Winter Haven Senior Softball Club March 2010 News Archive

Winter Haven Senior Softball Club
March 2010 News Archive

March 1st - Monday - Two months have passed in the three month season, so now is the ideal time to post the leaders in the hitting statistic categories.
As always, please remember all statistics that are compiled on this website are only as accurate as the score sheets.
Listed are the statistics leaders through 12 games played.



BATTING AVERAGE	Elmer Wilcox	.745	BATTING AVERAGE	Chuck Duff	.755
	Bill Miller	.712		Jim Laffoon	.739
	Doug Chamlee	.711		Don Keller	.676
AT BATS	Floyd Welton	60	AT BATS	Chris Constantine	53
	Bill Miller	59		Al Andrews	52
	Bill Evans	59		Pat Accetta	51
	Marshall Bloom	58		Don Erb	51
	Don LaMay	58
	Sam Harrell	58
RUNS	Bill Evans	36	RUNS	Don Erb	32
	Floyd Welton	34		Al Andrews	31
	Mike Stepp	32		Jim Laffoon	30
	Bill Miller	32		Joe D'Herin	30
HITS	Bill Miller	42	HITS	Chuck Duff	37
	Ed Guspyt	39		Jim Laffoon	34
	Bill Evans	39		Don Erb	32
	Floyd Welton	39
	Elmer Wilcox	38
DOUBLES	Bernie Peterson	13	DOUBLES	Joe D'Herin	15
	Ron Thompson	9		Don Erb	13
	Bill Miller	9		Don Keller	12
	Doug McLellan	6
	Ron Augenstein	6
	Ed Guspyt	6
	Bill Evans	6
	Floyd Welton	6
TRIPLES	Doug Chamlee	7	TRIPLES	Don Scarbrough	8
	Bill Miller	5		Chuck Duff	7
	Mike Stepp	3		Clair Auchey	6
	Ed Kline	3		Bob Zelazny	6
	John Stewart	3
	Bill Evans	3
HOME RUNS	Bill Evans	10	HOME RUNS	Don Erb	5
	Bernie Peterson	9		Denny Shaffer	4
	Jerry Noble	7		Don Bercaw	4
				Danny Parker	4
				Chris Constantine	4
				Dean Schapeler	3
				Neil Gelpi	3
				Brent Alumbaugh	3
				Bob Zelazny	3
				Chuck Duff	3
TOTAL BASES	Bernie Peterson	81	TOTAL BASES	Chuck Duff	67
	Bill Evans	81		Don Erb	66
	Bill Miller	73		Danny Parker	57
	Mike Stepp	59		Bob Zelazny	57
	Ed Guspyt	59
OBP	Elmer Wilcox	.745	OBP	Chuck Duff	.764
	Bill Miller	.721		Don Keller	.727
	Ed Guspyt	.695		Jim Laffoon	.709
SLG	Bernie Peterson	1.421	SLG	Chuck Duff	1.367
	Bill Evans	1.373		Don Erb	1.294
	Bill Miller	1.237		Don Keller	1.243
OPS	Bernie Peterson	2.076	OPS	Chuck Duff	2.131
	Bill Evans	2.040		Don Keller	1.970
	Bill Miller	1.958		Don Erb	1.901
WALKS	Lee Baker	9	WALKS	Don Kemp	10
	Ron Thompson	9		Fred Dampier	8
	Terry Feehan	5		Tom Bonds	7
	Frank Miller	4		Ken Ota	7
	Bob Sciamanna	4		Don Keller	7
	Rich Palmer	4
	Ron Augenstein	4
SACRIFICE FLYS	Ron Carrothers	3	SACRIFICE FLYS	Jim Laffoon	4
	Doug McLellan	2		Larry Wells	3
	Doug Chamlee	2		Don Erb	3
	Ted Granoski	2		Dan Whisler	2
	Bill McEllister	2		Neil Gelpi	2
	Don LaMay	2		Stevan Hill	2
	6 Tied With	1		Danny Parker	2
				Al Andrews	2

March 2nd - The league games were rained out this morning. The weather forecast called for an 80% chance of rain and, with those odds, the experts were correct.
The sixth annual Winter Haven vs Lakeland competition will begin tomorrow at the Southwest Complex in Lakeland. The games will begin at 9:30 in the morning.
Food and beverages will be provided to each participant after the games.
Winter Haven Senior Softball Club members are requested to wear the grey uniform shirts and the 2010 season caps.
Ed Kline is the manager for the National League team while Al Andrews and Bob Zelazny will pilot the two American League teams.

March 5th - The Mets continued their skid, although the game wasn't lost until the latter innings.
The Mets had the lead through four frames but the Cardinals scored the maximum five runs in the fifth to tie the game. Five consecutive singles and one critical error accounted for the five runs. Bill Triolo, Fred Ducham, Ted Taylor, Jerry Noble, and Bill McEllister all connected for base hits in the home fifth for the Cardinals. An outfield error on a ball hit by Ron Carrothers allowed the final two runs to cross home plate.
The Mets tied the game in visiting ninth frame. Pool player Hector Marinacci had a lead off double, followed by an inside-the-park homer by Bernie Peterson. Gale Doty singled in the ninth but was stranded at first when the third out was recorded.
Needing only one run to log a victory, Bill McEllister singled and advanced to third when Ron Carrothers had a base hit. Bill raced home when winning pitcher Ted Granoski reached base on a booted ball in the infield.
The Astros easily handled the Rockies. Winning

pitcher Ray Mills, who is the number three starter on the team, gave up only six runs. The Rockies couldn't figure out the pitcher until the fourth inning, when they scored their first runs of the game.
The Athletics evened their season record with the Royals as the two sub .500 teams played against each other. The shaky defense of the Royals extended some of the innings for the Athletics and they took full advantage of the miscues. Five of the eight base runners who reached on errors made it all the way around to score.
The Red Sox game against the Tigers wasn't decided until the final frame. The score was knotted at 11-11 heading into the ninth inning. Al Andrews began with a single, followed by base hits from the bats of Joe D'Herin and Don Erb. Oddly enough, no base runners had scored up through that point. In any case, Chuck Duff stepped to the plate with the bases juiced and slammed an opposite field, inside-the-park grand slam homer.
Red Sox pitcher Larry Wells took the mound for the first time this season, pitched a complete game, and shut down the top of the Tigers lineup in the ninth. And a sort of strange lineup it was. Players normally down in the order were moved to the top, with a few exceptions. Anyway, the strategy failed to work and the Tigers are now two games back in second place behind the Red Sox.


Cardinals	16	Mets	15
Astros	21	Rockies	6
Athletics	17	Royals	7
Red Sox	15	Tigers	11

LEADING HITTERS:

Cardinals
Ted Taylor: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Fred Ducham: 4 for 5.

Mets
Gale Doty: 4 for 4 with 1 walk.
Doug Chamlee: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple.
Bernie Peterson: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Bert Snyder: 3 for 4.

Astros
Mike Stepp: 4 for 4 with 3 doubles.
Elmer Wilcox: 4 for 4 with 1 triple.
Ed Guspyt: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Marshall Bloom: 3 for 4.

Rockies
Reg Barnes: 3 for 4.
Sam Harrell: 3 for 4.
John Merritt: 3 for 4.

Athletics
Russ King: 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 walk.

Royals
Jim Laffoon: 3 for 3 with 1 walk.

Red Sox
Don Erb: 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple.
Al Andrews: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Joe D'Herin: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.

Tigers
Ron Butler: 5 for 5 with 1 double.
Freddy Gonzalez: 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly.

National League homers: Jerry Noble 2 homers & Ted Taylor (Cardinals); Doug Chamlee & Bernie Peterson (Mets); Marty Martinez (Astros).
American League homers: Chris Constantine (Athletics); Chuck Duff & Don Erb (Red Sox).

Hector Marinacci returned from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He moved to the Senior Circuit and played with the Mets this morning. The lefty hasn't lost his stroke as he went 3 for 5 with two doubles. Welcome back, Hector.

March 9th - No fresh news on the National League front. The Mets lost their fifth consecutive game since the realignment. However, they will be in the end of season playoff game since going 8-0 in the first half.
The Astros seem to be reaping the benefits of the changes as they moved into a tie for first place. They won against the sole proprietor of first prior to the game today. The Cardinals dropped to 4-2 in the second half standings.
The Royals surprised the Red Sox with a 31-22 final score. With the exception of the forfeit loss, the Red Sox had a 3-1 series lead over the Royals heading into the game this morning.
The Tigers put together three strong offensive frames to outlast the Athletics. The lineup shakeup juggling act by Tigers manager Larry Powell paid dividends this morning. Jack Benson was moved into the depths of the scorecard and served as a leadoff hitter in two of his four trips to the plate. He responded with a 3 for 4 performance.
Don Keller was able to delay his season ending surgery for two weeks due to hospital scheduling and the cleanup hitter went 3 for 4. He pounded out a triple and a double within the three hits.


Astros	12	Cardinals	9
Rockies	34	Mets	26
Royals	31	Red Sox	22
Tigers	18	Athletics	11

LEADING HITTERS:

Astros
Ron Thompson: 4 for 4 with 2 doubles.
Frank Miller: 3 for 3 with 1 homer & 1 walk.

Cardinals
John Fulton: 3 for 4.

Rockies
Ron Augenstein: 5 for 5 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk.
Bill Evans: 5 for 6 with 4 doubles.
Reg Barnes: 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 triple, 1 double, & 2 walks.
Dave Podbielski: 3 for 4 with 1 walk.

Mets
Bernie Peterson: 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple.
Rich Palmer: 1 for 1.
Joel Freedman: 3 for 4.

Royals
Denny Shaffer: 5 for 5 with 2 doubles & 1 walk.
Jim Laffoon: 4 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 walk, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Pat Accetta: 4 for 5 with 1 sacrifice fly.

Red Sox
Mike Tomasso: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Ken Ota: 4 for 5.

Tigers
Bernie Mohan: 3 for 3 with 1 walk.
Sam Lopez: 2 for 2 with 1 double, 1 walk, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Don Keller: 3 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double & 1 walk.
Jack Benson: 3 for 4 with 1 double.

Athletics
Greg Bombard: 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Chris Constantine: 3 for 4 with 1 double.

National League homers: Ed Guspyt & Frank Miller (Astros); Jerry Noble (Cardinals); Reg Barnes & Doug McLellan (Rockies); Walt Leggett, Bernie Peterson, & John Stewart (Mets).
American League homers: Jim Laffoon (Royals); Freddy Gonzalez (Tigers); Greg Bombard (Athletics).

Former Winter Haven Senior Softball Club members Fran Martau and Lee Tomlinson both played with the Cardinals this morning. Thank you for joining us today, Fran and Lee.

March 12th - No games today folks. The downpour began during the evening hours yesterday and it is expected to rain most of the day today.
The news stations reported four inches of rain yesterday in the area. That amount may fall here before the day is over.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and let's all try again on Tuesday.

March 16th - After the games were complete today, the National League had a three way tie for the second half. The two teams standing at 4-2 before today, the Astros and the Cardinals, dropped their games. The Rockies were 3-3 and won. Therefore, three teams hold a 4-3 record. The Astros were named the second half champs in the National League. The factors used to decide the second half winner will be detailed later in today's game recap.
The Rockies, who took on the Cardinals this morning, began quickly but the score was knotted at 11-11 after five innings of play. By the time the seventh frame rolled around, the Rockies were behind by seven runs. They bounced back by base hitting the opposition into submission. Walt Leggett, Reg Barnes, and Dave Podbielski all began with singles before Gene Morey drew a free pass. Before the inning was over, John Merritt, Sam Harrell, and Hector Marinacci all singled and Bill Ayer connected for a triple. The hit by Hector drove in the seventh run to tie the game at 19-19.
In the top of the eighth, Cardinals shortstop Bill McEllister singled. John Fulton then smashed a two run homer to give his team the lead.
The Rockies fought back in the home eighth. Ron Augenstein and pool

player Doug Chamlee each had base hits to set the table for Walt Leggett, who tripled. Walt also ended up scoring when a team mate grounded out.
Neither team could muster a run in the ninth so the Rockies won 22-20.
In a preview of the NL playoff game, the Mets defeated the Astros by a score of 14-10. Mets lead off man, Bill Miller, hit for the cycle as he went 4 for 5. Bernie Peterson knocked three doubles to take that title in the National League with 17 two baggers.
In the American League, the Royals were down all game long against the Athletics.

Until the ninth inning, that is. The Athletics thought the game was in the bag when Richard Marino stepped to the plate. Two outs were already logged in the books and the Royals were down 11-10. Pool player Greg Bombard was standing on first with a two out single. Richard smashed a deep fly to centerfield for a triple to tie the game. Back-to-back walks to Milo Macko and Carl Luebking loaded the bases. Fred Dampier hit an opposite field grand slam homer to give his team the lead for the first time in the game. Bob Zelazny followed with a single but was stranded at first when the last out was recorded.
The Athletics hit well but were cut down when potential big rallies were started. Although the Athletics had the lead, the Royals infield turned an astounding five double plays in the first seven innings. Shortstop Jim Laffoon and rover Don Scarbrough were perfect in the field. First baseman Milo Macko completed one double play when he fired home after taking a throw to first. Catcher Bob Cooper finished the 6-3-2 twin killing. Two DPs were started by Jim Laffoon, fed to Don Scarbrough, and on to first baseman Milo Macko. Also, Jim and Don each began a double play unassisted before throwing to Milo. Great "D" guys!
The first and second place teams battled on Field D. The Red Sox, who had the lead the entire game, scored eight runs in the first three frames as they held the Tigers scoreless. Don Erb and Chuck Duff each scored three Red Sox runs. One of the runs for Chuck came by way of a solo homer in the seventh frame. He finished the day with a 3 for 4 performance.


Rockies	22	Cardinals	20
Mets	14	Astros	10
Royals	14	Athletics	10
Red Sox	14	Tigers	12

LEADING HITTERS:

Rockies
Doug Chamlee: 4 for 5 with 2 triples & 1 double.
Sam Harrell: 4 for 5.
Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 walk.

Cardinals
Ron Carrothers: 5 for 5 with 1 triple.
Ed Kline: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 2 doubles.
Bill McEllister: 4 for 5 with 1 walk.
Bill Triolo: 4 for 5.

Mets
Bill Miller: 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle.
Bernie Peterson: 4 for 5 with 3 doubles.

Royals
Fred Dampier: 4 for 5 with 2 homers & 1 triple.
Bob Zelazny: 4 for 5.
Don Scarbrough: 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Jim Laffoon: 3 for 4 with 1 walk.
Greg Bombard: 3 for 4.

Athletics
Keith Linton: 2 for 2 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Chris Constantine: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Danny Parker: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Russ King: 3 for 4 with 1 homer.

Red Sox
Don Bercaw: 4 for 4.
Chuck Duff: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Al Andrews: 3 for 4.

Tigers
Sam Lopez: 3 for 4.

National League homers: John Fulton, Ed Kline, & Jerry Noble (Cardinals); Bill Miller & John Stewart (Mets).
American League homers: Fred Dampier 2 homers (Royals); Chris Constantine, Russ King, & Danny Parker (Athletics); Chuck Duff (Red Sox); Freddy Gonzalez, Stevan Hill, & Dan Whisler (Tigers).

The National League playoff game will take place on the next play date, which is Friday, March 19th. The Mets were the first half winners with an 8-0 record. They will oppose the Astros. The Astros won the second half with a 4-3 record, but will be in the playoff game because they allowed less runs in the seven games than the other two teams with identical 4-3 records. The BOD decided to use the same format the Florida Half Century uses to determine winners for three teams tied for first place.
A coin toss will decide the home team and the game will be contested on Field E. The winner of the game will be the 2010 champions of the National League this season.
The original Mets roster will reunite for the game, with the exception of Skip Morrison, who will remain with the Mets. The stats for the game will not count toward season play since the season is over now for the National League.
The other two National League teams, the original rosters of the Cardinals and the Rockies, will play on Field B. A coin toss will determine the home team. Once again, the stats for the game will not count toward season play since the season is over now for the National League.

Every National League player will begin playing pick up games on Tuesday, March 23rd. National League players will be asked to sign in as they do in the off season. As is the tradition, Joel Freedman and Don Witmer will put the teams together for the pick up games. As it is in the off season, team shirts and caps are not required for pick up games.

The American League season will continue as scheduled on Friday, March 19th. However, on Tuesday, March 23rd, the American League will begin playing the season games that were skipped on the schedule. There will be double headers for American League play on Friday, March 26th and other dates. The American League managers will let the players know this Friday which shirts to wear for the games on Tuesday, March 23rd.

National League pool player Marvin Taylor played his first game this season. He has been been off nursing a sore shoulder.
Mets manager Don LaMay gave Marvin a buzz after the regular pitcher, Rich Palmer, went down with an injury during a game. Marvin responded well by spinning a much needed win for the Mets. He helped with the bat, too. Marvin went 3 for 5 at the plate and one of his hits was a double. Welcome back, Marvin.

Since the regular National League season came to a conclusion today, the final season stats leaders for the NL will be posted tomorrow.

A pizza and pop party will take place after the games this Friday.

March 17th - Wednesday - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
The 2010 National League season has come to a conclusion.
Listed are the leaders in numerous statistic categories that were gathered from the score sheets. The statistics were maintained after each game throughout the season.
It is worthy to note that Doug Chamlee surpassed the 2009 record for triples. The old record of 10 was set by Ron Thompson. It took Ron 98 official at bats, which is one triple for every 9.8 at bats, to set the record of 10. Doug collected 12 three baggers in 60 at bats. That equates to one triple every five at bats. Doug was on the pace to hit 20 triples if the season had continued as it was scheduled.
Ron Carrothers and Ted Granoski tied the 2009 record of sacrifice flys set by Randy Hill.
Please note the statistics presented here are only as accurate as the score sheets.

BATTING AVERAGE	Elmer Wilcox	.742
	Doug Chamlee	.717
	Bernie Peterson	.694
AT BATS	Bill Miller	73
	Don LaMay	73
	Bernie Peterson	72
	Sam Harrell	72
	Bill Ayer	71
RUNS	Bill Evans	42
	Ron Augenstein	40
	Floyd Welton	40
	Ed Guspyt	38
	Bernie Peterson	38
	Bill Miller	38
HITS	Bernie Peterson	50
	Bill Miller	50
	Elmer Wilcox	46
	Ed Guspyt	45
	Bill Evans	45
	Floyd Welton	45
DOUBLES	Bernie Peterson	17
	Ron Thompson	12
	Bill Miller	11
TRIPLES	Doug Chamlee	12
	Bill Miller	7
	John Stewart	4
	Ron Augenstein	4
	Bill Evans	4
HOME RUNS	Jerry Noble	11
	Bernie Peterson	11
	Bill Evans	10
	Doug McLellan	5
	Mike Stepp	5
	Ed Guspyt	5
	Bill Miller	5
TOTAL BASES	Bernie Peterson	106
	Bill Evans	93
	Bill Miller	90
OBP	Elmer Wilcox	.731
	Bernie Peterson	.699
	Bill Miller	.697
SLG	Bernie Peterson	1.472
	Bill Evans	1.348
	Doug Chamlee	1.267
OPS	Bernie Peterson	2.171
	Bill Evans	2.005
	Doug Chamlee	1.960
WALKS	Ron Thompson	10
	Lee Baker	9
	Bob Sciamanna	7
	Ron Augenstein	7
SACRIFICE FLYS	Ron Carrothers	3
	Ted Granoski	3
	Doug McLellan	2
	Doug Chamlee	2
	Elmer Wilcox	2
	Bill McEllister	2
	Don LaMay	2
	5 Tied With	1
WINS	Dick Sessink	11
	Ted Granoski	5
	Rich Palmer	4

March 19th - The Mets were crowned the National League champions after defeating the Astros on Field E.
After the Mets began the season with an 8-0 record, the BOD got together and agreed to break the National League season into two segments and discard the last five games.
As a result, three players were moved from the Mets roster and each of the other three NL teams were allowed to trade for one higher ranked player from the Mets for one lower ranked player to the Mets. The move deeply affected the standings for the Mets.
The seven game second half for the National League ended in a three way tie for first place. Three teams sported a 4-3 record while the Mets had a 2-5 record. Employing the Florida Half Century rules for deciding a champion when there is a three way tie, the Astros won the second half by giving up the least amount of runs in the seven games.
The Rockies did not make the playoffs, even though they had a better overall record in both halves of the season than the Astros.
The Astros won the flip of the coin and chose to be home team.
Both squads scored in the first, with the Astros topping the Mets by one run. Mets player Bernie Peterson slammed a three run homer to account for all the runs his team scored in the first.
After holding the Astros down in the second, the Mets took the lead as they put up another three spot. The bottom of the lineup came through, scoring all three runs. John Merritt singled to begin the frame but was forced at second when Gale Doty topped the ball and hit a grounder. Skip Morrison walked. A single by Joel Freedman drove home the runner for Gale. Bill Miller and Don LaMay then banged out RBI singles for the other two runs.
The Mets added two in the third and were clinging to an 8-4 lead heading into the bottom of the inning. Astros batter Mike Stepp began with a single and advanced to second when the next batter grounded out. A base hit by NL batting champ Elmer Wilcox drove Mike home. John Smith punched a single to rightfield to move Elmer to third. The next batter grounded into a fielder's choice but a run scored. Ray Mills connected for a two out single before Lee Baker walked. A base hit by Terry Feehan, along with errors on the relay throws, allowed two runs to score.
The Mets took the lead for good when they scored five runs in the fourth frame. Bernie Peterson hit his third consecutive homer, scoring two runs on that dinger. A Don LaMay triple drove home a run before the hit by Bernie.
At the end of four innings of play, the Mets lead 13-11 and went on to win 22-16.
The American League season continued as scheduled.
Just one note concerning the AL games. The "Flip-Flop" rule was not applied correctly in the Tigers versus Athletics game. That misunderstanding caused the Tigers to lose one inning of offense. If the visiting team is ahead by ten or more runs heading into the final inning, the visitors forego their turn at bat and the other team takes their turn at bat. If they tie or go ahead, the visiting team, which was ten or more ahead to start the inning, becomes the home team and goes to bat.
The Tigers should have batted in the eighth inning.


Mets	22	Astros	16
Rockies	21	Cardinals	19
Red Sox	15	Royals	11
Tigers	22	Athletics	13

LEADING HITTERS:

Mets
Bernie Peterson: 5 for 5 with 3 homers, 1 triple, & 1 double.
Don LaMay: 5 for 6 with 1 triple.

Astros
Mike Stepp: 4 for 5.
Ron Thompson: 3 for 4 with 1 sacrifice fly.
Elmer Wilcox: 3 for 4 with 1 sacrifice fly.

Rockies
Doug McLellan: 5 for 5 with 2 triples & 2 doubles.
Ron Augenstein: 4 for 5 with 1 double.

Cardinals
Bill McEllister: 5 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Doug Chamlee: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Bill Triolo: 3 for 4.

Red Sox
Al Andrews: 5 for 5 with 1 double.
Don Bercaw: 3 for 3 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly.
Don Erb: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles.
Chuck Duff: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 triple.

Royals
Pat Accetta: 3 for 4 with 1 triple.
Richard Marino: 3 for 4.
Jerry Witter: 3 for 4.

Tigers
Don Keller: 4 for 5 with 2 homers & 1 double.
Jack Benson: 4 for 5.
Sam Lopez: 3 for 4 with 2 triples & 1 walk.

National League homers: Bernie Peterson 3 homers (Mets); Floyd Welton (Rockies); Doug Chamlee (Cardinals).
American League homers: Chuck Duff & Ken Ota (Red Sox); Fred Dampier & Bob Zelazny (Royals); Don Keller 2 homers (Tigers).

The National League season is over. The players in that league will consider future playing dates as off season games and sign in at the picnic tables outside the first base side of Fred White Field.
American League players will continue their season, which extends through Tuesday, March 30th.

A Pizza and pop party was held after the ballgames this morning, compliments of the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. Commissioner Don Witmer recognized the work of several WHSSC members this season. Sam Harrell for his duties as Director of Field Maintenance, Rich Moots for handling the signing in and team assignment of pool players, and Fred Dampier for his work on the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club website.

The team picture for all pool players is scheduled to be taken on Friday, March 26th. Players must wear a Winter Haven Senior Softball Club shirt and cap from the 2010 season. Two different colored shirts were issued this season, so either shirt can be worn for the team picture. Pool players not choosing to wear the 2010 season shirts and caps will be omitted from the team picture.

March 23rd - Although the National League season has come to a conclusion, the American League schedule is still in progress.
The make up games began this morning in the American League. Five game dates were not contested. There were four rainout dates and the one game date that was cancelled because the ball fields were needed for an SSUSA national qualifier tournament.
The first place Red Sox went down in defeat to the second place Tigers. Only one game separates the two teams now. The Red Sox own an 11-6 record while the Tigers are 10-7. They meet in a double header on Tuesday.
The Tigers scored four right out of the gates after holding the Red Sox to two runs. Freddy Gonzalez and Dan Whisler each doubled, while Brent Alumbaugh had an RBI single. Stevan Hill drove home a run with a triple. The fourth run scored when Sam Lopez lifted a sacrifice fly to right centerfield to score Steven from third.
Seven more runs were added to the Tigers total in the next two frames. The lower half of the lineup did the job in the second inning. Vassurl Bess, Larry Powell, and pool player Dean Schapeler all singled and scored. Pool player Bernie Mohan and the Tigers leadoff hitter, Freddy Gonzalez, each had base raps but were stranded on the base paths when the third out was recorded.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox put together a slight rally of their own in the top of the third. Slight meaning that two runners scored who were walked and another reached base on an error to eventually came across to score another run. Joe D'Herin, who was perfect at the plate with a 4 for 4 performance, singled and so did Don Erb. A mighty shot by Chuck Duff cleared the 300' fence but his run would have been the seventh of the inning, so he was credited with a double. The five runs in the top of the third tied the game at 7-7. The Tigers scored their four runs in the home half to keep the lead after every inning of play thus far.
The Red Sox collected five in the fifth to take a temporary lead. Hits and errors accounted for the run total. Don Bercaw doubled home Chuck Duff, who had singled beforehand. Don advanced to third when pool player Tim Gallagher hit a line shot up the middle. A sacrifice fly ball from the bat of Mike Urell scored a run. Mike Wheeler also had an RBI base hit.
The Tigers, down by one heading into the bottom of the fifth, pushed across two runs to retain the lead. Brent Alumbaugh slammed a two run, inside-the-park homer, scoring Dan Whisler ahead of him. Dan had gotten aboard by means of a line drive single.
The Red Sox and Tigers were finally tied after the completion on the seventh frame. Another long drive by Chuck Duff sailed over the fence for a two run homer in that inning.
The Tigers won in the bottom of the ninth when Brent Alumbaugh scored on a Sam Lopez opposite field single. Brent had doubled earlier.

Tigers	21		Red Sox	20
Athletics	25		Royals	10

LEADING HITTERS:

Tigers
Sam Lopez: 3 for 3 with 1 triple, 1 walk, & 1 sacrifice fly.
Freddy Gonzalez: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Brent Alumbaugh: 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk.
Bernie Mohan: 3 for 4.

Red Sox
Joe D'Herin: 4 for 4.
Don Erb: 4 for 5.
Chuck Duff: 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk.

Athletics
Ed Gazarek: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Chris Constantine: 4 for 5 with 3 homers.
Clair Auchey: 3 for 4.

Royals
Jim Laffoon: 3 for 3 with 1 double & 1 walk.
Doug Graham: 3 for 4 with 1 homer.

American League homers: Brent Alumbaugh (Tigers); Al Andrews & Chuck Duff (Red Sox); Chris Constantine 3 homers, Ed Gazarek, & Don Kemp (Athletics); Doug Graham (Royals).

A three team pick up game was contested on Field E. The game consisted of National League players, whose season has already ended, and American League pool players who were not used.
Dennis Holder was the only Junior Circuit player on Field E this morning. He pitched for one of the teams and notched his first off-season victory.

LEADING HITTERS:

Bill Triolo: 3 for 3 with 1 homer & 1 triple.
Walt Leggett: 3 for 3.
Doug McLellan: 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 2 doubles.
Doug Chamlee: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Mike Stepp: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Ron Thompson: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Bill Ayer: 3 for 4.

The second annual Winter Haven Senior Softball Club golf scramble took place at the Diamondback Golf Club in Haines City after the softball games today.
A grand total of 28 players are signed up to play, which includes Winter Haven and Nalcrest ballplayers along with friends and neighbors of the players.
The players this year include Greg Bombard, Bob Christiansen, Chris Constantine, Bob Cooper, Fred Dampier, Tom DiLaura, Fred Ducham, Don Erb, Don Kemp, Ed Kline, Jim Laffoon, Don LaMay, Carl Luebking, Ken Ota, Denny Shaffer, Tom Snider, Mike Stepp, Ted Taylor, Mike Tomasso, Larry Williamson, and Bob Zelazny. Former Winter Haven Senior Softball Club member Mario Meglio also signed up to participate. Matt McKulvey, Ed Stewart, and Jim White will represent Nalcrest.
The four man team of Matt McKulvey, Ed Stewart, Ted Taylor, and Jim White won the event with a score of four under par. Congratulations golfers.
The first golf scramble was played at Lake Ashton Golf Club on March 25th, 2009. Don Erb, Ken Ota, and Denny Shaffer were declared the winners in the three man scramble. A total of four teams competed last year.

Winners of the 2nd annual golf scramble

Ted Taylor, Matt McKulvey, Ed Stewart, & Jim White

March 26th - The first of two doubleheaders dates were played in the American League. The first place Red Sox took on the second place Tigers for two games. The third place Royals challenged the fourth place Athletics for two contests.
The Tigers won 9-7 against the injury ridden Red Sox in the first seven inning game to force a two-way tie for the top of the American League heap. After the game, both teams had 11-7 records.
The Athletics topped the Royals 11-9 in the first game. As a result, those two squads had identical 7-11 records.
Game two went south for the Red Sox, too. They had a vice grip hold on first place since the beginning of the season but relinquished it with a 10-4 loss to the Tigers. The Athletics, a team in the cellar all season long, couldn't manage a victory and remained in last place.

EARLY GAMES

Athletics	11		Royals	9
Tigers	9		Red Sox	7

LATE GAMES

Royals	19		Athletics	12
Tigers	10		Red Sox	4

EARLY GAMES LEADING HITTERS:

Athletics
Kirk Coffman: 3 for 3.
Tim Gallagher: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Chris Constantine: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Don Kemp: 3 for 4.

Tigers
Roger Edwards: 3 for 3 with 1 homer & 1 double.
Brent Alumbaugh: 3 for 3 with 2 doubles.
Larry Powell: 2 for 2.

Red Sox
Joe D'Herin: 2 for 2 with 2 sacrifice flys.
Chuck Duff: 1 for 1 with 3 walks.
Larry Wells: 3 for 4.

LATE GAMES LEADING HITTERS:

Royals
Bob Zelazny: 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Jerry Witter: 3 for 4.

Athletics
Kirk Coffman: 2 for 2 with 1 walk.
Danny Parker: 3 for 4.

Red Sox
Chuck Duff: 2 for 2 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly.

American League homers: Ron Butler, Roger Edwards, Freddy Gonzalez, & Sam Lopez (Tigers); Bob Zelazny (Royals); Clair Auchey (Athletics).

The off-season game was played on Field E. Ray Mills pitched for the home team, which won 16-9. Dick Sessink was on the mound for the visitors. Dick was the National League pitching sensation this seaon with an 11-2 record. He pitched for the Mets in the first half of the season and was moved to the Astros for the second half. Incidentally, the Mets won the first half of the NL season and the Astros won the second half.

LEADING HITTERS:

Ed Schmiedeke: 3 for 3.
John Smith: 2 for 2 with 1 walk.
Mike Stepp: 3 for 4 with 1 homer.
Sam Harrell: 3 for 4 with 1 double.
Bud Bondy: 3 for 4.
Rich Moots: 3 for 4.
Ted Taylor: 3 for 4.
Floyd Welton: 3 for 4.

Inside-the-park homer on Field E: Mike Stepp.

Bud Bondy is visiting from Canada and used his free play date to participate in the off-season game on Field E. Bud was the DH for the winning team. Thank you for dropping by, Bud.

March 27th - Saturday - Ted Taylor assembled a Canadian team and journeyed to Nalcrest to challenge the Nalcrest Eagles in a doubleheader. The Nalcrest Eagles won the first game 15-14 and Taylor Team Canada won game two by a score of 9-5.
WHSSC members on Taylor Team Canada included Glenn Holland, Hector Marinacci, Bill McEllister, Doug McLellan, and John Stewart. Also included were former WHSSC member Ken King and Nalcrest Senior Softball member John Devitt.
WHSSC members on the Nalcrest Eagles were Elvis Abney, Fred Dampier, Ed Kline, and former WHSSC member Bob Swartz.
Nalcrest Eagles rightfielder Gary Quartana hit the only ball over the fence for a home run. That feat was accomplished in the first game.
The contests drew a standing room only crowd as every seat in the stands was occupied. After the games, hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, chips, elephant ears, and drinks were available to everyone.
Nalcrest president Joe Nittoli extended an open invitation for next year to Taylor Team Canada and it appears the event may become an annual tradition at Nalcrest.
Click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page for other pictures that were taken at the ballpark.

March 30th - The American League season came to a completion after a pair of doubleheaders were contested.
The Athletics won both games against the Red Sox to assure the Sox of a second place finish in the final standings.
The Tigers took two from the Royals. The two losses moved the Royals to the American League cellar for the first time this season. The Athletics, mired in last place all season long, moved to the third slot.
Left centerfielder Freddy Gonzalez stood out defensively for the Tigers. He covered vast amounts of real estate as he tracked down and caught every ball hit anywhere near him and away from him.
The left centerfielder for the Royals, pool player Greg Bombard, made several nice catches and helped the team with his defense.
Danny Parker was the shortstop for the Athletics. He robbed some Red Sox players with his athleticism at the position. Joe D'Herin and Mike Tomasso each fell victim to the glove work of Danny. Both players hit hard liners that Danny was able to pounce on for remarkable catches.

EARLY GAMES

Tigers	10		Royals	3
Athletics	12		Red Sox	5

LATE GAMES

Tigers	17		Royals	14
Athletics	6		Red Sox	4

EARLY GAMES LEADING HITTERS:

Tigers
Freddy Gonzalez: 3 for 3 with 1 double.

Royals
Jim Laffoon: 1 for 1 with 2 walks.

Athletics
Doug Graham: 3 for 3 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Neil Gelpi: 3 for 4 with 3 doubles.

LATE GAMES LEADING HITTERS:

Tigers
Brent Alumbaugh: 3 for 3 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk.
Vassurl Bess: 3 for 3.
Sam Lopez: 2 for 2 with 1 triple & 1 walk.
Art Zakrowski: 1 for 1 with 1 walk & 1 sacrifice fly.

Royals
Bob Zelazny: 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 double.
Don Scarbrough: 3 for 3 with 1 triple.
Denny Shaffer: 3 for 3 with 2 doubles.
Fred Dampier: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double.

Athletics
Doug Graham: 2 for 2.
Keith Linton: 1 for 1 with 1 walk.

Red Sox
Chuck Duff: 2 for 2 with 2 doubles & 1 walk.

American League homers: Ron Butler (Tigers); Fred Dampier (Royals); Chris Constantine (Athletics); Joe D'Herin (Red Sox).

The off-season game was played on Field E. The team of players chosen by captain Ed Kline finished strong to top the Ron Thompson team. The final score was 29-18.

LEADING HITTERS:

Floyd Welton: 5 for 5 with 1 homer.
Walt Leggett: 5 for 5.
Hector Marinacci: 5 for 5.
Marty Martinez: 5 for 6 with 3 doubles.
Ted Taylor: 5 for 6 with 1 double.
Ed Kline: 4 for 5 with 1 double.

Since both the American League season and the National League season are finished, all players are required to sign in at the picnic area located on the outside of first base on Fred White Field beginning Friday, April 2nd.

February 2010