William Jerry Curtis was the kind of player managers dream about having on their team. Although an outfielder, Curtis was versatile enough to play just about every position on the softball diamond. In the Southern Region, Curtis has the destination of being named all-regional at four different positions: pitcher in 1950, utility in 1952, second base in 1954 and outfield in 1956. In six regionals he was a member of the winning team five times and also was the Regional MVP in 1956. Curtis continued his versatility at the national championship level, playing in 12 nationals. He twice was named All-American as an outfielder and once each at second base and utility. He batted .204 in national championship play with 41 hits in 201 at-bats. Although not a high average hitter in national championship play, Curtis was known for hitting in the clutch. He had 25 RBIs in national championship play. Curtis played from 1947-1963 and was a member of seven national championship teams and four runners-up for the Clearwater Bombers. He retired as an active player in 1963, but came back to manage Clearwater in 1966 and 1967. His 1966 team won the ASA National title.
