**** LEAGUE NEWS ****

Sponsor by Ridge Energy 

Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that we will be returning to Diamond Plex on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, a week earlier than expected. As we prepare to make our grand return, we bid farewell to our Snowbirds who have already flown back up north. But fear not, for we will be here waiting for you when you return to resume play. And for our year-round players, get ready for a summer filled with fun and new excitement. See you on the field!

Lou Guzman

Acting Commissioner 

Diamondplex

Mark your calendars. We are heading back to the Diamondplex on Tuesday April 8th.

Start time is 0930. Please sign in by 0900.

3-28-25 Field #2 at Sertoma.

First, a rule change for field #2 for the rest of the time we play at Sertoma  this year.

BOD member Joe D'Herin called an on field meeting of all players, suggesting no force outs could be made at first, second or third base on a ball hit to the outfield grass either by a base hit or error. It was overwhelmingly approved, as there have been many such force out plays happening for 2 reasons. The fences are shorter and more significant, the bases are 5 feet longer. 

The force out can still be made on a runner advancing to home. 

Now, on to Friday's game. 

Managers were Spitilari, Lopez and Hite. 

Team Spitilari led 11-5-4 after 5 innings but didn't score again till the 9th inning, finishing with 13. Team Lopez managed to post 6 goose eggs 🥚 in a row to finish with 5.  Team Hite kept on scoring to finish in a tie with Team Spitilari.  Final 13-5-13. 

Hitters. 

Vanderhyde.    3-4

Burtner.              3-4

LeTourneau.    2-4

Pablo.               2-2

B.J.                    3-3

Marino.             4-5

Dowdy.              3-5

Johnston.         3-5

Andrews            4-5

Spitilari.             3-5

Tutrani.              3-4

Gil.                      3-4

J.D.                     2-3

Shier.                  3-5

Reed.                  4-5

Hite.                    3-4

Fleming.             3-4

WOW!!!  Lots of hits, but lots of runners thrown out from the outfield, even one DP. This new rule should rectify that. 

See y'all Tuesday

This message brought to you by STEWART COLLISION AND AUTO REPAIR. 

Write up by L. Fabian 

Friday 28 March

Games are on. Please sign in by 0900. Play well.

*** American League Update 3/27/25 ***

 Sponsored by  Jarrett Gordon FORD

Thursday, March 27, 2026

The American League had quite the rollercoaster of emotions during their two-game set at Solivita. Game one started off with a bang as we scored five runs, including a majestic home run, in the first inning. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse as we started making errors left and right, allowing Solivita to claw their way back into the game. It was like we were playing with our eyes half-closed after a wild night out. Despite only managing to score three runs in the next three innings, we somehow found ourselves tied 19-19 in the bottom of the seventh. Unfortunately, Solivita had other plans and snatched the victory with a final score of 19-20.

Game two was a bit more controlled, with fewer errors plaguing our performance. We were leading 8-6 by the bottom of the sixth, but Solivita's relentless offense managed to tie the game 8-8. It all came down to the wire in the bottom of the seventh, with two outs and Jose "JRod" Rodriguez stepping up to the plate. With a clutch base hit, Rodriguez put the winning run in scoring position, setting the stage for Manny Rios to deliver the game-winning hit and secure the victory by scoring Billy Maxwell.

And let's not forget the home runs that lit up the field:

Derrick Lafleur blasted 3 HRs
Rob Aponte smacked 2 HRs
Manny Rios added one to the mix
Bradley Scheirer joined the home run party with a dinger of his own

Looks like the American League is bringing the heat this season!

                                                           ***

From LGG. 

Fwd: Fw: 3-25-25 Sertoma field 2.

Having no idea who the 3 managers were, I'll just tell yall there were three teams that battled to a 5-5-2 finish. There were a number of fine defensive play by all 3 teams contributing to the low scores.

Hitters

4 hits. Vanderhyde

3 hits. Shearer

            Johnston

            Tutrani

2 hits. Ryan

            Andrews

            Castilleja

            Fleming

            Constatine

            Ramon

            Pablo

            Hudson

See y'all Friday. 

This brought to you by RIDGE ENERGY

Write up Fabian

Tuesday's games are on. Please sign in by 0900.

**** League News Update ****

 Sponsor by CPW Services

Friday, March 21, 2025 was a day that will be etched in our memories forever! The Winter Haven Senior Softball Club joined forces with the Central Florida Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #176 for an unforgettable experience at the Detroit Tigers vs. The New York Yankees spring training game in Lakeland.

The game was filled with excitement and thrills, and to top it off, there was a spectacular drone show after the final inning. During the game, members from both groups indulged in an all-you-can-eat buffet, sharing stories and laughter.

It was truly a fantastic time had by all, and I am already looking forward to organizing a similar outing for the entire league next year. The camaraderie and joy shared during this event is something that we will cherish forever!

Lou Guzman

Acting Commissioner

Fwd: Fw: Friday March 21 at Sertoma field 2

22 Senior ballplayers, 2 umpires and 1 who chose to manage a team showed up for a Senior ball game on a very cold and WINDY morning and it was a "doozie" as old sitcom Hazel would say.  There were many hoodies, gloves and ear muffs. Still, some in shorts and Jerry Ryan in shorts and only a WH Senior Softball t-shirt catching winning pitcher Ron Thompson for the entire 9 innings. On to the game. 

Team Hite took a 5-1 lead into the top of the 4th inning when team Dampier scored 4 runs to tie it up. Thanks to many, many fine defensive plays and a lot of ATOM ball it was a low scoring game. Team Dampier held a 9-6 lead after 7 thanks to Pat Sullivan blasting one over the right center fence with Johnston and Jorge on 3rd and 2nd and he scored as well on a single by B.J.  Team Hite scored 1 in the bottom of the 7th and put up the only nickel in the bottom of the 8th for an 11-9 final as Team Hite went 1,2,3 on 3 pitches in the top of the 9th. 

Top hitters 

Jorge.           3-5

Al Andrews  3-5

Picnick          2-4

Testa.            3-4

McDonald.   3-4

Gutenberger 2-4

DeLoach.      2-4

Pablo.           2-4

Tutrani.         2-4

Hite.              4-4

See y'all Tuesday when the weather looks to be much warmer and brighter

This game brought to you by 1st STREET DINER. 

Write up by L. Fabian. 

Games

Friday, March 21 games are on. Please sign in by 0900.

League Update

 From Lou Guzman, Acting Commissioner.

We are eagerly anticipating our return to the Diamond Plex field! Here's the current situation: the field is currently under contract for the next two weeks. Following the tournaments, the field will need to undergo remediation for an additional two weeks. We are hopeful to be back on the field by April 15, 2025. I will be closely monitoring the progress, especially since the American League players are still utilizing the field across the street. Let's get ready to hit the ground running when we finally get back out there! National League will still be using the fields at Lake Shipp until we are back. 

Three Team Game

With only 33 players, we played a three team game that proved exciting and close in the end. The Board elected to forego its usual pick of managers and went with three relative newbies in the role of top dog. The hit team was led by Fred Dampier. The first five batters scored and it looked like they were going to establish themselves as the early favorites. BJ's sit team answered with five of their own to tie it up. Freddies field team only managed two in the first. While they didn't score bunches of runs they did manage to score in six of the innings. Team Dampier scored in bunches, but were shut out in five of the seven innings. Team BJ was consistent, scoring multiple runs in five of the seven innings. As a result, they took an eight run lead going into the ninth.  Team Dampier failed to score in the ninth and sat and watched as Team BJ tried to hold off Team G. Team Dampier just wanted them to hold them to under three runs... Unfortunately for Team Dampier, that did not happen, as Freddie's team scored three to tie for second place.. Final score Team BJ 17, Team Dampier 9 and Team Gonzalez 9.. It should be noted that this broke Ron Thompson's four game winning streak..Winning pitcher was Steve Pinnick..

Outstanding players

Mitch 5-5

Skidmore 5-5

Marino 4-4

Burtner 3-3

Bill T 4-5

Mark T 3-4

Allen 4-4

Ted Taylor

Friday we lost one of our long time players. Ted Taylor passed away from a heart attack. His daughter and son-in-law were  down here with at the time. He was the guy who brought me into the League 18 years ago.  He was a  fantastic hockey player, a very good ball player, and so-so golfer. I will remember him as fierce competitor, a great teammate, and one of the finest gentleman I've known. Please keep Ted's family in your prayers

Tuesday, March 18 Games are on. Please sign in by 0900.

*** American League ***

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the American League travel team had quite the day at Solivita, playing not one, but two epic games.

In the first game, we started strong, taking the lead in the second inning. However, Solivita fought back and tied the game in the fifth, making the score a whopping 20-20. But did we back down? No way! We rallied and scored 11 runs, ultimately winning with a score of 31-28. Talk about a nail-biter!

Game two was a whole different ball game. We couldn't seem to catch a break as Solivita's defense was on fire, keeping us at bay the entire time. By the bottom of the seventh, Solivita was ahead 20-12, and things were looking grim. But did we throw in the towel? Absolutely not! We dug deep, scored eight runs, and miraculously tied the game at 20-20. What a comeback!

Despite the ups and downs, both teams had a blast, and the competition was fierce. We can't wait for our next showdown with Solivita next month. Get ready for another thrilling matchup, folks! The team hit 17 home runs.

Notable hits.

Rob Aponta HRs, (5)

Jose Rodriguez, HRs (3)

Patrick Sullivan, HRs (3)

Manny Rios, HRs. (2)

Derrick LaFleur, HRs (2)

Bradley Scheirer HR

Mike Vaccaro HR.

***

LGG

Fw: 3-14-25 Team Spitilari vs Team Hite

Team Hite came out strong and was leading 10-2 after 4 innings. But they

 could only muster 5 more runs the rest of the way while Team Spitilari took a 14-13 lead after 6 innings.  The rest was all Team Spitilari including 10 runs in the top of the open inning. The final score was 30-15 in favor of Spitilari. 

League Senior Ron Thompson was the winning pitcher and it was his first 4th win in a row. 

The hitters

6 hits.          Hudson

5 hits.          J. Andrew's

                     Burner

                     Spitilari 

4 hits.          Kathy

                     Schaffer

                     Ira

                     Ernesto

                     L. Baker

                     Sullivan

                     DeLoach

                     Hite

3 hits.          Letourno

                     Gonzalez 

                     Castilleja

Write up brought to you courtesy of longtime sponsor KINCAID ELECTRIC 

Write up by L. Fabian. 

March 14 Games

Field 2 saw Sam Lopez' Team square off against Bob Zs Team.. With only ten players per team (plus one loaner from the other team) defense was a challenge. There was great play on both sides, so the score was relatively lo Team Z broke to an early lead that lasted to the second inning. The game remained close the rest of the way with w compared to previous games. It should be noted that we made it to the third inning before we had our first  of two controversial calls but in the nature of good sportsmanship we made it past them and had a very exciting game. The most impressive hit of the day came from Ramon as he put one over the high left field fence for the longest out in recent times. The game stayed close throughout with Team Z taking a 11 to 6 lead going into the ninth inning.With Team Lopez' middle of the line up unable to score, the game ended with Team z !! and Team Lopez 7.

outstanding players

Hoper 4-5

Shearer 4-4

Downy 3-4

Ott 4-5

BJ 4-4

Anderson 4-4

Ouding 3-4

Winning Pitcher Steve Pinnick

... 

Friday 14 March Games are on. Please sign in by 0900.

Team V v Team H

With the wind blowing out, Team Vandenberg took on Team Hite with each team playing 10 without a midfielder.  Team V jumped out early with 5 runs in the 1^st.  Team H answered with 4.  At that point Pete Gutenberg arrived.  Team H lost their manager(and I must say inspirational leader) who would play defense for both teams.  George Knox wasn't there, he and his wife headed back north so she could get some much needed medical care.   Good Luck to them both.  In our hearts George went 6 for 6 with 3 doubles.

After 4 innings in a very tight 9-8 game, with Team H leading.  Team V could manage only 8 runs the rest of the way while Team H put up 13 runs.  Final score Team H 22 Team V 15.  Well played by both teams with lots of smiles and laughs.  It was great to see Don Witmer walking around the fields.

Hits Team V

Ott – 4 hits

Sullivan – 6 hits, 2 doubles

LeTourneau – 3 hits( with some good defense)

MacDonald – 3 hits(even after being rob 3 times)

Gonzales – 4 hits

 

Hits Team H

 

Burtner – 5 hits

Baker – 4 hits(also winning pitcher)

Deloach – 5 hits

Cruz – 3 hits

Gutenberg – 5 hits

Team S v Team Z

People will be convinced I misplaced today's score sheets on purpose after reading the final score but swear that is not the case. Team Z scored 5 runs in the first innings to take an early lead. Over the next 8 innings they stretched their to ten runs.

While Team Z knew the outcome was never in doubt, Team S never gave up. Bob's Team put up 13 runs in the 9th to take the lead to the amazement of everyone. Team Z were confident with the top of the lineup coming up. While they did score, the inning ended with the winning run on base. Final score Team S 19 and Team Z 17.

Tuesday Mar 11 Games

Games are on. Please sign in by 0900.

Fw: WHSS games 3-7-25

A beautiful day for 2 ball games at Sertoma Park as 40 players showed up for 4 10 member teams. 

But first, 2 concerned players headed over to the home of Tony Q to check on his health status after the games. Tony's brother answered the door an informed the concerned teammates that he was still in the hospital, receiving treatment and undergoing tests..

On what I will call field 1 team Dampier squared off against team Hite.  Hite jumped out on top 7-2 after 2 innings but Dampier started scoring and led 11-8 after 5 innings.  Team Dampier failed to score the last 3 innings as Team Hite put up 7 more for a for a final of 15-11.

Top hitters 

Vanderhyde.    5-5

Rounds.            3-5

Letourno.         3-5

Page.                 4-6

Rad.                   4-6

Hudson.            4-6

Baker.                4-6   WP

Hooper.             4-5

Marino.             3-5

Over on Field 2. Team Lopez took on Team Thompson. The score was knotted at 7 after 4 innings and finished at 13-11 in favor Team Thompson and Ron Thompson won hi 2nd game in a row after pitching a shutout on Tuesday. 

Top hitters

Ouding.          5-5

Sullivan.         3-5

Johnston.      3-5

Schaffer.        3'5

Jose L.           3-5

Howard.         4-5

B. King.          3-6

Knox.              5-6

Ott.                  5-6

Brennan.         3-6

E. Cruz.           3-5

Lopez.            4'5

This report brought to you by long time sponsor TUCKER CARPETS. 

Write up by Loren

Games are on. Please be at park and sign in by 0900 so that teams can be formed in timely fashion ensuring evenly matched teams.

Games summaries

History was made today as Ron Thompson pitched a  shutout against a variable power house. Obviously not a lot of highlights for the home team offensively speaking. They did play great defense by shutting out Ron's team in four of the innings and only allowing five runs through eight innings. Final score was team Thompson 8 and team Testa zero.

Outstanding players

Keller 3-4

Miller 3-4

Knox 3-4.

Ron Thompson winning pitcher in a shutout.

Team Zelazny faced off against Team Spitalari in a very close game. Team Spit broke ahead early but fell behind in the third when Team Z pushed actress four runs. While both teams managed to put up runs just about every inning , no one had the big inning to provide breathing room against their opponent.. Going into the seventh inning Team Spit found themselves behind by one run, 8-9. That ended up being the final score as neither team scored in the eighth or ninth innings.. Final score Team Z 9 and Team Spit 8.

Outstanding players

Rounds 3-4

Hudson 3-4

DeLoach 3-4

Skidmore 4-4

Johnson 3-4

Cruz 3-3

Donna winning pitcher

Tuesday 4 March

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