Tuesday October 31st

Games are on. 

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Friday, October 27th

Steve Hill and Robert Spitaleri managed two very even teams today. Steve held a narrow lead thru the first 5 innings until Robert's team tied it up at 14 after 5 innings. Then they took the narrow lead until the open inning when Steve put up a nickel to take a 26-23 lead with Spit's team coming to bat in the bottom of the 9th. They did score 4 with the last run coming when they intentionally walked Bob Zelazny to get to Jose. Jose quickly lined the first pitch into left field to drive in the winning run from 3rd. 

The hitters 

5 hits. Spitaleri, Hill, Castilleja

4 hits. Capozzi, B.J. Rutan, Tater, DeRidder, Jose, 

3hits. Zelazny, Lopez, Dowdy, Vandenberg, Henry, 

           Constantine, Levesque, Fleming, Johnston

2 hits. Wells, Gonzalez, Muniz, Shearer, Poke,

            Thompson

All other players from both sides had one hit and I would like to note that Kathie's hit was a line drive over 3rd for a double.

It should also be noted that both teams only had 1 inning without scoring a run. 2 goose eggs in the entire game. Hence a total of 53 runs scored in the 9 inning game. 

Happy Halloween and see y'all Tuesday. 

Write up by Loren Fabian 

Message brought by Tucker Carpets. 

Friday October 27th

Games are on. Enjoyment books are on sale. Still $30.00.

This message was brought to you by our sponsor Robert's Premier Painting.

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Tuesday October 224th

Managers today were Steve Hill and Bob Zelazny. The score was very close thru 6 innings with Bob's team holding a narrow lead all the way and being up11-9 after 6. Steve's team could only add one more run in the open inning while Bob's team scored 8 more for a final of 19-10. 

The hitters. 

4 hits. Vandenberg

3 hits. Hill, Shaffer, Boito, Fleming, 

2 hits. Reagen, Rutan, Muniz, Zelazny

            Capozzi, Castilleja, Henry, Lopez, Gibson. 

See y'all Friday 

Message brought to you by our sponsor Somewhere Sports Bar and Grill

Write up by Loren Fabian 

Tuesday October 24th

Games are on. Buy your enjoyment book today.

This message is brought to you by our sponsor American Legion Post 8.

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 ENJOYMENT BOOKS     ENJOYMENT BOOKS      ENJOYMENT BOOKS

Enjoyment books are now on sale. This is a fund raiser for our league. We use the money we make off the books for league expenses and to help keep from raising the membership fees to the members. The books are still $30.00. Buy a book, save money on your visit to local restaurants/businesses and support your league.

Don Witmer, Commissioner

 Friday, October 20th

Teams were managed by Wally, Witmer and Spitaleri. 

After 3 innings it was 6-2-3 in Wally's favor. Then the wheels came off for the other two teams and Wally's team went on to score 5-5-4 runs in their last 3 innings, not having to bat in the 7th because of the flip flop. Witmer's team did put on a comeback in the 7th, scoring 6 runs but Spit's team kept putting up those darn goose eggs.  So, the final was Wally 20, Witmer 12 and Spitaleri 5.

I would like to note that new right fielder Kathie did reach 1st base on an infield hit and worked her way over to 3rd but there was a ground out to end the inning to keep her from scoring her first ever WHSS run. 

The hitters. 

4 hits.  Keller, Constantine, Burtner, Henry

3 hits. Rusty, Hicks, Meyer, Rad, Wally

2 hits. Miguel, Rutan, Gutenberger, Mathew, 

            Spitaleri, Hill, Tutrani, Levesque, Vandenberg 

            Lopez, King

See y'all Tuesday 

Write up by Loren Fabian 

This message was sent courtesy of our sponsor Robert's Premier Painting. 

Note from the Commissioner: We tried something different today at the three-team game. We played two innings at a time beginning at the top of the third inning. The Hit Team batted in the third inning and when three outs were made, the bases were cleared, and the Hit Team batted again in the fourth inning. The Sit Team sat for two innings, and then they took their time at bat for the third and fourth innings. The Field Team played defense for two innings and then sat out the next two innings until it was their time to bat. Then, the Field Team batted for two innings. This was repeated for the fifth and sixth innings. The seventh inning was still the open inning. I was told some ballparks up north use this method to speed up the games. A typical three-team takes about 2.5 hours to play while a two-team game takes about 1.75 hours. The time saved is approximately 45 minutes and allows everyone to get to lunch or the golf course earlier. This will be important when we change to winter hours in November. I have started receiving feedback on from several players and would like to have comments from all the players who participated in last Friday's game. Talk to me or a Board member and let us know how you feel. THANKS.     

Friday October 20th

Games are on.

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 Tuesday, October 17th

A 2-team National League game today with managers Spitaleri and Zelazny. The final score was 14-14 with the lead never more than 3 and changing hands 3 times. Very few errors made and some great plays up the middle by surprise middle fielders BJ Kallister and Wayne Shearer. Wayne made every play at him the few innings he played there and BJ did the same including 2 double plays that he turned. No more catching and pitching for you two.

The hitters. 

4 hits. Marino, King, 

3 hits. B.J, Vandenberg, Hill, Lopez, Meyer,

            Learn, Spitaleri 

2 hits. Burtner, Vining, Muniz, Ouding, 

            Hawbaker, Thompson, Gonzalez,

            Levesque, Zelazny, Rutan,

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Write up by Loren Fabian 

Tuesday October 17th

Games are on. It is cool out here this morning. 

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 HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS

It is time to nominate your favorite WHSS player to be inducted into the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame (HOF). Nominations are due no later than November 15th, 2023. WHSS has three players who meet the qualifications to be nominated into the HOF. Those players are Chris Constantine, Loren Fabian and Nick Matta. Come see Don Witmer to pick up a nomination form.

Thanks. 

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Friday October 13th

Games are on. Two fields available. 

This message is brought to you by our sponsor Dukes Brewhouse.

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 COURTESY RUNNERS DURING NON-LEAGUE SEASON 

WHSS softball rules state that a National League PLAYER may REQUEST a courtesy runner at any time that he/she is on base or needs a courtesy runner from home plate. The Board established this rule many years ago to allow PLAYERS to decide if they want a runner during non-league play, not team managers. One of the goals of senior softball is for everyone to get exercise regardless of how fast you can run bases. The Board recognizes that some players NEED a runner and that is why we have this rule in place. You get to make the decision if you want to have a runner, not the team manager. You can change your mind at any time during the game.   

In order for each team to have an equal number of players needing runners, please indicate on the sign-in sheet if you need a runner by putting a capital R by your name when you sign in. That way, when the teams are made up, we can spread out the number of players that need a runner equally so one team doesn't end up with too many players needing a runner.

THANKS.

Don Witmer, Commissioner

NOTE: Make sure that you check the website in the morning to see if we are playing ball. It has been raining off and on for most of today and is supposed to rain most of tomorrow. I will post by 7:00 AM. 

Tuesday October 10th

Games are on. If you have not signed up to play ball next season, you need to do so ASAP or pay a late fee.

This message brought to you by our sponsor Glory Days Grill.

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Friday, October 6th

A 3-team mixed game today with managers being Zelazny, Wally and Tutrani. 

Team Wally and Team Zelazny battled it out for seven innings while Team Tutrani hit everything right at the defense but still managed to score 9 runs. Team Wally and Team Zelazny were tied after six innings. Team Wally scored 4 runs in the top of the seventh inning to take the lead. Team Zelazny came up in the bottom of the seventh inning and scored 5 runs to take the game away from Team Wally.  

Final score Zelazny 20, Wally 19 and Tutrani 9.

 

The weather was finally perfect for a Senior Softball game. 

This message brought to you by The Tinsley Family of Companies.

Write up by Loren Fabian 

 BILL BOWLEY

Bill Bowley is retiring from WHSS and moving back to NC to be closer to Family. Bill will be at the ballpark in the morning and will visit the American Legion after the ball games. Stop by and wish Bill the best of luck on his new move. 

 Duke's Brewhouse

Winter Haven Senior Softball is delighted to announce the return of Duke's Brewhouse as a proud sponsor of our senior softball league. Duke's Brewhouse is conveniently located at 1708 6th Street SE, Winter Haven, FL 33880, and can be reached at 863-576-9464.

At Duke's Brewhouse, you can indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights, including mouthwatering wings, scrumptious sandwiches, and tantalizing wraps. If you're in the mood for something heartier, their footlong hotdogs and flavorful flatbreads are sure to satisfy your cravings. To complement your meal, Duke's Brewhouse offers an extensive selection of beers, ensuring there's something to please every palate.

In recognition of the selfless service provided by our First Responders and active Military personnel, Duke's Brewhouse extends a generous 20% discount to show their appreciation. It's their way of giving back to those who dedicate their lives to keeping our community safe.

We invite you to join us in supporting our esteemed sponsor, Duke's Brewhouse. By doing so, you not only contribute to the success of our softball team but also have the opportunity to savor the exceptional culinary offerings and warm hospitality that Duke's Brewhouse is renowned for.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at Duke's Brewhouse!

From LGG.

Friday October 6th

Games are on.

This message brought to you by our sponsor Estates at Carpenter.

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 Solivita Game - October 5, 2023

Today, the Winter Haven Senior Softball team joined forces with the Winter Haven Blue Knights for an exhilarating doubleheader at the Solivita Field of Dreams.

The first game was a thrilling display of skill, with both teams hitting the ball all over the field. The score remained close throughout the game, but Winter Haven emerged victorious with a final score of 23 to 18.

The second game was equally intense. Our team maintained the pressure throughout, resulting in a well-deserved victory with a final score of 19 to 12.

We eagerly anticipate our next match-up next month, where we will once again showcase our talent and determination.

Notable performances from today's games include:

- Mike Vaccaro: 6 hits out of 9 at-bats, including a home run
- Eddie Hurn: Impressive home run
- Lou Guzman: 5 hits out of 9 at-bats
- Rocko Morris: 8 hits out of 9 at-bats
- Dana Ferrand: 7 hits out of 8 at-bats, including a home run
- Manny Rios: 5 hits out of 9 at-bats
- Steve Sole: 7 hits out of 8 at-bats
- Rusty Skipper: 6 hits out of 7 at-bats

Congratulations to all players for their outstanding performance.

Write up by Lou Guzman

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Tuesday, October 3rd

Managers Spitaleri and Hill squared off again and it was very close going to the open inning at 10-8 in favor of Spitaleri team. They were the visitors starting the 9th and went on a hitting spree scoring 7 runs. Hill's team could only muster up 2 singles and no runs in their open inning for the final of 17-8.  The best play was made by Tom Capozzi at first base. Ken Meyer was pinch running from home and the batter hit a slow roller up the line, Tom charged it and fielded in front of the base, swung his glove hand back to clip the hand of the speedy Meyer going past. Nice play. 

The hitters. 

4 hits. Miguel

3 hits. DeLoach, Reagan, Vandenberg, Spitaleri 

            Meyer

2 hits. Hicks, O'Callaghan, Castilleja, Hill, 

            Skidmore, Zelazny, Muniz, Testa,

            Vining, Lopez, Marino

See y'all Friday. 

Write up by Loren Fabian 

This message brought to you by Robert's Premier Painting 

Tuesday October 3rd

Games are on. 

This message is brought to you by our sponsor American Legion Post 8.

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Friday, September 29th

The National League played on Field B with teams led by Robert Spitaleri and Steve Hill. Another low scoring affair as Hill's team could not seem to hit much. No player had more than 2 hits and there was only 5 of them. Spitaleri led team won the game 10-5. Bob Zelazny only had one hit for the winners, but it was a smash to the fence for a HR.

The hitters. 

3 hits.  Pablo, Spitaleri, 

2 hits.  Testa,  Vining, Vandenberg, Marino, 

             Meyer, Dowdy, Kniery, Stripling, Hudson,

             Poke, Shearer 

That's all folks. See y'all Tuesday.

Write up by Loren Fabian 

Message brought to you by our sponsor Tucker Carpets.

 Friday, September29th

AMERICAN LEAGUE

End of the month battle Team JD 23 - Team Lou 18. With the score tied 14 to 14 in the seventh inning, it was a battle going back and forth until the top of the eighth inning.  Team JD scored 5 runs in the top of the 8th inning with Rad, 6/6 hitting for the cycle and inside the park Homer in the top of the 8th inning. Also, Chris Lynch hit an inside the park Homer he went three for five good hitting Chris, Team JD Florida put up four additional runs in the top of the ninth putting the game out of reach for Team Lou. Team Lou didn’t score in the eighth inning and scored only four runs in the bottom of the ninth to take the loss. A good try but Wally had Team Lou in check (Don't do it). This game had great defensive plays and great hitting several players had a 4-hit game. Al Guzzo went 5/6 and he put on a defensive clinic it was something to see but Mike Vaccaro was not to be out done his great throwing ability and defensive catches were second to none. The top hitters for Team Lou, Mark 4/5 with a triple and Al Guzzo went 5/6. Also noted JR had an inside the park Homer. Now for team JD's hitters, Mr. Rad 6/6 ,Raymundo 5/6 with 3 doubles also J.D 5/6 I would like to thank Joe for catching and being the umpire like you're awesome thank Gary Anderson for helping out and Chris Lynch from the National League good game guys.

 

Write up by JD Davis

 

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