January 29 game between American Legion and Fighting Coconuts

Both teams hit well during a very close game that was not decided until the 9^th inning.

Mike O'Callaghan's team had key hits by Chris Constantine, Dale Johnson, Herb Oesterreich, Jimmy Laffoon, Bob Castilleja, Josh Wells, John Gibson, Bill Rutan and Chris Lynch. Defensively, Bob Castilleja made excellent catches in right center field.

The Coconuts were led in hitting by Joe Letourneau, Gary Burtner and Jimmy Vining.

Jimmy Vining had the winning hit in the bottom of 9^th.

Final score was: American Legion 18

Coconuts 19

Write up by Robert Spitaleri

Tuesday, January 26th

After a red hot game last Tuesday, the Fabian Flyers returned to the ranks of ICE COLD in a 24-11 loss to Spitaleri's Coconuts. The game was not that close as after 4 innings the score was 18-3 and at the end of 7 it was 24-4. That is when the managers conferred and decided the Flyers should have their last 2 at bats creating a double flip flop which commissioner Witmer agreed if the managers agree it can be done. Hence the final or the Coconuts may have scored 40+ runs as the were red 🔥 hot. They did have 3 more outs coming. 

Coconuts hitters. 

    4 hits. Burtner

    3 hits. Zelazny, Torok, Spitaleri, Mike

    2 hits. Vining, Gonzalez, Reed

Flyers hitters

    4 hits. Coffman

    3 hits. Gelesky

    2 hits. Levesque, Boswell, Dampier,

                Lamay. 

See y'all Friday.   Write up by Loren Fabian. 

Feb 29th Field C

Today's game on field C featured Steve Hill's  Dukes hosting Fabian's Flyers . The Flyers did not score in the opening inning , while the Dukes posted 5 runs , key hits were triples by Steve Hill and Frank Jacobs . After one 5-0 Dukes .

After their fast start the Dukes stalled , not scoring again until the 6th , largely due to great pitching by Pat  Lopicollo and the Flyers defense .The Flyers tied the score at 5 in the 4th , then added 5 more in the top of the 6th . Their big hits provided by Jerry DeJongh , Ray Levesque and Ralph Boswell in both innings .Flyers 10-6 after six .

Rbi hits in the 7th , by Richard Newton and Steve Pinnick plated 2 runs for the Dukes , cutting the Flyers lead to 10-8 .

The Flyer added 4 more runs in the top of the 8th inning , on hits by Tom Capozzi , Fred Dampier and Ron Thompson to extend their lead to 14-8 . The Dukes , playing catch up tied the game at 14 with 6 runs  on hits by Bob Vandenburg , Willie Morton Ken Gelinas and Wayne Vorhes . Game tied at 14 after eight . 

The Flyers came right back in the 9th , taking what looked like a commanding lead 18-14 on hits by Tom Benson and Loran Fabian then a home run by Jerry Dejongh . Hits by Ed Segel , Richard Newton , Steve Pinnick and Bob Skidmore plated one run and loading the bases , a 3 run triple by Steve Hill tie the game at 18 . After an Intentional walk to George Vanderhyde ( his 3rd walk of the game ) Joe Peskie hit a shot down the 3rd base line for the game winner . Final score 19-18 Dukes .

Hitting stars Flyer Jerry Dejongh and Ralph Boswell 5-5 , Dukes Frank Jacobs 4-4     

Friday January 29th

Games are on. If's cold and windy. Wear a face mask, it will help you keep warm. The virus is still with us. Practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

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Tuesday 1/26 field C

Today Post 8 hosted the Dukes on Field C . Post 8  scoring in the bottom of the 1st to take a 1-0 lead .The Dukes got on track scoring 4 runs before Post 8 put up 5 runs in the bottom of the 2nd retaking the lead , 6-4 . 

The Dukes plated 2 runs , briefly tying the score at six . Post 8 was having none of that,  as they added another 4 runs , to again retake the lead  ,10-6 .

The Dukes kept chipping away , with 3 in each of the 4th and 5th innings , briefly taking a 12-10 lead . Post 8 made it 12-12 in the bottom of the 5th , then adding 5 more in the 6th . 17-12 Post 8 ,after six .

The Dukes added 2 runs , then their defense dug in , holding Post 8 scoreless . 17-14 Post 8 after seven .

The Dukes kept coming , putting up 4 in the top of the 8th to take a 18-17 lead . 

Both teams turned in fine defensive plays in the 9th as neither team could score . Final 18-17 Dukes .

Offense standouts , Dukes Sam Lopez 4-4 , Post 8 , Herb Oesterreich . Defense , Dukes , Bob Vandenburg . Post 8 , Jim Laffoon .

The Dukes welcomed new team mate Julian Puma . Julian replaces Bill Bowley whom has been out this season with health issues . We wish Bill a full recovery and look forward to seeing him a the ball park .

Submitted by Steve Hill 

Foggy

Games are on. Remember to wear a mask and social distance. 

Bob Hite
bhite1955@gmail.com
443-745-1090

It appears as if Fabian's Flyers are either ice cold or red hot 🔥 as they beat O'Callaghan's Legion team 27-12 which could have been a flip flop game if they weren't the home team. On the other hand they have been on the losing end of a flip flop twice in this young season. The only hitters on the Legion score sheet that were indicated how they got on base were Herb O and Chris Lynch who were both 2-4 with runs scored. 

Hitters for the Flyers. 

    4-4. Benson, Dampier

    3-4. Coffman, Essenmacher, Boswell

             Essenmacher also had a HR

     2-4. DeJongh, Levesque, McColgan,

              Poke, Lopicollo, Thompson

      1-3. Capozzi, LaMay, Fabian

It should be noted that Ron Thompson caught an inning and had two put outs at home, the first coming from DeJongh from the outfield grass and the second from Boswell on the completion of an inning ending dp.  

Here's hoping that both these fine teams are red hot 🔥 next Tuesday when league play resumes. 

Write up by Loren Fabian.   STAY SAFE. 

Friday January 22

No Games today.

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 REMINDER     REMINDER     REMINDER     REMINDER

No Games Tomorrow - Friday January 22, 2021. The SSUSA Tournament of Champions is being held in Polk County this weekend. The Mustang 65 Team in playing at Walker Road. That team has a bunch of players from WHSS. Their games on Friday are at 9:30 AM & 12:30 PM. Go watch them if you have time. 

Tuesday Jan 19 , 2021

Tuesdays game on field D featured Steve Hill's Dukes hosting Robbie Spitaleri's Coconuts . The 1st inning saw the Dukes post a 5 spot on key hits by George Vanderhyde , Bob Vandenburg , and Ken Gelinas .

Hits by Robbie Spitalier and Jerry Remington got the Coconuts scoring started with two runs the top of the 2nd . The Dukes answered with two in the bottom of the inning on hits by Richard Newton and Bob Skidmore . 7-2 Dukes .

The Coconuts added single runs in the 4th and 5th innings on hits by Wayne Shearer and Don Torok , while the Dukes kept scoring , posting two in the 3rd , one , in the 4th and three in the 5th innings . 13- 4 Dukes after five .

The Coconuts got back into the game scoring four in the top of the 6th , their big hits provided by Gary Burtner , Jim Vining and Bob Zelazny  all with two outs . Then holding the Dukes scoreless with the bases loaded and one out  cutting their lead to 13-8 after six . 

The Coconuts added another run in the top of the 7th , further trimming the lead to 13-9 going into the bottom of the 7th . The Dukes exploded with 5 runs in bottom of the inning then adding five more the the 8th . Score 23-9 after eight 

The Coconuts Don Torok lead off the 9th with a solo home run blast down the left field line too end the scoring . A fine throw from Joe Penski to Bob Vandenburg and tag ended the game .  Final score 23-10 Dukes . 

Offense stars , Coconuts ; Robbie Spitalier 4-4 , Jim Vining , Bob Zelazny , Jerry Remington and Don Torok 3-4  , Dukes Bob Skidmore and Steve Hill 5-5 , Willie Morton and Sam L:opez 4-4 .

Defense stars , Coconuts ; Robbie Spitalier and Don Torok , Dukes , Joe Penski and Ken Gelinas

Submitted by Steve Hill

  

 

Tuesday January 19th

Games are on. American League and pool players need to bring both shirts. If you are sick today, please stay home.

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Friday game

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

First I would like to inform all vets that use the VA medical system, you can call the Tampa VA and schedule your vaccines. As usual, be prepared to be on hold for a lengthy period. I called yesterday and got both doses scheduled. The general number is 813-972-2000. Loren Fabian

Friday, January 15th

Now the game between Hill's Duke's and Fabian's Flyers. The Dukes jumped out to 5-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back in route to a 35 hit attack and a 21-9 flip flop game. Also, the Flyers couldn't seem to do much right defensively or offensively other than home runs by Jerry DeJongh and Ralph Boswell which accounted for nearly half their runs as well as a fantastic catch at 1B by Ray Levesque of a soft liner headed to right field. 

The Dukes had very good defensive play by their middle infield of Bob Skidmore, Bob Vandenberg and George Vanderhyde including 3 double plays. Wow!!!

Hitters are 

4 hits - Vanderhyde and Pinnick

3 hits - Skidmore', Hill, Gelinas, Vorhes

2 hits -  Jacobs, Penski, Vandenberg, 

               Morton, Spegel w/2 walks, Newt

                Coffman, Essenmacher, Dampier

                McColgan, Benson, Lopiccolo

1 hit. -   Capozzi, Thompson, Lamay, Lopez

See y'all Tuesday. Stay safe and get THE SHOT!!! 

Write up by Loren Fabian 

Friday January 15th

Games are on. Be safe today. Wear a face mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Get a vaccine when possible.

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday 1/12/21 field E

Steve Hill's Dukes hosted Mike O'Callagah's Post 8 team today on field E in a very close game today .

The first 2 inning went scoreless before Post 8 Scored two runs in the top of the 3rd . Hits by Sam Lopez and Steve Pinick  , tied the score at 2 in the bottom of the inning .

Post 8 added 2 runs on key hits by Fred Stevens and Jim Laffoon  to start the 4th inning . Score 4-2 Post 8 after four .

The Dukes got hot in the bottom of the 5th scoring , 5 runs to take the lead for the 1st time . Big hits were by Bob Vandenberg and Willie Morton's 2nd of his 3 hits .  Dukes 7-4 after five .

Art Zakrowski's  two run single scored two runs opened the 6th , moving post 8 to within one at 6-7 . The Dukes added 5 more , after hits by Frank Jacobs and and Joe Peskie  , extending their lead to 12 - 7 . 

Art drove in another run in the top of the 7th , while the Dukes , Ken Gelinas singled to added to their lead ,14-7 after seven .

Post 8 charged out in the 8th inning , scoring 3 runs before the rally ended 14 - 10 , while holding the Dukes scoreless .

The 9th was scoreless as the Dukes turned in yet another double play .

Offense stars ; Post 8 , Chris Constantine 3-3 , Hr , Dukes , Frank Jacobs 3-3 , 2 - 2b 

Defense  ; the outstanding play by both infields as a combine total of 6 double Plays were made today .

Submitted by Steve Hill 

 

     

 

 

January 12    Fabian's Flyers vs Fighting Coconuts

 Fabian's team started our strong with 5 runs in first inning. The Coconuts managed 2 runs in that inning. After 3 innings the score was tied 11 all. Then the Flyers went on hitting spree for next 4 at bats while the Coconuts couldn't match it.

Stellar hitting for Fabian's Flyers was by Kurt Coffman, Kurt Essenmacher, Fred Dampier, Poke Rodriguez and Jerry DeJongh. Others from the Flyer's contributed clutch hits especially when there were already 2 outs.

Hitting for the Coconuts was led by Jimmy Vining, Joe Letourneau and Don Torok.

 Final score was: Fabian's Flyers 25

                             Fighting Coconuts 18

Write up by Robert  Spitaleri

 

Tuesday January 12th

Games are on. Don't forget the virus is still with us. Wear a face mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. Protect yourself and others. Take the vaccine when it becomes available.

Sent from my iPhone

Larry Powell Update

Hi Folks, I know it's late and I don't have all the facts. Larry Powell is at Morfitt and things don't sound great. Larry Powell played for many years with WHSS, managed multiple times, was a member of the board and is a member of the Polk Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Some of the new guys might not know him.

He is a super individual, he is involved with many charities and causes in Winter Haven and Polk County.

Please say a prayer for Larry and his family.

Bob Hite

 

Friday, January 8, 2021

American Legion vs Flyers

This game was filled with a lot of great hitting!  Notable hitters:

Flyers:                             American Legion:

Levesque 3-4                   Boito 3-5

Dejongh   3-4                   Oesterreich 4- 5

Capozzi   3-4                   Constantine 4-5

McColgan 3-4                  Stevens 4-4    

Poke 3-4                          Laffoon 4-4 

Boswell 3-4                     O’Callaghan 4-4

                                        Castillega 3-4     

Wells 3-4

Learn 3-4

Lynch 3-4

                                        Gallagher 3-4        

 

American Legion winning 28-13!  Great game and sportsmanship.

Written by:  Mike O’Callaghan, Manager

 

January 8, 2021

 Steve Hill's Dukes vs Robert Spitaleri's Fighting Coconuts

 Steve's Dukes came out swinging very well and jumped off to an early lead and never trailed in the game. Every hitter on his team got at least 2 hits. Stellar hitting came from the bats of Steve Hill, George Vanderhyde, Frank Jacobs, Bob Vandenberg, Wayne Vorhes, Sam Lopez, Tom Witten, Ed Spegel and Steve Pinnick. On defense for the Dukes, Joe Peske was very pesky against the Coconuts. He caught everthing that went to left field-fair or foul.

The Fighting Coconuts started a little slow in hitting but had a couple of rallies late in the game. Jimmy Vining and Dave Hartzell went 4 for 4 at bat while Gary Burtner, Robert Spitaleri and Lee Baker went 3 for 4. Lee Baker also made an excellent catch of a ball thrown from left center by Jim Reed to beat the runner coming from 3^rd base.

Final score was 22 for the Dukes versus 15 for the Coconuts.

Write up by Robert Spitaleri

Friday Game

From, Mike O'Callaghan, Manager

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

Friday January 8th

Games are on. Lets be safe today. Wear a face mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. If you feel sick today, stay home. American League players need to bring both shirts.

Sent from my iPhone

Field E opening day

Opening day 2021 featured , Loren Fabian's flyers facing off against Steve Hill's Dukes .  

The Flyers started fast with 5 in the 1st inning with the Dukes answering with 5 in the bottom half of the inning . The score remained close thoughtout the game  , the Flyer scoring and the Dukes coming back  . After 5 1/2 inning the score was 13 - 13 before the Dukes moved ahead  with 3 in their half of the 5th and 2 more in the 6th to take a lead of 13 - 18 . 

The 8th was scoreless . The Flyers made a come back of there own in  the 9th , scoring 3 runs after one out  , and the tying runs on base when the game ended .  Final score was Flyers 16 the Dukes 18 . 

Offense stars , Flyers , Kurt Essenmacher 4-4 , Ray Leversque , Jerry Dejongh and Ralph  Boswell 3-4  , Flyers Steve Hill 4 - 4 , Bob Skidmore  and George Vanderhyde 3-4 .

Defense stars , Flyers Jerry Dejongh , Dukes , Bob Skidmore  

Submitted by Steve Hill

 ATTENTION AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYERS

This Friday, January 8th, our friends from Solivita will visit us. We will play two Seven inning games on Field C beginning at 9:30 AM. Winter Haven will have two teams comprised of whoever shows up. If you plan on being here on Friday, you need to bring both of your 2021 league shirts. JD Davis will be coordinating this event. Please sign in at the desk no later than 9:00 AM and then go to Field C. JD will make up the teams.

Thanks.  

 

January 5, 2021

 Mike O’Callahan’s American Legion team played Robert Spitaleri’s Fighting Coconuts team. This first game of the season everyone played well and the game was played with good sportsmanship. Some of us would like to hit better but we have to wait until next game. Others hit very well. Chris Constantine, Jimmy Laffoon, Chris Lynch, John Boito, Dale Johnson and Denny had multiple hits for the American Legion and John Gibson, Larry Wells, Herb Oesterreich, Fred Stevens, Norm Learn, Bill Wolfe, and Bobby Castillega each contributed timely hits.

For the Coconuts, Jimmy Vining, Freddie Gonzales, Dave Hartzell, Bob Zelezny and Joe LeTourneau had high batting averages.

On defense, Chris Constantine, who was mid infielder, was busy with lots of balls hit to him and successful throws to first.

Joe LeTourneau made a nice shoestring catch of a short fly ball to left field.

Final score was: Fighting Coconuts 14 - American Legion  10

Write Up by Robert Spitaleri

             

Tuesday January 5th

Season starts today. Come by the desk for a temperature check before reporting to your Field. Shirts and Hats will be given out today. If you are on a team, your manager will have your shirts/hats. Everybody else will get their shirts/hats at the desk. Don't forget the virus is still with us. Wear a face mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. If you are sick today, stay home.

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2021 Tournament Schedules

Here is the schedule for the 2021 season. As always, this schedule is subject to change depending on the City of Winter Haven's commitment to use the Diamondplex for other Tournaments. 

2021 WINTER HAVEN SENIOR SOFTBALL

AMERICAN & NATIONAL LEAGUE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

ALL GAMES START BY 9:30 AM                         NORMAL GAMES WILL BE 9 INNINGS 

	2021			FIELD  B	FIELD  C	FIELD  D	FIELD  E
1	Jan 5	Tuesday			1-2	AL	4-3
2	Jan 8	Friday			AL vs SOL.	4-1	3-2
3	Jan 12	Tuesday			4-2	AL	1-3
4	Jan 15	Friday			AL	3-4	2-1
5	Jan 19	Tuesday			AL vs SOL.	2-3	1-4
	Jan 22	Friday	No Games	No Games	No Games	No Games	No Games
6	Jan 26	Tuesday			3-1	AL	2-4
7	Jan 29	Friday			4-3	1-2	AL
8	Feb 2	Tuesday			3-2	AL	4-1
9	Feb 5	Friday			1-3	4-2	AL
10	Feb 9	Tuesday			2-1	AL	3-4
11	Feb 12	Friday			AL	1-4	2-3
12*	Feb 16	Tuesday			2-4	3-1	AL
13*	Feb 19	Friday			AL vs Kiss.	4-3	1-2
14*	Feb 23	Tuesday			4-1	3-2	AL
15*	Feb 26	Friday			AL vs Kiss.	1-3	4-2
16*	Mar 2	Tuesday			3-4	2-1	AL
17*	Mar 5	Friday			2-3	AL	1-4
18*	Mar 9	Tuesday			AL	2-4	3-1
19*	Mar 12	Friday			1-2	AL	4-3
20*	Mar 16	Tuesday			AL	4-1	3-2
21*	Mar 19	Friday			4-2	AL	1-3
22*	Mar 23	Tuesday			AL	3-4	2-1
23*	Mar 26	Friday			1-4	2-3	AL
24*	Mar 30	Tuesday			3-1	AL	2-4
			Games with an * beside them are tentative depending on the City of Winter Haven's scheduling of Russ Matt Softball and The Spring Games.

                                   

 

NATIONAL LEAGUE – MANAGERS			Rainouts and/or postponements will result in 7 inning Doubleheaders for the next time the same teams play.
Team #1	Mike O'Callahan	863.651.9212
Team #2	Robert Spitaleri	863.808.3732
Team #3	Steve Hill	330.808.1331
Team #4	Loren Fabian	507.280.9117

 

HOME TEAM IS THE LAST TEAM LISTED

HOME TEAM – SILVER SHIRTS – THIRD BASE DUGOUT

VISITING TEAM – ORANGE SHIRTS – FIRST BASE DUGOUT

ALL GAMES START BY 9:30 A.M.