***American League Update***

 This message is brought to you by "Richards Coffee." In the heart of Winter Haven—a place where exceptional coffee meets authentic community. Located at 330 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven. Stop in and say Hi. 

 

Tuesday, February 17, 2026. We had a turnout of 15 players this week. With just five more participants, we could have organized a full game. Currently, we focus on batting practice due to the limited number of players. Unfortunately, we lack a reliable method to predict attendance. The distribution of shorts confirmed the number of attendees. We have access to the field and encourage everyone to join us for practice sessions. For those using WhatsApp, I can add you to our distribution list to keep you informed. Please install WhatsApp on your phone and contact me to be included in the list.

 

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Tuesday Games

We managed to field four full teams today as we had a number of American League players join us. I sometimes fail to mention the guys that make this happen every week.So here it goes... I don't know if you are aware that Richie Marino, Jim Williamson, and Loren Fabian show up every day around 06:30 to determine if we can play based on field conditions and then set up all the fields. This includes lining the fields, setting the bases and bringing out the equipment.Make sure you thank them when you see them.

Team Ouding and Team Rounds fought it out on field one. To say it was strange is an understatement. It was bizarre. Team Ouding jumped out to an early nine run lead and it looked like it was going to be a blow out. Then came the  bottom of the fourth, and Team Rounds came roaring back by scoring nine runs and tieing up the game. It remained close through the eighth inning with only two runs separating the two teams. Then the bats came alive again for Team Ouding as thirteen batters came to the plate and managed to score ten runs. Down by twelve, Donna led off and scored. Good defense shut them down leaving the final score Team Ouding 28 and Team Rounds 17.

Outstanding Performances

Smith 6-7

Zelazny 5- 7

Hudson 5-6 w/homer

O'callahan 5-6

Rad 6-6

Thompson 5-6

Gil 4-4 w/homer

Griffin 3-4w/homer

Pepin 3-4

Team Tutrani faced off against Team Dampier on field two. What should have been a very exciting and close game, with tons of runs being scored, turned out to be a low scoring lopsided affair. Team Tutrani managed only three runs through four innings, but that was more than enough to open a lead, as Team Dampier failed to score through the third. They put up two runs in the fourth and that proved to be the only runs they scored the entire game..Meanwhile, Mark's guys scored multiple runs in each of the remaining innings. The final score ended up Team Tutrani 13 and Team Dampier 2.

Outstanding performances

Nestor 4-4

DeLuca 3-4 w/homer

Knox 4-4

Capozzi 3-3

Soto 3-3

Tuesday

Games are on at Sertoma Park. Please sign in by 08:30. If you are lucky there might be another Don Ing or Eddie Gazark sighting

American League Shorts

This message is sponsored by EZ Roofing Systems ezroofingsystems@yahoo.com

Good news, player gifts are in. For those who hit at Reuben Williams field, you are eligible to receive a player gift. This year, the board elected to give out players' league shorts. On Tuesday, I will be at the field to distribute them around 9 am. American League players will have their gifts at Reuben William Field. This year has been difficult because we haven't had our home field due to renovations. This gift is a thank you for hanging in and playing. We will also repeat this operation on Friday, giving everyone a chance to receive this gift.

Thanks

Lou Guzman

Acting Commissioner 

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Good news — player gifts are in! 🎉

Players who continued to play at Sertoma Park or hit at Reuben Williams Field are eligible to receive a player gift. This year, the board has elected to provide league shorts as our thank-you gift.

On Tuesday, directors Joe D'Herin and Don Keller will be at Sertoma Park to verify players who have been present and participating. They will then pick up and distribute the gifts.

This season has been challenging due to the renovation of our home field, and this gift is a sincere thank-you for your patience, commitment, and continued participation.

We will repeat this process on Friday to ensure everyone has an opportunity to receive their gift.

Thank you again for sticking with us and continuing to play!

Lou Guzman

Acting Commissioner. 

Attation Players

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Notice to All Members

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ralph Varrone, a longtime and valued manager at Solivita.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 20th at 12:30 PM at the Solivita field. All members are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Ralph's family and friends during this difficult time.

Lou Guzman 

Acting Commissioner 

Friday 13 February

While there was considerable fog early on, it started to clear at game time and we actually had ideal playing conditions. We had enough players to manage two games, albeit with ten players in some cases.I cannot begin to tell you what a difference it makes to play with only four outfielders and no middle infielder. Needless to say there were a lot of hits created by the gaps. Before covering the games, I need to acknowledge the guys who stepped up to manage today....Fred DeLoach, Juan Toro, Don Keller, and Mark Tutrani.

Team Toro faced off against Team DeLoach on field one in a game that was exciting, but not ever close.The only inning that Fred's team outscored Juan's was the sixth. The final score could have been much worse if not for the flip flop and the four run per inning rules. There were a combined ten balls that left the park by both teams.  Another curious fact was that Juan's players were able to hit nine grounders between first and second bases. Both statistics have to be a record..The final score was Team Toro 27 and Team DeLoach 17.

Outstanding performances

Hus 4-5

Zelazny 4-5/homer

Willamson 4-5  w/2/homers,one which didnt count 

Ayers 5-5

Ora 5-5

Knox 5-6

Gil 5-6 w/homer

Johnston 5-5

Gelesky 4-5

Team Tutrani took an early lead and held it through the fifth inning when Team Keller scored four runs to take a razor thin one run lead. Obviously feeling their oats, they went on to outscore Mark's group by six runs in the next two innings. Mark had the top of the line up coming to bat, needing seven runs to tie. With big hitters coming up it looked like there was a chance if they could just get a rally going. Unfortunately they were not able to score a single run and the game ended as Team Keller did not have to bat in the ninth. Final score Team Keller 16 and Team Tutrani 9.

Outstanding performances

Pablo 4-5 w/homer

Carlos 5-5

Rad 5-5

Friday Games

Games are on at SERTOMA PARK.  Loren says "Come on down, conditions are perfect"

SERTOMA

Until further notice we will continue to play at SERTOMA.

Post

*** Important Notice ***

Do to issues beyond our control will continue to play ball at Sertoma Park for pick-up games. 

Sertoma Park

1650 Lake Shipp Dr

Winter Haven, FL 33880

American League Players

• Will hit at Reuben Williams field across the street from Diamond Plex.

Please check our website regularly for updates and any changes.

👉 Website: https://whseniorsoftball.blogspot.com/

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LGG