American League 27 February

Today, the American League travel team embarked on a thrilling journey to Solivita for a double-header showdown. The first game kicked off at a leisurely pace, with both teams only managing to score a few runs in the initial innings. However, by the fourth inning, the score was deadlocked at 9-9. In a nail-biting turn of events, we surged ahead to 17-13 in the seventh inning, but alas, victory slipped through our fingers as Solivita staged a remarkable comeback to snatch an 18-17 win.

The second game was a tense affair, with both teams locked in a fierce battle. After three innings, the score stood at a paltry 3-3. We managed to maintain a slim lead throughout the game, reaching a high of 12-5 at one point. Despite Solivita's valiant efforts to claw their way back, they could only muster 11 runs to our triumphant 12.

In the end, it was a day filled with heart-stopping moments, epic comebacks, and unrelenting determination. Though victory may have eluded us in the first game, we emerged victorious in the second, proving once again that we are a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Notable hits:

Bradley Scheir, HR (3).

Derrick Lafleur, HR (2).

Mike Vaccaro, HR.

Billy Maxwell, HR.

Jose "JRod" Rodriguez, HR.

       

Friday 28 February

Games are on at Sertoma Sports Fields located on N Lake Ship Road.

 

National League Rules for Sertoma Park

 

1. No Senior Bats. 

2. Single wall bats will be allowed on 2 fields with fences of at least 250'. or 225'

3. Shorter field - Wooden Bats only(I will get the number of the field)

4. Homeruns, any fair ball hit over the fence, on any field, will be an out and dead ball.  Runners may not advance.

5. Any player who hits a ball over the fence, see rule #4, will be restricted to wood bats for the remainder of the game.

6. American League players will be allowed to play, with wooden bats only.

 

Please direct any questions, concerns or comments to Board representative.

Tuesday 25 February

No games at either field. Sleep in and we will see you Friday.

 

*** Attention All Winter Haven Senior Softball Players ***

 

All games for Tuesday February 25^th have been cancelled.  Because of rain the city has closed all of ball fields.  Hope to see you Friday

                                         *** Reminder Notice***

                             This message is brought to you by Stewart Auto Repair.

 

As a reminder, we are relocating the National League squad to Sertoma Park / Lake Shipp Park, located at 1650 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Bob Hite, as well as other members of the board, will be there to assign teams. We'll be playing there until April. Stay tuned for more updates on the teams and rules. 

The American League will be playing at Rueben Williams Sports Complex, right across from Dimond Plex Filed “C.” I'll open the gate around 7 am each day.  Get ready for some epic games ahead!

LGG

Golf Tournament

Joe D'Herin will have a sign up sheet at the ball park on Tuesday to see if there is enough interest in playing. Tournament will be on Thursday, 27 March in the afternoon.

Natioal League recap

Team Vining vs Team Lopicillo 

Jim had hoped to go out on top in his last game before heading back to Alabama. Unfortunately it was not in the cards as his team came up a couple runs short as they went down 17-16. There were six lead changes as both teams remained competitive throughout. It came  down to the ninth inning as Team Vining stranded two runners in the ninth. The game was interesting in that each team had a number of american leaguers come over to fill out the teams. After watching them, I wonder if I ever could play like that. As happy as we were in our victory it was somewhat bittersweet as we had to say farewell to a great friend, player, teammate, and manager. Jim will be missed and we wish him great happiness in the future.

Outstanding players

Derrick 4-5 w2 homers

Bobby C 4-5

Bob Z 4-5

Scott P 4-5 w /homer

Team Lopez vs Team Toro

The over the hill gang took a huge lead through four innings as they tallied 15 runs to the five that the Reds managed to get across the plate. They slowed the attack through solid defense and managed to make up the run  difference and so going into the ninth inning the score was tied 18-18. In the top of the inning Sammy's boys tallied three runs and took the field to play defense knowing the power potential of the Reds.. The Reds did not disappoint as they put four of the first five batters on base. Unfortunately, a double play and ground out ended the  game. Final Score Team Lopez 23, Team Toro 21. Winning Pitcher Steve Pinick.

Outstanding players

Branley 6-6 W/triple

Jeff 5-6

Ray Levesque 4-5

Fred Dampier 4-4 W/triple

Gary Michl 5-5

Greg Hooper 5-5

Larry Baker 4-5

Denny Shaffer 4-5

Wally's World vs Spit's Coconuts

This game could not have been closer as the final score was 19 to 19. Wally's World broke on top and held the lead through the fourth inning. The Coconuts scored five runs in three of the last five innings to take a five run lead going into the last inning. The Coconuts failed to score in the top of the inning so it was all up to Wally's hitters to come through.They did , to some extent, as they put up five runs to tie the game up before the rally was extinguished.. Final score 19-19

Outstanding players

Pete Gutenberg 5-5

Al Miller 4-5

Larry Stringly 4-5

Wayne 4-5

Al 4-5

Rob 4-5

Ed 4-5

Friday , 21 February

Games are on. A little chilly so dress warm. Pool players will warm up on field C.

Fwd: Fw: Wally World vs Over the Hill Gang

Tuesday 2/18/25 The Over the Hill Gang hosted Wallys World today on field B.

The soring started slow as it was only 2-1 the Gang after one. The Gangs bats got hot while the Wallys had trouble scoring17-4, the Gang after four. The Wallys mounted a comeback scoring 3 in the fifth and 6 in the sixth to draw within nine 22-13. The gang scored 5 in the sixth to extend their lead to 27-13. 

The teams decided to end the game after six and go eat rather than start the 7th as one other game was already completed.

Big hitters, the Wallys, Chris Constantine and Larry Striping 4-4, Pete Gutenburger and Jerry Ryan 3-4. The Gang, Fred Dampier 5-5, George Vanderhyde 4-4w, Larry Baker and Bill King 4-5.

Winning Pitcher Arvil Wadell

Mets vs Reds

The Mets jumped out to a 9 run lead early, only to be tied as the Reds scored 9 runs in their catch up inning. The Reds then actually  took the lead and held it for two innings. It must have been Ron Thompsons inspirational speech that motivated the Mets as they put up 18 runs in the last three innings while holding the Reds scoreless in two of the last three innings. Final score Mets 27, Reds 19. Ron Thompson winning pitcher.

Outstanding performances

Juan Toro 4-4 W/ 2 triples and a homer

Mark T 4-4

George Knox 5-5  w/Homer

Gary B 4-5

Bob Z 5-5

Bobby 4-4

John B 4-4

The game between Team Vining and Team Spitalari proved to be the closest game of the day. It didn't look like it would be that way early on as Team Spitalari jumped out to an early lead having scored five runs in the first two innings. Despite scoring in every inning but one, Team Vining found themselves down 21 to 12  going into the bottom of the eighth. They then sent 11 batters to the plate and scored 7 runs to narrow Spit's lead to just two runs. With no one scoring in the ninth, the game ended with Team Spitalari 21 and Team Vining 19. Winning pitcher BJ.

Outstanding performances

Al 5-5

Steve J 4-4 w/homer

Fred D 5-5

Rob 4-5

Dave Rounds 4-5

Bill Rutan 5-5

Joe Letourno 4-5

Jim H 4-5.

Tuesday, 18 February

Games are on. Followed by lunch.

Pool players will warm up on field B.

Many of you have asked about Donnie. His recovery goes well and he had hoped to join us for lunch today. Unfortunately he has a prior commitment but has indicated he plans on joining us Tuesday.

Fwd: Fw: Vining's Braves vs Over the Hill Gang

The Gang came to play with big bats and their hitting shoes 👞 on. They led 17-4 after 6 innings and some were ready to throw in the towel. But coach Vining said this is Senior Softball, play on. The Gang scored 5 in the 7th but The Braves scored 8 in the bottom to pull within 10. The Gang recorded a goose egg in the 8th and Vining took advantage scoring another 6 to make it 22-18 entering the open inning.  The Gang came alive again scoring 6 more and the Braves couldn't muster a single run for a final of Lopez 28 Vining 18. 

TOP HITTERS

Vining.            3-5

Rounds.          4-5

Nunez.            4-5

Soto.               3-4

Hus.                 5-5

Vanderhyde.    5-6

Dampier.           4-4 w/2BB

Ernesto Cruz.   4-5

Baker.                6-6   Winning pitcher

Bill King.            5-6

Escobar.            4-5

Fwd: Fw: Wally's World vs Toro's Reds.

This was a very close game all the way with the difference never being more than 3 runs. Toro was leading 3-2 after 2 innings.  The World took the lead in the 3rd and led until the 7th inning when The Reds tied it up at 14.  Toro's team didn't score again and Wally's World scored 3 in the bottom of the 8th to secure the victory. 

TOP HITTERS

Testa.             3-5

Gutenberger. 4-5

Miller.              3-5

Pepin.              3-3

DeRidder.        3-4

Anderson.       4-5

Raul.                 3-5 w/hr

Nestor.             3-4

Rafael.              3-4

Steve.               2-3 w/2BB

Coconuts vs Mets

Spitalari's Coconuts and LoPicillo"s Mets had a great game today. It was touch and go the entire game as to who might come out on top. The Mets scored five in the first three innings and it appeared that a blow out was in the future. Alas, it was not to be as the Coconuts clawed their way back by scoring 7 in the third inning and adding to that in every inning. The outcome of the game again came down to the last inning, which has been typical this season, with the Mets scoring  5 runs in the ninth. The Coconuts managed only one run on Rob's home run. The final score was Mets 26, Coconuts 22. Winning pitcher Ron Thompson

Outstanding Performers

Fred 4-6

Rob 4-6 w?home run

Steve B 4-5

Gary B 5-6 W/3 walks

George K.5-6W/ 2 triples

Mike R 6-6 w/ sacrifice

Jack A 5-6

Ron F 4-5

Friday, Valentines Day

Games are on. Pool players will warm up on field D. Please be alert when coming to the park as there is ongoing construction along the street.

 

            ***American League Update***

This message is brought to you by Somewhere Sports Bar

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the American League travel team embarked on an epic journey to Solivita for a thrilling two-game showdown. The first game started off as a snooze-fest, with us trailing 6-1 by the end of the third inning. But fear not, for we rose from the ashes like a phoenix, scoring five runs and tying the game 6-6. With grit and determination, we clawed our way to victory, ultimately triumphing 17-13.

Game two was a rollercoaster of emotions. Tied 6-6 in the second inning, we battled back and forth in a nail-biting showdown. After a fierce competition, we emerged victorious with a close 18-19 win. Laughter, camaraderie, and a few heart palpitations were had by all, and we eagerly anticipate our next match this Monday at 3 pm. Get ready for more thrills, spills, and hopefully fewer nail-biting moments!

Notable hits:

Pat Sullivan Hrs (4)

Bradley Scheirer Hrs (4)

Bill Maxwell Grand Slam

Derrick Lafleur Hrs (2)

Don Fee Hrs (2)

Mike Vaccaro HR.

***

From LGG. 

Late posting of Tuesdays game: Wally's World vs Vining and his Braves

In a game that saw 4 pitchers combine for a total of 15 walks it is no wonder there was not an over abundance of hits. 

Both teams started slow as it was tied 2-2 after 3 innings. Then the scoring started. The final ended up at the Braves 25 and the World 17. 

The hitters. 

Gutenberger.  3-4

Miller.               3-4

Marino.            3-4

Vandenberg.   4-5

Rounds.           3-3

 DeJoung.        4-4

Vining.              3-4

Page.                 3-4

See y'all Friday. 

 

                        ***League Update***

                                               This message is brought to you by Chrocare

I am pleased to announce that Bob Hite has been appointed as the Director of the National League as we transition to Sertoma Park. In his new role, Bob will oversee all equipment, player assignments, and playing rules. With his extensive experience, I am confident that he will excel in this position.

The National League team will be relocating to Sertoma Park/Lake Shipp Park, situated at 1650 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Our games will be held at this location until mid-April.

Please stay tuned for further updates regarding the teams and any rule changes. Thank you for your continued support.

                       ***

LGG

National League Games

Sam Lopez's Over the Hill Gang took on Pat Lopiccillo's Mets in what proved to be interesting game, but not an very exciting one as the outcome was never in doubt after the 2nd inning.  The Over the Hill Gang put up five runs in six of the eight innings and probably could have been more if we did not have the five run rule and the flip flop. Looking over the scoresheet, it showed that every batter on the Over the Hill Gang had at least three hits with five having five hits. Arvil Waddell pitched a great game for the winning team Final Score Team Lopez 34- Team Lopicillo 19.    

 

Outstanding Performances

 

George Vanderwegh    5-6

Fred Deloach                5-6

Gary M                         5-6

Larry                             5-5

George Knox                5-5

Mike Rodriquez             5-5

John Boito                     4-4

 

 

The game between Spitalari's Coconuts and Juan Toro's Reds was unlike any so far this year. While we have seen a number of 9th inning rallys, there hasn't been anything close to the one today. Through eight innings Team Toro had a comfortable 14-8 lead. Team Spitalari sent 25 batters to the plate in the ninth inning (you read it right....25), scoring 20 runs in the top of the inning to take a substantial lead. Team Toro was unable to get the bats going in the bottom of the ninth and so the final score was Team Coconuts 28 and Team Toro  14.

 

Outstanding performances

        

Rob              4-5

Robert         4-5

 

Mark Trutani 4-4

Tuesday 11 February

Games are on. Pool players will take batting practice on Field C.

***Player Appreciation Luncheon***

This Message is brought to you by CPW Services, LLC

 

We are thrilled to announce that the League will host a "Player Appreciation Luncheon" on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, following all games. We want to express our gratitude to all the dedicated players who show up week after week to compete. Join us for a delicious sandwich and some chips as a small token of our appreciation for your commitment to keeping softball alive. We can't wait to celebrate with you all!

Please let your manager know if you are attending and bringing any guests so we can have an accurate count.

 

 

 ***

IMPORTANT LEAGUE NOTICE

This message is brought to you by Ingram Financial Services.

 

Attention, all National League players! Exciting news - there has been a change to the game schedule. Our final day at Diamond Plex will be Friday, February 21, 2025. But don't worry, for those of you who want to keep playing ball, we are relocating the National League squad to Sertoma Park / Lake Shipp Park, located at 1650 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Let your manager know if you're interested in playing at this awesome new location. We'll be playing there until the middle of April. Stay tuned for more updates on the teams and rules. Get ready for some epic games ahead!

 

The American League will be moving right across the street from Diamond Plex, and we will be playing right up to the middle of April. Please let me know by next week if you are interested in playing.   

 

***

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The Polk Senior Games are currently seeking umpires for the upcoming Softball Tournament scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. The tournament will take place at the Lakeland Southwest Sports Complex located at 1444 West Highland St, Lakeland, FL 33815. Join them for a day of exciting softball action and help ensure fair play on the field!

 

Call or email See Steven Hill for details ((330) 808-1331, ohio1248@yahoo.com). 

The sign-up sheet will be at the desk on Tuesday and Friday.  

Fwd: Fw: Field B

The parity in our league this year seems to be very even as indicated by the number of ties and seesaw 1 run games so far. This one between Wally's World and Lopicollo's Mets followed that up with another close one today. The World started off strong, piling up 11 runs in the first 3 innings and leading 11-5. They then managed 3 back to back to back goose eggs while the Mets kept scoring to take a 16-11 lead with 3 innings left. Wally was trailing 18-17 going to the open inning where Pat's Mets notched a goose egg. Wally and Pepin both singled to start the inning followed by a too hot to handle grounder to 3rd to load the bases by Bill Testa. Pete Gutenberger stepped up and promptly singled to left center for the tying and winning run. 

Outstanding performers

DeRidder 3-4

Outing 3-4

Denny 3-4

Shearer 3-4

Pepin 4-4

Kox 4-5

Sequin 5-5

Fleming 3-4

Wes 3-4

Fw: Last Tuesday/s game, resent

The Toro reds hosted the Lopez Over the Hill Gang today on field B. Today's game was much different from the last time these two teams face each other, when over 70 runs were scored in a one run game. Today the Gang jumped out to a12-2 lead in the 3rd before the Reds could get their offense untracked. The rest of the game was pretty even as the team's traded blows, with both teams adding six runs apiece. The final score was 18-8 the Gang.

Hot hitters. Reds, Pablo Garica and Nestor Aponte 2-3, The Gang. Denny Shaffer and Fred Dampier 3-4.

Winning Pitcher Arvil Waddel

Fw: American League

Today, the American League members gathered on field "A" for an epic showdown! With only 18 players at the start, Tommy Hamilton skillfully crafted a well-balanced team for the competition. Tommy took charge and led the game with determination. Lou's team found themselves trailing 20-10 at the bottom of the seventh inning. But with incredible hitting from the entire team, they managed to close the gap to 20-19 with just one out left. The tension was palpable as Lou's team fought to secure the win, but unfortunately, they fell short and lost 20-19. Despite the outcome, everyone had a blast, and fun was had by all!

Friday 7 February Games

Field C

Team Lopez faced off against Team Spitalari this morning. It proved to be a very Interesting game and outcome to say the least. The outcome was not decided until the last batter came up. I will try to keep the results under wraps for a little while, but Denny Shaffer capped a six run bottom of the ninth inning blast to right field to end the game. Bob's "Coconuts" scored five in the first to take the early lead,as the Bobs getting 3 doubles, a triple, and a two homers along the way, they managed to put up a 20 runs. The "Over the Hill Gang" tried to climb back in it and actually pulled ahead by one run in the fifth. Unfortunately, they then went three scoreless innings and found themselves down by five going into the bottom of the ninth. The "Gang's" first eight batters reached base base in the inning with Denny driving in the winning run. Final score "Over the Hill Gang" 21," Coconuts" 20. 

Outstanding Performances include

Gary M 5-5

Greg 4-5

Larry 4-5

Ernesto 4-5

Fred D 4-5

Rob  4-5 w/2doubles,triple and homer

Bob H 4-4 w double and homer

Winning Pitcher Arvil Waddell

 

 

Friday

Games are on. Pool players take warm ups on field C.

Fwd: Fw: 1-4-25 Field A

Subject: 1-4-25 Field A

Team Vining and Team Lopiciio faced off today in another great contexst.This game was very close all the way with the lead changing hands 4 times and being tied 3 times. The largest lead was 16-12 by team Vining in the 5th inning and the ended up winning 20-19.  Amazingly, this was the 4th game in a row Team Vining has won by 1 run. 

Top hitters

   Rounds.   3-4

   Nunez.     4-5

   Letureno. 4-5

   Puma.       3-4

   Learn.       3-4   Winning pitcher

Fwd: Fw: 2-4-25 Wallys World vs Spitilari

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: b <zelaznycoast@aol.com>
Date: Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Subject: Fw: 2-4-25 Wallys World vs Spitilari
To: ROBERT ZELAZNY <bzelazny@lakeashton2cdd.com>

Sent from AOL on Android

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

From: "Loren Fabian" <Loren.h.fabian@hotmail.com>

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

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 9:44 AM

Subject: 2-4-25  Wallys World vs Spitilari

This game also was very close as the final score of 19-19 would indicate. Tha largest lead again was by Wally in the 5th inning by 4 runs. 

Top hitters

   Constantine.  4-5

   Gutenberger.  5-5

   Miller.               3-4

   Pepin.               3-4

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

Tuesday 4 February Games

Games are on. Please check at front desk for field assignment as some might change.

Poll players will warm up on field C. Please go to and remain on that field until called by board with your assignment. By going to other fields, you complicate the work for the Board and can delay the start of the games.

Friday 31 January

 

Home team Vining-Braves    vs.   Team Spitaleri-Fighting Coconuts

 

The game started out well for the Coconuts, 5 in the first with shoddy defense by the Braves.  The game continued with the Coconuts scoring 3, then 2 while the Braves were getting 2 here, 2 there.  Score after 5 innings with the Coconuts making some fine defensive plays, Coconuts 12, Braves 7.  But then the tides turned. 

 

The Coconuts were held to 0 runs over the next 3 innings, while the Braves scored 5 to tie the score at 12/12, going into the open inning.  With one out, Rob Reed, hit a 2-run homer, then the Coconuts loaded the bases.  But, the Braves defense came through, holding them scoreless.

 

The Braves came to bat and put the first 2 batters on.  Then Bob Vandenberg came through with a screaming line drive to right center that tied the game at 14 all.  Then, with 1 out Ramon Nunez drove in the winning run with a hit to left field.  What an exciting game!

 

Top Hitters:   Coconuts                                                                   Braves

 

Steve Johnston 5/5                                                                                          Bob Vandenberg 4/5

Rob Reed 3/4; 1BB, 1 HR                                                                     Dave Rounds 4/5

Robert Spitalari 3/4:1BB, 1-3B                                              Ramon Nunez 3/4: 1-2B, 1-SF

B.J. 3/5                                                                                                         Jim Hus 3/3: 1BB

Steve Brennan 3/5                                                                                          Jim Vining 4/4

Gerry (pool player)3/4                                                                    Donna Kavinsky 2/3: 1-2B, 1-BB

                                                                                                                        Jerry DeJong's hit 3Run HR