November 2010 News Archive
 November 2nd - It was a cloudy day throughout the ballgames. Before everyone packed their bat bags and headed home, a slight mist, reminiscent of a damp fog, covered the softball diamonds for the last twenty minutes.
Two fields were used this morning. A three team game was contested on Fred White Field and two teams battled it out on Field D. The first team scored five runs in the opening inning and took the field with two outs to spare. Three defensive miscues on the last three batters allowed four unearned runs to cross the plate. After the first batter grounded out to pitcher Marvin Taylor, 
four straight singles were hit from the bats of Ron Butler, Don Scarbrough, Dean Schapeler, and Kirk Coffman. The hit by Kirk drove Ron home. Then the infield defense sputtered, faltered, and fell. Floyd Welton, Dick Sessink, and John Fulton all received gifts from the opposing team. The ball hit by John drove home the fifth run.
Team One was shut out in three of the next six innings. They pushed three runs home in the third. The doubles by Don Scarbrough and Dick Sessink helped the cause. The fifth inning turned out to be the last offensive scoring frame for the first squad. Don Scarbrough began with a base hit and Dean Schapeler contributed a single as well. Base raps by Kirk Coffman and Floyd Welton followed but Kirk was gunned down at home when he 
tried to test the arms of the opposing team. The hit by Floyd fell in front of left centerfielder Neil Gelpi and the relay throw to shortstop Russ King was accurate. Russ fired to catcher Lee Baker to get the runner out by a couple of steps.
Team Two scored five in the first three innings but came on strong and made the maximum five runs in the fifth and sixth frames, then batted around plus two in the final inning for seven runs. The seven spot gave them the lead until the home team batted and tied them for the highest final score. Chris Constantine lead the second team with five runs scored as he batted 5 for 5. One of his hits went for a double. Fred Dampier hit a three run, inside-the-park home run in the fifth between leftfielder Dean Schapeler and left centerfielder Ron Butler. That accounted for three of the five runs in the fifth. Fred Dampier knocked another three run homer in the seventh over the head of 
defending rightfielder John Smith. Frank Miller stepped to the plate afterwards and hit a solo inside-the-park home run down the leftfield line in the huge seventh inning. Before the two dingers, Raul Torres connected for a three run shot.
Ted Granoski, the pitcher for Team Two, was injured in the fifth inning when a line drive hit him flush in the left ankle. Ted's sock was covered with blood. He said that leg had plastic surgery in the past and the blood thinner medicine he currently was on complicated matters. Pitchers please be warned to stay behind the pitching screen when on the mound. The screen is there for your protection. The upper half of the batting order for the home team did all the damage. Russ King finished with a 5 for 5 performance. He had an inside-the-park home run down the leftfield line. Raul Torres gave chase but could not cut the hard hit line drive off as Russ circled the bases. Team mate Fred Ducham went 4 for 4. The final score was 10-22-22. Marvin Taylor recorded a win as that team scored 22 runs and surrendered 10 while in the field. Ted Granoski received a "No Decision" since he left after five innings. The team for which he pitched, the second squad, ended up tying 22-22. Ted left the game after the team scored 10 but gave up 13 while on defense. 
Dick Sessink finished the game for Team Two. Dick also pitched the entire game for Team One.
Two outstanding catches were made in the outfield during the game. The first team worked the bases loaded after the first two batters made outs. With the bases juiced, Don Scarbrough hit a deep fly ball towards right centerfield. Stevan Hill, knowing the power of the blast, turned and ran full speed with his back to the infield. He turned around just in time to make a fantastic over-the-head catch for the third out. Had the ball not been hauled in for the grab, it would have likely been an inside-the-park grand slam by Don Scarbrough. Neil Gelpi was patrolling left centerfield for Team One. In the final inning, Kirk Coffman squared up and hit a burning line drive in Neil's direction. Speedy Neil charged in as fast as his feet could fly and made the catch with his glove low to the ground. Way to go, Stevan and Neil. LEADING HITTERS: Russ King: 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Chris Constantine: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Fred Dampier: 4 for 4 with 2 homers, 2 doubles, & 1 walk. Fred Ducham: 4 for 4. Don Scarbrough: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Lee Baker: 3 for 4. Ron Butler: 3 for 4. The two teams fought tooth and nail on Field D. The game was basically decided in the sixth inning when the visitors scored five runs against two for the home team. The score was knotted at 6-6 after three frames. Back-to-back triples by Don Witmer and Wally Granger, along with a double by George Radlein, assured the visitors of three runs in the opening inning. The home team answered with two runs. Vassurl Bess and Al Andrews singled their way aboard before 
Walt Leggett blasted a three bagger to clear the bases.
Don Witmer and Wally Granger were at it again in the top of the third. They each doubled before George Radlein and Ari Harris each had base hits. Sam Lopez began the home third with a single and Jim Laffoon followed with an inside-the-park home run. Al Andrews singled and Walt Leggett doubled after the dinger. A hit by Larry Wells sent the fourth run home. The visitors were down two runs heading into the sixth. The fist batter flew out before Erv Fitzke singled. Then Don Witmer, Wally Granger, 
and Denny Shaffer all banged out doubles for two runs. George Radlein singled home the third run and Ted Taylor tripled Denny and George to the plate for the maximum five runs in the inning.
The home team could not keep up as they scored two in the home sixth. Sam Lopez singled and Jim Laffoon tripled after the first two batters recorded outs. Jim finished the game hitting for the cycle. He singled in the fifth frame and had a double in the eighth. Al Andrews singled Jim in for the second run but was left stranded on the bases when the third out was made. Both teams played a very very solid defense as only one error for each team was recorded on the score sheets. With that sort of defense, the game could rival tournament contests in the Florida Half Century organization. Way to go, guys. The visiting team won 20-18. George Radlein picked up the win against opposing pitcher Jerry Witter. LEADING HITTERS: Wally Granger: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 4 doubles. Don Witmer: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 3 doubles. George Radlein: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Al Andrews: 5 for 5. Jim Laffoon: 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle. Walt Leggett: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Sam Lopez: 4 for 5 with 1 triple. Denny Shaffer: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Fran Martau: 3 for 4. Inside-the-park home runs on both fields: Fred Dampier had two homers and one each were hit by Russ King, Jim Laffoon, Frank Miller, and Raul Torres. Joel Freedman umpired behind the plate on Fred White Field and Clair Auchey umpired the bases. Thank you Joel and Clair. Gene Morey returned from Howard City, Michigan and Denny Shaffer arrived from Akron, Ohio. Welcome back, Gene and Denny. Fran Martau rejoined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club after many years. In fact, Fran last played here in the early 1990s. He lives in North Royalton, Ohio during the summer time. Welcome back, Fran. November 5th - There was a drastic drop in temperature overnight. Mother Nature greeted the ball players with temperatures in the mid 50s. Needless to say, it was long pants and jacket day except for a few snowbirds, whose blood runs cold so they can survive in the frigid northern climate.
The home team 
won in the bottom of the ninth on Fred White Field and the score was close throughout the contest.
The largest lead after the completion of an inning was a mere four runs, with the home team ahead 7-3 after three innings. The five run third vaulted them ahead of their opponents. Roger Edwards doubled and a barrage of singles was thrown at the defense. Base hits were achieved by Fred Ducham, Don Witmer, Dean Schapeler, Ed Kline, Jerry Witter, and Vassurl Bess. The hit by Vassurl allowed the fifth run to score. The visiting team answered with five in the top of the fourth. Sam Harrell lead off 
with a triple and scored when the next batter reached on a booted ball in the infield. Another misplayed ball allowed batter number three to get aboard. Hits by Dan Davis, Les Wolff, Gene Bake, and Kirk Coffman rallied the team to the maximum five
run inning.
The home team needed one run for the win in the bottom of the last frame. The visitors scored three in the top of the ninth to tie the game at 14-14. Sam Lopez began the home ninth with a double. That two bagger gave him the cycle for the day. He had a solo inside-the-park home run in the fifth and a triple in the seventh. He singled in the first frame. After the triple, Don Witmer singled but it must have been a weak infield hit because Sam didn't score the winning run until the next batter, Roger Edwards, hit a sacrifice fly to leftfield. Game over. LEADING HITTERS: Don Witmer: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Sam Lopez: 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle. Rich Moots: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Jerry Witter: 3 for 4. The game on Field D had the same outcome as the other game but it went an extra inning before it was decided. The visitors had the biggest lead after an inning when they lead 14-11 after four innings of play. In fact, all but three of their runs were scored in the first four frames. The maximum five runs crossed 
the plate in the top of the first and third innings. Al Andrews and Joe D'Herin each doubled and singled in those two five run frames. They both scored each of the two times they reached base. Erv Fitzke walked and singled while scoring twice. Jack Benson went 2 for 2 with two runs.
Stevan Hill was the sparkplug for the home team. He was their lead off hitter. Stevan got on six of the seven times he batted, although some were not hits. He also scored five times, including the winning run. The bottom of the lineup for the home team did the job in the third inning. Richard Marino had a one out single and eventually found his way home. The next batter, Ray Mills, reached on a fielder's 
choice and wound up scoring one of the five runs. Joltin' Joe DeForge walked and scored. Joe is the eldest of all the players and he is commended for running for himself. Joe scored the tying run in the bottom of the tenth frame.
The home team won in the tenth. John Stewart had a single to load the bases. Chris Constantine had the game winning RBIs when he singled to right centerfield, scoring Joltin' Joe DeForge and Stevan Hill. The final score was 20-19. Ray Mills was the winning pitcher against fellow hurler Marvin Taylor. LEADING HITTERS: Al Andrews: 6 for 6 and hit for the cycle with 3 singles. Frank Miller: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Don Scarbrough: 5 for 6 with 1 double. Reg Barnes: 4 for 5. Inside-the-park home runs on both fields: Al Andrews and Sam Lopez. Joel Freedman umpired behind the plate on Fred White Field and Fred Dampier was the home plate umpire on Field D. Thank you Joel and Fred. Joe D'Herin returned from Dearborn, Michigan. He is a doubles machine in the morning league here. He lead the American League in doubles this year with 22 and was tied for third in 2009 with 19 two baggers. He lead the league before the age split in 2008 with 21 doubles. Joe picked up where he left off, going 4 for 6 with a double, of course. Welcome back, Joe. Dale Reecy rejoined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club but chose not to play this morning. He was a member for the summer of 2005. Welcome back, Dale. November 9th - The cool weather didn't last very long. The temperature is expected to reach 78° F before the day has come to an end.
A total of four teams competed this morning. The game that has previously been contested on Field D was moved to Field E due to the positioning of the sun in relation to the defensive players. Therefore, future off season games will take place on Fred White Field and Field E. The contest on Fred White Field was mostly comprised of American League players, whose ages are 68 and below. The visiting team began with 
the hot bat. Five runners found their way home to begin the game. Neil Gelpi and Frank Acevedo started with base raps. A double by Larry Nelson stung the defense for one run. Frank scored and Larry moved up to third when the next batter grounded out to shortstop Don Witmer. Robert Humphrey doubled in the second run after that out was recorded. Tom Wise had a base hit before the next batter popped up to the infield. With two outs in the books, Pat Accetta singled home a crucial run. The fifth runner scored when Rich Moots got aboard on a booted ball in the infield.
Tom Wise pulled up lame in the fifth inning with a reccuring problem with one of his legs. He may be on the sidelines for a few weeks as he nurses the injury. Hang in there, Tom, and please don't return until your leg has fully recovered. As the game proceeded, the home team couldn't score more than two runs in an inning. They managed one run in the third when Tom Hamilton tripled and trotted home on a Don Witmer single. Greg Bombard singled 
Don to third but both were stranded on the base paths when the inning came to an end.
Ken Ota tripled in the bottom of the fourth and was knocked in when Richard Marino lifted a sacrifice fly to left centerfield. Lefty Brent Alumbaugh powered two inside-the-park home runs for the visiting team. He had a solo shot in the third to give that team back-to-back home runs. Larry Nelson had the first one. Brent was at it again when the fifth rolled around. This one was a two run dinger. The visitors had the lead at the end of every inning and won 15-10. Jerry Witter recorded the victory against fellow pitcher George Radlein. Sam Harrell went into the game in a relief role. He pitched the eighth inning against the winning team and stymied their hitting attack. LEADING HITTERS: Larry Nelson: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 2 doubles. Neil Gelpi: 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 walk. Kirk Coffman: 3 for 4. Don Witmer: 3 for 4. The game on Field D was not close at all. Heading into the game, it sure appeared the visiting team had a distinct advantage on offense and on defense. But the best laid plans have often gone awry. Oddly enough, the visitors were shut out on one hit, a double by Doug Chamlee, while the home team exploded for five runs. Vassurl Bess began the home first with a single and Frank Miller followed suit with a base rap. Fred Dampier stepped into a pitch that he liked and slammed an inside-the-park homer, scoring two runners ahead of him. Slow footed but ageless hitter Frank stepped on home about a second and a half before Fred scored behind him. Two more scored after the tater. Stevan Hill singled, moved to second when John Stewart flew out to right centerfielder Tim Gallagher, 
and scored on a misplayed ball in the infield. A Larry Wells double finished off the home first.
The visiting team shook up the batting rack and rallied for five in the third. Gale Doty and Ray Mills, both who took runners from home, singled their way aboard before Joltin' Joe DeForge was safe on a wildly thrown ball to first. Chris Constantine doubled in a couple of runs and Doug Chamlee 
knocked another home when he reached base on a misplayed ground ball in the infield. A base hit by Erv Fitzke and a sacrifice fly by Denny Shaffer drove home the last two runs in the top of the third.
Shortstop Stevan Hill was right in the center of every rally for the home team. He batted in the clean up slot today and went 5 for 5 with a double. Stevan also scored every time he reached base. In fact, the top half of the home team lineup scored every run for the winning home team. Fred Dampier scored all five times he went to the plate and lead off hitter Vassurl Bess wasn't far behind with four runs scored. Walt Leggett held up the lower half of the score card for the good guys. He went 4 for 5 and drove home the fifth run in the eighth inning. The final score was 26-12. Larry Wells recorded the victory. The opposing pitcher was Ray Mills. LEADING HITTERS: Stevan Hill: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Frank Miller: 5 for 5. Denny Shaffer: 3 for 3 with 1 triple & 1 sacrifice fly. Ray Mills: 3 for 3 with 1 walk. John Stewart: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Vassurl Bess: 4 for 5 with 1 triple. Walt Leggett: 4 for 5. Tim Gallagher: 3 for 4. Inside-the-park home runs on both fields: two by Brent Alumbaugh and one each for Fred Dampier, Neil Gelpi, and Larry Nelson. Greg Bombard returned from Plattsburgh, New York. Welcome back, Greg. Tom Hamilton joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. He is a snowbird who spends his summer months in Belleville, Michigan. Tom is a friend of Joe D'Herin. Welcome aboard, Tom. Larry Nelson used a complimentary softball play date and took part in the action of Fred White Field. Larry joined on October 27th last year and played for a month in preparation of the SSUSA tournament. He is from Roseville, Minnesota. The SSUSA event, the Winter National Championships, began this morning in Fort Myers. The tournament, which is by invitation only since it requires a prior SSUSA tournament victory during any of the 2010 prelims, is the predecessor to the 2011 Tournament of Champions. Winter Haven hosted the 2010 Tournament of Champions in February and will likely host the 2011 event, scheduled for February 9th through February 13th. The 65s and 70s division began today and continues through Thursday. Jose Agosto manages the 70s team Lakeland Angels. The 60s will play Friday through Sunday. Regis Finnegan pilots the Mustangs. Several Winter Haven Senior Softball Club members are on the two teams. Wish them luck.  November 10th - Wednesday - Semper Fi! Happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps and all the Marine veterans.
November 16th - A couple of tons of ballplayers showed up for the games today. As a result, three fields were occupied.
A real barn burner was contested on Fred White Field. The visiting team blasted their way to 10 runs for the first two frames. However, they were held to two runs 
during the next three innings. Jack Benson connected for an inside-the-park homer in the first. Leadoff hitter Ken Ota, who had singled, scored ahead of Jack.
The home team fought back and took the lead for good in the third frame. Off season homerun leader Chris Constantine found the gaps in the outfield and knocked a two run homer in the first and duplicated that feat in the second inning. Robert Humphrey was on base each time, but not from base hits. He grounded into two fielder's choice plays, erasing Vassurl Bess both times. Vassurl had singled his way aboard each time. The score was 27-18 heading into the top of 
the ninth inning but the visitors refused to go down without a fight. The team went through the batting order, plus one, but finished three runs short of a tie. Don Witmer and Bob Zelazny each banged out a double in the last frame.
The final score was 27-24. George Radlein notched a victory against opposing pitcher Jerry Witter. A noteworthy defensive play was executed during the game. Milo Macko drove a deep ball way over the head of defending leftfielder Vassurl Bess. Vassurl raced to the fence, retrieved the ball, and relayed it to shortstop and cutoff man Robert Humphrey. Robert threw a strike to catcher Gale Doty to get Milo out. Apparently, our friend Milo ran out of steam rounding third but wanted the coveted inside-the-park homer to add to his accomplishemnts of the day. It just was not to be, though. LEADING HITTERS: Jack Benson: 6 for 6 with 1 homer & 1 double. Fred Dampier: 5 for 5 with 1 homer, 2 doubles, & 1 sacrifice fly. Regis Finnegan: 4 for 4 with 1 double, 1 walk, & 1 sacrifice fly. George Radlein: 5 for 6 with 3 doubles. Dan Davis: 4 for 5 with 1 double & 1 walk. Don Scarbrough: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 sacrifice fly. The game on Field D was a one run affair after all the dust had settled. There were plenty of runs scored but it all boiled down to who would win the last inning. The home team was shut down for the first two innings. The only hit was a double by Frank Miller. The team was having a problem figuring out pitcher Larry Wells. 
Meanwhile, the visitors pushed five runs across the plate in the second with a rapid fire attack of singles. Carl Luebking, Ron Augenstein, Fran Martau, Ted Taylor, Dale Reecy, Bernie Mohan, and Sam Lopez all punched out base hits. The opposite
field single by Sam knocked in the fifth run.
The good guys found themselves down seven runs heading into the home eighth. Denny Shaffer opened with a double and was driven home with a sacrifice fly from the bat of Russ King. Reg Barnes found a hole in the outfield and threaded the needle for a two run, inside-the-park homer. John Merritt and Larry MacDonald each doubled in the huge inning. Seven runs scored and the game was tied 16-16 with one inning to play. Hits, errors, and walks allowed the visitors to score three in the ninth but the home team had momentum on their side after scoring seven runs in the previous frame. J.D. Davis had a one out double and scored on a Russ King hit. Reg Barnes, Walt Leggett, and John Merritt followed suit and lead the home team to a 20-19 win. LEADING HITTERS: John Merritt: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Larry Wells: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Larry MacDonald: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Frank Miller: 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Russ King: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 1 sacrifice fly. The contest on Field E seemed like a pitchers duel compared to the other two games. A bunch of zeroes adorned the scoreboard for each team. Ray Mills was on the mound for the visitors against home squad hurler Marvin Taylor. Both teams began the game with two runs. 
The three hole hitter for the home team, Bill Miller, doubled in the first. His triple in the third gave the lead to the good guys.
The visitors played small ball. Singles by Erv Fitzke, Elmer Black, and Al Andrews put 
two runs on the board in the top of the first.
The home team had to score three in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game at 8-8. Ed Kline, Marvin Taylor, and Ed Schmiedeke all had key base hits in that frame. The score was still knotted at 8-8 heading into the home ninth. Joltin' Joe DeForge began with an infield single. Our elder statesman doesn't need a runner, bless his soul. He made it to third when the next batter, Stevan Hill, hit a two bagger. That set up a walk to Dave Podbielski to load the bags for a force out anywhere on the base paths. No problem for lefty Bill Miller. He singled on the direction of rightfielder Jim McPartlan to drive home the winning run. LEADING HITTERS: Bill Miller: 3 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk. John Stewart: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Al Andrews: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Inside-the-park home runs: two by Chris Constantine and one each for Reg Barnes, Jack Benson, Ron Butler, Fred Dampier, Neil Gelpi, Carl Luebking, and John Stewart. Ron Augenstein arrived from Marysville, Ohio and Milo Macko returned from Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. Players who returned for the games on Friday, November 12th, were Dave Podbielski from Schenectady, New York; Ed Schmiedeke from St. Louis, Missouri; Mike Wheeler from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Art Zakrowski from Granger, Indiana. Welcome back, Ron, Milo, Dave, Ed, Mike, and Art. Two players, both snowbirds, joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this morning. J.D. Davis hails from Southfield, Michigan and Larry MacDonald spends his summer months in Rotterdam Junction, New York. Welcome aboard, J.D. and Larry. A grand total of 16 sponsors have been attained for the 2011 season. Therefore, no other sponsors are needed at this time. The Winter Haven Senior Softball Club would like to thank Gene Morey and Les Wolff, who each are personally sponsoring a team. November 19th - There was a chill in the air during batting practice. Most players had donned jackets or long sleeve sweatshirts during that time. It did warm up into the 70s by the time the first pitch was thrown, though.
A three team game was contested on Fred White Field. Team One left the bases loaded in the first inning but did manage to score two runs. Robert Humphrey doubled after the lead off hitter grounded out unassisted to first baseman Doug Chamlee. Don Witmer then singled to push Robert to third. The 
next batter erased Don from the base paths with a fielder's choice but the runner was able to score on the play. Three straight singles kept the inning alive as J.D. Davis, Frank Miller, and Hal Ridley each had base knocks. The hit by Frank sent the second runner home.
A four run third inning kept the first team in the running for the win. Hal Ridley drove in two with a double. Richard Marino singled in the fourth and final run of the frame. The top of the order did the job in the fourth and sixth innings for Team One. Don Witmer, who went 4 for 4 in the game, doubled and singled, scoring two times. Roger Edwards also scored twice as he singled and tripled. The three bagger knocked in two team mates. Robert Humphrey reached base on a booted ball in the infield and singled. He found his way home both times. Team Two started the game with the bats loaded and ready to fire. Ron Butler singled and scored 
on the two run inside-the-park dinger by Brent Alumbaugh. He pulled the old pill in the direction of rightfielder Richard Marino. Chuck Duff directed his blast in the same area for a solo shot.
The second squad found themselves in a deep hole heading into the middle of the sixth inning. They were eight runs below the leading team. Kirk Coffman, Ron Butler, and Brent Alumbaugh opened the inning with base hits. A double by Chuck Duff scored two, and that was followed by an RBI single from the bat of Regis Finnegan. Before the inning was in the books, Arvel Waddell, Ken Ota, and Larry Wells had all found openings in the defense for singles. Six runs scored to bring Team Two within two runs of a tie with the first squad. Back-to-back doubles by Brent Alumbaugh and Chuck Duff allowed the middle team to get their tie game after Team One was shut down in the final frame. Team Three did almost all their damage in the first two innings. Five runs scored in the first and five more in the second frame. Number one hitter Stevan Hill singled before Sam Lopez patiently took a walk. A single by Jim Laffoon advanced the runners a base to set up a sacrifice fly by Don Scarbrough. Denny Shaffer doubled in two runs. He then tagged up and went to third when 
Doug Chamlee flew out to the rightfielder. With two outs recorded, George Radlein and Art Zakrowski each had singles to keep the inning alive. The next batter reached base on a muffed ball in the infield before Marvin Taylor singled in the fifth run.
The same group of guys did the job for the home team in the second. Don Scarbrough had a two RBI double and Jerry Witter singled in the final run. The final score was 14-14-11. Arvel Waddell notched a victory as that team scored 14 and surrendered 11 runs while on defense. Hal Ridley came away with a tie. That team scored 14 and gave up 14 runs. Hal last played in Winter Haven on April 9th and recorded a win that day. Marvin Taylor pitched for the team that scored 11 but allowed 14 while in the field. LEADING HITTERS: Chuck Duff: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 2 doubles. Don Witmer: 4 for 4 with 1 double. J.D. Davis: 4 for 4. Brent Alumbaugh: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double. Roger Edwards: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Denny Shaffer: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Stevan Hill: 3 for 4. George Radlein: 3 for 4. The contest on Field E began innocently enough but one team kept the offense in high gear while the other wasn't firing on all cylinders at times. The first batter lined out to left centerfielder Bob Zelazny to start the game. Singles by Elmer Black, Russ King, and Neil Gelpi followed. Milo Macko then stepped to the plate and drove a ball to the warning track. He wasn't about to repeat the SNAFU from Tuesday, so he stretched the triple to a double, driving in all the base runners. The next batter flew out to rightfielder Rich Moots. Ray Mills singled with two outs as Milo stopped at third. Ray had Neil Gelpi running from home so a double by Ron Augenstein sent Neil racing three bases while Milo trotted home. Five runs scored in the home first, too. Frank Acevedo and Bill Miller each had singles 
after Ed Kline flew out. The next batter forced Bill out at second before Bob Zelazny connected for an inside-the-park home run. An infield error kept the inning going for Ted Granoski and Pat Accetta to punch out base hits.
The home second was just as productive. Rich Moots, Gene Morey, and Joltin' Joe DeForge opened with base raps. A double by Ed Kline sent two runners home and Frank Acevedo had a two RBI base rap. Bill Miller singled in the fifth run. The bottom of the next two innings expanded the lead for the home team. During those two frames, Fred Dampier doubled and smashed a three run inside-the-park homer over the head of defending left centerfielder Milo Macko. Fred scored both times. Bob Zelazny tripled and singled in the two innings. He scored two runs as well. Dave Podbielski singled twice and scored each time. At the end of four innings of play, the home team lead 18-8. But they weren't finished yet. The last big offensive threat by the visiting team occurred in the seventh inning. Elmer Black singled and 
scored when Russ King sent a bloop single to rightfielder Rich Moots. Neil Gelpi walked for the second time in the game before Russ was forced out at second on a Milo Macko fielder's choice grounder.
Sam Harrell and Ray Mills each had a base hit with the speedy Neil Gelpi running from home for Ray. A double by Ron Augenstein drove Neil in from first. Five visiting team runs scored in the seventh inning. The home seventh began with a solo inside-the-park well placed shot by Ed Kline. The homer split the rightfielder and right centerfielder. Afterwards, Frank Acevedo singled and leftys Bill Miller and Fred Dampier each produced doubles. The home team was so far ahead that the "Flip-Flop Rule" was put into action. The good guys had a 27-14 lead. The visitors could manage only one run in the last two innings and were defeated 27-15. Ted Granoski recorded the win against fellow hurler Ray Mills. The win extended Ted's streak to six consecutive victories. He last recorded a loss on September 28th. Incidentally, the win today was the first game and mound appearance for Ted since being drilled below the shin guard by a Sam Harrell line drive on November 2nd. Ted had to leave the game with a 13-10 deficit. He received a "No Decision" that day because the team kept his winning streak alive by bouncing back to tie the game in the three team contest. LEADING HITTERS: Bill Miller: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Fred Dampier: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 3 doubles. Bob Zelazny: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple. Ed Kline: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Sam Harrell: 4 for 5. Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Pat Accetta: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Inside-the-park home runs on both fields: Brent Alumbaugh, Fred Dampier, Chuck Duff, Ed Kline, and Bob Zelazny. Hal Ridley and Arvel Waddell, two players in the Lakeland Senior Softball program, participated in the games this morning. Hal is a snowbird who lives north of the border in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada. Arvel is also a snowbird. He spends his summers in Warren, Ohio. Thank you for joining us today, Hal and Arvel. One player joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club today. Henry Reed is retired and resides in Winter Haven. Welcome aboard, Henry. November 23rd - The numbers are increasing at the old ballpark. A total of 61 players were ready to battle this morning.
Three fields were used for the six teams. Joel Freedman handled the umpiring duties behind the plate on Fred White Field while opposing players assumed the role on the other two diamonds. While Arvel Waddell was shutting down the visiting team on Fred White Field for the first three frames, the home team was busy building up a lead to take into the latter innings. Carl Luebking, Art Zakrowski, Arvel Waddell, and Fran Martau all singled in the first inning. Fred Dampier drove in a run when he connected for the first of his four doubles in the game. The home team continued their onslaught in the second. Jud Giberson and Brent Alumbaugh singled and Sam Lopez knocked in a run with a double. Two triples helped with the scoring in the home third. Art Zakrowski began with a triple 
and was driven home when Arvel Waddell singled. Jud Giberson stepped into a pitch in his wheelhouse for a deep fly ball to left centerfield, resulting in a stand up triple.
After three innings of play, the home team was ahead 8-0. However, there was plenty of game left. The visiting team broke it open with 13 runs in the middle three innings. Kirk Coffman went 3 for 3 
during that time with a triple and scored each time. Hal Ridley also scored three times. He lashed out a double, triple, and an inside-the-park homerun. Walt Leggett had two singles and a free pass. Gene Baker went 2 for 2 in the fourth through sixth innings. After all the dust had settled, the visitors tied the game 13-13 after six innings were in the books.
Larry Powell returned from the DL to play today. He didn't miss a beat as he went 3 for 4 with a triple and a double. On October 22nd, Larry was rounding third base and heading for home when he lost traction and took a spill. He fractured his finger which took 10 stitches to repair. Welcome back, Larry. The home team squeaked out an 18-16 win. Two Lakeland pitchers went head-to-head in the contest. Arvel Waddell came out on top against Hal Ridley. LEADING HITTERS: Walt Leggett: 4 for 4 with 1 walk. Hal Ridley: 4 for 5 and hit for the cycle. Fred Dampier: 4 for 5 with 4 doubles. Bobby Ayers: 4 for 5 with 2 triples. Art Zakrowski: 4 for 5 with 1 triple. Larry Powell: 3 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 sacrifice fly. Jud Giberson: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. The score for the contest on Field D could have been a Friday night football game. The visiting team came within one touchback of winning the game. The first five frames belonged to the visiting team. Leadoff hitter Vassurl Bess scored all four times he batted as he went 4 for 4 in the fist half of the game. Elvis Abney and Chris Constantine were close behind the race to home with three runs scored apiece. Chris hit a two run homer in the fourth. Powerful Chuck Duff, always a threat with a bat in his hands, doubled twice and had a three bagger. He drove home three teammates with those extra base hits. The home team exploded for six runs in the 
fourth after being behind 14-7. Bernie Mohan began the inning with a single and scored. He finished the fourth with the third out. Robert Humphrey singled Bernie to second and Bill Miller doubled in a run. Afterwards, Ron Butler slammed his eighth off season homer for three more runs. With still no outs in the books, Ted Taylor singled and Richard Marino knocked him home with a triple. Richard trotted home when Ted Granoski singled. Marshall Bloom followed that hit with a single of his own but Ted and Marshall were stranded on the base paths when the next three batters made outs.
The visiting team needed three runs for the lead when the ninth inning rolled around. Chuck Duff began with a double. He scored when George Radlein had a one out single. A base knock by Jerry Witter advanced George to third, which represented the tying run. The next two batters couldn't do the job as the home team persevered 25-24. Ted Granoski continued his winning ways against fellow pitcher Jerry Witter. LEADING HITTERS: Chuck Duff: 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 3 doubles. Bill Miller: 5 for 6 with 1 double. Vassurl Bess: 5 for 6. Marshall Bloom: 5 for 6. Ted Granoski: 5 for 6. Ted Taylor: 4 for 5. The contest on Field E was much calmer than the game on the adjoining diamond. In fact, it began as a pitchers duel of sorts. Heading into the home third, the visitors had a 2-1 lead. The bottom of the third was productive for the good guys. They started off when John Stewart got aboard on a booted ball in the infield. Erv Fitzke and Wayne Mundy each punched out base hits. The single by Wayne drove John home. Two fielder's choice ground balls 
resulted in a couple of outs before Floyd Welton and Marvin Taylor each singled. Ron Augenstein walked to load the bases but Joltin' Joe DeForge lined out to third baseman Elmer Black for the final out of the inning.
The visiting fourth started out with a Don Witmer triple to the opposite field. He easily scored when Denny Shaffer drove a 
deep double to right centerfield. Dave Podbielski had an RBI base hit before Ken Ota reached base on a misplayed ground ball. After the next batter grounded into a fielder's choice to eliminate Dave from the bases, Elmer Black hit a line drive single down the leftfield line to drive Ken to the plate. John Merritt drew a walk but the bases stayed loaded after the last two batters in the order made outs.
The five run eighth inning sealed the victory for the visitors. Ray Mills and Elmer Black opened with singles and both scored before the inning was over. Gene Morey drew a walk but it in unclear from the score sheet how the inning progressed after the free pass. At any rate, the visiting team took a 16-10 lead and won by that score when it was all said and done. Marvin Taylor picked up the win against Ray Mills. LEADING HITTER: Frank Miller: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 walk. Inside-the-park home runs on both fields: Brent Alumbaugh, Ron Butler, Chris Constantine, Frank Miller, and Hal Ridley. Fred Dampier and Chuck Duff each ended their personal streak of four consecutive games played with a home run. Fred connected for five homers between November 2nd and November 19th. Chuck Duff had four dingers in the four games he played from October 19th through November 19th. Hal Ridley and Arvel Waddell officially joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this morning. Welcome aboard, Hal and Arvel. Ken Wilson dropped by to watch some of the action. He will be on the DL this coming season and was hobbling around with the aid of a cane. Ken will undergo hip surgery in the near future. Get well Ken; it was nice to see you. November 25th - Thanksgiving Day - It's that time of year again for our November holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Digest all that delicious food and be prepared to slip on the cleats and play again. The Winter Haven Senior Softball Club games will be back on schedule tomorrow, Friday, November 26th.  November 26th - The Thanksgiving holiday feast at the tables of the families must have been delicious because the numbers were down at the old ballpark this morning.
Two fields were used for the games. A two team contest was played on Fred White Field and three teams fought it out on Field E. Who would have thought the teams on Fred White Field would leave the crowd in such suspense? The visitors opened with 
one run that was produced by two players. Sam Lopez smashed his 26th triple, a new off season record for three baggers, and Brent Alumbaugh had an RBI single.
The home team jumped out of the gates with five runs but it is a mystery how the runs were scored. Once again, the score sheet was set aside like a red headed stepchild in the opening frame. One thing is certain, Dick Mahon, Ron Butler, Bobby Ayers, Don Held, and Art Zakrowski each crossed home plate for a run. Kudos to Lee Baker for taking the initiative to log the names on the score sheet and fill in the first inning for his team. The visitors scored runs in bunches from the second through the fifth frame. Brent Alumbaugh, Roger Edwards, and Arvel Waddell each scored three runs. Brent went 3 for 3 during that time with a double while Roger had two doubles and a bases on balls. Arvel batted 3 for 3 with a triple. In fact, every player in 
the lineup scored at least once.
After five innings of play, the visitors were leading 19-10. The home team pitcher did not allow another run to score after the fifth. Remember the score sheet problem mentioned earlier? This same sheet didn't reveal the defensive positions for the players so the starting pitcher remains a secret. Great pitching, though. The good guys busted open for seven in the seventh. Lee Baker, Dick Mahon, and Ron Butler began with base raps before Bobby Ayers and Jim Laffoon banged out back-to-back doubles. Don Held then stepped to the plate and, with one mighty swing, the ball sailed over the rightfield fence for a two run homer. The six runs brought the home team within three runs of a tie. The score after seven was 19-16. The players at the top of the scorecard were at it again in the last inning. Ron Butler tripled and scored on a Bobby Ayers single, followed with a base hit by Jim Laffoon. Don Held was given a free pass and Larry Wells collected the game winning RBI with a base hit to give the home team a 20-19 victory. LEADING HITTERS: Ron Butler: 5 for 5 with 1 triple. Brent Alumbaugh: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Bobby Ayers: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Doug Chamlee: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Dick Mahon: 4 for 5. The three team game on Field E was comprised almost entirely of ball players from the National League. Team One had a time putting their hits together but did well in the fifth frame. They scored half their total runs for the game in that inning. John Stewart, Frank Miller, and Bill Miller each had base hits after the first hitter lined out to shortstop 
Wayne Mundy. The next batter popped into an infield fly rule for the second out but Mike Wheeler would not let the runs go to waste. He knocked in two with a line drive single to left centerfield. Ron Augenstein tripled to deep centerfield for two more runs before the side was retired.
The middle squad had half their total run production in the first inning. Reg Barnes and Ron Thompson each singled before Jack Benson was safe at first when an outfielder dropped his fly ball. Erv Fitzke and Jud Gilberson then singled. Both of those hits drove in a run apiece. 
Marvin Taylor and Rich Moots finished it up with base hits.
The home team really knocked the ball around today. Everyone in the batting order scored a run. Wayne Mundy and Don Witmer lead the pack with three runs each. They both connected for inside-the-park home runs, too. Ron Carrothers hit two deep flys for stand up doubles. He ended up with four RBIs. The final score was 8-10-15. Dick Sessink pitched for the team that scored 15 while giving up eight runs. The other two pitchers were not as lucky. Ted Granoski and Marvin Taylor each absorbed losses. Ted ended his pitching streak of eight consecutive wins. The first victory in the streak dated back to October 1st. LEADING HITTERS: Don Witmer: 4 for 4 with 1 homer. Wayne Mundy: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Ron Carrothers: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Ed Kline: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. John Stewart: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Rich Moots: 3 for 4. Dick Sessink: 3 for 4. Don Held hit a home run over the fence of Fred White Field this morning. Inside-the-park home runs were hit by Wayne Mundy and Don Witmer. Chuck Duff volunteered his services to umpire behind home plate on Fred White Field and Joel Freedman was the chief umpire on Field E. Thank you Chuck and Joel. Ron Carrothers returned from Thedford, Ontario, Canada and Danny Parker arrived from Swartz Creek, Michigan. Danny sat in the stands and watched the games. Welcome back, Ron and Danny. Lakeland Senior Softball players Don Held and Dick Mahon played in the game today. Dick is a former member of the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. Thank you for joining us, Don and Dick. November 30th - Alert to all players: The scheduled games for Friday, December 3rd, are cancelled. The Florida Half Century State Tournament will be held at the DiamondPlex, as well as Auburndale Softball Complex, from Friday through Sunday of this week.
Drop by the ball parks to support our local players. Several of our morning players are on tournament teams. The Lake Wales Legends, managed by former Winter Haven Senior Softball Club member Kenny Duell, and the Polk County Warriors, managed by Larry Powell, will represent 
the 60s division of the tournament and play at the Auburndale Softball Complex. The Corsscut/Rounders, managed by Lakeland Senior Softball member Larry Sweet, will play in the 65s division, and American Legion Post 8, managed by Lakeland Senior Softball member Larry Frink, will play in the 70s division at the DiamondPlex.
Check the Florida Half Century website near the bottom of this web page for game times. The word is out! Morning softball is the place to be in Winter Haven. Three fields were used and a total of 
seven teams were created for the games this morning.
A two team game was contested on Fred White Field. Although the final score indicated a close game, the home team had a 10-0 lead after four innings of play. While pitcher Jerry Witter was busy shutting out the visiting team, the good guys gathered up some runs for insurance into the latter innings. Pat Accetta and Jerry Witter began the second with base hits. Both guys moved up a base when Richard Marino grounded out weakly to second baseman Ken Ota. A base rap by Art Zakrowski drove in both base runners. Three crossed the plate in the bottom of the third. Number one batter Kirk Coffman singled, moved to second when Sam Lopez grounded out to Ken Ota, then advanced one more base on a Brent Alumbaugh ground out to guess who? Right! Second baseman Ken Ota was quite active with his glove work in the opening innings. With two 
outs in the books and no runs scored at that point, Chuck Duff, Ed Gazarek, Pat Accetta, and Jerry Witter banged out singles before Richard Marino ended the inning with a pop up to third baseman Jack Benson.
Chuck Duff tripled in a couple of runs in the five run fourth frame and Ed Gazarek drove home the fifth run with a line drive base hit. The visitors finally figured out the pitching delivery of Jerry Witter in the sixth and exploded for five runs. And they had to do it with two outs. A Vassurl Bess single was sandwiched between a strike out and a line out to Jerry. Afterwards, Jim Laffoon singled and Tom Hamilton drove a ball deep to rightfield for a stand up triple. A bushel load of base hits came next. Denny Shaffer, Frank Miller, Larry Powell, and golden gloved second baseman Ken Ota all singled. The home team ended up winning 12-10. That early lead proved vital. Jerry Witter picked up the win against fellow pitcher Larry Powell to improve his off season record to 5-9. Larry hasn't pitched much and has a 3-3 record. LEADING HITTERS: Chuck Duff: 3 for 3 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk. Kirk Coffman: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Jim Laffoon: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Ed Gazarek: 3 for 4. Larry Powell: 3 for 4. Jerry Witter: 3 for 4. Three teams fought it out on Field D but one team was evidently stronger than the other two as the final score proved. Team One scored the maximum five runs in the first three innings. Lead off hitter Raul Torres walked and hit two doubles while scoring twice. One of his doubles knocked in the final two runs of the inning. Greg Bombard, Danny Parker, and Gale Doty all went 2 for 2 with two runs scored in the first three innings. Commish Don Witmer went 2 for 2 but was stranded on the bases once and 
forced off another time.
The runs continued to pile up on the scoreboard for the first team as the game continued. Five runs scored in the sixth and seventh innings and seven players from Team One touched home in the middle two innings. Gale Doty has been banging the ball well lately and he lined three hits in five trips to the plate. Also, Gale has been spraying the ball to other parts of the field rather than pulling everything to leftfield. J.D. Davis smashed one monumental shot that landed on the warning track. His wheels only allowed him to arrive at second base safely, though. He finished with two doubles and batted 1.000 today. Another player with bad legs but a keen hitting eye, Bill Ravo, had four hits today, all singles. Team Two was so far behind the first squad that they were 13 down in the third inning. They erupted for nine runs to bring them within range, at least for a little while. Don Scarbrough connected for a line shot rope that was fielded by the outfielder so quickly that Don had to stop at first. Later in the game, he tripled and 
finished with four hits in five trips to the plate. After the single by Don, Russ King had a base hit, followed by a walk to Neil Gelpi. The same sequence, a single and a walk, came from Larry MacDonald and Bob Christiansen, and then from Fran Martau and Joltin' Joe DeForge. Bernie Mohan came up again and singled. He started the inning when he reached base in a booted ball in the infield. Don Scarbrough and Russ King each batted for the second time in the inning and came through again with base hits.
The home team started strong but dwindled 
down as the innings mounted. Lead off hitter Fred Dampier began the home first with a solo inside-the-park home run over the head of defending right centerfielder Rich Moots. Fred smashed another deep shot, this time for a two run homer, later in the game. Angel Merced, batting in the two hole, also smashed a solo inside-the-park homer. This one squirted past leftfielder Neil Gelpi. After the two taters, Chris Constantine, Bob Zelazny, and Ron Butler all punched out singles. A deep, deep, single by Larry Wells drove home the fifth run.
The final score was 32-20-15. Two pitchers were winners in the contest. The win by Ted Granoski brought his off season record to an impressive 17-9. J.D. Davis took the mound for the first time and won. Larry Wells was on the short end of the stick in this game. His off season record is even at 6-6. LEADING HITTERS: Raul Torres: 5 for 5 with 2 homers, 2 doubles, & 1 walk. Don Witmer: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. J.D. Davis: 5 for 5 with 2 doubles. Larry MacDonald: 5 for 5. Ron Butler: 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 2 doubles. Greg Bombard: 5 for 6 with 1 double. Fred Dampier: 4 for 5 with 2 homers & 1 double. Russ King: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Don Scarbrough: 4 for 5 with 1 triple. Bill Ravo: 4 for 5. Ted Taylor: 3 for 4. The game on Field E was much tamer than the counterpart on Field D. The visitors pushed two across in the opening frame. Ed Kline doubled to the opposite field with one out and advanced to third on a Wayne Mundy base hit. With a runner in scoring position, Dean Schapeler lined a double in the direction of right centerfielder Erv Fitzke, and then Dave Podbielski had an RBI single. Three hits produced two more 
runs in the top of the third. Dave Podbielski, Don LaMay, and Elmer Black all singled for the two spot.
The home team came alive in the home third to take a one run lead. Ron Augenstein started off with a single but was forced at second on a grounder by John Smith. John ended up scoring for Ron, though, so it was six of one and a half dozen of the other. Gene Morey patiently drew a free pass to bring it back to the top of the batting order. Erv Fitzke, Floyd Welton, Bill Miller, John Stewart, and Ron Thompson all had base hits. The single by Ron drove home the fifth run. The game went back and forth from that point. The visiting team scored four in the fourth, with Dean Schapeler connecting for a two run triple and Don LaMay knocking 
Dean home. Then the home team added five in the fifth frame. Henry Reed singled and scored as did Floyd Welton and Ron Thompson. Ron Carrothers had a two RBI base hit.
The home team pulled it out in the bottom of the ninth. Bill Miller doubled and scored when John Stewart hit a fly ball that was mishandled. John ended up scoring the winning run. The final score was 14-13. Marvin Taylor picked up the win. His off season record is 14-18. He is the only pitcher with a losing record whose team has scored more runs than the pitcher has allowed while on the mound. Dick Sessink record falls to 11-25. Many of his losses have been the results of close games, so his W-L record could easily be much better than indicated. LEADING HITTERS: Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Ron Carrothers: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Fred Dampier and Raul Torres each hit a pair of inside-the-park home runs and Angel Merced hit one homer this morning. Returning players: Ed Gazarek from Woodslee, Ontario, Canada; Don LaMay from Livonia, Michigan; and Mike Stepp from Clinton, TWP, Michigan. Don was sporting a full grown beard. It was well trimmed so he didn't look like old St. Nick with his white growth. In addition to the players arriving from the north, locals Bob Cooper and Angel Merced both returned to the old ballpark after taking time off most of the summer. Welcome back, Ed, Don, Mike, Bob, and Angel. |
October 2010