April 1st - Saturday - Single game statistics were kept for each player according to the score sheets. Since the 2006 Winter Haven Senior Softball Club season came to a conclusion on March 17th, a list of the top three leaders by category has been compiled.
The statistics are only as accurate as the score sheets that were compiled.
| Batting Average | Russ King | .827 |
| Fred Dampier | .776 | |
| Bill Ravo | .746 |
| At Bats | Jerry Witter | 93 |
| Ray Petrie | 92 | |
| Don LaMay | 89 | |
| Frank Miller | 89 |
| Runs Scored | Frank Miller | 58 |
| Russ King | 54 | |
| Don Erb | 49 | |
| Denny Shaffer | 49 | |
| Ray Petrie | 49 |
| Hits | Russ King | 67 |
| Frank Miller | 61 | |
| Fred Dampier | 59 |
| Doubles | Fred Dampier | 25 |
| Ron Thompson | 19 | |
| Bill Evans | 19 | |
| Russ King | 16 |
| Triples | Frank Miller | 9 |
| Don Erb | 7 | |
| Russ King | 7 | |
| Denny Shaffer | 7 | |
| Bill Rutan | 6 | |
| Bill Evans | 6 |
| Home Runs | Don Erb | 13 |
| Fred Dampier | 11 | |
| Bernie Peterson | 8 | |
| Chris Constantine | 8 | |
| Doug McLellan | 8 |
| Walks | Morris Rosenhack | 16 |
| Dick Wachter | 16 | |
| Terry Feehan | 13 | |
| Vic Platania | 11 |
| Sacrifice Flies | Fred Dampier | 5 |
| Denny Shaffer | 3 | |
| Jim Margolin | 2 | |
| Fred Ducham | 2 | |
| Bill Rutan | 2 | |
| Bill Evans | 2 | |
| Frank Miller | 2 |
| Pitching Wins | Rich Palmer | 10 |
| Dick Sessink | 9 | |
| Jerry Witter | 8 | |
April 4th - Following an eight day vacation at Treasure Island, Florida, spring break is over now. The weather was cool the first two days at Treasure Island, with winds gusting upwards to 15 MPH. By the end of the week, however, the winds subsided & brought tremendous weather for lazing around on the beach for hours & hours.
A total of 33 ballplayers signed up to play today so three even teams of 11 participated in a 7 inning game. At gametime, the temperature was approximately 72° F, while the high today is forecasted to reach a comfortable 82° F.
In his final game in Winter Haven before heading back home to New York, pitcher Jerry Witter received the win against pitchers Rich Palmer & Ted Granoski. The final score was 18-9-9.
Doug McLellan connected for two homers for the winning team &, with the help of Freddy Gonzalez pinch running from the fence behind home plate, Ted Granoski also hit a homer.
Fred Dampier hit the upper half of the right centerfield fence over the head of defending player Ed Neumyer for
a triple in the 1st inning & later blasted a homer over the fence for the first time ever.
Rich Palmer hit a gapper that allowed him to achieve a double. Nice hit Rich.
Morris Rosenhack had a seeing eye hit, as the grounder avoided the outstretched gloves of 3rd baseman Jerry Remington & shortstop Ray DePalma.
In the field, 3rd baseman Elvis Abney snared a hard line shot from the bat of Shannon Steinmetz & fired to 1st baseman Ed Schmiedeke to double up base runner Gene Morey. Gene ran on the hit, because it appeared the ball would clear the infield. Another defensive gem occured when 2nd baseman Hank Gomez began a double play by catching a liner, followed by a quick throw to 1st baseman Ed Schmiedeke to complete the play.
A new ballplayer joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club today after regularly playing softball in the morning senior league in Kissimmee. Sam Harrell is retired & living in Winter Haven full time now. Welcome aboard, Sam.
April 7th - The number of ballplayers are holding steady at three teams as 35 were in attendance today. The final score was 14-13-8 in the 7 inning contest, but the game was tied at 8-8-8 to begin the 6th inning. The winning team pushed across 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th & to take a 13-8-8 lead, but team one battled back to score 5 in the final frame. Newcomer Rich Kralik drove in the winning run with no outs in the bottom of the 7th inning to assure a win for team
three. Ted Granoski recorded the victory against opposing pitchers Don Witmer & Dick Sessink.
Three players had perfect days at the plate. Doug McLellan went 3 for 3 with two doubles. One of the doubles was a drive over defending left centerfielder Fred Dampier that landed on the warning track.
Bob Lewis & Ed Schmiedeke also went 3 for 3 today.
Fred Dampier blasted a homerun way over the head of leftfielder Freddy Gonzalez & teammate Erv Szewczuga hit a gapper double
that was finally retrieved by Freddy.
Several double plays were executed in the game. Second baseman Hank Gomez stopped a hard grounder, threw to shortstop Doug McLellan, who in turn fired to first baseman Gene Morey for the second out. Second baseman Jack Valliere began two double plays. The first one went from Jack to shortstop Jim Laffoon to first baseman Ed Schmiedeke & the second double play went from Jack to rover Reg Barnes to Ed at first base.
Rover Jack Donnelly caught two line drives that would have gone for singles.
Outfielders and
teammates Fred Dampier & right centerfielder Bob Lewis each had to charge in hard to catch fly balls. Also, rightfielder teammate Shannon Steinmetz caught two long fly balls during the game.
Today marked the final game of the season for Floyd Welton, who is leaving for his new home in Tennessee & Ed Schmiedeke, who is returning to St. Louis, Missouri. Have a safe trip home Floyd & Ed, and stay healthy for the upcoming 2007 Winter Haven Senior Softball Club season.
A new player joined the league today. Rich Kralik is a friend of Ron Thompson. Welcome aboard Rich.
One last note of interest. Former Winter Haven Senior Softball Club member David Menges, who played during the 2004 season, has moved back to Las Vegas, Nevada & is successfully managing his Local's Backyard Gourmet Sauces business. David expects his product line to become stocked in grocery stores within the next two months. Good luck David & please keep in contact.
April 11th - The final score was 14-11-9 in the three team game today since 31 ballplayers signed in to play. Dick Sessink was the winning pitcher against opposing pitchers Ted Granoski & Rich Palmer.
There were plenty of extra base hits during the seven inning contest. Doug McLellan lead the group with one double & two homers. The first homer was out of the reach of leftfielder Fred Ducham & the second homer was over the head of right centerfielder Sam Harrell. Nice
hits Doug.
Fred Dampier connected for one double & one triple. The triple was over the head of defending left centerfielder Art Zakrowski. Freddy Gonzalez hit two doubles, one of which was down the third base line to left fielder Fred Ducham. Jack Valliere pounded a double to right centerfielder Sam Harrell & Frank Miller hit a triple beyond leftfielder Bob Lewis.
In the field, one double play was produced. Pitcher Ted Granoski fielded a grounder, turned & flipped the ball to rover Gene Morey. Gene completed the play with a toss to first baseman Rusty Landahl.
Shortstop Russ King got a glove on a liner over his head. Russ recovered by retrieving the ball & throwing to second base to force base runner Gene Morey.
Leftfielder Fred Ducham made an excellent catch on a line shot foul ball hit by Ron Cerotzke. After making the catch, Fred crashed hard into the foul line fence past third base.
April 14th - The comfortable Florida climate enticed 40 ballplayers to show up at the old ballpark today. Two games were played with four even teams of ten per team. With a final score of 20-16 on Field "D", Rich Palmer was the winning pitcher
against Dick Sessink. The starting pitchers for the game on Field "C" were Ted Granoski and Fred Dampier. Ted received the win against relief pitcher Mike Swartz, who relieved Fred after seven innings. The home team won in the bottom of the 9th inning by a score of 16-15 after the visitors
rallied for two runs to tie the score at 15 in the top of the final frame.
Russ King had the winning hit as he drove in Bill Walker, who had reached 1st on a single. The winning hit by Russ was a gapper between right centerfielder Ron Cerotzke & rightfielder Shannon Steinmetz.
Freddy Gonzalez blasted a two run homerun for the losing team on Field "C". Russ King, Elvis Abney, and Ron Thompson all hit well today & Joe DeForge had two hits to left centerfield in front of Freddy Gonzalez.
Only one double play was executed on Field "C". Shortstop Russ King fielded a grounder, threw to rover Ron Thompson covering 2nd base, & Ron completed the play with a toss to first baseman Rich Kralik. Shortstop Don Witmer leaped high in the air to catch a hard line drive from the bat of Frank Miller. Nice catch Don.
In the outfield, rightfielder Shannon Steinmetz caught two fly balls hit in his direction.
A genuine "Thank you" needs to be extended to Doug Chamlee for calling the balls & strikes for the game on Field "C". Also, Joel Freedman didn't play so he volunteered to make the calls at first base & second base. Doug is recovering from a shoulder operation that sidelined him for the complete 21 game season this year & his arm is still in a sling. Thank you Doug & thank you Joel.
April 18th - We played the games on two fields again since 38 players arrived at the ballpark. The game on Field "D" ended in a 31-14 rout. Dick Sessink received the win against opposing pitcher Larry Powell.
The game on Field "C" was much closer in the high scoring contest. The final score was 30-24. Pitcher Ted Granoski recorded the win against Rich Palmer. Dick Wilhelm pitched the final three frames in relief for Ted.
Several homeruns were hit on
Field "C". Russ King connected for two homers in the game & Fred Dampier also hit two homers. One of Fred's dingers was a gapper grand slam homerun between right centerfielder Marshall Bloom & rightfielder Shannon Steinmetz. Freddy Gonzalez & Bill Hepworth also hit homeruns.
Although none of his hits were homers, Jim Laffoon hit the three longest balls of the games. Three balls hit by Jim landed in the warning track. Jim was perfect at the plate today and ended up with three triples & one double. Ron Thompson was also perfect at the plate in the game on Field "D".
Both Rusty Landahl & Shannon Steinmetz burned left centerfielder Fred Dampier for doubles & Shannon had an exceptional day at the plate. Russ King, Fred Dampier, & Marshall Bloom all hit well today on Field "C". Erv Szewczuga & Phil Johnson each had three consecutive hits to begin the game on Field "D".
Today was the last game for Russ King. He will be returning to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Have a safe trip Russ & we look forward to seeing you again this fall.
April 19th -
As many know, Hugh Lessard, one of our fellow
ballplayers, experienced a
problem with his heart & had to return to Canada earlier than expected for an operation.
Hugh is doing well now & his doctor has given his approval for Hugh to begin playing softball again.
He is riding his exercise bike everyday to rebuild his stamina & endurance. In addition, he is working out in his shop and has indicated that he is feeling much better now.
Hugh & his wife Wendy wish to express their gratitude to everyone who have kept Hugh in their prayers & to all who have sent well wishes through get well cards or email.
Take care, Hugh, and we all look forward to your return.
April 21st - Thirty-three ballplayers showed up for the three team contest. The final score was 19-17-15, with pitcher Rich Palmer receiving the win against pitchers Fred Dampier & Ted Granoski.
The second place team fought back from a huge deficit to come within one run of a tie by scoring 13 runs in the 6th inning. The rally ended when an illegal runner became the designated runner from home for the batter. Everyone must remember that the rules have to be enforced for the game to be played in an orderly fashion.
Larry Powell
connected for a three run homer early in the game to put his team in the lead. Bill Hepworth clouted a homer for his team & Jerry Noble hit a shot over the head of defending leftfielder Frank Miller for a homerun.
Dick Sessink drove in three runs in his first three at bats with a sacrifice fly ball and two hits to keep his team in the game. Also, Don Witmer, Frank Miller, Freddy Gonzalez, & Rich Palmer all hit well today.
In the field, only one double play was executed, but it was pulled off in excellent fashion. A hard ground ball was hit up the middle & fielded by rover Ron Cerotzke, who immediately touched second base for the first out. Ron then fired a strike to first baseman Dick Sessink to complete the twin killing.
Leftfielder Frank Miller made a fine running catch on a hard hit fair ball near the foul line.
Shortstop Don Witmer leaped high in the air to snag a line drive for an out. Nice catch Don.
Today was the last game for Art Zakrowski & Ron Cerotzke. Art is heading back to Granger, Indiana & Ron will be spending his summers in Arlington Heights, Illinios. Take care Art & Ron and have a safe trip back home.
The Winter Haven Senior Softball Club welcomed a new member today. Tim Gallagher is a retired prison guard & lives in Indian Lake Estates. Welcome aboard Tim.
April 25th - We were down to 27 ballplayers today. The numbers are beginning to dwindle as the snowbirds head back north for the summer.
The final score was 14-9-7 in the seven inning game. Two players from the sitting team filled in on defense so there would be 11 on the field. Rich Palmer pitched for the winning team for the second game in-a-row and helped his cause with a three hit game. The opposing pitchers were Dick Sessink & Ted Granoski.
One homer was produced in the game as Ted Taylor
drove a ball down the right field line against defending rightfielder Bob Lewis. Nice hit Ted.
Perhaps the longest ball was a triple from the bat of Dean Schapeler. The ball landed about ten feet from the warning track as it sailed way over the head of right centerfielder Marshall Bloom. Another long ball was hit by Fred Dampier as he drove a ball deep to left centerfield between leftfielder Freddy Gonzalez & left centerfielder Ted Taylor, who had cheated over towards right centerfield. The fifth & final run scored from third base so Fred ended up with a long single for his effort.
Doug McLellan had a good day at the plate and recorded a triple. Frank Miller had a perfect 4 for 4 with a walk & Hank Gomez had three hits. Joe DeForge had a nice hit to left centerfield & tipped his cap upon reaching first base. Good hit Joe.
In the field, leftfielder Freddy Gonzalez caught a fly ball from the bat of Gene Morey & doubled up the runner with a sharply thrown ball to 1st baseman Rusty Landahl. The runner had gone half way to second and wasn't able to get back to 1st in time. Compliments to Freddy for the strong throw & to Rusty for applying the tag on the runner.
One double play was turned today. Second baseman Sam Harrell fielded a grounder, threw to rover Vassurl Bess covering 2nd base, & Bess threw to 1st baseman Hank Gomez for the second out.
Pitcher Rich Palmer snagged a hard line drive hit by Shannon Steinmetz for the out. Nice catch Rich.
In the outfield, right centerfielder Bill Walker had to run in hard to catch a liner hit his way. Also, leftfielder Fred Dampier raced back to rob Jaime Rivera of a sure extra base hit.
Three more snowbirds played their last game for awhile in Winter Haven today. Bob Lewis will be going back to Cheshire, Massachusetts, Frank Miller will be heading to Byron Center, Michigan, & Ted Taylor will be going back to his summer home in Markham, Ontario, Canada. See you guys this fall.
April 28th - The last game for the month of April brought out 23 players, so a two team, 9 inning game was played. For the first time in recent memory, the game wasn't close as the final score was 25-12. Ted Granoski was the pitcher for the winning team against opponent Rich Palmer.
Freddy Gonzalez lead the charge for the winning team with a gapper homer beyond right centerfielder John Smith. Freddy also pounded out two doubles in
that same general vicinity. Phil Johnson hit well today & legged out a triple that left centerfielder Fred Dampier couldn't cut off.
The losing team had a couple of guys who batted well today. Chuck Duff connected for a bases loaded double in the direction of right centerfielder Bill Walker to score two runs.
Jack Valliere hit a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate, including a double to defending
rightfielder Shannon Steinmetz.
Ted Granoski & Don Witmer had productive plate appearances for the winning team, as well as Larry Powell and Bill Walker.
There were some notable defensive plays in the game today. The only double play occurred when right fielder Sam Harrell caught a line drive hit by Jack Donnelly & recovered in time to double the runner off first base, who had thought the ball was a safe hit.
Don Witmer drove a hard liner toward first baseman Dick Sessink, who made a nice catch.
Speedster Freddy Gonzalez tried to hit a high arc pitch by Rich Palmer, only to manage a slow grounder back to Rich, who threw to catcher Morris Rosenhack for the out at home. Jaime Rivera ran on the play since the hit was a weak grounder.
Doug McLellan played his last game for the season this past Tuesday & injured his shoulder when a teammate collided with him on a defensive play at second base. Doug had intended to play today but the injury is more severe than expected so he will head back home to Keswick, Ontario, Canada until the fall.
Today marked the last game for Erv Szewczuga & John Smith. Erv will be heading back to Waupaca, Wisconsin & John will be going home to Ithaca, New York. Take care & please return in the fall Doug, Erv, & John.
