The Capitol Insulation Story
By: Ron Whittleton

Capitol Insulation was sponsored by Don Webster and the late Bob Edminston from 1974 until 1988. Over that period of time the team made 13 appearences in the USSSA Men's Major World Series. During this stretch the teams won-loss record was 1132 - 328. Although never winning a  World championship, Capitol put together some memorable performances.

The sponsors didn't pay any of the players in those days, so when we beat any of the Big Power House teams it was very gratifying. The Capitol teams played very well in Big Games and displayed the ultimate in team unity. The team went into the finals in the USSSA World Series in 1985. Only to get beat twice by Elite Coatings. In the 1983 USSSA World Series while being out manned, we beat Howard's, Jerry's Catering, and Elite Coatings in our first three games. The amazing thing about that little run was that during the year those top three teams had not lost a game to any other team other than themselves. Unfortunately we ran into Steele's who brought us back to Earth by soundly defeating us. We ended up third.

Over the years we have had a few players leave and go on to some of the Bigger teams and do quite well. Mike Cellura (Campbell's, Jerry's, Howard's), Elby Bushong and Dennis Myers (Campbell's), Rick Wheeler (Jerry's, Elite, Smythe Sox), Ken Dain (Steele's), Ron Parnell (Steele's, Ritch's,), Brian Greer (Bell Corp). Cellura, Bushong, Parnell, Wheeler, along with our sponsor Don Webster , and manager Ron Whittleton have been inducted into the USSSA Hall Of Fame. Richard Wilborn who played with the team near the end of his career is in the ASA Hall Of Fame.

In 1987 Mike Cellura, Cruz Martinez, and Brian Greer all hit over 100 Hr's. In 1983 Rick Wheeler had his breakout year by leading the team with 128 Hr's, in 1985 Ken Dain hit 105 Hr's, in 1988 Ricky Albiso hit 103. But over the years the team most people talk about is the 1978 team. Which is featured here in the photos. It was the first year that ASA teams were allowed to play USSSA teams, so there was some great rivalries developed and a certain amount of curiosity. Especially for that Crazy team wearing purple from California. Free spirits I think it was what they called us. Whatever it was the team had a certain flare about them on and off the field.

The team only hit 539 home runs for the season and only had a .569 batting average, but the record for the year was 112-25. Our outfield had Bo Webber playing left field, Hammering Hank Kosmala played right center. Mike Lynch played left center field and Elby "Boom Boom" Bushong held down the right field area.  Big Dennis Myers was at third base, Don Furnald short stop, Butch Nickoloff was at second and Steve Rayburn and Frank Rodrigues platooned at first base. Frank would also handle behind the plate duties also. Bob Woodroof pitched, and these players were backed up by  Bob Meldahl, Barry Watkins, Jerry Hamilton, and Richard Fisher.

          This team found more ways to win ball games than you can think of. They truly had a passion for the game and each other. In 1978 Elby Bushong had 127 Hr's and a .709 batting average, Dennis Myers was hitting .638 with 119 home runs, Don Furnald was hitting a cool .611 but what was more important was his ability to lead the team with his defensive abilities. He played a great short stop. Bo Webber led the team in doubles with 67. Anytime that Webber, Lynch, or Nickoloff reached second base they could score from second on a fly ball. They were that fast and talented. The scored from second at will. Frank Rodrigues and Hank Kosmala backed up Elby and Dennis with the power supply.
         The team was very exciting to watch, and Elby Bushong was the most exciting player to ever play for Capitol Insulation. Through the 1970's and 1980's Capitol Insulation was the team that carried the Banner for the West Coast teams.