BIO:

Shirley JoAnn Patterson was the pitcher for the most successful team in women’s softball in the 1970’s, Sorrento’s Pizza of Norwood.  During an eight-year span from 1973 to 1980, Sorrento’s finished no worse than 4^th in five Amateur Softball Association National Tournaments, winning the title in 1976.  Patterson was named to the ASA National Tournament All-American team four consecutive seasons, winning National Tournament MVP honors in 1975, first-team All-American honors in 1976, and second-team All-American honors in 1977 and 1978.  Patterson spent twelve years pitching in Greater Cincinnati, playing for Sweeney Chevrolet in 1970, the Cincinnati Cardinals in 1971 and Rutenschroer Floral in 1972 before joining Sorrento’s in 1973.  She was best known for pitching – especially her precision placement and high arch – and defensive skills.  She had a lifetime ERA of 3.4, and in the 1976 Nationals she compiled an amazing 1.7 ERA.  Patterson’s husband Larry was Sorrento’s assistant coach.  He would scout other teams and signal Shirley from the bench to pitch high and tight, low and inside, etc.  And Patterson was capable of placing the ball precisely where players did not want the pitch.  Patterson recorded one no-hitter during her career, and had a lifetime won-lost record of 675 and 85.  In National Tournament play she was 50-13.  She was named to the Greater Cincinnati All-Century Team in 2000.