Season Championships

Thus another Season comes to a close,  a somewhat shortened season but fun nonetheless.  Many thanks to all who participated and especially Lee Baker for getting the equipment ready for us every game day.  Also thanks to Ron Salyer and the Lake Wales Legends Barbeque Support Staff for some fine pulled pork to help us celebrate the end of our season. Of course, Don Keller gets an honorable mention for serving as our umpire.  I don't think Don missed a game all season.

Remember that next Tuesday we start playing in Lakeland.  Be there by 9am if you want to play. We will play the next 3 Tuesdays in Lakeland, returning to our home turf on March 25.

Also note that the 2015 Registration Form is now available both at the ball park when you sign in and online.  Linky

Cubs VS Braves

Cubs Vs Braves for the Winter Haven Senior Softball National League Championship.  Both teams ended up tied for first after the final double header last Tuesday.  The Cubs started the season going 7 and 0 and the Braves got off to a slow start.  The Braves did not give up under the leadership of Larry Powell.  Midway thru the season the Braves took both ends of a double header from the Cubs and the race was on.  So today is the day, weather perfect, lots of fans to watch the game and attend the GREAT feast after the game. 

Cubs win the coin toss officiated by Commissioner Bob Zelazny.  Braves lead off hitter Abney lines a single to center next hitter drives a sharp ground ball to shortstop Lopez he tosses to Thompson at 2nd base and the flip to Taylor at first for two.  Gonzalez and Baker single and Lautenschlager drives a long liner to right field and Cubs Stepp makes a good catch for the out.  Peterson leads off the Cubs with a liner to 2nd for another outstand play in the field.  Taylor, Thompson singles followed by a McLellan double Lopez drives in the 3rd run of the inning.  Braves get a walk to Schapeler and a base hit from McPartlin but both runner are stranded.  Cubs go 1 2 3 in the second.  Braves go 1 2 3 in the 3rd.  Sound like a boring game but let me tell you the defense by both teams was the best I've seen all season.  Cubs manage another run in the third with a line drive double by Big Stan Michalski, Yarletts singles him to third and Peterson brings him home with a base hit.  4 to 0 after three.  Manager Powell draws a walk leading of the 4th, followed by a double from Abney another walk followed by base hits from Gonzalez, Baker, Lautenschlager and Shaffer tally 5 for the Visitors.  Cubs come back with 2 in the bottom of the inning with a single from Thompson, a double from McLellan and base hits from Lopez and Sessick.  Both teams go scoreless in the 5th.  Score after five is Cubs 6 Braves 5. 

After one out in the sixth Macko lines a double and Lyons drive him home with a base hit.  Bottom of the sixth a K for LaMay followed with a Home Run from Peterson a single for Taylor and a double from Thompson.  Cubs tally four for the inning.  No let up at all as the Braves come back with 4 in the top of the 7th.  Abney singles to start the inning, as does Waddell and Gonzalez then after a fly out Lautenschlager, Schapeler and Podbielski brings in the 4th run of the inning.  Score after 7 is tied a 10 runs each.  How is that for a Championship game?  Top of the 8th Braves are held with a run scoring.  Cub top of the batting order with Peterson leads off with his second homer of the game.  Taylor singles and Thompson walks than another single by McLellan.  Lozez triples before the final two out of the inning.  Cubs Lead by 4 runs.  Braves came back in the 9th inning to score 2.

The final was Cubs 14 Braves 12.  

Let me tell you gentlemen and fans of Winter Haven Softball this was one of the best ballgame I've played in.  Good hitting in the clutch, Great fielding on both teams and the pitching wasn't all that bad either.  Thanks to all the players for great sportsmenship.  Thanks to the Winter Haven Senior Softball League for the GREAT meal and drinks.  Well done for All.

Hitters for Cubs

Peterson 3 for 4 w/2 HR

Taylor 3 for 4

Thompson3 for 3 with dbl and walk

McLellan 4 for 4 2 dbls

Lopez 3 for 3 w/walk

Yarletts 3 for 3

Hitters for Braves Abney 3 for 4

Lautenschlager 2 for 3

Gonzalez 3 for 3

Schapeler 2 for 2 with 2 walks.

Submitted by Don LaMay

Giants vs Marlins

Today's game contesting third place between the Giants and the Marlins had the Marlins coached by Jeff Simon and the Giants on automatic pilot.  This is probably the reason for the score. 

The game was started with a zero posted by the Marlins. The Giants scored 5 runs on singles by Elmer Black, Dave Ragonese and Don Scarborough with Ed Guspyt homering. Jerry Remington singled and was driven in by Chuck Cottles single. That pretty much was how the game progressed. 

Giants 28

Marlins11

Top Hitters for the Marlins

Marino 3-5

Torres 3-4 HR  3B

Hill 4-4

Smith 3-4

Andrews 3-4

Top Hitters for the Giants

Black 6-6

Scarborough 6-6

Guspyt 5-6 HR

Remington 5-6

Burns 4-6

Ducham 5-5 3B

Submitted By Ed Kline

Angels vs. Rangers

 A few weeks ago, I was raking leaves in my yard when a car stopped by and a man in his 80’s asked me for directions.  During our discussion, the kindly older gent noticed that I was wearing a sports jersey.  He went on to mention that he had once scored 3 TDs, versus Lakeland, in a high school football game.  He quickly added, “that took place decades ago.”  I responded, “that was a great accomplishment”, I added, “hold on to those memories, I plan on hanging on to my fond memories as long as I can.”  Those were some of his glory days.

Isn’t that the way it goes, the older you get the more precious the memories become.  You tend to cherish accomplishments a little more, with each passing year.  In this 2014 Winter Haven Senior Softball season, the Rangers team members added a championship memory, to treasure for years to come.

For certain, February’s championship game, on ServiceMaster field, at the Winter Haven Diamond Plex, between the Angels and the Rangers was anti climatic.  The once mighty archangels, who early in the year seemed like they could slay an army, were now reduced to mere mortals.  Several members of their team suffered injuries and a few others had conflicts, which prevented them from playing in the championship game.  Such is life in the world of senior softball.  By league rules, the Angels had to forfeit the game and thus handed the Rangers the championship, on a silver halo.

A pick-up game between the two teams was played, instead of a championship game; it ended in a 15-15 tie after nine innings.  A celebration cook-out was underway in the pavilion area nearby.  When both teams heard the word tie, they immediately thought, let’s tie on the feed bag and forget about playing extra innings.  Seniors are quick to make such decisions when food, fellowship and beverages are involved.

So, what cherished memories will the Ranger's players stash away in the dugouts of their hearts?  This Rangers team can look back on an entire season worth of successful play that lead to a 13-3 record, that’s a .813 winning percentage. The leading hitters for the team, Jimmy Laffoon, (.666), Don Erb, (.648), Bob Zelazny, (.641) and Juan Toro, (.622) can revel in their accomplishments. While other team members can take pleasure in knowing that winning was indeed a team effort.  I am proud of what the whole team accomplished; Ron Butler, Kirk Coffman, Chris Constantine, Pat Drouilard, Don Erb, Steve Hill, Don Ing, Les Jacobson, Jimmy Laffoon, Lance Patten, Juan Toro, Josh Wells, Bob Zelazny and myself, Nick Matta, played some good ball.  We share the memory of having a group of individuals come together, to play as a team. We enjoyed playing together; jokes and laughter was a staple for this Rangers team.  Everyone on the team contributed in some way, with a big hit, catch, or use of speed while running the bases, more than once throughout the season.  As team manager, I like the fact that players refused to quit on a game, we came from behind to win several games.  

Bruce Springsteen sang about memories in his famous song, “Glory Days”.

“I had a friend who was a big baseball player

 back in high school

 He could throw that speedball by you

 Make you look like a fool boy

 Saw him the other night at this roadside bar

 I was walking in, he was walking out

 We went back inside, sat down, had a few drinks

 but all he kept talking about was

Glory days, well they'll pass you by

 Glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye

 Glory days, glory days.”

I am grateful that we, as Winter Haven Senior Softball players, can experience new “Glory Days” with each passing season. The memories don’t just pass us by, they stay with us.

submitted by Nick Matta

 

Rays vs Tigers

The season finale proved to be a hitters ball game for the two teams vying for third place. The Rays and the Tigers battled it out on Field D with a final score of Rays 22 and Tigers 17. The Rays only had 10 players while the Tigers had  11. There was plenty of batting going on with leadoff batter for the Rays, Eddie Gazarek,  getting to the plate 7 times. There were four in the park home runs, two for each team and numerous triples for each team. The Rays left 15 players on base and the Tigers left 12 players on base. Everyone got several good hits off the good pitching of Pat Lopicolo and Steve Pennick.

Leading hitters for the Rays were Rick Brock and Terry Smith, 5/6, Eddie Gazarek 5/7, Jimmy Goodhue, Herb 'O', Ray Levesque and Pat Lopicolo 4/6. Rick Brock and Terry Smith had in the park home runs. 

Leading hitters for the Tigers were Brian Busch, John Carpenter and Russ King, 4/5. Al Andrews, Poke Rodriguez and Steve Pennick were 3/5. Freddie Dampier and John Carpenter had in the park home runs.

After the game, barbeque was enjoyed by all of the players and guests. Barbeque was provided by Ron Salyer with help form Chuck Duff, Regis Finnegan and Larry Grabb. 

Submitted by Don Witmer

2014 Team Pictures

We have the team pictures on line now.  Feel free to print one out or make copies.

Here's the Link to Team Pictures Album

Ron Santo's Birthday

Ron Santo is best known as a Cubs Shortstop but he played anywhere in the infield.  He had more hits than games played in (2254 vs 2243) his 15 yr career.  He finished his career with the White Sox.

Polk Senior Games

This year's slow-pitch competition of the Polk Senior Games was held this past weekend in Lakeland. The Gold Medal was won by the Lakeland Blues. The following Winter Haven players participated: Jim Laffoon, Don Witmer, Gerry DeRitter, Joe D'Herin, Russ King, Sam Lopez, Tom Wise, Poke, Tim Gallagher, Herbie "O", and Larry Powell.  Others played on other teams but unfortunately I do not have their names or the results. Congratulations to all those that participated in the games, especially to the winners.

Also note that it might be wise to bring both your Grey and Blue jerseys on Friday for the championship games.  Home teams will depend on a coin flip.  The barbeque will begin after the games and having seen some of you eat, the spare shirt might come in handy. See you there.   

Today's Games

ServiceMaster Field

Rangers vs Rays

I am going to look at marketing advertisements to describe today’s game. I took a look at some of the top tag lines, mottos and jingles of all time and applied them to the Rays vs. Rangers action.

Where’s the beef?  Don Held owns this one, as he showed us the beef, by hitting a grand slam in the 9^th inning for the Rays.

Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.  Don Ing, for obvious reasons.

Pop, pop, fizz fizz, O what a relief it is, having Ron Butler in the outfield for the Rangers. Ron ran down three fly balls that were sure base hits and turned them into outs. He worked faster than Speedy Alka Seltzer to bring defensive relief.

You may be in good hands with Allstate, but you are in better hands with Don Erb. Don shut down the left side of the infield, ranging far into the hole at short to grab three line drives.

Just do it! This applies to Juan Toro, because Juan just does it in the field and at bat, when you need him to do so.

American Express say’s, don’t leave home without it. Pat Lopiccolo must be a firm believer in this motto, he refused to leave home (plate) after smashing a ball down to Ranger’s third baseman, Steve Hill, in today’s action. Actually, Pat tripped after hitting the ball and never made it to first. Contrary to popular rumor, Ranger’s manager, Nick Matta, did not hold Pat down after he fell.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. This applies to Don Ing, not for his play on the field, but for his actions at the American Legion after the game. What happens at the Legion, stays at the Legion.

The quicker picker upper may belong to Bounty, when it comes to paper towels. However, on the field and in the stands today, it belonged to Boomer Josh Wells and his cheering section. Josh’s family picked us up the whole game with their shouts of encouragement; Josh did his part from the mound, pitching with skill.

Have a coke and a smile. Go 3 for 3 and smile, Herb O.

Ford says, Quality is job 1; Ed Gazarek must feel the same way after going 3 / 4 today.

The US Navy say’s it’s not a job, it’s an adventure. Lance Patten had his own adventure today.  Lance sailed around the world, or at least around the ball field, playing 8 different positions today and making some good plays.

Prudential says, get a piece of the Rock, Erb say's, get all the ball, Don went 3 / 4 today.

Nothing runs like a Deere, unless it’s Sam Cuscovitch running the bases for his inside the park HR today.

Don't get mad, get Glad, Ron Butler was glad that he went 3 / 4 today.

Like a rock, Chevy trucks. Like a rock, Les Jacobson, 3/ 4 .

When it absolutely, positively has to be there, overnight. I'll take this one, because my wife works for Fed Ex. I'll be there with a hit, when you need it, Nick Matta, 3 / 4.

Box Score: 

Leave the driving to us, Greyhound. Another one for Ing, because I have threatened him with a bus ticket home, so often this season. Just kidding Don, it don't mean a thing, unless we have that Ing, 2 / 3.

The Breakfast of Champions, who gets this moniker will be determined on Friday.

Rays:      1-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-7

Rangers: 0-0-5-5-0-1-0-5 --

Final Score: Rays 9 - Rangers 16

WP: Wells

Leading hitters for the Rays:

Gazarek: 3 / 4.

Held: 2 / 4 with a HR.

Cuscovich: 2 / 3 with a HR.

Herb O: 3 / 3.

Leading hitters for the Rangers:

Toro: 3 / 4 with a double.

Erb: 3 / 4  with two doubles.

Jacobson: 3 / 4.

Butler: 3 / 4.

Matta: 3 / 4.

Ing: 2 / 3.

Submitted by 

Nick Matta 

Gessler Clinic Field

Angels vs Tigers

The Gessler Clinic field played host to a season ending double header between the Angels and Tigers.  While neither game meant much in the standings, you wouldn’t have known it be watching both teams play hard for 14 innings.  The Angels using a 5 run 6^th inning, featuring 7 singles took the first game 11-8. The highlight of the inning surely was when Regis Finnegan pinch ran for Freddy Gonzales.

Top Performers:

Tigers:

Bill Wolfe 2 for 3

Jack Benson 2 for 3

Al Andrews 2 for 3

John Carpenter 2 for 2

Angels:

Ron Pepin 3 for 4

Joe D’Herin 4 for 4

Gerry DeRidder 3 for 4

Regis Finnegan 2 for 2, BB, Pitch runner

Greg Denny 2 for 3

George Vanderhyde 2 for 3

Keith Linton 1 for 2, BB

The second game started jumping out to a 9-0 lead before the Angels answered with 5 in the 4^th.  But, the Tigers responded with 4 more runs over the next 2 innings to hold the Angels at bay.  Still the Angels kept coming cutting the lead to 13-10 in the 6^th.  The Tigers responded by pounding out 6 hits, including a triple from Dave Hartley, and a rare error from the Angels to post a 5 spot in the bottom of the 6^th. The game ended on a double play, the Tigers winning 18-10.

Top Performers:

Angels:

Regis Finnegan 1 for 2, 2B, BB, Pitch runner for FG.

Greg Denny 2 for 3

JD Davis 3 for 3, 2B

George Vanderhyde 2 for 3, 2 3B

Keith Linton 1 for 2, BB

Tigers:

John Carpenter 3 for 3, 2B

Charlie Giordano 2 for 3, 2B

Jack Benson 2 for 3, 2B

Bob Hite 2 for 3

Poke Rodriguez 2 for 3

Dave Hartley 3 for 3, HR 3B

Russ King 3 for 3

Gold's Gym Field

Braves vs Cubs

Beautiful day too play 2.  Braves and Cubs tied with 11 victories each played a double header today.  Braves batting in the first with Abney reaching on an error.  Than Waddell and Gene Baker single and Gonzalez doubles.  Lautenschlager triples and Shaffer drive in the 5th of many 5 run innings.  Cubs know the 5 spot also.  Peterson leads off with a homer, Taylor reaches on an error and McLellan triples him home.  Stepp reaches and Lopez singles, Sessick also gets aboard and Mohan drives in the 5th run for the Cubs.  Schapeler starts the second with a single, Podbielski, Witter follow with base hits.  After and infield out Macko, Lyons and Powell single, a walk to Abney and Waddell drive in another 5 runs.  

DePalma and Barnes start the 2nd with singles but the next 3 batter go down in order.  Braves must be getting tired running the bases as they only score 4 in the 3rd.  Baker and Gonzalez single and Lautenschlager homers.  Next two batters go out but base hits from Podbielski, Witter, Bennet and Macko score the 4th run of the inning.  Peterson starts the 3rd for the Cubs with a single, Taylor and Thompson do the same and McLellan clears the bases with a triple.  Stepp singles McLelllan home and  Lopez drive a hard single to left center scoring McLellan.  After 3  Braves 14 Cubs 10. 

Braves will not let up.  Doubles by Lyons and Powell get them rolling again.  Abney, Waddell, and Gonzalez follow with base hits and scored for another 5 run inning.  

Cubs keep this slug fest up with Michalski's base hit, a walk to the walking man Lee Baker, followed with base hits from LaMay, Peterson, Taylor, and Thompson for 4 runs across the plate before the 3rd out of the inning.  Sessick now on the mound for the Cubs.  After the first two batters single for the Braves the next 3 go down in order.  Fifth inning for the Cubs,  Stepp, Lopez, Mohan single to start the inning and Ray DePalma clears the bases with a long drive double to left field.  Barnes drive DePalma home with a liner to right center.  After 5 it Braves 19 Cubs 18.  

Braves tally two more runs in the 6th.  Cubs are stuck on the 4 spot as Baker leads off with a walk, single by LaMay and Taylor, Thompson's double and singles by Stepp and Lopez.  Braves arrive back at their usual 5 runs in the top of the 7th.  What a way to win a ball game.  Gonzalez, Lautenschlager, Denny Shaffer, all hit homers to the deepest parts of the outfield, some might still be rolling if they did not hit the fence.  Schapler drove another to the fence but the legs ain't what they use to be, as he landed on third with a triple.  Podbielski drove Schapler home for the 5th and final run for the Braves.  Cubs batting in the 7th got singles from Barnes and Big Stan but could not drive them home.  

Final Score Braves 26 Cubs 22.

Brave Hitters

The whole team.

Waddell 4 for 4

G. Baker 3 for 4

Gonzalez 4 for 4 with HR

Lautneswchlager 3B and 2 HR

Shaffer 2 for 4 with HR

Podbielski 4 for 4

Witter and Macko 3 for 4

Cubs Hitters

Peterson 3 for 4 with HR

Taylor 3 for 4 with dbl

Barnes 3 for 4

Lee Baker 2 walks

Game 2

Game 2 has the Cubs the visitors and Braves home team.  Peterson leads off with a single as does Taylor, McLellan triples them home and Stepp bring McLellan in with a single.  Lopez walks and Mohan brings in the 4th and final run of the inning.  LaMay on the mound for the Cubs.  Gene Baker get a line drive single for the only hit of the inning.  Big Stan leads off the 2nd with a base rap to left, LaMay singles, Peterson Homers.  Taylor walks and Thompson singles than McLellan homers for 5 more runs.  Braves Schapeler doubles after two outs and is left standing on 2nd.  Cubs come back with 3 more in the 3rd on singles by Stepp and Lopez a walk and singles by Mohan, Depalma and Barnes.  Braves held scoreless for the 3rd inning on great defense by the Cubs.  Walking man Baker starts the 4th with a walk, LaMay singles, Taylor, Thompson and Stepp follows with base hits and Lopez drive a triple to clear the bases for the max 5 runs of the inning.  Braves come back with their bat in the last of the 4th with 4 run.  With a runner for G Baker on 1st Gonzalez triples Lautenschlager singles, Shaffer walks and Schapeler in the 4th run of the inning and is left stranded on a great play by third baseman McLellan to end the inning.  Cubs score 2 in the 5th inning and 3 in the 6 inning.  Braves score 1 run in the 5th.  Braves went down without a run in the 6th and the flip flop rule was put into effect.  Braves came up with 2 in the 7th.  

 

Final Score Cubs 22 and Braves 7.

 

Cubs Hitters

Peterson 2 for 4 with HR

Taylor 3 for 3 with walk

Thompson 3 for 4

McLellan 3 for 5 with triple (could have been a homer but he was the 6th run of the inning)

Mohan 2 for 2 with walk

LaMay 3 for 3

 

Submitted by 

Don LaMay

 

Gatorland Field

Giants vs Marlins

The first game of a doubleheader was a close contest. The Giants were the visitors coached by Bloom. The home team, the Marlins were coached by Simon.  The Giants went scoreless for the first four innings with the Marlins scoring five runs in the second frame and once in the third to take a 6-0 lead after four innings of play.

The Giants got hot and scored twice in the fifth inning and put up a five spot in the sixth to take a one run lead.  The Marlins scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the contest after six innings of play.  The seventh frame featured good defense by both squads with no runs scored by either squad.  

The game then went into an extra inning affair and things got interesting.  Bloom got his team revved up and they scored seven runs on hits by Bess, Bloom, Bloch for a HR, Raganese, Soobash, Remington, Burns for a HR, Holder and Carruthers. The home team was down but  not out and knew that a seven run deficit could be overcome.  The Marlins tied the game with their own seven run onslaught featuring hits by Ayers, Leggett, Andrews, Miller, Simon, Chrest, Torres, Marino, Hill, Miller and Mills.  

Pitcher for the Marlins was Mills, and the pitcher for the giants was Holder.  

Leading hitters for the giants were Block 3-4, Soobash 3-4,  and leading hitters for the Marlins were Miller 3-4,  Ayers 3-3, and Simon 3-4.

 

  Game 2

A perfect sunny day on the National League Schedule
The Marlins did not score in the first inning.
The Giants with six hits and a walk scored five runs.
The Marlins came back over the next two innings with five runs of their own.
They had 10 hits and two walks.
Over the next three innings, the Giants poured it on with thirteen runs.
There was a combination of hits, errors and walks.
In the fifth and sixth innings, The Marlins played five more runs on a home run, singles, walks and errors.
Marlin Hitters.         Torres.         2-3 (hr)
                                Miller           3-3
                                Legget.        2-3
                                Altemose.    2-3
Giant Hitters.           Remington.  3-3
                                Scarborough 2-3
                                Guspyt.         2-3
                                Burns.           2-3
The final score was Giants 19, Marlins 10.

COMMISSIONER NOTES

COMMISSIONER NOTES

This week brings the 2014 season to a close. Friday we will crown our League Champions and then celebrate with a family BBQ. I hope you will bring out your wives to watch some great ball, eat a delicious meal, and meet your teammates and their families. I encourage the pool players that have pretty much stayed away this season to come out and join the festivities and pick up their sports bottles.

While our season comes to a conclusion, it does not mean we will stop playing the game we love. Beginning on the 4th of March we will be playing our games under summer format on Tuesdays at the Southwest complex in Lakeland. Start time will remain at 0930 with check in by 0900. On the 23rd we will be back at the Diamond Plex on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Our Inter League competition with Lakeland is scheduled for the Diamond Plex on Wednesday the 26th of March.If you are interested in playing, please let a BOD memebr know or you can sign up when you come out to the games. This again is a family day so plan on bringing out the family.

For those of you heading north early we wish you god speed and safe travels. Thanks for playing and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Remembering the First Night Game

On this date 1931 - The Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants become the first major league teams to meet in a night game. They collect 23 hits in a 10-inning exhibition game played at Buffs Stadium in Houston.

Gold's Gym Field

Today’s fairy tale game between the Angels and the Rangers was a giant disappointment. By giant, I mean a fee, fie, foe, forfeit. Due to a variety of reasons, the Angels were short players and according to league rules had to incur losses in today’s games. These were the same two teams that fought real hard in splitting doubleheaders, the last two times they faced off.  In previous matchups these two teams fought like Captain Jack Sparrow taking on Captain Barbossa in Pirates of The Caribbean.

  “So what now, Jack Sparrow? Are we to be two immortals locked in an epic battle until Judgment Day and trumpets sound?” (Hector Barbossa).  That was the feeling you had when these two teams crossed swords, I mean bats, previously.

This game was supposed to be like the Big Bad Wolf taking on Cruella De Vil, there were no favorites. Even PETA wasn’t certain who to root for in this type of match up.  Losing today’s games was like chopping down the beanstalk before Jack had a chance to climb it.  The golden goose never got a chance to lay a golden egg. Cinderella never got to wear her blue dress to the ball. (Although, I think I have seen one such item in Don Ing’s closet.)

For certain, the players who decided to show up and participate today, did not lay any eggs. They came out to play ball and give it their very best.  Instead of an epic battle for 1st place, the teams traded a few players and played for love of the game.  Which when it comes right down to it, is the real reason we all still drag out our sometimes tired and sore bodies onto the field, we love the game.

What a game it turned out to be.  There were more runs scored in this game then there were gold doubloons in Cortez’s treasure chest, 51 runs crossed the plate.  It was all or nothing for the Rangers, they had 6, 5 run innings, in 8 attempts; they never had to bat in the 9^th. The other two innings they put up Mother Goose eggs.

Here is a quick look at the box score:

Angels:       0-2-5-5-0-4-2-3-0

Rangers:     0-5-5-5-5-0-5-5----

The final score, though not important, was Angels 21- Rangers 30.

What was important was that everyone seemed to have a good time. Both teams left the field with the feeling that we would all live happily ever after, or maybe, it was the feeling that we would live to fight another day.

Leading Hitters for the Angels:

Pepin: 3 / 5 with a walk and a triple.

DeRidder: 5 / 6 with a double.

Davis: 4 / 5.

Finnegan: 5 /6.

Leading Hitters for the Rangers:

Coffman: 4 / 5 with a double.

Toro: 3 /4 with a HR and a double.

Laffoon: 4 / 5.

Erb: 4 / 5 with a triple and a double.

Zelazny: 3 / 4  and a HR.

Jacobson: 5 /5 with a triple and a double.

Hill: 4/ 5 with a triple.

Butler: 3 /4.

Ing: 3 / 3 and a walk.

Matta: 4 / 4.

Gatorland Field

Tigers vs Rays

When the Tigers played host to the Rays, the 2 teams with the worst records in the American League, at Gatorland Field today there didn’t seem to be much to play for.  Except, Pride and a love of the game.  The Rays bats were burning up as they jumped out to a 25-3 lead.  But, the Tigers showed that it isn’t over till it’s over.  They cut into the Rays lead but it was too big of a gap and the final score was Rays 28 Tigers 19.  These same two teams will meet on the final day of the season for the right to claim 3^rd place.  See you there Rays!!

Top Hitters

Rays:

Ed Gazerek 5 for 5, 2B, BB

Sam Cuscovitch 4 for 6, HR

Ken Ota 4 for 5, 3B, BB

Herbie Oesterreich 6 for 6

Ray Levesque 3 for 5, 3B

Bobby Reagan 4 for 6

Brian Jackson 3 for 5

Pat LoPiccolo 5 for 5

Tigers:

Mike Wiltshire 5 for 5, 2 2B, 3B, HR (Cycle)

Tom Hamilton 5 for 5, 2 2B

Jack Benson 3 for 5

John Carpenter 3 for 5

Poke Rodriguez 3 for 5

Russ King 2 for 3, BB

Gessler Clinic Field

 Braves vs Marlins

The First game was not very exciting. The Marlins did not score any runs. Pitchers Jerry Witter & Larry Powell held the Marlins to 5 hits. The Braves scored 4 in the first, 5 in the second, and 5 in the fifth. 

                            Final Score was Braves 15 --Marlins 0.

Hitters for the Marlins:

Augie Augensten-2-3

Richie Marino 1-2

Larry Chrest 1-2

Bill Ayers 1-2

John Fulton 1-2

Leading hitters for the Braves:

Dave Abney 3-3 one double

Gene Baker 3-3

Harlen Lautenschlager 2-3 one double

Denny Shaffer 3-3

Dean Schapeler 3-3 one double

Milo Macko 1-2 one Home Run

Larry Powell 2-2

In the Second game, the Marlins improved their hitting tremendously. They scored 5 in the first inning and 2 in the second to take the lead. The first 8 hitters got hits--all singles.  The Braves scored two in the second and 6 in the bottom of the third to tie the game. Duff Hill had a home run in the top of the third.The score was 8-8. In the fourth inning,both teams scored one run.

No one scored in the next three innings to force an extra inning. The Marlins took over and scored 5 runs in the top of the eight inning. The Braves were held scoreless in the bottom

                        Final Score was Marlins 14 -Braves 9. Winning Pitcher was Ray Mills

Leading hitters for the Braves:

Gene Baker 2-3

Denny Shaffer 2-3

Dean Schapeler 2-3

Sonny Burrell 2-3 two triples

Gene Morey 2-3

Milo Macko 2-3

Dale Bennet 2-2

Special Note; 

Sonny Burrell had to leave for home today a week early because of a very sick Mother-In Law.

He has been the starting shortstop for the Braves and one of the team's leading hitters.

He will be missed

Leading hitters for Marlins:

Augie A. 4-4 one walk

Richie M. 5-5

Duff Hill 3-4 one home run

John Fulton 2-3

Bill Ayer 4-4

Ray Mills 3-4

Submitted by Larry Powell

Giants Vs Cubs 2-21-2014

Game One

Elmer Black, leading off for the Giants, singles as does Ragonese, Scarborogh and Remington.  Next batter Burns than send a long fly ball to deep left center field for a home run.  Giants score 5.  Cubs Barnes leads off with a walk, Peterson triples over the left fielder.  Thompson follows with a walk and McLellan triples to left also and a sack fly off the bat of Lopez drives in the Cubs 4 run. Giants 5 Cubs 4 after one.  Holder and Cottle lead off the second with base hits, and Ron Carrothers bring home a run with a liner down the left field line.  Depalma starts the second with a walk, Mohan singles and a dribbler down the first base line past the first baseman by LaMay brought in a runs for the Cubbies.  The 3rd inning Bloom starts with a single so does Black and Ragonese scores the both with a homer.  Scarborogh singles, Guspyt doubles and Remington bring in the 5th run of the inning.  Base hits from Peterson, McLellan and Stepp produce a run for the Cubs.  After 3 its Giants 11 Cubs 6.  The visitors score 2 more in the 4 with hits from Burns, Holder and Bowley. Home team answers with hits from Sessick, Mohan and Michalski (Big Stan).  Giants tallie 4 in the 5th and Cubs 2 in the bottom of the inning.  After holding the Giants scoreless in the sixth the Cubs came alive for 5 runs caped off with a homer from Peterson.  Giants bats stayed alive for 6 more runs, but the Cubs started of the bottom of the seventh with 2 hits but the bats fizzled out and the final score was Giants 23 Cubs 16.

 

Giant Hitters:

Black 4 for 4

Ragonese  4 for 4 with HR

Scarborogh 4 for 4

Burns 4 for 4 with 2 HR and Triple

Guspyt 3 for 4

 

Cubs Hitters:

Barnes 3 for 4

Peterson 3 for 4 with HR

McLellan 3 for 4 with Triple

Mohan 3 for 3 with walk

 

Game 2

 

Second game was a rain out make up game.  Giants Visitors and Cubs Home teams.  After two were out in the first for the Giants they had hits from Scarborogh, Guspyt, Remington, Burns and Holder to produce 5 runs.  Cubs start with two walks and a McLellan Home run, than a base hit from Sessick and Ray DePalma doubled in the 5th run for the home team.  Giants go scoreless in the second and third on good pitching and fielding in outfield and infield.  Mohan leads off the second with a single, than gimpy legs LaMay brings him home with a double.  Giants tally 2 in the 4th while the Cubs manages single runs in the third and forth innings.  Both team were without runs in the 5th and 6th.  Score Cubs 8 Giants 7.  First 2 batters go out for the Giants the Nick Burns reaches base and Holder drives him in with a single.  An error allowed Holder to score and the Giants now lead 9 to 8.  In the home half of the 7th Mohan lines a single to right center, Big Stan follows in the same direction with a hit.  Up come Lee Baker and he hits a sharp grounder just inside first to bring home Mohan and tie the score.  Big Stan moved to 3rd on the play.  LaMay than drive a another dribbler to 3rd base and the winning run scores.   Final Score Cubs 10  Giants 9

 

Leading Hitters Cubs

McLellan 2 for 3 with HR

Stepp  2 fir 3 with HR

DePalma 2 for 3

Michalski 2 for 3

Mohan 2 for 2 with walk

LaMay 2 for 3

 

Leading Hitters for Giants

Remington 2 for 3

Burns 3 for 3

Holder 2 for 3

 

Submitted by Don LaMay