International Women’s Professional Softball Association (1976)
Tombstone
Born: December 1975 – IWPSA founding franchise11976 San Diego Sandpipers Program
Folded: Postseason 1976
First Game: May 30, 1976 (Result? vs. Santa Ana Lionettes)
Last Game: September 6, 1976 (L 6-0, W 3-0 vs. Phoenix Bird)
IWPSA Championships: None
Stadium
Smith Field (2,200)21976 San Diego Sandpipers Program
Branding
Team Colors:
Ownership
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Fastpitch
The Untold History of Softball and the Women Who Made the Game
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Background
The San Diego Sandpipers were a women’s pro softball outfit in the obscure International Women’s Professional Softball Association of the 1970’s.
The IWPSA was a creation of serial league creator Dennis Murphy and tennis superstar Billie Jean King. Murphy and King previously collaborated on the development of World Team Tennis (1974-1978), which was America’s first co-ed professional sports league. Murphy was also the promoter behind nearly a half dozen other league concepts during the 1970’s, which varied from the iconic (American Basketball Association, World Hockey Association) to the failed and forgotten (the Super Soccer League, anyone?).
The Sandpipers were one of ten founding franchises when the league launched in 1976. Nancy Welborn handled virtually all of the pitching and managed the team, which played at Smith Field on the campus of San Diego State University. The ‘Pipers had a record of 64-52 and then quietly disbanded after one season of action.
The IWPSA lasted for four seasons from 1976 to 1979. The league shut down shortly before a fifth season was due to begin in 1980.
San Diego Sandpipers Shop
Links
International Women’s Professional Softball Association Programs
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