The 1960s were a golden era for men’s fastpitch, characterized by legendary rivalries, high-octane pitching, and the rise of some of the most iconic names to ever step onto the diamond. We asked the ISC community to weigh in on the best of the best from this transformative decade, and the results are in!
Here are your winners for the Best ISC Player, Pitcher, and Team of the 1960s.
Best Player: Frank Trejo
Taking home a commanding 38.5% of the vote, Frank Trejo has been named the Best Player of the 1960s. A 2002 ISC Hall of Fame inductee, Trejo was the definition of a “pure hitter.”
His dominance during the latter half of the decade was unmatched:
- Consistency: Named an ISC All-World Player for four consecutive years (1965–1968).
- The Big Bat: He led the 1965 tournament with a blistering .565 average and topped the 1968 World Tournament in RBIs.
- Champion Status: A vital member of the 1967 ISC World Champion Harrelson Motors.
Beyond the ISC, Trejo’s legacy is further cemented as a member of the Arizona Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame.
Best Pitcher: Ty Stofflet
In one of the most decisive victories in our poll history, Ty Stofflet secured a staggering 76.9% of the vote. Stofflet didn’t just play the game; he rewrote the record books.
A true ISC legend, Stofflet’s resume reads like a fastpitch fantasy:
- Accolades: 5-time All-World selection spanning three decades (including ’67, ’68, and ’69). He was the 1967 MVP and the Best Pitcher in 1969.
- The Numbers: His career stats are almost hard to believe—approximately 1,500 wins, 650 shutouts, 172 no-hitters, and 58 perfect games.
- World Title: He led Sal’s Lunch (Philadelphia, PA) to an ISC World Championship, proving his arm was as clutch as it was powerful.
Best Team: Long Beach Nitehawks
Continuing a legacy that began in the 40s and 50s, the Long Beach Nitehawks were voted the Best Team of the 1960s with 64.3% of the vote.
The Nitehawks are more than just a team; they are an institution. Known for their deep roster of Hall of Famers and a winning culture that spanned decades, the Nitehawks remain the benchmark for excellence in men’s fastpitch. Even today, when fans and historians discuss the greatest teams to ever take the field, the “Nitehawks” name is always at the top of the list.
A Note on the Results: > These polls celebrate the rich history of our sport and the players who made the ISC what it is today. Thank you to everyone who voted and shared their memories of these legends!
Next up -> Vote for your favorite 1970’s player, pitcher and team!
