March 3rd - It was a bit on the cool side this morning. At 7:15, the temperature gauge was reading a brisk 39° F. B-r-r-r-r! As the day progressed into the late morning, the sun had warmed everything and everybody. The 10-15 MPH wind had died down to a comfortable breeze.
The first place Play It Again Sports Mets won by forfeit against the Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals.
The Rusty's Relics Rockies are showing promise as they outlasted the Trustco Bank Astros by a score of 21-19. The ninth inning was the highlight of the game in this contest, too. With the score tied 19-19, the visiting team Rockies rallied for two runs. Bill Evans and Elmer Wilcox each punched singles after the first batter lined out. A Walt Leggett triple was the deciding factor in the game. Wayne Mundy walked after the three bagger but the damage had been done and the two runs were all that were needed as the Astros sent only three batters to the plate in the bottom of the last inning. Joltin' Joe DeForge singled with one out but was the front half of a game ending double play.
The Astros best frame took place in the home fifth. They were down by six runs as they trailed 11-5 at the time. A two run triple by Floyd Welton began the comeback. Jose Agosto singled and the next batter reached base on a misplayed ball in the infield. Floyd scored when Randy Hill doubled. Ed Kline singled Randy home. The scoring was complete after Dave Podbielski doubled and John Smith hit a deep triple to rightfield. Six runs had crossed home plate and the score was knotted at 11-11 after five innings of play.
The Florida Cardiology Tigers team is on the top of the American League heap and they have only one threat. The AL is turning out to be quite unbalanced. The Tigers were hot in the first four innings and basically had the game in the bag after the fourth. Five runs were posted on the scoreboard in the three opening frames. In the first, the nickel was scored after the first two batters began the game with outs. Afterwards, Ron Butler, who was moved from the bottom of the batting order to the number three hole, singled and was driven home on a Don Witmer triple. Don Scarbrough singled before manager Denny Shaffer crushed a ball deep to right centerfield for a triple. Eddie Diaz singled Denny homeward bound and Eddie scored the fifth and final run after a base hit by Mike Urell.
The second and third innings displayed more hitting prowess by the Tigers. Carl Luebking singled and doubled and scored two runs, Ron Butler had two base hits, and Don Witmer banged out a double and a single.
Don Erb just about carried the Polk Therapy Athletics on his broad shoulders. He scored four runs and and drove in five during the game. He doubled in the first and second innings to get his team on the board. Before the game was in the books, he connected for another double and also had a triple in the four run seventh for the Athletics.
The second place Ingram Financial Royals were the only winners in the three team contest on Field "D". The Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays scored 11 runs but surrendered 13 while on defense against the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox. The Red Sox scored 13 runs but gave up 15 to the Royals.
The Royals got
off to a slow start and had scored only two runs after three innings were finished. The sleeping giant awoke in the fourth, though. Tom Snider began the rally with a one out walk. Ed Guspyt and Jim Laffoon singled before the second out was recorded. A double by Brent Alumbaugh capped off the inning.
The Royals had another productive offensive inning in the fifth. Larry Wells drove a ball deep over leftfielder Jerry Noble for a double. After Larry was replaced with a pinch runner, Tom Snider connected for an RBI single. After the second out was made, four more runs scored from singles by Jim Laffoon and Bob Zelazny and a walk to Brent Alumbaugh. Larry Powell drove in the fifth run when he reached base.
The Rays hung in there for most of the game but gave it up in the final frame. They scored seven runs in the third and fourth innings combined. During that span, Fred Dampier singled and doubled and Jerry Remington and two singles. Both players scored each time they got aboard. Larry Williamson doubled twice but was still stationed at second when the third out was made. One of the doubles by Larry was a long ball way over the head of defending left centerfielder Al Andrews.
The Red Sox jumped out with the lead and appeared to be the best of the three teams early in the game. Al Andrews doubled to open the bottom of the first and scored when Chris Constantine singled. Base hits by Don Keller and Joe D'Herin followed before the first out was recorded. After that, Vassurl Bess and Jerry Noble each singled but neither hitter scored.
The Red Sox scored five in the fourth inning and held the lead for the last time after that frame. Joe D'Herin and Jerry Witter hit consecutive two baggers during the rally. Jim Gillies drove in the fifth run with a base hit.
National League inside-the-park homers: Rockies player Lee Tomlinson hit one and so did Astros player Floyd Welton.
The only two American League inside-the-park homers were hit by Tigers team mates Mike Stepp and Eddie Diaz.
| Play It Again Sports Mets | 9 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 0 | ||||
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 21 | Trustco Bank Astros | 19 | ||||
| Florida Cardiology Tigers | 26 | Polk Therapy Athletics | 15 | ||||
| Ingram Financial Royals | 15 | Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 11 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 13 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
Elmer Wilcox - 5 for 5.
Lee Tomlinson - 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Bob Lewis - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Gene Morey - 3 for 4.
Trustco Bank Astros
Jose Agosto - 5 for 5.
Floyd Welton - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple.
Dick Sessink - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Ed Kline - 4 for 5.
Randy Hill - 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Carl Luebking - 6 for 7 with 1 double.
Denny Shaffer - 4 for 5 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Don Erb - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 3 doubles.
Dean Schapeler - 4 for 5 with 1 walk.
Ingram Financial Royals
Brent Alumbaugh - 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays
Jerry Remington - 4 for 4 with 1 double.
Fred Dampier - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles.
Larry Williamson - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Jerry Noble - 5 for 5.
Jim Margolin returned from Monroe Twp, New Jersey. He is a pool player in the National League. Hector Marinacci returned from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and was placed with the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays. He replaced shortstop Hugh Leasard, who returned home just this past weekend. Welcome back Jim and Hector.
The Winter Haven vs Lakeland competition will begin tomorrow morning in Winter Haven. Each senior softball program will feature two American League teams and one National League team. Don Witmer and Bob Zelazny will manage the two AL teams and Ron Augenstein will run the NL team. Russ King will manage one of the younger teams for Lakeland. The games are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM. Please come out and show your support for your favorite team.
Sam Harrell had some fun when a team picture was taken of the Play It Again Sports Mets. Too funny Sam!
Thanks for lightening the mood during the competitive season, Sam. Also, thank you Gene Baker for taking the pictures without noticing Sam in the background!
March 6th - For the second straight game, the first place Play It Again Sports Mets picked up a win by forfeit. The Trustco Bank Astros fell victim this time around. Only six Astros showed up at the old ballpark suited up to play.
The Rusty's Relics Rockies moved solely into second place with a dramatic bottom of the ninth inning victory over the Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals. Only one more out was needed for the Cardinals to preserve a win but that last out was elusive. The defense, who had played solid ball just about the entire game, failed the squad at the most inopportune time. Walt Leggett and Reg Barnes did their best as each singled in the final frame. Both players scored after the Cardinals defense had problems.
The Rockies hit their way to within one run of a tie in the bottom of the seventh during their pursuit of a comeback. They were trailing 14-8 when they came to bat. Three players in-a-row singled to begin the inning. Lee Tomlinson, Les Wolff, and Bob Lewis each hit their way on base. An error allowed the next batter to get aboard and drive home two runs in the effort. Three more hits followed from the bats of Bill Evans, Elmer Wilcox, and Walt Leggett. By the time the Rockies inning was over, the Cardinals were leading 14-13. Six runs had scored.
Those six runs awoke the Cardinals bats in the seventh inning. Don LaMay and Ron Thompson began with singles and Ron Carrothers cleared the bases with a triple. With still no outs in the books, Harvey Rennie and Joel Freedman had base hits. The fifth run crossed the plate when one of the batters grounded out to rover Reg Barnes.
The Polk Therapy Athletics brought some hot bats to the ball field this morning in the American League. They easily ousted the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays. The home team Athletics scored in every inning except the seventh, when the second, third, and fourth batters went down in order. The planets must not have been aligned at that particular time.
The number one starter missed the game for the Athletics but Dennis Holder did a fine job for the good guys. He finished the day with three strikeouts against the opposing batters. He also hit well as he went 5 for 6. One of his hits burned right centerielder Fred Dampier for a triple. The ball rolled all the way to the warning track.
The Rays bats were out of order for most of the game. They did manage five runs in the last inning to get their final run production into the double digits. The Rays strung together six consecutive hits and five runs made it home. Pool player Regis Finnegan had a one out single, Jerry Remington cranked a deep double, and then Fred Dampier, Ken Wilson, Larry Williamson, and John Abramo connected for base hits. A two out single by Bart Gongaware drove home the fifth and final run.
The Florida Cardiology Tigers were dethroned in the three team game. They scored in only two innings of the seven that were contested. The Tigers scored six runs and gave up 23 while on defense. The Ingram Financial Royals took possession of first place as they scored 23 and allowed nine while in the field. The Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox are looking stronger and stronger. They evened their season record for the first time with the 9-6 win in the three team game.
Dick Mahon and manager Denny Shaffer scored four of the six runs for the Tigers. Second string pitcher Don Witmer and shortstop Don Scarbrough accounted for the other two runs.
The Royals were tough today. They began the game with five runs and didn't let up from there. The eight run seventh inning sealed the win and moved the Royals into first place. Cal Leigh went 2 for 2 in the last frame. He scored the first run and drove in the eighth run of the final inning. In between, the Royals singled the opposition to submission. The only extra base hit was an inside-the-park dinger by Bill McEllister.
The Red Sox have proven to be a low scoring team and today was more of the same. But they don't allow many runs either. The Red Sox scored only nine runs but that was enough for a win. Seven of the runs came in the third inning. Pool player Wally Granger started the frame with a double and Bob Lundquest followed with a base hit. Pitcher Jerry Witter tripled to help his cause and Jerry Noble singled Witter home. One note about Jerry Noble. He finished the day hitting 3 for 3 and has now hit safely in his last eight at bats. After the hit by Jerry, the first out was recorded before Vassurl Bess drew a free pass. Vassurl was forced at second when the next batter grounded out. Chris Constantine singled before Wally Granger banged out his second double of the inning. That hit drove in the seventh run and gave the Red Sox a 9-9 tie with the Royals at the end of three innings of play.
American League inside-the-park homers were hit by Athletics player Ted Taylor, Rays player Fred Dampier, and Bill McEllister of the Royals.
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 19 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 18 | ||||
| Play It Again Sports Mets | 9 | Trustco Bank Astros | 0 | ||||
| Polk Therapy Athletics | 25 | Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 13 | ||||
| Florida Cardiology Tigers | 6 | Ingram Financial Royals | 23 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 9 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
Walt Leggett - 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Lee Tomlinson - 4 for 5.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Joel Freedman - 5 for 5.
Ron Thompson - 4 for 4 with 2 doubles & 1 walk.
Ron Carrothers - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Sam Harrell - 4 for 5.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Dennis Holder - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Russ King - 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays
Jerry Remington - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Denny Shaffer - 3 for 3 with 1 double.
Ingram Financial Royals
Bill McEllister - 2 for 2 with 1 homer, 1 triple, & 3 walks.
Brent Alumbaugh - 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Sam Lopez - 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Tom Snider - 3 for 4.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Jerry Noble - 3 for 3 with 1 double.
Chris Constantine - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Pool player Hank Gomez showed up at the old ballpark but didn't intend to step across the white lines of the diamond to play ball. He volunteered to umpire behind the plate on Fred White Field in the three team contest. Thank you Hank and it was good to see you.
The first set of games in the Winter Haven vs Lakeland competition took place on Wednesday, March 4th. Lakeland won two of three games. Since the games began in 2005, Lakeland holds a 15-12 edge in wins. If Winter Haven sweeps Lakeland on March 11th, the games will be tied 15-15 after five years of challenges.
It is time for team pictures. The pool team picture will be taken on March 17th. Three team pictures have been taken (two today but haven't been put online yet) of the nine total teams. The photographer is waiting for all team members to be present before the picture is taken. However, the season is winding down and that doesn't leave many play dates for team members to show up for the games.
The team pictures will be posted on the 2009 Standings page. Just click on the team logo to view a team picture.
March 10th - The warm weather is here to stay or so it seems. With just a slight breeze, the temperature is expected to reach 81° F but it felt warmer than the thermometer indicated.
Although one team is dominating the National League, another is coming on strong and has been playing fundamental ball the past few games. That team has moved from last place to the second slot in the standings. The squad is the Rusty's Relics Rockies and they took it to the Play It Again Sports Mets this morning.
The Mets began well but faltered at the end. Four runs scored in the first two frames. The same four batters got on base and scored each time. Frank Miller and Ron Augenstein each had two singles, Bernie Peterson banged two doubles, and Fred Ducham had one hit in two trips to the plate.
The Rockies also had eight runs in the first two innings. Five touched home plate in the first with no outs being recorded during that time. Bob Lewis lead off for the team with a base hit, Jack Valliere walked, and Bill Evans doubled in two runs. Singles from the bats of Elmer Wilcox, Walt Leggett, and Reg Barnes accounted for the other three runs.
The Rockies continued where they left off when it was their turn to bat in the second frame. After the first batter grounded out to second baseman Otto Smith, John Merritt walked, followed by singles from Gene Morey and Bill Triolo. The second Rockies out of the game occurred when Bob Lewis hit a sacrifice fly to right centerfield for a run. The two out rally carried on for four more runs.
The Mets third proved fruitful as five runs scored with no outs logged on the score sheet.
Jim McPartlan, Terry Feehan, Jim Margolin, and Fred Ducham each had base hits and Frank Miller doubled. A Bernie Peterson single drove home the fifth run. The Mets lead 13-10 after three innings of play.
The Rockies tied the game in the fifth inning at 17-17, then took the lead in the sixth.
The Rockies poured it on when it was time for the unlimited run last inning. Eight players scored of the 11 batters in the lineup. Elmer Wilcox tripled home two runs but the rest of the hits were singles.
The Trustco Bank Astros gave the dipping Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals another loss. The Cardinals have done a nose dive into last place in recent games and couldn't even break into double digits in the contest this morning. One half of the Cardinals runs scored in the fifth inning after the first two batters made outs. The third batter of the inning reached base on a misplayed ball so all four runs were unearned. Sam Harrell tripled in the first run and scored when Wayne Mundy singled. Wayne scored on a Don LaMay inside-the-park homer.
The Astros scored at least one run in seven of the nine innings and the ninth was the most devastating for the hapless Cardinals. When the last frame started, the Astros had a slim 15-12 lead but they put it out of reach as eight runs came home. Dick Sessink opened the ninth with a single before Doug Chamlee hit his second triple of the game. Doug pounded the ball today. He went 5 for 5 with three extra base hits. After the Chamlee triple, pool player Erv Fitzke singled. Then little Ed Neumyer hit an opposite field inside-the-park homer. With the bases cleared and ready for more to fill them, Joe DeForge, Elmer Black, and John Smith each singled. A Floyd Welton triple pushed in two runs and Ed Kline singled Floyd home.
Cardinals player Joel Freedman went 4 for 4 during the game and extended his consecutive hit streak to 9 for 9. All of the hits are singles since he requires a runner from home.
It took 10 innings to determine a winner in the American League game on Fred White Field. The game between the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox and the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays went back and forth. The sell out crowd of two stayed glued to their reserved seats the entire game.
The Red Sox scored three runs in the first three innings. During that time, Chris Constantine went 3 for 3 with two runs scored while Al Andrews went 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Dean Schapeler had a triple in the second, driving home two runs.
The Rays tied the game at 10-10 in the fourth when they rallied for a six spot. Randy Lane and Fred Dampier each went 2 for 2 in the fourth. The hottest bat for the Rays, Ed Gazarek, began the fifth with a single. Five runs scored in that frame to give the Rays a lead.
By the time the ninth rolled around, the Rays needed five runs to tie the game and they pushed across five runs. The inning ended unusually when a pinch runner miscalculated when he was due to bat and was on base. That interprets as an out because a team can not have a runner for a runner. End results? Rally killed and on to the tenth.
The Red Sox extra inning began when Jim Gillies rapped a base hit. The pinch runner for Jim scored when Al Andrews doubled. Another run touched home on a Chris Constantine double. Dean Schapeler knocked home the third insurance run.
The Rays scored two after Fred Dampier singled and Ed Gazarek hit an inside-the-park homer between the gap in right centerfield and left centerfield. Jerry Remington and Ken Wilson singled after that but the tying and winning runs remained on the bases when the final out was recorded.
The up and coming Polk Therapy Athletics scored 12 runs in the three team contest on Field "D" to secure a victory. The Ingram Financial Royals scored a meager nine runs while allowing 12 and
the Florida Cardiology Tigers tied 12-12.
The Athletics and Tigers ended with a tie and also started out with a tie. Don Erb and Russ King began things for the Athletics with singles. Mike Tomasso was moved into the cleanup hole and responded with a two run double. Ted Taylor, who is among the leaders in the American League with 11 walks, drew a free pass before George Radlein tripled home two runs. George scored on a single from the bat of Keith Linton.
The home team Tigers, who played defense against the Athletics, needed five runs to stay in the lead. With one out, Carl Luebking, Bill Ravo, Don Witmer, and Don Scarbrough all punched out singles. The final runs crossed home on a triple from manager Denny Shaffer and a triple from Eddie Diaz.
The Tigers pushed across four more in the fourth to move into a 10-8 lead. Ron Butler, Marshall Bloom, and Mike Stepp each singled. Before the inning was in the books, Denny Shaffer and Eddie Diaz also had base hits.
The Royals waited until the sixth frame before they put any numbers on the board. Until then, Athletics pitcher George Radlein had a nifty shutout going. The top of the Royals lineup did the total damage in the last two innings. The first four batters scored eight of the nine runs. Ed Guspyt scored two by means of one hit and after reaching base on a fielding error. Jim Laffoon scored two as he went 2 for 2 in the last two innings. Bob Zelazny went 2 for 2 with one triple and scored twice. Brent Alumbaugh went 2 for 2 with an inside-the-park homer to the right centerfield gap and one double.
The American League now has a two way tie for first after the Royals loss and the tie by the Tigers.
National League inside-the-park homers were hit by Bill Ayer of the Mets, Ed Kline and Ed Neumyer of the Astros, and Don LaMay of the Cardinals.
American League inside-the-park homers were hit by Ed Gazarek of the Rays and Royals player Brent Alumbaugh. Rays player Bart Gongaware missed an inside-the-park homer because his run would have been the sixth of the inning. Bart was credited with a triple.
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 32 | Play It Again Sports Mets | 19 | ||||
| Trustco Bank Astros | 25 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 8 | ||||
| Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 26 | Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 25 | ||||
| Polk Therapy Athletics | 12 | Ingram Financial Royals | 9 | Florida Cardiology Tigers | 12 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
Rusty Landahl - 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Bill Evans - 5 for 6 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Gene Morey - 5 for 6.
Bill Triolo - 4 for 5 with 1 walk.
Play It Again Sports Mets
Bill Ayer - 5 for 5 with 1 homer.
Frank Miller - 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Trustco Bank Astros
Doug Chamlee - 5 for 5 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Floyd Welton - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
John Smith - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Joel Freedman - 4 for 4.
Wayne Mundy - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles.
Ron Carrothers - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Dean Schapeler - 6 for 7 with 1 triple.
Chris Constantine - 6 for 7 with 1 double.
Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays
Ed Gazarek - 8 for 8 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Fred Dampier - 6 for 7 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Don Erb - 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly.
Ingram Financial Royals
Bob Zelazny - 4 for 4 with 1 triple.
Larry Powell - 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Denny Shaffer - 3 for 3 with 1 triple & 1 sacrifice fly.
Eddie Diaz - 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Jim Reid was moved from the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox and placed into the American League player pool. The Red Sox also lost Pierre Boissnnneault, who returned to River Glade, New Brunswick, Canada for the summer. Take care and please return in the Fall, Pierre.
Harold Turner dropped by the ball park, watched some games, and renewed old friendships. He last played here in 2006 for the Beef O'Bradys Kelly team. It was nice to see you Harold.
The Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony takes place this evening at the Clarion Hotel in Winter Haven. The nominees who made it into the Hall of Fame are Jose Agosto and Russ Winner. Congratulations Jose and Russ.
March 13th - Today marked the second consecutive Friday the 13th. Jose Agosto, who was inducted into the Polk County Senior Softball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, didn't make it to the old ballpark this morning. As we all know, Jose doesn't play on Friday the 13th but made an exception last month. He went 0 for 4.
The Trustco Bank Astros and Rusty's Relics Rockies played the most exciting game of the four contests. The Astros pulled out a 31-30 win in the ninth. Their biggest lead was 21-12 heading into the bottom of the sixth, but the Rockies battled back for six runs to come within three of a tie.
After the Astros scored five in the seventh, six more crossed the plate in the Rockies seventh. Bill Evans and Elmer Wilcox each banged out triples while Reg Barnes connected for a double.
An important run scored in the Astros ninth and it turned out to be the difference in the game. Three straight singles from the first three batters did the job. Doug Chamlee lead off with a single and Dick Sessink also had a base hit. An opposite field hit by Ed Neumyer drove Doug home.
The Rockies were down by two in the bottom of the ninth inning but they could only push across one run.
The Play It Again Sports Mets won again. The victim this time was the Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals. Unless a miracle happens soon, the Mets will win it all in the National League.
In the American League, the Ingram Financial Royals clung to a first place tie as they won a nail biter against the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox.
The Red Sox don't allow very many runs but they also don't score a lot of runs either, so the contest was a typical Red Sox game.
The Red Sox scored most of their runs in the first inning. Al Andrews began with a double and Chris Constantine was walked to set up a force at any base. Don Keller ignored that strategy and slammed an inside-the-park homer. The final two runs were scored by means of singles from the bats of Roger Edwards, Bob Lundquest, Jerry Witter, and Jerry Noble.
The powerful Royals team had their offensive troubles most of the game. The first frame was their most productive inning. Down 5-0, they rallied for four runs. Jim Laffoon lead off with a double and Bob Zelazy singled Jim home. Chuck Duff played for the first time this season and came through with a single. Chuck was out with knee surgery and it is good to have him back in action. Sam Lopez tripled to clear the bases and Bill McEllister had an RBI single. Cal Leigh had a base hit but didn't score.
The Royals scored three more in the third. A Jim Laffoon double was the big hit of that inning. Cal Leigh singled and scored. He ended the day going 4 for 4.
The Red Sox took a one run lead when Chris Constantine hit an inside-the-park homer with two runners on base. Jim Gillies walked and Al Andrews singled before the gapper hit by Chris.
The Florida Cardiology Tigers maintained a tie for the American League lead with a win in the three team contest on Fred White Field. They scored 18 runs and allowed 10 while on defense. The Polk Therapy Athletics came up short by three runs. The team scored 15 but surrendered 18. The Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays came up even shorter as they forfeited.
The Athletics began quickly as they scored five in the first and three runs in the very next frame. Don Erb hit a one out, inside-the-park homer in the first inning. After that hit, singles were punched out by Mike Tomasso, George Radlein, Keith Linton, and Rich Moots. Big Russ King hit an opposite field double. Russ also doubled in the three run second inning.
The Tigers were behind the Athletics by a score of 13-6 heading into the bottom of the fifth. Then the Tigers put on their hitting shoes. Don Witmer singled and Don Scarbrough doubled to begin the home fifth. After that, Dick Mahon, Denny Shaffer, and Eddie Diaz each had base knocks. No one wanted to make the first out. Ron Butler walked after the previous batter reached base on a booted ball. The first out was finally recorded when Ron was forced at second on a fielder's choice grounder to second baseman Keith Linton. Lead off batter Mike Stepp drove in the tying run. Seven Tigers crossed home plate as the team displayed why they are in the top of the American League ranks.
National League inside-the-park homers: Bill Ayer and Frank Miller for the Play It Again Sports Mets, two for Ed Kline and one each for Elmer Black and Randy Hill of the Trustco Bank Astros, and Bill Evans and Walt Leggett for the Rusty's Relics Rockies.
American League inside-the-park homers: Chris Constantine and Don Keller for the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox and Bob DiPietro and Don Erb for the Polk Therapy Athletics.
| Play It Again Sports Mets | 18 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 8 | ||||
| Trustco Bank Astros | 31 | Rusty's Relics Rockies | 30 | ||||
| Ingram Financial Royals | 10 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 9 | ||||
| Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 10 | Polk Therapy Athletics | 15 | Florida Cardiology Tigers | 18 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Play It Again Sports Mets
Frank Miller - 5 for 5 with 1 homer.
Ron Augenstein - 4 for 5.
Doug McLellan - 3 for 4.
Rich Palmer - 3 for 4.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Don LaMay - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Ron Cerotzke - 3 for 4.
Trustco Bank Astros
Doug Chamlee - 5 for 6 with 2 triples.
Ed Neumyer - 4 for 5 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Rusty's Relics Rockies
Elmer Wilcox - 6 for 6 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Walt Leggett - 6 for 6 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Bill Evans - 5 for 6 and hit for the cycle with 2 doubles.
Gene Morey - 5 for 6.
Ingram Financial Royals
Cal Leigh - 4 for 4.
Bob Zelazny - 3 for 3 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 2 walks.
Jim Laffoon - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Russ King - 4 for 4 with 2 doubles.
George Radlein - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Don Scarbrough - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Eddie Diaz - 3 for 4.
Bill Ravo - 3 for 4.
Denny Shaffer - 3 for 4.
The second day of the Winter Haven vs Lakeland competition took place in Lakeland on Wednesday, March 11th. The Winter Haven squads piloted by Ron Augenstein and Bob Zelazny were winners in their respective games and the Don Witmer team lost their game in the bottom of the 10th inning.
March 17th - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
The season is winding down and there are only four games left to play on the regular schedule. The Play It Again Sports Mets are running away with the National League pennant. Their magic number is one. The American League has turned out to be a split division league. Two teams are dominating while there are three more squads showing up to play in the American League. The Ingram Financial Royals and the Florida Cardiology Tigers each have records of 13-4-1. Since the two teams don't meet again, they could very well be tied at the end of the season. They each have one win in head-to-head competition.
Home run derby was the theme for the day in the National League games. A grand total of 12 inside-the-park homers were logged on the score sheets. The Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals out homered the Rusty's Relics Rockies by a count of 4 to 1 but they were on the short end of the stick in the final score. The Rockies scored 30 runs and have reached that hefty offensive number in each of the past three games including the contest today. They also have outscored every team in the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club so far this season. John Fulton returned after a lengthy absence to hammer out six hits
in six at bats. He had two doubles among the six hits. Teammate Elmer Wilcox crushed the ball. too. He had two triples and one double. Walt Leggett matched Elmer with extra base hits.
The Cardinals couldn't muster much of an offense and it tended to be feast or famine with the batters. They had four homers but only 11 total runs in the game. Ron Thompson had a 5 for 5 day, including two solo homers. The Cardinals made a good pool player selection because Doug McLellan hit for the cycle this morning.
The Mets won again. What else is new? They also out homered the Trustco Bank Astros. The game score was 33-22 and the long ball score was 6-1. Every ball that was released from the pitcher's hand must have looked like a watermelon to Bernie Peterson. He ended the day with two homers and three doubles in six at bats. Lead off batter Fred Ducham contributed two homers of his own.
Astros clean up batter Randy Hill connected for the team's only homer but it helped him hit for the cycle. Randy ended the day with eight RBIs.
In the American League, the two teams at the bottom of the standings met head on at Fred White Field. The Polk Therapy Athletics versus Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays game was neck and neck for the first five innings until the Athletics mounted three big rallies in-a-row. A total of 14 crossed home plate in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. By the time the dust had settled, the game was basically in the bag. Power hitter Don Erb outfoxed the outfield shift to the
left side of the field and hit an opposite field inside-the-park homer. He also hit a triple before the Rays outfield had had enough of the shift. For good measure, Don hit a ball to the warning track for his second triple of the day.
The Rays sported a power hitter in their lineup too. Pool player Wally Granger pumped it up when he brought out the yellow Combat bat. He hit the warning track for a triple and also banged out two doubles.
It was no surprise there were two winners in the three team contest on Field "D". The Florida Cardiology Tigers scored 16 while allowing only nine runs. The Ingram Financial Royals racked up 17 runs and surrendered 16. The third team, the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox, scored nine runs and gave up 17 while in the field.
Bill Ravo of the Tigers had four hits in five trips to the plate. All were singles. Eddie Diaz has been swinging a hot bat the past three games. He is batting .750 during that span.
Pool player Ed Gazarek helped the Royals coast to a victory. He scored four runs and went 5 for 5 in the game. Sam Lopez was perfect at the plate, too. He had three doubles in three official at bats. Sam also walked twice. Manager Bob Zelazny is riding a 10 for 10 streak over the last three games. He went 3 for 3 today and walked two times.
The pool players were doing their job well today. The Red Sox picked up Dean Schapeler, who promptly went 4 for 4 with a triple. Don Keller, former pool player who was placed with the Red Sox, had a 3 for 3 day.
National League inside-the-park homers: Rusty's Relics Rockies - Bill Triolo (1). Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals - Ron Thompson (2), Don LaMay (1), Doug McLellan (1). Play It Again Sports Mets - Fred Ducham (2), Bernie Peterson (2), Frank Miller (1), Ron Augenstein (1). Trustco Bank Astros - Randy Hill (1).
Don Erb of the Polk Therapy Athletics hit the only American League inside-the-park homer.
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 30 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 11 | ||||
| Play It Again Sports Mets | 33 | Trustco Bank Astros | 22 | ||||
| Polk Therapy Athletics | 21 | Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 8 | ||||
| Florida Cardiology Tigers | 16 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 9 | Ingram Financial Royals | 17 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
John Fulton - 6 for 6 with 2 doubles.
Elmer Wilcox - 5 for 6 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Bob Lewis - 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Reg Barnes - 5 for 6.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Ron Thompson - 5 for 5 with 2 homers.
Doug McLellan - 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle.
Don LaMay - 4 for 5 with 1 homer.
Play It Again Sports Mets
Frank Miller - 7 for 7 with 1 homer & 2 doubles.
Bernie Peterson - 5 for 6 with 2 homers & 3 doubles.
Fred Ducham - 4 for 5 with 2 homers, 1 double, 1 walk, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Trustco Bank Astros
Ed Kline - 6 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Jose Agosto - 6 for 7 with 1 double.
Erv Fitzke - 5 for 6 with 2 triples.
Floyd Welton - 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Randy Hill - 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle with 1 sacrifice fly.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Mike Tomasso - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Don Erb - 4 for 5 with 1 homer, 2 triples, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Bob DiPietro - 4 for 5 with 1 triple, 2 doubles, & 1 walk.
Russ King - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 sacrifice fly.
Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays
Larry Williamson - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Bart Gongaware - 3 for 4.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Don Scarbrough - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Bill Ravo - 4 for 5.
Ron Butler - 3 for 4.
Eddie Diaz - 3 for 4.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Dean Schapeler - 4 for 4 with 1 triple.
Don Keller - 3 for 3 with 1 walk.
Al Andrews - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Jerry Witter - 3 for 4.
Ingram Financial Royals
Ed Gazarek - 5 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Sam Lopez - 3 for 3 with 3 doubles & 2 walks.
Bob Zelazny - 3 for 3 with 2 walks.
Jim Laffoon - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Bill McEllister - 3 for 4.
Larry Wells - 3 for 4.
The Winter Haven Senior Softball Club lost a beloved member on Sunday, March 15th. Jack Valliere was an infielder on the Rusty's Relics Rockies. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, dear friend.
March 18th - A memorial service for Jack Valliere has been arranged for 2:00 PM, Friday, March 20th at the American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven.
It has been requested that side dishes, snack items, finger foods, small sandwiches, paper plates, plastic silverware, etc be supplied by the attendees. The American Legion will have drinks.
Please contact Don Witmer or Fred Dampier so we will know what will be brought to the fellowship.
Please make an attempt to attend the service in Jack's honor.
March 19th - Richard Johnston, former Commissioner of the Lakeland Senior Softball program and long time Lakeland softball player, passed away today. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 22nd at Seighler Funeral Home on 1300 E. Canal Street in Mulberry.
Please include Richard's family in your prayers during their time of grief.
March 20th - Some of the players are beginning to head back to their home in the north so the teams are slowly thinning out now.
The Rusty's Relics Rockies won an upset game against the Play It Again Sports Mets. Any time the Mets lose, it is considered an upset. The six home runs for the Rockies weren't enough for a win today because most of them were solo shots.
The Mets were down eight runs heading into the eighth inning when they had their biggest rally of the game. The inning began with back-to-back-to-back homers from the bats of Ron Augenstein, Bernie Peterson , and Bill Ayer. After that show of power, Rich Palmer singled, Otto Smith doubled, and Jim McPartlan singled. That concluded the display of hitting for the team but six runs crossed the plate but the Rockies were still leading by two.
Ron Augenstein and Bernie Peterson teamed up in the Mets ninth by connecting for back-to-back solo homers again.
The Rockies won the game in the fifth through the seventh innings when they outscored the opposition 10-2. During that time, the Rockies were base hitting the opponents to submission. Every player had at least one single during those three frames. John Fulton went 3 for 3 on the three innings. He ended the day going 7 for 7 and has an astounding streak of 13 straight hits since coming back to the old ballpark. He had been battling the flu for quite some time. Bill Triolo had two hits in the three innings and he also contributed with three RBIs.
With the Mets loss, their magic number is one to clinch the National League pennent. Stay tuned.
The Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals looked dominate this morning. The team was lead with the smoking hot bat of Ron Thompson, who banged out three doubles and two inside-the-park homers in five trips to the plate. Ron Carrothers batted after Thompson and he was perfect with a 5 for 5 performance including a homer. Another contributor for the Cardinals was Lee Baker. He had three hits and drove in the final two runs of the opening inning. In addition to his hitting prowess, Lee patrolled third base with a solid glove. He racked up several assists as he scooped grounder after grounder. Nice going Lee.
The Trustco Bank Astros started off well but were scoreless in the second through the fourth frames in the seven inning game. Both managers agreed to play seven innings rather than the regular nine for a reason unknown to the remainder of the league.
In the Astros first, Elmer Black, John Smith, and Floyd Welton each connected for base hits before the first out was recorded. Dave Podbielski then stepped in the batter's box and crushed a bases clearing triple. He scored when Ed Neumyer hit a single.
The Ingram Financial Royals won a close game against the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox in American League action. Brent Alumbaugh couldn't be stopped as he had five doubles and one homer in six plate appearances. Sam Lopez went 5 for 6 with one double and one triple. The triple came late in the game and drove in an important run for the Royals. He also had an RBI in the ninth inning.
Don Keller made the most of his at bats for the Red Sox. Don had three doubles, one homer, and a triple. He also scored three times.
In the three team contest, the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays forfeited for the second time in three games. They did score enough runs to make it difficult for the Polk Therapy Athletics though. The Athletics had to come through and score two runs in the final inning to end up with a tie. The Florida Cardiology Tigers won again as another one bit the dust against the first place team. They scored 16 runs and allowed only seven while on defense.
The Athletics didn't mount very much offense but managed to pull out a tie in the last frame. Don Erb hit a one out triple and scored on a single by Russ King. Mike Tomasso singled to move Russ to third and he scored the tying run on a ground out fielder's choice.
The Tigers did most of their damage in the first two frames. Lead off hitter Mike Stepp scored in both innings as did Bill Ravo and Don Witmer. Bill got aboard on two singles and ended the day with four hits in five at bats.
National League inside-the-park homers: Play It Again Sports Mets - Ron Augenstein (2), Bernie Peterson (2), Bill Ayer (1), & Frank Miller (1). Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals - Ron Thompson (2) & Ron Carrothers (1).
American League inside-the-park homers: Ingram Financial Royals - Brent Alumbaugh (1). Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox - Don Keller (1). Florida Cardiology Tigers - Denny Shaffer (1) & Don Witmer (1).
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 26 | Play It Again Sports Mets | 24 | ||||
| Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 19 | Trustco Bank Astros | 9 | ||||
| Ingram Financial Royals | 19 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 17 | ||||
| Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 7 | Florida Cardiology Tigers | 16 | Polk Therapy Athletics | 7 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
John Fulton - 7 for 7.
Gene Morey - 6 for 6.
Reg Barnes - 4 for 5 with 2 walks.
Play It Again Sports Mets
Rich Palmer - 5 for 6.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Ron Thompson - 5 for 5 with 2 homers & 3 doubles.
Ron Carrothers - 5 for 5 with 1 homer.
Don LaMay - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Joel Freedman - 4 for 5.
Trustco Bank Astros
Dave Podbielski - 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Dick Sessink - 3 for 4.
Floyd Welton - 3 for 4.
Ingram Financial Royals
Brent Alumbaugh - 6 for 6 with 1 homer & 5 doubles.
Sam Lopez - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Bob Zelazny - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Dean Schapeler - 4 for 4 with 1 triple.
Don Keller - 5 for 6 with 1 homer & 3 doubles.
Bob Lundquest - 5 for 6 with 1 triple.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Don Witmer - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Bill Ravo - 4 for 5.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Mike Tomasso - 3 for 4.
One snowbird returned today. Glenn Holland is from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He played with the Rusty's Relics Rockies this morning and went 4 for 6. Welcome back Glenn.
Many ballplayers and friends gathered at the American Legion in Winter Haven for a memorial for departed player and friend Jack Valliere. Tears were shed as various players shared their hearts with everyone about Jack. Jack was a good friend and the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club will miss him and his "One in the well" and "Two in the well" chants.
The funeral service for Richard Johnston may be a private service. Anyone who had planned to attend should phone the funeral home to inquire about the service.
March 24th - The Play It Again Sports Mets won the National League pennant in style with a 36 run outpour of offense. Congratulations to manager Rich Palmer for a job well done. The team can now relax with two games to go in the season.
The Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals were simply outclassed this morning as the Mets could not be detained from their goal. Five runs were scored in the first and the squad continued from there. Lead off hitter Fred Ducham began with a base hit before Frank Miller banged out a double. Two more singles followed from the bats of Ron Augenstein and Bernie Peterson. Bill Ayer tripled and Rich Palmer had a base hit to round out the hitting barrage in the first. Five runs crossed the plate and no outs were recorded.
The Mets scored the maximum five run limit in the second, fourth, sixth, and seventh frames. In the unlimited ninth, seven Mets touched home plate.
The Cardinals gave it their all and scored 20 runs during the game. Only four other times did they put up more runs in a season game. Manager Harvey Rennie made it around the bases five times as he went 5 for 6 this morning. The top of
the lineup did just about the entire damage, pushing across 19 of the 20 runs. Gene Baker hit well in the second half of the order with four hits in six trips to the plate but wasn't never driven home as he made it as far as third base only one time.
The Cardinals most productive inning came in the fifth frame. Down 19-8 at the time, they rallied for six runs and came as close as they would all game. Lee Baker reached base to begin the home fifth and advanced to second when the next batter grounded out to second baseman Ron Augenstein. Singles from the bats of Wayne Mundy, Harvey Rennie, and Don LaMay followed. A bases clearing triple by Ron Thompson helped the Cardinals cause. Ron scored on a base hit from the bat of Joel Freedman. The second out was made on a fly
ball before pool player Jim Margolin drove in the pinch runner for Joel. The Cardinals batted around with the exception of one batter in the twelve man lineup.
The Rusty's Relics Rockies won 19-10 over the Trustco Bank Astros. The game was closer than the final score indicated because the Rockies erupted for six runs in the last inning. The number one man in the order, Bob Lewis, had a perfect day at the plate with a 5 for 5 performance. He was an important link in every opportunity for the team in the game because he scored every time he batted.
John Fulton led off the Astros ninth inning with a single. Gene Morey followed suite with a base hit before Bill Triolo drew a walk. The next batter popped up to third baseman Dave Podbielski for out number one. Pool player Glenn Holland doubled home two runs. Afterwards, Les Wolff, Bob Lewis, and Reg Barnes all singled. Pitcher Elmer Wilcox drove in the sixth and final run with a base hit.
The bats of the Astros just couldn't get going except for one huge inning. Dave Podbielski, Dick Sessink, Bob Sciamanna, and Ed Neumyer each had singles before the first out was in the books. Immediately afterwards, the second out was recorded. Five more runs crossed the plate after the second out. Elmer Black knocked in two runs with a single and Floyd Welton drove in two more with an opposite field double. The hitting continued as Doug Chamlee, John Smith, and Dave Podbielski each had base raps. The hit by Dave was his second of the frame. When it was all said and done, the Astros had pushed across seven runs in the bottom of the fourth.
In American League action, the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays surprised the Florida Cardiology Tigers with an upset victory. The Tigers gave their workhorse pitcher Eddie Diaz a break and handed the ball to Dick Mahon for his first start of the season. Mainstay pitcher Larry Williamson was on the mound for the Rays.
The game went back and forth until the Rays sealed the win with a five run eighth inning. Jerry Remington, who had broken his bat two weeks ago, borrowed Larry Williamson's lumber and drove a deep hit over the outfielder's head for a double to begin the frame. Tim Gallagher and Hector Marinacci each had base hits before Ken Wilson lifted a sacrifice fly to left centerfielder Eddie Diaz. After that, Larry Williamson singled and John Abramo, who had an eagle eye with four free passes, walked to load the bases. Randy Lane doubled in the final two runs of the eighth.
The Tigers played solid baseball but it was apparently their time to take a detour from the winning road. They scored in every frame but the first and last two innings. In between the start and finish, they were a thorn in the side of the Rays.
Manager Denny Shaffer lead his team with a 4 for 5 game and he had two triples among the four hits. The bat of Don Witmer was silenced but for two gapper triples.
The entire lineup of the Tigers contributed with at least one run scored. The team's
last hurrah came in the seventh as five runs crossed the plate and they took a 16-13 lead. Mike Urell, pool player Bernie Mohan, Mike Stepp, and Carl Luebking all singled and scored. Marshall Bloom walked and accounted for one of the five runs.
The Ingram Financial Royals got the word that first place could be theirs alone as they played in the three team contest. But the Royals couldn't hold back the bats of the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox. The Red Sox won their game 19-10 while giving the Royals a 19-18 loss. The Polk Therapy Athletics also went down in defeat. They scored 10 runs but allowed 18 while on defense.
The Royals had the lead most of the seven inning game. They began with four in the first and added more as the game went into the deep innings. Manager Bob Zelazny and leftfielder Brent Alumbaugh lead
the offense. Bob went 4 for 5 and Brent hit a perfect 5 for 5 with a triple and homer in the game. The tandem of Larry Powell, Cal Leigh, Ken Ota, and Larry Wells from the bottom half of the order were potent. Each of the four batters in the order went 3 for 4.
Red Sox manager Al Andrews was focused on the sweet spot of his bat this morning as he crushed five doubles in the game. Don Keller did well, too. Don went 5 for 6 with a double and a triple. He has 13 hits in his last 15 at bats.
With the game hanging in the balance, the Red Sox rallied for three runs in the last inning to secure the loss for the Royals. Dean Schapeler, Don Keller, and Bob Lundquest started out the last frame with base knocks. The first out was recorded when shortstop Jim Laffoon threw out the base runner at home. The bases loaded grounder came from the bat of Jerry Witter. With the bases still juiced, Gale Doty stepped to the plate with a runner from home ready to run. The rule is that if a batter has a runner from home, the runner may not run past first base. The runner did make it to first base as Gale burned the leftfielder and drove in all three runners.
The Athletics began well but put up a couple of goose eggs in the last two innings. They came within three runs of a tie when they scored four in the third inning. After the leadoff batter grounded out to second base, Freddy Gonzalez doubled and advanced to third on an errant throw into the infield. Don Erb hit a sacrifice fly to leftfield for the second out. After that, three runs scored on hits by Russ King, Mike Tomasso, Ted Taylor, George Radlein, Art Zakrowski, and Keith Linton. The bases were loaded when the third out was recorded.
All the National League inside-the-park homers were hit by the Play It Again Sports Mets. Fred Ducham hit two dingers and Bernie Peterson hit one homer.
In the American League, Ingram Financial Royals player Larry Wells hit a home run over the leftfield fence on Field "D" and teammate Brent Alumbaugh hit an inside-the-park homer.
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 19 | Trustco Bank Astros | 10 | ||||
| Play It Again Sports Mets | 36 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 20 | ||||
| Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 18 | Florida Cardiology Tigers | 16 | ||||
| Ingram Financial Royals | 18 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 19 | Polk Therapy Athletics | 10 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
Bob Lewis - 5 for 5 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Elmer Wilcox - 5 for 5 with 1 walk.
Reg Barnes - 5 for 6.
Bill Triolo - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Trustco Bank Astros
Ed Nuemyer - 5 for 5.
Play It Again Sports Mets
Bernie Peterson - 6 for 6 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Bill Ayer - 6 for 6 with 2 triples.
Frank Miller - 6 for 6 with 1 double.
Ron Augenstein - 5 for 6 with 2 triples.
Jim McPartlan - 5 for 6.
Rich Palmer - 5 for 6.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Jim Margolin - 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Harvey Rennie - 5 for 6.
Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays
Tim Gallagher - 5 for 5 with 1 triple.
Wally Granger - 3 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Denny Shaffer - 4 for 5 with 2 triples.
Marshall Bloom - 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Mike Urell - 3 for 4 with 1 sacrifice fly.
Ingram Financial Royals
Bob Zelazny - 5 for 5.
Brent Alumbaugh - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple.
Larry Wells - 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Cal Leigh - 3 for 4.
Ken Ota - 3 for 4.
Larry Powell - 3 for 4.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Al Andrews - 6 for 7 with 5 doubles.
Don Keller - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Dean Schapeler - 5 for 6.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Freddy Gonzalez - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles.
Russ King - 3 for 4 with 1 double.
George Radlein 3 for 4.
Mike Tomasso - 3 for 4.
A couple of players voiced their concern about three team games, wins and losses, and forfeits. If a team forfeits, the team playing defense against the forfeited team still has to score more runs for a win. The forfeited team receives a loss but another team doesn't get an automatic win in a three team contest. Play your best and outscore your opponent to be assured of a win.
One more note for the sake of standings: a forfeited team is logged into the record books as a 9-0 defeat when taking into account the runs for/runs against statistic.
The first annual Winter Haven Senior Softball Club golf tournament will take place on one of the two golf courses at Lake Ashton Country Club in Lake Wales. Bob Zelazny set up all the particulars. Hopefully, the golf outing will become an annual event.
March 25th - The first annual Winter Haven Senior Softball Club golf tournament was played at Lake Ashton Country Club this afternoon. Members of the winning team were Don Erb, Ken Ota, and Denny Shaffer. The second place team was comprised of Jim Gillies, Don LaMay, and Bernie Peterson. Other players included Fred Ducham, Don Keller, Carl Luebking, Ted Taylor, Dick Wilhelm, Larry Williamson and Bob Zelazny.
A hot dog and cold drink lunch was provided at the clubhouse after everyone finished the 18 hole course. Golf stories were abound about the shots of the day and the ones that "coulda been". A monetary prize was awarded to the first place team but the bragging rights for the whole year was equally important.
The event, organized by Ted Taylor with assistance from Bob Zelazny, proved to be highly successful.
Be sure to sign up next year and get ready to tee 'em up, grip 'em, and rip 'em.
March 27th - With the National League in jeopardy of ending their season today due to lack of players, the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays team was disbursed and divided for the games this morning.
The Rusty's Relics Rockies and the Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals were close for awhile. In fact, the Cardinals tied the score at 13-13 with a seven run fifth inning. Nine successive singles with no outs did the job. Only one batter in the order didn’t bat in that frame. The base hits were accomplished by Ron Thompson, Harvey Rennie, Joel Freedman, Marvin Taylor, Gene Baker, Lee Baker, Ken Doxtater, Fred Dampier, and Pat Accetta. That was a nice display of hitting by the Cardinals. Way to go, guys.
The Rockies woke up after that big inning and produced five runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth. The middle to lower part of the batting order came through superbly as they put together five consecutive hits. John Fulton, Rusty Landahl, Bill Triolo, Glenn Holland, and Gene Morey each knocked base hits. Two walks with two outs also helped the team. Bob Lewis and Reg Barnes drew free passes. Bill Evans drove home the fifth run with a single.
The Rockies never looked back after that inning and went on to win by 10 runs.
The National League champions Play It Again Sports Mets made easy work of the Trustco Bank Astros, winning 21-8.
The game was never in question for the powerful Mets. They lead from beginning to end. American League recruit Ken Wilson lead the team with five runs scored on five hits in six at bats. He also banged out a double and a triple.
The top of the order took care of business for the Astros. Elmer Black, Ed Kline, and Floyd Welton each scored twice, which accounted for six of the eight runs scored by the team.
The Florida Cardiology Tigers took sole possession of first place in the American League, and just in time, too. There is only one game left on the regular schedule. The Tigers topped the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox but it took a five run eighth inning to put the pressure on the Red Sox very late in the game. Eddie Diaz started the visiting eighth with a base rap before Mike Urell drove him home with a triple. A single by lead off hitter Mike Stepp scored the leading run at the time since the Tigers entered the frame down 16-15. After the first out was made with a fielder's choice that erased Mike from the base paths, Bill Ravo singled and Don Witmer hit an opposite field inside-the-park homer to drive in three runs.
The Tigers were leading 20-16 heading into the bottom of the eighth frame.
Not to be denied, the Red Sox started the home eighth with a single from the bat of Joe D'Herin. He scored when the next batter, Don Keller, tripled in the outfield gap. Pool player Wally Granger had a clutch single, driving in one run. Wally ended up scoring the third and final run of the inning. Bob Lundquest singled but was stranded on base.
Both teams were shut down in the final frame and the Tigers were victorious. The scoreboard read 20-19 at the end of the contest.
The Polk Therapy Athletics won an exciting game against the Ingram Financial Royals, ousting them from first place in the standings.
The Athletics began strongly with five runs in the first inning. Don Erb and Bob DiPietro hit back-to-back homers with one out before Roger Edwards singled
and Jerry Remington doubled. Then Ted Taylor hit an inside-the-park dinger. All five runs were the result of home runs.
Five more runs scored in the Athletics fourth inning. Extra base hits were in order as Dennis Holder, Freddy Gonzalez, Don Erb, and Bob DiPietro each doubled while Russ King tripled.
The Royals waited until late in the game to make their charge. A total of 11 of their 16 runs were scored after the sixth inning. In the seventh and eighth, Jim Laffoon singled and doubled, Bob Zelazny homered twice, Brent Alumbaugh doubled two times, and Regis Finnegan doubled and walked. All eight socred, too. Sam Lopez put an exclamation point on the eighth with a two run homer.
At the end of eight innings of play, the home team Royals had a slim 16-15 lead. One more inning, three more outs, and they would still have a strong hold on first place. But that didn’t happen.
The Athletics started the ninth with a triple from speedy Freddy Gonzalez. He trotted home when Don Erb singled. Don was forced at second base but Jerry Remington drove home the second run. That turned out to be the winning RBI because the Royals went down quietly in the bottom of the ninth.
National League homers: Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals player Ron Thompson, who hit for the cycle and Play It Again Sports Mets player Bernie Peterson. Bernie has hit six homers in the last four games! Wow!
American League homers: Florida Cardiology Tigers - Don Witmer. Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox - Wally Granger. Polk Therapy Athletics - Bob DiPietro, Don Erb, and Ted Taylor. Ingram Financial Royals - Sam Lopez and two homers by Bob Zelazny.
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 26 | Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 16 | |
| Play It Again Sports Mets | 21 | Trustco Bank Astros | 8 | |
| Florida Cardiology Tigers | 20 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 19 | |
| Polk Therapy Athletics | 17 | Ingram Financial Royals | 16 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
John Fulton - 5 for 5.
Bill Evans - 4 for 4 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly.
Elmer Wilcox - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Walt Leggett - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Rusty Landahl - 4 for 5 with 1 triple.
Bill Triolo - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Ron Thompson - 5 for 5 and hit for the cycle.
Fred Dampier - 5 for 6 with 2 doubles.
Joel Freedman - 4 for 5.
Marvin Taylor - 4 for 5.
Play It Again Sports Mets
Ken Wilson - 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Fred Ducham - 5 for 6 with 1 triple.
Ed Schmiedeke - 5 for 6.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Mike Urell - 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Joe D'Herin- 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Jerry Remington - 4 for 5 with 1 double.
Hector Marinacci - 3 for 4 with 2 triples.
Ted Taylor - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 walk.
Ingram Financial Royals
Bob Zelazny - 4 for 5 with 2 homers.
Brent Alumbaugh - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.
March 31st - The final day of the 2009 season came to an end today and the Florida Cardiology Tigers avoided a tie for the American League championship with a 22-20 win over the Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox. Congratulations guys.
The National League champion has already been decided. The Play It Again Sports Mets won the 68+ league.
National League inside-the-park homers: Fred Ducham of the Play It Again Sports Mets and pool player Doug Chamlee for the Trustco Bank Astros.
American League inside-the-park homers: Larry Powell of the Ingram Financial Royals, Freddy Gonzalez of the Polk Therapy Athletics, and pool player Wally Granger for the Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays.
| Rusty's Relics Rockies | 21 | Play It Again Sports Mets | 16 | ||||
| Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals | 25 | Trustco Bank Astros | 24 | ||||
| Florida Cardiology Tigers | 22 | Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox | 20 | ||||
| Ingram Financial Royals | 15 | Polk Therapy Athletics | 14 | Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays | 13 |
LEADING HITTERS:
Rusty's Relics Rockies
Bob Lewis - 5 for 6.
Walt Leggett - 4 for 5.
Play It Again Sports Mets
Bill Ayer - 5 for 6.
Bernie Peterson - 5 for 6.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Cardinals
Wayne Mundy - 7 for 7.
Ron Thompson - 5 for 5 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Joel Freedman - 5 for 6.
Don LaMay - 5 for 6 with 1 sacrifice fly.
Trustco Bank Astros
Ed Kline - 6 for 7 with 2 doubles.
Doug Chamlee - 5 for 6 with 1 homer & 2 doubles.
Florida Cardiology Tigers
Mike Urell - 4 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Don Witmer - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Don Scarbrough - 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 1 walk.
Steven D Reddick, DMD Red Sox
Al Andrews - 4 for 5 with 2 doubles & 1 walk.
Regis Finnegan - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Don Keller - 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Ingram Financial Royals
Jim Laffoon - 5 for 5 with 1 double.
Larry Powell - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Larry Wells - 3 for 4.
Polk Therapy Athletics
Freddy Gonzalez - 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Bob DiPietro - 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
George Radlein - 3 for 4.
Ted Taylor - 3 for 4.
Jarrett Gordon Ford Rays
Hector Marinacci - 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Jerry Remington - 4 for 4.
Wally Granger - 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Rusty Landahl sponsored the Rusty's Relics Rockies in the National League this season. Thank you Rusty.
After the games were finished this morning, pizza and drinks were delivered for the players and fans. Everyone in attendance had a nice time.
A note for those heading back North for the summer: Please drive carefully, take care and try to stay healthy, and please return in the Fall for another season on softball.
