Doug Mason made his boyhood dream of playing for the Clearwater, FL Bombers a reality in 1949 when he joined the team as a teenager and stayed with the Bombers for 18 years. Five times Mason earned All-America honors playing in 18 ASA national championships and was a member of six national championship teams and three runners-up. He was a first-team selection in 1959,1963, 1965 and 1972 and a second team choice in 1962. He batted .333 in the 1962 and 1965 nationals and .389 in the 1972 national. He was born June 12, 1931. During his 18 years with the Bombers Mason achieved a .276 batting average with 1,271 hits in 4,606 at-bats. He also played for the Roth Rangers in 1955 and Faultless Rubber of Ashland, OH in 1966. Mason said his biggest thrill was being a teammate of every Hall of Famer ever to play for the Bombers and being part of six ASA national championship teams. Mason credits Eddie Moore, former Clearwater manager, as the person who most influenced his softball career. Said Mason, “He gave me the opportunity in 1949 to join the Bombers at 18 and then moved me to third base in 1957 when others advised against it.” Mason previously played second base and shortstop. After retiring as a player, Mason managed the Bombers in 1964-65 and 1974. The 1965 team placed second in the ASA national championship.
