American Professional Slo-Pitch League (1978-1980)
United Professional Softball League (1981)
Tombstone
Born: 1978 – APSPL expansion franchise
Folded: Postseason 1981
First Game:
Last Game:
APSPL Championships: None
UPSL Championships: None
Stadium
Branding
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owner: Carl Grande
Background
Obscure men’s professional Slo-Pitch franchise that operated for four seasons out of New Haven, Connecticut. The New England Pilgrims softball team spent their first three seasons in the American Professional Slo-Pitch League (APSPL). In 1979, the Pilgrims earned a few wire service mentions around the country for signing 39-year old former Detroit Tigers All-Star infielder Dick McAuliffe.
In 1981 the Pilgrims joined the United Professional Softball League, a successor league to the by-then defunct APSPL. Despite having one of the worst records (23-35) in the eight-team UPSL, the Pilgrims advanced through the playoffs to the league championship series, where they lost to the Kentucky Bourbons.
The Pilgrims went out of business after the 1981 season and the UPSL followed suit a year later. There has been no men’s professional softball in the United States since 1982.
In Memoriam
Dick McAuliffe (Pilgrims ’79) passed on May 13th, 2016 at age 76. The former Detroit Tigers All-Star and World Series champion died following a stroke and a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. New York Times obituary.
Downloads
1979 American Professional Slo-Pitch League Franchise Sales Brochure
1979 American Professional Slo-Pitch League Franchise Sales Brochure
Links
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17 Responses
I was a big fan of the New England Pilgrims.I lived in New Haven&graduated from Wilbur Cross H.S.In 1983.I also followed the Nighthawks&West Haven baseball.I attended many games of all teams.
I forgot to mention that the new Hartford Athletic team brings back memories of the MISL’s Hartford Hellions.They played in New Haven during the Civic Center’s repairs.New Haven Raven memories were nice too.I attended the first game at Yale Field in 1994.Connecticut has a rich sports history.
pilgrim photos by Tim Danton team photographer
Hi Tim,
My name is Rick Janes. My Dad played for the Pilgrims.
I would love to see the pictured you have.
Thanx
Hello Rick. My name is Shane Reilly. I believe your dad played with mine on Preston Machine.
found your correspondence to me for photos. Call me (203) 281-7845 Tim Danton.
Rick I have photos of your father call me (203)281-7845
haven’t forgot y
ou. Just busy. Tim
Great memories elicit opportunities afforded in a new sports venture well worth the sacrifices…
especially the quality players that were involved!
The big man behind the plate, Ralph I i use to love to retrieve your home runs, Carl grand was so cheap he use to pay us to get the home run and foul balls, Ralph I never forgot about the best power hitter in the league !!! the big Indian. You guys made my childhood so awesome hanging around the team those summer were awesome, thanks for the memories.
Played with a few of the Pilgrim’s on Bender Plumbing.Doug Fortune, Perry Flowers.
My dad was John Reilly. He ran and pitched for Preston Machine in the 70’s. I would love to hear any memories. I remember going to many games all over. Shane Reilly
Coached with the pilgrims in 78 and 79. We had great talent I personally became good friends with all the players not only great players but great people. Ken Collins
What a great time working for team, my first job, going to Shea was awesome, all the guys where so nice.
My first job.
Was a bat boy for the Pilgrims for a couple of seasons went with Joe Canzanella who was the athletic trainer. Saw Billy Whiteshoes Johnson play and Joe Pepitone played for a visiting team
I played with the Pilgrims in 1981 their last year. Loved it! I wonder if anyone has vedeo of the Pilgrims vs the Kentucky bourbons from the world series. What a great time it was.
Kevin Truchsess