December 2011 News Archive
 December 2nd - The League is holding steady at six teams. There were two American League games and one National League contest.
LEADING HITTERS: Richard Moots: 4 for 4. Wayne Mundy: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Frank Miller: 4 for 5. Ron Thompson: 4 for 5. Dick Sessink: 3 for 4 with 1 double. John Stewart: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Gene Baker: 3 for 4. WALKS: Ron Augenstein, Vassurl Bess, Ray Mills, and Gene Morey. DOUBLES: Wayne Mundy (2), Vassurl Bess, Elmer Black, Dick Sessink, and John Stewart. TRIPLES: Elmer Black and Dick Mahon. HOME RUNS: Elmer Black. 
The score sheets did not indicate who pitched for either team in this game on Field D.
LEADING HITTERS: Joe D'Herin: 5 for 5 with 1 double. Danny Parker: 3 for 4. Art Zakrowski: 3 for 4. WALKS: Jack Benson, J.D. Davis, and Ken Wilson. SACRIFICE FLYS: Larry Wells. DOUBLES: Al Andrews (2), Joe D'Herin, Roger Edwards, Tom Hamilton, Frank Jacobs, Les Jacobson, and Jose Rivera. TRIPLES: Tom Hamilton. 
The "Flip-Flop Rule" was applied incorrectly in the game on Field E. Please take note the Rule can only be enforced if the VISITING team is ahead. The visitors must be in front by 10 or more runs heading into the ninth inning. In that case, the visitors become the home team in the ninth and the home team becomes the visitors in the ninth frame.
LEADING HITTERS: Larry MacDonald: 3 for 3. John Merritt: 3 for 3. Arvel Waddell: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Chris Constantine: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Jeff Simon: 3 for 4. Don Witmer: 3 for 4. Jerry Witter: 3 for 4. DOUBLES: Chris Constantine (2), Kirk Coffman, Bill Ravo, and Juan Toro. TRIPLES: Doug Chamlee. HOME RUNS: Ed Gazarek, Denny Shaffer, John Smith, and Arvel Waddell. 
Returning players: Jerry Andrews from Naples, Maine; Ron Augenstein from Marysville, Ohio; Don LaMay from Livonia, Michigan; Larry MacDonald from Rotterdam Junction, New York; and Danny Parker from Swartz Creek, Michigan. Welcome back, Jerry, Ron, Don, Larry, and Danny.  December 6th - Enough players showed up at the old ballpark to create seven teams. The National League played a three-team game while there were two American League games this morning.
LEADING HITTERS: Tim Gallagher: 4 for 4 with 1 triple. Elmer Black: 4 for 4. Frank Miller: 3 for 3 with 1 walk. Ed Guspyt: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Wayne Mundy: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Dick Mahon: 3 for 4. WALKS: Reg Barnes, Frank Miller, and Dick Sessink. DOUBLES: Ed Guspyt (2), Walt Leggett, Rich Moots, Wayne Mundy, and Jerry Remington. TRIPLES: Tim Gallagher. 
LEADING HITTERS: George Radlein: 5 for 5 with1 triple. Juan Toro: 5 for 5. Don Bercaw: 4 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 triple, & 1 walk. Stevan Hill: 4 for 5 with 3 doubles & 1 walk. Chuck Long: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Pat Accetta: 4 for 5 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly. WALKS: Don Bercaw and Stevan Hill. SACRIFICE FLYS: Pat Accetta. DOUBLES: Stevan Hill (3), Pat Accetta, Clair Auchey, Bob Cooper, and Chuck Long. TRIPLES: Don Bercaw and George Radlein. HOME RUNS: Don Bercaw. 
There was another mystery pitcher on Field E. The score sheet did not log player positions. Come on, guys and help out the league by supplying complete data.
LEADING HITTERS: Joe D’Herin: 5 for 5 with 2 doubles. Ed Gazarek: 3 for 3 with 2 walks. Don Held: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 2 triples. Denny Shaffer: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Larry MacDonald: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Al Andrews: 3 for 4. WALKS: Chuck Duff and Ed Gazarek (2) and Tom Hamilton. SACRIFICE FLYS: Danny Parker (2). DOUBLES: Joe D’Herin (2), Regis Finnegan, Larry MacDonald, and Ray Roy. TRIPLES: Don Held (2), Les Jacobson, Danny Parker, and Dean Schapeler. HOME RUNS: Don Held and Denny Shaffer. 
Returning players: Don Bercaw from Lima, Ohio; Greg Bombard from Plattsburgh, New York; and Ed Guspyt from Port Washington, Ohio. Welcome back, Don, Greg, and Ed. Chuck Long joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club this morning. Welcome aboard, Chuck. There were two prospective members on the fields today. Ron Deem hails from Manitou Beach, Michigan, and Ed Donnelly spends his summers in Utopia, Ontario, Canada. Please consider joining the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club, Ron and Ed.  December 9th - It was a little chilly as the players began arriving at the old ballpark, but the temperature began rising as the morning progressed. Overall, it was perfect for a game of softball.
The National League played their game on Fred White Field. There were two American League contests, although just a handful of National Leaguers were also put into the mix. The visiting team began with a five spot in the NL game on Fred White Field. After the first batter fouled one down the leftfield line for strike three, seven straight singles kept the merry-go-round spinning for the maximum five runs. Singles were produced from the bats of Ron Deem, Bobby Allen, Dick Mahon, Ed Kline, Frank Miller, Floyd Welton, and Vassurl Bess. The hit by Vassurl drove home the final run. It wasn't until the third frame before the home team put numbers on the score board. Ed Sullivan singled after there was one out logged in the books. The next player went down swinging for the second out, and no runs had scored yet. Up stepped mighty Ed Guspyt, who smacked an inside-the-park homer. The next batter flew out to right centerfielder Dick Mahon to retire the sides. After three innings of play, the visitors had a 6-2 lead. Not much offense was being produced by the visiting team after the huge first, but the home team pecked away and took the lead for good in the fifth frame. The first batter reached base on a misplayed ball in the outfield before Ed Sullivan banged out his second consecutive hit. Another error in the outfield kept the inning alive as one run crossed the plate. A pop-up to shortstop Bobby Allen resulted in the first out. Had the balls in the outfield been caught, no runs would have scored in the home fifth. But we all make errors now and then. Base hits by Bill Ravo, Wayne Mundy, and Ron Thompson knocked in a couple of more runs. Jerry Remington hit a sacrifice fly for the fourth run and a single by Arvel Waddell finished the scoring opportunities for the home squad. The home team lead 9-8 after five innings were in the books. The visitors last hurrah occurred in the seventh inning. Elmer Black, who already was credited with an inside-the-park homer earlier in the game, singled with two outs. Ron Deem singled Elmer to third, Bobby Allen had an RBI base hit, and Dick Mahon drove home a run with a single. The home team won 15-11. Ted Granoski was on the mound for the losing team but the pitcher for the winning team was not identified.
LEADING HITTERS: Ron Deem: 4 for 4. Ed Guspyt: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Ron Thompson: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Bobby Allen: 3 for 4. Ron Augenstein: 3 for 4. Vassurl Bess: 3 for 4. Ed Kline: 3 for 4. A hard fought American League game was contested on Field D. For the first six innings, the teams went back and forth. The home team won the beginning third of the game, outscoring the opponents 8-5. Pat Accetta and Jack Benson each scored twice during that time. Pat had two singles and Jack had a two run, inside-the-park home 
run and a base knock. Later in the game, Jack connected for his second inside-the-park home run. Way to go, Jack. Jerry Noble hit an inside-the-park homer in the bottom of the third.
One hot hitter to keep an eye on is Larry MacDonald. He is hitting at a .767 clip during the off-season. Today, he banged out three extra base hits in four trips to the plate. The numbers one and two batters for the visitors each scored in the first three innings. Kirk Coffman and Ken Ota went 3 for 4 while scoring four times. Regis Finnegan also had two hits but was left stranded on the base paths. He finished with a 5 for 5 performance this morning. The lower half of the visiting lineup put some hits together for a few runs in the fourth frame. Ken Wilson, 
Mike Wheeler, and Jerry Witter all singled to begin the fifth before the first out was recorded. Afterwards, Ed Schmiedeke singled home a run. The final run scored when Jim McPartlan grounded into a fielder's choice.
Art Zakrowski smashed an inside-the-park homer in the top of the seventh frame. The drive split the leftfielder and left centerfielder. Two runs scored on that dinger. The five run seventh for the home team sealed the victory. Ari Harris singled to open the inning, followed by a Stevan Hill double, a triple by Larry MacDonald, and a base hit by Pat Accetta. Jack Benson drew a free pass as did Bill Withrow. The fifth run scored when Larry Wells singled to leftfield. The final score was 20-16 with Larry Wells winning his 29th game of the off-season. The opposing pitcher was Larry Powell.
LEADING HITTERS: Regis Finnegan: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Larry Wells: 4 for 4. Jack Benson: 3 for 3 with 2 homers & 1 walk. Larry MacDonald: 3 for 4 with 2 triples & 1 double. Pat Accetta: 3 for 4. Marshall Bloom: 3 for 4. The contest on Field E displayed a team with an amazing comeback attempt. They had two fantastic innings to go along with four shutout frames, so it was either feast or famine for them. The visitors jumped all over 
their opponents in the first five innings and lead 20-3. The maximum five runs scored in four of the five times the visitors batted. Big Les Jacobson, who went 5 for 5 on the day, had three hits, three runs, and two RBIs in the first half of the game. Roger Edwards and Frank Jacobs each had two hits and two runs. Both of the hits by Frank went for doubles. Joe D'Herin also scored twice. He batted 2 for 2 with a double.
The home team, down 17 runs heading into the sixth, staged their first comeback. And what a rally it was since the first two batters made outs. After that, Dean Schapeler doubled, Danny Parker and Don Held each singled, and Chuck Duff crushed a three run home run. With the bases now cleared, they began again with hit after hit. Ron Butler, Nick Matta, 
and Sam Lopez each singled before Chris Constantine tripled in the last two runs.
The visiting team never let up one iota after giving up seven runs in an inning, though. They rebounded with five in the eighth. Les Jacobson skied a three run home run over the left centerfield fence and George Radlein doubled in the other two runs. Fifteen batters stepped to the plate in the home eighth inning. With the score setting at 29-11, a whopping 10 runs crossed the plate! Sam Lopez and Nick Matta each banged out doubles and there is a long list of singles. Base hits were accomplished by Chris Constantine, Richard Marino, Bernie Mohan, Keith Linton, Ed Gazarek, Dean Schapeler, and Chuck Duff. Great hitting, guys. The final score was 32-21. George Radlein picked up the win over fellow moundsman Nick Matta.
LEADING HITTERS: Les Jacobson: 5 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Joe D'Herin: 5 for 5 with 1 double. George Radlein: 3 for 3 with 1 double & 2 sacrifice flys. Frank Jacobs: 5 for 6 with 1 triple & 3 doubles. Chuck Duff: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 double. Don Held: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Les Jacobson homered over the LC fence on Field E. Inside-the-park home runs on all fields: Jack Benson (2) and one each for Elmer Black, Chuck Duff, Ed Guspyt, Jerry Noble, Ken Ota, Ron Thompson, and Art Zakrowski. Bill Withrow, a member of the Lakeland Senior Softball program, played in the American League game on Field D this morning. Please consider joining the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club, Bill. December 13th - There was a slight wind factor for which the outfielders had to cope. The breeze was probably in the 5-7 MPH vicinity. Two balls sailed out of the park this morning, but two power hitters who don't need any help from the wind accomplished that feat.
Three fields were put into use to accommodate the six teams. An American League game, along with just a few players from the Senior Circuit, was contested on Fred White Field. The visiting team held the lead all the way to the finish line. They scored the maximum five runs in three of the first four innings. During that time, Don Bercaw singled and slammed a three run, inside-the-park homer. Larry MacDonald, Fred Dampier, and Al Andrews each went 3 for 3 with a double while scoring twice. Gene Morey went 2 for 2 with two runs scored, and Nick Matta batted 2 
for 2 with a walk. He finished the day hitting 1.000 in four trips to the plate.
The home team rallied for seven runs in the bottom of the fourth. They were down 19-5 heading into their turn at the plate. After the first out was made with a pop-up to third baseman Larry MacDonald, Gerry Andrews grounded a single through the left half of the infield. The next batter popped up to pitcher Nick Matta for out number two. No runs so far but that would change with the help of some sloppy defense. Rich Moots singled and John Smith doubled but two errors followed. A single by Clair Auchey was sandwiched between errors, because the batter after 
Clair also got aboard in a misplayed ball. Don Witmer, who had umpired behind the plate to start the game, became the replacement for injured player Denny Shaffer. Don doubled in the final two runs. A groundout to second baseman Jim McPartlan ended the inning to forget for the defensive team.
After four innings, the score stood at 19-12 in favor of the visiting team. The visitors downshifted their offense but did score five runs in the sixth and four in the eighth. Stevan Hill found a gap in the defending outfielders for a two run, inside-the-park homer in the seventh frame. The last surge for the 
home team occurred in the seventh inning. They were down 28-15 at the time. Once again, faulty defense kept the inning alive, but credit also has to go to the offense. After Don Witmer singled, Frank Jacobs scorched a shot to rightfield. The ball rolled under the glove and between the legs of the defender, so Frank shifted into high gear for an inside-the-park home run. Terry Feehan drew a free pass and Larry Powell, Gerry Andrews, Bill Withrow, John Smith, and Clair Auchey all punched singles during the home seventh. Clair ended his slump today in style. He went 5 for 5 with a triple and a double. Look out, guys, Clair is back.
The final score was 32-22 and the "Flip-Flop Rule" was applied in the last frame. Starting pitcher Nick Matta recorded the victory. He was relieved by Fred Dampier, set up man Don Bercaw, and closer Jerry Witter. The heat Jerry was throwing rewarded him with one strikeout. Eddie Diaz began the game for the home team and Larry Powell took over in the fourth frame.
LEADING HITTERS: Clair Auchey: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Nick Matta: 4 for 4 with 1 walk. Fred Dampier: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Al Andrews: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Larry MacDonald: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Gerry Andrews: 4 for 5. Stevan Hill: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Gene Morey: 3 for 4. The National League game on Field D was rather tame compared to the hitting displayed on Fred White Field. A trio of errors allowed the visitors to rack up two in the opening frame. The only two hits, both singles, came from the bats of Elmer Black and Frank Miller. Elmer and 
Dick Mahon, who got aboard on a misplayed ball in the outfield, each scored.
The home first began with a walk to Ed Kline. A single by Ron Thompson moved Ed to third, and Jerry Remington had a base knock for the first RBI. Walt Leggett singled in a run and moved Jerry to third base. That set up a sacrifice fly by Bill Ravo. The final run crossed the plate when Fred Ducham had a base hit. Ron Carrothers walked afterwards but was left stranded at first. The offense of the visitors was in low 
key the rest of the game, with the exception of the third frame. Wayne Mundy gapped the outfielders for an inside-the-park home run. John Stewart had singled and Elmer Black reached base on a misplayed ball in the infield prior to the three run dinger.
Seven players for the home team found their way home in the third and fourth innings. Jerry Remington, perfect for the day with a 4 for 4 performance, singled and doubled while scoring both times. Walt Leggett and Bill Ravo each went 2 for 2 during that time. They each scored one of the seven runs. John Stewart lead off the visiting eighth with an inside-the-park homerun to bring the visitors within two runs of a tie game. That would be the last run scored for the team. The final score was 12-10 with the victory going to home team pitcher Ray Mills. Ted Granoski was on the hill for the visiting squad.
LEADING HITTERS: Jerry Remington: 4 for 4 with 1 double. Bill Ravo: 3 for 3 with 1 double & 1 sacrifice fly. John Stewart: 3 for 4 with 1 homer. Reg Barnes: 3 for 4. Fred Ducham: 3 for 4. Walt Leggett: 3 for 4. The game on Field E consisted entirely of American League players. Following suite for the other two contests, one team had the lead from beginning to end upon completion of every inning. The game began with a gimp-legged leadoff batter. Freddy Gonzalez injured a hamstring 
in the last Florida Half Century tournament and came back for the first time today. He coaxed a walk. Three base hits followed for the two runs. Jose Rivera, Danny Parker, and Les Jacobson all singled. A double play ball to shortstop Jim Laffoon helped to kill the rally.
The good guys also started off with a string of hits. Tom Hamilton, Ed Gazarek, and Jim Laffoon each singled before Don Held, drove a deep double to left centerfield. Bob Zelazny singled afterwards but a double play slowed down the home team, too. The home squad put a five spot on the scoreboard in the second to place them into a comfortable lead early in the game. Joe D'Herin and Dean Schapeler each had base knocks. The hit by Dean sent Joe scampering to third. The next batter, Pat Accetta, hit the first of his two sacrifice fly balls in the game. Out number two occurred when Art Zakrowski popped up to shortstop Danny Parker. After that, three straight third outs were misplayed to 
keep the inning going on and on. A base hit by Jim Laffoon and the second double of the day by Don Held capped off the frame. Don Held is terrorizing the opposing defense with his awesome display of power to all fields. He finished with four extra base hits today. Way to go, Don.
Although the visitors were never in the game, they did have a couple of players who shined this morning. Chuck Duff had an inside-the-park homer in the third inning. He drove one over the left centerfield fence in the sixth for a solo shot. Chuck finished with three hits in four trips to the plate. Teammate Tim Gallagher went 
2 for 3 with a sacrifice fly.
The home team kept banging away as the game continued into the later innings. Don Held sent a high fly over the left centerfield fence in the fifth and had a two run triple in the seventh inning. The final run for the downtrodden visiting team came in the ninth with one out already in the books. Jack Benson crushed the ball in between the outfielders on the left side for an inside-the-park home run. Unfortunately, the bases were clear at the time so it was a solo homer. The final score was 21-12. Home team hurler Larry Wells picked up the big "W" while J.D. Davis went the distance for the visitors.
LEADING HITTERS: Don Held: 4 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 triple, & 2 doubles. Joe D'Herin: 3 for 3 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk. Ed Gazarek: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Chuck Duff: 3 for 4 with 2 homers. Jim Laffoon: 3 for 4. Chuck Duff and Don Held each hit a homerun over the fence on Field E. Inside-the-park home runs on all fields: Jack Benson, Don Bercaw, Chuck Duff, Stevan Hill, Frank Jacobs, Wayne Mundy, and John Stewart. Ron Carrothers returned from Thedford, Ontario, Canada, and Terry Feehan arrived from Deshler, Ohio. Welcome back, Ron and Terry. Bill Withrow joined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club and will play in the National League. Welcome aboard, Bill. The draft for the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club 2012 season was held after all the games were complete. A list of teams and players will be placed online as soon as the data is available and relayed. This coming Friday, December 16th, is wood bat day. Leave the Mikens at home, guys. December 16th - Wood Bat Day was declared an overwhelming success. Each of the three games turned out to be doubleheaders, since the players had to wait for the pizza delivery to arrive.
The two games on Fred White Field comprised a mixture of NL and AL players. The biggest story wound up being the shutout that Ted Granoski spun in the seven inning complete game. Since the statistics have been kept dating back to 2004, this is only the third "Off-Season" shutout. Ted threw a seven inning shutout on April 3rd, 2007 and our current commissioner Don Witmer recorded one on May 15th, 2007. 
The only season shutout belongs to Walt Shadick, now retired from the game, who won a 17-0 contest against the Purple team as a member of the Turquoise squad on January 9th, 2004.
The 8-0 first game was 0-0 until the home team broke it open in the third. Jeff Simon and Gene Baker each singled before Fred Dampier cranked an inside-the-park home run to rightfield. Afterwards, Jerry Noble, Danny Parker, and Bob Hite all punched base hits for another run. The fifth run crossed the plate when J.D. Davis singled. As mentioned earlier, Ted Granoski pitched for the winning team in the 8-0 game. Ray Mills was on the mound for the visiting squad.
LEADING HITTERS: J.D. Davis: 3 for 3. Danny Parker: 3 for 3. Don Scarbrough: 3 for 3. The team that was shut down in the first game easily took Game Two with a 10-3 victory in the six inning contest. The game began with a rule infraction just two batters into the lineup. Don Witmer enforced the rule that requires the pitcher to be behind the screen when the ball is hit. J.D. Davis broke that rule on a double play ball after leadoff hitter Al Andrews singled. That opened up the floodgates. Instead of none on base with two outs to start the game, 
two were on base with no outs. Batter number three reached base on an infield error and Don Scarbrough walked before the official first out was recorded. The next batter also got aboard on an error. A one out single by Larry Wells and a two out base hit by Ron Deem mercifully ended the inning. Five runs scored and all were unearned.
Al Andrews did a fine job in the number one hole. He scored all three times he stepped to the plate and went 2 for 3. Although Brent Alumbaugh had only one hit in three at bats, a triple down the rightfield line that Larry Goring could not contain, he also scored all three times. Larry Wells was perfect at the plate as he lined three singles to the outfield. Pitcher Larry Wells won the 10-3 contest against opposing mounds man J.D. Davis.
LEADING HITTERS: Larry Wells: 3 for 3. Rich Moots: 1 for 1 with 1 walk. One team swept the other in the doubleheader on Field D. This contest featured AL and NL players. The visiting team started out with hot wooden bats. Roger Edwards, Elmer Black, 
and Chris Constantine all singled before the first out was recorded. More base hits followed the fly out. Ed Kline, Larry MacDonald, Dennis Holder, and Larry Powell each singled. The fifth run scored when Richard Marino forced Larry Powell out at second base.
Two of the three total runs scored in the first inning for the home team. Ed Gazarek began with a base hit. He tried to take one more base than the 
defense would allow when Bill Ravo singled. Poor Ed was thrown out at third. Too bad, because the next batter, Juan Toro laced a ball to the outfield for an inside-the-park home run.
Extra base hits gave the visiting team a couple of insurance runs in the fifth inning. After the first two batters struck out, Chris Constantine doubled and Regis Finnegan tripled. Regis scored when the next batter got aboard on a booted ball in the infield. The final score of Game One was 7-3. Regis Finnegan logged the victory against opposing pitcher Arvel Waddell.
LEADING HITTER: Chris Constantine: 3 for 4 with 1 double. More of the same was dished out in the second game, which ended after six innings. The 
teams didn't flip sides so the winning visitors for Game One also were the visiting squad for Game Two.
The third inning was huge as four runs crossed the plate. No hits went for extra bases but Chris Constantine, Ed Kline, Larry MacDonald, Dennis Holder, and Larry Powell all had base hits. Ed Kline ended the contest with a 3 for 3 performance. The most productive inning was the opening frame for the home team. Ed Gazarek started off with a single but was forced out at second on a fielder's choice. Frank Jacobs singled in a run and the other score occurred on a misplayed ball in the infield. The final score of Game Two was 8-4. Larry Powell was on the hill for the winning team and old faithful Arvel Waddell pitched another game for the home team.
LEADING HITTER: Ed Kline: 3 for 3. The games on Field E also had a mixture of AL and NL players and the two teams spilt the doubleheader. The first inning was the most productive today for the visiting team. Tom Hamilton opened with 
a single. Ray Roy and Bobby Allen also singled, scoring one run. Clean-up hitter Don Held drove a ball deep for an inside-the-park homer and knocking in three more runs. Kirk Coffman singled afterwards but a series of fielder's choice grounders finished off the inning.
The home team did just as well. Stevan Hill walked to ignite the offense. 
Jerry Remington and Ron Thompson singled for the first run. A hit by Denny Shaffer knocked in two more runs and he scored when Ari Harris had a clutch hit with two outs.
The offense for both teams dropped down to neutral after the big first inning, but Don Held was strong all game long. He singled in a run in the third, doubled and scored from a Kirk Coffman double in the fifth, and singled and scored in the seventh. The visitors won 8-5 as Jerry Witter was credited with the win. Dick Sessink was on the mound for the home team.
LEADING HITTERS: Don Held: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double. Terry Feehan: 1 for 1 with 2 walks. Kirk Coffman: 3 for 4 with 1 double. The second game only went through five innings before the pizza arrived. The visitors started with four runs in this 
contest, too. Tom Hamilton, Bobby Allen, and Kirk Coffman each produced base hits, Ray Roy doubled, and Don Held tripled. That concluded the run production for the remainder of the game.
After pushing one run across home in the first by means of a single by Jerry Remington and a run producing triple by big Les Jacobson, the good guys took the lead with four in the second inning. Nick Matta, Dick Sessink, Ari Harris, and Keith Linton all singled. The hit by Keith drove home the fourth run. Jerry Remington scored in the third and fifth frames while no other teammates found their way home. He ended with a 3 for 3 game with three runs scored. The final score was 7-4. Nick Matta was rewarded with the victory against opposing pitcher Jerry Witter.
LEADING HITTERS: Jerry Remington: 3 for 3. Don Held: 2 for 2 with 1 triple. Bobby Allen: 2 for 2. Ari Harris: 2 for 2. Inside-the-park home runs on all fields: Fred Dampier, Don Held, and Juan Toro. Bill Edmonston returned from Fairfax, Virginia. Welcome back, Bill. George Tinsley rejoined the Winter Haven Senior Softball Club after being a member briefly during the 2007 season. He did not play this morning. Welcome back, George. A pizza and pop party was held after the wood bat games. Softball players and their guests all had a good time rehashing the actions on the diamonds this morning. December 20th - The wood bats have been put back into storage after the games this past Friday, although some players wanted to use a few of the bats for firewood. It is definitely a different game compared to the "homerun derby" contests with the potent composite weapons of today.
Three fields were used and each lineup was made with the basis of the 2012 season team rosters that had the most players in attendance. For instance, there were seven teammates on the Royals so they battled a team with five members of the Tigers and five members of the 
Yankees. Every one of the six teams had at least 12 batters in the lineup until one bowed out and reduced his team to 11 hitters.
The game on Fred White Field was decided in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out in the books. A sacrifice fly by Dean Schapeler drove home the winning run. They had to score four runs in the home ninth to win the game after the visitors logged five in their turn at bat. The top of the last frame began when Richard Marino singled for his third hit of the day. A walk to Ed Schmiedeke rolled over the batting order. The next two batters made outs as the leadoff hitter forced Richard at third and the number two hole guy fouled out to catcher Ed Sullivan. Then the rally started. Don Bercaw singled, big 
Les Jacobson doubled, Brent Alumbaugh walked, and Nick Matta singled before the last out was recorded.
The home squad had the very top of the lineup due to bat. Yankees manager Jerry Witter singled and so did Regis Finnegan. The next batter popped up to second baseman Ken Ota for the first out before Kirk Coffman rapped out a base hit and Don Held doubled. First base was vacant so Jose Rivera drew an intentional base on balls, since the two on base were the tying and winning runs. The plan was a game ending double play or, at least, a force out at home. A sharp single by Ray Roy tied the game and Dean Schapeler lifted a sacrifice fly and the game was over. Larry Powell started the game but reliever Regis Finnegan recorded the win in the 21-20 game. Dick Sessink went the distance for the visiting squad.
LEADING HITTERS: Regis Finnegan: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 3 doubles. Jose Rivera: 4 for 4 with 1 walk. Don Held: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 3 doubles. Al Andrews: 4 for 5 with 3 doubles. Les Jacobson: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Kirk Coffman: 4 for 5. Fred Dampier: 3 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 walk. Richard Marino: 3 for 4. Larry Powell: 3 for 4. Art Zakrowski: 3 for 4. The contest on Field D was a one run affair decided in the bottom of the ninth inning, too. The score was knotted at 15-15. Vassurl Bess and Ron Augenstein both singled to open the last frame. An error put the 
next batter aboard as a run crossed home plate. Jerry Remington hit a sacrifice fly to right centerfielder Ron Deem for the second run, and the last runner scored when a ball was misplayed.
Needing three 
for the win, the first two batters on the scorecard stepped to the plate and delivered base hits. That put Elmer Black and Fred Ducham on first and second. Up stepped Wayne Mundy, the terror of Field D this morning. He had two inside-the-park homers earlier in the game for five RBIs. The odds caught up to Wayne as he lined out to first baseman Ron Augenstein. Ron made a nice play as he robbed the batter of a potential extra base hit. Singles by John Stewart and Elmer Wilcox put the game away for the home team.
The final score was 18-17. Elmer Wilcox received the pitching win against opposing hurler Ray Mills.
LEADING HITTERS: Elmer Black: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Elmer Wilcox: 4 for 5 with 1 double. John Stewart: 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Bill Evans: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Fred Ducham: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Frank Miller: 3 for 4. The game on Field E had six members of the Angels in the 11 man lineup against eight players on the Orioles of the 12 hitter scorecard. The home team was just too much for the opposition. They scored the maximum five runs on four separate occasions. Stevan Hill and Raul Torres started the first with consecutive homers en route to the five 
run frame. J.D. Davis and Juan Toro each went 4 for 4 in that set of five run innings. They both picked up a pair of doubles and two singles. Sam Lopez doubled once and collected three singles during that time. Eddie Diaz had a triple and two base hits.
The home team had eight of the 12 batters in the lineup listed in the leading hitters. Amazingly enough, not one single error was committed by the losing team, so every batted ball was a clean hit. What a nice display of hitting, guys, and especially, hats off to the solid defense on the losing side. That "D" has the makeup of a tournament team. The visiting team was overmatched this time. The only batter to make the list of leading hitters in the contest was Jim Laffoon. He batted .750 with a double and also walked one time. The final score was 25-14, with Eddie Diaz logging the victory. He pitched against Larry Wells.
LEADING HITTERS: J.D. Davis: 4 for 4 with 2 doubles. Sam Lopez: 4 for 4 with 2 doubles. Juan Toro: 4 for 4 with 2 doubles. Eddie Diaz: 4 for 4 with 1 triple. Sam Lopez: 4 for 4. Raul Torres: 4 for 5 with 2 homers. Danny Parker: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Jim Laffoon: 3 for 4 with 1 double & 1 walk. Chuck Duff: 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 sacrifice fly. Chuck Duff hit a home run over the left centerfield fence on Field E. Inside-the-park home runs on all fields: Wayne Mundy and Raul Torres each hit two homers and one each for Clair Auchey, Ron Butler, Fred Dampier, and Stevan Hill. 
Returning players: Bill Evans from Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Bill McEllister from London, Ontario, Canada; and Elmer Wilcox from Beals, Maine. Welcome back, Bill, Bill, and Elmer. The games will be played on Friday, December 23rd. Come one, come all. December 23rd - The last game date before Christmas day brought out enough players for six teams with three fields.
Check out the score on Fred White Field for another example where the "Flip-Flop Rule" should have been enforced but was not.
LEADING HITTERS: Bill Ravo: 6 for 6. Jerry Remington: 5 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 sacrifice fly. Vassurl Bess: 4 for 4 with 1 walk. Wayne Mundy: 5 for 6 with 1 triple. Ron Deem: 5 for 6. Dick Sessink: 4 for 5. Walt Leggett: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple. Bobby Allen: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Bill McEllister: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. WALKS: Gene Morey (2), Vassurl Bess, Joe DeForge, Ed Kline, Bill McEllister, and Ray Mills. SACRIFICE FLYS: Jerry Remington and Arvel Waddell. DOUBLES: Bobby Allen (2). TRIPLES: Walt Leggett, Wayne Mundy, and Jerry Remington. HOME RUNS: Bill Evans, Walt Leggett, and Jerry Noble. 
LEADING HITTERS: Al Andrews: 5 for 6 with 3 doubles. Frank Jacobs: 4 for 5 with 3 doubles. Clair Auchey: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Don Scarbrough: 4 for 5 with 1 double. Bob Zelazny: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 1 walk. WALKS: Ron Butler, Freddy Gonzalez, Jim McPartlan, Raul Torres, and Bob Zelazny. SACRIFICE FLYS: Stevan Hill. DOUBLES: Al Andrews and Frank Jacobs (3), Bob Zelazny (2), Clair Auchey, Roger Edwards, and Don Scarbrough. TRIPLES: Clair Auchey and Ron Butler. HOME RUNS: Stevan Hill. 
LEADING HITTERS: Juan Toro: 6 for 6 with 2 triples. Danny Parker: 6 for 6 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 1 walk. Jim Laffoon: 6 for 6. Larry Wells: 6 for 7. Jose Rivera: 5 for 6 with 2 homers & 2 doubles. Ed Gazarek: 5 for 6 with 1 double & 1 walk. Sam Lopez: 3 for 4 with 1 walk & 1 sacrifice fly. WALKS: Jack Benson, Ed Gazarek, Keith Linton, Sam Lopez, and Danny Parker. SACRIFICE FLYS: Gerry Andrews and Sam Lopez. DOUBLES: Les Jacobson and Jose Rivera (2), Kirk Coffman, Ed Gazarek, Nick Matta, and Danny Parker. TRIPLES: Juan Toro (2) and Danny Parker. HOME RUNS: Jose Rivera (2). 
December 25th - Merry Christmas to all. May our lives be filled with health and happiness this holiday season and throughout the new year.
 December 27th - The skies were cloudy as rain threatened the area. It did sprinkle just a little during game time but all the contests were played in full.
Here we go again. One team did not pencil in even one single defensive error, so eight of the 11 batters in their lineup were among the leading hitters. Please remember statistics are not worth anything if every batted ball is ruled a hit. Instead of listing the hitters, maybe the defensive players should be noted. Enough said about scorekeeping. A three-team game took place on Fred White Field. The first team waited until the fourth inning to mount a charge. And a charge they mounted as seven runs crossed the plate. Every batter plus three stepped to the plate. Reg Barnes began 
with a base hit before the eagle eyed Ron Augenstein drew a free pass. Ron Carrothers singled in the first run but was forced at second when the next batter grounded into a fielder's choice. Afterwards, Ed Sullivan singled and Shoeless Joe DeForge walked. Another walk, this one to John Stewart, loaded the bases. Juan Toro responded with a bases clearing double. A hit by Wayne Mundy drove Juan home. Elmer Wilcox and Ron Augenstein also singled, and the bases were loaded when the inning came to an end.
Team Two had the lineup that didn't make a defensive error, but their bats were luke warm this morning. Leadoff hitter Vassurl Bess couldn't be stopped as he went 4 for 4 but the others had their hitting woes. 
It is important to list the players though. Vassurl Bess, John Merritt, Bill Evans, and Rich Moots played a flawless outfield. In the infield were Ed Kline, Jim McPartlan, Don Scarbrough, Stevan Hill, and Terry Feehan. Ray Mills pitched and Gale Doty was his battery mate at catcher.
The home team hit the ball hard. Ed Schmiedeke had one hit in two official at bats. He walked twice. Gene Morey had one base hit, and Art Zakrowski had a pair of singles. The rest are listed in the leading hitters. The final score was 13-7-20. Two pitchers were each credited with a victory. Dick Sessink was on the mound for the team that scored 20 and allowed 13 runs and Elmer Wilcox pitched for the team that scored 13 and surrendered seven runs while on defense. Ray Mills did not receive a win today.
LEADING HITTERS FOR TEAM ONE AND TEAM TWO: Juan Toro: 4 for 4 with 1 homer & 1 double. Vassurl Bess: 4 for 4. John Stewart: 3 for 3 with 1 double & 1 walk. Wayne Mundy: 3 for 4. 
LEADING HITTERS FOR HOME TEAM: Freddy Gonzalez: 4 for 4 and hit for the cycle. Eddie Diaz: 4 for 4 with 1 double. Bill Ravo: 4 for 4 with 1 double. Jerry Remington: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Frank Miller: 3 for 4. Dick Sessink: 3 for 4. John Smith: 3 for 4. Floyd Welton: 3 for 4. The visiting team had the lead throughout the game on Field D. The game began on Field E but the right centerfield area is so wet with a busted water pipe that the players packed up and headed to the adjoining diamond in the complex. The fourth and fifth frames were the most productive for the winning squad. Pat Accetta started out with a 
base hit but couldn't advance when the next batter hit a foul on the third strike for a "K". Aferwards, Jeff Simon and Fred Dampier singled to load the bases. Bob Hite stepped up to the plate and absolutely crushed a ball deep to centerfield for an inside-the-park grand slam homerun. Singles by Danny Parker, Les Jacobson, and Bob Zelazny assured the team of the fifth run.
Larry MacDonald leadoff 
the top of the fifth with a triple, Clair Auchey doubled, and Richard Marino blooped a "Texas League" double. The next batter popped up to second baseman Keith Linton for the first out. Pat Accetta connected for a two bagger before Nick Matta singled. A force out erased Nick from the base paths. Fred Dampier gapped the outfielders for an extra base hit to knock home the fifth run.
The home team had their hottest offensive inning in the home ninth. Jim Laffoon and Frank Jacobs singled to 
start the inning. A flyout to Bob Hite move the runners up one base. After that first out, Dean Schapeler, Ron Butler, Sam Lopez, and Larry Wells all produced singles to various parts of the field. Larry was out when the next batter hit into a fielder's choice. One run did cross the plate, though. Tom Bonds and Jerry Witter walked but were stranded on the bases when the last batter of the game grounded out to rover Ken Ota. Ken scooped up the old pill and stepped on second for the unassisted out to end the game.
The final score was 22-17. Nick Matta recorded the win against opposing pitcher Larry Wells.
LEADING HITTERS: Jim Laffoon: 5 for 5. Clair Auchey: 4 for 4 with 2 doubles & 1 walk. Bob Hite: 4 for 5 with 1 homer & 1 triple. Bob Zelazny: 4 for 5 with 2 doubles. Sam Lopez: 4 for 5. Al Andrews: 4 for 5. Ron Butler: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Frank Jacobs: 3 for 4 with 1 walk. Inside-the-park home runs on all fields: Bill Evans, Freddy Gonzalez, Bob Hite (GS), Ken Ota, and Juan Toro. Tom Bonds returned from Melholly, New Jersey. Welcome back, Tom. Bill Bowley dropped by the old ballpark and watched some of the action. He is on the DL and plans to return when the season begins. His rehab is going well. Bill is keeping in shape with bicycle rides and brisk walks. See you soon, Bill. December 30th - Today marked the last
game date of 2011. This year breezed by without a hitch, although there were a few injuries along the way. All the
players had an enjoyable 2011 and we are all looking forward to the year ahead.
The majority of the Cubs players took on the Pirates team for the most part on Fred White Field. The visiting Pirates got off to a bumpy start as they managed five runs along the first three innings while the Cubs were busy racking up nine. Three Pirates players kept their team in the game. Bill Ravo, Wayne Mundy, and Dick Mahon all were perfect at the plate in the early stages of the contest. In fact, Dick finished the day batting 1.000 as he hit for the cycle. The bottom portion of the lineup came through with flying colors for the Cubs in the 
second inning. Vassurl Bess, John Merritt, Ray Mills, and Terry Feehan all achieved base hits in between two outs. The inning was capped off when Elmer Black connected for an inside-the-park homerun down the leftfield line. By the time Jim Altemose chased the ball down and relayed it into the infield, speedy Elmer had touched them all. Later in the game, he duplicated the feat with a solo shot.
While the Cubs were consistently scoring in just about every inning, the Pirates were having their bumps in the road. They waited until the final frame to win the game. A barrel of singles, walks to Ed Schmiedeke and Shoeless Joe DeForge, and two mighty triples, one by Dick Mahon and the other from Dick Sessink, closed the door on the Cubs. Singles were hit by Bill Ravo, Frank Miller, Elmer Wilcox, Floyd Welton, and John Smith. The final score was 23-16. Elmer Wilcox pitched the team to victory. Arvel Waddell started the game for the Cubs and was relieved by Ray Mills.
LEADING HITTERS: Dick Mahon: 5 for 5 and hit for the cycle with 2 singles. Elmer Black: 4 for 5 with 2 homers. Ed Kline: 4 for 5. Bill Ravo: 4 for 5. Terry Feehan: 3 for 4. Ray Mills: 3 for 4. The game on Field D pitted the American League Orioles against the Royals. Some National Leaguers took part in the contest. Also, some American Leaguers from the two teams that were split up were in the game. Ed Gazarek and Danny Parker scored five runs apiece for the Orioles as the top of the lineup dominated their opponents. Clean-up batter Chuck Duff went 6 for 6 today with a pair of doubles. One of the National League players, Rich Moots, made the Senior Circuit proud with a 4 for 5 performance. The Royals had their moments, too. Larry MacDonald has been flying under the radar against other teams in the league. He had another consistent game as he batted 4 for 4 on the day. One on his hits went for a triple. Bob Hite and Herb Oesterreich each 
tripled as they each batted 4 for 5 this morning.
The Orioles won the game in the four-run ninth inning. Down 24-22 heading into their last at bat, the first player grounded out to shortstop Brent Alumbaugh, who scooped the old pill and fired to first baseman Les Jacobson to complete the play. Sneaky lefty John Byrd blooped a ball over the third base vicinity for a "Texas League" single but was forced at second when Stevan Hiill grounded to Brent. Now there were two outs in the books and the Royals were feeling 
confident the game was in the bag. Not to be. Ed Gazarek tripled in a run and he represented the tying run. A walk to Danny Parker brought Chuck Duff to the plate. He drilled an inside pitch to leftfield for a single and tied the game at 24-24. Up stepped Larry Goring, who became the hero of the moment when he hit a deep ball that gapped the rightfielder and right centerfielder. Fred Dampier relayed the ball to rover Herb Oesterreich, who threw to shortstop Brent Alumbaugh, but Larry was not slowing down and being satisfied with a three bagger. He headed home full speed ahead. Brent threw a strike to catcher Gene Morey for the third out. The damage was done, though. Four runs had scored in the inning and the Orioles had a two run lead.
The air had been let out of the balloon for the Royals. They went down in order in the home ninth and there was no joy in Mudville. J.D. Davis notched the victory. The pitcher of record for the Royals was Jerry Witter, the manager of the Yankees. The final score was 26-24.
LEADING HITTERS: Chuck Duff: 6 for 6 with 2 doubles. Danny Parker: 5 for 5 with 1 walk. Larry MacDonald: 4 for 4 with 1 triple & 1 walk. Bob Hite: 4 for 5 with 1 triple. Herb Oesterreich: 4 for 5 with 1 triple. Rich Moots: 4 for 5. Ed Gazerek: 3 for 4 with 1 triple, 1 double, & 2 walks. The Angels went to battle against the Red Sox on Field E. Some National League players were involved as well as players from the Tigers and the Yankees. For the most part, the pitcher for the Angels was shutting down the offense. Six out of the nine innings were logged as goose eggs. With the exception of the eighth inning, when the middle to lower half of the batting order put up four runs, the top five batters scored all the runs for the Angels. Leadoff hitter Jose Rivera had four hits in five trips to the plate, Jim Laffoon, batting 
third, went 4 for 5 as well. Two of his hits went for a triple and a double. The cleanup hitter, Don Keller, parked one on the other side of the rightfield fence during the game as he hit 3 for 4. Freddy Gonzalez protected the power hitter by going 5 for 5 in the five hole.
The Red Sox had a hard time figuring out the pitcher today. They had three rallies of four runs each inning but, otherwise, was shut out. They mounted one last charge in the bottom of the ninth. Down by 10, the score was 18-8. Big Bill Wolfe started off with a base hit but the next batter made the first out, followed by an infield error to put that batter aboard. A single by Tim Gallagher knocked in a run and Roger Edwards sacrificed in another runner with a fly ball to leftfielder Freddy Gonzalez. Three consecutive hits came after the second out to score the final couple of runs. Ray Roy, Frank Jacobs, and Sam Lopez all had singles. Larry Wells logged the win for the Angels. Eddie Diaz was on the hill for the Red Sox in the 18-12 game.
LEADING HITTERS: Freddy Gonzalez: 5 for 5 with 3 doubles. Jim Laffoon: 4 for 5 with 1 triple & 1 double. Jose Rivera: 4 for 5. Sam Lopez: 3 for 4 with 2 doubles. Frank Jacobs: 3 for 4 with 1 double. Larry Wells: 3 for 4. Don Keller: 3 for 4 with 1 homer, 1 double, & 1 sacrifice fly. Don Keller hit a homerun over the fence on Field E. Inside-the-park home runs on all fields: Elmer Black (2), Fred Dampier, Stevan Hill, and Dick Mahon. Returning players: Jim Altemose from Rigelsville, Pennsylvania: Greg Denny from Big Rapids, Michigan; Don Keller from Nazareth, Pennsylvania; and Bill Wolfe from Decatur, Indiana. Welcome back, Jim, Greg, Don, and Bill. |
November 2011
0 = 21