In the 1990s, Peter J. Porcelli made millions with laser printing and junk mail and poured part of his fortune into the Tampa Bay Smokers, a fast-pitch softball team that featured a cigar-chomping mascot and the best players money could buy.
Porcelli became the king of the sport as his Smokers won two world championships in three years.
But Porcelli was also gaining attention for another kind of fast pitch, a deceptive direct-mail and telemarketing come-on that cheated consumers.
Two months ago he was indicted on conspiracy and fraud charges involving a credit card scam that targeted 165, 000 victims. He pleaded guilty Friday to all 19 counts.