Scheduling Announcement

Friday 3 January will be exhibition games in order for managers to assess their teams. They will issue uniforms and distribute schedule. Team pictures will also  be taken before or during the game. These games will be nine innings.

Tuesday 7 January will be opening day. Games will start at 0930 and be seven innings in order to be done before lunch. Make sure you consult the schedule to determine the correct uniform. The Pavillion dedication will take place at 11:15. George Tinsley will deliver the food at 11:30. If you plan on bringing your spouse or a guest, please let your manager know so we can insure we have enough food.

Tuesday 31 December

History was made today on Field A where Team Toro and Team Ouding managed to finish a nine inning game in just 92 minutes. A new record for a nine inning game. Now to the game that proved just as interesting.

Team Toro put up five runs in the first inning and never looked back as they carried an eight run lead from the third thru the seventh inning. In the eighth inning Team Ouding finally started to hit and managed to tie the game by putting up eight runs. They could have scored more but had to stop because they had caught up. Team Toro was unable to score in the eighth going out 1-2-3. That left the game tied going into the final frame. Donna Kavitsky started the ninth inning rally for Team Outing. They had Donna at third and Denny Shaffer at second with no outs  Unfortunately neither scored as the next three batters made outs. That left Team Toro only needing to score to notch the victory. With one out Juan and Al Miller both reached base, They too were stranded after the next two batters made outs. Final Score Team Toro 13 and Team Ouding 13.

Outstanding Players included:

Gerry DeRidder 3-4 w/triple

Bob Zelazny 4-4 w/2doubles

Steve Brennan 3-4

Jorge 4-4

Bobby Skidmore 3-4

Bill Rutan 3-4

Juan Toro 4-4

Dan Pampano 3-4.

Tuesday 31 December

Games are on. American league on field B and National league on field A.

Today is last day for pick up games. League play starts on Friday. Uniforms and schedules will be distributed by your manager Friday AM.

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. 

December 17, 2024. Field A.

First of all, some good news about commissioner Don Witmer. As Joe D'Herin stated this morning, he went to the hospital with RSV. I got a text from Don's wife stating they gave him some medicine and sent him home.  STAY STRONG 💪 DON. 

I found out at the Legion that the final score of the 3 team game was Team Spitilari 17, Team Toro 15 and Team Vining 7.  What I found out, was that Toro was down by many runs and two players left to head to the party, thinking they would never have to bat in the open inning. We'll, this is Senior Softball and anything can happen and it did. Team Toro ended up batting around and clawed back to within 2 runs and the players that left for the party were not there for their at bat and became outs. Therefore the final score. 

But it was a good day with great weather and a fantastic Christmas party, compliments of our senior member, Ron Thompson. 

Message brought to you by new sponsor Big Tom's Diner

See y'all Friday. 

Tuesday 17 December

Games are on. American League on Field B. National League on Fields A and C. Please make sure you sign in before 09:00 so we can start on time.

REMINDER for those that signed up for Ron Thompson's Christmas Party; It is today at the American Legion following the games.

DRAFT RESULTS

The National League draft for the upcoming season was completed Tuesday. Looks like some very competitive teams this year.

If you do not see your name and you desired to be on a team, please let Don Keller or Loren Fabian know when signing in on Tuesday. and you will be assigned to a team. Everyone else will be considered a pool playerr

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

An interesting game played out on field B this morning.Team Spitalari broke out to an early lead with 3 runs in the first and held on to the lead until the 4th inning when Team Zelazny managed to tie it up. The good feeling didn't last but for a few minutes as Team Spit scored four runs and took the lead. They held the lead through 8, with Team Z closing the gap to just one run.. In the ninth, Team Z managed to put up two runs as their lead  hitter, Ridiguez and Johnstone, both scored. Now down by one, Team Spit only needed one to tie and two to win. Unfortunately for them Bob Vandenberg snuffed them out 1-2-3. Final score Team Z 13, Team Spit 12..

Outstanding players include

Dave Rounds 4-5

John Boito 5 for 5

Roj Pepin 4 for 5

George Vanderhyde 4-5

Bob Reagan 4 for 5

Steve Johnston 5-6 with HR

Bob Vandenberg 5 for 5 and winning pitcher

Gary Yakatas 4 for 5

Friday 13 December

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

Please be early so that we can start on time.

 Sign in on the sheet corresponding to the league you  will be playing for. Teams will be formed promptly at 0900.

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. 

December 10

Today was the last opportunity for the players to impress the managers prior to the draft. In some cases there were a few that improved their position on the big board as Mel Keipper would say. 

Field A saw Team Wally go up against Team Sam. Wally's crew took an early lead through one, but couldn't hold it as Team Sam scored five runs in the second. Team Wally answered with 5 runs in the third and sixth innings to cement the victory as Team Sams bats went cold over the last four innings. Final score Team Wally 16, Team Sam 10

Outstanding performances include:

Pablo, Steve Johnston (new guy),Gary Anderson, and Chris Constantine all goin 3 for 4.

Winning pitcher Wally

Field C Team Juan faced off against Team Vining in what turned out to be a pretty close game in the end. Team Juan broke out to an early lead quickly getting to their total of 13 runs. These were spread out over the entire game. Team Vining on the other hand managed to hit and field pretty well, but struggled with base running, having two players thrown out at home and one at third, effectively killin the rallies. The seventh inning saw Team Vining come together scoring four runs to close within one. So with two outs and the bases loaded, Steve Hill made a great catch and snuffed out that rally. Final score Team Juan 13, Team Vining 12.

Outstanding players included:

Steve Hill, Pete Gutenberg, 4 for 4

Skidmore, Mike O,Rafeal, and Gregg Denny 3 for 3

Mike Rodriquez,Bill Testa, and Bob Zelazny 3 for 4

Winning Pitcher Mark T

Tuesday 10 December

DRAFT DAY

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

It is going to be a long day for the board and managers so please be to the park early so we can begin on time, limit swings during warm ups and then hustle on and off the field during the game.

Remember to sign up for the league you will be playing for in the morning. Teams will be formed at 0900 based on those signed in to play

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 were

Alf Gibbons.    5-5

Bob Hudson.   4-4 w/HR

Jim Vining.      4-5

Don Ouding.    4-5

Fred DeLoach  3-5

3-4 hitters. Bob Vandenberg, Al Miller

                    Bill Rutan, Donna, 

See y'all on Draft Day

Sponsored by Tucker Carpets and write up by L. Fabian 

                    Rich Marino

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DONNIE WITMER INDUCTED

Congrats to Commissioner Don Witmer for be inducted into the Florida half Century Hall of Fame class of 2024

LGG

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

Games are on. American League on field A and National league will be on fields B and C. Please be on time so we can get teams put together and get batting practice in before 09:30

Fw: New Sponsor

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 3 December

 The numbers of players showing up continue to increase in advance of the draft scheduled for next Tuesday . If you have not registered or chosen your option to play on a team or a  pool player, please do so by Friday,

Speaking of signing in, Do not forget to sign up for the Annual Ron Thompson Christmas Party at the Legion following the games on 17 December.This is free and open to all ball players.

 Now to todays National League Game. We had three teams of 14 players. Managers for today included Jim Vining, Robert Spitilari, and Juan Toro. It was touch and go through six innings as each team held the lead at one time or another. At the end of six innings the score was Team Vining 13, Team Spitilari 14, and Team Toro 15.

In the 6th, Team Vining brought 13 batters to the plate and scored nine runs to establish themselves as the prohibitive favorite. Team Spitilari only managed to get three bases runners during their rotation. A double play helped to stop the rally before it began. With only Team Toro left to bat, Team Vining was hoping for some great defense to preserve their win. With four of the first five batters scoring everyone was on edge of their seats. Thank goodness Team Spitilari managed to shut them down after that. The final score was Team Vining 22, Team Spitilari 14. and Team Toro 19.

Top performers include:

Four for four:Testa, Boito, Tuechetti.

Four for five: Zelazny, Jorge

Three for four:Toro, Gibbons, Miller

Three for Three: Lopez,Levesque.Vining, Waddell, Rapheal,Hill.

Winning Pitcher Arvil Waddell

Tuesday 3 December

Games are on. National League on field A and American on field B. Remember new start time. Games will start promptly at 0930. It is cold this morning so dress warm.

YOU'RE INVITED

Ron Thompson is hosting a party for all ball players at the American Legion, 300 Ave M NW following the game on 17 December. Party includes sandwich lunch and a gift from Santa. Please sign up in the book at the desk while checking in for play if you will be attending. In the event of inclement weather, the party will begin at 11:00