December 2008 News Archive
 December 2nd - The teams were set up according to age, with the 69 and over guys playing in a National League game and the under 69 against each other in an American League game. This is the way the league will operate in the season that runs January through March.
It appears to be a success at this time. National League inside-the-park homers were hit by Ron Augenstein, Reg Barnes, and Frank Miller. Don Witmer hit an inside-the-park homer in the American League.  NATIONAL LEAGUE
Rich Palmer continues to rack up wins during the off season. He was on the mound for the powerful visiting team. The team was shut down only one inning during the entire game. Reg Barnes began the contest with a solo homer. Ron Augenstein singled afterwards, followed by two quick outs. With Ron still on first, the next two batters drew free passes. Rich Palmer singled in between three more walks. The visiting team ended up scoring four runs with two outs on two hits and five walks. The home team jumped right into the mix with a big first inning of their own. They lead off with five straight singles. Jose Agosto, Floyd Welton, Ron Thompson, Fred Ducham, and Mitch Mitchell all had base hits. Frank Miller singled in the fifth run. After neither team could manage a run in the second, the visitors were at it again in the third. Sam Harrell, Jack Valliere, Rich Palmer, Ron Carrothers, Joel Freedman, and Lee Baker each collected hits. Reg Barnes had a two out single to drive in the fifth run. At the end of three innings of play, the visitors pulled ahead with a score of 10-5. The visiting team strung together five consecutive hits in the fourth for four more runs. Ron Augenstein began with a triple, followed by base hits from the bats of Wayne Mundy, Bob Lewis, Sam Harrell, and Jack Valliere. The visitors were getting plenty of at bats, as they tacked on four more runs in the fifth. Reg Barnes, Wayne Mundy, Bob Lewis, and Sam Harrell each had hits and all four of them scored. Going into the bottom of the fifth, the lead had increased to 18-6 in favor of the visitors. The home team was able to get back into the game in the fifth frame. Les Wolff, Bill Spring, and Jose Agosto started off with base hits. A two out double by Walt Leggett accounted for the fifth and final run of the inning. The home team had closed the gap to seven runs after the completion of five innings of play. The score stood at 18-11. The home team didn't put together much offense after the fifth but the visitors continued to put numbers on the board. In the final three innings of the game, Ron Augenstein went 3 for 3 with a homer, Wayne Mundy had two doubles in three trips to the plate, Ron Carrothers went 2 for 2, Joel Freedman went 2 for 2, Lee Baker went 2 for 2, and Joe DeForge went 2 for 2. LEADING HITTERS: Rich Palmer - 6 for 6. Ron Augenstein - 6 for 7 with 1 homer & 1 triple. Ron Carrothers - 4 for 5 with 1 walk. Joel Freedman - 3 for 4 with 2 walks. Jack Valliere - 3 for 4 with 2 walks. Fred Ducham - 3 for 4. Ron Thompson - 3 for 4. Les Wolff - 3 for 4. 
 AMERICAN LEAGUE
The American League had a three team contest this morning. Two pitchers recorded wins. Jerry Witter was on the hill for the team that scored the most runs. Ed Kline hurled for the team that scored 16 and allowed 12 while on defense. Eddie Diaz pitched for the third team. Team One had two big innings in-a-row, as they 
scored four and five in the second and third innings. The second began with singles by Jerry Witter and Bob Christiansen. A deep triple by Mike Tomasso drove in two runs. Before the inning was complete, Ted Taylor singled and dangerous hitter Jim Laffoon was issued an intentional bases on balls.
The third frame began with hits by Bob Zelazny, Dean Schapeler, Jerry Witter, and Bob Christiansen. Bob ended the day with a 4 for 4 performance. After an out was in the books, Larry Wells, Mike Tomasso, and Carl Luebking finished the inning with hits, with Carl driving in the fifth and final run. Team Two scored three runs in the third to run their total to five at that point. Bernie Mohan singled and scored. Bernie ended the day with two hits but scored three runs 
in his four trips to the plate. Don Witmer hit a two run homer in the frame. Tim Gallagher had singled beforehand but was forced at second when the next batter hit a grounder to shortstop Jim Laffoon. Denny Shaffer had a base hit but was forced at second for the third out.
With the score 13-5-2 heading into the middle of the fourth, Team Two shook their bats awake again for a huge offensive inning. Ed Kline and Don Scarbrough began with base hits. The next batter flew out to left centerfielder Al Andrews, and then Bernie Mohan, Tim Gallagher, and Mike Stepp each collected singles. Mike finished scoring four runs in five plate appearances to go along with three hits and a walk. Don Witmer stepped to the plate and delivered his second triple of the day with an opposite field hit in the direction of rightfielder Cal Leigh. Don was right on the money today, as he went 4 for 4 with a homer and two triples. Once again, Denny Shaffer reached base but didn't score. By the time the dust had settled, six big runs had crossed the plate and Team Two had come within two runs of the lead. Heading into the bottom of the fourth, the first team lead 13-11-2. Team Three rallied for five runs in the fourth. Chuck Duff and Fred Dampier started it off with singles before Pierre Boissonneault drew a walk. Eddie Diaz then singled and Art Zakrowski doubled. The third team had closed the gap just a bit after four innings of play. The score stood at 13-11-7. The first team racked up five runs in the fifth and that turned out to be the deciding runs in the game. Larry Wells and Mike Tomasso singled and scored. Carl Luebking walked and scored on a single by Al Andrews. Bob Zelazny doubled in the fifth run. Team Three had their last hurrah in the fifth with five more runs. Joe D'Herin doubled to begin the frame and Chuck Duff cranked a triple towards right centerfielder Tim Gallagher. Fred Dampier singled Chuck home and Pierre Boissonneault drove home Fred with a double. Before the inning was over, Pat Accetta and Gene Baker had singled but failed to score. LEADING HITTERS: Don Witmer - 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 2 triples. Bob Christiansen - 4 for 4. Mike Stepp - 3 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk. Fred Dampier - 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Mike Tomasso - 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Denny Shaffer - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Bob Zelazny - 3 for 4 with 1 double. Tim Gallagher - 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Carl Luebking - 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Jerry Witter - 3 for 4. Mike Tomasso returned from Harleysville, Pennsylvania and played very well today. Don LaMay returned from Livonia, Michigan and Larry Williamson arrived from Swartz Creek, Michigan but neither played this morning. Welcome back, Mike, Don, and Larry. December 5th - Two American League games took place on the 300' fence fields and the National League game was played on the field with the 225' fence. During the season, the National League will play on the small field.
Only two inside-the-park homers were hit this morning. Teammates Sam Lopez and Bob Zelazny accomplished that feat on Field E, while playing with the American League. NATIONAL LEAGUE
With the off-season in the last month, Rich Palmer picked up another win and has accumulated a record of 28-14. He is the only 20 game winner of the off-season. Dick Sessink is standing at 19 wins but he didn't play today. It took 10 innings to determine a winner in the game on Field A this morning. The home team had the hot bats in the first half of the game but the visitors pulled out the victory. The visiting team did score five in the first but were stone 
cold and didn't put up any numbers again until the sixth. The first five batters in the lineup scored in the first frame. Don LaMay lead off with a double, followed by singles from Bob Lewis, Ron Augenstein, Bill Evans, Frank Miller, Rich Palmer, Jack Valliere, and Ed Schmiedeke. That was the extent of the scoring for the visitors as opposing pitcher Marvin Taylor shut the door for the next four frames. The visitors scoreboard had a zero in the second through the fifth innings.
Not one person in the lineup registered an out in the home team first. Eight straight hits were stringed together. John Fulton began the home first with a single. Three doubles in-a-row were hit by Floyd Welton, Elmer Black, and Doug Chamlee. On this field, a ball hit over the fence is ruled a double, but the score sheets didn't indicate which balls cleared the 225' outfield fence. After the three doubles, Fred Ducham, Marvin Taylor, Sam Harrell, and Rusty Landahl each connected for singles, and the hit by Rusty drove in the fifth run. The home team added three more in the third. Doug Chamlee hit his second double and Fred Ducham also contributed 
a double in the frame.
The home fourth witnessed the bottom of the lineup displaying their hitting skills. Rusty Landahl started it off with a single, followed by a Ron Carrothers double. Mitch Mitchell and Ed Neumyer knocked base hits after the double and Bill Spring drew a walk. The top two hitters had the final blows as John Fulton and Floyd Welton rapped singles to drive in the last run. At the end of four innings of play, the home team had a 13-5 lead. The sixth inning belonged to the visitors. The first six batters crossed home plate. By the time the visiting team was finished banging the ball all over the field, they were two runs short of a tie game. A dropped ball allowed the first batter to get aboard. After that miscue, Frank Miller singled and Rich Palmer walked. Jack Valliere had a base hit and then Joel Freedman and Ed Schmiedeke each reached base, although the score sheet doesn't explain how they got aboard. All six players scored. Lee Tomlinson had an RBI single, Les Wolff drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Don LaMay had an RBI base hit. Bob Lewis walked to load the bases but the final out was made on a fly ball to rightfield. After eight innings of play, the game was finally tied. The visitors had not held the lead after the completion of any inning up to this point. Both teams pushed across four runs in the ninth to bring the game into extra innings. The bottom part of the lineup did the damage in the ninth and the top of the order scored for the home team. Singles by Jack Valliere, Joel Freedman, and Lee Tomlinson were enough to manage two runs for the visiting team in the tenth inning. When the home team went three up and three down, the visitors pulled out the win. A stage play couldn't have been written with any more suspense. LEADING HITTERS: Doug Chamlee - 5 for 5 with 4 doubles. Fred Ducham - 5 for 5 with 2 doubles. Lee Tomlinson - 5 for 6. AMERICAN LEAGUE
The American League game on Fred White Field showcased a pitchers duel of sorts. Quite a few zeroes were posted on the board in the contest. The home team began the game with hot bats. Randy Lane smashed a double to get things going and then Denny Shaffer singled, followed with Don Witmer reaching base. Fred Dampier and Mike Tomasso had base hits and Eddie Diaz capped off the inning with a double. No outs were recorded as the home team scored five in the first. Pitcher Larry Williamson shut down the home team offense for the next three innings while his team slowly caught up. After scoring two in the first, it took the visitors until the fourth inning to 
score again. Pierre Boissonneault began with a single and Larry Williamson walked. Jeff Strode collected a base hit with one out in the books to advance Pierre to third. A Marshall Bloom single drove in a run and advanced Jeff to the hot corner. The second run scored when Pat Accetta lifted a ball to right centerfield for a sacrifice fly.
At the end of four innings of play, the home team lead 5-4. The fifth frame was much more productive for the visiting team. Vassurl Bess and Russ King each had singles before back-to-back doubles were hit by Chris Constantine and Freddy Gonzalez. That was the extent of the safe hits in the frame. Two errors followed and the fifth and final run scored on a fielder's choice. The home fifth and sixth displayed some hitting prowess. Randy Lane, Denny Shaffer, and Don Witmer each connected for singles in the fifth frame. After a Mike Tomasso sacrifice fly ball to leftfielder Pierre Boissonneault, Eddie Diaz had an RBI single. Keith Linton and Gene Morey each had base hits and they both scored in the home sixth. Gene, a National League player, was inserted into the lineup before the game, and he came through with a hit and scored the lead run at the tme in the sixth inning. The home team lead 10-9 after six innings were in the books. The speed of Vassurl Bess brought the game to a 10-10 tie in the seventh. Vassurl singled and beat the throw from the outfield when he raced to third on a Chris Constantine base hit. The next batter knocked in Vassurl when he hit into a fielder's choice and force Chris at second. After the visitors couldn't manage a run in the top of the ninth, Don Witmer and Fred Dampier lead off the home ninth with singles. A base hit by Mike Tomasso scored Don and the game was official. LEADING HITTERS: Don Witmer - 4 for 5. Randy Lane - 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Eddie Diaz - 3 for 4 with 1 double. Jeff Strode - 3 for 4. AMERICAN LEAGUE
The second American League game was played on Field E. Pitcher Jerry Witter (6-7 off season record) was matched against George Radlein (14-14 off season record). George came out on top in this close game. It took until the third inning for the home team to get cranked up enough to put a run on the board. Art Zakrowski and National League players Walt Leggett and Jim McPartlan each had singles 
to begin the inning. Two huge hits capped off the frame. Doug McLellan had a double and Bob Zelazny cranked an inside-the-park homer. By the time all the hitting was finished in the home third, five runs had crossed home plate.
With the visitors down 5-3 heading into the sixth inning, it was time for them to muster some runs and get back into the game. With one out, Jerry Witter and Ken Wilson coaxed walks before the second out was made on a short fly ball to the outfield. Cal Leigh, National League player Gene Baker, and lead off hitter Carl Luebking all came through in the clutch with singles. Lefty Ted Taylor went to bat next and pulled a double to rightfield. A single by Roger Edwards finished the scoring opportunity in the top of the sixth. The visitors took the lead as the home team headed into the sixth. The score was 8-5. Long balls were the order of the day for the home sixth inning. Bob Zelazny smashed his first of two doubles in the game and Ed Gazarek hit the first of his two doubles, too. Sam Lopez had an inside-the-park homer as the home team took the lead back. At the end of six innings of play, the home team lead 10-8. The lead was relinquished once more when the visiting team scored three runs in the eighth inning. Although the score sheet is vague in the detail of how the players reached base, Carl Luebking did connect for his fifth consecutive single of the game. Don Scarbrough also had a base hit in the eighth frame. The big bats were brought out again in the home eighth. Bob Zealzny, Ed Gazarek, George Radlein, and Sam Lopez each cranked doubles in the explosive inning. A single by Art Zakrowski drove in the fifth and final run. At the end of eight innings of play, the home team had retaken the lead. They held the visitors scoreless in the ninth to win the game 15-12. LEADING HITTERS: Carl Luebking - 5 for 5. Ed Gazarek - 4 for 4 with 2 doubles. Bob Zelazny - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 2 doubles. Ed Gazarek returned from Woodslee, Ontario, Canada and Russ King returned from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Welcome back, Ed and Russ. Angel Merced played his first game after taking several months off with medical problems. He is well again and leaving it all on the field. Welcome back, Angel. You are so blessed to have your health back. Two players joined in on the games this morning and are potential members. Frank Brooks is retired and resides in Florida. Jeff Strode is a snowbird who lives in Marysville, Michigan during the summer months. Please return, Frank and Jeff, to join the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. December 9th - The league is up to three teams of National League players now. As last mentioned among players at the old ballpark, there will be enough for five teams when the season begins in January.
Two fields were used for the American League games. Several inside-the-park homers were hit this morning. Reg Barnes belted the only National League homer. Roger Edwards, Wally Granger, Ed Guspyt, and Don Witmer hit American League homers on Field D. The homer by Don allowed him to hit for the cycle. Pierre Boissonneault and Denny Shaffer connected for inside-the-park homers on American League Field E. NATIONAL LEAGUE
The National League game was played on Fred White Field. Dick Sessink pitched for the highest scoring team in the three team contest. He recorded his 20th win and now has a 20-15 off season record. Marvin Taylor and Rich Palmer were on the hill for the other two teams. All three teams scored two runs in the first inning to set the tone for a close game from start to finish. First team lead off hitter Jose Agosto singled to begin the game and advanced to second when the next batter drove a deep fly ball to left centerfield. A base hit by Elmer Black drove Jose home. Elmer advanced to second on the throw and moved to third on a 4-3 groundout. Marvin Taylor singled Elmer home to finish the scoring for Team One. Team Two had a two out rally in the middle of the first. 
The first two batters were out before Ron Thompson stepped to the plate. He slammed a double to the opposite field and scored on a Fred Ducham base hit. Fred scored when Dick Sessink singled. Dick ended the day hitting a perfect 4 for 4.
The first two batters crossed the plate in the bottom of the first inning. John Fulton singled and the second batter in the lineup reached on an error. The third and fourth batters repeated the process. Wayne Mundy singled before the next batter got aboard on an error. Wayne finished the game with a 4 for 4 performance and had a double to add to the mix. All three teams were quiet in the second as no runs were scored by any of the teams. Team One hit the long ball in the third. Jose Agosto had an opposite field triple and scored his second run in two trips to the plate. Elmer Black hit an inside-the-park homer down the third base line and Bill Evans had a deep triple down the rightfield line. Old reliable, Marvin Taylor, had his second single in two at bats. When it was all over, the first team had scored four runs in the third frame. The second team answered with a five spot to take a one run lead. Reg Barnes had a leadoff solo homer. The inning was filled with singles after that bomb. Ron Augenstein, Fred Ducham, Dick Sessink, Sam Harrell, Otto Smith, and Jim McPartlan each had base hits. The third team wasn't shutdown in the third, either. John Fulton scored his second run of the game. He got aboard on a single and made it to third when Wayne Mundy blasted a double. After that, Floyd Welton, Rich Palmer, and Bob Lewis all singled. The score stood at 6-7-4 at the end of three innings of play. Team Two tacked on two more runs in the fourth to increase their lead. One team was now pulling away from the pack. Reg Barnes was in the thick of things again. He singled and scored on a Ron Augenstein triple. Ron touched home plate when Ron Thompson flew out to the rightfielder for a sacrifice. Team Three made a charge at the lead in the fifth inning. John Fulton, Wayne Mundy, Floyd Welton, Rich Palmer, and Bob Lewis all connected for base hits. Add five hits to go along with two costly errors in the field, and the total ended up to be four runs in the frame. At the end of five innings of play, Team Two still held a slim lead. The score was 7-9-8. Two insurance runs came in the middle of the sixth inning. Ron Augenstein hit his second triple of the game and scored on a Ron Thompson single. Dick Sessink had a one out hit to move Ron up to second. A single by Rusty Landahl drove Ron home. Three zeroes were put in the score sheets for the seventh inning and the second team walked away with the victory. LEADING HITTERS: Wayne Mundy - 4 for 4 with 1 double. Dick Sessink - 4 for 4. Ron Augenstein - 3 for 4 with 2 triples. Jose Agosto - 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Bill Evans - 3 for 4 with 1 triple. John Fulton - 3 for 4. Rich Palmer - 3 for 4. Marvin Taylor - 3 for 4. AMERICAN LEAGUE
It took until the second frame for the visiting team to put runs on the board. Pitcher Larry Williamson began with a single and moved up one base on a Cal Leigh base hit. Gale Doty walked to load the bases for speedy Keith Linton, who promptly singled to drive in two runs. After the first out was recorded, Carl Luebking, Bob Zelazny, and Don Witmer all had base hits. The hit by Don drove in the fifth and final run of the inning. The visiting third witnessed more scoring opportunities. Ed Guspyt smashed a solo inside-the-park homer down the rightfield line directly after the home team 
defense pulled off a double play. The scoring was not over yet, though. The next two batters walked before Gale Doty singled. An RBI hit by Bart Gongaware drove in the third and final run of the frame.
After scoring a lone run in the first, the home team got uncorked in the third. Wally Granger connected for a three run homer. Wally hits the ball with so much power that it may have been out but the score sheets didn't indicate whether or not the ball left the park. After the homer, Bob Christiansen and Larry Powell singled. When the inning was over, the home team had scored six runs and were within one run of a tie game. The visiting team lead 8-7 after three innings of play. The visitors had another productive inning in the fourth. Bob Zelazny opened the frame with a deep triple. With one out in the books, the third batter of the inning, Don Scarbrough, got a base hit. Larry Williamson banged his second hit of the day and Gale Doty drove in the last run. Combined with errors, five runs scored in the visiting fourth inning. Not to be outdone, the home team put their hitting shoes back on and scored a few of their own. Al Andrews had a one out double to begin the rally. Roger Edwards and Marshall Bloom singled in the inning and Wally Granger doubled. By the time the dust had settled, four runs had scored. At the end of four innings of play, the visitors held a slim 13-11 lead. The home team crushed the ball again in the fifth inning. After the first batter flew out to leftfield, Ken Wilson singled, Al Andrews blasted a triple, and Roger Edwards hit a two run inside-the-park homer. The third extra base hit in-a-row by Wally Granger, this time he hit a triple, followed the second out of the frame. Bob Christiansen doubled Wally home and Larry Powell singled Bob in for the fifth and final run of the inning. The home team took the lead for the first time in the game. The score after five innings of play was 16-15. The home team scored only one more run after the fifth and that came in the sixth. Afterwards, opposing pitcher Larry Williamson shutdown the powerhouse team. With a 19-17 lead going into the ninth, the visitors wanted some runs to add to their two run lead. Carl Luebking singled to open the ninth and Don Witmer hit a two run homer to the opposite field. Don Scarbrough and Larry Williamson had doubles and a base hit by Ed Guspyt was sandwiched between the two baggers. Four big runs had scored in the visiting ninth and they ended up winning by six. LEADING HITTERS: Don Witmer - 4 for 5 and hit for cycle with 1 walk. Gale Doty - 3 for 4 with 1 walk. AMERICAN LEAGUE
The American League game on Field E went back and forth the entire contest and was indeed a nail biter of a game. The visitors began the game with the maximum five runs. Vassurl Bess, Russ King, and Denny Shaffer all had singles before Angel Merced smashed a gapper triple between the leftfielder and left centerfielder. Pitcher Jerry Witter drove Angel home for the fifth run with a bloop single to rightfield. The home team mounted a first inning rally too. The first batter reached base on a fielding error and scored before the frame was in the books. A slew of singles followed. Jim Laffoon, Fred Dampier, Mike Tomasso, George Radlein, Art Zakrowski, and Pat Accetta all 
connected for base hits. Four runs scored and the bases were juiced when the third out was made on a pop up to shortstop.
The visitors added to their one run lead with three in the second. Elvis Abney started it off with a single and scored when Bernie Mohan burned the right centerfielder. Walt Leggett followed with a free pass and both Bernie and Walt scored on a Russ King triple to the opposite field. The visiting team scored one more run in the third on a solo inside-the-park homer by Denny Shaffer when left centerfielder Ted Taylor and right centerfielder Fred Dampier collided right as the ball was about to be caught by either player. Unfortunately, they slammed into each other, both players dropped to the ground, and the ball skidded past them. Neither player was seriously injured, both lifted themselves off the ground and continued in the game. Down by a score of 9-4, the home team fought back in the bottom of the third. Pierre Boissonneault singled to open the 
frame but was forced at second on a grounder to the rover. Mike Tomasso followed with a single. The next batter fouled out to the catcher before Art Zakrowski burned the left centerfielder for a triple. Pat Accetta drove Art home with a single and the next batter, Randy Hill, doubled. A single by Ted Taylor drove in the fifth run.
At the end of three innings of play the score was tied 9-9. The visitors went quietly in the fourth but the home team continued their barrage as they racked up three big runs. A single by Jim Laffoon preceded a two run inside-the-park homer by Pierre Boissonneault. Fred Dampier and Mike Tomasso each had hits and Art Zakrowski walked. The potential fourth run was cut down at the plate when the batter reached first when the rover missed the throw to second for a force out. As the ball rolled around the infield, the runner from third headed home. Pitcher Jerry Witter alertly scooped up the wayward ball and threw home to fill-in catcher George Radlein for the final out of the fourth inning. The home team lead by three heading into the fifth frame. The score stood at 12-9. Several extra base hits were included in the visiting fifth inning. Double machine Freddy Gonzalez hit his 70th double of the off-season. The closest competitor, Fred Dampier, is 20 behind leader Freddy. Russ King batted after Freddy and hit a gapper double between the right centerfielder and rightfielder. Ed Kline had a triple before the inning was over. The visiting team held a 13-12 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth. Randy Hill and Ted Taylor began the home fifth with base hits before Eddie Diaz hit a grounder double to rightfield. Jim Laffoon then singled, Pierre Boissonneault walked, and Fred Dampier had a single up the middle. A sacrifice fly ball by Mike Tomasso drove in the fifth run. The home team took a 17-13 lead into the sixth frame. The visiting team managed two in the seventh and three in the eighth but were unable to catch up to the home team again in the contest. LEADING HITTERS: Fred Dampier - 4 for 5. Jim Laffoon - 4 for 5. Pierre Boissonneault - 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk. Mike Tomasso - 3 for 4. Bart Gongaware returned from Romulus, Michigan and Ed Guspyt arrived from Port Washington, Ohio. Welcome back, Bart and Ed. Otto Smith rejoined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. He last played in 2005 with the Kelly team under the direction of manager Ed Schmiedeke. Welcome back, Otto. Prospective member Randy Hill played in the American League game on Field E. Thank you for joining in the ballgame, Randy. Please come back and join. December 12th - The weather wasn't kind to us yesterday as central Florida was soaked with rain. The local area was drenched between late morning and early afternoon. As a result, three of the five softball fields were unplayable. Standing water overtook most of the infield on Fred White Field. Fields "D" and "E" also had water on the infields.
Enough ball players showed up for a two team National League game on Field A and a three team American League game on Field B. Freddy Gonzalez parked a ball over the leftfield fence on Field B. Jack Valliere connected for an inside-the-park grand slam homer on Field A. Also, John Smith hit an inside-the-park homer in the National League and Bob Zelazny hit one for the American League. NATIONAL LEAGUE
The National League game was definitely geared towards the hitters this morning. A total of 57 runs crossed the plate by the time the game was over. The visitors scored the maximum five runs in each of the first three frames. Lead off hitter Fred Ducham went 3 for 3 and scored three times in the first three innings of the game. Both Bob Lewis and Ron Thompson each batted 3 for 3, scoring twice apiece and they both went on to have perfect 6 for 6 performances. Also, Ron Carrothers and Dick Sessink each batted 1.000 in the first three innings. They each went 2 for 2. As a result of the hitting rampage by the visitors, the home team had an uphill battle ahead of them. They were down 15-3 going into the bottom of the third. The tides were about to turn. Six straight batters hit singles to begin the frame. Don LaMay, Bill Evans, Jack Valliere, Rich Palmer, Gene Morey, and Joel Freedman all had base hits. The long ball came next. John Smith blasted an inside-the-park homer to rightfield to clear the bases. At that point in the third, 
the home team had bounced back with seven runs.
They were still five runs down but they weren't finished yet. The first out came directly after the Smith homer with a pop up to first baseman Rusty Landahl. Les Wolff singled to begin the next rally of the inning but the next batter flew out to left centerfield. Frank Miller cranked a double to move Les to third. Two outs were in the books and the next two batters after Frank reached base on errors. A double by Jack Valliere and a single by Rich Palmer made them pay for their mistakes. When it was all said and done, the home team had scored 11 runs in the third and were down by only one run heading into the next inning. The score was 15-14. One run scored for the visitors in the fourth but it was a big run at that point in the game because it increased the lead to two runs. Ron Carrothers, Dick Sessink, and Marvin Taylor all singled to load the bases. A Rusty Landahl sacrifice fly ball drove home the lone run. Three more runs for the visitors crossed the plate in the fifth inning. With one out, Bill Spring coaxed a walk. Bill has walked 37 times during the off-season, which began on April 1st and has continued through the games today. Reg Barnes is sitting in second place with 24 walks. After Bill walked, Fred Ducham, Bob Lewis, Ron Thompson, and Ron Carrothers each hit singles. Three runs scored and the visitors were ahead 19-14 through four and one half innings of play. The home team mounted another surge in the bottom of the fifth in an attempt to tie the game. Joe DeForge walked to begin the inning. He has accumulated 22 walks this off-season. After the next batter flew out to left centerfield, Don LaMay and Bill Evans singled to load the bases for Jack Valliere, 
who promptly stepped to the plate and slapped a gapper that split the right centerfielder and rightfielder. The result was a inside-the-park grand slam homer. Nice placement, Jack.
At the end of five innings of play, the visiting team held a 19-18 lead. The bats cooled off for a while but not for long. The home team finally was able to take the lead in the seventh, albeit a one run lead. Two runs touched home plate on four hits. Lead off hitter Frank Miller, along with two and three hole batters Don LaMay and Bill Evans, all connected for singles. Rich Palmer's base hit drove in the second run. At the end of seven frames, the home team had their first lead of the game, as the score was 20-19. Bob Lewis tripled and Ron Thompson doubled to begin the eighth inning. After the two extra base hits, Ron Carrothers, Dick Sessink, and Marvin Taylor each singled. The fourth and final run of the visiting eighth scored on an error. The visitors had regained the lead heading into the bottom of the eighth frame. The score was 23-20. The home team matched the run total to take the lead back once more. John Smith started things off with a base hit and scored the first run of the inning. Joe DeForge, Frank Miller, and Don LaMay singled with one out in the scorebooks. Once more, Rich Palmer finished the scoring with an RBI single. It was anyone's game when the ninth inning approached. The home team lead 24-23. The last inning in the games are open, meaning the teams have the opportunity to score as many runs as they are capable. After the first batter struck out, the lead off hitter in the game got aboard on an error. Perfect hitters for the day, Bob Lewis and Ron Thompson, each hit singles. Before the frame was over, Marvin Taylor and Rusty Landahl had also achieved base hits, although Rusty didn't make it all the way around the bases. Heading into the bottom of the ninth, the visitors lead by a score of 28-24. Rich Palmer began the home ninth with a base hit and took a pinch runner. That pinch runner advanced to second when the next batter grounded out and scored on a Joel Freedman single. John Smith and Jim McPartlan singled. At this point, the score sheets are foggy in the description of the happenings of the game. It is certain that Les Wolff drew a walk. According to the score sheets, Joe DeForge was the last batter. He made it to first but it is unclear whether he got there by way of a hit, a walk, or an error. At any rate, Joe was the last batter and, one way or another, he drove in the winning run. The home team pulled it out in the bottom of the ninth 29-28. Way to go guys. LEADING HITTERS: Bob Lewis - 6 for 6 with 1 triple. Ron Thompson - 6 for 6 with 1 double. John Smith - 5 for 6 with 1 homer. Ron Carrothers - 5 for 6. Rich Palmer - 5 for 6. Marvin Taylor - 5 for 6. AMERICAN LEAGUE
The first and third teams of the three team American League contest on Field B went scoreless in the opening frame but Team Two opened up with a three spot. Al Andrews and Mike Tomasso started things off with base hits. Al raced to third on the single by Mike. Don Witmer hit a sacrifice fly to rightfield for the first run. Denny Shaffer and Doug McLellan hit back-to-back doubles to finish the scoring for the second team. They tacked on five more runs in the very next inning. Vassurl Bess began with a walk but was forced at second on an unassisted ground out to second baseman Pat Accetta. Al Andrews and Mike Tomasso followed with base hits. Mike ended the day hitting 4 for 4 and scored each time he batted. Don Witmer doubled and Denny Shaffer hit his second double in two innings to drive in the fourth and fifth runs. Denny ended the day hitting a triple to go along with two doubles en route to a 4 for 4 game. Team Two was looking very strong after two innings of play. The score stood at 1-8-0. The first team got uncorked in the third frame. The lead off batter got on base when a grounder was booted in the infield. That error proved costly when Mike Stepped to the plate and tripled but was thrown out at home trying to stretch a triple into an inside-the-park homer. The ball was fielded by right centerfielder Fred Dampier, who relayed the ball to shortstop 
and cutoff man Jim Laffoon. Jim threw a strike to the fill-in catcher for the out at home. After that fine defensive play, Ken Wilson and Brent Alumbaugh each worked the count in their favor before drawing free passes. With the pitcher having troubles throwing strikes in the 15 MPH windy conditions, the next batter, Freddy Gonzalez, ripped a hard line drive home run completely over the leftfield fence as Ed Guspyt ran out of real estate in his chase to catch the ball. Larry Powell had a single before the inning was over but failed to score.
The home team finally got into gear in the third inning. Ted Taylor, Ed Kline, and Jim Laffoon all singled and the hit by Jim drove in the first run. Bob Zelazny then crushed a ball deep to left centerfield for a three run inside-the-park homer. Fred Dampier and Ed Guspyt each had base hits afterwards but were stranded on the bases. At the end of three innings of play, the second team still had the lead. The score was 5-8-4. Team Two padded their lead a little bit more in the fourth frame. Art Zakrowski doubled to open the inning and scored on a Mike Tomasso single. Mike scored when Denny Shaffer 
and Doug McLellan each got base hits.
The second team had a 5-11-4 lead heading into the fifth inning but Team One was determined to close the gap. Brent Alumbaugh began with a double, which was followed with a Freddy Gonzalez double of his own. Chris Constantine walked to set up a force at any base. The next batter lifted a shallow fly out to leftfield but not deep enough the advance the runners. George Radlein, Larry Wells, and Mike Stepp each singled before the inning was in the books. The first team had come within one run of a tie game when the third out was recorded. Teams Two and Three brought quiet bats to the plate in the fifth inning but Team Two still held the lead after five innings were in the books. The score was 10-11-4. Team One took a temporary lead after they were through batting in the sixth frame. The big hit of the inning was a deep triple over the head of defending rightfielder Randy Lane. By the time Randy had retrieved the ball from the warning track and relayed it in, Brent Alumbaugh had pulled in at third. Freddy Gonzalez had an RBI single and he scored when Bill Ravo got a base hit. Heading into the middle of the sixth, the score was 12-11-4. Sensing that the game was slipping away from them, Team Two put on their hitting shoes again after lead off batter Keith Linton was walked. Mike Tomasso and Don Witmer each banged triples that gapped the fielders. Five runs had scored and Team Two was comfortably in the lead once more. The score was 12-16-4. The home team didn't have much offense in the game but, when they did, multiple runs crossed the plate. The sixth was their second good inning. The first batter got on base on a fielding error. After that, Marshall Bloom, Ted Taylor, and Ed Kline each had base hits. A double by Jim Laffoon drove in two runs and a Bob Zelazny double knocked in two runs. Fred Dampier walked but didn't score. Six runs touched home plate and the home team had made it into double figures. At the end of six innings of play, Team Two had a 12-16-10 lead. Five big runs scored in the top of the last frame for an amazing come-from-behind win for Team One. Pat Accetta singled but was forced at second on a 4-6 fielder's choice. Ken Wilson, Freddy Gonzalez, Chris Constantine, Larry Powell, and Bill Ravo all connected for base hits in the comeback, with the hit by Bill driving in what turned out to be the winning run. Teams Two and Three each logged a zero in the final frame to complete the saga. The first team won 17-16-10. LEADING HITTERS: Denny Shaffer - 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 2 doubles. Mike Tomasso - 4 for 4. Freddy Gonzalez - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Brent Alumbaugh - 4 for 5 with 1 triple, 2 doubles, & 1 walk. Ted Taylor - 4 for 5. Larry Powell - 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Doug McLellan - 3 for 4 with 1 double. Brent Alumbaugh played in the American League game this morning. He is retired but seldom has time to join the group. Thank you for making it out to the old ballpark today Brent. Chuck Duff went through knee surgery two days ago and has been instructed by his physician to rest for one month. He sat in the American League dugout and handled all the score sheets for the game. Thank you Chuck. December 16th - Two three team games took place this morning in order to keep the National League and the American League players separated. Each of the four teams had 11-13 players per squad. The National League game was played on Field E and the American League game was contested on Fred White Field.
Inside-the-park homers were hit by Elmer Black and Dick Sessink in the National League game. Freddy Gonzalez and Russ King got credit for inside-the-park homers in the American League game. NATIONAL LEAGUE
Dick Sessink recorded the victory as that team scored nine while allowing only six runs. Marvin Taylor was on the mound for the team that scored six and gave up seven runs while on defense. Rich Palmer took the call and that team scored seven and surrendered nine runs. A nifty triple play was executed in the bottom of the third inning. With runners on first and third bases, a grounder was hit to the shortstop, who tossed to the rover covering second base for the first out. The rover threw over to the first baseman for the twin killing but the play wasn't over yet. The runner from third stumbled while heading home and was out at the dish when the first baseman alertly threw to the catcher. The score sheets didn't indicate who played which positions so the defensive players can not get recognition for the triple play. Sorry guys, not enough information was provided. Another defensive gem was reported from the National League game. Catcher Bill Spring, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Sunday, December 14th, made a nice catch on a low throw to home. Bill stretched out and caught the ball on a short hop while keeping one of his feet on home plate. Nice play Bill. LEADING HITTERS: Ron Thompson - 3 for 3 with 1 double. Lee Tomlinson - 3 for 3 with 1 double. Sam Harrell - 2 for 2 with 1 walk. AMERICAN LEAGUE
Two pitchers were credited with wins in the American League game this morning. George Radlein threw for the team that scored the most runs. That team racked up 21 runs and gave up 12 while on defense. Jerry Witter was the pitcher for Team One. That squad scored 12 runs and surrendered 11 while in the field. Don Bercaw pitched for the team that scored 11 and allowed 21 runs to cross the plate. LEADING HITTERS: Russ King - 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 triple. Al Andrews - 4 for 4 with 1 double. Freddy Gonzalez - 3 for 3 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk. Regis Finnegan - 3 for 4 with 1 double. 
Don Bercaw returned from Lima, Ohio, Ken Doxtater returned from Wyoming, Michigan, Bob Martin arrived from Linden, Michigan, Erv Szewczuga returned from Waupaca, Wisconsin. Welcome back, Don, Ken, Bob, and Erv. Three players joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club and they will all be added to the ranks of the American League. Brent Alumbaugh is from Florida and he is recently retired. Ken Ota is originally from California. He played on November 25th and decided to join today. Randy Hill is a snowbird and lives in Painsville, TWP, Ohio during the summer months. Welcome aboard, Brent, Ken, and Randy. Prospective member Charles Smith played in the National League game this morning. Please return and join Charles. The Board of Directors met with the upcoming season managers and the draft was conducted. The National League managers for the 2009 season will be Reg Barnes, Rich Palmer, Harvey Rennie, and Floyd Welton. American League managers are Al Andrews, Fred Dampier, Russ King, Denny Shaffer, and Bob Zelazny. Stay tuned for team rosters. December 19th - The National League game was played between three teams on the short field with the 225' fences. Balls hit over the fence were ground rule doubles. The American League players went to Fred White Field for a contest among three teams.
American League teammates Pierre Boissonneault and Brent Alumbaugh connected for back-to-back solo inside-the-park homers in the first inning for Team One. Doug McLellan hit the only two balls over the fence for ground rule doubles among the National League batters. One of the score sheets for the National League game couldn't be found after the game, so no game recap can be compiled. NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADING HITTERS: Sam Harrell - 5 for 5. Doug McLellan - 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 2 doubles. Rusty Landahl - 4 for 5 with 1 double. Walt Leggett - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Ron Carrothers - 3 for 4. Rich Palmer - 3 for 4. AMERICAN LEAGUE
Team Two seemed to have a distinct advantage going into the game and they didn't deliver any disappointment to all in attendance. Right off the bat, they scored five runs. Mike Tomasso began with a single. The pinch runner from first for Mike pulled in at third when second batter Freddy Gonzalez connected for a double. After the first out was made, Bob DiPietro pulled a ball toward rightfielder Bart Gongaware for a double. After 
that, Jerry Noble, Bobby Ayers, and Vassurl Bess each banged out singles. The fifth run was driven in from a sacrifice fly by Pat Accetta.
Before Team Two came to bat, the first team put up three runs on the boards. With one out, lefty hitters Pierre Boissonneault and Brent Alumbaugh hit back-to-back homers for two of the three runs. The next batter lined out to shortstop Don Scarbrough followed by a misplayed ball in the infield. Only one unearned run scored after the error. A single by Don Bercaw pushed the runner to third and a hit by Jim Reid drove in the third run of the frame. The lower part of the batting order came through 
with a three spot in the bottom of the second. Art Zakrowski and Bart Gongaware singled before new player Mike Urell blasted a double in his first at bat with the softball program. A double by Denny Shaffer drove home the third and final run of the inning.
Team Two tacked on four more runs in the fourth inning. Larry Wells got it going with a single but the next batter lined out to third baseman Jim Reid. Freddy Gonzalez and Jim Laffoon followed with base hits before Bob DiPietro hit another double. Bob scored the fourth run on a Ken Wilson base hit. At the end of four innings of play, the score stood at 6-11-5. The best inning for Teams One and Three came in the sixth. Team One started the sixth frame off with singles from the bats of Marshall Bloom, Gale Doty, and Regis Finnegan. Pierre Boissonneault was patient at the plate and walked. Brent Alumbaugh made the pitcher pay with a double, scoring Pierre. Before the frame was over, Larry Powell had singled but was stranded at first. Team Three was helped with some fielding mistakes for their five runs. The lead off batter lined out to first baseman Ken Wilson. The next batter, who mistakenly batted out of turn, reached base on a booted grounder but was immediately forced at second by the next batter. That should have been the third out, not taking into account the batter hitting out of order. With no runs scored at that point and two outs in the books, the rally began for Team One. Mike Urell, Denny Shaffer, Eddie Diaz, and Don Scarbrough each singled and scored before the inning was complete. The batter after Don got aboard on a dropped ball in the outfield before Fred Dampier and Jerry Witter were issued walks. A line drive out to third baseman Mike Tomasso ended the frame. LEADING HITTERS: Freddy Gonzalez - 4 for 5 with 1 double. Vassurl Bess - 4 for 5. Jim Laffoon - 4 for 5. Mike Tomasso - 4 for 5. Brent Alumbaugh - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 2 doubles. Don Bercaw - 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Wally Granger - 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Bob DiPietro - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 1 sacrifice fly. Denny Shaffer - 3 for 4 with 1 double. One player joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this morning. Mike Urell is a snowbird who spends the summer months in Maine. Welcome aboard, Mike. December 23rd - Enough players for six teams gathered at the old ball park for the last game before Christmas. The atmosphere was jovial and everyone seemed to be in good holiday spirits.
The three team National League game was played on Field A, which is the field with the 225' fences. All balls hit over the fence are ground rule doubles. Dick Sessink has continued his winning ways. That team scored 20 and gave up 11 runs. Marvin Taylor hurled for the team that scored 11 runs but surrendered 23 while in the field. Rich Palmer hit the big 3-0 this morning. He got his 30th win in the off-season as that team scored 23 runs and gave up 20 while on defense. The American League division also had a three team game. Jerry Witter came out on top this morning. Bon Bercaw and George Radlein came out on the short end of the stick this morning. Only one ball was launched over the 225' fences for a ground rule double and that was hit by Doug McLellan. Bob Lewis had an inside-the-park homer for the National League and Randy Lane hit one for the American League.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
The first team began the game with two hits right off the bat. Lee Tomlinson and Bob Lewis singled and both players scored before the inning was complete. Two outs were immediately recorded after the hits before Sam Harrell stepped to the plate. A single by Sam drove in the first run. Sam is on a hitting streak because he put together a 5 for 5 game this morning and a 5 for 5 game on Friday morning. After the single by Sam, Dick Sessink hit a double to drive home two runs. Team Two responded with two runs in the middle of the first and did it with only one hit. After the first two batters in the line up were put out, Ed Kline drew a walk and a Frank Miller triple drove Ed home. The next batter reached on an error. Frank scored since he was running at the crack of the bat. One earned run and one unearned run crossed the plate in the middle of the first. Team Three rose to the challenge in the bottom of the first inning. Premier lead off hitter Jose Agosto singled and Floyd Welton doubled to begin the frame. An error by the defense allowed the third hitter to get aboard and the clean up hitter 
grounded into a fielder's choice, erasing Floyd from the base paths. Dave Podbielski connected for a base hit, driving home one run. The inning came to an end when Jack Valliere doubled home the fourth and fifth runs.
At the end on one inning of play, the score was 3-2-5. The home team was looking very strong. Team Three continued their dominance with another five spot in the second. Jose Agosto and Wayne Mundy each banged out triples while Joel Freedman, Floyd Welton, and Walt Leggett hit singles. The hit by Walt drove home the fifth run. The first five batters crossed the plate in the top of the third. Bob Lewis and Mitch Mitchell each had a base hit before Doug McLellan hit the first of three doubles in the game. Sam Harrell followed with a single and Dick Sessink hit another double. Dick ended the day with four doubles in five trips to the plate. All of the aforementioned players scored in the frame. A Gene Morey single knocked in the fifth run. Once more, the second team pushed across more runs than they had hits in the inning. Ed Kline and Frank Miller had a single and double, respectively, but four runs stepped on home plate. For the second time, the first batter to reach base walked and scored before the inning was in the books. Bill Spring walked in the third inning for Team Two. Team Three added to their lead in the fourth by scoring the maximum five runs. The two big hits of the frame were a Jose Agosto triple and a double by Jack Valliere. The score was 13-6-17 after four innings were complete. The first team was making a run at the lead. Inning five began for Team One on a Gene Morey walk. A lead off walk generally spells trouble for the defense because the walk usually manages to cross home plate for a run. This time, however, he was forced at second on a fielder's choice grounder to shortstop. That runner scored though. After the fielder's choice first out, Bob Lewis had a base hit and strolled to second when the next batter walked. Both 
scored on the combination of a Doug McLellan double and a Sam Harrell single.
Heading into the middle of the fifth, the first team had closed within one run of a tie with Team Three. The score was 16-6-17. Joel Freedman and Gene Baker each had base hits after the first batter of the home fifth grounded out to the pitcher. In between the hits, the runner for Joel was forced out at second base. Back-to-back singles by Jose Agosto and Floyd Welton produced the only run of the inning for Team Three. At the time, it was a huge run since it gave the team a two run lead and it was getting late in the game. The sixth inning was quiet for Teams One and Two but Team Three just kept on trucking forward. Walt Leggett, Dave Podbielski, and Rich Palmer singled to open the frame before Jack Valliere hit his fourth double in four trips to the plate. A single by Ken Doxtator allowed Jack to score. At the end of six innings of play, the home team had built up their lead to 16-6-23. Bob Lewis hit an inside-the-park two run homer in the seventh. That hit chased home Lee Tomlinson, who had singled before Bob batted. Before the inning was over, Doug McLellan and Dick Sessink had doubled, with the hit by Dick driving in the last run for Team One. Team One had ended the seventh with five runs and finished with a total of 20 runs, which amounted to three short of a tie. Team Two had their best frame of the entire game. After the last man in the batting order lined out to the pitcher, lead off hitter Ron Carrothers and two hole batter Elmer Black singled. An Ed Kline double pushed across one run before Frank Miller was issued a free pass to load the bases. Rusty Landahl drove a ball high onto the right centerfield fence for a long single but two runs scored on the hit. Singles by Marvin Taylor and Jim McPartlan drove in the fifth and final run for Team Two. LEADING HITTERS: Sam Harrell - 5 for 5 with 1 double. Jack Valliere - 4 for 4 with 4 doubles. Jose Agosto - 4 for 4 with 2 triples. Floyd Welton - 4 for 4 with 1 double. Ed Kline - 2 for 2 with 1 double & 2 walks. Dick Sessink - 4 for 5 with 4 doubles. Doug McLellan - 4 for 5 with 3 doubles. Bob Lewis - 4 for 5 with 1 homer. Joel Freedman - 3 for 4. Walt Leggett - 3 for 4. Rich Palmer - 3 for 4.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
The American League game began with a bang and ended the same way for the second team. It took an extra inning to determine a winner in the contest this morning. First things first, though. Team One jumped out with two runs on two hits. Lead off batter Vassurl Bess drew a walk and the number two and three hitters, Eddie Diaz and Brent Alumbaugh, each singled. The second run scored on a fielding error. Carl Luebking started the middle of the first with a clean single and Fred Dampier drove a deep ball over the rightfielder for a triple. Doubles by Jim Laffoon and Dean Schapeler followed before the first out was recorded. Afterwards, Randy Lane, Mike Urell, Bernie Mohan, and Gale Doty all had base hits. A single by lead off hitter Carl Luebking drove home the fifth run. The team batted around in the frame and Carl went 2 for 2 in the first inning. Team Three had a few hot bats in the first inning, too. Their lead off hitter, Ted Taylor hit a ball over the defending rightfielder for a triple and scored on a Freddy Gonzalez base hit. After the first out was made, Ed Gazarek hit a single and advanced to third when the next batter reached on a fielding error. The fourth and final run of the home first inning scored when Marshall Bloom connected for a single. Team Three took a temporary lead when they were the only squad to score in the second inning. Freddy Gonzalez hit a triple down the leftfield line that had to be chased all the way to the fence. He scored easily on the Bob Zelazny single that followed. A error pushed Bob to second and a hit by George Radlein scored the second run of the inning. After two innings were in the books, the score was 2-5-6. A combination of poor defense and timely hitting added up to five runs in the top of the third. The first two batters reached base on a dropped ball in the outfield and a booted grounder in the infield. Before the inning was complete, Pierre Boissonneault had singled, Don Bercaw smashed a triple, and Art Zakrowski hit a gapper double. The fifth run scored on a two out, misplayed grounder. The third team pushed across a lone run in the third to bring the game into a two team tie. Freddy Gonzalez doubled and scored on a Bob Zelazny hit. George Radlein singled before the inning was over but remained at first base. At the end of three innings of play, the score stood at 7-5-7. The game was close and up for grabs to any team that wanted it bad enough. The second team batted around plus one in the fourth. This time Carl Luebking went 1 for 2 in the frame. The hitting machine was in gear again for Team Two. After Carl singled, Fred Dampier also got a base hit, followed by a 
Jim Laffoon double. Jim had his hitting shoes on today as he went 6 for 6 with two doubles. Jerry Witter, Randy Lane, Bernie Mohan, and Gale Doty each punched out singles in the fourth. The hit by Gale knocked in the final run of the frame.
By the time the seventh rolled around, Team One was five runs down. Pierre Boissonneault jump started the inning with a double. Don Bercaw, Sam Lopez, and Pat Accetta followed with singles before the door shut for two batters. Eddie Diaz pried it open again with a single before the next batter in the lineup reached base on an error in the infield. Pierre Boissonneault then hit his second double of the seventh but was left on second when the third out was made with a catch in left centerfield. Team One had accumulated enough runs to tie the second squad at 14. A base hit by Mike Urell was the only thing that kept Team Two from going three up and three down in the seventh inning, so the scored remained tied after the completion of regulation play. According to the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club rules, tied teams take the field for one extra inning of play. If the score is still tied after the extra inning, the game is considered complete. Team One had an uneventful eighth inning as the team sent only three batters to the plate. Team Two needed just one run to chalk up a W. After the first batter recorded an out, Fred Dampier hit a grounder and beat the throw to first for an infield single. A base hit by Jim Laffoon advanced the winning run to second base and a Dean Schapeler single drove Fred home. LEADING HITTERS: Jim Laffoon - 6 for 6 with 2 doubles. Freddy Gonzalez - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. The games are scheduled for Friday, December 26th so come out to the old ball park and run off some of that Christmas dinner. Happy holidays to all. December 25th - Merry Christmas to everyone. May we all be blessed with good health this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
 As it was noted in the December 23th recap, the softball games are scheduled to be played tomorrow, Friday, December 26h. Lakeland Senior Softball players are invited to play since they were scheduled for only one game this week. December 26th - Some of the ball players returned home for the Christmas holiday so the turnout this morning amounted to four teams. The two National League teams battled it out on Field A. Dick Sessink went up against Marvin Taylor in the close game.
The American League game was contested on Fred White Field. Larry Powell recorded the victory against fellow pitcher Jerry Witter. Doug McLellan and Jack Valliere hit inside-the-park homers for the National League and Fred Dampier and Don Witmer each hit one in the American League game.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
No one left their seats on this one! The game went back and forth the whole time. The visitors opened the game with five runs. Singles from the bats of Reg Barnes, Sam Harrell, and Ed Kline got the team jump started before the first out was made. Afterwards, Bob Lewis, Marvin Taylor, and Jack Valliere each had base hits. The bottom of the first was productive as Mitch Mitchell singled and was driven home from a Floyd Welton triple. Ron Augenstein added a double to the mix, and Dick Sessink and Frank Miller produced singles. The hitting continued in the second for the players as both teams chalked up two runs each. John Smith, Terry Feehan, Bill Spring, and Reg Barnes each connected for base hits for the visiting team. The two home team runs were the results of two singles. Lee Tomlinson and Ed Neumyer each scored after their base raps. Doug McLellan got heated up in his second trip to the plate. 
He smashed a double to begin the visiting third. He ended the day with two doubles, a triple, and an inside-the-park homer and missed hitting for the cycle by only a single. After the McLellan double, a ground out to the second baseman moved him to third, and he scored on a Marvin Taylor single. The hitting machine continued with base hit after base hit. Jack Valliere, Walt Leggett, John Smith, Ed Schmiedeke, and Terry Feehan each had base hits. The hit by Terry drove in the fifth run. Terry had a fine day at the plate as he went 3 for 4.
With the home team down 12-5 going into the bottom of the third, they geared it up a notch for a big rally. Ten players went to bat an all but two connected for hits. Eight hits were recorded and, among them, were doubles by Elmer Black, Ron Augenstein, and Dick Sessink. When the dust had cleared in the third, seven runs had crossed the plate and the game was tied 12-12. The game slowed down a bit after the first one-third of the game. The home team took a one run lead in the fifth as they put up four runs on the board after the visitors logged three runs. Dick Sessink had a double for the big hit of the home fifth. Dick ended the day with two doubles as he batted 4 for 5. The visitors took the lead back in the seventh. Ed Kline and Doug McLellan hit consecutive doubles and Jack Valliere had a two 
run inside-the-park homer. Jack had a hot bat this morning. He went 5 for 5 with a double to go along with the homer.
The visiting team lead 18-17 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. Dick Sessink began the home eighth with a single but was forced at second base on a fielder's choice grounder to shortstop. Afterwards, back-to-back hits by John Smith and Lee Tomlinson drove home the tying run. Both teams were held scoreless in the ninth frame and the home ninth ended with a double play. At the end of regulation play, the rules state that one extra inning will be played. The visitors began with a solo homer by Doug McLellan that gapped the left centerfielder and right centerfielder. After that shot, Bob Lewis singled, advanced to third on a Marvin Taylor single, and scored when Jack Valliere hit a double. The next two batters hit into outs that didn't allow Marvin to score from third. Two runs crossed the plate for the visiting team in the tenth inning. The home tenth began with a single from the bat of Ron Augenstein, who ended the day batting 1.000. The next batter reached base on a misplayed ball in the infield. With one out, Frank Miller crushed a ball that gapped the outfielders. Both runners on base scored but Frank tried to stretch the hit into a homer. Catcher Bill Spring kept his foot on home plate as he caught the grounder thrown to him for the second out of the inning. That out was huge because it erased the winning run. The game ended in a 20-20 tie. LEADING HITTERS: Jack Valliere - 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Ron Augenstein - 5 for 5 with 3 doubles. Doug McLellan - 4 for 5 with 1 homer, 1 triple, & 2 doubles. Dick Sessink - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Reg Barnes - 4 for 5. Terry Feehan - 3 for 4. Lee Tomlinson - 3 for 4.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
If the first inning was any indication of the outcome, this was going to be a very high scoring affair. But both teams tapered off after the fast start. The visiting team began when the first batter reached base on a fielding error. The defense paid for that mistake as Don Witmer hit a two run, inside-the-park homer after the miscue. The next batter also reached base on an error. Again, the defense paid as Fred Dampier drove home the run with a double. Singles by Cal Leigh, Larry Powell, and Jeff Strode finished off the scoring spree for the visiting team. Five runs crossed the plate and two were earned runs. The home team answered with four runs. Tim Gallagher belted a single after the first batter flew out to right centerfield. Roger Edwards followed with an RBI double. After the second out was made, Eddie Diaz and Pat Accetta singled before the next batter got aboard on a misplayed ball in the infield. Larry Wells and Rich Moots singled before the inning was in the books. Four runs came home but only two were earned runs. The visiting team got heated back up in the fifth inning. The first two batters recorded outs before Pierre Boissonneault was walked. Don Witmer hit a double and Freddy Gonzalez singled. The ball was tossed around, which allowed Freddy to advance to second. 
Fred Dampier was intentionally walked to set up a force out at any base. Cal Leigh came through with a base hit, driving in one run. Larry Powell walked, pushing Cal to second base, but that is where they were stationed when the third out was recorded.
The visiting seventh inning witnessed four runs scoring on four hits. At least one run was unearned in the frame due to an infielder error. Carl Luebking, Don Witmer, and Freddy Gonzalez all singled and Pierre Boissonneault smashed a double. At the end of seven innings of play, the visiting team had built up a 13-7 lead. Only one run scored in the home eighth. Brent Alumbaugh hit the second of three triples in the game and scored when Eddie Diaz lifted a ball deep enough to right centerfield to score Brent with ease. Jerry Witter singled afterwards but was stranded at first base. The visitors added four runs to their lead in the final frame. Pierre Boissonneault and Don Witmer had base hits, followed by a Freddy Gonzalez double an inside-the-park homer by Fred Dampier. Cal Leigh and Larry Powell each connected for base hits after the homer but didn't score. The visitors lead 17-8 going into the bottom of the ninth inning. Two outs were immediately made on a fly out and a pop up to the shortstop, so the home team had dug a hole for themselves before their feet got warm in the ninth. But they didn't lay down and give up. Gene Baker, a National League player in the American League this morning, singled, followed by a double from Ted Taylor. Tim Gallagher hit a two RBI single and Roger Edwards crushed a double, scoring Tim. Brent Alumbaugh hit his third triple and scored on a Eddie Diaz single. A total of five runs crossed the plate after two outs were already in the score sheets. Nice end of game rally, guys. LEADING HITTERS: Don Witmer - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Tim Gallagher - 4 for 5. Fred Dampier - 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 2 doubles, & 1 walk. Larry Powell - 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Larry Wells - 3 for 4. Some roster changes have been made to the teams. Mike Urell will take the place of Bernie Mohan on the Florida Cardiology Navy team. Bernie has requested to be put in the pool for the American League. Bill McEllister will take the place of Randy Hill on the Ingram Financial Purple team. Randy will be placed on a National League team to be named before the season begins. Also, Bill Ayer is pending to be put on a National League team before the season starts. The teams this season will be named after National and American League teams instead of being named after uniform colors. Once all the managers have given their teams a major league name, all the team names will be listed on the website link to the rosters. December 30th - The largest turnout this off-season boosted the teams to seven this morning. One field was used for a three team National League contest while the other four American League teams played at Fred White Field and Field D.
For the most part, some high scores were put on the score boards in the games. The National League game sported a 15 run inning for one team. That's two runs short of the one inning run total record since the website began operating in 2004. On November 4th of this year, 17 runs were scored in the ninth inning. Wally Granger sent a hanging slider in orbit on Field D. The solo home run sailed over the left centerfield fence. American League teammates Don Witmer and Denny Shaffer each hit two inside-the-park homers on Fred White Field. Larry Powell connected for an inside-the-park homer down the leftfield line on Field D in the other American League game.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
LEADING HITTERS: Ron Augenstein - 5 for 5 with 4 doubles & 1 walk. Bob Lewis - 4 for 4. Walt Leggett - 2 for 2 with 2 walks. Rich Palmer - 5 for 6. Fred Ducham - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Sam Harrell - 3 for 4 with 1 double. Ed Kline - 3 for 4 with 1 double. Ron Thompson - 3 for 4 with 1 double. Frank Miller - 3 for 4. 
AMERICAN LEAGUE
LEADING HITTER: Al Andrews - 4 for 5.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
LEADING HITTERS: Don Bercaw - 6 for 6 with 5 doubles. Dean Schapeler - 6 for 6 with 2 triples. Larry Williamson - 6 for 6 with 2 doubles. Wally Granger - 5 for 6 and hit for cycle with 2 doubles. Don Scarbrough - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 walk. Russ King - 4 for 5 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly. Randy Lane - 4 for 5. 
Only one player in the entire Winter Haven Senior Softball Club played every Winter Haven game in all of 2008. Congratulations Jack Valliere. Some changes have been made to the National League rosters. Bill Ayer has been added to the Play It Again Sports Mets, Randy Hill has been added to the Trustco Bank Astros, and Bill Triolo has been moved from the Trustco Bank Astros to the Rusty's Relics Rockies. American League roster changes include moving Bernie Mohan from the Florida Cardiology Tigers to the American League Pool. Mike Urell has been placed with the Florida Cardiology Tigers. Bill McEllister has been placed with the Ingram Financial Royals. All roster changes have been reflected in the 2009 Team Rosters web page. Harvey Rennie returned from London, Ontario, Canada and Jerry Remington from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada. Welcome back, Harvey and Jerry. |
November 2008
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