Winter Haven Senior Softball: January 2025

Friday, January 31, 2025

1/31/2025 game A

Today the Over the Hill Gang hosted Wallys World on field A.
Wallys World took a 2-0 lead in the bottom 1st, the Gang answered with 5 in the bottom of the inning, making it 5-2, the Gang after one.
The game was never close after that as Wally World's bats went cold and the Gang's stayed hot. The final score was 19-5 the Gang.

Big hitters, Wallys World, Pete Gutenberger and Ron Pepin 3-4, Richie Marino and J.D. Davis 2-3. The Gang, George Vanderhyde 5-5, Gary Anderson 4-5 and Arvil Waddel 3-4.
Winning pitcher Arvil Waddel

Juan Toro and Pat Lopiccilo's team's, aided by some very capable pool players, had an interesting game to say the least. Team Toro broke out to an early 8 run lead (it looked pretty bleak at that time) before Pat's team managed to bang out 21 runs and take a ten run lead. While Juan's team only managed ten more runs through the nine innings, there were plenty of chances for them as they had multiple runners stranded in almost every inning. In the top of the ninth. Ed Fultz, having come in to relieve Ron Thompson ,managed to strike out three batters in the ninth inning to seal the deal. THe final score was Team LoPiccilo 27-Team Toro 18.

Outstanding performances included

Raul Torres 6-7,

Jose Cruz 6-6

George Knox 5-6

John Truchetta 5-6 w/HR

Friday 31 January

Games are on. National League pool players will warm up on field B.

American League Update.

This message is brought to you by Jarrett Ford.

On January 30, 2025, the American League travel team took on a two-game series at Solivita. The first game kicked off with our team scoring three runs right out of the gate, showing promise for a high-scoring game. Despite putting up a good fight on defense, Solivita ultimately came out on top with a final score of 10-8.

The second game was a different story altogether. Although we started off slow, our team rallied with some powerful hits and three incredible home runs. The game ended with a thrilling victory for us, with a final score of 13-17. What a comeback!

We look forward to seeing that on February.

Home runs.

Bill Maxwell

Lou Guzman

Derrick LaFluy (2)

Bradley Scheirer

From LGG.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Tuesday Team Vining vs Team Lopez

This was a low scoring game mainly because of very good defense by both teams. After 6 innings, team Lopez led 9-7. Team Vining scored 4 in the top of the 7th and team Lopez scored 1 in the bottom of the 8th for a final of team Vining 11 and team Lopez

Tuesday: Toro vs Wally

This game started out very slow with a score of 11-6 after 5 innings in favor of team Toro. Then team Toro put on their hitting shoes to end up with a 25-10 victory over Team Wally

Tuesday Lopicollo vs Spitilari

Team Spitilari came out strong and led 13-7 after 5 innings. Team Lopicollo turned up the heat after that scoring 19 runs in the final 4 innings as Team Spitilari could only muster 5 for a final of 26-18 in favor of Team Lopicollo

Tuesday 28 January

Games are on. National League pool players will take batting practice on field B.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Friday 24 January

Everyone is reminded that there are no games Friday. Sleep in and taken your spouse out to breakfast. See you Tuesday

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Tuesday 21 January

No games today. In addition to cold and rainy weather, the fields are wet and unplayable

Reminder that there also no games on Friday.

Have a great week and we will see you Tuesday

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Update on Donnie

Many of you asked about Donnie and how he was doing. He shared this update.

"I finished my first round of therapy. I can walk without a walker or cane. I have use of my right arm but no strength. I do therapy two days a week. I do exercises every day but therapy days. I can't drive yet. That comes after round two. I haven't found my voice yet. I hope to have Bonnie take me to the ballpark soon. More to come.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We want him back at the park sooner than later.

WHSS 1-17-24 Team Vining vs Team Toro

Team Toro led the entire game and were ahead 21-11 in the 7th inning. BUT, their bats went silent as they could only muster 1 run in each of the 7th and 8th innings and the only goose egg in the game in the 9th for a total of 22. Mean time Team Vining was playing catch up with 8 runs in the 8th to tie it at 22. 0 runs for Toro in the top of the 9th. Bill Rutan, Jim Vining and Joe Letuearno all singled to load the bases with no outs and Jim Hus stepped to the plate and calmly smacked the first pitch to right center for the walk-off RBI.

Final. Team Vining 23 Team Toro 22.

Toro hitters. Rafael 6-6

Toro. 6-6

Ken. 5-6

Levesque. 4-5

Vining hitters. Rutan 5-6

Vining 5-6

Leteurno 5-6

Hus. 3-4

Dejoung 4-6

Rounds 4-6

Both teams were managed very well.

See y'all Tuesday.

LHF write up.

Friday, January 17, 2025

1/17/2025 field B

Today the Over the Hill Gang hosted the Fighting Coconuts on field B.
Sorry I called the team the Old Times on Tuesday.
The Visiting Coconuts posted 4 in the 1st inning and the Gang answered with 5 runs. Little did anyone know that it would be the Gangs last lead of the game. After all they had scored 36 runs on Tuesday,
The Coconuts stayed red hot while the Gang's bats went silent. The Coconuts thrashed the previously unbeaten Over the Hill Gang. 25 -7.
Top Hitters, the Gang, Gary Michi, George Vanderhyde, Denny Shaffer and Wes Wilkert 3-4. The Coconuts, Al Andrews, and Rob Reed 6-6 Steve Johnston 5-6. Winning pitcher Larry Well.

Submitted by Steve Hill

More Photos

Fwd: Fw: Bat left on field.

If anyone picked up a Dudley on the "A" please bring it to the desk on Tuesday.

From LGG.

Fwd: Fw: Photos

Fwd: Fw: Photos National league

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Date: Fri, Jan 17, 2025, 7:24 PM
Subject: Fw: Photos
To: ROBERT ZELAZNY <bzelazny@lakeashton2cdd.com>

Sent from AOL on Android

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: "LUIS GUZMAN" <lggconsultingllc@gmail.com>

To: "Bob Z" <zelaznycoast@aol.com>

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Jan 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM

Subject: Photos

See if you can put them on the website.

National League Outcome Team 1 vs Team 6

Wally's World, managed by Wally Wallace, took on Pat LoPiccilo's Mets this morning in what promised to be a very close and exciting game. Alas, it was not to be. Wally"s World jumped out to a nine run lead before the Mets finally scored. This early lead not only held up but grew through the remainder of the game. The beat down was so severe that the managers elected to go with the double flip flop.(Don't tell Donnie or Loren).. Even that could help the Mets pull out the victory. In our loss, Wayne Sherar consoled us by leading the prayer circle and reminding us that there is always another day and that we should not despair. Looking back, perhaps we can place the blame for the loss,by claiming it was due to someone inadvertently picking up John Bioto's bag with his glove and bat. Seriously, if found, please turn it in. Final Score of the game was Wally's World 24, Mets 16.

I will try and highlight outstanding performances but could just put down Wally's World. The best of the best though included:

Pete Gutenberg 5-5 w/triple

Ken Ott 5-5w/2doubles

Freddy Gonzalez 5-5

Outstanding performances for the Mets included;

George Knox 5-5

Gary Bugner 4-5

Friday 17 January

Games are on. American league will play on field A. National league teams that were assigned field A will be playing on field D.

National league pool players will take batting practice on field C.

American League Update 16 January

Exciting news from the American League Travel team today as we faced off against Solivita in a thrilling two-game match-up! The first game was an absolute showstopper - our team came out swinging, with impeccable defense and an unstoppable offense. We scored an impressive five runs in each of the first four innings, while holding Solivita to a mere six runs throughout the game. The final score? A resounding 24-6 victory for our team!
The second game was a nail-biter, with both teams giving it their all. Despite Solivita holding us to two scoreless innings, we never lost our fighting spirit. In the end, we emerged victorious with a final score of 9-12. Two wins in one day - what an incredible achievement! We can't wait to face off against Solivita again in two weeks. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the American League Travel team!

Notable hits:
Bill Maxwell, HR
Mike Vaccaro, HR
Derrick Lafleur, HR (2)
Rob Aponta, HR
Pat Sullivan, HR
Manny Rios, HR (2)
From LGG.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

January 14th field A

Today the Old Timers hosted the Toro's on field A in a sea saw high scoring game. The two teams scored over 70 runs. The Old Timers came back in the bottom of the ninth to win by one run. One score sheet said 36-35 Old Times the other said 38-37 Old times.

The big hitters today for the Toro's, were Raul Torrez 6-6, Mark T and Juan Toro 6-5 and the Old Timers were, Bill king 6-6, George Vanderhyde 5-5w, and Gary Smith 5-6. Winning pitcher Arvil Wadell.

Submitted by Steve Hill

National League Recap 14 January

Team Vining and Team LoPiccillo had a very exciting and interesting game today on Field C. We saw a little of everything There were disputed calls on an infield fly ruling, a batter running to first after getting a runner, a base runner running out of the base path , and an extremely close call at first base to end the game. Adding to that was that there were eleven lead changes in the game. Team Vining held part or the lead outright through the sixth inning. The seventh saw Team Lopiccillo take a four run lead. Team Vining answered with five in the top of the eighth. The lead changed again as Pat's team scored three to maintain a two run lead. Not to be bested Team Vining put up five in the ninth, putting Team Lopiccillo down by three. The game ended when John Turchetta drove in the winning run with two outs on the controversial call at first. The final score was Team Lopiccillo 28, Team Vining 27.

Outstanding performances:

Jose Rivera 5-5

George Knox 5-5

John Turchetta 5-5

Mike Rodriquez 4-4

Jackie Andrews 4-4

Ed Gazark 6-6 W/triple

Jerry Dejoung 6-6

Joe Letorneau 5-5

Bobby Skidmore 5-5

Tuesday 14 January

Games are on. Pool players take batting practice on field B. Please note there has been a field change for Team Toro game.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Fy25 National League Schedule

Friday, January 10, 2025

Games Friday 10 January

Team Spitalari and Team Vining squared off today on field A. Team Vining owned the first two innings shutting out Team Spitalari.With sun breaking through Team Spitalari roared back outscoring Team Vining 10 to 2. Team Vining scored 5 in the 8th to take back the lead. They were shut out in the 9th, leaving Team Spitalari only needed two runs to tie or three to win. It was not to be as they scored one falling short. Final score Team Vining12 and Team Spitalari 11.

Outstanding performances:

Bob Spitalari 4-4

Bob Vanddenberg 5-5

Jerry DeJoung 5-5

Tom Capozzi 5-5

Team Wally took on Team LOpez in a game that promised to be a good one. Unfortunately it did not turn out that way, as Team Lopez won seven of the nine innings in what amounted to a rout. Team Lopez scored five runs in five innings. Team Wally was able to mount a run in the 7th when they scored 7 runs, closing within ten. Team Vining put up 5 more in the ninth. Team Wally was unable to score in the bottom of the 9th resulting in a final score of Team Vining 28 to Team Wally 14.

Outstanding performances:

Bill and George 5-5

Fred and Arvel,4-4

Pete Guttenberg 5-5

Deeny 4-4

Team Toro and Team Lopiccilo faced off on field C. Team Toro and their bats could not be stopped as they scored in every inning except the fifth. Perhaps they were tired from running the bases in that inning. Team Lopicilo had only two bright spots as they did win the first inning by out scoring Team Toro 4 to 2 and then in the fifth inning when they managed five runs. It might have been worse if not for the flip flop run, denying team Toro their last at bat.

Outstanding Performances:

George Knox 4-5

Ron Thompson 4-5

Nestor 4-5

Rafeal 5-5

Pablo 5-5 w/HR

Mark T 4-4

Steve Pinick 4-4

Friday 10 January Games

Outstanding performances:

Bob Spitalari 4-4

Bob Vanddenberg 5-5

Jerry DeJoung 5-5

Tom Capozzi 5-5

Friday 10 January

Games are on. Loren reports no wind so should be fine considering temperatures. Dress warm regardless.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Message From George Tinsley

Happy New Year 2025 to the League.

I would like you to share with the guys, either directly or via your website, about my latest book, Catch as Catch Can. It can be purchased through my office or Amazon.com as a paperback, Kindle, or ebook. I have a special starting Friday, Jan. 3rd, for the ebook release for $2.99. If you buy the book at my office, it will be $10.00 cash.
I appreciate you and the guys.

Catch as Catch Can: Building a legacy by finding Opportunity in every Obstacle.
From the streets of Louisville's Smoketown to corner offices and conference rooms, George Tinsley Sr.'s life journey is one of grit, perseverance, and the transformative power of seeing obstacles as opportunities. In this inspiring memoir, Tinsley vulnerably shares the challenges he faced growing up in poverty in the racially divided South and the key moments and relationships that enabled him to rise above.
A star athlete from a young age, Tinsley's talents earned him a scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he led the team to three NCAA Championships and became a two-time All-American. A brief but memorable ABA career followed, but Tinsley eventually decided to hang up his jersey and pursue a business career.
Starting as a KFC employee, Tinsley quickly ascended the corporate ladder before leaping into franchise ownership. Despite setbacks, including a devastating restaurant fire, he persevered, growing a small family business into a sixty-plus restaurant empire across multiple airports.
But this memoir is about more than business success. It's also an intimate portrait of family, faith, and the unbreakable bonds that sustain us through life's trials. Tinsley reflects on his loving adoptive mother, the search for his birth parents, and the untimely loss of his beloved daughter, Penni, with honesty and compassion.
Through it all, the message is clear: no matter the obstacles before you, with hard work, determination, and belief, you can transform them into stepping stones to reach your dreams. Tinsley's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to shape our destinies. This unforgettable book will inspire you to see challenges in a new light and reach for your highest aspirations.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Tuesday 7 January

Opening Day games can only be described as interesting. Team Spitalari and Team Lopez put a an old fashion ass whooping on Team Lopicolo and Team Vining. Perhaps the losing teams in these contests were distracted by the weather or focused on fried chicken. Team Wally and Team Toro on the other hand played each other to a tie. They were not permitted to play into extra inning due to the presentations and lunch.

It was great to see our commissioner come out to join us. I hope you all had chance to visit with Donnie.

Thanks again to George Tinsley for providing the food. A long time sponsor and Hall of Fame member ,his support is greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Opening Day

Opening Day started with chilly weather, but the sun eventually broke through as we honored Larry Powell and George Tinsley. A delicious KFC lunch was provided, and everyone enjoyed it.

Photo of Janie Powell next to the plague of Larry Powell.

Freddie Gonzalez, George Tinsley, and JD Davis.

From LGG.