In Memory of Don Hawbaker

 It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Don Hawbaker, age 78, on August 22, 2026. Don became part of WHSSC in 2013 and remained a valued member until his retirement in 2025.

Attention Members

Bats have arrived, and they are selling like "Hot Cakes" 

Get yours ASAP before they run out.

Just $180 each.

 

🥎 TEAM AYERS BRINGS THE BATS — AND THE GLOVES

Friday belonged to Team Ayers.

Team Tutrani (Hitting) – 5
Team Rabideau (Sitting) – 11
Team Ayers (Fielding) – 14

Team Ayers didn’t just show up ready to hit — they played an exceptional defensive game as well, with Ayers on the mound holding Team Tutrani to just five runs all morning.

Team Tutrani actually got off to a promising start. DeLoach and Lynch reached with base hits, Griffin launched a home run, and Vandenberg added another hit as three runs crossed the plate.

Unfortunately, that promising beginning turned out to be most of the offense.

Griffin and Tutrani crossed the plate in the fourth, and that was it. Team Ayers slammed the door from there, keeping Tutrani off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

The middle team of Rabideau had much better luck at the plate early, manufacturing nine runs through the first three innings. Pablo collected two base hits, JD scored twice, and Muniz and Rabideau each reached base twice and scored. Fleming crossed the plate once, Hudson twice, and Marino also added a run.

Then those bats went quiet.

Rabideau was held scoreless in the fourth, fifth and sixth before making one last push in the seventh. Muniz and Rabideau both scored to cut into the lead, but the rally fell just short.

And then there was Team Ayers.

They wasted absolutely no time announcing what kind of morning this was going to be.

Williams doubled, followed by singles from Gil, Doyle, Ramon, Rounds, Cruz and Michl, and just like that — five runs were on the board in the first inning.

The bats heated up again in the third. Williams, Gil and Doyle all singled and eventually crossed the plate behind hits from Rounds and Testa.

After a quieter fourth, the top of the Ayers lineup went right back to work in the fifth. Williams, Gil and Ramon singled, Rounds doubled, and four more runs came home.

In the sixth, Michl and Amy joined the scoring, coming around on hits from Williams and Gil.

And the seventh?

No need.

With a 14–11–5 advantage, Team Ayers had already done enough damage. They commanded the game all morning with timely hitting, strong defense and pitching that never gave Team Tutrani a chance to get back into it.

When you bring the bats AND the gloves, apparently you get to go home without batting in the seventh. 

Friday

Games are on

Games are on!

Games are at Ruben Field today. LGG

#### Welcome Back Richard's Coffee ####

We like to welcome Richard's Coffee Shop for the 2027 season. 

330 Avenue A NW

Winter Haven, FL 33881

863-291-3082

https://richardsfinecoffees.com/

Richard’s Coffee is the heart of Winter Haven—a place where exceptional coffee meets authentic community. More than just a café, we’re a vibrant gathering spot that blends rich flavors with local culture. Whether stopping by for a handcrafted latte, enjoying live music on First Fridays, or catching up with friends, Richard’s Coffee offers a welcoming, creative space where everyone belongs.

Our goal is to make each visit a moment of connection, inspiration, and warmth, so that each guest leaves not only satisfied but feeling part of something meaningful. At Richard’s, you’re more than a customer—you’re a part of our community story.

Richard’s Coffee is the heart of Winter Haven—a place where exceptional coffee meets authentic community. More than just a café, we’re a vibrant gathering spot that blends rich flavors with local culture. Whether stopping by for a handcrafted latte, enjoying live music on First Fridays, or catching up with friends, Richard’s Coffee offers a welcoming, creative space where everyone belongs.

Special thanks to Pat LoPiccollo for getting this sponsor. 

🥎 08.25.26 Bats, Gloves & a Little Girl Power

Team Wally – Hitting/Visitors: 3
Team Rounds – Sitting/Middle: 5
Team Hill – Fielding/Home: 16

Well, the bats weren't exactly putting on a fireworks show today — unless, of course, you happened to be wearing a Team Hill shirt.

So when the offense is a little sparse, we do what any good sportswriter does:

Change the subject and talk about defense. 

First, though, credit where credit is due.

Lopicolo was outstanding on the mound for Team Hill, holding Team Wally to just three runs for the entire game. On the other side, Rabideau settled in after Team Rounds scored five in the first and then shut them out the rest of the way.

Unfortunately for everyone else, Team Hill apparently decided they were going to play both offense AND defense today.

They came out swinging with five runs in the first, added another in the third, then apparently got bored and decided to score five more in both the fourth and sixth innings to finish with 16.

The first inning set the tone. Carlos blasted a home run that helped bring four runs across, Doyle doubled, JD singled, Constantine added a hit, and Gutenburger knocked in the fifth run.

And Doyle never cooled off — two doubles and a single, scoring every time he came to the plate. Davis added three base hits and scored twice, Constantine had two singles and a double while scoring twice, and Gutenburger collected three hits and a run.

Basically, Team Hill was lit up from top to bottom.

Team Wally's bats may not have had much to say, but once the first-inning coffee kicked in, their defense certainly did.

At one point, Billy completed the defensive trifecta — all three outs in the inning. Apparently he decided involving teammates was optional.

And then there was "the girl" in middle field.

A cutoff came in from deep in the outfield, and Leslie fired it toward home to nail the runner at the plate.

Did the throw bounce?

Yes.

More than once?

Maybe, we don't need to get caught up in unnecessary details.

Did the runner get called OUT?

Absolutely.

Scorebooks don't record style points. 

And speaking of girls, we welcomed Amy to the field today!

Her very first at-bat, Amy ripped a hard shot right up the middle.

Great hit.

Unfortunately, she apparently hadn't received the orientation packet explaining that the girl was playing middle.

Grounder fielded. Throw to first. OUT.

Welcome to Winter Haven Senior Softball, Amy!  We’re really glad to have you — but apparently we could’ve been a little nicer on your first at-bat. 

And because I've apparently been coerced into reporting the entire story, she also snagged a line drive up the middle.

So yes...

The girl had herself a pretty darn good day.

There. It's officially documented. We can all move on now. 

And finally, perhaps the biggest accomplishment of the entire morning:

EVERYBODY MOVED!

On the field.
Off the field.
Between innings.

There was actual purpose in our steps, most of the time!

After last game's slow-motion performance, today's crew hustled enough that we completed seven full innings with time to spare — and Team Hill didn't even need its final at-bat.

See what happens when we move like somebody left the air-conditioning on in the parking lot?

Seven innings. Time to spare. Nobody got hurt from the sudden increase in speed.

I'm calling that a win. 

 

Tuesday

Games are on

  ***Notice***

Reminder: We will remain at Reuben Williams Field until Mid-September. 

Remember to check in at 8:30 am.

Address: 📍 Reuben Williams Field
711 Ave O NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881

                          

#### Welcome Back Tucker Carpet Sponsor 2027 Season ####

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1505 6th Street
Winter Haven, FL 33880
863-877-4962
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Big Thanks to Loren Fabian for getting this sponsor.

                                                            ###

######## I am excited to welcome back Ridge Energy Savers. #######

 Ridge Energy Savers

135 South Acuff Road

Lake Wales, FL 33859

Phone: 863-676-2665   

Website:  https://ridgeenergy.com

 

Ridge Energy looks forward to not only resolving challenges but exceeding expectations through quality products and exceptional job performance. Our expertise qualifies our NATE-certified team as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, ensuring proper HVAC design, installation, repair, and maintenance procedures.

 

At Ridge Energy Savers, we enjoy taking the best possible care of all makes and models of cooling equipment. Get in touch with us at 863-676-2665 for air conditioner maintenance in Lake Wales, FL, and surrounding areas, and get rewards you can trust. We maximize the return from your investment and stand behind what we do. As a second-generation family-owned and operated HVAC dealer, we continue 52 years of an unblemished reputation. We’re well-known around the community for our fleet of bright red service vehicles, as well as our commitment to honest, reliable, and skilled workmanship.