The Most Amazing West Des Moines Slow-Pitch Softball Team of All Time to be Recognized at Reunion

A news release from West Des Moines Parks and Recreation:

In the fall of 1987 and into the late summer of 1988, The Flying Scotsmen, of the men’s slow-pitch softball league of West Des Moines, won a record 41 games in a row. 

Coached by Greg Mahon of West Des Moines, the retired team will hold its annual team golf outing on Sunday, September 15, at The Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk, where Bruce Mankle of the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department will recognize the 25 year anniversary of the streak.

Mankle, who is Recreation Program/Facility Supervisor of the department, will address the team at the team’s golf awards dinner in the clubhouse at the conclusion of the outing at approximately 6 p.m.

Mankle believes the recognition is important for three reasons: the win streak is historic; a Flying Scotsmen Sportsmanship Award continues to be awarded to deserving local teams; and, the longtime fellowship of the self-sponsored team exemplifies the mission of his department.

“We’re honored to be recognized for the consecutive wins,” said Jerry Mathiasen, a Scotsmen starting pitcher and utility player for many years and now living in Council Bluffs. But, he added, “Frankly, the real honor is being associated with the sportsmanship, teamwork and friendship of these guys, as well as recalling the fun we had during all those years in the West Des Moines league.”

According to the team’s record books, from 1979 – 1992 they posted 313 wins and only 75 losses. The team was featured in a Des Moines Register “Iowa Boy“ column in 1988, and also covered by local television. The team is so named because Coach Mahon and other teammates have attended the British Open.

Mankle explained that the sportsmanship award named after the team and a listing of its team members still hangs on a plaque at the Raccoon River Park Softball Complex, where it was initiated at the Complex’s grand opening on May 16, 1999.