The Legend Of The Shark

Don’t blame me if this story seems a bit fishy.  Another well-played game between the A’s (Matta) and KFC (JD). This time the A’s MVP for the game was John Carpenter, affectionately known on our team as Carp. After the game he played today, we might just call him Jaws. The KFC team tried as hard as they could to reel him in and land him in the boat, but Carp hit and fought like a shark. He swam all over the field and attacked like a predator. John was 4 /5 with two doubles and a triple. More importantly, Carp the Shark put the bite on the other team by knocking in 9 runs.

The seas were calm for both teams in the first inning. The A’s started out floundering, putting up 0 runs in the first inning. The zero-score belonged, in part, to Bob Vandenberg. It was Bob, on defense, who speared a hot line drive off the bat of TQ, with a runner at 2^nd, to gut any chance of a rally. In the bottom of the first, the KFC team feasted on a little chicken of the sea, when they scored after 2 outs. Hits by Keller, Seguin, Davis, and Sweet Lou, landed a pair of tuna in the boat. After one inning, the score was A’s: 0-KFC: 2.

In the 2^nd inning the shark stalked his victims. Carpenter doubled in three runs, after Bailey, Burns and Coffman reached base with hits. Two more runs scored after Reagen cast his line for a single, then Essenmacher went Deep Sea fishing, hitting a HR. After 2 innings the A’s lead, 5-2.     

In the 3^rd inning the A’s took out their harpoon and took aim at the white whale in the field. You could almost hear Captain Ahab say these words from Moby Dick; “...to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee.” Hits from Shirer, Quinones, Book, Bailey and Coffman all stabbed at the whale. It was Carps triple though that sunk the harpoon.  John cleared the seas of trouble and the bases of runners. After 3 innings, the score was A’s: 10-White Whales: 3.

In the 4^th and 5^th innings the KFC team cast their net and hauled in a load of fish. They scored 3 runs, in the 4^th inning and 5 runs, in the 5^th inning. The Starfish for those two innings were Lou, Alumbaugh, Vandenberg, Benson, Morton, Vidal, Keller, Seguin and Davis. Take note, some of those starfish had hits in both innings, (Lou, Alumbaugh, Vandenberg and Benson).

As an aside from our softball story, maybe we can all learn a lesson from The Starfish Story: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked, what are you doing?

The youth replied, Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they all die.

Son, the man said, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said
I made a difference for that one.

That two-inning rally by the big tunas, (KFC), could have put a hook in the jaw of the A’s; if not for the fact that the A’s also scored 5 runs in the top of the 5^th.  Shirer, Matta, Quinones, Book, Burns and the Carpenter saw to it that the fish would just not stay on the line. Again, Carp was the one who put the bite on the other team, with a bases loaded double. After 5 innings, the score was A’s:15- KFC: 11. Even an anti -shark cage would not work this day against Carp. Just ask the captain from the movie, Jaws.  Quint: Anti-shark cage. You go inside the cage? [Hooper nods]  Quint: Cage goes in the water, you go in the water. Shark's in the water. Our shark.

[sings]

Quint: Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so nevermore shall we see you again.

The A’s reeled in another 4 runs in the 6^th, they chummed the waters and added 2 more in the 7^th, they trolled and added 3 more fish in the 8^th then they surf fished for another 2 runs, in the ninth. In other words, the bats stayed busy and the A’s showed lots of heart and fight.

The KFC team also jumped through the waters like a game swordfish; fighting hard to win the contest during that same stretch of innings. To borrow again from Herman Mellville’s, Moby Dick, the KFC team was; “Panting and snorting like a mad battle steed that has lost its rider”. They added 10 runs to their total. It was just not enough, Carp the Shark, had already taken his toll on the game. This would not be the fish story of the one that got away from the A’s. Carpenter and his A’s teammates were the masters of the sea today. A’s: 26-KFC:21.

Maybe Chief Brody, from the film Jaws, had Carp in mind when he said these words: “Were going to need a bigger boat.”

Treasures of the Sea, Leading Hitters for the A’s:

Essenmacher: 4/6, HR and double.

Shirer: 4/6, two doubles.

Matta: 4/6

Quinones: 3/5, double and a SF.

Book: 4/5.

Burns: 4/5.

Coffman: 3/5.

Carpenter: 4/5, two doubles and a triple.

Reagen: 3/5.

Treasures of The Sea, Leading Hitters for KFC:

Vidal: 3/5 with a double.

Keller: 5/5, with 2 doubles.

Davis: 3/5.

Lou: 5/5.

Alumbaugh: 4/5.

Vandenberg: 4/5.

Benson: 3/5.

Morton: 3/5.

Jose: 3/5.

Write up by Nick Matta

Tues. Feb. 28th. Field D a game between Bloom's Giants and Black's Nationals took place.
The Giants jumped the gun with 5 runs in the top of the 1st., only to see the Nats storm
back with 5 of there own in the bottom half and never looked back, winning 28 to 14.
Someone came to our dugout before the game started and asked if we would miss Don Ing.
The whole team looked at each other in amazement and all at the same time asked the
question DON WHO | | |  EH.
Leading hitters
Giants:
Herbie O     3/4 D
B McLellan  4/4 2 HR, D   Nice hitting Bill
Thompson   3/4
Hite              4/4
Nationals:
Shaffer       3/4 HR, BB
Learn          4/5 D
Rutan          3/4 T, SAC
King             5/5 D  Also nice hitting Bill
Lopez           4/4 BB
Ridley            4/5 D  ( turned a Hr. into a double )
Hampton        4/5
Guspyt            3/4
Barnes           3/4
Submitted by Elmer Black      

Strait's Tigers took on Fabians FLYERS and what a game. Fabe's team was down 8-7 going into the bottom of the 8th and came up with 5 as George Knox circled the bases to finish the nickel. Strait's Tigers came up in the top of the 9th for the open inning but the staunch defense of the Flyers didn't bend.  Final score. Fabian Flyers 12. Strait Tigers 8. 

No pat on the back, but Flyers had several good plays up the middle where I was playing. Jim Laffoon made a great catch on the grass and almost got a 2b at first. Ed Kline again played a solid 2b. 

Again, I must ask that records are kept better. The Tigers scored 5 runs in the 4th inning and only 1 of the players was indicated how he got on base. Please help for the sake of the write up. 

What I get for the Tigers is Steve Hill was 2-4, Ray Aufiero was 4-4 and  Larry Strait was 1-2. I know others had hits, but it's impossible to write up without accurate books kept. 

For the Flyers Andrews was 4-4, Boswell 3-4, Laffoon 3-4, Knox 3-4 HR, LaPointe 3-3 and newcomer to the league Bobby Casanova 1/3 with 2 runs scored and a fine catch in centerfield. Welcome to the league Bobby.   Casanova isn't his real name, but he's known as Bobby C. 

This National league is coming down to a tight race. 

Write up by Loren Fabian

Today's game on Field A had Powell's Braves vs Simon's Yankees.  After 4 innings  the Yankees led  6-4.  In the sixth frame  Powell's squad scored three times to take a one run lead. They scored four in the eighth and four more in the ninth.  Simon's squad did not score in the last 5 innings.  The final was 15-6 with Powell getting the win.  Don LaMay was the WP.  Don asked that any player with extra  softball jerseys at home to bring them to the sign in desk next week.. He needs them to start a 75's team up north.  Top hitters for Simon's Yankees:  Simon 3-4, Hartley 3-4 2B, Dean Schapeler 3-4, Zakrowski 3-4.  Top hitters for Powell's Braves:  Castillo 3-5, Dampier 5-5 3 2B and a 3B, Spitaleri 4-5 2B, Powell 3-5 2B, Minder 4-5.  Both teams had several hits clear the short fences for ground rule doubles.  The game was hotly contested and close for the first 7 innings  .  Gibson was a pool player and played on Powell's team.  Beautiful day for a softball game.
Write up by Jeff Simon

Friday, February 24th

The Braves Team was trying to win its 5th game in a row. It wasn't easy. Fabian's Flyers got off to a great start by scoring 9 runs in the first two innings. After seven innings the score was Flyers-14 and Powell's Braves--6. The Braves came from behind again in the last two innings to score ten runs to take the lead in going into the ninth inning 17-16. The Flyers did not score in the ninth inning and Braves won its 5th game in a row..

Leading hitters for the Flyers:

Boswell 3-5, Laffoon 4-5,Schapeler 5-5. one home run, one triple,

Leading hitters for the Braves: Juan Castillo 4-5 two doubles, Larry Powell 4-5,

Gary Burtner 3-4, Robert Spitalier 3-5, Duff Hill 3-5 two doubles, Jack Minder 3-4, one triple.

Submitted by Larry Powell

Friday, February 24th

Lights, Camera, Action:

“I heard a story once — as a matter of fact, I’ve heard a lot of stories in my time. They began with the sound of a tinny piano playing in a parlor downstairs…”, from the film, Casablanca. I’ll tell the story of today’s game using a cinematic approach, since the Oscars are right around the corner. I ‘ll recant the game, minus the tinny piano.

In Friday’s game, the A’s took on the Yankees, or should I say it was Gladiator vs. Braveheart. Let me tell you the game hung on many plays, but it came down to just one play. “It was the stuff dreams are made of”, Maltese Falcon. A catch that won Jeff Stier, best actor, or in this case MVP. (More on that later).

The A’s came out in the first inning and at coach Matta’s signal unleashed hell, “At my signal, unleash hell”, Maximus Decimus Meridius, from the film, Gladiator. We scored 3 runs. The Yankees started out “Driving Miss Daisy”, they scored 1 run in the first. A’s: 3-Yankees 1.

The next 3 innings the A’s were Gone With The Wind, we were shut out. I felt like Rhett Butler watching the defeated Confederate Army in Atlanta. "Rhett Butler: Take a good look my dear. It's an historic moment you can tell your grandchildren about - how you watched the Old South fall one night.”  As the A’s were falling, the Yankees played the role of Braveheart. They scored 5 runs in those same three innings, to take the lead. Juan Toro must have given the William Wallace speech to his team, to inspire them. From the film, Braveheart; William Wallace: Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!

After 4 innings of serious movie dialogue the score was A’s: 3-Yankees: 6. Intermission, reader, go get your popcorn.

 

In the 5^th inning the Yankees put a hurt on the A’s, they followed Don Vito Corleone’s advice: “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” The A’s bats were certainly cold, we only scored a run in the 5^th. The Yankees “made us an offer we could not refuse” they cut off a horse’s head, stuffed it in our dugout and scored 5 runs. A’s: 4-Yankees 11, after 5 innings.  

In the 6^th and 7^th inning the A’s picked themselves up off the canvas, like Rocky. “Yo, Adrian”, we did it! The A’s scored 4 runs in the 6^th and 5 in the 7^th to take the lead. The Yankees were shut out those two innings. After 7 innings the score was A’s: 13-Yankees:11.

In the 8^th inning both teams fought like they were Patton’s 3^rd Army attacking in France and Germany, in WW2. You could almost hear George C. Scott, playing the role as the famed general, tell both teams, “Here's where we hold them by the nose and kick them”. The A’s scored 3 runs in the top half of the inning. The Yankees scored 5 runs in the bottom of the inning. We had a tied game, A’s: 16-Yankees: 16.

It’s time now for a classic movie finish, the 9^th inning. One team was going to be Scarlett O’Hara, left on the doorstep. One team was going to go down like a sinking ship, reminiscent of the scene in the movie, Titanic. One team was going to gamble and lose, like in the movie, The Sting. The A’s struck first in the top of the 9^th, scoring 5 runs. The A’s felt like things were “Going My Way”. We were so happy we were, “Dancing With Wolves”. We felt like a triumphant “Gladiator”.

The Yankees came up to bat in the bottom of the 9^th, down 5 runs and feeling like they were chained to the oars in an ancient ship’s galley, like in the film Ben- Hur. You could almost hear the Roman commander, Quintus Arrius, say:” You are all condemned men, we keep you alive to serve this ship, row well and live.” The Yankee players responded by rowing well. They fought back hard, scoring 3 runs and advancing runners to 1^st and 2^nd base, with only one out. With those two runners on base, that is when Jeff Stier turn in his Oscar winning performance on defense. Jeff stole the Maltese Falcon. He made a fantastic catch over his shoulder, as he hustled out to short left field, to catch a dying black falcon, pop up. He then threw to 2^nd base and doubled up the runner, who had left the bag thinking it was a sure hit. Game Over. A’s: 21-Yankees:19. No one should get too worked up about the game, remember what Scarlett O’Hara said at the end of Gone With The Wind, “after all, tomorrow is another day” and another ballgame.

Oscar Winning Hitters For The A’s:

Alumbaugh: 4/5.

Stier: 4/5.

Shirer: 4/5 with 2 doubles.

Matta: 4/5.

Book: 4/5 with a double.

Bailey: 3/5. 

Oscar Winning Hitters For The Yankees:

Rivera: 3/5 with a double.

Ojeda: 3/5.

Toro: 5/5 with a double.

Jimenez: 4/5.

Brock: 5/5 with 2 doubles.

Luttrell: 3/5.

Crowell: 5/5.

Pokey: 3/5.

Wells: 3/4.

Write up by Nick Matta

Friday, February 24th
I would classify todays game between Strait's Tigers and Black's Nationals as boring and uneventful. I thought there would be more ground rule doubles over the shorter fence, due to the strong hitters on both teams, but only 4 for the Nats and 1 for the Tigers. The only excitement was probably in the top of the 6th. when the Tigers scored 6 runs to tie the score at 12. The Nats scored 3 in the bottom and added 5 more in the 7th for a final score of Nationals 20, Tigers 15. Leading Hitters:






Tigers                                                   Nationals






Aufiero  2/4 D                                       Roy      3/4 D


Parker   2/4 D                                        King     4/4 2D


Remington 3/4 D                                  Lopez    2/4 D


Letourneau  4/4 T                                 Learn     2/4 D              


Newton      3/4                                       Hampton   3/3 BB


Taylor   4/4                                             Black     2/3


Strait   2/3

Note; Our star player, Don Ing, has returned to Windsor ,Ontario, due to a business problem. You see he owns a chain of Chinese dry cleaners, I am am told that his last shipment of starch from China was not starch, but some kind of white powder that has a high street value | | |  If you wish to visit him, you can on the 2nd. and 4th. Thursday of the month in the big house in Windsor.Go figure EH | | Don we will miss you in the dugout and on the field, not to mention at the Legion.


Submitted by Elmer Black.

Friday, February 24th

Game on Field D.  J.D.'S KFC ALL STARS 11, Hamilton's Tiger's 4. A battle between the Motown connection. A great defensive game, outstanding plays by the golden glove Luis Guzman. Guzman had a big home run in the 5th inning, outstanding defense plays by Scot Sequin, great plays by Jose Vidal he also hit a double in the 5th inning, and a remarkable play by Terry Smith in right field. Without these plays and other great plays the game would have taken another turn in favor of the Tigers. Good pitching by Miguel Gonzalez and Angel Farinas, winning pitcher J.D . Leading hitters for  KFC ALL STARS Big Willie Morton 3/3 double, Bob Vandenberg  2/3, Mr. Steady, Nilo Vega, 2/4, Jose Vidal 2/4, J.D. 3/4, good job KFC ALL STARS.  Leading hitters for the Tigers Doug Ford 3/3 one steady hitter and player with a home run, great job, Joe D'Herin Mr. Reliable 2/3 , Don Torok 2/3 with a triple. Thank you pool players Brian Busch, Louis Guzman, Scot Sequin. Good game Tigers.

Write up by JD Davis 

Friday, February 24th
Today's game on Field C pitted Bloom's  Giants and Simon's Yankees.  Both teams have been struggling of late.  Simon only had eight roster players and added pool players Welton, Gibson and Moots.  Simon was the home team.  Bloom's squad hit well and only had one scoreless frame.  Bloom's team led early on and by the end of the eighth inning it was a flip flop situation for Simon's team.  To their credit they scored seven runs in the ninth .  The final tally was 28-17 with Bloom getting the win.  WP LoPiccolo.. Top hitters for Simon's Yankees:  Marino 4-5, Fryzowicz 4-5 2B, 3B, Dean Schapeler 4-5 3B, Simon 3-5 2B, Hartley 4-5 HR, 2-3B, Accetta 3-5.  Top hitters for the Giants:  Kriger 4-5, Herbie O 3-5 2B, 3B, McClellan 5-5 2HR. 2B, 3B., Hite 4-5, 2B, 3B, Bess 3-4 2B, Ducham 3-5, G. Andrews 3-4G. Baker 3BB.
Write up by Jeff Simon

Tuesday, February 21st
Bloom's Giants ( Visitors)  VS  Strait's Tigers (Home)

Strait's Tigers came to the field Tuesday to play ball.  Friday was a terrible day when the Tigers lost to Powell's Braves 24 -14.   The Tigers hot bats started to work right off the bat, (no pun intended) with 5 runs in each of the first 3 innings to the Giants scoring 6 in the first 3 innings, bringing the score to 15-6 through the 3rd.  The rest of the game was uneventful except for the defenses on both teams.  Great fielding guys.  Final score was 21 Tigers and 10 Giants.

Giant's Hitters                                           Tiger's Hitters

Ron Thompson 3-4 Danny Parker      4-4

Leo Kryon 3-4 Steve Hill            3-4

                                                             RayAufiero 3-4

                                                                Jr Ortiz 3-4

Written by Larry Strait

Tuesday, February 21st

Tigers jumped out to a 14-5 lead after 5 innings.  The A's came back with 6 runs in the 6 inning on hits by Bailey, Goose, Stier, Shirer, Quinones, Burns, and a few walks making the score 14-11.  Hamilton's guys responded with 7 more runs  and Angel Farinas shut out the A's in the 7,8,and 9 innings.  Final score Tigers 21 and the A's 11. 

Tigers

Hicks 3-5

Ford 4-5

Hamilton 3-3 Sac and walk

Scarbrough  4-4

Farinas 2-3

Denny 3-4

Torok 3-4

A's

Goose 3-4

Shirer 3-4

Coffman 2-3

Bailey 2-3
Write up by Joe D'Herin

Tuesday, February 21st
Bats a swinging and balls a traveling.

On Field D, the bats were alive and the balls took a beating between Powell's Braves and Black's Nationals. A total of 76 hits and 55 runs were scored. The Nats had it all there way until the
7th. inning,leading 24 to 11.However the Braves came storming back with 18 runs in the final 3 innings to win 29 to 26.
Leading hitters, there were many, but the honors go to Fred Dampier, who had a day with 3 HRS. and
finished up going 4 for 6, good hitting Fred.
Other Braves
Castillo   4/6 D
Spitaleri  5/6 HR. D
Powell     4/6 D
McManus  4/6 HR.
4 other players had 3 hits each.
Nationals:
Shaffer  4/6
Ing         4/5 BB
King       4/6
Rutan       3/6  T & D
Learn      3/4 BB
Barnes   3/5
Jones      3/5
Lopez      4/5 D


Submitted by Elmer Black

Tuesday, February 21st
Injuries are still dominant in the American League as JD's KFC team and Freddy's Angels team could only field 8 rostered players on each team. Thanks to all of the pool players that came to the ball park on their bye day so we could field enough players to have a game. And what a game it was. JD's defense with Jose Rivera and Nilo Vega making great catches in the outfield kept the Angels from scoring more runs than they did. The Angels were blessed with the good pitching by Rick Brock. Rick had his knuckle ball and slider, with a fast ball held down the K.F.C ALL STARS to 7 runs. For the KFC Team, only 7 players had 2 hits  the rest only 1 hit good job. Top hitters for Freddie's Angels, Brian Busch 5/5, Rick Brock 4/5, Don Witmer 3/5, Dave Shipley 3/5, Don McCulloch 3/5. Final score: Angels 16, KFC ALL STARS 7. Good job Angels.
Write up by JD Davis

Tuesday, February 21st

The parity in the National League is great as Fabian's Flyers slid into a 1st place tie with Black's National's and all other teams have at least 4 to 6 wins. Fabian's Flyers bested Simon today 24-11, but in fairness, Jeff was missing at least 2 of his early draft picks. Fabe's team jumped out 14-1 after 3 innings but Simon's came back with 5 in the 5th to tighten it up. Then we went to the 7th with the Flyers for 3 and another 6 in the open 9th. Great game. Ed Kline had another great catch on the outfield grass behind 1B. Don Schapeler and Al Andrews made all the good catches in  the outfield and my man Jim McPartlan kept everything in front of him as always. The guy is amazing. 

Mike O'Callahan's son Shawn was in the stands along with Jimmy Laffoon's older brother Al.

I was missing my newly appointed assistant mgr. Doug Hapeman as he had a prior commitment and is on the DL.  He is 2-0 as a mgr.

Write up by Loren Fabian 

A Note From Don LaMay

Hi Guys,  A friend of mine (Jim Andres) in Michigan is starting a 75 and over Senior Softball League in Southeastern Michigan starting this summer.  He is using the basic rules we have in Winter Haven Senior Softball. 

I have heard from some of you players that your wife’s are bugging you to get rid of your old WHSS shirts.  Thought you might make your wife happy and do a good thing helping get some more old guys of the couch.  If you have some of the old Blue or Gray (Cotton) WHSS shirts and want to donate them for this good cause, contact me at 734 421 6032 or just bring them to a game at WHSS on a Tuesday or Friday.  I play on the Braves (Team 6).  We will be looking for sponsors when I return home in April but thought if we had shirts for the first season it would be nice.  So far Jim has 59 player committed to play. 

Don LaMay

Friday, February 17th
Strait'sTiger's   vs  Powell's Braves  

It was a beautiful cool day at the Diamond Plex, Friday, in Winter Haven.The players warmed up in the 1st. inning with Braves getting 3 and the Tigers scored 5. Then things cooled down, 0 runs for either teamin the second, Tigers getting 2 bringing the score to 7-3 Tigers in the 3rd. Powell's Braves really got warmed up in the 4th with 4 runs, 3 in the 5th, 4 in the 6th and 2 in the 7th, bringing the score to 16 to 9.Strait's Tigers never seemed to warm up getting 2 in the 4th and 4 innings of goose eggs.  The 9th inning was a funfest for the Bravesgetting 8 runs bringing their final score to 24. The Tigers got 5 in the 9th, bringing the final score to 24 -14. Leading hitters were:

Strait's Tigers                Powell's Braves
Steve Hill 3-4                Bill Ayer 4-5
BJ Kallister 3-4             Fred Dampier  4-5
Joe Letourneau 3-4       Robert Spitaleri 4-
                                      Duff Hill   4-5
                                      Juan Castillo   3-5

Write up By Larry Strait

Friday, February 17th

An interesting game that was tied 5-5 after 4 innings.  Score was 11-10 favor Tigers after  6 innings.  Hamiltons Tigers put 7 runs to Freddys Angels 2 runs in the 7th and 8th innings giving the Tigers  a 4 run cushion going into the 9th.  Freddys boys answered by scoring 4 runs to tie the game at 18.  Facing the threat of an extra inning game, the Tigers led by Hamilton, Jacobson, Gazarek and Miguel Gonzalez all reached base with Miguel driving in the tie breaking run with a line drive single.  Final score 19-18 Tigers.  Good game guys.

Tigers

Hicks 3-5

Ford 3-5

Hamilton 3-5

Jacobson 3-4

Gazarek 2-3 w/2 walks

Gonzalez 3-5

Scarbrough 4-4

Angels

Witmer 3-6

Thirey 3-6

Shipley 3-5  HR

Reponen 4-5

Quinones 3-5

Matta 3-5

Ayers 4-5

Friday, February 17th

Giants vs. Flyers

 

Marshall Bloom’s Giants have had their way with Loren Fabian’s Flyers all season until Friday’s game, when the Flyers came from behind in the last inning to win a 14-13 decision.

 

The Flyers never had a lead in the game until the bottom of the seventh, when winning pitcher Jerry Witter hit a sharp ground ball down the third base line to drive in the game-ending run. Witter was the only Flyer to go 4-4 at the plate.

 

The Flyers battled back to tie the game 11-11 in the bottom of the fifth. After a scoreless sixth inning, the Giants scored two runs in the top of the seventh, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Flyers who scored three in the bottom of the inning to win the game.

 

Until Friday, Pat Lopiccolo’s pitching had handcuffed the Flyers with his left-hand, right-foot delivery, dropping the ball on the plate or just in front of it, tempting the Flyers to swing at bad pitches.

 

Bill McLellan had the hot bat for the Giants, driving two balls over the left-center field fence. The defensive player of the game was Ron Thompson, who made several lunging grabs at second base, each time shutting down the Flyers hopes for a rally.

 

Ralph Boswell, Don Schapeler, and Rudy LaPointe hit well for the Flyers, all three knocking balls over the outfield fence. A tip of the hat goes to Jimmy McPartlin, the league’s oldest player at 86 years, who played errorless ball in right field for the Flyers.

 

The Polk State College women’s team arrived in time to watch the last inning from the bleachers. They were entertained by what they saw on the field, but we couldn’t tell if they were smiling in admiration or laughing in embarrassment at these rusty “bygones and has beens.” I am sure it was admiration. Well, pretty sure.

Write up by Doug Hapeman

Friday, February 17th
It was a sunny day, temp. in the mid 70's.wind was from the North /East and light at 8 miles/hour, but who cares.

I want to talk about a good competitive game played between Simon's Yankees and Black's Nationals. After 5 innings the score was Nats 11 to 3. The Yankees put up 5 spots in both the 6th. & 7th. to take a 13 to 11 lead. The Nats came back with 4 in the 7th. and added 5 in the 8th.to hang on to a 20 to l6 final.

Numerous great defensive plays were made by both teams, none better than the catches made by

Dean Schapler in right field with the sun in his eyes.

Thanks to Ed Guspyt who pitched a good game replacing Hal Ridley nursing a strained brain, no sorry that should read sprained ankle.

Hitting Heroes

Yankees: Grabb  4/5 double

                Jacobs 3/5 double

                Hartley 3/5 triple

Nationals:  Roy   3/5

                  Lopez 3/4 2 triples BB

                  Guspyt  3/5 triple

                  Don Ing, a home run, honest I was there and saw it. A deep fly ball to right field.




Submitted by Elmer Black

When Softball meets Dodgeball

Friday, February 17th
Juan's Yankees 28 JD'S K.F.C All STARS 15. The Yankees displayed good defense, great hitting, power, good pitching by Larry Wells. Outstanding plays by Chris Constantine, Bob Zelazny, Johnny Ojeda, Jose Rivera, and a ESPN moment a diving catch line drive at the hot corner Randy Crowell. Leading hitters for the Yankees. Juan Toro 5/5, Johnny Ojeda, 4/4,Dave Doerbaum, 4/5, George, Vanderhyde 4/4, Bob Zelazny 4/5 .Great hitting guys. The leading hitters for K.F.C Vidal Villalba 3/4, Louis Abreu 3/4, J.D 3/4.
Write up by JD Davis

Tuesday, February 14th
The Braves and the Giants squared off on Field "B" on a beautiful sunny day.
The Braves had two five run innings with various other scores.
The Giants only managed two three run innings besides other runs.

Brave's Hitters:  R. Levesque. 3-3, BB
                           J. Castillo.     3-4
                           F. Dampier.   3-4
                           D. Hill.          3-4

Giant's Hitters:     R. Thompson. 3-4, BB
                            L. Kriger          3-5
                            B. McLellan.   3-5
                            Floyd Welton  3-5

Final Score was Braves 15, Giants 12.

Submitted by: M. Bloom
Giants Manager

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Simon's Yankees (Home)  vs Strait's Tigers (Visitors)

It was another hard fought game between Simon's Yankees and Strait's Tigers.  

The Yankees started out like a shot with them getting 2 in the 1st and 3 in the 2nd

leading the Tigers by 3.  3rd and 4th innings were more of the same - Yankees 5 more 

runs and the Tigers 4 - score 10-6.  

Then, as they seem to do, the Tigers found their bats and gloves - shutting down

the Yankees  in the 5th & 6th - and getting 6 runs to go ahead 12 to 10.

The crowd went wild - Pat Merritt, Helen & Gary (Larry Strait's daughter and

friend) and Sally.  This encouragement sent the Tigers wild, they scored 10 runs to the 

Yankees 6 (in the 7th thru 9th) with the Tigers winning 22 - 16.  Good Job guys.

The Tigers defense was on fire also turning 3 double plays.

Yankees         Tigers

Frank Jacobs 4 - 6                                         Steve Hill 5-5

Bill Mutch  4-5                                           BJ 4-5

Larry Grabb  3-5 Ted Taylor  4-5

Travis Fryzowicz 3-5 Ray Auferio  3-5

Danny Parker 3-5

Jerry Remmington  3-5

Jr Ortiz 3-5

Write up by Larry Strait

For Love Of The Game

We had a sweetheart of a game for Valentines Day between the (Gonzalez) Angels and the (Matta) A’s. If you, the reader, will extend me a little mushy latitude, I will explain today’s game using words associated with this lover’s holiday.

The Angels came out of the box in the first inning shooting cupids arrows for hits and scoring 3 runs. The A’s returned the favor and added 3 of their own. You might say Dave Shirer had a crush on the ball, even better, Dave crushed the ball. He delivered a box of chocolates, in the form of a HR, over the left field fence. Matta followed with a towering shot to right center but his heart was broken, when he saw Tim Thiry run it down, making a great catch.

In the 2^nd inning the Angels added some forget-me- nots, with a five run inning. Morty, Wise, Elmer, Ship, Vidal and Brock all reached base safely. Vidal’s single almost left the park. We were all so busy watching it sail close to the left field fence, thinking it was a HR, that we were moonstruck to see it fall just short. By that time all Vidal could get from the hit was a single. It still scored a few runs. I was beginning to feel like no one on the field loved me, after Vidal, on defense, backhanded a laser line drive that I hit to short center, in the bottom of the 2^nd, to end our rally. AT the end of 2 innings the score was Angels 8-A’s 6.

The next big inning was in the 5^th, that is when the Angels delivered another FTD bouquet, special delivery, a 4 run inning. Ship, Brock, Busch, Witmer and Reponen sent the flowers. After 5 innings of play the score was Angels 12- A’s 9.

In the bottom of the 6^th the A’s showed their passion for hitting, you might say; “the ball was smitten, as we kept hittin.” We knocked in 5 runs when Coffman, (who was on fire the whole game), Jose, Goose, Stier, Shirer, Matta and Quinones all wrote a love poem to the softball. “How do I love hitting thee. Let me count the ways. I love hitting thee to center, right and left. I love hitting thee with a Miken, Dudley or Addidas.” At the end of the 6^th inning the A’s lead for the first time in the game, Angels 12- A’s 14.

In the 7^th and 8^th inning the Angels had abandon their bats just like a couple abandons each other after a bad blind date. They were shut out, while the A’s added a solo run in the 7^th and three runs in the 8^th. The three run 8^th inning had a little pizzazz; the 3 runs came from 3 triples hit by Stier, Matta and Essenmacher. Shakespeare said; ”Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” That’s Ok for love, but for softball you need to follow this advice, Coach Matta said; “see what you hit, hit what you see.” Angels 12- A’s 18.

In the ninth inning the Angels had a mini rally, scoring 2 runs. With the bases loaded and one out, Jeff Stier turned a darling DP, on defense, that ended the game. Roses are red, violets are blue, the A’s won this one, when the game was through. Angels 14-A’s 18.

 

Leading Hitters for the Angels:

Shipley: 4/5.

Vidal: 4/5.

Brock: 5/5 with a triple.

Witmer: 3/4 with a triple.

Reponen: 3/ 4.

Wise: 3/ 4.

 

Leading Hitters For the A’s:

Goose: 3/5.

Stier: 3/ 5 with a triple.

Shirer: 3/4 with two doubles, HR and SF.

Essenmacher: 4/5 with a triple.

Book: 4/5.

Coffman: 4/4 with a double and a triple.

Write up by Nick Matta

Flyers vs. Nationals, Tuesday, February 14, 2017

 

For the second time this season Loren Fabian’s Flyers upset the National League-leading Nationals, cutting short their winning streak by beating them 18-7 Tuesday on Field A.

 

Elmer Black’s Nats hit the ball hard, but the Flyers were in the right spot nearly every time. Eddie Kline went deep into the grass behind first base to make a running catch stopping the Nats’ rally in the second inning, and Al Andrews made a spectacular running catch to quell the Nats rally late in the game. The infield turned two double plays with the second one ending the game in the top of the ninth, cutting short the Nats’ comeback rally.

 

The Flyers’ bats were cracking, as 9 of the 11 players hit .500 or better. Don Schapeler and Rudy LaPointe sent balls over the outfield fence for ground rule doubles, as they both batted 4 for 4. Jimmy Laffoon also batted 4 for 4, and a quartet of players, Bill Bowley, Mike O’Callahan, Eddie Kline, and Al Andrews, all went 3 for 4.

 

The Flyers were missing their esteemed coach, Loren Fabian, who was on a 5-day Valentine’s cruise in the western Caribbean. The Flyers donated $50 each to extend his trip for another week, so they could keep up their winning ways.

 

Write up by Doug Hapeman

The Tigers and Yanks met and it was an old fashion run fest.  Score was tied after 6 innings 17-17.  The Tigers outscored Toro's Yanks 11-4 to win the game 28-21. There were plenty of hitting stars led by HR's by Doerbaum, M.Gonzalez, Torok, and Ojeida. Triples were hit by Hamilton,Gazarek, Farinas, Constantine.  Great game guys!

Tigers

Ford 5-5

Jacobson 4-5

M. Gonzalez 4-5

Gazarek 4-5

DeRidder 4-4

Denny  3-3

Torok 3-4

Smith  3-4

Yanks

Rivera 4-5

Ojeida 5-5

Vanderhyde 4-5

Doerbaum 3-5

Constantine 5-5

Jimenez 3-4

Abreu 3-4
Write up by Joe D'Herin

Tuesday, February 7th
On Field E, Larry Straits Tigers faced off against Loren Fabian Flyers. Larry was not able to make the game today so Steve Hill took over as the acting manager. The Tigers won the game 13 to 5.

Tuesday, February 7th
On a slightly breezy day on Field "C" the Nationals and Giants clashed.
The Nationals big guns scored thirty runs on Forty Two hits.
The Giants countered with Twenty Five hits and Nine runs.

National Hitters:  S. Lopez-     5-5
                              B. Rutan-     4-4, B.B.
                              N. Learn-     4-5
                              E. Guspyt-   4-5
                              D. Jones-     4-5

Giant Hitters:       B.  Vandenburg  4-5
                              B. McLellan-      4-5, SF
                              Herbie O-            3-5
                              R. Thompson-    3-5
                              L. Kriger.             2-3

Final Score:  National 30, Giants 9

Submitted by M. Bloom
Giant Manager

REMINDER     REMINDER     REMINDER


There are no league games being played in Winter Haven tomorrow due to the SSUSA Tournament of Champions being held in Polk County. There are numerous players from Winter Haven Senior Softball and Lakeland Senior Softball that will be playing in this tournament at the fields in Winter Haven and Auburndale. If you do not have anything else to do, come watch your friends play. The schedules are posted on the SSUSA website.


Don Witmer

Tuesday Feb 7^th, 2017

Yankees and Braves Field A

Two National League teams took the field today.  Visitors (The Yankees) managed by Jeff Simon and the Home team Braves managed by Larry Powell.  The Braves took the field with Powell on the mound and LaMay catching.  Infield around the horn were Levesque, Ayer, Burtner, Spitaleri and Navarro and the outfielders Goreth, Minder, Dampier, Hill.  Pool player Coffman on the bench.  Yankees batted in this order:  Simon, Frank J., Hartley, Fryzowicz, Schapeler, Accetta, Marino, Zakrowski, DePalma, Dudley, Seguin, and Ducham.

Powell set the Yankees down 1 2 3 in the first with two ground ball and a long fly out to left center.  Ayer singles and Dampier drove one to the fence and Ayer raced around the bases for the first run of the game.  Both teams posted “0” in the next two innings.  Yankees rallied for 5 in the 4^th inning with one out Frank had a single, Hartley doubled, base hits from Fryzowicz, Schapeler, and Accetta followed by a double off the bat of Zakrowski to drive in the 5^th run of the inning.  Braves came back to tie the game on base hits from Coffman, Ayer, Dampier, Spitaleri, and D Hill drove in the fourth run of the inning to tie the score.  Both team failed to push across any runs in the 5^th. 

In the sixth both team added one run.  Powell set the Yankees down 1 2 3 in the 7^th and 8^th innings on some good infield plays turning a double play in the 8^th inning.  Meanwhile the Braves added 3 in the 7^th and 5 in th 8^th .  Yankees started a rally in the top of the 9^th but it fell short and the final score was Yankees 8 and the Braves 14.  Low scoring game for Field A.  Good pitching from Powell and Seguin.

Leading hitters for Yankees – Fryzowicz and Schapeler both with 3 for 4 and Accetta with 4 for 4

Braves – Ayer 4 for 4, Dampier 4 for 4 with 2 dbls, Spitaleri and Levesque both were 3 for 4.

Written by Don LaMay Below is some information on some fielding rules.

 

 

Sent from Windows Mail

Don,  Two plays at our ballgame today but did not effect the outcome of the game.  A batter hits a sharp ground ball to 3rd base, the 3rd baseman bobbles the ball but picks it up and fires a strike to the 1st baseman.  The batter beats the throw to first on a close play.  BUT the runner touches the inside bag.  Is the runner safe or out?

A runner on 1st base.  Batter hit a sharp hit to right, right fielder throws the ball to second base, the ball and the runner get to the base about the same time.  Midfielder does not catch the ball and the runner runs into the midfielder.  Is the runner out or is he awarded 3rd base? 

I know this has be talked about a lot but thought if it were in writing maybe it might be understood.

No big deal we had a good game and lots of fun.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - -- - - - - - -

Don, In the first scenario, the rule says the Batter/Base Runner is out " when a safety base is present and the runner does not touch the orange portion of the base on the initial play if the defense is making a play on the batter/baserunner. The key here is whether or not the defense is making a play on the batter/base runner at first base. Based on your description of the play, the batter/base runner should have been called out. The rule also says the Batter/Base Runner may touch any bag to prevent a collision. It is the umpires judgement as to rather or not the Batter/Base Runner was preventing a collision.

 

In the second scenario, once the ball leaves the infield and the outfielder is making a throw to second base or third base, the base runner has a right to the base and the defensive player should not impede the base runners ability to get to the base unless the defensive player is in possession of the ball. If there is contact between a base runner and a defensive player on a throw from the outfield, the base runner is not automatically out. Whether or not the base runner is awarded additional bases depends on the umpires judgement as to whether or not the base runner would have been able to get to another base on the missed ball. The correct terminology for this is obstruction by a defensive player while not in possession of the ball. Obstruction is an umpires judgement. 

The rule that is talked about a lot and is not understood by many people is the slide or peel off rule at second base. If there is runner on first base and a play is being made by an infielder at second base, the base runner shall slide of peel off. There are no other options. If the base runner does not slide or peel off, he is out and the runner at first base is out.

 

As with all of our rules, the umpires judgement comes into play on a lot of times and that is why the home plate umpire should be looking at all plays in the field.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Don Witmer

AMERICAN LEAGUE ONLY          AMERICAN LEAGUE ONLY


The American League managers have agreed to suspend league play for tomorrow, February 7th due to numerous players having family issues and health issues. Nine inning pickup games will still be played for any American League players that come to the ball park ready to play ball. The games scheduled for tomorrow MAY be made up later in the season, depending on available time and league needs. Please come by the front table and sign in to play ball tomorrow if you are an American League player.


There will be no games in Winter Haven this Friday due to the SSUSA Tournament of Champions tournament being held in Winter Haven. The American League will resume their regular schedule on Tuesday, February 14th.


Thanks for your understanding in this matter.


Don Witmer, Commissioner

Friday, February 3rd
The second match up with Black's Nationals and Strait's Tigers was again  played on Field A.  It was a beautiful day and everyone was in high spirits, it was a close scoring game.

Strait's Tigers were ahead in the 7th inning.  Black's Nationals finished 19 to Strait's Tigers 16.  There was some exceptional defense on both sides and each side had a double play.  It was a fun game with a lot of good fellowship.

   Nationals      Tigers

Guspyt 3-4 Aufiero 4-4

Roy 3-5 LeTourneau 4-4

Ing 3-5       Merrit 3-4

King 3-5      Newton 3-4

Ridley 3-5 Altemose 3-4

Learn 3-5

Write up by Larry Strait