Weathered OUT

Today's games are cancelled due to weather and field conditions.  We'll have to wait until Friday to play under the new rule changes.

Reminder!  We now need to sign in before 8:30; the first pitch time is now 9am.  

Chernobyl

Yep, today is the anniversary of that disaster at Chernobyl.  Fortunately, we didn't have a meltdown like that on the ball field today although it seemed hot enough.

Servicemaster Field

The American League played a three team contest today under the watchful eyes of  Denny Holder's class of student umpires.  Denny brought the entire class out today and supplied each game with 4 umpires.  On the Servicemaster Field we had Brett Jones, Kaitlyn Warren, Art Knight, and Kayla Montgomery rotating through the play calling roles.  Nice job everyone!

While we didn't have any meltdowns or explosions today, we definitely had weirdness.  Like Jimmy Lafoon and Danny Parker playing catcher?  You don't see that every day. The game was close with Regis Finnegan's Hit squad scoring steadily in every inning to finally rack up 17 runs against  Russ King's Sitting team's intermittent scoring with 5 in the first, 6 in the 4th, 5 in the sixth and two in the final frame with zeros in between to total 18 runs against Joe D'herin's Field boys final total of 15 runs on a combination of big bursts with a few scattered runs here and there.  

The decision came down to the 7th inning with the score at 15-16-15.  Regis's squad scored one to tie the game at 16 but then Russ's team plated two to go ahead and then managed to shut down Joe's boys for the overall win. Good close contest guys!

Leading Hitters included:

Fred Gonzalez  3 for 4
Ed Diaz 3 for 4
Sam Lopez 3 for 4
Ron Byrd 3 for 4
Tom Wise 3 for 4  2b
Ed Gazarek 3 for 4  and 2-2b
Russ King 4 for 4 2b, HR
George Radlein 3 for 4
Les Jacobson 3 for 4 2-2b
Joe D'herin 3 for 4 2b, 3b
Roger Edwards 3 for 4 3-2b
Mike Levesque 3 for 4 HR

Submitted by Ron Butler

Gessler Clinic Field

When is 5 really 4 or who's keeping score today.  Dennis Holder supplied Winter Haven Senior Softball with umpires today, with 5 students covering 4 bases.  Dennis' students: Stephanie Koustsombaris, Dewarderick Morris, Nafis Walker, Brock VanLier and Malcolm Alls, did a great job for us by covering the bases and we help them pick up the subtle differences of "Senior Softball".  Thanks folks, you can come back anytime.   

Now for the game, Richard Sessink pitched a great game for the homeboys as they crushed, yes crushed, the visitors 22-6.  The home team posted, or would have, 5 runs in 4 separate innings.  A minor accounting error occurred in the home half of the 3rd when the hitting team thought they had scored 5 runs, but it was just 4. So, it was a day when 5 was really 4 or maybe don't give the score pad to the guy missing a finger.  

Hector Marinacci, one of our Canadian players, who is headed back north for the summer, went off in style with a triple.  (He'll need the time resting after having to run that far.)

Leading Hitters:

Larry Chrest 5 for 5, HR

Ed Kline 3 for 4, 2B

Reg Barnes 5 for 5

Freddie Duchan 3 for 4

Richard Sessink 3 for 4

Duff Hill 3 for 4,

Hector Marinacci 3 for 4, 3B

Ed Sullivan 3 for 4

Submitted By Bob Hite

Upcoming Changes

Today's meeting of the BOD addressed the implementation of the rules recently approved by the BOD and the change to the non league playing schedule (read earlier start time). It was determined that Tuesday, 30 April 2013 would be the effective date for both. Let me start with the easiest change first.

Starting Tuesday, games will begin promptly at 0900 hr. Players need to sign in or call ahead by 0830 hours to get on the roster to play.

Now for the rules changes that will also go into effect on Tuesday. As you know we appointed a rules committee that looked at all suggested rule changes and made recommendations to the BOD. These were then voted on by the BOD and if approved, made a part of the League Rules. The new rules will be posted on the web site prior to the implementation date so everyone can read and understand them. I will attempt to capture the main changes. If I do not mention a change then you should assume the rule remains in effect as previously published.

1.    The governing rules will be changed from ASA to ISA. This was driven by the fact that the Florida Half Century follows ISA rules and that ISA has rules written specifically for senior softball. Complete ISA rules can be accessed through the web site.

2.  We have redefined the location of the pitching screen and have amended the rule to state that the first ball hit into the screen will be a strike. Subsequent balls hit into the screen will be called dead. You cannot strike out by hitting into the screen.

3. ISA running rules have been adopted with one exception for players in the National League. The major change means that players in the American League can no longer have a runner from home. They must reach first base on their own. Our exception is that the National League players can still have a runner from home. If they do use a runner the old rules about advancement beyond first base applies. Once reaching base a courtesy runner can be substituted. During subsequent at bats the player must again reach first base on his own but can take multiple bases.

4. There will be no intentional walks allowed during non league play. Only one intentional walk will be allowed per team during league play. Umpires will call a 'no-pitch' when it is determined that the pitcher is not attempting to throw a strike.

5. During league play each rostered player must play at least four innings on defense. Pool players cannot play more innings on defense than any rostered player.

6. In the event no coach/umpire is provided all appealed calls will be determined in favor of the team in the field.

7. League play will have two divisions based on established criteria. National League will consist of players generally over seventy years of age, all females players regardless of age, and American League players that have petitioned the BOD and been approved to  play "out of league". 

The American League will consist of male players between the ages of 55 and generally 69, and National League players that have requested  and been approved to play "out of league".

Players desiring to play "out of league" must submit a request to the BOD stating the rational for the request. The request must be received by the BOD no later than 14 days prior to the draft each year. 

The BOD appreciates the input made by league players in bringing these issues forward and thanks the rules committee for their work in presenting their recommendations to the BOD. It is the BODs hope that approved changes will better the playing experience for all our members. If some fall short, do not be disheartened because, as we did this year, all rules and requested changes brought forward by the players will be reviewed by the committee for inclusion next year.

The Commissioner

Warren Spahn's Birthday

The winning-est left handed pitcher in Major League history was born on April 23, 1921.  He won 363 games in his career.  He is quoted as saying 'hitting is timing; pitching is upsetting timing." I think JD would agree with that.

Field D

Team Toro vs. Team  Jacobson    

For the first four innings the game was tied at nine runs apiece.  Early highlights for Team Toro, the visitors, included a two run  homer by Chuck Duff in the fourth frame and a homer by Don Keller, also in the fourth inning.  

Team Toro scored five in the top of the fifth with hits by Powell, Simon,  Toro, Schapler, and a two bagger by Chuck Duff.  The home team failed to score in their half of the inning but added a run in the bottom of the sixth.  At that point Team Toro led 13 to 10.  

In the top of the seventh, Team  Toro surged ahead on a strong five run performance featuring hits  by Schapler, Duff, Borowitz, Woodard, Powell, Simon and a homer by Chris Constantine.   

The visitors added three more in the top of the eighth on a Chuck Duff three run homer.  With the score at that point 22 to 10, Team Jacobson caught fire in the bottom of  the eighth to score six runs and close to within six runs of Team Toro. The six run explosion featured hits by Regis Finnegan, a double by Larry Wells, and hits by Tom Wise, and Kirk Coffman.  

Both teams fell flat in the ninth inning and did not score. The final was 22 to 16  with Team Toro coming out on top.  It should be noted that Dean Schapler was hit on an errant throw whole going into second base in the ankle but continued to play thru the injury. We hope that he is OK; he showed true grit.  It was an exciting game and a fun day at the ballpark was had by all.  

Team Toro leading hitters included. Chris Constantine with four hits with. a HR, Chuck Duff with four hits including two HR, and  Jeff  Simon with five hits. 

Team Jacobson leading hitters were  Don Keller with three hits including a HR, Les Jacobson with three hits including two doubles, Regis Finnegan with five hits including two doubles,and Ed Kline with three hits.

Submitted by 

Jeff Simon

Field B

The umpire yells out, “play ball”, not “let’s go to work” at the start of a game. That’s kind of nice, even at age 55+, we can still play.  With that in mind, you might enjoy this link to George Carlin’s classic comparison of Baseball and Football, it’s funny and PG rated. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmXacL0Uny0

Well, that was the spirit in Winter Haven, at Field B, today. There were lots of smiles and some good natured kidding, which caused laughs to flow from players on both teams. Good thing too, because the hits were not flowing.

The home team, managed by Joe D’Herin, got enough metal on the ball to score 5 runs in the 1^st and 6^th innings. In between those big innings there were some dry ones. The visiting team, managed by Bob Zelazny, kept the score close throughout the game. Defensively, it was a good thing Tommy Snider was on top of his game for the visitors. During the course of the game, Tommy fielded 5 balls, at 2^nd base, and threw out the runners. The shut down fielder also added 3 hits to the offensive side of things, which kept the "V" team in the hunt.

The “H” team had their own star, Russ “not in my house” King made some nice catches in right field. Russ also swung a hot bat, getting a triple and a HR along with a few other hits. The cry, “MVP”, was chanted a few times by the home team, in support of Russ, who was smiling like a Butcher’s dog.

The final score of the game: Visitors 11- Home Team 15.

WP: Davis

LP: Matta

Other news and notes to report: Denny Shaffer’s time of playing ball here, at Winter Haven, is coming to a temporary close. Denny will be leaving soon to spend the summer up in Ohio.  Pat Drouilard and his lovely ball playing partner, Penny, also left this week, for Canada. God bless all of you, see you next year.

 A special shout out to Ari Harris, who sold his home and is moving away; he will not be playing ball at Winter Haven anymore. We will miss you Ari, it was our pleasure getting to know you. We wish you the very best, come back and visit anytime.

Leading Hitters

Visitors:

Ron Butler, 3/ 5.

Bob Zelazny, 3/5.

Tom Snider, 3/ 5.

Home:

Joe D’Herin, 4/ 5 with a double.

Russ King, 5/ 5 with a triple and HR.

J. D. Davis, 4/ 5 with a double.

Denny Shaffer, 3/ 5 with a HR.

Herb Oesterreid,  3/ 4.

Submitted by

Nick Matta

The shot heard 'round the world remembered

The shot heard around the world was fired on this day in Lexington Massachusetts in 1775. Massachusetts militiamen fired on British soldiers at Lexington Common and began the war for American independence. See?? the Boston area has always been a trouble spot.

National League

Well we had another game decided in the bottom of the ninth by one run.  Yogi Berra was quoted as saying "It ain't over till it's over".  Today one of members may have eclipsed Berra's genius saying that "all it takes to win in this league is to score more runs than your opponent".

Today both teams posted two in the first inning and they continued scoring all game long with neither team able to take a commanding lead the lead. In the 6th it was one run, the same in the 7th until team Stepp took a one run lead over team Chrest(Respective managers) in the 8th.  

Ok, we now go into the big 9th when Wayne Mundy, running for Sessnik , had a bang , bang play at 1st but was called out under our league rule which states that all close plays are an out if the batting team does not have a coach at the base. Taylor grounded out for the 2nd time in the game, short to first and Smith fouled off strike three.  Into the bottom of the 9th with pitcher Thompson reaching base on a miss play by the 2nd baseman. He was forced at 2nd by Hearn and then Pelletier also reached on a misplay by one of the fielders and Lee Baker was also safe on  third error of the inning.  That loaded the bases but Sullivan was not able to get a go ahead hit. The score had been tied by then and it came down to the bases loaded, two outs and two strikes on John Merritt who pointed to center field and lined the winning hit just out of the reach of the frantic defense.  Merritt was put on the shoulders of his teammates and chanting of MVP,MVP,MVP was heard throughout the  field of play.

That's today's story and I'm sticking with it. 

Special recognitions include:

(name omitted 6 errors)

Winning team had Chrest, Bill Miller and Thompson posting four hits each followed by Frank Miller, Wolff, Lee Baker and Merritt three hits each including that amazing winning hit. 

The 2nd place team had Mundy, Hector M, Stepp, Kline, Taylor each getting three hits.  Pitcher Mills  had two hits and a walk to round out the hitting leaders.

Remember we are all invited to the Lakeland on-field memorial service for Bob Allen this Monday at 9:15 a.m. at the Southwest fields on diamond 2.

RDT 

American League

The game started off with Larry Powell's team scoring lots of runs with five doubles and two triples in the first three innings. The score after five innings was 18 to 7.

In the sixth inning Tommy Wise's team came alive. They scored ten runs including home runs by Tommy Wise and Pat Drouilard. Wise's team took the lead and were ahead 25 to 21 going in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Powell's team scored five runs to win the game in the last inning, 26-25.

It was an exciting game and both teams played hard.

It took three pitchers to get the win--Larry Powell, Nick Matta,J.D. Davis 

Some bad news was that Mike Gatto playing shortstop for Powell's team had a very hard hit ball hit him in mouth in the last inning--may have lost two or more teeth.

Leading hitters for Wise's team:

Ron Butler 6 for 6, one double

Pat Drouilard 4 for 6, one home run

Russ King  4 for 5

Larry Wells, 3 for 5

Dennis Holder 3 for 5

Leading hitters for Powell's Team

Roger Edwards 5 for 6, 2 doubles, one triple

Les Jacobson 4 for 5, 3 doubles

Bob Zelazny 4 for 6, 3 doubles

Mike Gatto 3 for 4

Ray Levesque 4 for 6

            

Roger Murdock anyone?

Yep today is the birthday of that famous co-pilot, Roger Murdock, otherwise known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,  "Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes" kid.

Field Gessler Clinic

Well it sure seemed like we were dragging something around today. The three team game on Gessler Clinic Field pitted George Radlein pitching against JD Davis, and Larry Wells.

JD had a 4 for 5 day

The first inning for the Hitting squad started off slow and never really got going. after scoring 2 runs in the first and 4 in the third, they posted zeros until the 6th when they almost caught up with a 7 run surge. They posted another 3 in the 7th to tie for second place but gave that up as the 7th progressed.  Their highlight was Dean Shappler touching them all when his liner got through the outfield and went to the fence.

Jeff and Ed are all smiles

The Sitting team in contrast scored in every inning but one and posting 5 runs in each of the 2nd and 5th innings.  Regis Finnegan's homer sparked the 5 run 2nd and of course Tom Hamilton going 4 for 5 didn't hurt either.  Unfortunately, Russ King and Nick Matta collided at first base putting Nick on the sideline the rest of the way.   They bumped heads I guess as both had sore necks.  Could have been worse, but neither lost a tusk.
 

Deano holding things up

The Fielding team did score in every inning posting 5's in the 2nd and 4th innings.  I don't recall any homers but they had steady hitting up and down their line-up.  On top of that they had only 9 hitters in their batting order so guys like Bob Zelazny and Chuck Duff  went 4 for 5 plus a Sac Fly each; they had 4 batters get up 6 times.
 

Bob played a great 2b today

Final score Hit 15, Sit 18 and Field 19.  Then everyone ran off to play golf?  

Leading Hitters:
 Shappler 3 for 4 HR SacFly
 Butler 3 for 4  2b
 Hite 3 for 3 BB
 Radlein 3 for 4
 Mohan 3 for 4
 Hamilton 4 for 5  4 2b 
 Droulliard 5 for 5  3 2b
 Davis 4 for 5
 Kline 4 for 5 2b
 Zelazny 4 for 5 2b Sac Fly 
 Duff 4 for 5 Sac Fly
 King 3 for 4 Sac Fly 2b
 Bird 5 for 5
 

Field Servicemaster

Today's National League game ended up to a be a low scoring affair with Team Thompson besting Team Mills 11-8. The first inning started with Freddie Duchan scoring when Larry Chrest hit a double. Unfortunately that was all for the inning. Team Thompson responded with five runs off six hits and never looked back. 

The second inning was described as a sleeper for both teams although no one told Frank Miller who crossed the plate for Team Mills. In the third Team Mills remained in a state of slumber while Team Thompson scored three runs off doubles by Penny Pellitier and Bill Miller. The fourth saw Eddie Sullivan get a double and score  along with Doug Chamblee. Team Thompson  was unable to score in their half of the inning.

Penny led her team's hitting

In the fifth inning Team Thompson stretched their lead by outscoring team Mills three to one. The sixth and seventh innings were an awesome display of super pitching and great defense as neither team scored. The eighth saw Claude Hearn and Les Wolff score for Team Mills but it wasn't enough to close the gap. They were unable to score again in the ninth and ended up on the short end despite Team Thompson being held scoreless in the last three innings.

Ron's team emerged victorius

Again final score Team Thompson 11 and Team Mills 8.

Key performances include:

Penny Pellitier. 3 for 4 with a double

Mike Stepp     3 for 4

Miller boys        3 for 4 each

Annual Golf Outing

After the ball games, our two sport jocks headed to Oakwood Golf Club for our annual tournament. The match was close with only one stroke separating the first and last place team. There was a tie for first place. with Team Shaffer (Denny Shaffer, Eddie Kline, Ron Easton, and Bill Heap) and Team Taylor  ( Ted Taylor, Carl Luebking, Bernie Mohan, and John Byrd) both finishing with a very respectable one under par. Congratulations to each player.

 

Bobby Allen Memorial Service

The Lakeland Senior Softball Club will host a brief Memorial Service for Bobby Allen next Monday, April 22, on Field 2 at the Lakeland SW complex starting at about 9:15 or so before the ball games that day.  Everyone, ball player or not, is welcome to attend.

The fields are located just south of west Highland St on the west side of Lakeland.  Map Link

In addition, the Lakeland Club will be remembering Bobby by establishing a Memorial Sponsorship in his name for next season.  Donations toward this sponsorship can be made via any Lakeland Board Member, Dan Wheelock, Wayne Mundy, Russ King, and others will be serving as trustees for the sponsorship. 

Ron

David Letterman's Birthday

Denny Holder provided us with a student umpire today.  We want to thank Malcolm Alls, from the Polk State College Sports Officiating Program for umpiring today's game. He did a great job and his efforts were greatly appreciated. (Better than the usual umps we have to put up with)

Field Servicemaster

Today's game featured a match up between the Miller boys. 

Frank managed the visitors

Frank managed the visiting team and things looked promising through the first three innings. The top of the line up scored four runs in both the first and third innings giving them a pretty good cushion going into the fourth. 

Bill managed the Home Team

Team Billy Miller played the tortoise in this race to victory,managing to score at least one run in every inning except the third and in the end not only overcome the deficit but didn't even have to take their turn at bat in the ninth.

With Team Frank doubling the run production of Team Bill in the early innings, the bats went cold and managed a dismal two runs in the last six innings. In comparison the bats of Team Bill went from cool to on fire. Every player but one managed to cross the plate after getting on base. They scored three in the fourth, three in the fifth, four in the sixth, five in the seventh, and two in the eighth. 

The final score was Team Frank Miller 10 and Team Bill Miller 21.
 

El Lobo had a great day at bat

Key players in today's game include:

Duff Hill     4 for 5 with a double 
Frank Miller    4 for 4 
Wayne Mundy    3 for 4 
Richie Moots    3 for 4 
Les (El Lobo) Wolf    3 for 4 
Larry Chrest    5 for 6
Ron Thompson    5 for 6
Bill Miller    3 for 4
Dennis Holder    4 for 5
Vassearl Bess    4 for 5
Ted Taylor    4 for 4
Gene (Dancing Machine) Baker 5 for 5
Ray Mills 3 for 5 and winning pitcher

Field Gessler Clinic

Big Russ piling on

Although the clouds were out this morning, the bats were hot on the Gessler Field. The visiting team, managed by Don Keller,  and the home team , managed by Mr. Russ King fought it out for a good 5 innings.  Unfortunately the game was nine innings and Don's team needed a little more firepower.  There were several great plays on both sides and the final score was King 25- Keller 15.

Don & Les

Russ's team had plenty of hot bats as 4 players went 4 for 5, one went 5 for 5 and the manager went 3 for 4 .  Ron Butler and George Radlein went 4 for 4 in a losing cause.  They definitely would make good managerial material.  Great job by all and as usual a great time.  All of the players send their condolences to the Allen family.

George had a good day with his bat

Top hitters for both teams were:

Team King:

Brengman 5-5

D'Herin 4-5

Hill 4-5

Hamilton 4-5,triple

Droulliard 4-5

King 3-5

Finnigan 3-5

Team Keller:

Butler 4-4

Radlein 4-4

Matta 2-3, 2 walks

Keller 3-5, HR

Jacobs 4-5, 2 2B

Submitted by Don Keller

 

Bobby Allen

It is with extreme sadness that I have to tell you that Bobby Allen passed away yesterday. The cause of his death is yet to be determined. He did have heart and lung complications. There are no arrangements being made here in Florida, as all will be done up north. Please express your wishes for his family. His local address is 35914 Tanda Circle, Zephyrhills, FL 33541. I did have an email address as AllenMaria5@yahoo.com

Joel 

Doncha love the smell of softball in the morning?

 Just a brief note. Our good friend, teammate and all around great guy Bobby Allen is currently under intensive care and could certainly use some help just now.  Please keep Bobby and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Field C

 The American League game was between three evenly matched teams (on paper anyway). Team Hamilton was anchored by a pretty impressive early line starting with Kurt Coffman , followed by Juan Toro, Jimmy Laffoon, Don Held, Bob Zelazny, and Tommy Hamilton. But it was the bottom of their line up that managed to score ten or their fourteen runs. It was clearly the bats of Tommie Wise, John Byrd, Miguel Gonzalez, and Dennis Borowicz that provided the power.

Hey, we'll take fans wherever we can get 'em

The Angels had an equally impressive line up with Ron Butler, Steve Hill, Donnie Scarborough, Les Jacobson, Denny Shaffer, Russ King, Freddie Gonzalez, and Nick Matta leading off to provide the energy and power to score runs. Alas, it was not to be as they were held to just five runs the entire game. A big part of the lack of production could have been as a result of great pitching by first timer Miguel Gonzalez who started a little shaky but held the Angels to two runs the rest of the game.

Catchin' a little pine time

The game was ultimately won by the bats of Team Kline. The lineup read like murderer's row and they did exactly that as Jose Riviera, Frank Jacobs, Raul Torres, Chuck Duff, Joe  D'Herin, and Dean Schapler scored thirteen of their teams sixteen runs. They had built an impressive lead and it held up as they were the home team and did not have to bat in the ninth.

Jeff & Eddie enjoyed the day

Key performances were turned in by:

Kirk Coffman     4 for 4

Tommie Wise     3 for 3

Miguel Gonzalez     2 for 2 while allowing only  5 runs

Dennis Borowicz    3 for 3

Frank Jacobs     4 for 4 with 3 doubles

Chuck Duff     3 for 4

Friday before the games, Dennis Holder will hold a brief clinic on umpiring. Please plan on attending.

Denny teaches umpires ... who knew?

Field B

We had a great turn out for the National League on a beautiful, sunny, spring day. Captains Moots and Taylor had their hands full having 13 & 14 players respectively To accommodate everyone, five outfielders were utilized for part of the day.

Richie watches one of Elvis's shots

Team Moots banged out 25 hits which was closely  followed by team Taylor with 22 safe hits. Scoring started out with 9 runs in the first inning leaving Moots ahead by one run which ended up to be the winning difference.  The game was closely played with Moots' team gradually building up a lead into the eighth when they took command with five showing  a what seemed comfortable lead of 17-10.

Vassearl drives one

Seven straight hits for Taylor's team which was highlited by a grand slam by Hill. The score at this point was  17-16 with no one out and men on 2nd & 3rd. At this point team Moots slammed down great defense and the tying run died on second.

Every member of team  Moots contributed at least hit. Mundy & F. Miller both were four -four and Altomose & Thompson contributed three hits each.

Taylors stats showed Bess,Remington,Abney, Hill & Taylor all with three hits. 

Run Ted! Run!

Good work by all and good sportsmanship was enjoyed by all.   RDT