Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Scheduling Announcement
Tuesday 31 December
Tuesday 31 December
Friday, December 27, 2024
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
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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, December 24, 2024
Tuesday 24 December
Tuesday, 24 December
Friday, December 20, 2024
Friday 20 December
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.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
December 17, 2024. Field A.
Tuesday 17 December
Saturday, December 14, 2024
DRAFT RESULTS
Team One (Pat Lapiccolo) | Team two (Sam Lopez) | Team Three (Robert Spitlari) |
Jose Liberato | Vanderhyde, George | Reed, Rob |
Knox, George | King, Bill | Johnston, Steve |
Zelazny, Bob | Cruz, Ernesto | Andrews, Al |
Burtner, Gary | Dampier, Fred | Spitalari, Robert |
Rodriquez, Migual-Michael | Waddell, Arvil | Kallister, BJ |
O'Callahan, Mike | Rodriquez, Poke | DeLoach, Fred |
Castillega, Bobby | Shaffer, Denny | Papineau, Dan |
Fleming, Ron | Hooper, Greg | Kasperek, Michael |
Bioto, John | Escobar, Gilbert | Wells, Larry |
La Piccolo, Pat | Michi, Gary | Schell, Pam |
Thompson, Ron | Sam Lopez | Brennan, Steve |
Andrews, Jack | Hill, Steve | Anslow, Ira |
Turcheta, John |
| Tate, Richard (Tater) |
Team Four (Juan Toro) | Team Five (Jim Vining) | Team Six (Wally) |
Aponte, Nestor | Rounds, David | Stripling, Larry |
Gelinas, Ken | DeJong, Gerry | Guttenberg, Pete |
Toro, Juan | Gazarek, Ed | Pepin, Ron |
Salas, Rafeal | Nunez, Ramon | Testa, Bill |
Torrez, Raul | Vanderberg, Bob | Miller, Al |
Cruz-Menendez, Jose | Kavinsky, Donna | Denny, Greg |
King, Richard | Soto, Luis | Kavinsky, Phil |
Garcia, Pablo | Puma, Julian | Shearer, Wayne |
Pinnick, Steve | LeTourneau, Joe | Marino, Richie |
Levesque, Ray | Vining, Jim | Wallace, Robert |
Mizzle. Marlon | Learn, Norm | Ouding, Don |
Osborne, Kathy | Goldrey, Gary | Quartana, Gary |
| Rutan, Bill | Gonzalez, Freddie |
Friday the 13th
Friday, December 13, 2024
Friday 13 December
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
League Bats
The board has made the decision to provide bats for players to use during the 2025 season. Each field will be equipped with one bat, and it will be the responsibility of the Home Team managers to oversee their use. The bats will be readily available on the field for players to use. While players are still welcome to use their own bats, these provided bats are intended for those who do not have one of their own. Bats will be identified with blue tape and painted blue ends.
From LGG.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
December 10
Tuesday 10 December
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Dec. 6th. Fields B and C
A very crowded field today as more players are showing up in anticipation of the National League draft Dec 10th.Between now and opening League Day the BOD asks all players to sign in by 8:45 so teams can be formed and batting practice started. Definitely no later than 9am.There will be separate sheets for American and National Leagues. This will make it much more manageable for the BOD doing their best to do Commissioner Witmer's job.
On to the games.Field C teams were Team Wally and Team Tutrani. The final was Team Wally 27 and Team Tutrani 8 as Mark's team could get no traction.Field B was a bit more competitive as Team Lopez led Team Spitilari 14-4 after 4 innings and 16-7 after 5 innings. Then momentum shifted as Team Spitilari came alive and Team Lopez went silent for a final Spitilari 30 and Lopez 18. Ron Thompson and Arvell Wadell were the pitcher with Thompson getting the win.Notable hitters wereAlf Gibbons. 5-5Bob Hudson. 4-4 w/HRJim Vining. 4-5Don Ouding. 4-5Fred DeLoach 3-53-4 hitters. Bob Vandenberg, Al MillerBill Rutan, Donna,
See y'all on Draft DaySponsored by Tucker Carpets and write up by L. FabianRich Marino
DONNIE WITMER INDUCTED
Congrats to Commissioner Don Witmer for be inducted into the Florida half Century Hall of Fame class of 2024
LGG
Friday, December 6, 2024
American League Update. Thursday 5 Dec,2024
The American League travel team had an exhilarating visit to Solivita for a two-game series.
The first game got off to a rocky start as we quickly scored four runs, but Solivita responded with five of their own. Unfortunately, we were unable to score in the second and third innings, allowing Solivita to take a commanding 10-4 lead by the top of the fifth. However, our bats came alive and we managed to score five runs, bringing the score to 17-16 in favor of Solivita by the top of the seventh. With a powerful offensive surge, we scored seven runs and secured a remarkable comeback victory with a final score of Winter Haven 23, Solivita 17.
The second game was a tense battle from start to finish. With the score tied at 16-16 at the end of the sixth inning, we managed to shutdown Solivita in the seventh. The game ended in dramatic fashion with Rob Aponte hitting a walk-off two-run home run, securing an 18-16 victory for Winter Haven.
We are eagerly anticipating our next meeting with Solivita in a few weeks. Get ready for more thrilling baseball action!
Notable hits:
Manny Rios 7/7
Rocco Morris 2 (HR)
Rob Aponte 3 ( HR)
Newcomer Derrick Lafleur 2 (HR)
Patrick Sullivan 1 (HR)
From LGG.
Friday 6 December
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Fw: New Sponsor
Big Tom's DinerWe would like to introduce a new sponsor to the Winter Haven Senior Softball family. Big Tom's Diner in Winter Haven is a classic American diner serving delicious comfort food at reasonable prices. The establishment that was redone has a cozy and welcoming ambiance, perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a casual dining experience. The interior design was updated this year and has a nostalgic feel.The price range is affordable, making it an ideal spot for those who don't want to break the bank. Big Tom's Diner is located at 1151 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. It is popular for breakfast, dinner, and lunch, in a convenient location with plenty of parking available.Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the Redneck Omelet with pulled pork, the Brunch Burger with Redneck fries, and the shredded beef wrap with cole slaw. They also offer a variety of soft drinks with your meal.

LGG
Tuesday 3 December
Tuesday 3 December
Sunday, December 1, 2024
YOU'RE INVITED
Thursday, November 28, 2024
November 28
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024
Friday 22 November
Friday 22 Nov
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Fw: Tuesday 19 Nov
See y'all FridayWrite up by L. Fabian and brought to you by sponsor Somewhere Sports Bar and Grill.
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From: Loren Fabian <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 2:22:20 PM
To: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayAfter our games today, I visited Donnie at rehab and am happy to report he is progressing forward. He is atEncompass Rehab1201 Oakbridge PkwyLakeland. Rm 223
On to our 3 games today..The American League had a game that I did not get a score of and the National League had 2 games on fields A and C.Field C ended with a score of 30-20 and only went 7 innings. It was 30-12 entering the open inning of which the visitors did narrow the gap to the final of 30-20.Field A managers were Wally and Robert Spitilari. After 6 innings team Spitilari led Team Wally 9-7. Wally scored 1 more in the 8th inning while Team Spitilari managed 7 more in their final 2 innings for a final of 16-8 with Spitilari on top.
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From: Loren Fabian <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 2:56:42 PM
To: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayGreat write up Bob. I love it.
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From: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 1:28:59 PM
To: Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayGame recap posted
On Thu, Nov 14, 2024 at 9:37 AM, b<zelaznycoast@aol.com> wrote:👍
On Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 5:05 PM, Loren Fabian<Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com> wrote:Thank you so much Bob. I believe we're set for Friday. Am I right?
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From: Loren Fabian <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 5:03:06 PM
To: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayDamn FANTASTIC!!!
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From: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 4:42:37 PM
To: Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayCheck website
On Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 4:19 PM, Loren Fabian<Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com> wrote:Just got home from delivering books.
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From: Loren Fabian <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 4:18:26 PM
To: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayOk, thanks for the update.
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From: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 7:46:47 AM
To: Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Veterans dayI managed to get in, but they need to send an authentic code to a phone, and that is Donnie's. I am trying to work through it. Perhaps I can resolve it today. Will keep you in formed as to progress.Bob
On Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 5:43 AM, Loren Fabian<Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com> wrote:Good morning Bob. Did you gain access to posting on WHSS web site blog?Bob, the BOD really appreciates you help with the situation were in.
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From: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2024 5:53:18 AM
To: Loren Fabian <loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>
Subject: Veterans dayJust confirming..Arrive 10:30, ceremony 11:00.
Fw: kickball
KICKBALL TOUNAMENT
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Winter Haven Police Department's annual charity kickball tournament held on Saturday, November 9, 2024. We provided umpiring services for the entire event. It was wonderful to see our members engaging with the community and the teams.
**Members:**
- Lorin Fabian
- Don Keller
- Rich King
- Mark Tutrant
- Juan Toro
- Gary Anderson
- Lou Guzman
LGG
Tuesday 19 Nov
Friday, November 15, 2024
Donnie Witmer
Tuesday 15 November Games
Friday 15 November
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Fwd: Games Tuesday
Friday, November 8, 2024
Thursday, November 7, 2024
KICKBALL TOURNAMENT - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH
Thanks to all you guys that volunteered to help the Winter Haven Police Benevolent Association umpire their Kickball Tournament this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you haven't signed up yet, there is still plenty of time to do so. Lou Guzman is in charge of the umpires. The dress code for Saturday is WHSS Blue Shorts and WHSS Yellow Shirts. Be at the ballpark at 8:30 AM to go over the rules before the tournament begins.
Thanks again.
Don Witmer, Commissioner
Winter Haven Senior Softball
Big Tom’s Diner
We would like to introduce a new sponsor to the Winter Haven
Senior Softball family. Big Tom's Diner in Winter Haven is a classic American
diner serving delicious comfort food at reasonable prices. The establishment
that was redone has a cozy and welcoming ambiance, perfect for families or
groups of friends looking for a casual dining experience. The interior design
was updated this year and has a nostalgic feel.
The price range is affordable, making it an ideal spot for
those who don’t want to break the bank. Big Tom's Diner is located at 1151
Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. It is popular for breakfast, dinner,
and lunch, in a convenient location with plenty of parking available.
Some of the standout dishes on the menu include the Redneck
Omelet with pulled pork, the Brunch Burger with Redneck fries, and the shredded
beef wrap with cole slaw. They also offer a variety of soft drinks with your
meal.
LGG
Tuesday, November 5th