Winter Haven Senior Softball

 RECAP OF THE GAMES LAST WEEK - 8/9 AND 8/12

Tuesday, August 9th

Mixed 3 team game was quite well balanced on paper, BUT this is senior softball and one never knows. 

First, we'll go to the fans in the stands who were Joyce Twinam, Pat Merritt, Sally Strait and Melanie Hite with Brandi of course. The four ladies went for lunch after, while Brandi had to attend the BOD meeting with me, which had many decisions to make. 

One of those decisions was, that this Friday, after the line ups are made, Don Witmer and Lou Guzman are going to hold a short clinic on the proper way to man 1st base with the 2 bag system and proper coverage of the base. I urge everyone who plays 1st base and/or umpires to play close attention. 

Now on to the game managed by Bob Zelazny, Robert Spitaleri and Don Ouding. The Z managed teams are on a small streak with a 14-8-8 victory. It jumped out to a 14-6-7 lead after 4 innings and failed to score again, but as you can tell by the score, the other 2 teams didn't do much either. Also a lot of good defense was played by all 3 teams and the score sheets indicate the Zelazny team simply had the hot bats for the first 4 innings. 

Here are the hitters. 

4 hits. Skidmore, 

3 hits. Stripling, Coffman, Dampier, Spitaleri

            Gutenberger, Fabian

2 hits. Constantine, Charlie G, Lynch, Vining,

            Lopez, Tutrani, Vandenberg, Meyer, 

            Rusty, Rad, Reagan, Kipp.

See y'all Friday and show up hungry for the summer picnic/party.

Write up by Loren Fabian  

Friday, August 12th

There were 3 teams today. The managers were Mark Tutrani, Bob Hite and Robert Spitaleri.

All 3 teams did well and everyone was especially excited about the party scheduled to follow the game.

Don Witmer and Lauren Fabian umpired the game and did a great job.

 Actually, before the game started Commissioner Witmer gave a review of the rules concerning play at first base. Players were reminded to avoid contact with the first baseman and use the outer base on infield ball in play. Then Lou Guzman gave some nice tips on how to play 1st base on defense.

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Bob Hite's team started well with 5 runs in the first inning. Their best hitter was J.R. Reed from Sebring. They ended up with 11 runs.

Mark's team managed only 2 runs and clearly they were distracted by thoughts of the party to come.

The Zelazny/Spitaleri team scored 5 runs in the first inning and finished with 16 runs. Best hitters were Bob Skidmore, Fred Gonzales, Bob Zelazny and Gary Anderson. Wayne Shearer had some impressive hits (he added that he had to perform because his wife came to see him play)

The food party after the game was terrific. Submarine sandwiches with trimmings and chips, drinks and cookies were enjoyed by all.

Thank you to the board of directors for putting it all together.

Write up by Robert Spitaleri