Ipswich Over 30 Softball

May 13, 2012

By Pete Rockett

Three things are certain in Ipswich Men’s Over 30 Softball. First, it never rains on Over 30. Second, pay your yearly dues in the first week or Jake Gibbs comes after you like a collection agency, and third, things are never the same week to week when it comes to play in between the lines.  When teams took the field this past week what was thought to be a clinch wasn’t a cinch.

On Doyon field Club 498 faced PLAV in a rematch of last year’s finals. The PLAV sent a message early to the men in black from the 498 by getting off to a 3-0 lead before the 498 scored one of their own in the bottom of the first, and added more to post a 9-3 lead going into the third inning. The PLAV kept chipping away and pulled out a win by the score of 17-14. Doug Howland took the victory for the PLAV, and Mike Blake got the save in relief of Howland who left with an injury. Jimmy Edwards took the loss for the 498. Leading hitters for the PLAV were Pete Garand 4for 5 with a home run, Scott Garand 5 for 5, and Charlie Michaud 4 for 5 also with a home run. Leading the 498 in offense was Pete Rockett who was 4 for 4, followed by Jimmy Edwards, Jamie Morely, and rookie Mike Matta who chipped in with three hits as well. Game two saw 498 get off to a 3-0 lead only to see PLAV come back and take the win 17-7. Mike Blake took the win for the PLAV, while Larry White took the loss for 498. Big bashers for the PLAV were Chris Perna, Chris Connolly, and Mike Blake with three hits. 498 was led in hitting by Jamie Morley, Mike Hoffman, and Larry White with three hits each, with White adding a home run for good measure.

Over on the Grimes field Institution took on Mike & Sons. Game one saw Mikes take the win with Mike Stasiuk getting the victory and retiring 14 straight batters along the way. Mike Geonotte led the bankers with three hits. Flashing some good leather catching two smoked liners at third was Mike Dupray who also went two for three with a run scored. Game two saw the victory go in favor the Bankers. The weather was warmer for the bankers and the bats lit up Mikes starter Bill Knovack. Mike Dupray led the bankers by going 5 for 5 with four runs scored including three singles, a triple, and a dinger. Not far behind were Scott Hunt, 4 for 4, and hitting the cycle, Mike Geonotte and Dennis Okula going 3-4. David Breen was also four for four including a home run.

Field Observations:

• Mike & Sons Jimmy Restucccia didn’t get the memo that it wasn’t throwback jersey day by showing up in his old Mike’s shirt and also didn’t bring his dues to top it off.
• Not only can 498’s Larry White pitch, and hit, but he can also put his EMT skills to good use. Larry played an important role in providing aid to the PLAV’S Doug Howland who was hit in the nose by a spinning softball late in game one.
• Mike “Sweets” Powers was tardy this week and just made it in time for game one for 498. His reason for being late was that he was out the night before having chicken wings with Josh Beckett. No word on who picked up the tab.
• Taking in the action this week were Over 30 legends Jim Collins,  Sandy Delano and new on the scene to watching Over 30 softball was Owen Forsyth nephew of 498’s Pete Rockett
• Joining the K of shame this week was Pete Rockett who struck out twice.
• From so close but yet so far department. IFS’S Brendan Rogers was thrown out at the plate attempting his first career homerun in Over 30.
• Not mentioned in last week’s notes  was the triple by Mike Geonotte from IFS.
• People are wondering when Chris Shulte and Brian Mahoney are going to start hitting for IFS.

Standings after 2 weeks of play:

PLAV                  3-1
Institution For Savings 2-2
Mike & Sons 2-2
Club 498    1-3

May 6, 2012

Though it did not have regelia of the Fenway Park 100^th anniversary two weeks ago, legends  past and present  of the Ipswich Men’s Over 30 Softball League started trickling on to the fields behind Doyon School Sunday as the league began it’s historic 40^th season.  Before the games began players were presented with hats commemorating the 40^th season. Also, Over 30 legend Angie Perna was honored for all of his service and dedication to the Over 30 League over the years. The 2012 season is dedicated to him.

On Doyon field the defending champs Club 498 took on Mike and Sons. In game one 498 got off to a rousing start by putting up 13 runs  in the first inning on their way to a 22-16 win. Jimmy Edwards took the win for 498 while Mike Stasiuk took the loss for Mikes. All members of the 498 got in the hit column highlighted by Ralph Alicandro, (2 homeruns) and Mike Hoffman (four hits) followed by Jimmy Edwards, Scott Higgins, Jamie Morely, Jay Lessard, and Larry White, all with three hits.  In game two Mikes sought revenge and outscored 498 16 to 8. Bill Knovack took the win for Mikes while Larry White came up short and took the loss. Scott Higgins led the 498 with three hits including a homerun. Right behind Higgins with multiple hits were Jimmy Edwards, Jamie Morely, and Ralph Alicandro . Offense stats for Mikes were not available at press time.

On Grimes field Institution For Savings took on PLAV in two close matches. In game one Mike Geonotte held tough and prevailed with a 9-7 win. It didn’t come easy for the bankers as PLAV pitcher Doug Howland retired 14 straight batters. Mike Dupray led the bankers with two hits while flashing some fine leather. Brian Mahoney also added big lumber going two for three with a double and a single. Doug Howland took the loss for the PLAV despite his fine pitching performance.  Game two saw a defensive battle with PLAV pulling out a 5-3 win after trailing 3-1 going  into the top of the sixth inning scoring 4 runs and holding off the bankers to the very end. Kane Moesteller went  two for three, leading IFS with hitting in game two, while Mike Dupray chipped in a couple of knocks. Pete Robbins took the loss for IFS and Mike Blake got the win for the PLAV.

Field Observations

• In attendance taking in the action this week were Over 30 legends Jim Collins, Dick Merry Sr, Jimmy Grimes, and Walt Zagrobski.
• Nice job by Joe Perna putting down the lines for both fields. He was taught well by his dad.
• Joining the K of Shame this week are Mike Powers, and Ralph Alicandro.
• Umpire Mike Singer hasn’t lost a beat and called two fine games. The same can be said for Tom Dudek on the Grimes field.
• 498 coach Jay Lessard made it clear that last year’s championship is in the past and this is a new year, new challenges and there will be no hangover.
• Rookie Andy Savoy will be getting the handbook on base running skills
• Big thanks go out to Gage Associates for the fine work on the 40^th anniversary hats for the league. There are some hats still available. Please see league treasurer Jake Gibbs for more information.

Standings after week one:

Institution For Savings    1-1
Club 498                            1-1
PLAV                                  1-1
Mike & Sons                    1-1

Submitted By Pete Rockett, Jay Lessard, and Chris Shulte

The league extends deepest sympathy to Joe Rosenberger and his family on the death of his daughter Teresa “Terry” (Rosenberger) Rasmussen, who died Monday night, December 26, after a long illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 31 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 52 Linebrook Road, Ipswich. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. There will be no burial at this time and there there will be no visiting hours.

Hello to all members of the Ipswich Over 30 Softball league.

Words can not describe how it felt for me and my family to see my fellow teammates and competitors attend my son Steven’s wake. I could not have been prouder to be part of an organization that took time out of their busy holiday season to show respect to me and my family — I WILL NEVER FOR GET IT! I consider  you all my brothers.

Thank you all,

Tommy Ewing,  proud member of the  Ipswich Men’s Over 30 Softball league