As I'm sure you've probably guessed by now we won't be playing ball today. The fields are flooded and it's still raining. Maybe Tuesday, .... hey it could worse, it could be snowing.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Finally a Regular Florida Winter Day
As we enter our third week of league play I thought I might give you an
update on the status of the league, some up coming events, and the status of
alternate venues for March.
First let me say that I like the level of competition from top to bottom in
both leagues. While the large rosters have created challenges for our
managers and frustration for those players that rotate in during the game,
the depth of each roster has improved the competition and addressed the two
major issues from last year.
The first being the dwindling down of available players as the season progresses and secondly the overwhelming sentiment from last year that folks hated the three team games. Speaking of dwindling rosters we have already seen some folks go down with season ending injures, others opting to not play the rest of the season, and others that have not arrived and will not before the season ends. We are asking if there are any pool players desire to be assigned to a team if spots come available. If so, please let a BOD member know.
The first being the dwindling down of available players as the season progresses and secondly the overwhelming sentiment from last year that folks hated the three team games. Speaking of dwindling rosters we have already seen some folks go down with season ending injures, others opting to not play the rest of the season, and others that have not arrived and will not before the season ends. We are asking if there are any pool players desire to be assigned to a team if spots come available. If so, please let a BOD member know.
Speaking of pool players it should be noted that to date we have not had
any pool players activated. However last Friday, we could have used seven pool
players to fill our rosters. Please don't write the season off. Come out to
play, stay and umpire, and socialize with you friends.
The BOD met this morning and discussed cold weather start times. The BOD
established a game time temperature of 40 degrees as the benchmark to delay the
start time. Make sure you check the web site on mornings when the weather is
questionable. Updates will be posted by 0730.
We have agreed on our schedule moving forward after discussions with the
managers. The schedule will remain as published with our season ending with the
League Championship Games and Season ending Family Barbeque on Friday the 28th
of February. During the month of March we will be playing summer format games at
the Southwest Complex in Lakeland on Tuesdays. There will be no games on
Fridays. We will return to the Diamond Plex on the 21st of March and continue
with summer format games for the remainder of the year.
The inter-league game between Lakeland and Winter Haven will be held on
Wednesday March 26th. In addition to the softball games, we will hold a skills
competition (home runs, base running, pitching, and throwing from the outfield)
and food. Anyone wishing to participate should sign up with Freddie
Gonzalez.
Lastly, If anyone has questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the
league, please do not hesitate to contact a BOD member. We welcome your input as
we are here to make your ball playing experience the best it can
be.
Team Photos will be taken February 11th & 14th. Be sure to wear clean uniforms.
Team Photos will be taken February 11th & 14th. Be sure to wear clean uniforms.
Please keep our good friends and team mates Tim Gallagher and Frank Jacobs in your thoughts and prayers. Tim recently lost his wife and Frank's wife is having health issues. We're all getting to that age where we lose loved ones or end up caring for them. It can only help to support each other through difficult times.
Gessler Clinic Field
The Cubs and Marlins fought it out on Gessler Clinic Field with the Cubs sweeping both games.
Game 1
The first game started slow for the visiting Marlins as they managed just four runs through the first four innings. The Cubs struck often as they scored twelve runs during the same period. A home run by McLellan and a triple by Lopez provided the power for the Cubbies. The fifth saw the Marlins come to life as three of the first four batters scored. It looked like they were going to tie it up but failed to score again as they left runners at every base. The Cubs continued to run up the score by managing two in the their half of the inning. The Marlins failed to score in the last two frames and ended up on the short side of a 15 to 6 score.
Key Performances
Larry Chrest 3 for 3
Jim Altemose 3 for 3
Frank Miller 3 for 3
Bill Ayer 3 for 3
Dick Mahon 3 for 3
McLellan 3 for 3 with a home run and a double
Sam Lopez 3 for 3 with a triple
Dick Sessnik Winning Pitcher
Game 2
The second game was pretty much a repeat of the first. The visiting Cubs scored ten runs in the first four innings to build a substantial lead. This was done by putting together a number of singles. The exceptions were doubles by DePalma and Peterson. The Marlins ,in the mean time, were shut out in three of the first four innings. A brif rally in the third saw them score three times. The fifth inning saw the Cubs score four powered by doubles by Thompson and Mahon. The Marlins looked strong in their half of the inning as the first two runners scored followed by a couple hits. A double play however ended the innng. Neither team managed to score in the sixth so going into the final frame the score was Cubs 14 and the Marlins 5. With the Cubs leading off with the top of the line up, it looked like they were going to put together a solid performance. Especially after Dick Mahon hit a triple. Turn about was fair play as the Marlins turned a nifty double play to end the inning. Unfortunately for the Marlins they went scoreless in the bottom of the seventh. Final score Cubs18 and Marlins 5.
Key Performances
Ron Thompson 3 for 4 with a double
Dick Mahon 4 for 4 with a double and triple
McLellan 4 for 4
Bernie Mohan 3 for 3
Dick Sessnik Winning Pitcher
Frank Miller 3 for 3
Bill Ayer 3 for 3
Gerald Andrews 2 for 2
Gold's Gym Field
Tigers vs.
Rangers, Game 1
The Tigers
and the Rangers stood toe to toe and exchanged blows in the form of hits and
runs. In Latin it would be called “macto”, to slay, to fight, to magnify, to
bring glory and honor. In plain English it
was a struggle for victory, as both teams had the will to win and tried hard to
achieve that goal.
The Tigers
drew first blood, scoring a run in the top of the first, after back to back
doubles by Brian Busch and Charlie Giordano. Tiger’s pitcher, Steve Pinnick,
then blanked the Rangers in the bottom of the first. That was the quiet before
the storm.
After 1
inning, Tigers 1 – Rangers 0.
In the 2nd
inning the Tigers increased their lead when Hite, King and Poke combined forces
to knock in two runs. In the bottom of the inning it was time for the Rangers
to answer, they did so with passion, stringing 7 hits together. Pat Drouilard
led the charge with a leadoff triple. Zelazny and Laffoon then stroked back to
back doubles, Butler, Wells, Constantine and Ing all had singles to push 5 runs
home.
The Rangers
continued their onslaught in the 3rd and 4th innings, scoring 5 runs
in each frame. At the end of 4 innings the score stood Tigers 7 – Rangers 15.
The Tigers seemed like they had been tamed, nice kitty, have a saucer of milk, lie
down and go to sleep. AHHHH, that’s not what happened next. The big cats showed
their claws, they came out swinging in the 5th, their first 8
batters reached base. The assault started with back to back homeruns from Al
Andrews and Tom Hamilton. Then Busch took it easy on the Rangers and just tripled.
Benson, Hartley, Dampier, Hite and King all added singles. They tied the game
15-15 at the top of the 5th inning.
The Rangers
came up in the bottom of the 5th and took a slim lead, by scoring 2
runs. Steve Hill singled, Don Erb doubled Steve home and Pat Drouilard finished
the scoring by driving Erb home with a single to right.
After 5
innings the score was Tigers 15 – Rangers 17
As the
contestants approached the last two innings they reminded me of Rocky and Apollo
Creed in their epic movie fight, both beaten and bruised, but unwilling to give
up. The Tigers scored 2 runs in the 6th inning and added 1 run in
the 7th inning, when Fred Dampier hit a homerun, to take a one run lead.
Tigers 18 –
Rangers 17.
The Rangers
were shut out in their 6th inning. In the bottom of the 7th inning, it
was now up to the bottom of the Ranger’s order to get a rally started. Chris
Constantine was up for the challenge; he started things with a single. Don Ing
lined out hard to center for the first Rangers out. Nick Matta came up and
drilled a single to right, moving the tying run to third. Lance Patten, who has
been swinging a hot bat, then tied the game with a single to left. Time for the
top of the Rangers batting order to deliver the goods, Kirk Coffman singled to
load the bases. The next batter popped out. With two outs and the game on the
line Juan Toro stood at the plate. Juan is a man of faith and talent, he would
not be denied; Juan smashed a single to right to win the game. Both teams left
the field of battle with honor having played their hearts out.
You find
that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest
when you know that it was a one hundred percent effort that you gave–win or
lose.” Gordie Howe
Final Score:
Tigers 18 – Rangers 19.
Leading Hitters for the Tigers:
Al Andrews: 3/ 4 with a HR.
Tom Hamilton: 2 /4 with a HR.
Jack Benson: 3 / 4.
Fred Dampier: 3 /4 with a HR.
Bob Hite: 3 / 4.
Poke Rodriguez: 3 / 4.
Leading Hitters for the Rangers:
Kirk Coffman: 4 /4.
Don Erb: 2 / 3 with a double.
Pat Drouilard: 3 / 3 with a triple.
Bob Zelazny: 2 / 3 with a double.
Ron Butler: 3 / 3.
Chris Constantine: 2 / 3.
Don Ing: 2 / 3.
Nick Matta: 2/ 3.
Lance Patten: 2/ 3.
Game 2
Is it possible for a team
to be snake-bit? Well, right now the
Tigers have that feeling. After losing
to the Rangers by 1 run, the second game of the Tuesday double-header looked
like it was going to be a blow out for the Rangers. They started with 8 men coming to the plate,
getting 7 singles and 5 runs to take the early lead. The Tigers clawed back at
the visitors, with the big hit being a triple by Brian Busch, who had a great
day with the bat and glove, but could only manage 2 runs. Chris Constantine
started the Rangers out again with a solo home run, but that was the only
base-runner the Rangers would have that
inning. Russ King started the home half
of the frame with a triple, but it looked like he might be stranded there when
Jim Laffoon robbed the next two hitters, while holding the runner. Art Zakrowski did drive the run in with a
double but was thrown out taking 3rd when Jim L. threw a strike to
end any chance the Tigers had of cutting into the lead. The teams traded runs,
and friendly barbs, for the next 4 innings with the score being Rangers 11-6
after 6 full innings. Bob Zelazny, the
commish, got it started for the Rangers with a leadoff double followed by 3
singles as the Rangers threaten to run away with the game. But, with no out and a runner on 2nd
base the Tigers turned an unusual double-play, 4-3-5 (or Hamilton to Busch to
Hartley) to put the lid on the Rangers runs.
As the Tigers came to bat in the 7th, trailing by 8 the
situation looked bleak. It got even
darker when Constantine made a diving stop and threw the base runner out from
the seat of his pants. But, the Tigers didn’t quit, down to the last out and
just one runner abroad, they scraped their way back into the game getting 4
runs before it was all said and done.
Final Score Rangers 14 – Tigers 10.
Top Hitters:
Rangers:
Coffman 3 for 3
Drouilard 2 for 3, 2B
Jacobson 2 for 2, Sac
Erb 2 for 3
Constantine 2 for 3, HR
Ing 2 for 3
Patton 2 for 3
Tigers:
Andrews 2 for 4, 2B
Hamilton 2 for 4, 2B
Busch 4 for 4, 3B
Giordano 3 for 4
Benson 3 for 4
Dampier 2 for 2, BB
King 2 for 3, 3B
Pennick 2 for 3
Gatorland Field
The
softball Gods were smiling on Winter Haven today. Not so in Chicago,
where the temperature at game time was around -12 degrees. In Winter
Haven, it was a beautiful sunny day to play softball with
the temperature at game time around 65 degrees.
The double header on
Field E between the Angels and the Rays came down to the last inning in
both games. The Rays took the lead in the first game in the top of the
seventh inning only to have the Angels score two runs in the bottom of
the seventh inning for the victory. Final score Game 1, Angels 7 - Rays
6.
In the second game, the Angels were ahead in the top of the seventh
inning but the Rays could not put any runs together in the bottom of the
seventh inning to take the victory away from the Angels. Final score
Game 2, Angels 12 - Rays 10.
Leading hitters for the Angels in Game 1 were Scott Seguin 3/3,
Greg Denny 2/2 and Gerry DeRidder 2/3. Jose Rivera had an in the park
home run.
Leading hitters for the Angels in Game 2 were Scott Seguin and Greg
Denny 3/3, Freddie Gonzalez 2/3. Freddie Gonzalez had an in the park
home run.
Leading hitters for the Rays in Game 1 were Eddie Gazarek, Rick
Brock, Sam Cuscovitch and Jimmy Goodhue 2/3. Rick Brock had an in the
park home run.
Leading hitters for the Rays in Game 2 were Eddie Gazarek 3/3, Don Held, Sam Cuscovitch, Ray Levesque and Fern Burelli 2/3.
Pitching for the Angels was J.D. Davis. Pitching for the Rays were Pat Lopicolo and Brian Jackson.
A good job was done by all the pitchers as can be seen by the low scores in both games.
Special mention needs to be made for the third basemen on both
teams. Greg Denny and Don Held were like vacuum cleaners at third base.
Greg and Don scooped up many balls and threw the runners out . Good job
to both of them.
ServiceMaster Field
Braves vs Giants
What a nice day to play two games today.
In
the first game, Giants scored two runs on hits by Vassuri Bess, Don
Scarbrough and Ed Guspyt in the top of the first. The Braves scored four
runs in both the 1st and 2nd innings to take the lead. Braves hitters
were Miguel Gonzalez-triple,Arvil Waddell, Denny Shaffer, Gene Baker,
Harlen Lautenschlager-double, Jerry Witter, Sonny Burrell-triple, and
Charley Cottle (newplayer).
Giants came back in the third inning to score 5 runs to tie the
score-led by V. Bess, Elmer Black, Don S-home run , Ed G., Nic
Burns-double.
No more runs were scored until the 6th inning. Giants scored one run by Don.S.
Braves scored 5 runs on 4 singles and doubles by Harlen L. and Sonny B.
Giants didn't score in the top of the 7th inning. Jerry Witter was winning pitcher.
Final score was Braves 14 --Giants 9
Giants Leading hitters :
V. Bess 2-3
Don S, 3-3 one home run
Ed G. 2-3
Dave Ragonese 2-3
Braves Leading hitters:
Miguel G. 2-3 one triple
Arvil W. 3-3
Denny Shaffer 2-3
Gene Baker 2-3
Gene Baker 2-3
Dean Schapeler 3-3 one double
Harlen L. 3-3 two doubles
Jerry Witter 3-3
Game 2
Game Two went down to the last out in the 7th inning.
Braves started off scoring 3 in the first inning with hits by Arvil W., Denny S.,-triple, Penny Pelletier.
Giants came right back in the bottom and scored two runs on hits by V. Bess, , Don S., Jerry Remington.
Braves stayed ahead in the second inning by scoring 2 more runs. Hits by Dean S., Dave Podbielski, Sonny B.
Nobody scored in the third inning. Top of the fourth, Braves scored two runs on hits by Penny P., Denny S., Gene B. , Harlen L.
Giants scored one in the bottom of the fourth inning on hits by Ed G., Nic Burns, and David Ragonese.
Braved scored 3 in the top of the 6th inning on hits by Arvil W., Penny P.,and a three run home run by Denny Shaffer.
The Giants weren't done scoring. They scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to take the lead.
After one out, the next 7 batters got hits. all singles. The
Braves were down by two going into the last inning. They were able to
score only one run on hits by Dean S. and Jerry Witter.
Winning pitcher was Dennis Holder
Final score Giants 12 --Braves 11.
Braves leading hitters:
Penny P.3-3
Denny S. 3-3 one triple and one home run
Dean S. 2-3
Jerry W. 3-3
Sonny B. 2-3
Giants leading hitters:
V. Bess 3-3
Don S. 2-3
Ed G. 2-3
Jerry R. 2-3
Fred Ducham 2-3
Dennis H. 3-3
Glenn Holland 2-2
Submitted by
Larry Powell
Friday, January 24, 2014
The Ice Bowl
Cold doesn't quite say it for today's weather. I had a bet with my wife though. I bet her that someone would be in shorts today despite the un-Florida like weather. I Win!!
Once again, the pictures are thanks to Gene Baker (with fish). You can see the entire album by clicking here or you can review all of our albums by clicking here.
R. Moots drove in both runs. The Giants came back with two runs on three hits. Runs driven in by E. Guspyt.
The Marlins poured on the hits in the next seven innings. They had thirty two hits, several walks and several players reached on errors.
The Giants scored nine runs on ten hits in the third inning.
In the sixth, the Giants scored three more runs on four hits. The big hit a triple by D. Scarbough.
The Giants came back with four runs in the eighth inning. They had four hits featuring a home run by E. Guspyt.
Giant Hitters: D. Scarborough. 4-5
E. Guspyt. 4-5 (hr)
D. Holder. 4-5
D. Ragonese. 3-5
M. Bloom. 3-5
Marlin Hitters: D. Hill. 5-6
G. Andrews. 5-6
J. Fulton. 4-5
J. Altemose. 4-6
G. Sequin. 4-6
The final score was Marlins 32, Giants 18.
Once again, the pictures are thanks to Gene Baker (with fish). You can see the entire album by clicking here or you can review all of our albums by clicking here.
Gold's Gym Field
Marlins versus Giants
The Marlins opened the first with two hits and an error.R. Moots drove in both runs. The Giants came back with two runs on three hits. Runs driven in by E. Guspyt.
The Marlins poured on the hits in the next seven innings. They had thirty two hits, several walks and several players reached on errors.
The Giants scored nine runs on ten hits in the third inning.
In the sixth, the Giants scored three more runs on four hits. The big hit a triple by D. Scarbough.
The Giants came back with four runs in the eighth inning. They had four hits featuring a home run by E. Guspyt.
Giant Hitters: D. Scarborough. 4-5
E. Guspyt. 4-5 (hr)
D. Holder. 4-5
D. Ragonese. 3-5
M. Bloom. 3-5
Marlin Hitters: D. Hill. 5-6
G. Andrews. 5-6
J. Fulton. 4-5
J. Altemose. 4-6
G. Sequin. 4-6
The final score was Marlins 32, Giants 18.
Gatorland Field
Braves vs Cubs
The game got off to a rocky start in that the top of the first inning Ted Taylor rounded third base and took hard fall. He had a skin tear just below his eye and was bleeding real bad. Thanks to fast action by his teammates he was mended enough to finish the game. Good enough to go 4 for 4 including one walk. Braves only had nine players to start the game.
After 4 innings the Cubs had a lead of 12 to 5. Every Cub player got a hit except one. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Braves had a big rally scoring 7 runs to tie the game after four. Eight of the Brave players got a hit that inning-all singles.
The Cubs players woke up and preceded to score 13 runs in the next three innings. The Cubs had 25 runs to only 12 for the Braves going into the eight and ninth innings.
The Braves did the flip flop but only scored 4 in the last inning.
Dick Sessick was the winning pitcher
Final score was Cubs 26 Braves 16.
Leading hitters for the Cubs were:
Bernie Peterson 4-4 2 doubles, 1 home run
Ted Taylor 4-4
Sam Lopez 3-4 1 triple
Dick Sessick 3-4
Bernie Mohan 3-4
Stan Michalsk 3-3 1 home run with bases loaded
Don Lemay 2-3
Leading hitters for the Braves:
Arvil Waddell 4-7
Penny Pelletier 6-7
Harlen Lautenschlager 5-7 1 double
Gene Baker 5-7
Dave Podbielski 6-6
Jerry Witter 5-6
ServiceMaster Field
Angel’s vs Tigers
What’s the best way to describe the ball players, Angel’s vs Tigers, on the ServiceMaster field today? Committed or needing to be committed. It was another cold and windy day for Winter Haven Senior softball. The Angels did get out of the gate quickly with a walk, 3 singles, and then 2 Sac fly’s netted the Halos 4 runs. But, the Tigers responded in kind, with 6 singles and a walk of their own to take a slim 5-4 lead.
The 3rd inning saw more sparks from the Angels as Scot Sequin launched a triple with a man aboard to help the visitors to 3 runs and a 1 run lead after 3 full innings. The Tigers tied the game in the 4thafter Jack Benson’s leadoff homer and Dave Hartley’s double, followed by 2 singles to plate the final run.
The Angels again got it started in the 5th, with 2 singles and a walk loaded the bases before JD Davis laced a double to clear the bases. The Tigers took the lead in the bottom of the inning with 6 singles and 2 walks resulted in 5 big runs. The Tigers added 2 more in the bottom of 6th with the big shot coming on Tom Hamilton’s 2 bagger with 2 runners on.
The Angels got a five spot 4 singles, a walk and a double by Gregg Denny to take the lead 15-14 at the end of seven. The Angels kept the bats going in the 8th with 6 straight singles, a walk and Sac fly plated 5 more runs.
The Angels got 1 more in the 9th, to end their scoring, at 21. In the 9th, trailing by 7, the Tigers attempted to mount a rally, getting the first 3 men on base before long fly balls into the wind and into the gloves of the Angels stopped the rally shorts.
Final score Angels 21 – Tigers 16.
Top Hitters:
Angels:
Ron Pepin 3 for 5
Joe D’Herin 5 for 5
Scot Sequin 3 for 3, 3B, 2BB
Gerry Deridder 3 for 3, BB, Sac
Gregg Denny 3 for 5, 2 2B
Tigers:
Al Andrews 3 for 5
Russ King 3 for 5
Jack Benson 5 for 5, HR
Dave Hartley 3 for 5, 2B
Fred Dampier 3 for 5
Bob Hite 3 for 5
ServiceMaster Field
Rangers vs Rays
It seems this old Florida weather does not want to warm up so we can play softball in our shorts again. It was nice and cold again today with a brisk wind coming across Field B from the northeast.
The Rangers acted like they were prepared for the cold weather with a five run top of the first inning while the Rays only managing to get one out. The Rays managed to score a couple of runs in the bottom of the first inning.
After holding the Rangers scoreless in the top of the second inning, the Rays bats came alive and they scored five runs. In the third inning, both teams continued to hit well with the Rangers scoring four runs and the Rays scoring five runs.
After the fifth inning, the score was tied 13 all. Both teams went scoreless in the sixth inning and both teams scored five runs in the seventh inning. In the top of the eighth inning, Bob Zelazny led off with a booming hit to left center field. But, Sam Cuscovitch, the left center fielder for the Rays, was able to run it down for the out.
Next up was the dangerous bat of Don Erb. Don hit a boomer to left center field and Sam ran that one down for the out. The Rays were able to hold the Rangers scoreless in the eighth inning and went on the score three runs in the bottom of that inning.
In the ninth inning, the Rays were able to hold the Rangers scoreless again for a final score of Rays 21 - Rangers 18.
Pat Lopicolo pitched the entire game for the Rays and snagged a ball hit up the middle by Juan Toro for an out. Pitching for the Rangers was Larry Wells, Nick Matta and Jimmy Laffoon. All the pitchers did a great job with that strong wind blowing across the field.
Leading hitters for the Rays were Jimmy Goodhue 3/3 with a walk, Terry Smith 4/5,Eddie Gazarek 3/4 with a walk and Herb 'O' was 3/5.
Leading hitters for the Rangers were Larry Wells and Lance Patton, 3/3, Steve Hill and Bob Zelazny were 3/4 and Kirk Coffman was 2/3 with a walk.
The Rays welcome Sam Cuscovitch back to Winter Haven Senior Softball. Today was Sam's first game of the season. Sam was looking forward to enjoying his first day back by watching our game but the Rays manager had other plans for him. Sam did a great job in left center field.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Just a Couple of Notes
Our team mate, good friend and all-around nice guy, Eddie Kline was scheduled to go into the hospital today for cancer surgery. Hopefully, they caught it early and everything comes out ok (teehee). We hope to see Eddie back on the ball field soon. Meanwhile keep Eddie and his family in your thoughts and prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.
After reading the ISA SSA rulebook, I found the following and hope this clarifies the rules for everyone's benefit.
I would say that our runner on third and the batter were in fact safe. However it comes down to an umpires judgement as to whether the runner was on the base or not. Since our runner jumped up a bit in self defense, it could be argued that he was not 'on' the base. As an umpire I think I would interpret the rule to mean the ball is dead, the runner is safe at third and the batter gets first base. (and a run would score if the batter is forced home by the batter advancing to first).
The judgement call is whether the runner on third was on the base or not when he was hit by the ball given his defensive jump.
Since we have a rule that specifies that the fielders must be behind the base lines it's unlikely that the ball would pass an infielder before striking a base runner standing on a base. Here's the quote from the rulebook.
8.2 BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER
B. When he bats a fair ball even though it strikes another player, umpire or their attached clothing or equipment.
1. If the runner is hit with a fair batted ball while touching a base, he is not out. EFFECT: The ball is live or dead depending on the position of the fielder closest to the ball. If the closest de- fensive player is in front of the base runner hit by the ball, the ball remains live. However, after the runner in contact with the base is hit by the batted ball, it shall be the same as hitting the ground. Since the ball remains alive, the defense is free to make whatever plays are available. If the defensive player is behind the base runner, the ball is ruled dead, the hitter is awarded a base hit and runners are advanced ONLY if forced to advance.
2. If the runner is hit by the ball while off base and before it passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher), the ball is dead and the hit runner is declared out. The batter-runner is awarded first base without liability to be put out.
I would also add that a runner standing at third avoids the whole situation by standing in foul territory with just a toe on the base and dodges any such hot shots with a move toward foul territory. That way if the runner gets hit it's just a foul ball. It might knock you out but it'll be a foul ball.
Note that in our league it is permissible for runners at first and third to stand over in foul territory away from the base provided they tag-up or 'recover' the base before advancing. We allow this to avoid injury since many of us can hit the ball very hard especially down the 'pull' baselines.
9.4 FOUL THIRD STRIKE
Upon hitting a foul ball on a third strike, the batter is out. If the ball is caught in playable territory in the air, the ball remains live. Runners may advance at their own risk.
Rules Clarifications
The following discussion arises from several recent arguments on the field. Let's all remember to respect the umpire's call. We can review the call later and correct it if need be for future events.Base Runner hit by batted ball
Here's the situation. A base runner is on third base. A batter hits a hot shot down the line that hits the base runner. In the act of trying to avoid injury from the hard liner, the batter apparently jumps up a little just as he is hit in the you know where's (hope he was wearing a cup). What's the call?After reading the ISA SSA rulebook, I found the following and hope this clarifies the rules for everyone's benefit.
I would say that our runner on third and the batter were in fact safe. However it comes down to an umpires judgement as to whether the runner was on the base or not. Since our runner jumped up a bit in self defense, it could be argued that he was not 'on' the base. As an umpire I think I would interpret the rule to mean the ball is dead, the runner is safe at third and the batter gets first base. (and a run would score if the batter is forced home by the batter advancing to first).
The judgement call is whether the runner on third was on the base or not when he was hit by the ball given his defensive jump.
Since we have a rule that specifies that the fielders must be behind the base lines it's unlikely that the ball would pass an infielder before striking a base runner standing on a base. Here's the quote from the rulebook.
8.2 BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER
B. When he bats a fair ball even though it strikes another player, umpire or their attached clothing or equipment.
1. If the runner is hit with a fair batted ball while touching a base, he is not out. EFFECT: The ball is live or dead depending on the position of the fielder closest to the ball. If the closest de- fensive player is in front of the base runner hit by the ball, the ball remains live. However, after the runner in contact with the base is hit by the batted ball, it shall be the same as hitting the ground. Since the ball remains alive, the defense is free to make whatever plays are available. If the defensive player is behind the base runner, the ball is ruled dead, the hitter is awarded a base hit and runners are advanced ONLY if forced to advance.
2. If the runner is hit by the ball while off base and before it passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher), the ball is dead and the hit runner is declared out. The batter-runner is awarded first base without liability to be put out.
I would also add that a runner standing at third avoids the whole situation by standing in foul territory with just a toe on the base and dodges any such hot shots with a move toward foul territory. That way if the runner gets hit it's just a foul ball. It might knock you out but it'll be a foul ball.
Note that in our league it is permissible for runners at first and third to stand over in foul territory away from the base provided they tag-up or 'recover' the base before advancing. We allow this to avoid injury since many of us can hit the ball very hard especially down the 'pull' baselines.
Foul Balls Caught by the Catcher
By my reading, any foul ball caught in the air by any defensive player is an out. A foul tip on the other hand is a foul ball that is only an out if it is a third strike. In other words a foul tip caught by the catcher can be a second strike and not an out. A third strike foul tip whether caught by the catcher or not is an out and treated like a third strike foul ball. The relevant rules follow.
1.27 FOUL BALL
A foul ball is a legally batted ball that:
A. Settles or is
touched on or over foul territory between home and first base or between home
and third base.
B. Bounds or rolls past first or third base on or over foul
territory.
C. While over foul territory; touches the person, attached equipment
or clothing of a player or an umpire, or is blocked.
D. First hits the ground
or is first touched over foul territory beyond first or third base. A caught
fly ball is not a foul ball.
E. Touches the batter or the bat in the batter’s
hand(s) a second time while the batter is within the batter’s box.
1.28 FOUL TIP
A Foul Tip is batted ball which goes directly from the bat,
not higher than the batter’s head, to the catcher’s hand(s) or glove and is
legally caught by the catcher. NOTE: Any batted ball that goes directly from
the bat, not higher than the batter’s head to any part of the catcher’s body or
equipment other than the hand(s) or glove is a foul ball and a dead ball.
7.4 STRIKE CALLED BY UMPIRE
A. For each legally pitched ball
hitting the plate or mat before touching the ground and the batter does not
swing. Any pitched ball that hits the ground, plate or mat cannot be legally
swung at by the batter. NOTE: If the batter swings and misses the pitch prior
to the ball hitting the plate or mat it is a strike. EFFECT: The ball is dead.
B. For each legally pitched ball swung at and missed by the batter. EFFECT: The
ball is dead. If the batter swings at an illegal pitch, the illegal pitch is
nullified.
C. For each foul tip. EFFECT: The ball is dead and the batter is out
if it is the third strike.
D. For each foul ball, including the third strike.
7.6 BATTER IS OUT
G. Upon hitting a foul ball on third strike, the batter is
out. If a fly ball is caught in playable
territory, the ball remains alive and runners may advance at risk of being put
out.
9.4 FOUL THIRD STRIKE
Upon hitting a foul ball on a third strike, the batter is out. If the ball is caught in playable territory in the air, the ball remains live. Runners may advance at their own risk.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Our First Double Header Tuesday
Gessler Clinic Field
GOOD weather here in Sunny Florida for the first double header of
the season. Two 7 inning games were played. In the first game the Giants were
home team.
The Cubs came up in the first with their bats swinging. Peterson
led off with a single, Taylor and Thompson followed and after a walk to
Mahon, McLellan and Lopez had base hits. Mike Stepp walked and starting
pitcher Sessick singled home the fifth run. The Giants started with
Bess reaching on an error, then Remington, Guspyt, Burns and Merritt
followed with hits. Merritt's hit drove in the third run of the
inning. Score Cubs 5 Giants 3.
The Visitors tallied another 5 runs in
the second with Mohan, DePalama, Barnes, Michalski base hits and Baker
walked, LaMay and Taylor singled in the 4th and 5 runs. The Giants were
not able to get their bats going in the first game and the Flip Flop
rule was put into effect. Final score was Cubs 21 Giants 5.
Leading hitters Giants
Guspyt 3 for 3 walk
Burns 2 for 3
Merritt 2 for 3
Corrathers 2 for 2 with walk DePalma 3 for 3
Game 2
In game 2 with Thompson on the mound for the Cubs, the Giants came out
swinging their bats with singles from Bess, Remington, Guspyt and Burns
with Ragonese driving in the second run of the inning.
Cubs came back
with four of their own on a Peterson single and a Home run by
Thompson, followed by Mahon, McLellan, Stepp with Sessick bringing home
the 4th run.
The Giants scored 3 runs each in 3rd, 4th and 5th innings
but the Cubs in turn scored 5 in the 3rd and 4th and 2 in the 5th. The
score after the 5th was Giants 11 Cubs 19.
Now its the top of the 6th with lead off hitter Bess at the bat. He reaches 1st on an infield error.
Elmer Black singles, so does Remington, Guspyt gets on and Nic Burns
hits a long home run. Then Merritt reaches on a hit and Mills brings
him home with another hit. Tally six runs for the Giants. After 6
score is Giants 16 Cubs 20.
With the Giants
batting in the top of 7th inning, Dennis Holder leads off with a
single. Then after a fielder choice, Bess homers, Black triples, Remington has
his 5th hit of the game. Then after a long fly out by Guspyt, Burns hits his second homer in the last 2 innings. Next a single by
Ragonese, and walks to Ducham and Merritt; Giants UP by 2 runs.
The Cubbies are
down by two going into their last at bat. After one out Dick Mahon singles,
McLellan doubles Mahon home, and Lopez drives McLellan home to tie the
game. Mike Stepp steps to the plate and lines a double to left field scoring Lopez
for the game winner. Final score Cubs 23 Giants 22.
Leading hitters Giants
Bess home run
Remington 5 for 5 Thompson 3 for 4 home run
Burns 4 for 5 2 home runs Mahon 4 for 4
Merritt 3 for 4
Mills 3 for 5
Bloom 3 for 5
Submitted by
Don LaMay
Gold's Gym Field
What a difference a weekend makes. The team that could only score four runs on Friday
came back today and scored 16 runs in the first game and 20 runs in the
second game. I don't think there was any chicken waiting on them today
so they decided to hit the ball.
The first game of our seven inning
double header between the Rays and the Tigers was a close game. The
Tigers jumped out in the first inning with a four run lead only to be
answered by the Rays with three runs of their own. In the second inning,
the Tigers scored five runs and the Rays answered with six runs to tie
the score. The lead jumped back and forth the entire game but in the
end, the Rays were victorious with a 16 to 14 win.
Both teams hit the ball
well. Freddie Dampier hit a boomer in left center field for an in the
park home run. In the same inning, Al Andrews hit a boomer in left
center field for an in the park home run. Brian Busch hit the ball to
all fields with one boomer to right field being a triple. Russ King was
his sneaky old self and hit a ball in the gap for a triple. Bill Wolfe
also had a triple.
The Rays only had one
triple off the bat of Jimmy Goodhue. But we had a ton of singles and
doubles. The team batting average for the first game was about .650 with
25 hits.
The pitchers for this
game did a great job because the cross wind was bad. Pat LoPicolo, Brian
Jackson and Steve Pinnick managed to consistently throw strikes.
Leading hitters for the
Rays were Terry Smith 3/3, Kenny Ota 3/3, Don Held 2/2 with a SAC.
Eddie Gazarek, Rick Brock, Herb "O', Ray Levesque, Johnny Byrd,
Jimmy Goodhue, and Pat LoPicolo were 2/3.
Leading hitters for the
Tigers were Brian Busch 3/3, Charlie Giordano 2/2 with a walk, Al
Andrews, Russ King, Bob Hite and Poke Rodriquez were 2/3.
Submitted by
Don Witmer
The second game of the
double header between the home team Tigers and the visiting Rays was played on
the Gold Gym Field. The Rays got off to
a quick start with Gazarek, Witmer and Held reaching base, and eventually
scoring. But the Rays left the bases
loaded after the Tigers’ catcher Poke Rodriguez made a great running grab to
end the Rays’ threat. The Tigers seemed
flat with 2 outs and Tom Hamilton standing on second base, after a long double,
before they put a string of 6 singles together to plate 5 runs and take the
early lead.
The Rays added 2 in both the 2nd and 3rd innings,
with the big blast being a triple by Held off the fence in right. The Tigers plated 3 runs in the 2nd
on 2 Home-runs, a 2 run version by Andrews and a solo shot by Hamilton to make
the score at the end of the 3rd inning 8 to 7 Tigers.
In the 4th
the Rays went quietly before Al Andrews hit his second 2 run homer of the day.
Good defense by both teams highlighted the next 2 innings which appeared to be
the calm before the storm.
The Tigers
added 5 in the bottom of the 6th, with 5 singles to start the frame,
to take a 7 run lead starting the seventh and final inning. The Rays bats came
alive, sending 15 batters to the plate, getting 11 runs on 11 hits, only 1 for
extra bases to take to take a 4 run lead.
The Tigers went meekly in the 7th to end the game with the
Rays winning 20-16.
Leading Hitters:
Rays:
Gazarek 3 for 4, 2B
Held 3 for 3, IBB, 3B
Brock 3 for 3, BB
Tigers:
Andrews 2 for 3, 2 HR, BB
Hamilton 3 for 3, 2 2B, BB
Giordano 3 for 3, 2B, BB
Hartley 3 for 3, Sac
Submitted by
Bob Hite
Submitted by
Bob Hite
ServiceMaster
Field, Game 1, Angels vs. Rangers.
Instead of
playing softball today, we followed Alice down the rabbit hole and found ourselves in
Wonderland. In game number one it was the Rangers who were on the wrong end of
the looking glass. Up was down, good was bad and bad we were. As coach of the
team, I admonished the Ranger's players before the game, "don't make errors". I am sure that is what I said, however in
Wonderland what the team heard was this, "please make lots and lots of errors
today. When it rains it pours and it poured down the letter "E" for the Rangers.
The Angels
were smiling like the Cheshire cat. They had reason to smile, their bats were
working overtime. Angels players were running the bases so much their tongues
were hanging out. They hit the ball well. The Mad Hatter in this game was
Canadian strongman, Scott Seguin. Actually, Scott helped the Rangers raise
their fielding percentage, by hitting two balls that no one could possibly
drop, unless they were standing 320 feet away and on the other side of the
fence. Seguin went back to back, in the 1st
and 3rd innings. All I could
hear after each HR was his teammate, JD Davis, laughing and saying "beam me up
another one Scotty", an obvious Star Trek play on words.
Key plays in
the game, JD pitched a strong game. Jose Rivera, Greg Denny, Ron Pepin and Joe D'Herin
turned some nice defensive plays for the Angels. Juan Toro did throw a runner
out at the plate, from centerfield, for
the Rangers, which helped ease the pain the team was feeling.
It was that
kind of game, almost everything went well for the Halos and almost everything
went sour for the Rangers. Even when the Rangers had success, they failed, Don
Ing lead off the Rangers 3rd inning with a triple. The next batter
hit a hard ground ball right at Don, who was standing on 3rd, as Don
tried to jump out of the way the ball hit him and he was called out.
"Oh, you can't help that,' said the cat.
'We're all mad here." ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.
Final Score:
Rangers 11 - Angels 18.
Leading
Hitters from game 1.
Angels:
Rivera: 3/
4.
D'Herin: 2 /
3, with a triple and a double.
Seguin: 3 / 3, two HRs and a single.
DeRidder: 2 / 3 with a double.
Pepin: 3 /
3.
Denny: 3 /
3.
WP: JD Davis
Rangers:
Hill: 2 / 3
with a triple.
Erb: 2 / 3
with a double.
Zelazny: 2 /
3 with a double.
Laffoon: 2 /
3.
Constantine:
2 / 3.
Ing: 3 /3
with a triple.
Game 2, Angels vs Rangers
What's good
for the goose, is good for the gander. In this case what's good for the hare is
good for the bunny. It was the Angels
turn to fall through the rabbit hole. If the Rangers would win this game, they
could wash away the bad taste left in their mouths from game one. A win works better than Listerene.
"Only a few
find the way, some don't recognize it when they do - some... don't ever want
to." ― The Cheshire Cat
In game two
the Rangers found a way. They found their bats and their gloves. It was the
Angels who were now on the wrong side of the looking glass. Halo's do have
holes and the Angels made a few drops in the outfield and a few throwing
errors. The Rangers were not going to look a gift horse, cat, Angel whatever,
in the mouth. They took advantage of the miscues and added a few sizzling hits
to score early and often.
By the way,
the term "never look a gift horse in the mouth" derives its meaning from the
early days, I am talking about the days before Bob Zelazny was even born, that
long ago. Horses' gums recede as they
age making their teeth appear longer (hence the term, "long in the
tooth"). Inspecting the teeth of a horse given as a gift was considered
ungrateful.
The Rangers
were grateful for Bobby Z's bat and Steven Hill's bat. Bob and Steve struck key
blows for the Rangers with runners in scoring position. Bobby drove in the 4th
and 5th runs, in the 4th inning, with two outs on the
board. Steve hit an inside the park HR, driving in 3 runs in the 6th
inning. Other key moments in the game, Jimmy Laffoon threw a runner out at the
plate. Steve Hill made a great stop at 3rd on a ball that was
smashed. Nick Matta pitched a strong game.
"You just go
where your high-top sneakers sneak, and don't forget to use your head." ― The
Cheshire Cat
Final Score:
Angels 6 - Rangers 18.
Leading
Hitters for game 2:
Angels:
Seguin: 2 /
3 with a double.
Rangers:
Hill: 2 / 3
with a HR and a walk.
Zelazny: 3 /
4 .
Toro: 3 / 3.
Laffoon: 2/ 2 with a triple, double and a walk.
Butler: 1/ 2
and a walk.
Matta: 2 /
3.
Ing: 2 / 3.
WP: Matta
Submitted by
Nick Matta
Submitted by
Nick Matta
Gatorland Field
Marlins vs Braves
The Braves finally put it all together winning both games by playing solid defense and scoring lots of runs. Rich Moots filled in as Marlins manager today for Jeff Simon.
The Marlins scored two runs in the first inning led by Larry Chrest and Raul Torres- double. The Braves came our swinging scoring five runs in both the 1st & 2nd innings.Denny Shaffer had a home run, Harlen Lautenschlager-double in the first inning.
In the second inning , Milo Macko had a double, Miguel Gonzalez a home run to lead the way. The Braves scored in every inning.
The
Braves solid defense held the Marlins to only 8 runs. Shortstop Sonny
Burrell had a great day including getting all three outs in the fifth
inning.
Final Score first game: Braves 19 Marlins 8
Leading hitters for the Marlins:
Larry Chrest 3-3 one triple
Raul Torres 3-3 one triple, one double
Gisele Seguin 3-3
Gisele played super defense in both games while playing three different positions
Leading hitters for the Braves:
Miguel Gonzalez 4-4 1 triple
Gene Baker 3-3
Sonny Burrell -1 home run
Jerry Witter 3-3
Game 2
In
the second game, the Braves didn't miss a beat by scoring three runs in
the first, with home runs by Miguel Gonzalez and Harlen Lautenschlager.
The second inning was even better with 5 runs scoring on consecutive
singles by Sonny Burrell, Dale Bennet, Jerry Witter, Jimmy McPartlin,
and Gene Morey . The Marlins scored one run in the 2nd inning with Raul Torres getting a triple and scoring on a hit by Augie Augenstein.
The Braves led the whole game and held the Marlins to only 8 runs in which half were scored in the bottom of the 7th inning .
Leading hitters for the Marlins:
Frank Miller 3-3
Augie Augenstein 3-3
Raul Torres 1-3 1 triple
Jim Altemose 2-3
Rich Moots 2-3
Leading hitters for the Braves:
Miguel Gonzales 3-4 one home run
Harlen Lautenschlager 2-3 one home run,one triple
Sonny Burrell 3-3 1 double, 1 home run
Milo Macko 3-3
Submitted by
Larry Powell
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