Nationals v Legion Post 8

This game had a good start.  The Nationals scored 5 runs in the first inning.  Legion followed with 4 runs.  The Nationals scored another run in the 2nd, while Legion scored none.  In the 3rd The Nationals scored 1 run and Legion scored 3 runs.  However, in the 4th, The Nationals scored 5 runs, and Legion scored none.  The 5th and 6th innings went scoreless for both teams.   The 

Nationals then scored 2 runs in the 7th and Legion could only answer with 1 run.  The 8th inning was blanks for both teams.  However, in the 9th inning, The Nationals did manage to score 5 runs, while Legion went blank.  

NATIONALS                                       LEGION

Shaeffer 3/5                                     Knox 3/4

Testa 3/5                                          Lynch 3/4

Pepin 4/5                                         Hammond 3/4

DeJongh 4/5                                    Hunter 3/3

Muniz 4/5                                        

Kniery 3/5

Hite 3/5

Brock 4/5

Write up by Ralph Boswell

Tuesday March 29th

Games Are on. Four fields available. Lets play ball 


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 Getting to Know You

Donald Witmer, goes by Don or Commish. Born in Lakeland, Florida and has lived in Bartow for 45 years. His wife is Bonnie and they have 6 kids and 11 Grandkids

Don plays in the National League for the American Legion. Softball is his favorite sport. Hobbies are Watersports and going to all of his grandkids sporting events. Enlisted in the Marine Corps - 68'-70' and served with the 26th Marines in Vietnam - 68'-69'. 

Don spent 38 years with the Florida Department of Transportation and is currently employed by Atkins Global North America as a Professional Engineer doing expert witness court cases. Don has been the Commissioner for Winter Haven Senior Softball for 12 of the last 14 Years. That is why he has all of the grey hair.

 Getting to Know You

 

Ron Pepin, nick name of Pep.  Ron is from the State of Connecticut, and lives with his wife Charlene in Winter Haven.  They have been married 44 years and have a daughter Amanda, son Michael and Grandchildren Tyler (16) Landon (7) and Ella (4).  

Ron plays in both Leagues and on the Nationals.  Softball and Golf are his favorite sports.  Pep's favorite Pro Players are Dwight (Dewey) Evans (RedSox) and Pete Rose.  His hobbies are Softball, Golf, Motorcycle riding and car enthusiast.  Pep has been playing softball since he was 16 years old and was voted into the WilliMac (CT) Hall of Fame.

Ron spent 35 years as a Connecticut State Employee.

 Getting to Know You

Bob Hite we all call him Bob.  Bob is from the State of Maryland and lives in Davenport with his wife Melanie.  We all know Mel as she makes the greatest cookies ever.  They have a son Bobby and his wife Kerry and 2 Grandchildren Wyatt and Eleanor.  

Bob plays in the National League for the Nationals.  He is also the number one assistant to the Commish Don Wittmer and newest member of the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame.  

Bob's favorite sports are Football, Baseball and Golf.  His favorite Pro Players are Derek Jeter and Emmitt Smith. 

Bob's hobby is drinking Bourbon and spends his spare time playing Golf and collecting Bourbon. He spent his working days as a Computer Programmer/System Administrator.

 Getting to Know You

Alf Gibbons he is called ALF.  Alf is from Ontario Canada.  He and his wife Mary live in Haines City as SnowBirds.  They have 4 daughters and one son, also 9 Grandchildren.

Alf plays in the National League for the Flyers.  His favorite sports are Baseball and Hockey.  Alf's favorite Pro player is Vladimir Guerrero Jr.  His hobby is golf and his spare time is playing softball.

 Getting to Know You

Poke Rodriguez, Everyone calls him "POKE"   Poke is from Texas and lives in Lakeland with his wife Lorraine.  They have a son named Marty and grandchildren Isabella & Aaron and "Lulu" the Dog. 

Poke Plays in the National League for the Coconuts.  His favorite sports are Softball and Fishing.  Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski are his favorite Pro Players.  His hobby is "Playing with My Mental Blocks"  In his spare time he goes to Yard Sales, RV Shows and goes Camping.

Poke is a Veteran of the U.S. Army Airborne, and is a retired Facility Maintenance at the University of Delaware.

 Getting to Know You

Patrick LoPiccolo know as Pat.  Pat is from New Jersey and lives in Winter Haven with his wife Nancy.  They have a son John and 2 Grandchildren.

Pat plays in the National League for the Nationals.  His favorite sports are Softball, Bowling and Baseball.  Don Eng, Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout are his favorite Pro Players. Bowling and Casino are his hobbies.  Pat is a Veteran of the New Jersey National Guard, and his occupation was a Sheet Metal Worker. 

 

Tuesday March 22 Field C

Today is the day that we resumed play down at the old ball park.  The Flyers were there and the Nationals were there and lo and behold, a bunch of old Yankees with their General Sam Lopez showed up and wanted to join us.  Why not?  Let's have a 3 team game. I guess the outcome was as exciting as a three team game can be.  The final score was 18-13-18.  Going into the bottom of the 7^th, the Flyers had 13, the Yankees has 18, and the Nationals had 13 but they still hadn't batted.  They scored 5 to tie the Yankees and stranded a winning run on 3^rd.  A good time was had by all as we lent players to one team or another, so that all teams could field 11.  I only have the score sheet of the Nats, but the other 2 teams must have had many hits to score 18 and 13 runs respectively.  As for the Nats, the stars were Testa, Hite, Muniz, Learn and Pepin, who had 3 hits each.  I have to mention our clean-up hitter, Jerry de Jongh who hit 5 long balls to the outfield but 4 of them were caught.  However, one was hit deep enough for a home run.

This will be my last write-up as our 3 remaining games are on the road.  Unfortunately, this will be my last year, and I must say that the past 25 years have been a blast and left me with many memories and good friends that I will always remember.

I want to thank Don Witmer for picking our team and he did a super job as we had an outstanding season and were only upstaged by the Dukes, managed by Steve Hill.  Congratulations, Dukes.  I also want to thank all the National players as they have been one of the most enjoyable guys to manage.  I also want to thank Charlene Pepin for keeping score as It was easy to read to do my write-ups.

In closing, I believe that we will all meet again somewhere.  Many thanks for making my stay so enjoyable.

Regards, Elmer Black

 

P.S.  Please continue to support the Elbert Elementary School Angel Tree as you have in the past.  Robert and Linda Spitaleri will be taking over these duties and I know they will do a good job.  Many thanks.

Friday March 25th

Games are still on. Ball fields are looking good. Lets play ball.


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Friday March 25th

Games are on in Winter Haven. Supposed to rain around 8:00 for a few minutes. If anything changes, 
We will post again.

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 REMINDER ABOUT ELECTIONS - FRIDAY IS THE LAST DAY

There are two terms on the Board of Directors that will expire this year. Both of the board members still want to serve on the board and will run in the election for their position. If you are interested in running for a board position, please see me and get an application. Also, the Commissioner's position is up for re-election this year. If you are interested in running for the Commissioner, please see me and get an application. All applications must be turned in no later than Friday, March 25th so we can have the election, March 29th, before most of our players leave for the summer.   

Thanks,

Don Witmer, Commissioner 

 Getting to Know You

Herb Oesterreich know as Herbie O.  Herb is from the state of Wisconsin and he and his wife Joyce live in Winter Haven.  Herb is moving to the State of Michigan in the next week or so and will be missed by all.  Good luck and God Bless you and your family.  

Herb O played in the National League for the Duke's and his favorite sport is Baseball and his favorite Pro player is Nolan Ryan.  His hobbies are Softball and Fishing.  Michigan has a lake or two around Herb.  Good Fishing.

 Getting to Know You

Mike O'Callaghan known to all as Mike.  Mike's home State is Michigan and he lives in Winter Haven with his wife Joann.  They have 3 sons and 1 daughter, 5 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.  

Mike plays in the National and Manages the American Legion Post 8 team.  His favorite sports are Softball and Golf.  Fishing, boating and camping are his hobbies.  Mike's spare time is spent working in the yard and hanging around the pool.  Mike is a Veteran of the U. S. Army.  

 Getting to Know You

Joe D'Herin we call him Joe.  His home is Michigan and he and his wife Nancy live in Lake Wales.  They have three sons.

Joe is on the Board of Directors for Winter Haven Senior Softball.  At present time his is a Pool Player, Umpire etc.

for the National League.  Joe likes all sports and his favorite Pro players are Derek Jeter and Tom Brady. Joe's hobby is Playing Ball.  In his spare time he likes Auctions.  Joe is a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.  He is retired from the Ford Motor Company.

 Getting to Know You

Tom Kniery call him Tom.  His home State is Indiana and he lives in Lake Alfred with his wife Jeri.  They have 3 children, 10 Grandchildren and 13 Great-grandchildren.   

Tom plays in the National League with the Nationals.  His favorite sport is Baseball.  Stan Musial and Brian Piccolo are his favorite Pro Players and Family and Softball are his hobbies.  Jeri and Tom like to travel. Tom is a retired Wholesale Electronics and Appliancer. 

 Getting to Know You

Robert Zelazny call him Bob.  Bob is from the State of Washington and lives in Winter Haven with his wife Brenda.

Bob plays in the National League for the Coconuts.  His favorite sports are Softball, Golf and Racquetball.   Bob's Favorite Pro Players are Tom Brady and Jordan Spieth and his hobbies are Sports and Cards.  Robert was a Veteran of the U.S. Army - 30 Years as a Career Army Signal Corps director , technical infrastructure Palm Beach County - Retired.  

Tuesday March 22

Games are on in Winter Haven. We may not have team games but we are playing ball. Lets see who shows up 


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 We are still on for tomorrow in Winter Haven. Check website in the morning before you come to the ballpark.

 ELECTIONS    ELECTIONS     ELECTIONS      ELECTIONS 

There are two terms on the Board of Directors that will expire this year. Both of the board members still want to serve on the board and will run in the election for their position. If you are interested in running for a board position, please see me and get an application. Also, the Commissioner's position is up for re-election this year. If you are interested in running for the Commissioner, please see me and get an application. All applications must be turned in no later than Friday, March 25th so we can have the election, March 29th, before most of our players leave for the summer.   

Thanks,

Don Witmer, Commissioner 

 NEWS     NEWS     NEWS     NEWS     NEWS

It is time to return to the Diamondplex in Winter Haven to finish our season. I talked to the staff at the ballpark on Wednesday morning, March 16th and they did not foresee any problems with us returning on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. There may be some glitches but we will work them out. We are going to try to resume our season as scheduled. There have been injuries and other matters that have taken place in the past 3 and 1/2 weeks so we will do what we can to play ball. Please be at the ballpark no later than 9:00 AM. If you are a pool player, please try to come that day. We know that we will need a bunch of pool players.

If there are any changes to this schedule, I will post them as soon as possible. Keep checking the website for any updates that may occur. 

Thanks.  

Games are on. 3/18

See you there. 

A big THANKS to all of the folks that showed up last night at the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame Banquet in Winter Haven. The banquet was a big success as we honored and inducted JD Davis and Bob Hite into the Hall of Fame. Reggie Barnes took time out from his busy schedule to Emcee this event and did a good job. The food was great, plentiful and we finished the meal with strawberry shortcake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Bob Zelazny was responsible for providing the location and the meal. Let's do it again next year. 

Thanks again for attending. 

 Getting to Know You

Alan Miller, called Al or Alan, was born in Northern California but met his wife, Betty, at Calvin College in Michigan.  They spent 35 years on Long Island, NY near Betty’s hometown, where they raised 3 children.  Although he is now a resident of Florida, Alan “doesn’t own dirt” but lives full time in his motorhome which is currently parked in the 4 Corners area not far from Disney World.  Summers are spent in West Michigan near his 5 grandchildren.  Alan’s favorite sports are baseball (SF Giants), football (SF 49ers) and college basketball.  His boyhood heroes were the Willies- Mays and McCovey.  Alan is also known to pick up a golf club once in a while.  Other pastimes include Bible study, keeping up on current events and volunteering his time to do taxes as well as service projects.  During his careers, Alan was a teacher/coach, a CPA and CFO of a government contractor.

Alan plays for Elmer Black’s Nationals in the National League.

 

 Getting to Know You

Mark P. Tutrani call him Mark.  Mark's home state is Florida and he lives in Lake Alfred with his wife Toni.  His family is listed as 1 dog Ralphie (?).  

Mark plays in the American League.  His favorite sports are Softball And Baseball.  Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, and Derek Jeter (good trio) are his favorite Pro Players.  Mark is retired from the Insurance business.

 Getting to Know You

Rick Brock call him Rick,  His home state Illinois and he live in Haines City with his wife Kay.  They have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchildren.

Rick plays in the National League for the Flyers.  Football and Track and Field are his favorite sports.  John Unitas and Peyton Manning are his favorite Pro players. (two great QB's).  Softball and Pickleball are his hobbies.  Playing cards with family and friends are what he does in his spare time.  Rick served our country in the Illinois Air National Guard and is a retired Machinist.

 Getting to Know You

Greg Denny, nick name Speed (that must be an OLD name).  Greg is from the state of Michigan and lives in Haines City with his wife Terry.  They have a son John Paul, daughter-in-law Angela and grandson Liam (8).

Greg plays in the National League on the Duke's.  His favorite sports are Auto Racing, Rugby, Hockey and Softball.  His favorite Pro player is Richie Marino (True Story). Speed's hobbies and pastimes are Softball. He was not in military but his draft number was #292.  Greg's occupation was an Indy Car Engine Builder and Professor. 

 Getting to Know You

Peter Gutenberger, he goes by both Pete and Peter.  He was raised in Wisconsin, lived in Indiana, and Maryland, now lives in Winter Haven with his wife Karla. Pete has a daughter Heather, son Tim and 5 grandsons, also step children Nikki, George, and Stevie Brown and 2 more Grandchildren.

Pete plays in the National League.  His favorite sports are Golf, Softball, Pickleball and Football.  His favorite Pro Players are #1 Stevie Brown and he also likes Scottie Scheffler and Peter Malnati.  His hobbies are Golf, Softball, Pickleball, Tennis and grandchildren.  Peter work as an Engineer.

 Getting to Know You

Donald Hawbaker, Nick name Don.  Don is from Pennsylvania and lives in Lake Hamilton with Marcia Rice.  He has 2 daughters in N.J. and has 4 Grandchildren.  

Don plays in the National League with the Nationals.  His favorite sports are Baseball and Softball.  Don's hobby is Amateur Ham Radio and he is a retired Electronics Engineer with the U.S. Govt.

 Getting to Know You

Bill Testa, they call him B T.  Bill is from the State of Connecticut and lives in Winter Haven (Lake Ashton) with his wife Nancy.  They have a daughter Kristy and two sons Will and Mike.  Kristy has 3 boys and a girl. Her Husband has been career U.S. Army for 22 years.  Son Mike has 3 boys and Will is single.  

  

Bill is playing in the National League.  His favorite sport is Baseball.  Favorite Pro Players are Mickie Mantle, Derek Jeter and Tom Brady.  Bill's hobbies are Golf, Softball, Fishing, R.V. camping and COOKING!   In his spare time he works on detailing his 66 Mustang Convertible for Car Shows.  Bill is a retired Mechanical Engineer.

 Getting to Know You

Gary Burtner, call him Gary.  Gary is from the State of Michigan and lives in Haines City with his Wife Karen.  They have 2 children and 5 Grandchildren.

Gary plays in the National League for the Coconuts.  His favorite sports are Baseball, Football and Golf.  Gary's favorite Pro Players are Justin Verlander and Matt Stafford.  His hobbies are Playing the Keyboard, mixing music tracks, He plays in a band with his wife Karen and Joe LeTourneau.  He also likes Fishing.  Music, Softball and Golf are done in his spare time.  Gary is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and is a retired Insurance Salesman at AAA.

 Getting to Know You

B J Kallisterl, Call him B J.  He is from the State of Illinois and he lives in Winter Haven.  B J's family is his girlfriend Theresa, a daughter and 2 Grand Children in Illinois.

B J's favorite sports are Football, Golf and Baseball.  His favorite Pro Player is Dick (the Bruiser) Butkus.  His hobby is riding his Harley.  In his spare time is spent Golfing, Fishing and Bowling.  B J is a retired Steelworker.

 ADDRESS CHANGE - HALL OF FAME BANQUET

Please use the following address to take you directly to the Health & Fitness Center: 6052 Pebble Beach Blvd, Winter Haven, Fl 33884

Thanks

 HALL OF FAME     HALL OF FAME     HALL OF FAME     HALL OF FAME

Let's gather tomorrow evening at the Lake Ashton Recreation Center to honor Bob Hite and JD Davis as they are inducted into the 2021 Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame. These guys have given a lot of their time and energy to make senior softball more enjoyable in Lakeland and Winter Haven. The Banquet will begin as a BYOB event starting at 5:30 PM, Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM and the induction ceremonies will begin after dinner. The address for the Recreation Center is 4140 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales. 6502 Pebble Beach Blvd. Winter Haven, FL. 33884

See you there.  

Games are on

Please park on opposite side today. Remember Dave and Don are hitting.

REMINDER REMINDER REMINDER

Hall of Fame Banquet this Wednesday, March 16th. BYOB begins at 5:30 PM, Dinner at 6:00 PM and induction ceremonies will begin after dinner. We still have tickets on sale. $20.00 per person. See you there. 

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Friday 3/11

Much the same as Tuesday,  one small field and one large field.  Going to need work. 

 Getting to Know You

Bob Vandenberg called Bobby V.  Bob is from the state of Indiana and lives in Dundee with his wife Mary, (my lovely wife).  They have a son Kris, daughter Elizabeth and Seth, grandchildren, Emily & Abby, Cory & Christine, Jude and Goldie.  

Bobby V. plays in the National League for the Post 8 Legion.  His favorite sports are Baseball and basketball, and favorite Pro players are Derek Jeter and Yogi Ferrell.  Hobbies are softball and working with wood.  His spare time is spent camping with family and friends and movies with his wife.  Bob is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. His occupation was a Conservation Ranger.

 Getting to Know You

Don Torok and he is called Don.  He is from the State of OHIO and lives with his wife Betty in Haines City. They have four sons, Don, Bryan, Jim and Terry.

Don plays in the National League on the Post 8 Legion team.  His favorite sports are Softball and Golf.  Don's favorite Pro player is Micky Mantle.  His hobby is Woodworking.  Don is a Veteran of the U.S. Army.

 Getting to Know You

Thomas Capozzi with the nickname of TC and his home state is Florida.  TC and his wife Betty live in Winter Haven.  He has two boys and a brother and sister.  

Tom plays in the National League for the Coconuts.  TC's favorite sports are Softball and Ping Pong.  Tom's hobbies are doing his Honey Do List, and he likes cooking and boating in his spare time.  TC is a retired Certified Pool & Spa Operator, and doing Sales, service and Installation of Flooring.

 Getting to Know You

Jerome Witter known as Jerry.  He is from the state of New York and Jerry lives in Dundee.  His family is Dom Witter.

Jerry plays in the National League for Post 8 Legion.  His favorite sports are Softball and Bowling.  His hobby is Farming and pastimes are spent with Senior Citizens and Fishing.  Jerry is a Retired teacher and Farmer.

Update on Ken Meyer

Ken was recently injured while practicing with some WHSS players.  He has a lacerated liver and two cracked ribs.  Please keep Ken in your thoughts and prayers.  Hope he makes a speedy recovery and gets back out to the Diamondplex.

No more rain expected Tuesday 3/8.

Weather radar showing small system moving away. If it's right, no more rain until later today.  Some come on.

2 fields Available.

If no more rain, we should have 2 fields in some sort of shape by game time. 

I WILL POST AGAIN AT 730.

Misplaced Gloves

Hi guys,

A couple of gloves went missing or were misplaced today.  Please check your bat bags, some gloves do look alike. If you won't be around for awhile, call a board member and we will return them to you.  Thanks Everyone.

 Getting to Know You 

Mike Kasperek, nick name Cazzie.  Cazzie's home state is Michigan.  Mike and his wife Mary live in Davenport and have 4 children and 3 grand children.

Cazzie is a pool player at the present time.  His favorite sports are Football, Golf and Baseball.  Cassie's favorite Pro player is Jim Bunning who was a great Detroit Tiger, among other things from long ago.  His hobby is Biking.  Mike worked as a salesman

 Getting to Know You

Jerry DeJongh, He is called Jerry.  Jerry is Widowed and has two sons and two daughter's-in-Law. His is also gifted with eight grand-children.  

Jerry plays in the National League for the National's and Golf is his favorite sport.  His favorite Pro player is Zack Johnson.  Hobbies and Pastimes are Golf and Golf    (FOUR)..  Jerry is a Veteran of the U.S National Guard. His Occupation was Tool & Die/Automotive MFG.

 Getting to Know You

Bill Rutan call him Bill.  Bill is from the State of Indiana and lives in Lake Alfred with his wife Betty. They have two sons Darren and Lindy.  

Bill plays in the National League on the Flyers.  His favorite sport is Softball.  Does not have a favorite Pro player and his hobby is taking his boat out on the lake.  In his spare time he helps others.  Bill is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired Landscaper.

 Getting to Know You

Joe LeTourneau Call him Wheelz.  Joe's home state is Michigan.  Joe lives in Haines City with his wife MariJane. They have two daughters Tricia and Kara.

Wheelz plays in the National League for the Coconuts.  His favorite sports are Softball and Volleyball.  Joe's favorite Pro player is Tom Brady. In his pastimes he plays and sings in a Band with Gary Burtner.  He is a Veteran of the Air Force, and is retired from the Xerox Corp.

Friday March 4th

Games are on. Going to be Sunny.

March 1, 2022

Lots of news today.

First, I have heard, briefly, from Donnie's wife, Bonnie that his surgery went well and he was going home later today.

We had 48 guys at the ballpark today, 15 American Leaguers and 33 National League guys.

Instead of telling you about the games, I want to mention lots of the guys who chipped in today to make it a fun day for everyone.

Dana Ferrande and Ralph Boswell getting to the fields early and helping setup.

Lou Guzman and JD Davis who handled the American League today.

Joe D'Herin for aiding me in the National League team selection.  We did ok, but we made one team a little too powerful and they ran away with the game.

Ken Meyers, Steve Hill, Chris Constantine and Ralph helped me get all the gear back into my car.  There were also those guys who always pick up the gear and put it away, game after game.  Like Robert Spitaleri and Bobby Vandenburg.  

I know I forgot to mention someone, I apologize.  I know you are there and I thank you.

Bob Hite

Games are on.

Remember we are at Poinciana Community Park.