Happy Easter

We had a wild hare of a game in the AL, on 3/30, Good Friday, Easter weekend. I’m not talking Nick Matta, wild hair, I mean a wild Easter Bunny game.

The Easter Bunny, (also called the Easter Rabbit or Easter Hare), is a folkloric figure and symbol of Easter, depicted as a rabbit bringing Easter eggs. Originating among German Lutherans, the "Easter Hare" originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behavior at the start of the season of Eastertide. The custom was first observed in 1682, referring to a German tradition of an Easter Hare bringing Easter eggs for the children. (Wikipedia).

Team Cottontail, Visitors: Stier, Wiltshire, Shirer, Guzzo, Busch, Laffoon, Zelazny, Gutenberger, DeRidder, Pepin, Dampier and Wells.

Team Flopsy and Mopsy, Home: Hicks, Hamilton, Rad, Jacobson, Matta, Witmer, Dale Bancroft, Book, Scarbrough, Reagen, Knox and Constantine.

Team Cottontail, hopped down the bunny trail in the first inning, scoring a run. Stier started the hoppy experience with a single. Wiltshire, then singled Stier to third. Guzzo drove in the run with a single. Team Cottontail continued to fill up their basket with candy, scoring two more runs in the 2^nd and 3^rd innings. After three innings, the score was 5-0, in favor of the anthropomorphic rabbit.

Team Flopsy and Mopsy were busy flopping, at least on offense, for the first six innings. The only thing we were able to add to the scoreboard were Easter egg, zeros. Both teams played really good defense. Pepin, Guttenberger and Shirer ran down some fly balls, like they had a little rabbit in them, for the visitors. Team Flopsy and Mopsy turned 5 double plays; thanks to the infield of Hamilton, Rad, Matta, Scarbrough and Jacobson. One outfield highlight was a shoestring catch that Steve Hicks made in left-center field. Steve then he doubled the runner off of 2^nd base. We went into the bottom of the 7^th inning with Cottontail leading, 5-0. Team Flopsy-Mopsy was as silent as a marshmallow peep.  

It was in the bottom of the 7^th that Team Flopsy and Mopsy started their resurrection. We scored our first two runs of the game. Hamilton tripled, Rad hit the jellybean to the leftfield fence, for a HR. It was not our last supper though. We came back in the 8^th to score a run, matching the solo run that Cottontail had scored. Larry Book doubled, then Reagen singled him in. After 8 innings the score was Cottontail: 6- Flopsy and Mopsy: 3.

Cottontail was shut out in the 9^th.  They wanted to seal the tomb, on defense, as the Home team came up for their last at bat. Team Flopsy-Mopsy needed 4 runs to win the game. Although keep in mind that through 8 innings, we had only managed to score 3 runs. It was if the Visiting team had dropped us in boiling water and hard boiled us. Easter is a time of miracles and teaches us that you have to have faith.

We were able to roll away the stone in the 9^th. Hicks started the inning with a double, Hamilton hit his 2^nd triple of the game, to score Hicks. Rad then doubled in Hicks. Matta tied the game with a single to right, scoring Rad. Witmer won the game driving in Matta, (pinch runner, Hicks) when he doubled up the middle. Final Score: Cottontail: 6-Flopsy/Mopsy: 7.

It was a fun game, of course, a softball game is in no way a miracle. Although it certainly is a blessing that we can play ball at our age. The greatest miracle and blessing came over 2000 years ago when God sacrificed His Son, for our sins. Then Jesus conquered death, with his resurrection.  Because of those acts we can have redemption and eternal life, by committing our lives to God through the sacrifice of Jesus. We can also experience answer to prayers and have covenant with God. I wish you all a Happy Easter and Passover.

Those who earned chocolate bunnies for Cottontail:

Stier: 3/4.

Wiltshire: 2/4 with a triple.

Guzzo: 2/4.

Busch: 2/4.

Laffoon: 2/4

Dampier: 2/3 with a double.

Flopsy and Mopsy players who earn peanut butter eggs:

Hicks: 3/4 with a double.

Hamilton: 2/4 with two triples.

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

Matta: 2/4.

Witmer: 3/4 with a double.

Book: 2/3 with a double.

Knox: 2/3.

Written by Nick Matta

NOTICE     NOTICE     NOTICE     NOTICE
If you gave Loren Fabian your jacket to get embroidered, it will be available on Tuesday, April 3rd. If you have any questions about your jacket, please call Loren at 507.280.7117.

Thanks.

Tuesday, March 27th

WOW. One of the best comebacks I have seen and been involved in. S. Hill's home team took a commanding lead into the 7th inning of 19-9 and could not seem to do anything wrong with Pat Lopiccolo on the mound and using the wind to his advantage. HOWEVER in the top of the 8th Kings Kruisers batted more than around and tied it at 19-19. Ok. OJs put up 2 in the bottom of 8 and just had to hold King in the top of the 9th but couldn't as they put up 4 and went peacefully 1 2 3 in the bottom of the 9th for a 23-21 fantastic come back win. Dean Shapeler and Larry Chrest both had great catches in the outfield. Russ King at 3rd base caught a hot smash off the bat of I think our oldest player, Jim McPartlan even tho he had to catch it 4 times without hitting the ground. 

And my hero Mr. Don LaMay was 5 for 5 and Larry Strait pinch running for him from the plate scored 5 runs in Don's honor with Larry Chrest having to slow up to not pass Strait. Amazing. 

Congratulations Don on a fantastic last game at WHSS. Make sure all your softball and golf buddies see this. It is an honor to play with you sir. By the way, he had a put at home plate also which thinking about it now saved one or more runs. Remember the score was 23-21. 

Write up by Loren Fabian

REMINDER     REMINDER     REMINDER     REMINDER

There will be no games in Winter Haven on Friday, March 23rd. There is a SSUSA Spring National Tournament being held in Winter Haven at the Diamondplex .

See you Tuesday morning at the sign up table.

Tuesday March 20, 2018  Field D

Today’s game played on Field D was the two teams that ended the season in first and second place.  The OJ’s were short players today.  One of the subs was Walt Leggett just off the DL.  Good to see you back Walt.

The OJ’s came out with bats blasting, Torres hit a sharp drive up the middle but was out at first with a good throw from Hite to first.  Hill lines one deep to right center and LaTourneau made a great running catch.  Then after 2 out Laffoon triples, Schapeler triples, Lopez triples (but stops at 2^nd base), so Capozzi gets into the game with another triple, and Wells drive in the 3^rd run of the game.

There was a lot of good hitting and fielding today, highlighted by 2 line drives to the fence of the bats of Joe LeTourneau and Steve Hill.  Thanks to Bob Hite for playing 2^nd base for both teams.  Game called after the 7^th inning.  Reason, food and drinks were being served.  Thanks to the league and all the Board of Directors from the Winter Have Senior Softball League for all their work.

Oh! Final score was Braves 17 OJ’s 12.

Winning pitcher Gerry Andrews

Hitting stars – Everyone

 

Submitted by Don LaMay

Tuesday, March 20th
Spring must be here or it must be Mike Cobb's birthday or just the return of Frank Jacobs in the lineup and outfield or little help from our lucky Irish man Nick Burns. JD's KFC ALLSTARS  Bombed Al's Yankees Bombers 21 to 17. The KFC ALLSTARS led until the 6th inning when the bombers bats came alive tying the game 15 to 15 with Mr. muscle man Jose Rivera hitting a triple and an inside the park homer 4/5 for the day. The speedy Pete Gutenberger also hit a inside the park homer 3/4 for the day. The bombers could only mustard up 17 runs for the day, tired from all the scoring all season.Great job Les Jacobson and Al Guzzo. The leading hitters for Yankees were Jacobson 3/5 1 double, Alumbaugh 3/5, 5 hitters with 2 hits apiece Boswell, Dampier, Constantine1 double Book 1 double, DeRidder 1 double good season guys,  But JD's KFC ALLSTARS just hammered away at the bombers. Leading hitters for KFC ALL Stars were Larry Wells 4/5 , Brian Busch 5/5 1 triple, Rad Pcholinski a inside the park homer 4/5 great job the Capt. Tony Q. 4/5 1 double good hitting ,Nick Burns 4/5 1 double good job Nick, Lou Abreu 2/3 with 2 walks good job 3 players with 3 hits Bobby Reagen 3/5, Mike Cobb a birthday double  J.D 1 triple good season KFC ALLSTARS great job.
Write up by JD Davis

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Tonight is the HALL OF FAME Banquet. Social Hour is from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM (BYOB). Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. The Banquet is at the Recreation Center at SandPiper in North Lakeland. The directions are on the back of your tickets.

See you there.

* NOTICE * All American League Players :  

Please make every effort to come out to play the next 2-3 weeks , on Tuesday’s & Friday’s

We will experimenting with a “pilot program” for next years play — we need as many of the regular players to be involved , to play , and give their feedback on the format . We ask that all players.  1. Sign up at the table upon entering the fields at 9:00 AM. 2. Be fully warmed up including hitting practice & report to the table under the pavilion at 9:30 AM sharp - so we can form the respective teams .   Adherence to this timetable is critical to the successful implementation of this trial program . 
Thank you & again , please come to the fields the next 2-3 weeks , as many times as you are able .  
Regards ,
Winter Haven Senior Softball
Board of Directors

Tuesday, March 20th
Games are on. Barbecue lunch @ 11:15 AM is on. Rain predicted for 2:00 PM.

National League will need to sign in.

League Meeting At 9:00 AM.

Don Witmer, Commissioner

Friday, March 16th
Nick's A's vs JD'S KFC ALLSTARS ,Let's pick it up from the 6th inning KFC 8 - A'S 5.  The come back with big Dave Doerbaum  smashing a 2 run homer. In the top of the 7th the A'S erupted for 5 runs with Hicks ,Aufiero,   Zelazny andvDoerbaum leading the way but hold it this man from Michigan George Vandenberg drill a triple to right field to tie the score 12 to 12 with 2 outs good clutch hitting. Again the A'S wouldn't give up scoring 5 more runs in the top of the 8th inning Matta, Wiltshire, Shirer, Pep and Gazarek taking the lead 17 to 15 . But the old saying don't judge a book by its cover you may miss out on a good story, Mr.Larry Wells pitched a great game and his performance at the plate wowed everyone 4/5 Larry wells you got game, with the bases loaded Wells rips a line drive single to right field. The KFC ALLSTARS kept hitting and would not give up. Well the saying goes Stand tall ,and talk small and just play ball. The clutch hitting of Mr. Reliable 3 times with 2 outs game up with big hits and driving in runs awesome 3/6 for the day and had a standing ovation leading the way. Mr. Busch good job. The power hitting of big Dale with 2 triples with one of his triples came in the bottom of 8th in which the KFC exploded for 5 runs to take the lead of the game 20 to 17 .The KFC ALLSTARS got the stop they needed with great defense from the vacuum glove of Rad Pcholinski, and outstanding hitting 1 double and 1 triple by Capt. Tony Q. Also his defense on the golden arm of Tony Q second to none with the original man with the golden arm Danny Parker,  good game. Morty Ogden ,Bobby Reagen, Kirk Coffman good hitting and defense in the outfield all three 3/5 . Thanks Nicks A's for giving the KFC a catcher good job final score JD'S KFCALLSTARS 20 Nick"s A'S 18 leading hitters for the A's Wiltshire 4/4 1 sac, Hicks 4/5 , Doerbaum 4/5 1 homer 1 triple, Shirer 3/5 1 double ,Vandenberg 3/5 1 triple Zelazny 3/5 . Leading hitters for JD'S  ALLSTARS Busch 4/6, Quinones 3/6 1 double 1 triple, Wells 4/5 Coffman 3/5 Reagen 3/5 Ogden 3/5, Dale 3/6 2 triples, J.D. Davis 5/5 1 triple .
Write up by JD Davis

Friday, March 16th
Today's between Russ Kings Post 8's and Steve Hill's  OJ'S was played on Field A .

The OJ's started the game fast , with six straight hits before recording an out on Ken Weber's sac fly for their 5th run of the inning. Key hits were produced by Larry Chrest on his way to a 5 for 5 day , Juan Castillo and Sam Lopez . Post 8 in the bottom half of the inning put 1 run up on hits from Bob Skidmore and Rudy LaPointe . Score OJ's 5 to 1 after the first .

The OJ's kept rolling with 5 more in the 2nd as the bottom of the order went to work . The big hits were by Arvil Waddell , Gisele Seguin and Jerry Witter . . 10 -1 OJ's after two .

The OJ's kept adding to their lead with 3 in the 3rd and 4th innings , taking a 16 to 1 lead ,before the Post 8 got out of the gate , posting 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th . Post 8 big hits were provided by , Duff Hill and Ray Levesque , to trim the OJ's to 16 to 4 . .

OJ's answered with 2 runs in the top of the 5th to push their lead out to 18 - 3, before post 8 put up 3 more runs in the bottom of the inning , on hits by Fred Gonzalez , and Russ King . End of five , OJ's 18 - 6 .

The OJ's added single runs in 6th and 7th innings , with Post 8 adding two in the in the bottom of the 6th . End of the 7th saw the OJ's leading 18 to 8 .

The OJ's stayed hot scoring 3 in the 8th and 9th innings to take what looked to be a commanding 26 to 8 lead going into the bottom of the 9th . Post 8 had other ideas , sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring 7 runs after one out  , before the OJ's could record the 3rd and final out of the game . Final score OJ's  26 to 15 .

Stars

Offense , Post 8 , Fred Gonzalez 5 for 5 , Duff Hill and Ray Levesque 4 for 5 . 

OJ's , Larry Chest 5 for 5 ,Juan Castillo and Sam Lopez 4 for 5 , Steve Hill 3 for 4 .

Defense  , Post 8 , Bob Skidmore,  Russ King and Rudy LaPointe .

OJ's Juan Castillo , Gisele Seguin and Ken Weber .

Submitted by Steve Hill for Russ King.

Before the teams shook hands after the game , Post 8 manager Russ King asked both teams to form a line on their respective foul lines . He then congratulated the OJ's on their season , saying they were the finest team he had ever played against since playing Winter Haven softball .

Friday, March 16th
The Yankees clinched the A.L. Title today, with timely hitting & solid pitching and defense .  Co-Managers , Guzzo & Jacobson were analytical in their draft room preparation and the hard work paid off with consistent play on the field .  The Tigers, A’s, and , KFC’s were fighters throughout the season, but the injuries were too much to overcome.  But , their focused competitive spirit was second to none. Congratulations to all our “brothers”, who make our league a true blessing !  ️

Today the Yankees & Tigers were squared at 5 runs apiece through the second inning .
The Yankees led 16-12 after the fifth .  Guzman, Hurn, & Book were supplying the punch .  Hamilton, Held, & D’Herin were responding in like fashion.  A big 3 run sixth inning sealed the deal for the Yankees, as they closed the game with a 20-14 victory. Guzman-Jacobson-Book & Murphy-Knox-Pinnick were late inning offensive heroes.

Yankee Bombers :
Guzman-Hurn-Book-DeRidder  4 hits each
Guzzo-Jacobson-Gutenberger  3 hits each

Tiger Stalkers :
Hamilton                   5 hits
Held-Murphy           4 hits
D’herin                      3 hits

GREAT SEASON with ALL THE GUYS !!! ️
Great sportsmanship & friendships (that will last a lifetime) !
Thanks to Donnie Witmer & Bob Hite for all their endless weekly pregame work .

Written by Al Guzzo

Friday March 16, 2018   Field B

Last game of the regular season was played on Field B today with Larry Strait’s Braves playing Larry Powell’s Warriors.  Batting order for teams were Braves –Fryzowicz, Marino, Burtner, Hite, LeTourneau, Peske, Kriger, Boito, Dudley, Altemose, Andrews, LaMay and Strait.  Two players on the DL were on the bench today, Newton and Thompson.  Thanks for keeping the score today Newt.  Warriors – Ayer, Minder, Grabb, Spitaleri, Learn, Benson, Powell, Vining, Merritt, Gelinas and Gibson.

Fryzowicz walks to start the game, then a 6-4-3 double play left the bases empty. Next four batters, Burtner, Hite, LeTournes and Kreiger had singles with Kreiger driving in a run.  Ayer, Minder, Grabb, Spitaleri, and Learn have base hits to start the last half of the inning.  An infield out and singles from Powell and Vining provide the Warriors with 5 runs. 

Second inning Boito, Dudley, Altemose, and Andrews all have base hits, after an infield out and two more singles from Strait and Fryzowicz produce 3 runs.  Then after two out in the bottom of the inning base hits from Gibson and Ayer and a double off the bat of Minder tally 2 runs for the Warriors. 

The third inning had the Braves pushing across 2 runs and the Warriors sending four players over the home plate.  Score now Braves 8 Warriors 13.  Both teams managed 2 runs in the fourth inning.

Fifth inning singles from LeTourneau, Peske, Boito and two walks, then singles from LaMay and Strait brought across the 5^th run of the inning tying the game at 13 all. The sixth had the Braves take a 15 to 14 lead by crossing the plate twice while holding the Warriors to a single run.  In the seventh singles from Boito, Dudley, Altemose, LaMay and Strait set the table for Fryzowicz and Marino to drive in the fourth and 5^th runs of the inning.

Powell’s team scored 3 in the 8^th to make the score 20 to 18.  The Braves also scores 3 in the top of the 9^th with LaMay having the big hit of the inning.

Final score was Braves 23 – Warriors 18.

Leading hitters for Warriors:  Ayer 3 for 5, Minder 5 for 5 w/2 2B, Grabb 3 for 5, Spitaleri 4 for 5, Learn 3 for 4, Powell 3 for 5, Gelinas 3 for 4

Leading hitters for Braves:  Marino 3 for 5, Hite 4 walks, LeTourneau 4 for 5, Boito 3 for 5, Dudley 3 for 5, Andrews and LaMay 3 for 5.  Manager of the Year Strait 4 for 4 with walk.

Submitted by Don LaMay

Friday Mar. 16th. Field D

Todays game between the Flyers and the Nationals was played the way the game should be played. One player was allowed to play without proper dress code, and one team supplied a player to the opposition so that each team could field 12 players. The game was not close by any means as the Flyers dominated the Nationals 17 to 6. Star hitters for the Flyers were Boswell, yes Boswell 4/5 and a Double, Morton 3/4 and also the winning pitcher, Constantine 4/4 inc. 2 HR. Good hitting Chris,3 other players had 2 hits. For the Nationals, B J 3/4 inc a Triple, McLellan a HR, Bess 2/3, Grove 3/3 and Goreth 2/3.

PS: To the National players, Pat Accetta, Vassural Bess, Ken Gilpin, Danny Grove, Gary Goreth Dave Hartley, B J Kallister, Bill McLellan, Jimmy McPartlan, Pedro Navarro, Herb O, Dean Schapeler, Denny Shaffer, and Wayne Shearer, it was my pleasure to be part of this team, and thanks for putting up with me. Sorry Don Hawbaker I didn't forget you

Submitted by Elmer Black