Monday, June 20, 2022

Friday, June 17th

2 teams today were managed by Robert Spitaleri and Loren Fabian so we'll call them Spit and Fabe.  Spit had the visiting team and jumped to a 10-1 lead at the end of 3 and it didn't seem like they would ever look back as they added 2 more in the 5th and 1 in the 6th.  But The Fabe team managed 4 runs in 4th and 7th innings to pull within 4 with 2 innings to go. And we had to be thankful for a nice breeze the entire game or it may have been over then, but umpire in chief, our commissioner, asked for a poll in the 5th inning to play 7 or 9 innings and all agreed on 9.  It really got interesting in the top of the 8th as the Spit team plated a big nickel to go up by 9 runs and the Fabe team put up a big goose egg.

Spit followed with a goose egg 🥚 in the top of the 9th.  The home team came off the field saying if all 14 player get a chance to hit we can tie or win this game. Didn't look very good for them, but they did send 15 batters up and pulled it off 19-18. Everyone had a good time and the home team was thankful for the breeze. 😆 

On to the hitters.  Many hits today.

4 hits. Muniz, Testa
3 hits. Kniery, Dampier, Spitaleri, Lynch,
            Tutrani, B.J., Dowdy, Hawbaker 
2 hits. Coffman, Manny, Vandenberg,  
            Ouding, Thompson,  Capozzi,
            Guttenberg, Constantine, Mathew T
            Fabian

See y'all on Tuesday and have a great 
FATHER'S DAY!!!

ps.  Any veterans wishing to receive a QUILT OF VALOR please see me for an application. It is quite an honor 🎖  If you don't know about the program,  please Google quilts of valor. We need at least 2 more for the next ceremony being planned for July. 

Write up by Loren Fabian

Friday, June 17, 2022

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Tuesday, June 14th

First, I would like to say thanks to the 9 American league players who mixed in with the National league for a very fun 3 team game. Tho not very high scoring except for the Spitaleri team which won the game over Wally and Kniery led teams. The final was 17-5-6 but all had a good time in the 90+ heat with a gentle breeze continuely with us. Just enough to not shorten the game. 


A lot of innings were scored in, with the major reason for the big scoring difference being that the Spitaleri team put up 3 in 4 different innings and a 5 but the other 2 teams had a total of 7 one run innings 3 zeros and 2 once each. It was close after one inning at 3-2-2 but after that Robert's team started scoring the 3's while the others started their 1 run inning barrage.  
Now the hitters. 
4 hits. Gutenberger
3 hits. Spitaleri, Tony Q w/2hr's, O'Callaghan, 
            Marino, Gonzalez 
2 hits. B.J. Kipp, Coffman, Fabian, Skidmore 
            Maynard, Learn, Constantine, 
            Charlie G. Rad, Boito, Swenson 

Two very fine running catches were made in the outfield. The first in right by Richard Kipp ranging far to his left and the fence to catch up to it on the warning track.  The second was again the game ender only in center field by Bob Hudson ranging far to his left and back and jumping at the correct time to snag it. Unlike Sam Harrell on Friday, Bob was able to keep his feet. So that can't be called a diving catch. 😆 🤣 

Write up by Loren Fabian

Monday, June 13, 2022

 Friday, June 10th

Three mixed league teams were led today by Zelazny, Gonzalez and Witmer. One team's score sheet had no indication of how players got on base so following are the hitters of teams that were listed. 
5 hits. Gutenberg
4 hits. Giordano
3 hits. Skidmore, Lynch, Capozzi, Meyer
            Spitaleri, Testa, 
2 hits Wally, Learn, Marino, Reagan
            O'Callaghan 
The first inning looked to make the game a scoring contest as 13 total runs were scored with the Zelazny team putting up 3 and Gonzalez and Witmer both doing the nickel trick. It slowed down after that except for the Witmer team which led 17-9-9 after 5 innings. Zelazny added 1 more in the 7th, Gonzalez added 3 more in the 6th inning and Witmer added 1 more in the 6th inning and didn't have to bat in the bottom of the 7th inning. So the final score was Witmer 18, Gonzalez 12 and Zelazny 10. 
It must be noted that the final out of the game was made by new National League player Sam Harrell on the Zelazny team. He was playing 2nd base with a ball being blooped over his head. Sam headed for the outfield grass stuck up his glove and the ball nestled into it while Sam was tumbling to the ground. In senior softball that is called a diving catch. 😆 🤣 
Write up by Loren Fabian 


We are using the three team flip-flop rule again this year. The team with the least number of runs bats first and is defensed by the team with the second most number of runs. After three outs, they get to go home and the team with the most runs defenses against the team that was just in the field. If no one catches the team with the most runs, the game is over. This helps to reduce the game time which is necessary on these 100 degree days with 98% humidity.  

The American League guys took batting practice on Field C. They did not have enough players to have a game. I want to remind them they are always welcome to play with the National League if they want to. We may not hit as hard or run as fast but we still have fun.

Don Witmer 

Friday, June 10, 2022

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Tuesday June 7th

Games are on. It is going to be hot today. Bring your drinks and stay hydrated. Games may be shortened. 


Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

Friday, June 3, 2022

 Friday, June 3rd

No Games Today. Have a great weekend and we will see you Tuesday.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

 IMPORTANT       IMPORTANT      IMPORTANT      IMPORTANT      IMPORTANT

If you were at the ballpark on Tuesday, May 31st, you need to be aware that one of our players tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday afternoon. He was in close proximity to all of us. You should pay close attention to any COVID symptoms that you may be feeling and get tested. This is especially true if you have not been vaccinated and taken the booster shot. According to the CDC website, if you have been vaccinated and had one of the booster shots, you should be good to go. Don't take any chances. 

I am going to cancel all games this Friday, June 3rd. We will resume play on Tuesday, June 7th. This should give everyone plenty of time to see if they are experiencing any covid symptoms and if so, stay home. As we all know, the virus did not magically disappear. If fact, the number of reported cases in Polk County has increased in the past month and Polk County is now one of 10 counties in Florida listed as "high" for the community level of COVID-19. The CDC is recommending wearing masks for all indoor activities and public transportation in Polk County. We have no intentions of doing that at the ballpark. Just remember, if you feel sick stay home. 

THANKS. 

Don Witmer, Commissioner