Tuesday, July 14th

Well, our first day back to the ball park was a hot one. We only played 7 innings and I think everyone but Don Fee was glad we did. We had 20 players today, two teams of 10 each. We had several other players come out and watch. Some people wore masks and some didn't. Overall, we did a pretty good job at social distancing. Ralph sat in the bleachers all by himself. 

The City of Winter Haven has passed a mandatory mask ordinance that begins at 5:00 PM today. For those of you that did not have a mask today, make sure you bring one on Friday. Masks are not required on the ball field, but if you can not maintain social distancing anywhere else, you are required to wear one. Please comply with this ordinance so you do not get WHSS in trouble.

We will be playing again this Friday. We are on summer hours. Be at the ball park no later than 8:30 AM and we will try to start the games by 9:00 AM. If you don't come on time, you may not get any batting practice. Bring your own drinks. WHSS is not providing a water cooler at this time due to the VIRUS. WHSS is providing hand sanitizer to be used before and after the games. 

Remember, Stay Safe, Wash Your Hands Frequently, Wear a Face Mask in Public, Avoid Crowds and if you are sick, Stay Home.  

Don Witmer, Commissioner

Winter Haven Senior Softball

Tuesday July 14

Games are on. Bring your mask. Social distancing is required. Bring your own drinks. No league cooler provided. More rules to come.

Sent from my iPhone

WERE PLAYING BALL AGAIN

GOOD NEWS. On Tuesday, July 14th we will be able to play ball again at the Diamondplex. We will be on Summer hours. Be at the ball park no later than 8:30 AM and we will begin playing at 9:00 AM. We will be required to practice social distancing. There will be no gathering at the sign up table or under the pavilion. If you are in the stands, you will be required to maintain 6 ft. distance between people. If you are in the dugouts, you will be required to maintain 6 ft. distance between players. Masks will not be required of players. Spectators may be required to wear a mask. If you cannot live by these rules, don't come to the ball park. 

The VIRUS is alive and well in Polk County and the State of Florida. We do not want to do anything to call attention to us playing ball in Winter Haven or we may lose that privilege. If you know someone that does not have a computer, please call them and let them know we are playing ball again.

Stay Safe, Wash Your Hands, Wear a Face Mask in Public, Avoid Crowds and if you are sick, Stay Home. 

Don Witmer. Commissioner

Winter Haven Senior Softball 

 

There was a pick up game this morning at the Field of Dreams NOT located in Iowa but in Lake Alfred, Florida. 

12 players showed up from our National and American leagues, divided into 3 teams of 4 each and played a hard fought game of 4 hitters against 8 in the field. After batting practice and 2 hard played innings the game was over with the score 7-7-5. The 2 co-champion teams were awarded a virtual pat on the back and the 3rd place team was awarded a real hand sanitizer. 

It was very fun with many rules made up during the 2 inning game. 

Hope to see y'all soon. 

Write up by Loren Fabian. 

UPDATES FROM MY POST ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH

Well, I got my hopes up to play ball this week but the City of Winter Haven shot me down again. The City has now decided that we cannot play ball until the week of July 13th. Our first pickup game would be on Tuesday, July 14th. They will not even let us have batting practice on the fields until then. I certainly do not understand their reasoning but they are in charge and there is nothing I can do about it. 

I did have batting practice in Lakeland this morning but only four people showed up besides myself. The fields were wet from all the rain we have been getting and the City staff was concerned about their batters boxes. We hit a couple of buckets of balls from in front of home plate and went home. The City staff did say they were concerned about large crowds at this time. 

Polk County's fields are open for batting practice. I understand that some people are hitting balls at Carter Road (Loyce Harpe Park) and everything is fine there. I may try to go to Carter Road this week and will post something when I do. The FHC 60's, 65's, 70's and 74's Tournament scheduled for July 11-12 is now excepting sign ups. The tournament will be at Carter Road and Walker Road. They are limiting the tournament to the first 60 Teams that sign up. 

There are still a lot of concerns in local government about the COVID-19 virus. They are being overly cautious but it might be to our advantage. None of us want to have the virus or be responsible for spreading the virus. I would not be surprised if more changes to our schedule will occur. In the meantime, Stay Safe, Wash Your hands, Practice Social Distancing, Wear a Face Mask in Public, Avoid Crowds and if your are sick, Stay Home. 

Don Witmer, Commissioner

Winter Haven Senior Softball

   

UPDATE FROM MY POST YESTERDAY

Lakeland Senior Softball has received an update regarding the use of the City of Lakeland's softball fields. You can go to their website and review the latest info. In a nutshell, There will be no pickup games allowed and only small groups will be allowed on the fields. They were not sure about batting practice. I still plan on being there at 9:00 AM. There are three field available and depending on how many people show up, we will be on different fields. We will not be affiliated with any adult league but just a bunch of old guys that want to hit a few softballs. 

Sorry for the confusion, but during my conversation with City of Lakeland staff it mirrored what Lakeland Senior Softball put on their website yesterday. Somebody in government changed their minds and that is their prerogative. They are in charge.

If you come Monday morning, please bring your face mask and your hand sanitizer. 

Don Witmer, Commissioner

Winter Haven Senior Softball

Thursday, June 4th

Hey Everyone, we are getting closer to playing ball. I Hope. The Governor's Phase 2 plan goes into effect tomorrow but it does not mention adult softball. Neither does Phase 3. That's not good. However, the plan does mention large sporting events and that could include us. I will be discussing the Phase 2 plan with the City of Winter Haven next week. We will see how they interpret the Phase 2 plan. 

Polk County is opening up their ball parks on Monday, June 8th. You can go take batting practice on their fields but no organized adults leagues will be allowed to play. That means Winter Haven Senior Softball.

Hopefully that will change in a week or two because the County is allowing Florida Half Century to play a 50's softball tournament on June 20-21. The July 11-12 FHC 60's tournament has been approved by the County so thing are getting better in the county.

The City of Lakeland will open their fields to practice on Monday, June 8th. You can look at the Lakeland Senior Softball website for details. I will be in Lakeland at the Southwest Fields on Monday morning at 9:00 AM to have batting practice for anyone who wants to show up. If it is raining, I won't be there. I will post something from my phone to let you know. CDC Guidelines and Social Distancing will be required.

That is the latest news. Stay Safe, Wash Your Hands, Practice Social Distancing, Wear a Mask in Public and most important, if you are sick, stay home.

Don Witmer, Commissioner

Winter Haven Senior Softball