San Diego Sandpipers

Western Division

P.O. Box A81366, San Diego, California 92138

714.283.3250

Owners: Everett Skillings, L.J. Cella

General Manager: Roberta Rikli

Field Manager: Nancy Welborn

Home Field: San Diego State University

Starting Time: 7:00 p.m. except 1:30 p.m. Sundays

Team Colors: light blue, dark blue, white

The Sandpipers played only the first year the league was in existence.

The following are excerpts from the 1976 San Jose Sunbirds (Reprint 1) and 1976 Santa Ana Lionettes (Reprint 2) programs.

Reprint 1 – Owner L.J. Cella – one of the founders of the WPS – admits he bought the team “just to give the league an even number.” But his afterthought may turn out to be a strong entry in the West. Nancy Welborn, former star pitcher for the Orange Lionettes, will act as player/coach for the Sandpipers, and her presence makes the team an immediate contender. In addition, Welborn lured her long-time battery mate Nance Ito, a perennial All-Star, out of retirement. Ito is an excellent catcher and a powerful hitter. Other experience players include former Laurel shortstop Adele Johnson, infielder Jody Marquardt, and Leslie Ball. Sue Sims, former third baseman for the Lionettes, provides additional infield strength for the Sandpipers.

Reprint 2 – The Sandpipers will be led by Nancy Welborn, former pitching star with the Orange Lionettes. Assisting her with the coaching, as well as playing catcher, is all time great Nance Ito. Ito played for the Lionettes for 14 years before retiring last season. She is considered one of the best catchers to ever play softball. All Stars Leslie Ball and Jody Marquardt from Utah, and Sue Sims, formerly with the Lionettes, will add quality experience to the infield. Mindy Allen will be sharing mound duties. She has pitched most recently for the Fullerton Royals.

1976 Highlights

The job that Nancy Welborn turned in pitching for the San Diego Sanpipers probably only ranks second to the job Nancy Welborn did as a manager. And considering Welborn, the master of the drop and changeup, won nearly 40 games, pitched more than 400-plus innings and compiled an earned run average of under half a run a game, that says something about the way she put the Sandpipers together.

The Sandpipers, who battled the Santa Ana Lionettes down to the wire for second place and the second playoff position behind Western Division regular season champion San Jose, also featured all-stars in Nancy Ito and second basewoman Adele Johnson.

Welborn's pitching was the key to San Diego's success as she dared hitters with her tantilizing offerings that more than often were missed or turned into easy popups or ground outs. Ito, coming out of retirement that lasted two seasons, shared catching duties with young Nora Rooney and the Sandpipers unveiled some other top talent in first basewoman Cathy Rooney (Nora's sister-in-law), outfielder Jennie Hinkle and outfield Jody Marquardt.

To view the Sandpipers 1976 Official Magazine, see below.