Week 12

Thursday, October 22nd

Carlsbad Police Assoc 11 - Carlsbad Inn 10

A Game of Inches, Snow Cone Catches, and Senior Sock Fashion

With blustery winds, a chance of rain, and temperatures apparently designed to make old ballplayers question their life choices, the seniors gathered at Pine Field for another thrilling installment of 55-and-over softball. The pregame debate was as serious as any postseason strategy session: If it should rain should we wear white, colored, or striped tube socks to stay warm with our shorts? In this league, fashion matters. After all, if you can't outrun the other team, you might as well look good walking back to the dugout.
Once the first pitch was thrown, the sock discussion gave way to a game that featured more zeros than a retirement account statement and a finish that had everyone checking their heart rates.

CPA jumped out to a 4 run lead in the top of the first, then the scoring slowed to the pace of a senior trying to get out of a low lawn chair. Runs were scarce, and neither team managed five in an inning. The scoreboard had so many zeros that spectators wondered if someone had accidentally switched it to a weather forecast.

In the second inning, CBI scored twice and threatened to add more when a sharply hit ball headed toward the right center gap. Keith Richards took off in pursuit, covering enough ground to make younger players question their conditioning. He made a snow cone catch on the tricky bounce, then fired to second to prevent further damage. A few inches in either direction, and that ball might have turned into a home run or at least an exciting story at the postgame lunch.

CBI's Sean Skelton answered with a defensive gem of his own, charging a ball with a wicked spin and securing a snow-cone bounce catch in right center. Apparently, both teams had agreed that the outfield would be a place for acrobatics, not extra base hits.

Then came the final inning.

CBI needed five runs to tie, with a possible walk off victory waiting if everything went according to plan. With runners finding their way aboard and four runs already across, the tying run was within reach. The pressure mounted. The dugouts tightened. omewhere, a few knees began negotiating early retirement.

With two outs, the final CBI batter took a mighty swing and sent a soft flare toward the CPA rover. It looked like an ordinary, routine catch, the kind of play that usually sends everyone toward the handshake line.
The fly ball landed in the heel of the rover's glove and appeared determined to escape. For one heart stopping moment, the game hung in the balance. The ball was inches from popping free, but the rover managed to trap it for the final out. In the end, CPA escaped with an 11 to 10 victory in a game decided by inches, effort, and one very stubborn softball.

The players exhaled. The fans recovered. And the rover probably checked his glove for a hole before leaving the field.

CBI collected 19 hits, led by super sub Tom Butch, who went 4 for 4 with two doubles. Randy Agadoni also ripped two doubles and drove in four runs, while Sean Skelton launched a home run and collected three RBIs. Leadoff man Larry Wadalavage went 3 for 4, continuing to prove that getting on base is still a useful skill, even when running the bases requires a committee meeting.

CPA countered with 23 hits. John Symanski was the offensive star, hammering two home runs and driving in four runs with authority. Laurie Mills, Keith Richards, and Teddy Badillo each went 3 for 4, while Jeff Payton contributed two RBIs.

The difference was four extra hits, a couple of timely defensive plays, and a final catch that came dangerously close to becoming a season long campfire story.

Both teams thank Russ Rorparian for umping the game.

Plotkin Group 16 - Gaspar 9

Everyone was very thankful that the overnight rains weren't too bad and we were able to play these final games of the second cycle. This game was scheduled to be the second game at Alga 2, but unfortunately the scheduled game on Alga 3 resulted in a forfeit that meant we could have started earlier if all our players showed up early. Unfortunately, both GA and PG had players subbing for teams on Alga 2 and that game ended up being a long one.

Once we got going, it started out to be a low scoring game marked by several great defensive plays and a tie score of 7 to 7 at the end of the sixth inning. PG struck first scoring three in the top of the first, then GA scored three in each of the second and third innings. PG managed to keep Randy Baird in the yard, just barely with one over the left field fence that was a couple feet left of the foul pole. His next two were long drives to left center that Jerry Smith made excellent running catches on.

The Groupies owned the last three innings scoring 3, 5, and 1 while holding the Docs to only two runs in the bottom of the ninth for the 16 to 9 victory. Cathy McDonald got the party going with a lead-off homer in the 7th, her second in the last three games. That was followed by three singles capped by Andy Boyer's 2 RBI hit. The 8th inning belonged to the top of the order with the only the second walk of the game followed by four straight hits capped by Pat Steele's two-run homer.

For PG, Kevin Davidge was 4 for 4 with 2 RBIs and Pat Steele was also 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs. All but one player got at least one hit with Pat Driscoll, Jerry Smith, and Pitcher Rod Johnson going 3 for 4. Cathy was 3 for 3.

Hitting stars for GA were Randy Baird, Gene LaChimia and Bill Rubin each going 3 fir 4 and Mark Prior 2 for 3. Robert Tahimic got GA's lone home run. GA also thanks Greg Dehart and Michael Juditz for subbing.

Pizza Port Brewery 24 - Worden Williams 12

Pizza Port scored 14 runs in the first three innings en route to a 24-12 win over Worden Williams Thursday in the early game at Pine Field. The win kept the Brewers in first place with a 15-3 record as the league heads into the final round of the regular season. The Brewers banged out 28 hits and are averaging just under 19.6 runs a game.

Worden Williams scored four in the fourth inning and five in the seventh inning to cut the PPB lead to 22-12. The Brewers scored a couple of runs in the eighth and limited WW to one run in the final two innings.

Tom Carney and Andy Balas led the PPB attack with four hits and five RBI each. Jim Goertzen had four hits and scored four runs, and Mark Lecklider and Philip Urbina each had three hits. Pam Stewart had two hits, including a home run, and Bob Manchester, Tom Redmond, and Brenda Lehman each had two hits.

The Brewers thank sub Bob Batista who pitched a complete game for the winners.

Dennis O’Hern was 4/5 to lead the Worden Williams attack. Dave Ash drove in five runs on the hits, and Bob Loperena, Cord Cameron, Cord Cameron, and David Bosque had three hits apiece. David Surh and Linda Wolf each had two hits.

Both teams thank Randy Agadoni for an outstanding job of umpiring.

Nucci's 21 - That Pizza Place 20

It was the first game at Alga today with clear skies and cooler temperatures as Nucci’s eaked out a 20-19 win over TPP today.

TPP opened the game with the top of their order serving notice that they were going to pile up runs every time thru as Roney Lewis 5/5, 3 doubles led the hit parade followed by 7 straight batters getting hits to go up by 5.

Nucci’s battled back to tie the game at 8 in the 3rd with Oscar Delgado 3/4, and a HR under the fence double, continuing his hot hitting to drive in the tying run.

But TPP kept slugging and Nucci’s had no answer for Saul Gebhart who torched them with 5/5, 3 HRs, and 6 RBIs hitting them left, right, and even over a flattened-out LCF as TPP surged back to the top with a 13-8 lead.

Then the Fashion Show began with Nucci’s “Walking The Runway” 18 times coupled with 3 big hits by Brenda McBarron to retake the lead at 20-16. Along the way Cathy McDonald walked 4 straight times meaning 2 triples and Julio Maraver negotiated 3 walks and 2 RBI.

TPP had one last chance in the 9th and a Phil Kay 4/5 single got them to 21-20 before Nucci's secured the last out. TPP outhit Nucci’s 31-14 but despite the efforts of 3 game pitchers Nucci’s was able to steal the win.

Both teams thank Phil Kay and Cathy McDonald for subbing and to the myriad of volunteer umpires who helped out before their games and the lower field.

Village Pie Shop 9 - The Draft 0

Draft forfeit.

Tuesday, October 20th: 10am

Worden Williams 10 - Carlsbad Inn 7

Throw strikes. Home plate don't move. -- Sacthel Paige

It was a real pitcher’s duel today between Carlsbad Inn and Worden Williams. That was a big surprise after CBI scored 30 in their last outing and even the cellar dwelling Double Dubs had posted quite a few runs in their last few games. But Bob Bautista for CBI and David Surh for WW both had great games. Only 2 walks were issued in the entire game and a total of 11 half innings had zeros on the board.

Things started very slowly with the score at 2-0 for CBI after three innings. But WW scored 5 in the fourth and nursed that lead through the sixth when CBI finally knotted the score at 5-5. Then the Dubs posted another five-run inning in the seventh, only the second inning they were able to get runs across in the entire game. CBI got a couple more in the eighth, but that was all and WW won it 10-7.

Most of the highlights for both teams were on defense. CBI’s Nikki Branch hauled in a deep fly ball in center and the rest of the squad caught another 16 flies without a drop. On offense Sean Skelton was 3-4 and Andy Balas (subbing for Dan Miserany) was 4-4.

WW’s play of the day was made by Erin Spoden on the dead sprint snag of a fly ball to left. Both the infield and outfield played tight defense with very few miscues. The offense was led by Joe Uribe (3-3), with Dennis O’Hern, Dave Ash, Cord Cameron, Joel Kudren and David Surh all getting two hits.

Thanks to Leigh Pederson for umpiring and both teams for keeping things loose and enjoyable. Let’s hope we all get to play Thursday!

The Draft 25 - Gaspar 18

The Battle at Calavera Park: The Draft Claims Victory Over Gaspar (25–18)!

It was an absolute barnburner at Calavera Park this morning as The Draft topped Gaspar 25–18 in a back-and-forth slugfest! With plenty of friendly banter flying across the diamond and great energy from start to finish, both teams brought their A-game. In the end, The Draft pulled ahead in a true dogfight.

The Draft’s offense came alive behind Rich "The Hitting Machine" Reynolds, who drove in three runs and played a commanding outfield. Corey "The Coaster" went big with two high-arcing home runs and 7 RBIs, while Bob Porterwas nearly unstoppable, going 5-for-6 with 3 RBIs. Out on the mound, Margo pitched an awesome game, keeping Gaspar’s hitters completely off-balance. The infield defense was just as solid, with Donato Domaguin, Ronnie Silverman, Al McGhee, and Steve Sexton playing nearly flawless ball and turning two double plays!

Gaspar kept the pressure on all morning with some hot bats of their own. David Herzog was a perfect 4-for-4 with 3 RBIs, and Evie Schwartz played the game of her life, going 4-for-5 with outstanding defense. Sub Bob Manchester came through big going 4-for-5, and Robert added a strong 3-for-5 day at the plate.

It was a fantastic morning of softball packed with good bats, sharp gloves, and plenty of laughs. Great game to both teams!

Nucci's 16 - Plotkin Group 9

Nucci’s used balanced hitting and a steady D to take a 16-9 win over Plotkin Group at Alga 2 today. Nucci’s “jumped out” to a 1-0 lead that held up until the 5th when they tacked on 5 to extend it to 6-1. Jeff Ledesma and Tom Benacka both went 3/4 and knocked in the big runs during the rally.

The last time these teams played Nucci’s had a 6-0 shutout going into the 8th before PG stormed back for an 11-8 win. So this time Nucci’s had to add on as they put another 5 on the board with Oscar Delgado driving in key runs with his 3/4 day and Tony Coppin contributing with a solid 3 hit effort. That made it 11-1 going to the bottom of the 7th as Nucci’s braced for the PG rally they knew was coming. And it did.

PG got it loaded with Andy Boyer and Jerry Galiley both picking up their second hits and Pat Driscoll lasering a single for his 3/4 day. Then the pinball machine started with Kevin Davidge getting a HR for his 4th hit as well as Jerry Smith homering to complete his 3/4 3 RBI day and all of a sudden it was 11-9 after 8 innings.

But Nucci’s would not go quietly this time as the two stars of the game helped Nucci’s pull away. First Oscar Castillo hit a 2 out 3 run HR in the 9th as he went a massive 4/4, 7RBIs on the day. Then Brenda McBarron stroked her 3rd liner of the game to drive in another run to go with her running catches in the outfield to help Nucci’s get their first win of the millennium.

The teams thank Mike Berry for umpiring and Tom Redman and his 3 hits for subbing.

Carlsbad Police Assoc 21 - Village Pie Shop 12

The Playoff Chase and the Cellar-Dweller Shuffle
With roughly 10 games remaining in the season, both Carlsbad Police Association (CPA) and Village Pie Shop (VPS) took the field with something to prove. VPS continued its determined climb out of the league cellar, while CPA was busy protecting its playoff ambitions. In a 55 and over league, every win counts and every loss provides another opportunity to discuss what went wrong during the after game lunch get together.

Both teams penciled in 12 players, with CPA adding substitute Thomas Butch to the lineup. But the day's biggest surprise came when CPA handed the pitching duties to Teddy Badillo. A familiar face around the infield corners, Teddy accepted the challenge with the confidence of a seasoned veteran and the mental mojo of a guy who had already decided that worrying about it wouldn't help. He delivered a solid performance as a backup pitcher, proving that versatility is a beautiful thing in senior softball. After all, when your teammates hand you the ball, you don't ask too many questions, you just hope the defense remembers where to stand!

Unfortunately for VPS, CPA's offense was anything but sleepy. The scorebook showed at least one run crossing the plate in every inning, and 10 of CPA's 12 batters collected hits and at least one RBI. That's what baseball people call offensive production. In senior softball, we call it a very long afternoon for the opposing pitcher.

Craig Wheatcroft stayed scorching hot, going 4 for 4. John Symanski, Teddy Badillo, Thomas Butch, Jeff Payton, and Dave Erwine each went 3 for 4. Teddy added four RBIs and a home run, while Jeff Payton also drove in four runs. Apparently, Teddy figured that if he was going to pitch, he might as well help pay for the runs on the other side of the scoreboard, too. That's a teammate who believes in doing his share of the work!

Then there was Dan Griffin, CPA's answer to Bucky Dent. Small in stature but enormous in determination, Dan once again proved that a player's listed height has absolutely nothing to do with the size of his competitive engine. He attacked the pitch as though wielding a 100 pound samurai sword, slicing the ball into the outfield before shuffling around the bases with the determination of a man who knew the early bird dinner reservation was at stake. Another home run for Dan! Where did this guy come from? Somebody check the league's waiver wire!
VPS certainly had its moments at the plate. Robert Kroger reached base all four times, providing a welcome spark. Rick Shaw launched a perfectly placed three RBI home run that brought Robert home, proving that sometimes the best way to advance a runner is to skip the basepaths altogether.

Mike Juditz continued to demonstrate the art of smart hitting, going 3 for 4 with those pesky little greenies, hits that find the grass before the defense can finish its first step. Sheree Parsons, battling an aching knee while sharing pitching duties with Mike, also went 3 for 4 and collected two RBIs. That's the kind of grit every team appreciates, although the knee might prefer a quieter hobby.

Barry Stangl and Paul Pullin chipped in doubles, while Kevin Lynch anchored shortstop with a strong defensive performance. His accurate arm discouraged CPA runners from getting any grand ideas about stretching singles into doubles. Kevin kept the infield honest, even if the scoreboard wasn't cooperating.

Behind the plate, Karen Smith made a terrific play by snagging a tricky foul tip for an out. Her cat like reflexes helped produce an inning that lasted less than three minutes, practically a league record when you consider the usual pace of senior softball, where a quick inning can be followed by a lengthy discussion about whether the runner was safe.
Thanks to Jimmy Smyth for keeping the game moving as umpire. And the entire crew looks forward to Joe Dimambro's return to the diamond. The league is always better when familiar teammates are back in uniform.

CPA stays in the playoff conversation, while VPS keeps clawing toward daylight near the bottom of the standings. The scoreboard favored CPA, but VPS showed plenty of fight, timely hitting, and defensive effort. With 10 games still to play, there's time for another chapter in this senior softball saga. After all, in this league, the season isn't over until the final out or until somebody's doctor tells him otherwise.

Bye: That Pizza Place

Pizza Port Brewery

Scores: Week 12

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