Ipswich Over 30 Softball

By Larry White, Tom Ewing, and Jake Gibbs.

Ironman Larry White

After a week of well deserved R&R, the boys of summer were back in full swing at Doyon and Grimes Field. With the season winding down, teams are readying for their playoff berths in anticipation for a championship for the ages. On the Steven Grimes Field, the heat played a factor as two skeleton crew teams pounded out a split.  The first game went to the 498 by a score of 10-4.  Brad Hill finally got some run support with hitting from Charlie Michaud, Tom Spinhurn (who seems to be an “up the middle hitter”), Craig Dupray showed some muscle at the plate, and a Ross Adams backyard shot from Tim Galanis helped fuel the victory.  Ted Pickul, yes, that’s right, came out of retirement and showed the young guns how it’s done by powering a couple of hits not for the 498 and then traded shirts and hit for Townsend-Comeau in Game Two.  Ironman Larry White took the loss for T-C despite pitching very well. Runs seem to be eluding T-C, only scoring a handful in the past several weeks. Hitting the ball well for T-C in game one were Marc Comeau and Larry White with a pair of hits that helped the cause. Jimmy “Shoeless” Restuccia had a good day at the plate as well.  Game two turned around for T-C and the bats came alive as they pulled out an 11-7 victory over the 498, with the help of some great pitching from Larry White and solid offensive and defensive plays from his teammates.  T-C came out of the gate hard scoring five runs against losing pitcher Bill “I am not from Gloucester” Novak.  Jamie Morley had a strong game at the plate as did Barry Eaton, Marc Comeau, and Larry White.  For the 498, Greg “I haven’t got a hit off Larry White all year” Fuller went four for four along with Charlie Michaud. Rookie of the year contender Tim Galanis went deep for the 498.

Restuccia Makes an Amazing Catch

Over on the Doyon field a battle of the two top teams was taking place between Institution For Savings and Mike & Sons.

Game one had Pete Robbins pitching for IFS vs. Mike Stasiak of M&S. Mike and Sons took  the first game 14-9. The top of the order for the bankers did all the damage -  Jim Racca had 2 hits, Wes Pierce had 2 hits, Paul James had 3 hits, and Joe Greenwood hit a long home run. In game 2 the bankers bounced back with a win behind the pitching of Dave Woody Wood 13-7.

The hits came from Scott Higgy Higgins with two, Tim St.Peter with two and Joe Greenwood who hit a home run past the pitchers mound on the other field. The defensive play of the day came was on a ball hit by Mike Blake that Wes Pierce tracked and relayed to Joe Greenwood who threw a laser to Jimmy Dream Leaver to get Blake at the plate.

Field Observations

• Long time veteran of both Over 30 and the Ipswich Chief’s I.T.L was up from Florida, obliged his privilege of our Veteran Rule and played with the 498 Club went 3 for 5. Ted Pickul, at 70 years young, was welcomed by all and had a blast. “Welcome Home” from the boy’s.
• Umpire Angie Perna cited T/C’S Barry Eaton on rule 7A in the rule books for “intended sliding” and was called out.
• Some members are wondering why how a Haverhill firefighter can swap shifts for 4 months to serve a jail term but Jimmy Edwards has missed several weeks in a row.
• You know it’s hot when Jake Gibbs goes through four shirts.
• T/C is asking why it takes Mark Meaney two weeks of missed softball to host a Wiffle ball tournament.
• Spotted in the crowd this week was Over 30 legend Charlie Fuller.
• Jim Restucci showed up at the refreshment stand with cash this week but still has a tab from the days at Don Bosco eight years ago.
• Mike Blake hit a monster blast on Doyon  that was tracked down by Wes Pierce who then hit his cut off Joe Greenwood who fired a bullet to catcher Jim Leaver tagging out Blake. All the fans went nuts and a comment was “yelled to Mike” by one “Chief Flying Grill” that if he got out of his UPS truck more often, he would have been safe. His wife Marilyn concurred.
• Clearing up a report last week that Tom Ewing pulled a muscle going to first base. Tom had the day before moved a washing machine and had aggravated a leg muscle while moving the machine.

Standings are as of July 25^th:

Mike & Sons:   13-7

Institution For Savings: 12-8

Townsend Comeau 8-12

Club 498                   7-13

Reminder to all players, Sunday, July 25, is a make-day for the games that were rained out June 6.

Mike & Sons will take on the Institution for Savings on Doyon 1, and
Carrolton Club 498 will face Townsend Comeau Oil on Stephen Grimes Field.

By Pete Rockett, Scott Garand, and Tom Ewing

With the continued hot, and steamy temperatures of the summer the official Dog Days of the Ipswich Men’s Over 30 League were in full bloom this past Sunday at Doyon and Grimes field with Institution For Savings taking on Townsend Comeau Oil, and Mike & Sons facing Club 498.

At  days end no broken bones, and the standings were taking shape.

On Doyon field Institution For Savings swept a pair from Townsend Comeau in two close games of 4-1, and 7-4. In game one Dave Wood tossed a gem supported by great defense around him. The big hit came from Chris Connolly who hit a line drive HR into right in the later innings to put the game over the top for the Bankers. Larry White was the tough luck loser despite pitching well and with good movement on his fastball and changeup. Leading hitters for T/C were Paul “Rigga” Rigby with three hits and Marc Comeau with two hits.

In game two, emergency starter Paul Poirier got the win for the Bankers led by the hitting of Wes Pierce.  Larry White took the loss for the T/C crew despite his continued pitching performance that proved to be with outstanding control.  Matt Comeau led T/C with two hits along with a HR followed by Jack Carey’s two hits.

Over on Grimes field the sweeping theme continued with Mike & Sons taking two from Club 498.

Mike Stasiuk got the win for Mikes in game 1 with a 13-5 victory while Brad Hill took the loss for 498.  Stasiuk helped his own cause by going 4-5, Dick Merry Jr. and, Chris Perna also chipped in with three hits.

Game two saw Mike Blake get the win for Mikes while Bill Knovack took the loss for Club 498.

Scott Garand went 3-4 along with Chris Shulte was also 3-4 including a HR to pave the way for Mikes.

Field Observations

• Welcome Back to Over 30 Mike Gino Jennotte who celebrated his return with a triple on Mike & Sons. It was also reported that oxygen tanks were brought in to help him breathe after the three bagger.
• Nice HR by IFS’s Chris Connolly who rounded four bases that included the town of Boxford.
• The injury status to Tom Ewing isn’t thought to be serious. Ewing who walked in at bat against Townsend Comeau somehow pulled a muscle going down to first base.
• T/C’S Larry White was so distraught after giving up a HR to IF’S Chris Connolly that made White ponder retirement.
• Mike & Sons players were treated to refreshments by Mark Hardie who struck out on a Bill Knovack knuck

Standings as of July 18^th are:

Mike & Sons    12-6

Institution For Savings 11-7

Townsend Comeau 7-11

Club 498 6-12

By Pete Rockett

After a much deserved break in play from the July 4^th holiday the Ipswich Men’s Over 30 Softball league got back into action on Sunday, July 11,  at Doyon and Grimes field.

At day’s end the standings were taking shape with one game separating all teams from each other. As the saying goes in Over 30, it never rains, and anything goes.

On the Doyon field Institution For Savings split a pair of games with Club 498. Pitching and offense statistics were not available at press time.

Over on the Grimes field Mike & Sons took two from Townsend Comeau Oil by the scores of 33-16 and 18-6. In game 1 Mike Blake got the win for M&S while Larry White took the loss for T/C. Offensive stats were not available at press time for Mikes. Mark Meaney led T/C with four hits followed by Jamie Morely with three hits and Larry White with three hits.

Game two saw Mike Stasiuk get the win for Mikes and Richy Dodson making his pitching debut in Over 30 take the loss for T/C, despite pitching well and giving Larry White some relief.  Barry Eaton led T/C with three hits.

Field Observations

• Hot, humid conditions were still evident this past week as water was in high demand by all players.
• Angie Perna continues to do his fine work putting down lines on both fields.
• From the Brotherly love department. Scott Garand of Mike & Sons robbed his brother Pete of Townsend Comeau of a HR by playing him perfectly in the outfield. It should be noted that Scott was within a stones throw of the Galicki estate where he was positioned.
• Joining the K of Shame this week was Dennis Howes, Chris Shulte, Brian Mahoney, and Chris Perna.
• T/C’S Larry White is quickly racking up strikeouts and has set an Over  30 record, and could chase Roger Clemens for the overall record.

Standings after week 9 are the following:

Mike & Sons  10-6

Institution For Savings 9-7

Townsend Comeau 7-9

Club 498        6-10

By Pete Rockett, Tom Ewing, and Scott Garand.

In Pro Hockey there is reverse sweater nights, in Baseball there is throwback uniform nights, and in Over 30 Softball we have switch your opponent day. On Sunday June 27^th the members of the league changed their dance card and switched opponents after their respective first games.

At day’s end records were broken and a come from behind victory was put in the record books.

Over on Doyon field Townsend Comeau Oil played host to Club 498 and Mike & Sons Oil and on The Grimes Field. Institution for Savings played host to Mike & Sons and Club 498.

On Doyon Field Club 498 scored early and often on their way to a 16-3 victory against Townsend Comeau. Brad Hill got the win for 498 while Larry White took the loss for T/C. Offensive leaders were not available at press time for 498.  Barry Eaton, Marc Comeau, Matt Comeau, Jimmy Resuccia, Larry White, Greg McDonough, Jack Carey, and Pete Rockett all had one hit for the T/C crew.

Beaten but not down, T/C pulled themselves up in game 2 against their counterparts Mike & Sons Oil slugging toe to toe to come out with a 17-16 victory in a thrilling comeback in the bottom of the 7^th.  Larry White rebounded from game one, that could be described as “ugly,” to pitch. His teammates backed him with solid defense. Trailing by four going into the bottom of the 7^th Barry Eaton, and Marc Comeau led off with singles. This was followed by Jamie Morely, Jack Carey, Larry White and Greg McDonough that led to the score being tied. Paul Rigby then took a solid swing with a rip up the middle to score McDonough with the winning run and to give the T/C crew a much needed victory and to halt a 3 game losing streak. Mike Stasiuk took the loss for Mikes. Hitting for Mikes was Chris Schulte going 3-4, and Stasiuk also going 3-4.

Over on the Grimes field Mikes had better luck by defeating Institution for Savings 14-5. Mike Blake got the win while chipping in going 3-4, along with Joe Dube going 4-4, and Chris Perna 3-4 adding in a home run in game 1. Pete Robbins took the loss for IFS. Wes Pierce, and Chris Connolly each had three  hits for the Bankers. In their 2^nd game IFS rebounded against 498 by the score of 10-4. Dave Wood got the win for the Bankers while Bill Knovack took the loss for 498. Coach Chris Connolly was absent for the 2^nd game, however Coach Ewing picked up the slack managing his team to victory for his first of the year.  Paul James led IFS with three hits followed by Joe Greenwood with 2 hits.

Field Observations

• The Townsend Comeau team looked liked the walking wounded this week. Larry White doing his best impersonation of Red Sox coach Ron Johnson sporting a knee brace on his left knee, and an ace bandage on his right quad. Barry Eaton has a minor hand injury, and Todd Delano sat out this week with a bad quad. Rumor has it Eric Shwartz is rehabbing his injured quad and should be back in two weeks.
• The refreshment stand had plenty of cold water this week for players and fans.
• So excited by his game winning hit T/C’s Paul Rigby ran to first base and almost to the beginning of Marini’s hill.
• Joining the K of shame this week are Joe Dube with two strikeouts, Dennis Howes, and Rob Donahue.
• The league is now off for the 4^th of July weekend. The league would like to wish everyone a fun and safe holiday weekend.

Standings after week 7 are:

Mike & Sons 8-6

Institution For Savings 8-6

Townsend Comeau 7-7

Club 498  5-9

By Pete Rockett

What a difference a week makes in he Ipswich Men’s Over 30 softball league. The week before a tropical rain forest greeted players, and this past week a preview of the dog days of August were  bestowed upon the league players, and fans. At days end pounds were shed and another shakeup in the standings were noticed to prove nothing stays the same.

On Doyon field Club  498 and Mike & Sons Oil split a pair.  Offense and pitching stats were not available at press time.

Over on The Grimes field Institution for Savings rebounded like a bullish stock market from the week before by sweeping Townsend Comeau Oil by the scores of 13-2 and 13-12.

Winning pitcher for the Bankers was Pete Robbins tossing a two hitter giving up hits to Pete Garand and Mark Meaney who hit a solo HR in the 7th.  Larry White took the loss for the Oilers.

Offensive leaders for the Bankers were not available at press time. Game two saw T/C get off to a quick 5-1 lead only to give way to 12 more runs to the Bankers . Offensive leaders for the Bankers were not available at press time.  Dave Wood got the win for IFS while Larry White was the tough luck loser for T/C.  Richie Dodson led the hitting attack for T/C with three hits.

Field Observations

• Players, and fans were treated to Pizza from Pomadori in honor of Fathers Day.
• Joining the K Hall Of Fame this week are DD’S, Larry White, Pete Garand, and Brian Mahoney.
• Being concerned for his teammates hydration, Mike & Sons Brian Mahoney treated his team to Gatorade after taking accountability for striking out  twice.
• Not mentioned in last week’s article was the game tying home run by T/C’S Larry White.
• Spotted in the crowd this week taking in the action was Over 30 legend Kevin “SS” Pierce.

Standings after six weeks of play are:

Mike & Sons     7-5
Institution For Savings 7-5
Townsend Comeau   6-6
Club 498    4-8

by Pete Rockett and Scott Garand

To quote Bill Murray in the movie What about Bob “There are people who like Neil Diamond and people who don’t.”  In the Ipswich Men’s Over 30 Softball League the same can be said about the weather conditions. You either deal with the weather or you don’t. Happily slightly more than ¾ of the league members dealt with the mist and fog this past Sunday. For two teams weather had no effect as sweeps were accomplished and standings were taking place.

Over on Doyon 1 Mike & Sons swept two from Institution for Savings by the scores of 12-3 and 18-17 in extra innings. In game 1 Scott Garand and Mike Stasiuk led the offense for the Oilers with four hits each including a HR by Garand followed by Chris Perna and Chris Shulte with three hits. Mike Stasiuk took the win for Mike’s while Pete Robbins took the loss for the Bankers.

In game 2 Scott Garand continued his torrid hitting going a perfect 5-5 followed by Mike Blake going 3-4 including a round tripper.  Dan Brennan had the game winning single in the 8^th inning driving in the winning run. Mike Blake took the win for the Oilers while Dave Wood was the tough luck loser for the Bankers.

Over on the Grimes field the same could be said for the Townsend Comeau crew as they took two from Club 498 with scores of 12-3 and 9-5. In game 1 Barry Eaton led the Oilers with four hits followed by Matt Comeau with three hits including a HR.  Larry White took the win for Oil crew while Brad Hill took the loss for 498 despite pitching with dead on velocity and movement.

In game two deuces were wild with Richy Dodson, Jack Carey, Greg McDonough chipping in with two hits for the Oil crew. Larry White took the win for T/C while Bill Knovack took the loss for 498. Offense for 498 were not available at press time.

Field Observations

• Welcome back to Over 30 Brian Mahoney
• Optimism and spirits were high by league members talking about the Celtics chances going into game 5.
• After getting swept by Mike & Sons this week coaches from Institution For Savings were seen huddling and having internal discussions about possible big changes.
• Joining the K hall of shame this week were Mike “Sweets” Powers, Dick Merry, and Greg McDonough.

Standings after 5 weeks of play are:

Townsend Comeau 6-4

Mike & Sons              6-4

Institution For Savings 5-5

Club 498                    3-7

Today’s games between Mike & Sons and Institution For Savings and 498 and Townsend Comeau have been rained out and will be made up Sunday, July 25.

By Pete Rockett

Perhaps it was the early morning power outage in parts of Ipswich that could signify the energy level to follow at the fields at Over 30 softball this past  Sunday.  With the first quarter of the season coming to a close there was plenty of optimism surrounding all four teams going into the memorial holiday break.  By days end new records were set  and eyes were opened .

Over  on Doyon field Townsend Comeau split two games losing game 1 to Institution For Savings and winning game 2 over Club 498. In game the T/C crew built a 13-4 lead only to see it go by the wayside with a 15 run rally by the Bankers cashing in dividends on their way to a 22-16 victory.  Leading IFS was Joe Greenwood with two rain maker HR’S followed by Jim Racca with four hits, and three runs scored, and Paul “KG” James with four hits also. Dave Wood picked up the victory for the bankers. Leading T/C  in production were Matt Comeau with four hits, Eric Shwartz  with three hits and Larry White with two HR’S.  Jim Edwards took the loss for the T/C crew.  In their 2^nd game battling club 498 who had just lost to Mike & Sons on Grimes field the T/C crew scored early and often on their way to a 20-11 win. Marc Comeau led the Oilers with four hits followed by Eric Shwartz, and Matt Comeau with three hits. Larry White continued hit torrid hitting with two more HR’S followed by Pete Garand’s smash into the woods to account for the other round tripper.  Hitting leaders for 498 were not available at  press time. Bill Knovack too the loss for 498.

Over  on the Grimes field Mike & Sons also split a pair. Winning their first game  coming from behind against Club 498 in the last inning and falling in game two to IFS . Pitching and offense stats not available at press time for Mikes.  IFS, with a Tim Wakefield type lineup put together by Coach Connolly once again came back falling behind by 9 runs by scoring 6 runs in the sixth and four in the 7^th on their way to a 10-9 win over Mikes.  Scott “The Pro” Higgins had the game winning hit after having the table set by Judd Daly, Greenwood, James, and Paul Porier who also picked up the win.

Field Observations

• T/C’S Larry White hit a record four HR’S in one day against two separate teams.
• Cam James was a big help to Tom Ewing helping him with IFS’S scorebook.
• From the Lost & Found Dept. A team picture of the 96 night league champion St. Lawrence club was presented to Paul James before the days play. Also included in that team picture were current Over 30 players Matt & Marc Comeau, Eric Shwartz, Craig Dupray, and Pete Rocket.

Winter has always been known to be the cruelest of season but spring will always bring out hope. Nothing can be further from the truth as teams from the Ipswich Men’s Over 30 sotftball league  are searching for their  niche may find a diamond in the 3^rd week of play. Not to be worried about “too many men on the field” the men of summer got back to their craft this past Sunday at the Doyon and Grimes field.

Over on Doyon field Club 498 and Institution for Savings split two games.  Scores were not available at press time. Game 1 saw 498 beating out the mighty bankers.  Pete Robbins took the loss for IFS despite a strong defense behind him.  Pitching  and hitting stats were not available for 498. In game two the bankers got even with a strong pitching performance from Dave Wood and team offense lead by Paul James with his best impersonation of Kirk Gibson’s home run from the 88 world series.  Pitching and hitting stats were not available for 498.

Over on Grimes field 4^th place Townsend Comeau  swept a pair from 1^st place Mike & Sons with scores of 12-7 and 6-4. Game 1 saw Jimmy Edwards find his groove after a shaky first inning to pick up the win. The T/C crew was lead by Jimmy Restucci with four hits followed by Eric Shwartz and Richy “Flying Grill” Dodson with three hits.  Pete Rockett , and Pete Garand also chipped in with two hits including a HR from Garand.  Mike Blake took the loss for Mikes. Leading Mikes in offense was Joe Dube going 3-4 and Dick Merry hitting a HR in the loss.  Game two saw Larry White be in command early supported by catching help by Todd Delano, and great play by Paul Rigby at 2^nd base to pick up the win.  It was a total team effort  offense for T/C  with  Marc Comeau hitting a HR in the 6^th inning for a insurance run. Mike Stasiuk took the loss for Mikes  despite pitching well and going 3-4.  Chris Perna also contributed with two hits.

Field Observations

• Joining the K of shame club this week are Dennis Howes, and Mark Hardie.
• The best deal in town is the $2.00 hot dog special at the refreshment stand that comes with a bag of chips.
• Bill Knovack has been found and has returned to his team. A special search team hired by Over 30 found Knovack in the clam flats of Essex. The glare of his Wizzard of Oz socks provided his whereabouts.
• Welcome back to Over 30 Eric Shwartz.
• A reminder to all players. It never rains at Over 30.

Standings after week three are:

Mike & Sons  3-3
Townsend Comeau Oil 3-3
Institution For Savings 3-3
Club 498         3-3