December 2010 News Archive
 December 7th - It was a cold, windy, and miserable day, and it was definitely not a day that will live in infamy.
A three team game was contested on Fred White Field, with the final score being 30-26-18. LEADING HITTERS: Bill Wolfe: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Al Andrews: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double. Ed Kline: 4 for 5 with 2 homers. Denny Shaffer: 4 for 5 with 1 homer. Fred Ducham: 3 for 4 with 2 homers & 1 double. Dean Schapeler: 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 double. J.D. Davis: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Rich Moots: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Gene Baker: 3 for 4. Gale Doty: 3 for 4. Larry Wells: 3 for 4. 
Inside-the-park home runs on Fred White Field: Two each for Fred Ducham and Ed Kline. One each for Al Andrews, Vassurl Bess, Greg Bombard, Ron Butler, Don LaMay, Sam Lopez, and Denny Shaffer. Ed Guspyt returned from Port Washington, Ohio. The cold weather seemed to have followed Ed from the North. Welcome back, Ed. One new player joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. Bill Wolfe spends his summer months in Decatur, Indiana. Welcome aboard, Bill. December 10th - Two fields were used for five teams.
Fred White Field was the location for the three team game. The final tally was 14-21-14. In the middle of the fourth inning, Russ King, Kirk Coffman, and Dan Davis hit consecutive inside-the-park solo home runs to leftfield, followed by a single from Floyd Welton and a two run homer by Arvel Waddell. In summary, that frame accounted for five batters, five runs, and four home runs. LEADING HITTERS: Don Scarbrough: 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 2 doubles. Kirk Coffman: 4 for 4 with 1 homer. Frank Miller: 4 for 4 with 1 homer. Arvel Waddell: 4 for 4 with 1 homer. Ted Taylor: 2 for 2 with 2 walks. Ed Kline: 4 for 5 with 1 homer. Jud Giberson: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Ted Granoski: 3 for 4. Bill Miller: 3 for 4. Floyd Welton: 3 for 4. 
The nine inning, two team game was played on Field E. Incidentally, four of the five leading hitters were on the losing team in the 16-8 game. LEADING HITTERS: Al Andrews: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Stevan Hill: 4 for 5. Denny Shaffer: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Ed Gazarek: 3 for 4. Larry Wells: 3 for 4. Inside-the-park home runs on both fields: Kirk Coffman, Dan Davis, Russ King, Ed Kline, Frank Miller, and Arvel Waddell. December 14th - It was frigid cold this morning and the north wind was howling loudly and steadily at around 20 MPH.
Board of Directors member and past Director of Field Maintenance Sam Harrell pried the gates 
open for the select few insane ones who showed up expecting to play some snowball. Uh, softball, that is since it isn't snowing. Yet.
After some batting practice, Sam and 11 other Eskimos hung around. They set up the cones and played a five inning game on one half of the field. The reported final score was 16-8. The 2011 season draft was held this morning. The teams and team members will be place on the website as soon as the information is made available. Stay tuned. Larry Goring joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this cold morning. He spends his summers way up north in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada so he has grown accustomed to the lower temperatures. Welcome aboard, Larry. December 17th - The weather finally warmed up after some very cold temperatures. The gauge was reading below freezing for three consecutive nights. B-r-r-r-r-r-r. The high today is expected to reach 75° F.
Five teams of players were divided onto two fields. With the exception of three National Leaguers who were penciled in with the younger guys, the American League played a three team game on Fred White Field and the National League played a two team game on Field E. The home team rallied for five runs in the bottom of the last frame to top the other two team scores on Fred White Field. Danny Parker had a two out double. Ed Gazarek and Bob Zelazny followed with singles before Russ King walked to load the bases for Jerry Witter. He noticed an opening just beyond the second base position and threaded the needle for a ground ball and game winning base hit. Earlier in the game, Larry Wells stepped to the plate and grooved a low inside strike over the fence as leftfielder Al Andrews watched the ball sail out of sight. Fortunately for Larry and too bad for the opposition that everyone seemed to overlook the rule not allowing the batter/runner beyond first base under any circumstances if that batter has designated a runner before game time. Larry had requested a pinch runner from first base before the game was underway. The final tally was 15-21-22. Arvel Waddell, who relieved starter Jerry Witter, recorded the victory as that team scored 22 and surrendered 15 runs. J.D. Davis was on the mound for the team that scored 21 but allowed 22 while on defense. Don Bercaw pitched for the team that collected 15 runs but gave up 21 during the game. LEADING HITTERS: Al Andrews: 4 for 4 with 1 double. Russ King: 4 for 4 with 1 walk. Keith Linton: 4 for 4. Larry MacDonald: 3 for 3 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 sacrifice fly. Chuck Duff: 2 for 2 with 2 doubles & 2 walks. Tom Hamilton: 2 for 2 with 1 homer, 1 triple, & 1 sacrifice fly. Don Bercaw: 3 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 double. Jack Benson: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Ed Gazarek: 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Dan Whisler: 3 for 4. 
The National League game on Field E was decided in the bottom of the last inning. The score was knotted at 20-20 heading into the home ninth. Ed Kline lead of with a base hit to right centerfield. He moved up a base when Fred Ducham lined a single to left. Ron Thompson knocked in the winning run when he pulled the ball to rightfield for a base rap. Pitcher Ray Mills notched the win against fellow hillsman Ted Granoski. LEADING HITTERS: Bill Miller: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 2 doubles. Sam Harrell: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Fred Ducham: 5 for 5. John Stewart: 3 for 3 with 1 homer & 2 walks. Ed Kline: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Denny Shaffer: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double. Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Larry Goring: 3 for 4. Don LaMay: 3 for 4. Frank Miller: 3 for 4. Larry Wells hit a home run over the leftfield fence on Fred White Field. Inside-the-park homers on both fields: Ron Augenstein, Jack Benson, Tom Hamilton, Ed Kline, Larry MacDonald, Denny Shaffer, and John Stewart. Ed Kline has pounded homers in the last three Winter Haven Senior Softball Club games. He has hit four inside-the-park home runs in the span from December 7th through this morning. Don Bercaw arrived from Lima, Ohio and Dan Whisler returned from the North. Welcome back, Don and Dan. December 21st - The weather is beginning to get warmer again. The temperature is expected to reach 72° F before the day has come to an end. It was somewhat on the cool side during batting practice, though.
For the most part, the games were divided between National League and American League players. The American League played a three team game on Fred White Field. Team Two dominated the contest as they scored one less run than the other two squads combined. They scored their runs in bunches. Three innings accounted for all their 15 runs. Five runs crossed the plate in the first and second frames. As it turned out, the 10 runs were enough to 
win the game. After the leadoff batter flew out, Jack Benson singled and Jim Laffoon walked. That opened the door for Bob Zelazny and Don Scarbrough to single in a run apiece. Another fly out followed the RBI hits before Don Bercaw had a two run single. Larry Wells capped off the rally with a double. It is good to know that Larry ran for himself this morning. Way to go, Larry.
The bottom half of the batting order picked up where their other teammates left off when the middle of the second began. Vassurl Bess, Denis Lussier, and Gale Doty all banged out base raps. Lead 
off man Raul Torres also singled. Consecutive hits by Jack Benson, Jim Laffoon, and Bob Zelazny finished the frame with five more runs.
Team One had one big inning but fell short of a victory. Six runs crossed the plate in the third inning. Sam Lopez continued his year of triples with one more and scored when Don Witmer singled. Hits by Ed Gazarek and Cecil Vasquez followed. With one out in the books because the first hitter of the inning flew out, Larry MacDonald doubled and four successive singles from the bats of George Radlein, Charley Grignani, 
Bernie Mohan, and Keith Linton pushed across the final four runs.
The home team began with a three spot and finished with three but did not accomplish much in between. Kirk Coffman started the first with a single but was forced at second. Afterwards, Danny Parker had an RBI double which opened up first for Neil Gelpi to draw a free pass. Freddy Gonzalez responded with a single and Russ King slammed a two bagger. The final score was 9-15-7. Don Bercaw was the only winning pitcher. George Radlein and Jerry Witter were on the mound for the other two teams. LEADING HITTERS: Cecil Vasquez: 4 for 4. Danny Parker: 3 for 3 with 2 doubles. Freddy Gonzalez: 3 for 3 with 1 triple. Russ King: 3 for 3 with 1 double. Larry Wells: 3 for 3 with 1 double. Jim Laffoon: 3 for 3 with 1 walk. Jack Benson: 3 for 4 with 1 dobule. Bob Zelazny: 3 for 4. The National League game on Field E was a nine inning, two team event. The visiting team started strong and ended strong. They managed 11 runs in the first three frames. Number one hitter Ed Kline had two singles and scored twice. He finished with five hits and five runs. The second and third batters, Denny Shaffer 
and Bill McEllister, both homered and singled and they each scored two times. Denny also had a 5 for 5 day with five runs scored. The inside-the-park homers by Denny and Bill were hit consecutively in the top of the first inning. Elmer Black had a two run, inside-the-park dinger in the first frame. In all, three home runs were hit in the top of the first.
Rich Moots connected for one of the deepest hits he has had in quite a while when he lead off the home first. He circled the bases for a solo shot. The next batter sent left centerfielder Mike Stepp back but Mike 
honed in on the old pill for a nice catch. That grab was out number one. Lefty Bill Miller doubled followed by singles from John Stewart and Ron Augenstein. The next batter reached base on a misfielded ball before Ray Mills, Larry Goring, and Reg Barnes all achieved base hits.
The home team continued to build up their lead as the innings progressed. Fred Dampier hit a deep solo homer into the sun and way over the head of defending rightfielder John Smith. Although he could not have caught up to the shot, John failed to read the hit off the bat so right centerfielder Denny Shaffer had to give chase. Bill Miller tripled after the home run and scored when John Stewart reached base on a booted ball in the infield. The visitors tied the score in the eighth when they 
rallied for six runs. Several defensive errors kept the inning alive for way too long. Ed Kline, Bill McEllsiter, and Jerry Noble had the only hits, all singles, and Terry Feehan walked in the inning gone awry.
The home team pulled out the win in the home ninth with four runs after the visitors scored three to take the lead for the first time in the contest. A two out single by Reg Barnes brought the home team within one run of a tie and a two RBI double by Floyd Welton won the game for the good guys. Ray Mills won the game against opposing pitcher Sam Harrell. Sam and Ed Kline shared the mound duties during the game. Although Sam recorded the loss, his team scored 16 while he was pitching and surrendered 14 on defense. LEADING HITTERS: Denny Shaffer: 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple. Ed Kline: 5 for 5 with 1 triple. Floyd Welton: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 2 doubles. Jerry Noble: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. John Smith: 3 for 4. Inside-the-park homers on both fields: Elmer Black, Fred Dampier, Stevan Hill, Rich Moots, Bill McEllister, and Denny Shaffer. Several players returned to the old ball field. Tom Bonds from Melholly, New Jersey; Terry Feehan from Deshler, Ohio; Bill McEllister from London, Ontario, Canada; and Jerry Noble from Sullivan, Maine. In addition, Clair Auchey and Freddy Gonzalez came off the DL. Cecil Vasquez used another free play date. Welcome back, Tom, Terry, Bill, Jerry, Clair, Freddy, and Cecil. One player joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club and another had a tryout. Charley Grignani joined and is a friend of Cecil Vasquez. Denis Lussier was invited by Bob Zelazny. Welcome aboard, Charley. Please consider a membership, Denis. December 24th - 'Twas the day before Christmas and the shopping was done so we gathered at the park for a game of fun. The National League had a contest on one field of play as the American League battled on another this day. It was 25-12 for the winner Ray Mills as one NL team
imposed their wills. The end.
The pitchers duel took place on Fred White Field in the American League game. The score stood at 6-3 heading into the final frame. Jerry Witter was spinning a web for the leading team and Arvel Waddell had a gem of his own in the making. Three runs on four hits gave the visitors a six run lead going into the bottom of the ninth. Jim Laffoon had lead off with a double in the direction of rightfielder Jud Giberson. A single 
by Roger Edwards put men at the corners for Fred Dampier, who singled in a run. The second run crossed the plate when Dean Schapeler had a base rap. Dean was forced out at second on a fielder's choice ground ball but the third and final run scored during the play.
The home team was down by six. Eddie Diaz found a hole on the right side for a hit and he was forced out at second base on a grounder to shortstop Jim Laffoon. The second out came immediately afterwards as Gene Baker popped up to first baseman J.D. Davis. With a never say die attitude, Raul Torres drove in a run with a line drive single and Sam Lopez slammed his second triple of the day when he hit a deep shot way over the head of defending right centerfieder Fred Dampier. Sam scored as Don Witmer reached base on a misplayed ball in the infield. The final score was 9-6 in favor of the nine. LEADING HITTERS: Jim Laffoon: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double. Dean Schapeler: 3 for 4 with 1 triple. Jose Rivera : 3 for 4 with 1 double. Seven of the 12 batters in the lineup for the winning squad are listed in the leading hitters but the buzz around the area included mention of very many errors, totaling into double digits, and defensive changes necessary because some were playing out of position. Scorekeepers take note. Let's be honest and fair for the sake of proper statistics. End of soapbox. Ray Mills racked up his second straight win against opposing pitcher Sam Harrell. Ray is riding a five game winning streak and has not lost since November 19th. He was involved in a tie game on December 10th, though. 
LEADING HITTERS: Vassurl Bess: 5 for 5 with 1 triple. Larry Goring: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 walk. Wayne Mundy: 4 for 5 with 1 homer. Jerry Noble: 4 for 5 with 1 double. John Smith: 3 for 4 with 2 homers. Rich Marino: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Fred Ducham: 3 for 4. Gene Morey: 3 for 4. Inside-the-park homers on both fields: John Smith had two homers and one each were hit by Ron Carrothers, Larry Goring, Jim Laffoon, Richard Marino, and Wayne Mundy. Wes Willson returned from his trek up north and Eddie Diaz was back after a lengthy stay on the DL. Welcome back, Wes and Eddie. Herb Oesterreich rejoined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club. He was last at the park on April 25th, 2008 before moving to Colorado. Welcome back, Herb. Two players joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this morning. Dave Kieffer is a snowbird who spends his winter months at NALCREST. Jose Rivera lives in the Kissimmee area. Welcome aboard, Dave and Jose. December 25th - Saturday - Merry Christmas to all our softball family and our loved ones.
May everyone be blessed with health and happiness this holiday season and all throughout the coming new year.  December 28th - The temperature at game time was hovering right at the 40° F mark but there was hardly any breeze blowing to make it feel cooler. It warmed up to probably around 50° F or better by the time the game was complete. Anyone who stayed home missed a nice day at the old ball park. The 22 who showed up had a good game.
Fred White Field was the diamond of choice this morning. The home team jump started their offense early and often. They scored four runs in inning numbers one and two and added a five 
spot in the third frame.
Ed Kline, Jose Rivera, and Don Witmer opened the home first with base hits before Mike Stepp was safe at first on a booted ball in the infield. Art Zakrowski singled in a run and his hit advanced Don Witmer to third for Sam Lopez to drive him home with a sacrifice fly. The fourth run scored on a throwing error. After being shutdown one-two-three in the first, the visiting team began the second with a double from the bat of Fred Dampier. A single by Dean Schapeler moved Fred to third 
for Bernie Mohan to bang out an RBI single.
The home second and third was a copycat of the first inning. There were an accumulation of hits, defensive errors, and a sacrifice fly thrown into the mix. Ed Kline, Jose Rivera, Art Zakrowski, and Sam Lopez produced hits, all singles, in the second. Ron Carrothers and Herb Oesterreich singled while Jose Rivera slammed a double in the five run third. The visitors finally got uncorked in the fourth when they came up 
with four runs. Stevan Hill lead off with a base rap and then Fred Dampier hit his second double of the contest. Dean Schapeler stepped into a sharp line drive single towards right centerfielder Art Zakrowski. The two runs scored on that hit doubled the run production for the visiting team over the first three frames. Four straight base hits accounted for the other two runs. Bernie Mohan, Sam Harrell, Jerry Witter, and Floyd Welton combined for hits.
After four innings of play, the home team was running away with the game and had a 14-5 lead. The good guys poured it on again in the sixth inning. Ed Kline, Don Witmer, and Mike Stepp each had singles, Jose Rivera doubled, and Art Zakrowski tripled deep over the head of defending leftfielder Dean Schapeler. Sam Lopez hit his second sacrifice fly of the game to knock in the fifth run. The home eighth inning was a comedy of errors. It took six outs to finish off the frame but eight runs crossed the plate in the meantime. The final score was 26-12 as Ray Mills continued his winning ways on the mound. The opposing pitcher was Jerry Witter. LEADING HITTERS: Jose Rivera: 5 for 6 with 2 doubles. Dean Schapeler: 4 for 5. The only inside-the-park homer was a solo shot by Stevan Hill. The next game time, Friday morning, New Years Eve, should be a warm day at the park. It is expected to reach upwards to 75° F before the day is over. December 31st - Six teams of players were at the old ballpark to bid the year 2010 farewell. It was a warm day and some were in shorts while many more sported short sleeve shirts.
The American League game on Fred White Field witnessed the home team coming from behind to win by five runs. They were down early 
in the game but home team pitcher Bobby Ayers held the visitors scoreless for five straight innings while his team warmed up their bats.
The visitors scored all but one run in the first four frames of the nine inning affair. Al Andrews went 3 for 3 during that time. The home team began hitting well while the opponents cooled off, racking up zero after zero on the score board. Larry MacDonald doubled and slammed an inside-the-park homer as he went 3 for 3 in the final four frames. Clair Auchey singled twice and drew a walk. The final score was 17-12. Bobby Ayers recorded the win against fellow pitcher Hal Ridley. LEADING HITTERS: Al Andrews: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Sam Lopez: 3 for 4 with 2 triples & 1 walk. Clair Auchey: 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Dick Hoyt: 3 for 4. The game on Field D was comprised mostly of American League players with a few National Leaguers sprinkled into the mix. The sun was a problem for the second base position as well as the right centerfielders and rightfielders. The home team jumped out with the lead and held on the entire contest. Kirk Coffman and Robert Humphrey gave their opposition a preview of things to come when they lead off the home first with successive triples. Russ King hit a solo 
inside-the-park home run in the bottom of the third.
The visitors had their share of occasions to be able to bounce back and Carl Luebking took advantage of just about every opportunity that was presented to him. Carl connected for RBI singles in three different trips to the plate to keep his team competitive. Teammate Don Bercaw knocked in the last three runs with an inside-the-park home run in the five run ninth frame. Home team shortstop Ron Butler absolutely sparkled at his defensive position of shortstop. He covered an expanse of ground and made one diving stop after another on hard ground balls and line shots hit in his direction. Today, he was a one man highlight film. The final score was 17-14 with Arvel waddell picking up the victory. The opposing pitcher was Don Bercaw. LEADING HITTERS: Mike Wheeler: 4 for 4. Bob Zelazny: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Freddy Gonzalez: 3 for 4. The contest of Field E pitted veteran pitcher Dick Sessink against Ray Mills, who is riding a six game winning streak. The streak prevailed and increased to seven in-a-row against the veteran. The one run contest was decided in the bottom of the ninth when Doug Chamlee crushed a ball 
to deep centerfield for the game winning hit. Hot hitter Bill Miller, who was 5 for 5 on the day, scored the run.
Dick Sessink pitched his heart out trying to win it for his team. He shut down the home squad in four innings, three goose eggs were put on the score board in the latter frames, while the visitors were working on a late inning rally. He also hit a two run, inside-the-park homer in the eighth to help his cause. Home team rightfielder Ed Neumyer started out with a red hot bat. He went 2 for 2 with an RBI in his first two at bats. He couldn't find his way home, though. Ed was forced at second both times when the next batter grounded to the solid infield defense. The final score was 17-16 as the home team completed the sweep this morning. All three home teams won today. LEADING HITTERS: Bill Miller: 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Jerry Noble: 5 for 5. Ron Augenstein: 4 for 4 with 1 double. Dick Sessink: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Inside-the-park homers on all fields: Don Bercaw, Fred Dampier, Russ King, Larry MacDonald, Bill McEllister, Bill Miller, Dick Sessink, and Raul Torres. Dick Hoyt, a friend and past working partner of Jack Benson took advantage of a free game of softball. Dick is visiting from Franklin, New Hampshire. Thank you for joining us today, Dick. |
November 2010