When the Clearwater, FL Bombers needed a clutch hit to keep a rally going, more often than not Ron Weathersby came through.One of Weathersby’s most memorable hits came in the 1966 national championship when he hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat Providence, 4-2, to give the Bombers their eighth national title. Weathersby called winning that title the greatest thrill of his 16-year career.Weathersby was a member of four national championship teams and four runners-up. Four times he earned ASA first-team All-America honors: 1964, (.412),1966 (.267), 1967 (.389) and 1973, and played in 12 ASA national championships. He also played in three All-Star Fast Pitch Series and batted .500 in the 1967 Series.Besides his clutch hitting, Weathersby also excelled on defense. Said former teammate Doug Mason. “You can’t measure his contribution because of the respect he demanded from his teammates and his leadership. Barring pitchers, Ron was the best softball player in the game.” Weathersby had some impressive seasons for the Bombers, including 1964 (.338 BA), 1966 (.300 BA, 20 homers and 43 RBIs) and 1968 (.311 BA, 7 homers and 57 RBIs).He retired in 1974 as an active player but came back to manage the Bombers in 1977 (11th ) and 1978 (runner-up). Born October 5, 1940, Weathersby is clerk of Circuit Court in Bay County, FL. He and his wife, Pam, have two children.
