*** Attention all Members***

***Board Elections Announcement***

To all Members,

As my tenure as Commissioner comes to an end in September 2026, I want to express what a pleasure it has been to serve in this role for the past 10 years. I’d also like to thank Lou Guzman for stepping up as Acting Commissioner and managing the league during this period. Lou has expressed willingness to continue as Commissioner for the next term.

If any member is interested in running for Commissioner, please email me your intentions. An election will be held in September 2026 if there are multiple candidates. Lou has requested that I stay on as a voting adviser to the board.

Treasurer:
Chris Lynch has resigned as Treasurer; his term is ending in 2027. Fred DeLoach has been appointed to this position for now. 

At-Large Board Member:
Chris Constantine’s tenure will end in September 2026. Members interested in running for this position. Mike Vaccaro has expressed interest in this position and, if no other candidates come forward, will assume the role. 

Thank you all for your continued support of the board and the league.

Don Witmer
(Commissioner)

🥎07.07.26 GAME DAY RECAP

Today’s three‑team showdown featured Team Hill (Visitors), Team Wally (Home), and Team Spit (Middle). Final tally: Hill 19 • Spit 31 • Wally 14

The first four innings looked like a senior‑softball instructional video — crisp infield work, double‑plays everywhere, and three teams pretending the heat index wasn't already in triple digits. At the end of the 4th, we had the rarest scoreboard sight in Florida: 10–10–10. Perfect balance… right before the Florida heat said, “That’s enough of that,” and melted every defensive plan on the field.

In the top of the 7th, Team Spit detonated for 11 runs in an open inning. It was less of an inning and more of a July 4th parade. Hill tried to respond with 4 runs in the 5th and 2 more in the 6th, but Spit’s lead was roughly the size of Polk County by then. Wally didn’t have enough gas left either — the heat had claimed its victims.

🥎Players of the Game

Team Spit — 31 Runs of Mayhem

Gutenberger — 3 runs
Testa — 4 runs
Rudy — 4 for 5
Doyle — a perfect 5 for 5, because apparently he doesn’t believe in outs
And in the late‑inning stampede, the whole crew joined in: Constantine, Moots, Spit, Gil (with a triple), Castilleja, Rounds, and Thompson all crossed home like it was a conga line.

Team Hill — 19 Runs

Woodsby — flawless 4 for 4, refusing to participate in the “heat‑induced slump” trend
Delong — 2 runs
Turchetta — 2 runs

Team Wally — 14 Runs

Rod — 3 runs
Manny — 3 runs with a home run, because someone had to keep the fireworks going
Griffin — perfect 3 for 3

A tied game, a heatwave meltdown, an 11‑run inning, and a middle team that refused to stop scoring — just another normal day in Winter Haven Senior Softball. 

This Week's Sponsor

This Week's Sponsor

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Tuesday games

Games are on. See you at the park.

Friday Games

No games today. Happy Fourth of July.

Rescheduled Golf Outing

Rain checks can be used at anytime. I have reserved tee times for Thursday, July 9 at 0900 o'clock if anyone wants to play at that time. Please let me know on Tuesday.

Happy 4th

League News

The fields will be closed this Friday, so there will be no games. Enjoy the 250th celebration of our great nation. ###

Fw: Todays Write Up

06.30.26  The “Colonel” Ignites a Fifth-Inning Firestorm

If you enjoy softball with plot twists, heroic moments, and a heat index that makes your sunscreen file a complaint, Tuesday’s triple‑team showdown delivered exactly that.

 

Team DeLoach (Visitors) 21 • Team Rounds (Middle/Sitting) 13 • Team Hill (Home) 17

 

For four innings, all three teams were locked in a tight, respectable battle — the kind that makes you think, “Hey, this actually looks like real softball.” But then the 5th inning arrived, and Team DeLoach decided to flip the script.

 

The turning point came when Bob Zelazny — “Colonel” stepped up and delivered the kind of hit that makes outfielders reconsider their retirement plans. BoB cleared the bases with a monster home run in the top of the 5th, igniting a scoring frenzy.

 

Not to be outdone, Skipper went full track‑and‑field mode, ripping three triples like he was trying to qualify for the Senior Olympics. Every time he hit the ball, he seemed to find a new gear.  Between BoB’s blast and Skipper’s sprinting clinic, Team DeLoach piled on 13 runs in two innings, leaving the other teams blinking in disbelief.

 

Team Hill wasn’t ready to pack up. They rallied for five runs in the final inning, led by Rabideau, who went a perfect 3‑for‑3 at the plate. He was basically renting space on first base all afternoon.  It was gritty, determined, and impressive — but the gap was just too big to close.

 

Team Rounds may have been “middle/sitting,” but they were anything but quiet at the plate. Reagean, Lynch, and Pcholinski reached base in all their appearances, with Lynch and Pcholinski each ripping two doubles to the gaps. Together, they turned the top of the lineup into a steady stream of traffic and extra‑base fireworks.

 

The peanut gallery didn't disappoint, chiming in with their trademark senior-softball wisdom:

• “This looks like Bad News Bears.”
• “Typical senior softball.”
• And the instant classic from the field: “I’m not sending you home with her arm.” (We’re still investigating who “her” is and why her arm is apparently stirring up envy or perhaps a little fear out there.)

 

In summary, it was a scorcher. It was a battle. It was senior softball at its finest.  Team DeLoach brought the fireworks. Team Hill brought the heart. Team Rounds brought the contact hitting clinic. And Florida brought the heat — aggressively.

Tuesday Game

Games are on.

For those that participated in the golf outing, I will have your rain checks at the desk.

Sponsor

Sponsor of the week

Art’s Golf Carts Address: 29630 US Hwy 27 Dundee, FL 33838 Phone: 863-439-5431 Website: https://www.artsgolfcars.com/ At Art's Golf Cars, we are golf cart enthusiasts, and we are excited to help you experience the fun and adventure that a quality Club Car and Elite vehicle can bring into your life! We are a golf cart dealership serving the Dundee area, offering the best in new and pre-owned golf cart vehicles. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales, financing, service, and parts departments are ready to offer outstanding service at every point, from assisting while you're making your choice to ongoing maintenance and customization. At Art's Golf Cars, we value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with our customers, and we do that by making sure to exceed your expectations.

Fw: 06.26.26 Game Recap

🔥 Winter Haven Senior Softball — Record‑Setting Slugfest Recap 🔥

If you missed Friday’s game, you missed a classic. Three teams combined for 69 total runs, a number that might stand as a league record. The bats were scorching, the fielding… well, let’s just say it had that unmistakable senior‑softball charm.

 

🥇 Team Ayers (Visiting) — 28 Runs

Ayers’ crew came out swinging and never cooled off.

• Nester: 5‑for‑5, pure consistency.
• Manny: 5‑for‑5, matching Nester stride for stride.
• Rahilean: 4‑for‑5, driving in runs like clockwork.

Every inning felt like a highlight reel — line drives, gap shots, and smart base running that kept the scorekeeper busy.

 

⚾ Team Hill (Middle/Sitting) — 19 Runs

Hill’s squad played with brains and hustle.

• Cruz: launched a towering homer, plating four runs.
• Hill himself pulled off the play of the day — crossing the commit line and scoring while the defense tagged him instead of throwing home. A perfect reminder that knowing the rules can be as valuable as a clean swing.
• Another heads‑up moment came at second base: a dropped ball turned what looked like a sure out into a safe call. Rule knowledge wins again.

 

🏠 Team DeLoach (Home) — 20 Runs

DeLoach’s lineup refused to fade quietly, mounting a spirited 7th‑inning comeback to snatch second place from Hill’s squad.

• Williamson: launched two no‑doubt home runs, igniting the rally.
• The offense found its rhythm late, stringing together clutch hits and smart base running to turn a steady day into a thrilling finish.

 

💬 Final Thoughts

It was a day that showcased everything Winter Haven softball is about — camaraderie, laughter, and a whole lot of offense. The outfielders got their cardio, the scorekeepers earned their coffee, and everyone left smiling.

Friday Games

Games are on.

Tuesday's game recap

Loren had a physical therapy appointment today so Wally stepped in to umpire today's game. I really appreciated him giving up playing  and managing to umpire. With that said, Bob Spitaleri was thrown into the mix against Steve Hill, and Dave Rounds. Bob's team fell behind in the first inning and spent the rest of the day chasing the other two teams.Dave Rounds' team scored five in the first inning and held the lead until the third when Steve Hill's team used the catch-up rule to tie them with ten runs. From that point on, it was pretty much all Team Hill as they built a comfortable lead in a relatively low scoring game. The final score was Team Hill 14, Team Rounds 12, and Team Spitaleri 8.

Outstanding Performances

Nestor 3-3

Jacobs 3-3

BJ 3-3

Testa 3-3

Lynch 3-3

Moots 3-3

Turchetta 3-3

Ernesto 3-3

Gonzalez 3-3

King 2-2

Rad 3-3

Hill 3-3

DeLoach 3-3

Tutrani 3-3

Jorge 3-3 w/ homer and triple

Jose Cruz 3-3

Thursday League Golf Outing

Just a reminder that the League Golf Outing is scheduled for Thursday at Lake Ashton. Check in by 12:30 at the pro shop. We will play a scramble followed by pizza upstairs on the outside deck.  Iced tea is provided but you must pay for any other beverage. Remember the dress code: no-jeans and  a collared shirt requirement. Watch for updates on the website if we have inclement weather. Cost is $30.00. Please call me if you will not be attending 561-512-7102.

Dimond Plex

Field Progress

The renovation project is ongoing at Diamond Plex. The outside fencing is completed, only 6'. Now they will continue on the dugouts and clubhouse…a long way to go. 

Tuesday Games

Games are on.

This Week's Sponsor

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Friday Game Recap

We had 35 players today, so we fielded three 12 player teams since Pete Gelesky volunteered to catch for two of them. Thanks Pete. Today's managers were Steve Hill (hitting), Jeff Rabideau (sitting), and Mark Tutrani (fielding). True to form Steve scored five runs in the first  inning to take an early lead as the other teams only managed a single run each. The second inning saw Jeff's guys tie up the game. From there on out, it was all Team Hill as they built a five-run lead. Unfortunately, Team Hill failed to score in either the eighth or ninth innings, leaving the door open for the other teams. Jeff's team also put up goose eggs in the last two innings which just left Team Tutrani with an opportunity for the win. They certainly tried hard, as they scored two in the eighth and five more in the ninth to secure second place. Final score: Team Hill 15, Team Tutrani 13. and Team Rabideau 10. The highlight of the day was the unexpected visit by Wayne Shearer. It was great to see him again.

Outstanding Performances

Spitaleri 4-4

Rabideau 3-3

Toro 2-3 w/homer

Deloach 4-4

Vandenberg 3-3

Thank you for keeping the Witmers in your thoughts and prayers. The service for his granddaughter is scheduled for next Wednesday at The Whitten Funeral Home in Bartow from 5-7.

Friday Games

Games are on.

Remember to bring a buck or two for gift card for Jeff (the maintenance guy). Also last day to sign up for next Thursday golf outing.

Club News

 I would like to inform everyone that our Club Treasurer, Chris Lynch, has requested to step down from his position effective immediately.

I have appointed Fred DeLoach to serve as Interim Club Treasurer for the remainder of the term, which is scheduled to end next May.

On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Chris for his hard work and dedicated service during his tenure as Treasurer. His contributions have been greatly appreciated.

Please join me in wishing Fred the very best as he assumes these responsibilities and undertakes this important role.

Lou Guzman

Acting Commissioner 

                       

                                                                                ###

Tuesday Game Recap

Again, we start the blog with some administrative announcements.

1. Please keep Donnie and Bonnie in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the death of their granddaughter.

2. Please remember to bring a couple of dollars so we can recognize all the hard work Jeff is doing setting up the fields for us.

3. Remember to sign up for the League Golf Outing on Jun 25 at 1:00. Cost is $30.Information is available at the sign-in desk.

We had an interesting three team game today. Steve Hill managed the fielding team, Ron Pepin the hitting team, and Dave Rounds the sitting team. The first two teams did not score in the first inning, but, true to form, Steve's guys put up five runs and the shouts of "stacked team" resounded throughout the park. But as the old saying goes, "that's why we have to play the entire game. Ron's boys never really got going  as they were shut out in six of the seven innings. Meanwhile, Team Rounds  plugged away and was only trailing by two runs in the fifth. Team Hill had scored five runs in two of their innings and was coasting along with a slight lead. The sixth inning was key to the outcome of the game. Pepin and his guys failed to score again while Team Rounds put up three big runs to take the lead as Team Hill was shut out. The seventh and deciding inning was exciting. Unfortunately Team Pepin went three and out, while Team Rounds had six batters come to the plate but were also unable to score. That left Team Hill with a chance to pull out the victory with the top of the line up coming to bat. With one out and one man on, Ray Howard made two amazing catches looking directly into the sun and ended the game. Final score: Team Rounds 13, Team Hill 12, and Team Pepin 3.

Outstanding Performances

Constantine 4-4

Rabideau 4-4

Leslie 4-4

Turchetta 3-3

Carlos 3-3

Pepin 3-3

Gelesky 2-2

Tuesday Games

Games are on.

Do not forget to sign up for the golf outing on 25 June. Two man teams. Sign up as team or individual. We will pair singles up.

D-Bat Promotion

LGG

Friday Game Summary

Before getting into the game I need to make correction to the earlier announcement that announced the date for the golf outing as the 26th of June. The date is actually Thursday the 25th at 1:. The event will be a two person scramble/best ball. Pick your partner or we can assign one for you. Cost is $30 for golf and Pizza following the round..

 

We had three teams today, but only two showed up. Unfortunately for Don Ouding and his team there are not a lot of highlights. They scored one run in the first inning and then were shut out the rest of the way. Mark Tutrani held them to just 10 hits for the game. Dave Round's team did better as they scored nine runs and actually held the lead through the third inning. Steve Hill's  team started strong with five in the first before being shut down in the second and third. A five run inning in the fourth and fifth innings provided them with a six run lead.  The final scores were Hill 17, Rounds 9 and Ouding 1.

 

Outstanding performances

Rounds 3-3

Nestor 4-4

Williamson 4-4

Carlos 4-4

Gonzales 3-3

BJ 3-3

Rabideau 2-2

Friday Games

Games are on.

League golf outing 26 Jun. Cost $30 for golf and pizza. Sign up sheet will be there this morning.

Message from Acting Commissioner

Surgery update 

First, I'd like to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Yesterday I went in for my shoulder surgery at 10:30 am. Waking up afterward was rough, but I’m home recovering. My wife Jackie met with the doctor, and he said everything went well and that I should have a good recovery. I see him in two weeks, so I'll know more then. 

On another note, I had my procedure done at Celebration orthopedic. They have their own surgery center that is only a year old. It is a beautiful and clean facility. I would recommend this to anyone.

Once again thank you

Lou Guzman Acting Commissioner. 

Actualización de la cirugía

En primer lugar, me gustaría agradecerles a todos por sus pensamientos y oraciones. Ayer fui a mi cirugía de hombro a las 10:30 de la mañana. Despertar después fue difícil, pero estoy en casa recuperándome. Mi esposa Jackie se reunió con el médico, y me dijo que todo salió bien y que debería tener una buena recuperación. Lo veo en dos semanas, así que sabré más entonces.

En otra nota, me hice el procedimiento en Celebration Orthopedic. Tienen su propio centro de cirugía que solo tiene un año de antigüedad. Es una instalación hermosa y limpia. Se lo recomendaría a cualquiera.

Una vez más, gracias

Lou Guzmán Comisionado Interino.

Tuesday,s Game

We ended up with fourteen and fifteen players on each team today but I still think everyone enjoyed themselves, especially Wally since his team won.  The downside was that folks only managed to get up to bat a few times. The game started out with both Fred and Wally' teams scoring five in the first inning, while Steve Hill's team went three and out. Unfortunately it never got better for them as they only managed six runs for the game. They put up five goose eggs in the game, A lot of that was the result for hitting into four double plays. Wally took the lead in the second and held on to win it all. Fred pulled within one run in the fifth inning and could never get closer. Final score Wally 10, Fred 9, and  6.

 

Outstanding Performances

Williamson 3-3

Vandenberg 2-2

Learn 2-2

Rounds 3-3

Carlos 3-3

King 2-2

Marino 2-2

 

Tuesday Games

Games are on. See you at the ballpark.

Friday Game Recap

Today's three team game was exciting to say the least. There were two or three times throughout the game that any one of the teams could win. Today's managers were Steve Hill (hitting), Don Ouding (sitting), and Fred DeLoach (fielding). Steve's team took a commanding lead after getting five runs in each of the first three innings. Fred's team scored five in the first two innings and then cooled off. In the fourth inning the scores were 15,9, and 10. In the fifth, Don;s guys score seven runs to tie up the game and then took the lead in the sixth, outscoring Team Hill three to one .In the last inning, Steve's  guys put up five runs to lead by three. Team Ouding looked to be out of it, but had a five run two out rally to regain the lead. Fred's team managed to score in each of the last three innings but the amount ended up being less than the other two. So with the game on the line, they came up needed eleven runs to tie. Alas they didn't do it, managing to only score two runs. Final score Team Ouding 24, Team Hill 22, and Team DeLoach 15.

 

Outstanding Performances

Zelazny 4-5

Reagan 4-4

Rabideau 4-4

Rounds 4-4

Williamson 4-4 w2 doubles

Ramon 4-4 w2 triples

Cruz 3-3

JD 4-4

Manny 4-4 w 2homers and triple