November 4th - Today is the presidential election day in the U.S. of A. Senator John McCain is the Republican candidate and Senator Barack Obama represents the Democrats. There are also 11 other nominees for president but will prove insignificant in the election. Be sure to go out and vote today.
The home team was ahead from the beginning on Fred White Field and never relinquished the lead. They scored 16 runs in the first four innings of the game. Powerhouse hitter Wally Granger ended the day with three inside-the-park homers and lead the charge for the visitors.
The visiting team did attempt to tie the game in the fourth but were just too far behind at the time. They managed a six run inning and batted everyone in the lineup except the lead off batter, who had made the last out in the previous frame. Twelve players were in the batting order for all four teams this morning.
The game on Field E was one for the records. The visiting team scored 12 runs in the seventh to tie the game as they sent 16 batters to the plate. The home team was somewhat deflated after the onslaught of runs and only managed one run in the seventh and one in the eighth inning. But those two runs were enough for a two run lead heading into the last frame. The visiting team broke open again and pushed across 17 runs as they batted through the order almost two complete times.
Besides the three hit by Wally, inside-the-park homers were also hit by Chris Constantine, Freddy Gonzalez, and Mike Stepp.
| Witter | 1 0 0 | 6 0 0 | 0 5 0 = 12 | Radlein | 1 3 2 | 1 1 0 |
 0  = 37 |
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| Sessink | 4 5 2 | 4 0 5 | 2 0 X = 22 | Powell | 5 0 5 | 3 5 2 | 1 1 1 = 23 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Joe D'Herin - 7 for 7 with 2 triples & 3 doubles.
Don Witmer - 5 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Wally Granger - 4 for 4 with 3 homers.
Freddy Gonzalez - 6 for 7 with 1 homer & 3 doubles.
Dick Mahon - 6 for 7 with 2 doubles.
Gene Morey - 5 for 6.
Bob Zelazny - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Gale Doty - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Ron Thompson - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Dave Podbielski - 4 for 5 with 1 walk.
Larry Powell - 4 for 5.
Reg Barnes - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Vassurl Bess - 3 for 4.
Doug McLellan - 3 for 4.
Wayne Mundy - 3 for 4.
Dick Sessink - 3 for 4.
Jack Valliere - 3 for 4.
Jerry Witter - 3 for 4.
Carl Luebking is nursing an injured wheel so he opted out of playing in the games this morning. He graciously volunteered to give some assistance to home plate umpire Chuck Duff by umpiring at first base on Field E. Thank you Carl and Chuck. Chuck has worked behind the plate for the past two weeks and almost always helps when he doesn't play. Ted Granoski has taken over the umpiring duties behind the plate on Fred White Field since his return from his summer home in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Thank you Ted. We shouldn't take the crew for granted and we really appreciate their help.
Joe D'Herin returned from Dearborn, Michigan, Joe Hissey returned from Baltimore, Maryland, and Ed Schmiedeke came out of retirement and arrived from St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome back Joe, Joe, and Ed.
Two players joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. After one free play date, Dave Podbielski and Pat Accetta both decided to return and join the group. Dave has lived in Florida for the past 13 years and was born in Schenectady, New York. Welcome aboard Dave and Pat.
November 7th - Neither of the final scores of the two games were close. Each team took the lead in the first inning and never let loose. Rich Palmer recorded the win against fellow pitcher Dick Sessink on Field E this morning. Jerry Witter pitched for the victors on Fred White Field against opposing pitcher Eddie Diaz. Both Eddie and Jerry had excellent days at the plate. Jerry drove in six runs in his last three at bats. Runners were on second and third each time and Jerry came through with huge hits for his team. Eddie Diaz belted an inside-the-park homer in his first trip to the plate. He chased Bill Ravo all the way around the bases since Bill singled before the shot by Eddie. While Eddie was running, he barked several times for Bill to GO and RUN. Some of us thought Freddy Gonzalez was in the house.
Joe D'Herin legged out an inside-the-park homer to the opposite field on Field E this morning.
| Palmer | 3 5 5 | 1 0 0 | 1 3 4 = 22 | Diaz | 0 2 3 | 0 0 5 | 2 0 1 = 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sessink | 1 0 0 | 2 4 0 | 4 0 3 = 14 | Witter | 5 0 3 | 5 0 5 | 1 4 X = 23 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Joe D'Herin - 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 3 doubles.
Bob DiPietro - 5 for 5 with 3 doubles.
Doug Chamlee - 5 for 5 with 1 triple.
Bob Lewis - 5 for 5 with 1 walk.
Wally Granger - 4 for 4 with 1 triple, 2 doubles, & 1 walk.
Roger Edwards - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 3 doubles.
Bob Christiansen - 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Chris Constantine - 4 for 5 with 3 doubles.
Eddie Diaz - 4 for 5 with 1 homer.
Walt Leggett - 4 for 5.
Bill Ravo - 4 for 5.
Dick Sessink - 4 for 5.
Jack Valliere - 4 for 5.
Bill Walker - 4 for 5.
Jerry Witter - 4 for 5.
Dan Connolly dropped by the old ball park and watched some of the action. He last played here in 2007. Morty Dermer also was on hand. Morty had been an umpire after he felt his playing days were finished. It was good to see you Dan and Morty. Please come back again.
Keith Linton returned from Berry, Ontario, Canada. Welcome back Keith.
Lee Tomlinson rejoined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club after last playing here in 2002. He patrolled the shortstop position for the visiting team on Fred White Field and performed very well. Welcome back Lee.
November 11th - Happy Veterans Day today and Semper Fi to all the past members of the U.S. Marine Corps, which celebrated the 233rd birthday yesterday. May all our troops overseas be blessed and know that we support their effort and dedication to our country.
Two games were played this morning. One of the fields sported three teams and one had two teams. Marvin Taylor picked up the win on Fred White Field. That team scored 19 runs and gave up 11. Bobby Ayers hurled for the team that scored 11 and surrendered 15 runs. Jerry Witter was on the mound for the team that scored 15 and allowed 19 runs.
Rich Palmer picked up another win in the game that was played on Field E. The starting pitcher, Dick Sessink, left the mound after a 4-3 deficit and one inning of work. Eddie Diaz took over the duties in the second inning. The team tied the score after two but eventually lost the game.
Wally Granger absolutely crushed a homer to leftfield on Field E. The ball cleared the fence and missed hitting one of the parked cars by five feet. Eddie Diaz hit two inside-the-park homers and one each were hit by Reg Barnes, Pierre Boissonneault, Chris Constantine, Bill Rutan and Denny Shaffer.
| M.Taylor | 4 0 5 | 0 2 2 | 6 = 19 | Palmer | 4 4 1 | 3 0 5 | 5 3 1 = 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ayers | 4 4 0 | 0 1 1 | 1 = 11 | Sessink | 3 5 0 | 2 5 2 | 2 3 0 = 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Witter | 3 0 3 | 0 0 2 | 7 = 15 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Bob Christiansen - 5 for 5.
Wally Granger - 4 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk.
Ed Kline - 4 for 4 with 2 triples.
Joe D'Herin - 4 for 4 with 2 doubles.
Bob Lewis - 4 for 4 with 1 walk.
Bobby Ayers - 4 for 4.
Don Witmer - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Dean Schapeler - 4 for 5.
Bill Spring - 4 for 5.
Chris Constantine - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Reg Barnes - 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Pierre Boissonneault - 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Bill Rutan - 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Denny Shaffer - 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Roger Edwards - 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Tim Gallagher - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Jim McPartlan - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Dick Mahon - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Hank Gomez - 3 for 4.
Keith Linton - 3 for 4.
Frank Miller - 3 for 4.
Jerry Witter - 3 for 4.
Rusty Landahl didn't play this morning but stayed and umpired behind the plate for the entire game on Fred White Field. Chuck Duff took that duty of Field E. Thank you Rusty and Chuck.
Ken Wilson returned from Dundas, Ontario, Canada, Denny Shaffer arrived from Akron, Ohio, Bill Rutan returned from Columbus, Indiana, and Ron Augenstein arrived from Marysville, Ohio. Welcome back Ken, Denny, Bill, and Ron.
Pierre Boissonneault joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club today. He is from River Glade, New Brunswick, Canada and lives there during the summer months. Welcome aboard Pierre.
November 14th - The home team came back from an early 10-4 deficit to pull out the victory late in the game on Fred White Field. The two team contest pitted Marvin Taylor against Dick Sessink. Dick received the win and Jerry Witter threw the last two frames for the save.
A three team game was fought on Field E. All three teams had total scores in the single digits for the first six innings of the seven inning game. Then came the final frame. The winning team scored 11 runs in the seventh, which brought their run total from nine to 20 runs. Pitcher George Radlein was the beneficiary and racked up the win. The second team made a last inning charge, too. They put up 10 runs to add to their six inning total of seven runs to finish with 17 on the board. Pitcher Eddie Diaz also recorded a win, since that team allowed 11 runs while on defense.
Eddie Diaz was at it again as he connected for two inside-the-park homers. This guy is for real and the fielders should give him more respect. Other inside-the-park homers were hit by Pierre Boissonneault, Roger Edwards, and Jerry Noble.
| M.Taylor | 3 1 2 | 4 2 0 | 0 0 1 = 13 | Radlein | 1 0 3 | 0 5 0 |
 = 20 |
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| Sessink | 1 1 1 | 1 6 0 | 5 0 X = 15 | Diaz | 0 1 0 | 1 5 0 |
 = 17 |
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| Palmer | 4 1 0 | 2 1 3 | 0 = 11 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Jerry Noble - 5 for 5 with 1 homer.
Denny Shaffer - 4 for 4 with 1 walk.
Sam Lopez - 2 for 2 with 3 walks.
Mike Stepp - 4 for 5 with 2 triples.
Al Andrews - 4 for 5 with 3 doubles.
Chris Constantine - 4 for 5 with 3 doubles.
Freddy Gonzalez - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Frank Miller - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Ed Kline - 4 for 5.
Ed Neumyer - 4 for 5.
George Radlein - 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Bob Zelazny - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Gene Morey - 3 for 4.
Lee Tomlinson - 3 for 4.
Jerry Witter - 3 for 4.
Art Zakrowski returned from Granger, Indiana. Welcome back Art.
November 18th - A three team game took place on Fred White Field. Two of the teams were tied after the regulation seven innings of play and, after the one extra inning, the teams remained tied.
The game on Field E ended with the visitors prevailing by a score of 15-10. It was a case of feast or famine for the home team as they scored the maximum five runs in two of the innings but were completely shutout in the other seven frames.
Teammates Fred Dampier and Jim Laffoon hit inside-the-park homers on Fred White Field this morning.
| Diaz | 2 0 4 | 0 2 4 | 2 0 = 14 | Witter | 4 0 1 | 1 3 3 | 0 0 3 = 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M.Taylor | 2 5 1 | 1 0 2 | 0 = 11 | Powell | 5 0 0 | 0 5 0 | 0 0 0 = 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radlein | 3 1 5 | 1 0 1 | 3 0 = 14 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Sam Harrell - 2 for 2 with 2 walks.
Pierre Boissonneault - 4 for 5 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Walt Leggett - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Carl Luebking - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Frank Miller - 4 for 5 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Eddie Diaz - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Doug McLellan - 4 for 5.
Fred Dampier - 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, 1 walk, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Bob Zelazny - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Vassurl Bess - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Wayne Mundy - 3 for 4 with 1 sacrifice fly.
George Radlein - 3 for 4 with 1 sacrifice fly.
Larry Powell - 3 for 4.
Eddie Diaz isn't playing on Friday so it was noted that there would be no games on that day due to his absence. It was all in jest and the games will be scheduled without Eddie. We all tend to joke around now and then so be sure to show up this Friday and play some softball, with or without Eddie.
Bill Evans returned from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Ted Taylor arrived from Markham, Ontario, Canada. Welcome back Bill and Ted.
November 21st - Now that it is warming back up again, the crowds began pouring into the old ballpark. A grand total of 66 players signed in for the games this morning. That made it simple for the guys setting up the teams. That amounts to six teams of 11 players per team using three fields.
However, only two fields were set up for play so two three team games were contested.
| M.Taylor | 0 1 0 | 2 3 0 | 3 = 9 | ||||||||
| Radlein | 1 0 0 | 3 0 1 | 7 = 12 | ||||||||
| Palmer | 3 0 3 | 5 4 2 | X = 17 |
The game on Fred White Field began innocently enough but one team gradually pulled out of the pack for an easy win. Rich Palmer pitched for the victors, as that team scored 17 and gave up only nine runs. Marvin Taylor and George Radlein weren't so lucky. Their teams scored less than they allowed while on defense.
Chuck Duff hammered the ball and drove in three runs. He banged out two triples and a double en route to a perfect 4 for 4 day at the plate. Vassurl Bess did his part, too. He also batted 1.000, going 3 for 3 with a double.
Team Two gave it their all in the final frame. Down 17-5, they put up seven runs in the seventh. Al Andrews hit a gapper three run inside-the-park homer to help the cause.
In addition to Al's round tripper, Frank Miller and Pierre Boissonneault hit inside-the-park homers on Fred White Field this morning.
LEADING HITTERS:
Chuck Duff - 4 for 4 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Bill Ravo - 4 for 4.
Vassurl Bess - 3 for 3 with 1 double.
George Radlein - 2 for 2 with 1 double.
Al Andrews - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Chris Constantine - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Jim Laffoon - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
| Sessink | 3 0 5 | 4 0 3 | 5 = 20 | ||||||||
| Diaz | 0 0 0 | 3 1 2 | 0= 6 | ||||||||
| Witter | 5 5 0 | 2 0 2 | 4 = 18 |
Dick Sessink pitched for the highest scoring team on Field E. While in the field, that team also allowed the least amount of runs. Eddie Diaz and Jerry Witter weren't as fortunate as their teams scored less runs than were surrendered.
The home team began strongly as they put five runs on the board in each of the first two frames. Dick Mahon, Jerry Witter, Carl Luebking, and Art Zakrowski all had singles in each of the first two innings. Bob Zelazny and Floyd Welton each knocked out a single and a double.
The first team roared back for the win after they were tied with the home team after four and five innings of play. A one run lead heading into the seventh and final frame was all that separated the two teams.
Team One exploded for five in the last inning to win by two. They began the seventh with a walk to Lee Tomlinson, followed by singles from the bats of Dick Sessink and Mitch Mitchell. After the first out was recorded, three straight singles were produced by Ron Augenstein, Ted Taylor, and Joe D'Herin. The hit by Ted earned him a 4 for 4 day. The final blow of the inning was the fifth consecutive double from Bob DiPietro.
Freddy Gonzalez decided not to play but he graciously chose to umpire behind the plate on Field E this morning. Thank you Freddy.
LEADING HITTERS:
Bob DiPietro - 5 for 5 with 5 doubles.
Ted Taylor - 4 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Jerry Witter - 4 for 4.
Ron Carrothers - 3 for 3.
Joe D'Herin - 4 for 5 with 3 doubles.
Bob Zelazny - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Dick Mahon - 4 for 5.
Carl Leubking - 3 for 4.
Dick Sessink - 3 for 4.
Art Zakrowski - 3 for 4.
Of all the players who showed up for the games, only two returned from their summer homes. Ron Carrothers arrived from Thedford, Ontario, Canada and Lloyd Hopper arrived from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Welcome back Ron and Lloyd.
Volunteer umpire Mike Kerentoff returned from Syracuse, New York but didn't step across the white chalk lines to work any of the fields this morning. He came by and watched some of the action on Fred White Field. Welcome back Mike.
One new player began today. Dave Wall is a snowbird from Powell, Ohio and joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club with a mail-in form while in Ohio. Welcome aboard, Dave.
Mitch Mitchell and Arvel Waddell are prospective new players. Arvel is a member of the Lakeland Senior Softball program. Thank you for playing today, Mitch and Arvel. Please come back and join the softball league here in Winter Haven.
November 25th - For the first time since January 4th, three fields were used for the games. Scores were high on each field.
Inside-the-park homers were hit by Fred Dampier on Fred White Field, Bill Evans and Denny Shaffer on Field D, and Freddy Gonzalez and Don Witmer on Field E.
| M.Taylor | 0 1 4 | 0 0 1 | 1 1 6 = 14 | ||||||||
| Witter | 3 0 3 | 0 2 2 | 0 0 5 = 15 |
The home team held the lead throughout the game on Fred White Field. But things changed in the fateful ninth inning. The last frame was explosive for both teams. The visiting team pushed six runs across the plate to take a four run lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The first batter reached base on an error and scored on an Eddie Diaz double. Marvin Taylor and Jack Valliere then connected for base hits. Other errors extended the inning. Wayne Mundy recorded the last clean hit before the inning finally came to a close for the home team.
After leading the entire game, the home team dug themselves into a four run hole, but they never gave up the ship. The bottom three in the order began the frame and all three scored. Pat Accetta and Mitch Mitchell each singled. Mitch missed hitting for the cycle as he produced a single, double, and triple in four trips to the plate. After the next batter reached base on a misplayed ball in the infield, the leadoff hitter lined out to rover Ron Thompson. Singles by Ron Butler, Fred Dampier, and Al Andrews set up the winning single by Jerry Witter.
The game was a hard fought battle and one run decided the outcome in the nine inning game.
LEADING HITTERS:
Jerry Witter - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Wally Granger - 3 for 4 with 3 doubles.
Mitch Mitchell - 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Pierre Boissonneault - 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Marvin Taylor - 3 for 4.
| Leggett | 0 0 2 | 0 4 4 | 4 0 3 = 17 | ||||||||
| Sessink | 3 4 5 | 3 3 5 | 1 4 X = 28 |
The home team scored in every inning on Field D to take a rather easy victory. Dick Sessink recorded his 18th win since the off season began on April 1st. Walt Leggett was the opposing pitcher as he made only his second start this year.
Carl Luebking was the lead off hitter for the home team and he scored a run in every trip to the plate. Carl went 5 for 6 on the day. Every player in the lineup scored at least once. The last three batters combined for nine hits. Ed Schmiedeke and Jim McPartlan each knocked four singles while Lee Baker singled once but score two runs.
The visitors made a run midway through the game, scoring four runs in each of the fifth, sixth, and seventh frames. John Fulton and Bob Zelazny each went 3 for 3 in those innings and one of the hits by Bob was a double.
LEADING HITTERS:
Bill Evans - 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Randy Lane - 5 for 5.
Bob Zelazny - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
John Fulton - 5 for 6.
Carl Luebking - 5 for 6.
Jim McPartlan - 4 for 5.
Ted Taylor - 4 for 5.
| Palmer | 1 0 5 | 1 4 4 | 1 2 1 = 19 | ||||||||
| Radlein | 1 1 0 | 3 6 5 | 5 3 X = 24 |
Only two zeroes were put onto the scoreboard for both teams in the 24-19 game on Field E. The visitors took an early lead as they scored five in the third with two outs to spare. New prospective member Ken Ota lead off the frame with a single and Gale Doty advanced him to second with a base hit. The next batter grounded into a fielder's choice for the first and only out of the third. Ron Augenstein, Don Witmer, and Don Scarbrough each popped singles before hot hitter Dean Schapeler hit a double. Dean ended the day with three singles, a double, and a triple in five trips to the plate. A single by Rich Palmer drove in the fifth run.
A huge fifth inning by the home team tied the game 11-11. Six runs touched home plate before the damage was done. Larry Wells was hitting the ball squarely today as he went 4 for 5. He started the onslaught with a single, which was followed by a single from the bat of Elmer Black. Afterwards, Fred Ducham and Freddy Gonzalez banged out back-to-back doubles. Larry Powell and George Radlein each had singles before a base hit by Art Zakrowski tied the game.
That fateful fifth inning proved to be the last time the visiting team had the lead at the end of the inning in the remainder of the game.
LEADING HITTERS:
Dean Schapeler - 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Freddy Gonzalez - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 2 doubles.
Don Scarbrough - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Bob Lewis - 4 for 5.
Larry Wells - 4 for 5.
Don Witmer - 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk.
John Smith was at the old ballpark this morning. He just can't keep away and is anxiously anticipating his return to the game he loves. John is still awaiting his physician's approval and will begin physical therapy next week. Don't worry, John - the time will fly by and you will be playing soon.
Cal Leigh returned from Coulterville, Illinois. Welcome back Cal.
Ken Ota tried out the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this morning. He may join the group of players. Please consider a membership Ken.
November 27th - Thanksgiving Day - Don't forget that the Winter Haven Senior Softball games are scheduled tomorrow, November 28th.
Please arrive bright and early as usual.
Try not to get overfilled on the turkey and all the trimmings. But don't disappoint the cook, either.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones.
November 28th - Everyone survived another fulfilling Thanksgiving Day and we all shook the Earth today. Of the 66 players who showed up to play, probably about half of us were just a pound or two heavier than we were the last game.
The day was tailor made for a game of softball because the high is expected to reach 77° F and the sun was shining brightly in the morning sky. The leftfielder, the shortstop, and the third baseman on Field D can attest to the bright sun., since it was shining in their eyes and making it difficult to field the batted balls.
Inside-the-park homers were hit by Fred Dampier on Fred White Field and Al Andrews, Doug Chamlee, Bill Ravo, and Dick Sessink on Field D.
| M.Taylor | 0 0 0 | 4 4 0 | 5 1 3 = 17 | ||||||||
| Ayers | 3 0 0 | 3 3 5 | 0 4 X = 18 |
Home team pitcher Bobby Ayers held the visiting team scoreless in the first three innings of play and that was quite an accomplishment, considering the potent lineup. The visitors finally broke out of their drought with a four spot in the fourth. Four singles in-a-row began the frame. Ron Butler, Joe D'Herin, Pierre Boissonneault, and Eddie Diaz each connected for base hits and the first three scored runs for the team. Eddie ended the day with a perfect 5 for 5. He was forced at second in that particular at bat for the first out. It took three more hits to drive in the fourth run. Ed Neumyer, Pat Accetta, and Joel Freedman all achieved singles, with Joel driving in the last run of the frame.
After the big fourth inning by the visiting team, the good guys were down by one run entering the bottom of the fourth. Three scored on four timely hits. Bob Zelazny, Fred Dampier, Rich Moots and Gale Doty each singled to retake the lead.
The home team took full advantage to extend their lead and put up five runs in the sixth. All but one batter in the lineup came up in the inning. The batters in the bottom part of the scorecard came through big, as they scored three runs on four hits. Rich Moots, Gale Doty, and Keith Linton all had hits and runs, while Les Wolff contributed with a base hit.
The game went back and forth after the third inning. The visiting team pushed five across the plate in the seventh. The top batters combined for all the runs. Jose Agosto, Ron Butler, Joe D'Herin, and Eddie Diaz all got singles as well as Sam Harrell, who batted in the middle of the order.
The visitors needed four to tie heading into the ninth and final frame. The tying run was stranded at first when the third out was recorded. Home team pitcher Bobby Ayers ended the game with an exclamation point by stricking out the final batter of the game.
LEADING HITTERS:
Eddie Diaz - 5 for 5.
Reg Barnes - 4 for 5.
Joe D'Herin - 4 for 5.
Fred Dampier - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 walk.
Ron Butler - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Rich Moots - 3 for 4.
| Sessink | 2 5 0 | 5 0 0 |
3 5 = 30 |
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| Witter | 1 0 0 | 1 1 0 | 2 1 3 = 9 |
The sun was a major factor on this field since the fielders were blinded on the left side of the field. Right handed batters had fun, to say the least.
The first inning began innocently enough as the visiting team put two on the board and the home team answered with one run. A double by Don Witmer and an inside-the-park homer by Al Andrews accounted for the two runs for the visiting team. Doug McLellan drove the lone run across the plate in the home first.
While the home team took an offensive rest for a few innings, the visitors put five on the board in the second and fourth frames. The second inning began with a single from Bob Lewis, followed by a deep double to leftfield by Larry Wells. Bill Spring was walked to load the bases for lead off hitter Floyd Welton. Floyd singled in front of a Bill Ravo three run inside-the-park homer to cap off the inning.
The visiting fourth saw more of the same. Pitcher Dick Sessink doubled and advanced to third on another Bob Lewis single. Larry Wells stepped to the plate and delivered his second powerful double to leftfield, scoring Dick and Bob. The final two runs came across after consecutive singles from the bats of Floyd Welton, Bill Ravo, and Don Witmer.
The top of the order for the visiting team just devastated the defense. In the final three innings of play, lead off hitter Floyd Welton went 2 for 2 and scored twice, second batter Bill Ravo went 3 for 3 and scored all three times, Don Witmer went 3 for 3 and scored three, Al Andrews went 3 for 3 with three runs, and Doug Chamlee went 3 for 3, scoring twice. Doug ended the day hitting for the cycle, as he hit an inside-the-park homer in the eighth and a triple in the ninth. In his first two appearances at the plate, Doug singled and doubled. Eleven members of his family were in attendance and they were all cheerfully vocal for their Dad and PawPaw. Way to go PawPaw!
LEADING HITTERS:
Doug Chamlee - 5 for 6 & hit for cycle.
Al Andrews - 5 for 6 with 1 homer & 3 doubles.
Don Witmer - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Bill Ravo - 5 for 6 with 1 homer.
Floyd Welton - 5 for 6.
Doug McLellan - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Sam Lopez - 4 for 5.
| Palmer | 0 4 4 | 0 5 0 | 5 1 1 = 20 | ||||||||
| Leggett | 2 0 6 | 0 0 4 | 0 0 1 = 13 |
The home team showed they were there to play by taking a 2-0 lead in the first. Ed Kline doubled with one out, followed by a single from Wayne Mundy. A Denny Shaffer single drove in the second run.
The visiting team bats woke up in the second frame. Frank Miller opened the inning with a double but two outs were racked up immediately afterwards. With Frank still parked at second, the two out rally began. Marshall Bloom, Gene Morey, Fred Ducham, Tim Gallagher, and Chris Constantine all had singles, and the hit by Chris knocked in the fourth and final run of the inning. Tim ended the day with a perfect 6 for 6.
Four more stepped on home plate in the visiting third to increase the lead to 8-2. Rich Palmer, Vassurl Bess, Marshall Bloom, Gene Morey, and Tim Gallagher each singled.
The visiting four runs charged up the home team. Needing six to tie, lead off hitter Larry Powell singled and was followed by an Ed Kline walk. Wayne Mundy punched his second single of the game, and Chuck Duff got a base hit. After the next batter forced Chuck out at second, Bill Evans, Walt Leggett, and Ron Carrothers each collected singles. By the time the dust had settled, six runs had crossed the plate and the game was tied 8-8.
Not to be outdone, the visiting team fought back with five in the fifth. Only one out was recorded and that was the first batter of the inning. The big hit of the fifth was a double from the bat of Freddy Gonzalez.
The home team brought the game within one run of a tie in the sixth. Walt Leggett and Ron Carrothers were at it again as they connected for singles. Jim McPartlan and Gene Baker got in on the act with base hits, too. Larry Powell and Ed Kline also had hits in the frame.
At the end of six innings of play, the score stood at 13-12 in favor of the visiting team.
The visitors sealed the victory, unbeknownst to them at the time, with a five run seventh. Fred Ducham, Tim Gallagher, Chris Constantine, Freddy Gonzalez, Mike Stepp, and Rich Palmer all had hits in the big inning. That is a phrase which begins the Old Testament of the Bible, as Doug Chamlee likes to pull out of his hat at times. Of course, the Bible phrases "in the big inning" as "In the beginning", but it's all in fun and not meant in the least to be blasphemous of the Holy Word.
LEADING HITTERS:
Tim Gallagher - 6 for 6.
Chris Constantine - 5 for 6.
Walt Leggett - 4 for 5.
Lakeland Senior Softball player Chuck Richmond joined the Winter Haven group this morning. Since Lakeland plays ball on Monday and Thursday and Thursday was unavailable for play because of the holiday, an invitation was extended to several Lakeland players to travel here for a game. Chuck is an excellent player and a shortstop to boot, so he made his presence known with his fine defensive plays during the contest on Field D. Thank you for playing Chuck. Please join if you have the time available on Tuesday and Friday.
Danny Parker returned from Swartz Creek, Michigan but didn't play in any of the games this morning. Welcome back, Danny.
The Board of Directors for the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club met after the game and discussed business. Several matters were talked about and approved by the BOD.
During league play in January through March, players whose 70th birthday fall anytime in 2009, will play in the National League. Players born after 1939 will play in the American League. At the time, there appears to be enough players for a four team National League and a five team American League.
Discussed and not approved was a motion to have 10 American League fielders on defense. Since it was voted down, 11 players will be in the field for the American League and for the National League.
Pitchers must step behind the pitching screen upon release of the ball to the hitter. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the pitcher fields a ball without initially stepping behind the screen and throws out a runner or fields a batted ball, the batter will be awarded first base and no out shall be recorded anywhere on the diamond.
The snack bar will be open during league play on a trial basis and will be run by vendors independently of the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. If it isn't prosperous to the vendors, the snack bar will probably be closed for the remainder of the season.
