Today's matchup on Fri., Feb. 27 was to determine the league champion.  The Braves VS The Marlins with both teams tied at 13 points apiece.  The Braves, managed  by Larry Powell, had won two previous games against the Marlins to put  themselves in position to win the league championship.  The Braves  were the visitors and their lineup was:  Fulton, Turpin, Macko, King, McLellan, Lautenschlager, Ragonese, Ayala, Abney, Bloom, Powell and Morey.  The Marlins were the home team and their lineup was:  Hill, Torres, Grabb, Remington, Simon, Zakrowski, Marino, Kline, Long, Moots, Gibson and  L. Baker.  The Braves bats were cold early on and failed to score in the first four innings of play.  The Marlins jumped out to an early lead with three runs in the first frame keyed by 2B  by Torres and Remington.  They added a run in the second inning and three more in the third inning on 2B by D. Hill and Torres followed by a Grabb HR.  The Marlins did not score in the fourth inning.  After 4 innings the score was 0-7.  The Braves scored twice in the top of the fifth on a McClellan HR.  The Marlins responded with a big 5 run inning  on 2B by D. Hill and Torres  followed by singles from Simon, Zakrowski, Marino, Kline and Long.  In the sixth inning the Braves scored one run on a Powell 2B.  The Marlins in the bottom of the sixth continued their hot hitting and scored five runs on six hits and a Torres HR. and a Simon 2B.  After 6 innings the score was 3-17.  In the seventh frame the Braves scored 3 runs with two outs on a Macko 3B and a 2B from McLellan.   The Braves answered by scoring 3 runs of their own on a Marino 2B to keep a large lead.  The  Braves did not score in the eighth and the Marlins added one run.  The Braves scored three runs in the ninth  inning and the final tally was Braves 9 and Marlins 21.  Kline was the WP.  Leading hitters for the Braves were: Fulton 3-4, King 3-4, McClellan 3-4 HR, 2 2B, Abney 2-3.  Leading hitters for the Marlins were:  D. Hill 4-5 2 2B, Torres 4-5 HR 3 2B, Grabb 2-4 HR SF, Remington 3-5 2B, Simon 3-5  2B, Zakrowski 3-3 BB,  Kline 3-3 BB, Gibson 2-3 BB.
Write up by Jeff Simon

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015

National League Game on Field D
Two teams playing the game we love to play.
Home team under the management of Elmer Black took the field to play the Cubs
managed by Don LaMay.  It was a very cool morning and everyone was hoping to get
the game over quickly and get to the lunch provided for the players and guests.
This was the 9th time these two teams faced each other.  We also played two
games in the preseason.  Without score sheets to write this article it is hard
to mention any of the players and their hits.  But we can point out that the
Cubs built up a comfortable lead in the first few innings and took a 9 run lead
into the 8th inning. So both managers agreed to play the flip-flop rule.  BUT
Elmer’s team as they have done most of the year rallied for two runs in the 8th
and then really came alive in the 9th by scoring 5 runs and having two runners
on base before the final out was made.  Final Score LaMay’s Cubs 18 and Blacks
Team 16.
GREAT GAME GUYS   LETS EAT.

Write up by Don Lamay

Requiem

Stiepan BRNARDIC

Obituary BRNARDIC, Stiepan (Steve) It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our "Big Steve" in Lakeland, Florida on February 10, 2015 at the young age of 61. Predeceased by parents Stjepan (2006) and Barka (2009). Adoring husband & best friend to wife Jayne for 38 years. Most devoted father and biggest fan to his sons Steven (Lindsay) and Ryan (Kelly). Most dedicated and cherished Dede to his "GGs" Blake and Jack. Brother-in-law to Wayne & Deb Fortin, Leah & Ted Nantais and Paul & Darlene Fortin. Fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews, along with countless other friends who were lucky enough to have known him. Steve retired from Daimler Chrysler after working for 35 years. He had two passions in life. First and foremost his family. Second was his undeniable passion for sports, especially softball, and the special bond he had with his team mates from the FOG Devils. Steve touched the lives of so many people with his big smile, kindness and generosity. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Donations to the Ontario Heart and Stroke would be appreciated by the family.  Published in The Windsor Star on Feb. 14, 2015

Battle for the Bottom

Epic doesn't describe it.  The two losingest teams of the year squared off for the Charlie Brown trophy and guess what? We ended up tied for last.  It doesn't get any more classic than that.  Neither of us can lay claim to the Charlie Brown this year. The JDs beat us back in January and we repaid the favor today leaving us both with one win each. That is, both teams posted 1 and 14 records for the season. Yeesh.

Since we had the worse record, at zero wins going into today, we were home team and as it turned out, it didn't matter.  Butler's Boys led from frame one and never looked back.  We gave up a five run inning in the 6th when we were ahead 17 to 3 but our defense came through shutting down JDs Squad in the other 7 innings.  The JDs scored 3 in the first (on a Dave Doerbaum bomb with two on) and 5 in the sixth but that was it.  Zeros the rest of the way.  Meanwhile we scored our second best total of the year putting up 22 in 8 innings.

The Charlie Brown will have to wait until next year. 


Winning Pitcher: BJ Kallister

Key Hitters

Winners!!!

• Keller 4 for 5 HR 2-2B
• Butler 4 for 4 2-2B SAC
• Busch 3 for 4 2-2B
• Zelazny 5 for 5 2B
• Lafoon 4 for 5
• Hartley 3 for 4

The Other Guys

• Wiltshire 3 for 4
• Gazarek 3 for 4
• Coffman 2 for 3 BB
• JD 3 for 4
• Hill 3 for 4
• Schapler 3 for 4

The Tale of The Tape:

For what it's worth I kept On-Base stats for my guys.  In slow pitch softball with the pitches zooming in there at about 3 mph, everyone should be up around the 800 level or so.  This probably explains our season.

	OBP
Keller	0.688
Butler	0.683
Busch	0.605
Zelazny	0.590
Andrews	0.581
Lafoon	0.533
Poke	0.462
Hartley	0.452
Walsko	0.438
Hite	0.429
Kallister	0.406
Wheeler	0.346

submitted by Ron Butler

BAR-B-QUE LUNCH THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015

BAR-B-QUE LUNCH THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015


The Board of Directors is sponsoring a barbeque lunch this Friday to celebrate the end of the season for WHSS. This lunch is open to all players and their guests. If you have a BYE this Friday, please come join us for lunch and to watch the championship game between Larry Powell's Braves and Jeff Simon's Marlins. It should be an exciting game.


There will be a short league meeting at 9:30 AM Friday before we begin playing softball. On Tuesday, March 3, we will start playing softball on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Auburndale Softball Complex for three weeks. We will resume play in Winter Haven on Tuesday March 24. If you have any questions concerning the location of the fields in Auburndale, let a board member know.


Thanks.


Don Witmer, Commissioner

Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Today's game on Field C between the Marlins and the Braves was one that was highly anticipated.

The Marlins started the game by scoring two quick runs in the first inning with Duff Hill and Jeff Simon leading off and scoring.

The Braves quickly took the lead by scoring three runs in both the first and second innings.  Harlan Lautenschlager tripled in the first to knock in three runs. In the second inning Larry Powell hit a double to score two of the runs and scored the third run on a hit by Gene Morey. In the third inning, Augie Augenstein hit a base clearing triple to help the Braves score 5 runs. The Marlins tried to keep up by scoring two runs in the fourth inning with Larry Grabb  and Jerry Remington scoring on a key hit by Sam Lopez. The score at the end of Five innings was Marlins-4 Braves-10.

The Marlins added runs in the sixth, seventh, and eight innings but were shutout in the top of the ninth.The Braves in the meantime scored five in the sixth and seventh innings and three in the eight.Bill McLellan had a home run and Harlan had another triple to knock in three runs. Final Score Marlins 12 Braves 25.

Larry Powell was winning pitcher.

Top Hitters for the Marlins:

Duff Hill 3-5

Jerry Remington 4-4 

Rich Marino 3-4

Top Hitters for the Braves:

Milo Macko 3-4

Bill McLellan 2-2 two walks and one home run

Harlan Lautenschlager 4-4 two triples

Augie Augenstein 3-4 one triple

David Ragonese 3-4

Dave Abney 4-4 one home run

Larry Powell 3-4

Gene Morey 2-3

Write up by Larry Powell

JD's team was the only obstacle team T8 needed to overcome to finish the season undefeated.  The game started out with T8's scoring 18 runs in the first 5 innings and JD countering with 11.  The next 4 innings were very exciting with T8's scoring 14 runs and needing all of them as JD's boys tallied 16 runs resulting in a 32 to 27 victory for T8's.  The game ended with Larry Wells retiring the first 3 hitters in JD's lineup on 5 pitches.  Great season boys.  Thanks to Nic Burns and Tom Capozzi for filling in for Tom Hamilton and Frank Jacobs.  Great job umping by Don Ing and Pat D.   Congrats to JD's team for a fun game that went down to the wire.  Congrats to T8's for  a special season going undefeated ( I don't know if this was a first in Winter Haven softball).

Leading hitters T8's

Jose Rivera 3-6

Jeff Steirs 5-6

Kurt Essenmacher 5-6

Ron Pepin 4-6

Ray Levesque 4-6

Joe D'Herin 4-5

Bob Vandenberg 3-5

Angel Farinas 4-5 (4 triples)

Larry Wells 3-5  undefeated pitching

Nic Burns 3-4

Tom Capozzi 3-5

Leading hitters JD

Mike Wiltshire 3-6

Eddie Gazarek 5-6

Chuck Duff 3-5

Miguel Gonzalez 3-5

Kirk Coffman 3-5

JD 5-5 

Terry Smith 4-5

Write up by Joe D'Herin

National League Game on Field B    Cubs VS Pirates

The National Leagues game between the Cubs with Manager Don LaMay's team lined up in this order: Thompson, Taylor, Scarbrough, Shaffer, Stepp, Michalski, Mohan, Hector, Baker, Leggett, DePalma, McPartlan, and Yarletts.  The Pirates with Floyd Welton at the helm batted in this order:  Barnes, Kline, Hawbaker, Guspyt, F. Miller, Boswell, Ducham, Witter, Chamlee, Black, Ayer, and Welton. 

First inning Cubs came out swinging there bats.  Thompson doubles, then four singles by Taylor, Scarbrough, Shaffer and Stepp and a double off the bat of Michalski drove in the max 5 runs for the inning.  Pirates have singles from Kline and Hawbaker then Miller drives in a run for the Pirates with a line single to left center.  Cubs continued with the hot bats in the second and third innings with 5 runs in each frame.  In the meantime Cubs pitcher Leggett was keeping the Pirates hitters off stride and hitting the corners to hold the Pirates scoreless in the next 4 innings.  Cubs added another 4 in the fourth inning.

The pitching performance from Cubs Leggett was one to be highlighted.  Walt held the Pirates to 4 runs over the 9 innings.  Good fielding plays by Stepp from his 2^nd base spot to make an over the shoulder running catch.  Scarbrough on a hard hit grounder in the hole and threw the runner out at first. 

Final score Cubs 27  Pirates 4

Leading hitters for the Cubs:  Thompson 5 for 5, Taylor 5 for 5, Scarbrough 5 for 5 w/HR, Michalski 5 for 5 w/DBL, and Leggett 3 for 3 w/walk

Pirates:  Kline 3 for 4, Hawbaker 3 for 4

 

Write up by Don LaMay

BAR-B-QUE LUNCH THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015


The Board of Directors is sponsoring a barbeque lunch this Friday to celebrate the end of the season for WHSS. This lunch is open to all players and their guests. If you have a BYE this Friday, please come join us for lunch and to watch the championship game between Larry Powell's Braves and Jeff Simon's Marlins. It should be an exciting game.


There will be a short league meeting at 9:30 AM Friday before we begin playing softball. On Tuesday, March 3, we will start playing softball on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Auburndale Softball Complex for three weeks. We will resume play in Winter Haven on Tuesday March 24. If you have any questions concerning the location of the fields in Auburndale, let a board member know.


Thanks.


Don Witmer, Commissioner

GAME SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015


The Braves were on the warpath today as they faced the Marlins for what was going to be the Championship game of the season. Jeff Simon's Marlins were the point leader in the National League until today when Larry Powell's Braves won again for the second consecutive time. The win today by the Braves has forced a Championship game for this Friday. This requires a schedule change for the National League. Team 3 will face Team 5 on Field C and Team 1 will face Team 2 on Field D. Team 4 will now have the BYE. Managers of these teams should call all of their players and let them know about the schedule changes.


There are no schedule changes in the American League. Congratulations to Joe D'Herin's team as they finished up their season today as Champions with no losses. They have a BYE this Friday.

Leaving Las Vegas

Well, we gave it a shot.  Down but not out and still Un-victorious. 

Despite putting up 24 runs and being home team, we couldn't quite pull it it out.  If you were a betting man, the Over would have paid off.

Ron Butler's valiant Home squad put up a fight, against Freddy's Angels only to go down swinging in 10 innings.  Ron's guys were down a bunch going into the bottom of the 9th inning and scored 8 runs to tie the game at 20 each.  You'd think we could have found one more hit.  We had the winning run on base. 

Hey, at least we made it exciting for our fan. Since the current rule (soon to change) allows for an extra inning, we took the field once more to try and shut down the Angels in the 10th.  Unfortunately, we gave up 5 runs before we got them out to make the score 25-20 going into the bottom of the last.

The good news is, we didn't just lay down and give up.  In the bottom of the 10th, the top of our order, Andrews, Keller, Busch and Butler all reached base and scored leaving the tying and winning runs on base when the last out was made.

Final score Angels (visitors) 25, Team Butler (home) 24.

We get slightly better every game.  24 runs is a new record for us. Also note that defensively Don Keller made a great running catch in right center as well as hitting for the cycle.  Way to go Don!

Winning Pitcher: Pat Lopicolo

Angels Stars:

• Constantine  5 for 6 2B, 3B
• Witmer  4 for 5 3B SAC
• Toro 4 for 5 2B SAC
• Jacobsen 3 for 5 HR SAC
• Humphrey 3 for 6
• Giordano 3 for 5
• Deemie 4 for 5 

Butler's Boys:

• Andrews 3 for 5 BB
• Keller 5 for 6  Hit for the Cycle 
• Busch 3 for 6
• Butler 6 for 6  2-3B, HR
• Dampier 3 for 5 2B
• Matta 4 for 5 2B

UPDATE ON GAMES FOR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20


The League Games scheduled for Friday have been CANCELED. The National Weather Service has changed their mind about the temperature and wind chill factor for in the morning. It is suppose to be colder with a stronger wind. That said, I will be there in the morning for anyone who would like to play ball. We will sign in at the table and do pickup games. If you come to play ball, you might want to wear your ear muffs. Game time will be at 10:00. Be there around 9:30.

 Thanks.

 Don Witmer, Commissioner

GAME TIME CHANGE FOR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20

 The National Weather Service is still predicting the temperature to be around 35 degrees with an 6 MPH wind at 8:00 AM on Friday Morning. Therefore, the starting game time is being moved to 10:00 AM. Be at the ball park no later than 9:30 AM. This 30 minutes will allow the air temperature to be around 45 degrees at game time. An ear muff day for me and shorts weather for the rest of you.

 Thanks.

 Don Witmer, Commissioner

END OF SEASON INFORMATION
The Board of Directors met this morning after the games were complete to discuss how to wrap up the end of the "Season". The Board decided to end the "Season" on Friday, Feb. 27th as the current schedule shows. This schedule was made in December and many people have made plans in the month of March and will not be available to play if the "Season" is extended. Listed below are the events as we know them today.

• Joe D'Herin's team wrapped up the Championship in the American League. Except for one tie, they are undefeated so far this season.
• There will be no double header makeup games in the American League on Friday, Feb. 27th because the championship in the American League has been determined. Regular nine inning games will be played as per the schedule.  
• There is a battle in the National League between Jeff Simon's Marlins and Larry Powell's Braves. They play again next Tuesday and the outcome of that game may determine the championship for the National League. Friday's schedule may change depending on the outcome of that game.
• WHSS will have a barbecue lunch on Friday, Feb. 27 @ 11:30 AM. Team Members and guests are welcome. Please let your manager know if you plan on being there and how many guests you plan on bringing. We need a head count to order the food.
• WHSS Board of Directors voted to give each player a black, long sleeve shirt to wear under their uniform shirt on cold days. The shirts will be available this Friday, Feb 20th. See your manager for your shirt. You may need the shirt this Friday because it is supposed to be cold.
• WHSS will continue to play softball for the month of March. We will be playing at the Auburndale Softball Complex beginning Tuesday, March 3rd. We will be playing Tuesdays and Fridays for three weeks and will return to Winter Haven on Tuesday, March 24th. The fields are located behind the Auburndale Speedway.The address for the Auburndale fields is 5642 K Ville Road, Auburndale Fl. 33823. Maps and directions to the fields will be available Friday, Feb. 20th.
• If the manager of any team wants to keep their team together for the month of March, they may do so. All other  players will sign in as usual and teams will be made from the sign in list. We will make sure there are teams to compete with each other.
• The Board of Directors is seeking input from the members on how we are going to develop the season next year. There will be a player opinion survey available to all members this Friday, Feb. 20th. Please complete the survey no later than March 15th and return it to any board member or the commissioner.

If you have any questions concerning the above events, see a board member or the commissioner.
Thanks.
Don Witmer, Commissioner

•     

The undefeated ( 1 tie) T8's hooked up against Freddy G's team on field B.  The contest started out 5 to 0 T8's.  A 5 run 4th inning opened the game up and consistent hitting thru out the lineup and outstanding pitching and defense resulted in a 20 to 4 victory for the T8's.  Larry Wells threw 6 shutout innings and nice defensive plays were turned in by Angel Farinas, Bob Vandenberg, Jose Rivera, and Joe D'Herin.  Thank you Chuck Duff for umping this game.
  

Leading hiitters T8's

Jeff Stiers  4-5

Frank Jacobs 5-5

Greg Denny 3-4

Bob Vandenberg 3-4

7 other players with 2 hits

Leading hitters Freddy G's

Chris Constantine  3-4

Juan Toro  3-4

Les Jacobsen  2-4
Write up by Joe D'Herin

Shootout at the Field C Corral. 

Remember the old western movies; the fastest gun would always survive. Below is a list of classic westerns. How many of these have you seen? Which one was your favorite?

 

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson and Jason Robards. Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), James Coburn and Kris Kristofferson. My Darling Clementine (1946), Henry Fonda and Victor Mature. The Big Country (1958), Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston and Burl Ives. Winchester ’73 (1950), James Stewart, Shelley Winters and Stephen McNally. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), James Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin and Vera Miles. Stagecoach (1939), John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine and John Carradine. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Katharine Ross. Red River (1948), John Wayne, Montgomery Clift and Joanne Dru. High Noon (1952), Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Harvey Pell, Katy Jurado and Grace Kelly. The Searchers (1956), John Wayne and Jeffrey Hunter. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke and Paula Trueman. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966), Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. Silverado (1985), Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Kevin Costner and Scott Glenn. Tombstone (1993), Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott and Bill Paxton. Dances With Wolves, (1990) Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell and Graham Greene.

 

We had a shootout today, on Field C, between the Silverado team and the Dodge City team. YEEHAW!

Silverado team, Visitors: Benson, Reagan, Drouilard, Brock, Erb, Held, Parker, Matta, Seguin, Dampier Oesterreich and Ing.

Dodge City team, Home team: Andrews, Laffoon, Keller, Busch, Butler, Zelazny, Hite, Poke, Hartley, Kallister, Wheeler and Coffman.

 

The Silverado team came into town with guns blazing; we scored 5 runs in the first inning. Benson, Drouilard, Held and Matta were the sharp shooters, who were quick off the draw. All 4 players got hits and when you mix in a few errors that were committed by the Dodge City Gang, the Silverado team hit gold. The Silverado team did not finish shooting up the town after the first inning; there were a lot more base hits “atwixt” the team members. They brought some “bad medicine” to the Dodge City team, as the visitors added 4 and 5 runs, in their 2^nd and 3^rd at bats. The whole team hit like a “curly wolf” (dangerous man, real tough guy). At the end of three innings the score was Silverado: 14- Dodge City: 7. 

 

“You may need me and this here Winchester, Curly. I saw a barn burning last night.” (Ringo Kid, Stagecoach). The Dodge City gang needed the Ringo Kid, John Wayne, if they wanted to “stage” a comeback. They had quite a few barns burning, they were set ablaze by the Silverado gang. After the top of the 7^th inning the score was Silverado: 31- Dodge City: 12.

 

Marshal Curly Wilcox: “You can find another wife.”

Chris: “Sure I can find another wife. But she take my rifle and horse. Oh, I'll never sell her. I love her so much. I beat her with a whip and she never gets tired.”

Dr. Josiah Boone: “Your wife?”

Chris: “No, my horse. I can find another wife easy, yes, but not a horse like that!”

In the bottom of the 7^th inning, the Dodge City Gang got on their horse and decided to “cowboy up”. They sent 11 batters to the plate and scored 7 runs. Jimmy Laffoon started things off with a double. Keller, Busch, Butler, Hite, Poke and Kallister all played like desperados, they reached base safely. Michael Wheeler emptied 3 shots from his bat, into the bags, as he pulled into third with a triple, to end the scoring that inning. After 7 full innings of play the score was Silverado: 31- Dodge City: 19.

 

“Well, there are some things a man just can't run away from.” (The Ringo Kid, Stagecoach). The Dodge City team wasn’t running away from a fight, but neither was team Silverado. They answered with 4 runs, in the top of the eighth inning, with hits from Held, Parker, Matta, Seguin, Oesterreich and Ing; along with a sacrifice fly, by Fred Dampier. The Dodge City gang was now up to bat in the bottom of the 8^th, in a flip flop game situation. They added 4 runs in the bottom of the 8^th and were shut out in the 9^th. Final Score: Silverado: 35- Dodge City: 23.

 

I think it was the Ringo Kid who said; “Well, I guess you can't break out of prison and into society in the same week.” Or, was that a Don Ing quote? Anyway, the Silverado team "broke out" their bats and "locked up" a win.

 

Silverado Gunslingers: (Twelve deadly guns).

Benson: 3/5 with two doubles and a SF.

Reagan: 4/6.

Drouilard: 3 / 4 and a SF.

Brock: 3/3 with a double and two SFs.

Erb: 3/5

Held: 4/ 5 Two triples and two doubles.

Parker: 3 / 4 and a SF.

Matta: 5/ 5 with two doubles.

Seguin: 5/5 with two doubles.

Dampier: 3 / 4 with a double and a SF.

Oesterreich: 4/5 with a double.

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

Dodge City Gunslingers:

Keller: 4 / 5 with two triples.

Busch: 3/ 4 with a double.

Zelazny: 3 / 4 with a double and a walk.

Hite: 3 / 5 with a double.

Poke: 4/5.

Kallister: 4/5.

Wheeler: 4/5 with a triple.

Coffman: 3/5 with a triple.

These guys lassoed the ball on defense:

Matta, for a diving stop at 1^st base.

Seguin, for going deep into the hole at 2^nd and throwing the runner out.

Andrews, for running down a fly ball in the gap.

 

Thanks to JD Davis for playing sheriff and umpiring the game.

Write up by Nick Matta

Black's Nationals faced Welton's Pirates on Field D this morning in a hard fought battle. Runs were scored in bunches as the Pirates had 4 five run innings and the Nationals had 2 five run innings and 1 six run inning. Final Score, Pirates 24 and Nationals 22. Getting 4 hits for the Pirates were, Guspyt, Torres, Miller and Thompson with Torres getting 2 home runs. Barnes, Kline, Hill and Hawbaker had 3 hits each. For the Nationals, Shaffer, Lopez and Burns had 4 hits each, with Shaffer getting 2 home runs, one a grand slam. Black and Ayer had  3 hits each for the Nats. Torres played great for the Pirates making several great plays we usually don't see in the National League. A great time was had by all.
Write up by Bill Ayer

GAME SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE 


The National League managers met after the games Friday and decided to change the schedule for the last four games of the season. There was a lot of dissatisfaction with the three team format so the managers decided to eliminate the three team format and play head to head for the remaining four games of the season. This will result in one team having a Bye each day like the American League. Below is the revised schedule for the four remaining games of the season. The schedule was made to allow teams that had no head to head competition for the past six weeks to compete against each other. There will be hard copies of the new schedule at the check in desk Tuesday morning. The manager of the Bye team for Tuesday morning should call all of his players and let them know they have a Bye. The Bye team is eligible for the pool if they are needed. Regular pool players have preference over the Bye team so I don't expect many players from the Bye team to be selected. Please come to the games and umpire or cheer for your favorite team. Home team is listed on the right and will wear their Silver Shirts.

REVISED NATIONAL LEAGUE SCHEDULE

FEBRUARY 17, 2015 TO FEBRUARY 27, 2015 

DATE	FIELD B	FIELD C	FIELD D	FIELD E	BYE
TUESDAY, FEB. 17			4 VS 2	5 VS 3	1
FRIDAY, FEB. 20	5 VS 2			3 VS 1	4
TUESDAY, FEB. 24	1 VS 4	5 VS 3			2
FRIDAY, FEB. 27		3 VS 1	4 VS 2		5

   

Cubs vs Nationals - Field C  2-13-2015

The Cubs with Don LaMay manager were the visitors today facing the National’s with Elmer Black at the helm.  Cubs lined up like this:  Thompson, Taylor, Scarbrough, Ridley, Marinacci, Stepp, Leggett, Mohan, Michalski, McPartlan and Yarletts.  The Nationals went with this lineup:  Waddell, Altemose, Peterson, Shaffer, Wilcox, Crowe, Ayers, Pelletier, Black, J. Smith, and Bowley.

This game was a see-saw battle from the start of the game.  Cub’s leadoff batter Thompson lined a triple down the right field corner, Taylor singled him in and Ridley drove him in with a base rap for two runs in the first inning.  Nationals Waddel, Altemose, Peterson, and Shaffer started with base raps and the Nats tallied 3 runs.  The second saw the Cubs score 2 with Yarletts having a big hit in the inning.  Nats were held scoreless in the second. 

In the third the bats started warming up.  Cubs scored 3 and the Nats answered with 5 runs with Shaffer’s triple being the big hit of the inning.  After 3 the score was Cubs 7 Nats 8.  The Cubs responded with 5 in the top of the 4^th to regain the lead 12 to 8 and then blanked the Nats in the bottom of the inning.  In the 5^th the Cubs added another 5 runs with a home run off the bat of Scarbrough.  The never give up Nats put together a rally with a big hit from Bowley to start and a Grand Slam off the bat of Shafffer to score 7 runs in the inning and making the score 17 to 15 in favor of the Cubs.  After holding the Cubs to a big zero the Nats came back in the bottom of the inning to take the lead back by scoring 3 runs. 

In the 7^th the Cubs scored 3 to regain the lead and held the Nat scoreless in the bottom of the see-saw game.  Cubs added another run in the 8^th and the Nationals took over the lead with Peterson’s home run being the big hit in the 4 run inning.  After 8 innings the score was Nats 22 Cubs 21.

The 8^th inning saw big hit off the bats of Mohan and Yarletts to start the inning and a double and triple off the bats of Scarbrough and Ridley to regain the lead again with 7 runs for the inning.  BUT with the Nats at bat coming up Smith leads off with a hit, after one out Waddell and Altemose add singles, than a fielder’s choice and a liner up the middle by Shaffer the big bat of Wilcox drives one to deep right center for a home run to get the Nats to within a run of a tie.  An infield fly cut the rally a run short.  The final score was Cubs 28 the Nationals 27.

Leading hitters for the Nationals:

Waddell 6 for 7 Altemose 4 for 7 Peterson 4 for 6 w/HR Shaffer 4 for 6 w/HR Wilcox 5 for 6 w/HR

Cubs:

Thompson 4 for 5 w/walk Taylor 4 for 6 Scarbrough 5 for 6 w/2HR, 3 2B, Ridley 4 for 6 w/3B, Yarletts 4 for 5.

Great catches by Pelletier off the bat of Taylor and Taylor off the bat of Pelletier.   McPartlan off the bat of Shaffer in the 8^th inning.

Write up by Don Lamay

The game was a three team format. The hit team was the the Braves, managed by Larry Powell. The sit team was managed by Jeff Simon and the field team, the Pirates, were managed by Floyd Welton.  This was sure to be a close and exciting contest with first place in the standings up for grabs with the Braves only one point behind the Marlins and the Pirates only a few points back.  The hit team started strong with 5 runs in the top of the  first inning.  The Marlins responded with 5 runs on doubles by D. Hill and Hite.  The Pirates scored a solo run on a R. Torres leadoff HR.  After one inning the score was 5-5-1.  All three teams were scoreless in the second frame.  The Braves scored 4 times in the third inning only to see the Marlins answer with 4 runs of their own led by doubles from Grabb and Hite.  The score after 3 innings of play was 9-9-1.  The Braves did not score in the top of the fourth.  The Marlins scored one run to take a  slim one run lead.  The Pirate bats came alive in the bottom of the fourth inning with 2 runs powered by a F. Miller triple.  After 4 innings the tally was 9-10-3.  Down by a run, Powell's Braves grabbed a lead with a 4 run spurt featuring a King double and a McLellan HR.  The  Marlins failed to score and the Pirates continued with their comeback by scoring three runs  on a triple by Gusypt. The score after 3 innings was 13-10-6.  In the top of the sixth the Braves sent 4 batters to the plate and failed to score, leaving the door open .  This opportunity was grabbed by the Marlins who  tied the game with three runs on 6 hits.  The Pirates took advantage of this opportunity and  scored 5 runs on 6 hits.  After 6 innings the score was a tight and anybody's game 13-13-9.  In the top of the seventh and last inning the Braves blasted to a 5 run lead showcased by a King 3B.  The Marlins had a strong last frame and batted around to score seven runs led by a Grabb HR and a triple by Marino.  The Pirates scored 2 runs in the bottom of the seventh.  The final score was Braves-18, Marlins-20 and Pirates 13.  The WP was G. Seguin.
Write up by Jeff Simon 

Love of the Game. Happy Valentines. 

I centered the write up around the Valentine's holiday. We had a sweetheart of a game. Both sides made some excellent plays; the game was close. In fact, these two teams were as close as a Valentines heart and arrow. Before I get too far into describing the game, I’ll share a Red Neck, Valentine poem. I don’t recommend saying this one to your wife.

Collards is green, you make a great possum stew.

 I am so lucky to have a darlin' like you.

 Ya kin strip a motor in just few minutes

 And still have time to go hunt supper and even skin it.

 We go together like a skunk and stink

 Every time I see ya my eye starts to wink.

 Yer love fer me is like a roll of duct tape

 Ya hold me together each time I break.

At night when ya hold me real, real tight like ya do

 I can smell on yer breath the scent of yer chew.

 I love yer kisses, ain't none no wheres finer

 Ya taste like the road kill down at the diner.

11 Roses, Visiting team: Rivera, Hamilton, Jacobs, Pepin, Denny, Kurt, Levesque, D’Herin, Vandenberg, Farinas and Wells.

Box of Chocolates, Home team: Benson, Drouilard, Brock, Matta, Erb, Seguin, Reagan, Dampier, Oesterreich, Ing and Parker.

These two teams were trying to settle the longstanding question, which gift does a woman prefer on Valentine’s Day, flowers or chocolates? The answer is neither, they prefer diamonds.

We played on a diamond today, does that count? The roses started off smelling sweet; they scored 5 runs in the first inning. They were aided when the Box of Chocolate’s team had a minor melt down and dropped a few balls.

The Chocolate team, turned into hot chocolate in the 2nd, 3rd, 4^th and 5th innings, as their bats heated up. After 5 innings of play the score was Roses: 6- Box of Chocolates: 9. As for love, one writer said it this way, "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." (Charles Shultz).

The Visitors sent an FTD bouquet of flowers to home plate in the 6^th and 7^th inning, scoring 4 runs in each inning. That gave the Rose team the lead, 14-11. The Rose team then kissed the plate two more times, once in the 8^th and once in the 9^th.

The Home team came up in the bottom of the 9^th inning hoping to send a candy gram across the plate. They were down by a score of 16-12, having scored once in the 8^th inning.  Five, out of the first six batters reached base in the bottom of the ninth, things looked good for the Box of Chocolate’s team. The tying run was on 3rd base and the winning run was on 1^st base, with only one out. It was not to be, the roses turned a game ending double play, to win in dramatic fashion. Final score: 16-15.

Roses are red and my team turned blue

When that winning run, never came through.

Visitors Hitting Stars:

Hamilton: 2/4 with a walk and a triple.

Jacobs: 3/5 with a double.

Denny: 3 / 4 and a walk.

Kurt: 3/5.

D’Herin: 3/5.

Home Team Hitting Stars:

Drouilard: 5/6.

Brock: 3/5 with a double.

Erb: 5/5.

Reagan: 4/4 with a double.

Parker: 3/4.

Fielding Stars:

Rivera

Hamilton

Farinas

Brock

Erb

Parker

Seguin

Hidden facts: Both Brock and Wells pitched excellent games. The Visiting team turned 4 double plays, which were a key to their success.

Here is a good poem for your special lady:

Getting older can be a pain,

But with you along, I can’t complain.

Despite the things that we go through,

I know I’ll never stop loving you.

Write up by Nick Matta.

It is with a great deal of sorrow that I am writing about the death of Steve Brnardic. Steve was new to WHSS, he just started playing with us a week ago. Previously, he played for years in Windsor, Canada and in Fort Lauderdale. Still a young man, Steve, left us suddenly at the age of 61. He died Tuesday, of a heart attack suffered in Auburndale, while playing basketball. I can tell you that Steve passed away happy; he was enjoying playing ball with friends and showed his usual enthusiasm for playing sports, up to the moment he left us.

Steve was a member of Nick Matta’s squad at WHSS. A great teammate, Steve played softball for years together with Pat Drouilard and Don Ing, at Micmac Park, in Windsor. He was a fierce competitor, a talented athlete and a good friend to those who knew him best.  Glenn Holland, Mike Wiltshire and Hector Marinacci all knew Steve, quite well. Don Ing, Pat Drouilard and Scot Seguin were very close with him. I am sure these guys can tell you some good softball and hockey stories about their buddy. I only knew Steve for a short time, but he left a great impression on me. Steve Brnardic was the type of guy I would have liked to have known longer and become close friends with. The bible states life is a vapor; “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14). It’s important to live life to the fullest and be ready to meet our Creator.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jane, and his sons, Steve Jr. and Ryan. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Written by Nick Matta.

GAME TIME CHANGE FOR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13


The National Weather Service is still predicting the temperature to be around 40 degrees with a 10 MPH wind at 8:00 AM on Friday Morning. Therefore, the starting game time is being moved to 10:00 AM. Be at the ball park no later than 9:30 AM. This 30 minutes will allow the air temperature to be around 50 degrees at game time. An ear muff day for me and shorts weather for the rest of you.


Thanks.


Don Witmer, Commissioner

Tuesday, February 10, 2015


Today was the most exciting and competitive three team game of the season.

The Pirates led by Floyd Welton, Mgr, the Nationals led by Elmer Black, Mgr, and the Braves led by Larry Powell,Mgr, battled to the end of seven innings to finish with two teams tied and one team one run behind.

The Pirates started scoring runs in the first inning with 4 runs with Fred  Dampier hitting a three run triple to lead the way.The Braves kept pace by scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning with 6 straight hits.

The Braves took the lead in the bottom of the second inning by scoring 2 runs on Larry Powell's double. The Nationals added 5 runs in the third inning to catch up on 6 singles.

The fourth inning was high scoring for all three teams. The Pirates scored 4 runs with Fred Dampier second triple. The Nationals added 5 runs to their score on Steve Hill's grand slam home run. The Braves scored three runs on Bill McLellan home run.The Pirates scored 4 runs in the sixth inning on Fred Dampier home run.

The other two teams were shut out. The score at the end of 6 innings was Pirates-16, The Nationals-15, The Braves-14.  

The Pirates scored one run in the top of the inning, The Nationals rallied to score two runs to tie the game 17-17. The Braves were down by 3 but were only able to score two runs.

Final Score-Pirates-17, Nationals-17, Braves-16 

Pirates hitters were:

Ed Kline 4-4 one triple, Frank Miller 4-4 one double, Fred Dampier 3-4 two triples, one home run, Reg Barnes 3-4.

Nationals hitters were:

Jim Altemose 2-3 one walk, Sam Lopez 4-4 two doubles, Steve Hill 3-3 one home run, one walk, Billy Crowe 3-4 one triple,Bill Ayer 4-4

Braves hitters were:

Russ King 3-4 one triple, Bill McLellan 4-4 one home run, one double,Sergio Ayala 2-3 one triple, Larry Powell 3-3 one double.

Write up by Larry Powell

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Ted Taylor stepped into the manager of the Cubs as Don LaMay is suffering from a bad back and came out as the only undefeated manager of the season as the Cubs nipped  the Marlins managed by Jeff Simon in one of the best played games of the season by a score of l7-15.

The Marlins got off to a quick lead with the score 4-1 at the end of three but the score at the end of four was 5-5 when the Marlins looked like they were putting a win on hold putting up five in the fifth highlighted by a home run to deep right by Grabb. 

Denny Shaffer led off the fifth for the Cubs with a long home run to right field and that ignited a five run fifth for the Cubs including two more home runs by Mohan and Capozzi

The Marlins were able to squeeze one over the plate in the 7th  but the Cubs put three up in the 7th & 8th while the Marlins went scoreless in the 8th setting up a last stand for the Marlins who were not ready to call it quits. Lee Baker led the 9th off with a nice single up the middle and Duff Hill hit a long drive that was pulled down in the deepest part of left field. Hits by Grabb and a triple by Simon brought the score to 17-15 which was the final as Remington & Hite were unable to continue the rally.

Definitely was one of the best played games this year in the National League

The Marlins were led offensively  with Moots 4-4, Simon 4-5 including a triple, and Larry Grabb 3-5 including a home run.  

The Cubs were led by Denny Shaffer 3-4 including HR, Mike Stepp 3-4 , Walt Leggett 3-4, and Tom Capozzi and Bernie Mahon who both contributed home runs.  Thompson posted his first pitching win of the season.

REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hall of Fame Dinner Wed. March l8.  Tickets $20.00 from Dampier or Thompson

Write up by Ron Thompson