The Dukes and the Fighting Coconuts played a good game today. The Dukes won 21 to 16.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
The Yankees took on the N.Y. Mets and multiple runs were displayed on the scoreboard throughout the game. The N.Y. Mets had only one scoreless inning and seven of the 11 batters in the lineup crossed the plate three or more times.
Write up by Fr£d ÐåmÞïęr
This message brought to you by our sponsor American Legion Post 8
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Tuesday, January 23rd
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
To: All WHSS Veterans and families
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Sunday, January 21, 2024
REMINDERS REMINDERS REMINDERS REMINDERS REMINDERS
1. There will be no games next Friday, January 26th. The SSUSA Tournament of Champions will be using the Fields that day and all weekend.
2. Don't forget to buy your Hall of Fame Banquet tickets as soon as possible. The tickets are $25.00 each. The Banquet will be in Winter Haven at American Legion Post 8 ball room. Your ticket will get you a nice catered meal and will help support the players from Winter Haven and Lakeland who are being inducted into the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Those players are Chris Constantine and Loren Fabian from Winter Haven and Mike Cobb and Jerry DeRidder from Lakeland. Tickets can be purchased from Don Witmer, Joe D'Herin, Tommy Hamilton and Steve Hill in Winter Haven. Tickets can be purchased from JD Davis, Regis Finnegan, Marty Martinez and Larry Sweet in Lakeland.
3. Enjoyment Coupon books are still on sale in Winter Haven and Lakeland. They are $30.00 each and the money raised from the sale of the books helps support your league. The Coupon books are at the sign in table in Winter Haven and Lakeland.
The Duke's hosted Wally's World today on Field C. The Duke's started fast with 13 runs over the 1st 3 innings while the Wally's posted 3. Dukes 13-3 after 3 innings.
Friday January 19th
Friday, January 19, 2024
Friday January 19th
Thursday, January 18, 2024
American League update
Today, members of the American League traveled to Solivita for a highly anticipated two-game matchup. Donning our sleek new blue shirts, we were ready to showcase our skills, while our formidable opponents, Solivita, sported their classic white and green attire.
In the first game, both teams came out swinging, resulting in an impressive display of offense with each side scoring four runs in the opening inning. The game quickly turned into a captivating back-and-forth scoring frenzy. As the seventh inning drew to a close, the scoreboard displayed a nail-biting score of 19 to 18. However, Solivita managed to secure a walk off hit, ultimately clinching a heart-stopping victory with a final score of 19-20.
Undeterred by the previous loss, we entered the second game with unwavering determination. Our bats came alive, allowing us to establish a commanding fourteen to six lead by the end of the fifth inning. Solivita, however, refused to surrender, mounting a valiant comeback by scoring five runs in the sixth inning and an additional four in the seventh. Despite their relentless efforts, we managed to hold our ground and emerged triumphant with a final score of 15-16.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Solivita for graciously hosting us and providing an exceptional venue for our exhilarating games. With our heads held high, we eagerly anticipate our next encounter in two weeks' time, where we will once again showcase our skills and engage in a battle of athleticism and sportsmanship.
Box score:
Radley Pcholinski 4/7: BB, 3-1b,2b.
Mike Vaccaro 5/7: SAC, 2-1b,2-2b,3b.
Eddie Hurn 5/8: 3-1b, 2-HRs.
Rocco Morris 5/7: 3-1b, 2-HRs.
Lou Guzman 3/6: SAC, 3-1b.
Rob Aponte 6/6: SAC, 4-1b,2-HRs.
Manny Rios 3/7: 2-1b,1-2b.
Dana Ferrande 2/6: 2-1b.
Joey Santos 4/6: 3-1b,HR.
Bill Maxwell 4/6: 4-1b.
Bob Schultheis 4/6: 2-1b,1-2b, HR.
Jeff Ayers 2/5: BB, 2-1b.
Write up by Lou Guzman
This message to you by our sponsor Somewhere Sports Bar and Grill
FIELD ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE TOURNAMENT ARE CHANGING AT THE DIAMONDPLEX
FYI, the City of Winter Haven is constructing a new Fire Station on the west side of the Diamondplex. The construction backs up to Fields C & D. The contractor has erected a construction fence and we are not allowed inside that fence. This has caused a change in the field assignments because we will not be allowed to open the gate between Fields C & D to recover home run balls. Therefore, the American League can only use Fields A & B. Rather that print all new schedules at this time, I will change field assignments each day that the American League is currently scheduled for Fields C & D. I will post the new assignment on the website so you will know ahead of time which field you will be playing on.
Don Witmer, Commissioner
Tuesday, January 16th
The Dukes and Mets started the game with the Dukes 1 and Mets 4 at the end of one inning. The Mets had two outs before anything happened in the bottom of one when DeJongh singled as did Vining loading the bases. Toro came up for the first time in a week as he was home due to an illness in his family and hit a base-clearing double. Gelinas then brought in Toro with a sharp single to left. The following batter hit into an inning-ending fielder's choice.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Tuesday January 16th
Monday, January 15, 2024
Friday January12th
Fighting Coconuts - Robert Spitaleri vs Old Timers - Don Ouding
The Fighting Coconuts Nestor Aponte and Jose Rivera led the victory 20-12 over the Old Timers.
Nestor and Jose were 4-4.
Joe LeTourneau was 2-3 for the Old Timers.
Write up by Don Ouding
This message was brought to you by our sponsor Tucker Carpets, LLC
Friday, January 12, 2024
American League Update 1/12/24
Wally's world defeated the Mets by a score of 19-12. 11 members of l3 on the team scored one or more runs 5 of the 9 innings played.
January 12, 2024
Tuesday January 12 th
Friday January 12th
Thursday, January 11, 2024
The Dukes hosted the Fighting Coconuts on Field C today. The Coconuts took the early lead in the first inning with 3 runs, the Dukes answered with 4. This was the pattern of the game as the lead changed hands four times before the Dukes scored 5 in the seventh to take a 22-15 lead. The Coconuts added 2 in the top of the 9th. The final score was 22-17 Dukes.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
American League 1/9/24
A wind-swept Field B found the Yankees on top at the end of nine by a score of 29-26. The Mets scored only 8 runs in their first game last Friday but found good bats coming alive but still fell short not scoring any runs in the 7th or 8th.
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Friday, January 5, 2024
What a fantastic opening day of the 2024 league season spearheaded by commissioner Don Witmer. Everything was great and even the weather cooperated as it was the nicest day we've had in a couple weeks. George Tinsley and the KFC truck showed up right on time, the games ended on time and the meal was very easy for the BOD to serve, simply handing out the boxes.
A very good game was played today between the Mets and the Fighting Coconuts. The Coconuts won 13 to 8.
Today we started league play with the Dukes against the Old Timers. The Dukes were led by Ed Fultz with a two run homer and Steve Hill going 4 for 4. The Old Timers were led by Fred Stevens going 3 for 4. The final score was Dukes 17 Old Timers 12. Thanks for everyone who played and the chicken lunch.
Write up by Don Ouding
This message was brought to you by our sponsor Smith Chiropractic
American League Update - 1/4/24
Today, the Winter Haven travel team kicked off the 2024 season at Solivita, facing off against their formidable Red, White, and Blue team. Our players wasted no time in making an impact, scoring five runs right off the bat. The momentum continued as we kept piling on the runs. By the 6th inning, we had established a commanding 18-14 lead. However, Solivita mounted a fierce comeback, scoring five runs in the bottom of the 7th and ultimately clinching a nail-biting 19-18 victory.
Game two presented a starkly different scenario, with Solivita taking an early lead of 8-3 in the 3rd inning. Yet, our team refused to back down. Over the next three innings, we rallied and scored an impressive nine runs. With a 10-12 lead, we managed to hold on and secure a hard-fought 11-12 triumph. Both teams experienced the rollercoaster of letting go of an eight-run lead, resulting in a 1-1 tie to kick off the season.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate our next encounter with Solivita next month, where we will once again engage in an exhilarating battle on the field.
Write up by LGG
This message brought to you by our sponsor Robert's Premier Painting.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 5TH
The 2024 WHSS Tournament League begins this Friday, January 5th. All players will go to the field where their team is playing. There is no need for team members to sign in. Managers will have the Tentative schedule for every player. Pool players will still need to sign in and will be assigned to a team based on team need for the first week or so. After that, the last place team will get to select their pool player first and the other teams will then get to select their pool players based on team standings. Standing will be posted on our website.
George Tinsley is still going to provide Kentucky Fried Chicken for our kickoff lunch as he has done for over 20 years. The lunch is a family affair so please bring your significant other to watch you play ball and enjoy the lunch. Drinks and cookies will be provided by the Board.
The City of Winter haven has given us permission to use the baseball fields at Sertoma Park to continue our National League when the Spring Games take over the Diamondplex in February and March. The exact dates of the Spring Games are not available yet and as soon as the City knows the dates, they will let me know and a revised schedule will be provided to everyone. We are still looking for a field for the American League.
The updated Rules for our Winter Haven Senior Softball league are on our website. I would encourage everyone to read these rules as they differ from other Leagues in the area. They also differ between the American League and the National League. Some of us play in both leagues during non-league play and it is easy to get confused during Tournament play. If you have any questions about the rules, you can see Lou Guzman for the American League rules and Don Witmer for the National League rules. Knowing the rules makes the game more enjoyable.
The HALL OF FAME banquet is going to be held on Wednesday, March 13th at the American Legion Post 8 building in Winter Haven this year. We are going to honor Chris Constantine and Loren Fabian from Winter Haven and Mike Cobb and Gerry DeRidder from Lakeland. Tickets are on sale now for the banquet. The cost of the Tickets are $25.00 each this year. The cost of the ticket included your catered meal and paying for the inductees meal, HOF shirt, HOF hat and plaques. Please buy your tickets soon so we can let the caterer know how many people to plan for.
Joel Freedman, who started playing ball with Winter Haven Senior Softball in the early 90's, had a saying that he shared with everyone and it is still appropriate today. It went like this "THE GAME IS NOT LIFE OR DEATH, HAVE FUN, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF AND MAKE LIFE A LITTLE BETTER FOR YOUR FELLOW BALLPLAYERS"
Don Witmer, Commissioner
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Monday, January 1, 2024
SCHEDULE AND OTHER THINGS
All fields should be available tomorrow. We are going to try to make teams again. Managers will have everyone's shirts and hats. Joe D'Herin and Don Witmer will have the pool players hats and shirts. National League players still need to sign in. American League players can go to Field C. Tommy Hamilton and Lou Guzman will have your shirts and hats.
The 2024 Tournament season will begin on Friday, January 5th. Some of our winter guests will not be here yet. We will fill in with pool players. KFC will be providing a lunch at 11:00 AM. The Board will provide cookies and drinks.
The Tentative schedule is included in this post. The Spring Games have not sent their official schedule yet so we are in limbo where we will be playing in mid-February and March. As soon as the City of Winter Haven gets the Spring Game schedule, we will update our schedule. We are going to try to keep all of the teams together this year.
There will be a National League and American League meeting before the games tomorrow to talk about "Rules". Lou Guzman will take care of the American League on Field C and Don Witmer will take care of the National League on Field B.
Hall of Fame Banquet tickets are on Sale now. See Steve Hill, Tommy Hamilton, Joe D'Herin or Don Witmer for your tickets. The Banquet will be on Wednesday, March 13th at the American Legion in Winter Haven. Chris Constantine and Loren Fabian are this year's inductees. The cost of the tickets is $25.00 each. Let's support this year's inductees into the Hall of Fame. Buy your tickets now.
Remember, the schedule below is Tentative and will change. We hope to play the entire season this year. Hard copies of the schedule will be available on Friday. You do not need to print this schedule.
2024 WINTER
HAVEN SENIOR SOFTBALL
NATIONAL LEAGUE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
ALL
GAMES START BY 9:30 AM - REPORT TO YOUR FIELD NO LATER THAN 9:00 AM - GAMES ARE
9 INNINGS
RAINOUTS
AND/OR CANCELLATIONS WILL NOT BE MADE UP UNLESS IT WILL CHANGE THE OUTCOME OF THE
WINNER OF THE LEAGUE.
TBD – To Be Determined
NATIONAL
LEAGUE – MANAGERS |
|
AMERICAL LEAGUE - MANAGERS
Lou Guzman – 732.433.5390 Tommy Hamilton – 313.920.2819 |
||
#1 N.Y. Mets |
Ron Thompson |
863.221.6724 |
|
|
#2 Fighting Coconuts |
Robert Spitaleri |
863.808.3732 |
|
|
#3 N.Y. Yankees |
Don Keller |
610.737.4825 |
|
|
#4 Wally’s World Wally
Wallace 863.289.6583 |
|
|||
#5 Dukes Steve
Hill 330.808.1331 |
|
|||
#6 Old Timers Don Ouding |
863.289.6115 |
|
HOME TEAM IS THE LAST TEAM LISTED
|
HOME TEAM – NAVY
SHIRTS – THIRD BASE DUGOUT |
VISITING
TEAM – LIME SHIRTS – FIRST BASE DUGOUT |
ALL GAMES START BY 9:30 A.M.