The final game of the National League season was on Friday, March 8th when Steve Hill's Dukes Brewhouse clinched the championship with a win over Tommy Capozzi's Cobras. This is the second year in a row that Steve Hill has won the Championship in the National League. Congratulations to the following players for a job well done: Steve Hill, Mgr.,Ken Gelinas Dave Hartley, Justin Mears, Johnny Merritt, Willie Morton, Jerry Remington, Ray Roy, Bobby Skidmore, Jerry Witter, Bob Zelazny, Alf Giddens and Dale Johnson.

The American League's final game was on Tuesday, March 26th when the end of season party was held. The American League's Champions were determined by a point system that was managed by Al Guzzo. Points were given by attendance and game winners. The following players were awarded the Championship for the 2019 Season: Manny Rios, Pete Gutenberger, J.D. Davis Lonnie Netzel, Jose Rivera, Rad Pcholinski, Allan Miller, Jeff Stier, Tommy Hamilton, Rick Brock, Luis Guzman, Nick Matta, Ron Ramos, Dana Ferrande, and  Paul Newman.

A big THANKS to all of the National League managers that made this year a success and to the players that managed the American League.

Pickup ball begins this morning. Please sign in at the Pavilion between Fields B and C.

  

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH

Games are on for tomorrow. End of year party catered by Dukes Brewhouse will begin around 11:30 AM after the games. Family is invited. See you tomorrow.

Sad News For Winter Haven Senior Softball

Joel Freedman, a longtime member of Winter Haven Senior Softball and a member of the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at his home. Joel served on the Board of Directors as the Secretary for many years. After his Secretary years were over, Joel served as an advisor to the Board of Directors because of his knowledge and his love for the game of softball. Joel has not been at the ballpark for several years due to his illness but he has been missed by those of us who knew him. Joel's favorite quote was "THE GAME OF SOFTBALL IS NOT LIFE OR DEATH, HAVE FUN, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF AND MAKE LIFE A LITTLE BETTER FOR YOUR FELLOW BALL PLAYERS"

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joel on Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Cypresswood Golf and Country Club from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Winter Haven. If you can attend, please contact Freddie Dampier and let him know so Joel's daughter will know many people will be there. Freddie's number is 863.557.5696.

Tuesday March 19th

No games today. Fields are not playable. See you next Tuesday. Check website for details.

Sent from my iPhone

SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/18/2019          SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/18/2019 

WE WILL TRY TO PLAY SOFTBALL AT THE DIAMOND PLEX  TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH IF IT DOES NOT RAIN. THE FORECAST IS FOR RAIN BEGINNING TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT AND RAIN UNTIL TOMORROW AFTERNOON. THE END OF YEAR PARTY HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR TOMORROW AND WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH. CHECK THE WEBSITE IN THE MORNING BEFORE COMING TO THE BALLPARK. IF THE FIELDS ARE NOT PLAYABLE, WE WILL CANCEL THE GAMES FOR TOMORROW  HERE IS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN:

WE HAVE PLAYED 15 GAMES SO FAR. WE HAVE COMPLETED THE THIRD ROUND OF THE SEASON (15 GAMES). WE ARE NOT GOING TO BEGIN A FOURTH ROUND. THE FIRST PLACE TEAM IS TWO GAMES AHEAD OF THE SECOND PLACE TEAM. THERE WILL BE GAMES PLAYED ON MARCH 26TH. TEAMS 1 AND 4 WILL PLAY ON FIELD C. TEAMS 3 AND 6 WILL PLAY ON FIELD D. TEAMS 2 AND 5 WILL PLAY ON FIELD B. THE AMERICAN LEAGUE WILL PLAY ON FIELD E.  THE END OF SEASON PARTY HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH. CATERING WILL BE DONE BY DUKES BREWHOUSE. FAMILY IS INVITED.

THERE ARE NO GAMES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 23. THE SSUSA SPRING NATIONALS WILL BE PLAYED AT THE DIAMONDPLEX. SOME OF OUR PLAYERS WILL BE IN THIS TOURNAMENT. 

AS I TOLD EVERYONE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON, BE FLEXIBLE. WE DO NOT CONTROL WHEN THE CITY OF WINTER HAVEN SCHEDULES TOURNAMENTS.

THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.   

Friday, March 8th

Dukes vs Cobras

In the 1st inning the Dukes score 3 runs on Bob Skidmore’s HR & Justin Mears triple. The Cobras come back with 2 runs. In the 3rd inning the Cobras score 5 runs. In the 4th inning the Dukes score 5 runs. The Dukes lead 8 to 7. In the 5th inning the Dukes put up 2 & the Cobras 5. The Cobras lead 12 to 10. In the 6th 7th, & 8th innings the Dukes added 8 and the Cobras added 4. Score, the Dukes 18 the Cobras 16. In the 9th inning the Dukes held on to their 18 runs to win over the Cobras 16 runs.

Dukes winning pitcher:  Willie Morton

Leading hitters:

Bob Skidmore 4/4 with a HR

Willie Morton 4/4

Steve Hill 3/4 with a HR

Bob Zelazny 3/4

Jerry Remington 3/4

Cobras leading hitters:

Fred Dampier 4/4

Jim Laffoon 4/4

Larry Chrest 3/4

Gerry Deridder 3/4

Tom Capozzi 2/3

Ed Spegel 2/3

Write up by Tom Capozzi

Friday, March 8th

Post 8 played the Warriors today and Post 8 had their hitting shoes on. They scored 13 runs thru 6 innings and allowed the Warriors only 5. Post 8 added 4 more in the 8th and shut out the Warriors the rest of the game to win 17-5.  Steve Pinnick was the winning pitcher.

Leading hitters for Post 8: 
Pinnick 2-4

Knox 4-4

Lopez 2-4

Reagen 2-4

D'Herin 3-4

King 3-4

Anderson 4-4

Walton 3-4

D. Hill 2-4

Lawson 2-3

L. Baker 3-3

Leading Hitters for the Warrior: 
John B. 2-3

Jacobs 2-3 
Write up by Joe D'Herin

HALL OF FAME BANQUET - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE HALL OF FAME BANQUET THIS WEDNESDAY IN WINTER HAVEN AT THE LAKE ASHTON HEALTH AND FITMESS CENTER. THE DIRECTIONS TO THE RECREATION CENTER ARE ON THE BACK OF YOUR TICKET. THIS IS A BYOB EVENT. IF YOU BRING A BYOB, YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN SETUPS(COKE, GINGER ALE, TONIC WATER, ETC.). THE SOCIAL HOUR BEGINS AT 5:30 PM AND THE DINNER WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 PM.

WHEN YOU TURN INTO THE LAKE ASHTON ENTRANCE, THE HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER IS STRAIT AHEAD AND IS LESS THAN 0.5 MI. 

SEE YOU THERE.  

SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/11/2019          SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/11/2019 

WE WILL BE PLAYING SOFTBALL AT THE DIAMOND PLEX  TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH. THE RUSS/MATT GIRLS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 10 THRU THE 15TH. THERE WILL BE NO GAMES THE WEEK OF MARCH 10 THRU MARCH 15TH.  HERE IS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN:

WE HAVE PLAYED 15 GAMES SO FAR. WE HAVE COMPLETED THE THIRD ROUND OF THE SEASON (15 GAMES). WE ARE NOT GOING TO BEGIN A FOURTH ROUND. THE FIRST PLACE TEAM IS TWO GAMES AHEAD OF THE SECOND PLACE TEAM. THERE WILL BE GAMES PLAYED ON MARCH 19TH. TEAMS 1 AND 4 WILL PLAY ON FIELD C. TEAMS 3 AND 6 WILL PLAY ON FIELD D. TEAMS 2 AND 5 WILL PLAY ON FIELD B. THE AMERICAN LEAGUE WILL PLAY ON FIELD E.  THE END OF SEASON PARTY IS STILL ON FOR MARCH 19TH. CATERING WILL BE DONE BY DUKES BREWHOUSE. FAMILY IS INVITED.

THERE ARE NO GAMES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 23. THE SSUSA SPRING NATIONALS WILL BE PLAYED AT THE DIAMONDPLEX. SOME OF OUR PLAYERS WILL BE IN THIS TOURNAMENT. 

WE WILL BEGIN PICKUP BALL ON TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH. WHOEVER SHOWS UP WILL PLAY. WE WILL PLAY SOFTBALL EVERY DAY THAT WE CAN.

AS I TOLD EVERYONE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON, BE FLEXIBLE. WE DO NOT CONTROL WHEN THE CITY OF WINTER HAVEN SCHEDULES TOURNAMENTS. 

THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.   

SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/6/2019          SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/6/2019 

WE WILL BE PLAYING SOFTBALL AT THE DIAMOND PLEX  FRIDAY, MARCH 8TH. THE RUSS/MATT GIRLS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 10 THRU THE 15TH. THERE WILL BE NO GAMES THE WEEK OF MARCH 10 THRU MARCH 15TH.  HERE IS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN:

WE HAVE PLAYED 14 GAMES SO FAR. WE HAVE ONE MORE GAME TO COMPLETE THE THIRD ROUND OF THE SEASON (15 GAMES). PROBABLY NOT GOING TO BEGIN A FOURTH ROUND. THE SCHEDULE THAT YOU HAVE SHOWS 15 GAMES. WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THAT SCHEDULE EXCEPT THE DATES WILL CHANGE. THE GAME SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 19TH WILL BE PLAYED ON MARCH 8TH. THERE WILL BE GAMES PLAYED ON MARCH 19TH. NOT SURE AT THIS TIME WHO WILL PLAY WHO, BUT THERE WILL BE GAMES PLAYED. THE END OF SEASON PARTY IS STILL ON FOR MARCH 19TH. CATERING WILL BE DONE BY DUKES BREWHOUSE.

SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE MADE OTHER PLANS BASED ON THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE. IF YOU CANNOT BE AT THE GAMES BASED ON THE NEW SCHEDULE, WE WILL ADDRESS THAT ISSUE EACH DAY. WE MAY HAVE TO USE MARCH 19TH  TO MAKE UP SCHEDULED GAMES OR A RAINOUT GAME. 

WE WILL PLAY SOFTBALL EVERY DAY THAT WE CAN.

AS I TOLD EVERYONE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON, BE FLEXIBLE. WE DO NOT CONTROL WHEN THE CITY OF WINTER HAVEN SCHEDULES TOURNAMENTS. 

THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.   

It is that time of the year to hold elections for three board member positions. The elections are going to be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. If you are interested in running for a Board of Directors position, please get an application from Don Witmer or let a current bord member know you want to be put on the ballot. The ballots will be given to the managers on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Board members will let me know if you are interested in running for a vacant position and I will include you on the Ballot. You need to turn in an application or let a current board member know you are interested no later than Friday, March 15, 2019. 
Thanks.
Don Witmer

SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/4/2019          SCHEDULE CHANGES - 3/4/2019 

WE WILL BE PLAYING SOFTBALL AT THE DIAMOND PLEX TOMORROW AND NEXT FRIDAY. THE RUSS/MATT GIRLS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 11 THRU THE 15TH. THERE WILL BE NO GAMES THE WEEK OF MARCH 11 THRU MARCH 15TH. THE CITY CONFIRMED THE RUSS/MATT  SCHEDULE AFTER THE PIZZA PARTY ON FRIDAY. HERE IS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN:

WE HAVE PLAYED 14 GAMES SO FAR. WE HAVE ONE MORE GAME TO COMPLETE THE THIRD ROUND OF THE SEASON (15 GAMES). NOT SURE AT THIS TIME IF WE WILL BEGIN A FOURTH ROUND. THE SCHEDULE THAT YOU HAVE SHOWS 15 GAMES. WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THAT SCHEDULE EXCEPT THE DATES WILL CHANGE. THE GAME SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 19TH WILL BE PLAYED ON MARCH 5TH. THERE WILL BE GAMES PLAYED ON MARCH 8TH, AND MARCH 19TH. NOT SURE AT THIS TIME WHO WILL PLAY WHO, BUT THERE WILL BE GAMES PLAYED. THE END OF SEASON PARTY IS STILL ON FOR MARCH 19TH. CATERING WILL BE DONE BY DUKES BREWHOUSE.

SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE MADE OTHER PLANS BASED ON THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE. IF YOU CANNOT BE AT THE GAMES BASED ON THE NEW SCHEDULE, WE WILL ADDRESS THAT ISSUE EACH DAY. WE MAY HAVE TO USE MARCH 8TH AND MARCH 19TH TO MAKE UP SCHEDULED GAMES OR A RAINOUT GAME. 

WE WILL PLAY SOFTBALL EVERY DAY THAT WE CAN.

AS I TOLD EVERYONE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON, BE FLEXIBLE. WE DO NOT CONTROL WHEN THE CITY OF WINTER HAVEN SCHEDULES TOURNAMENTS. 

THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.   

Friday, March 1st

Brave vs Cobras

The Braves started the game off on a high note scouring 4 runs in the top of the 1st inning. In the bottom of the 1st, Fred Dampier slammed a home run making it a 1 run inning for the Cobras. The Braves stayed in stride hitting 5 runs in the 2nd inning with no response from the Cobras The Braves had a 9 to 1 lead after 2 innings. In the 3rd, 4th & 5th innings the Braves held on to their 9 runs while the Cobras came up with 3 in the 4th and 3 in the 5th. Score:  Braves 9, Cobras 7 end of the 5th. In the 6th inning the Braves got back in stride and added 4 runs to their 9 with Bill Mclellan smashing a home run.  The Cobras answered with 3 runs. Score: Braves 13 Cobras 10. The Braves mounted 3 more runs in the 7th extending their total runs to 16.  Trying to close the gap the Cobras hit 1 run in the seventh and 1 run the 8th bring ing the score to Braves 16 Cobras 12. The 9th inning was the clincher for the Cobras hitting 5 runs to the Brave's zero and winning the game Cobras: 17 Braves: 16 in the bottom of the 9th.

Winning pitchers for the Cobras, Ron Thompson & B J Kallister.

Leading hitters:

Jim Laffoon 4/5

Jack Minder 4/5

Pat Accetta 4/5

Fred Dampier 3/5 with a double & HR

Tom Capozzi 3/5

Leading hitters for the Braves:

Bill Mclellan 4/5 with a triple & HR

Joe Peskie 4/5

Burtner, Herb O, Larry Strait & Pat Lopiccolo 3/5

Write up by Tom Capozzi

Friday, March 1st

Warriors vs Dukes    

The Warriors did not score in the top of the 1st. The Dukes big bats started early with solo home runs by Ray Roy and Bob Skidmore quickly made it 2-0. Justin Mears tripled, Willie Morton's double was followed by hits from Ken Gelinas, Alf Gibbons and a 2 rbi single by Jerry Remington, added 3 more. Score 5-0 Dukes after one. 

The Warrior got on the board in the 2nd on Bill Rutan and Bob Vandenberg singles, a double by Mike Wheeler drove them in, to trim the Dukes lead to 5-2. In their half of the inning the Dukes added 5 more runs, as the bottom of the order, Dale Johnson, Jerry Witter and John Merritt all had hit, followed by singles by, Roy, Skidmor, Steve Hill and Morton. 10-2 Dukes after tw0.

Hits by Art Zakrowski, Don Scarbrough, Vandenberg, Don Hawbaker and John Boito plated two for the Warriors, while the Dukes bats cooled, adding single runs in the 3rd and 4th innings. 12-4 Dukes after four.

The Warriors made a game of it by adding 4 in the 5th. The big blast was Jim Vining 3 run homer after hits by Bill Ayers, Hawbaker and Mark Gallagher, cutting the Dukes lead to 12-8. The Dukes answered with 3 in the bottom of the inning, on hits by Dave Hartley, Gelinas, Gibbons and RBI machine Remington, to extend their lead to 15-8.

The Warriors add one in the top of the 6th. The Dukes caught fire again plating 5 runs, big hits provided by a Hill home run and a Gibbons double. 20-9 after six.

Johnson lead off the Dukes 7th with a double, moved up on a Witter ground out and scored on a close play at 1st off the bat of Merritt, for John's 2nd RBI of the day. After 3 singles by the top of the order, Mears's hit his 2nd triple to clear the bases, Hartley finished the Dukes scoring driving in Mears all with two out. 25-9 Dukes after seven.

After the Warriors did not score in the 8th, the teams agreed to flip flop and the Dukes did not bat in the 8th, The Warriors were unable to score in the 9th. FINAL SCORE 25-9 Dukes.

Hitting stars > Warriors, Bill Rutan and Bill Ayers 3-4. Gary Goreth 2-3

                    > Dukes, Bob Skidmore, Ken Gelinas, Alf Gibbons and Dale Johnson 4-4. Willie Morton and Steve Hill 4- , Jerry Remington 3-4 / w 5 RBI 

Defense Ray Roy and Dale Johnson

Winning pitcher, Jerry Witter

Write up by Steve Hill

Tuesday, February 26th
Powell' Warriors squared off with Fabe's Flyers (next year to be THE RIDGE RUNNERS).  The Warriors had their hitting shoes on and were up 16-3 after the top of their 5 run 5th inning. Fabe's team finally broke out in the bottom of 6 batting around an putting up 9 runs. Each team scored 2 more the rest of the game for a final of 18-15. See y'all Friday.

Write up by Loren Fabian  

HALL OF FAME DINNER

Please join your fellow ball players and their wives in celebrating the induction of Joe D'Herin and Elmer Black into the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame. The date is Wednesday 13 March and the cost is a mere $20 per ticket. We will start around 5:30, with dinner at 6:00.  We would love to see a great crowd to help recognize

these great ball players. Tuesday is the last day to purchase your tickets to this years dinner. If you have not done so, please contact one of the folks selling tickets or contact me directly.

Thanks,

Bob Zelazny, 2019 HOF Chairman