the triple crown as a result.<ref name="auto4"/>
Four Caesars took all-league honors - Ron Ford (.617, 43 HRs, 122 RBIs), Mike Nye (.503, 78 runs scored), Doug Gerdes (.500, 31 HRs, 97 RBIs) and Rick Trudeau (.549 BA). Cal Carmen (.511, 4 HRs, 32 RBIs) and Gary Geister (.464, 28 HRs, 78 RBIs) had good seasons as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/category/1979/|title=1979 – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65037753/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 19, 1979|pages=72|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
Despite strong attendance and fan interest, Ilitch was losing money on the team.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29963405/jim-northrup-and-mickey-stanley-with/|title=Jim Northrup and Mickey Stanley with the Caesars '79|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=July 4, 1979|pages=29|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> [[Cleveland Stepien's Competitors|Cleveland]] owner [[Ted Stepien]] intended to split the young professional sport, forming a new league, which [[Pittsburgh Hardhats (softball)|Pittsburgh Hardhats]] ownership challenged in court.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64982230/the-pittsburgh-press/|title=Clipped From The Pittsburgh Press|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press |date=March 9, 1980|pages=84|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64663193/pittsburgh-post-gazette/|title=Clipped From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=April 24, 1980|pages=11|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64982135/the-courier-journal/|title=Clipped From The Courier-Journal|newspaper=The Courier-Journal |date=May 10, 1980|pages=21|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Stepien even offered to buy the Caesars from Ilitch for $100,000, but Ilitch would not sell the team with the Caesars name.<ref name="auto1"/> Weary of the in-fighting, Ilitch disbanded the Caesars after three seasons.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto3"/>
== Detroit Caesars year-by-year record==
{| class="wikitable" |- style="background: #F2F2F2;" ! Year !! Record !! Pct !! Finish !! Division !! Playoffs !! League |- align=center | 1977 || 42-14 || .750 || 1st || Midwest || '''Champions''' || APSPL |- align=center | 1978 || 49-15 || .766 || 1st || Midwest || '''Champions''' || APSPL |- align=center | 1979 || 40-24 || .625 || 2nd || Midwest || Semi-Finals || APSPL |- align=center |}
== Detroit Auto Kings and Softball City==
Instability in other markets and internal political fighting saw three teams (Fort Wayne, Cleveland and Milwaukee) leave the APSPL to form the [[men's professional softball leagues|North American Softball League (NASL)]] under the leadership of Cleveland owner Ted Stepien. The APSPL continued with just 6 teams (down from 12 in each of the previous 3 seasons). The [[Detroit Auto Kings]], owned by Stepien, were formed as part of the new league and also played at Memorial Field.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64786603/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 23, 1980|pages=48|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Several Caesars, including Mike Gouin, Dan Murphy, Tony Mazza and Gary Geister, played for the Auto Kings along with former Detroit Tiger [[Mickey Stanley]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64698114/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=August 11, 1980|pages=48|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Auto Kings advanced to the playoffs with a 34–23 record winning the semifinals 4–1 over [[Cleveland Jaybirds|Cleveland Stepien's Competitors]]. Detroit would advance to the NASL World Series and lose to the Milwaukee Schlitz 5–2.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64786715/wisconsin-state-journal/|title=Clipped From Wisconsin State Journal|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal |date=September 15, 1980|pages=15|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64959933/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 14, 1980|pages=87|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Ken Parker of Milwaukee would take the World Series MVP trophy while Ron Olesiak of Chicago was the league MVP. Mike Turk of the Auto Kings was the sole Detroit representative on the 1980 NASL All-Pro team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/category/other/nasl/|title=NASL – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref>
The NASL and the APSPL merged after the 1980 season to form a new league, the [[men's professional softball leagues|United Professional Softball League (UPSL)]], and the Auto Kings disbanded. There was no Detroit team in the 1981 UPSL season. In 1982, [[Detroit Softball City]], playing at and named for a large softball complex on the grounds of the [[Michigan State Fair]], played in the UPSL and were led by Charles Mitchell, along with former Caesars Rick Trudeau, Chuck Drewicz, Doug Gerdes, Gary Geister and manager Gary Vitto.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64786686/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=May 22, 1982|pages=31|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64462027/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=April 7, 1982|pages=63|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Detroit Softball City finished second in the division to [[Cleveland Jaybirds|Cleveland Competitors]] with a record of 36–20, advancing to the playoffs against the [[South Jersey Athletics]], winning 3–0 in the first round, and then defeating Cleveland 3–2 in the semi-finals 3–2.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65004944/detroit-free-press/|title=Clipped From Detroit Free Press|newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=September 11, 1982|pages=25|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Detroit would lose in the UPSL World Series to Milwaukee 5–1 with the Schlitz led by World Series MVP Dick Laba. Dana Andry of Cleveland was the UPSL MVP and Charles Mitchell of Detroit made the All-UPSL team. That was the last year for professional softball in the US as players once again returned to amateur leagues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/category/other/uspl/|title=USPL – Softball History USA|website=www.softballhistoryusa.com}}</ref>
== Auto Kings and Softball City record==
{| class="wikitable" |- style="background: #F2F2F2;" ! Team !! Year !! Record !! Pct !! Finish !! Division !! Playoffs !! League |- align=center |Auto Kings || 1980 || 35-26 || .574 || 1st || Eastern || World Series (runner-up) || NASL |- align=center | Softball City || 1982 || 39-20 || .661 || 2nd || Eastern || World Series (runner-up) || UPSL |- align=center |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[https://detroitcaesars.weebly.com/ Detroit Caesars Online Home] *[http://funwhileitlasted.net/2012/01/11/1977-1979-detroit-caesars/ Detroit Caesars on FunWhileItLasted.net] *[https://www.angelfire.com/sd/slopitch/pro.html Softball History Data] *[https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2019/08/28/e-60-espn-commemorates-its-first-broadcast-softball-game-lannon-wisconsin/1902053001/ ESPN First Broadcast - Journal Sentinel] *[https://www.softballhistoryusa.com/ Softball History USA] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20190324200635/https://www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/national-softball-hall-of-fame National Softball Hall of Fame]
[[Category:Softball teams in Michigan]] [[Category:Sports clubs and teams in Detroit]] [[Category:Sports clubs and teams established in 1977]] [[Category:1977 establishments in Michigan]] [[Category:Men's professional softball teams]] [[Category:Defunct sports clubs and teams in Michigan]] [[Category:Sports clubs and teams disestablished in 1979]] [[Category:1979 disestablishments in Michigan]]