Player orientation for the 2025 season.

The board recommended that we explain some of the playing rules for the 2025 softball season.

 

1.            All managers are responsible for ensuring players follow the league guidelines and playing rules.

2.            Umpires should familiarize themselves with field rules to better ensure safe play. 

 

The following guidelines should be followed to ensure safe play:

 

A. Field instructions: All batters are required to utilize the outer orange safety base when running towards the first base, except when a runner is attempting to advance to the second base, in which case the inner base may be used. It is important to note that the player fielding first base must yield to the advancing runner; failure to do so may result in the runner being awarded second base due to the obstruction, at the umpire's discretion.

 

B. When balls are hit to the infield and the runner is heading towards second or third base, they must either slide or veer off six feet before reaching the base. If the fielder mishandles the ball while the runner is in motion, the runner will be granted the base, subject to the umpire's discretion. When the ball is coming in from the outfield, the runner must run directly to the base without overrunning it. If a player veers off, he must return to the base before proceeding to third base. 

 

C. The scoring line and commitment line should be properly marked before the commencement of play. Once a runner crosses the commitment line, they are obligated to continue running towards home plate; any attempt to retreat to third base will result in an automatic out. The runner must either touch or pass and touch the line, similar to a base. The catcher must treat home plate as if it were the first base to record the out.

 

D. On deck: To expedite the pace of the game, it is customary to have two batters prepared in the on-deck area. It is important to note that no bats or equipment should be left unattended in the on-deck area at any given time. 

 

E. As a reminder, the pitching height is 6' to 12'.  (the screen is 6'7").

 

F. Home team managers are responsible for all equipment, including league bats. 

 

G. The home team manager is responsible for handling game write-ups.  

 

LGG 12/5/24

From LGG. 

Friday, December 27

Before covering today's game I want to say a few words about the upcoming schedule.. Tuesday, 31 December will be the last of our pick up games. League play begins on Friday 3 January. Our Opening Day Ceremony will be on Tuesday, 7 January. We will dedicate the Larry Powell Pavillion and have our traditional KFC dinner..

Today's National League Game

Defense (or lack)  was the deciding factor in the outcome of today's game . Perhaps it can be blamed on too much Christmas. Team Vining started the game with four quick runs. They were outdone by Team Spitalari as they managed to score 5 runs in both the first and second innings. Team Toro was no match  for either team as they fell behind early and fell farther back each inning. At the end of six innings, Team Vining held a 4 run lead over Team Spit and a 15 run lead on Team Toro. Team Vining managed one more run in the seventh to add to their lead.Team Vining stepped up the defense and shut Team Spit for zero runs. That only left Team Toro to mount the comeback of the year if they were to win. Alas, it was not to be. They did manage to score seven runs and had two men on base when John Bloito madea great catch to end the game. Final score Team Vining 21, Team Spit 16, and Team Toro 12.

Outstanding players include:

Juan Toro 3-3

George Vanderhyde 3-3

Joe Laterneau 5-5

John Turchetta 5-5

Fred Dampier 4-4

Fred Gonzalez 4-4

Ron Pepin 4-4

Jose L 4-4

Wally 4-5 and winning pitcher

Friday, 27 December

Games are on. American League on Field C, National League on Fields A and B.

Holiday Message

'Tis the season to be jolly! The Board extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season to all the Winter Haven Senior Softball League members, their families, and friends. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the members who generously contribute their time and effort to help with equipment and team management. May your Christmas be filled with laughter and cheer, and we look forward to seeing you all on Friday!

Remember, opening day is scheduled for Friday, January 3rd, 2025.

We are working on our family luncheon on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.

We hope that this will be a fun season. 

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

LGG

Tuesday 24 December

I think today we had the most competitive three team game in recent memory.  Fourteen runs were scored in the first inning alone. Then the teams decided that they should start playing defense. Over the next five innings no team was ever more than three runs behind and in each inning there was a lead change So going into the seventh inning, Team Toro was leading with 16 runs. Team Ouding and Team Vining were tied with 13. Juan lead off for Team Toro but was thrown out trying to score on Sam Lopez"s hit ending their inning while still in the lead. Team Vining got their first hitter on but were unable to score. That left Team Ouding having to score four runs  to win. Ron Pepin started the inning, and the rally, and was followed by hits by the next five batters easily scoring enough runs to secure the victory. Final score Team Ouding 17, Team Toro 16, and Team Vining 13.

Outstanding performances included:

Rafael  4-4

Freddie Gonzalez 3-4

Juan Toro 4-4 w/ HR

Jose L 3-4

Mike Rodriquez 3-4

Bill Rutan 3-3

Jerry DeJongh 4-4 w/ Triple

Alf Gibbons 3-4

Mike OCallahan 4-4

Ron Pepin  4-4

BJ  3-4

Donna Katvinsky Winning Pitcher

Tuesday, 24 December

Games are on American League on field B, National League on A and C.

If you aren't coming out, have a very Merry Christmas.

Friday 20 December

Before recapping today's game let me remind everyone that unless impacted by weather, GAMES ARE ON TUESDAY AND THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS.

We managed to have a mixed league game on field C and a three team national league game on field B.

Team Pep faced off against Team J in the mixed game.Team Pep took an early lead as five of their first six batters scored. They held or shared the lead through the fourth inning. From then on it was all Team JD as they put up impressive numbers in the next four innings (3,4,2,5). They dominated to the point that they did  not have to bat in the ninth. Final score was Team JD 23 - Team Pep 15.

Outstanding performers include:

Pete Gutenberg 5-5

Jose Rivera 5-5 w/HR

Greg Denny  5-5 w/2 triples

Scot Sequin  5-5

J Cruz 5-5

Eddie Gazarak 4-5

Raul Torrez Winning Pitcher

Team Toro, Team Spit, and Team Vining met on field A for a three team game. The best way to describe the game was one of who could outlast the other two teams. The marathon game lasted over 2 1/2 hours. Team Spit took the lead in the first inning by scoring five quick runs in the first. The game closed up by the second inning and going forward there was never more than a three run difference between the teams. Team Spit created some distance in the sixth inning after scoring 5 runs. In the seventh, Team Toro scored four runs to pull into second place. Team Spit responded with 2 runs and took the field to play defense against Team Vining for the win. Team Spit held them to two runs to secure the victory. Final Results: Team Spit 21, Team Vining 18, and Team Toro 17.

Outstanding peformances:

Al Andrews 4-5

Bob Hudson 2-4 w/HR

Dan Pampineau 4-5

Rafeal 4-5 w/triple

Joe Latourneau 4-4

Bobby Castillega 4-4

John Boito 4-4

Arvil Waddell Winning PItcher

American League Update

**Thursday, December 19, 2024**

Today, the members of the American League travel team boarded the bus and headed to Solivita for a two-game matchup. The team looked strong during warm-ups, but once game one started, they seemed to lose their momentum. They scored only one run in the first inning, then three in the second, and none thereafter. Despite hitting three home runs, the team lost the game by a score of 14 to 22. It felt as though Mr. Grinch had stolen all of their game skills.

Game two, however, was a complete turnaround. Rocco Morris led the charge with three home runs, and the team only had one rough inning. They ended up winning the game 24 to 12, providing a nice boost for the team. We look forward to competing again in the new year.

**Notable Hits**

Rocco Morris 7/7 4(hrs)

Rob Aponta 2(hrs)

Pat Sullivan and Lou Guzman each had a homerun to add to the score.

This message is brought to you by Somewhere Sports Bar.

***

From LGG. 

Friday 20 December

Games are on. National on fields A and B, American on C.

See you at the park.

Party

SPECIAL THANKS

The board members are thrilled to give a huge shoutout to our senior member, Ron Thompson, for generously sponsoring a fantastic Christmas Party for the Winter Haven Senior Softball players. The party took place at the American Legion Post #8, one of our league sponsors, right after Tuesday's games.

Ron went above and beyond by providing delicious food, refreshing drinks, and special gifts for all the attendees. It was heartwarming to witness players coming together, sharing stories, and reminiscing about past experiences.

This act of kindness truly showcases the amazing camaraderie within our league and highlights the fact that softball is more than just a game - it's about building lasting friendships.

A massive thank you to Ron for his incredible support and a very Merry Christmas to all!

This message is sponsored by Art's Carts.

From LGG.