SSSA NEWS

22MARCH: ANNUAL BANQUET PLEASE RSVP WHEN SIGNING UP FOR 3/22 GAME.Great stuff planned you don't want to miss the fun. It starts @ Caloosa BBQ area right after 3/22 game. Volunteers please step forward now for assignments.

15 MARCH @ CALOOSA BP 8:30 GAME 9:00 AM

ROOSTERS: Evelio JR, Nunzio, Rooster, Spadola, Mucci, Verryl MGR, Theresa, Lahens, Bahns, Eganthal, Ralph Lugo, Kong, Gandy (13)

TIGERS: Alvarez, Comeau, Fortgang, Jacobs, Monty, Billy Ray MGR, Quickie, Nederosik, Evelio SR, Paradiso, Finnerman, Carmine, Plevy, Nicky (14)

County Investigation: Courtesy of Mark Lipper, Ed Nassan and the Prime Time Invaders, fictitious complaints have prompted the county to investige SSSA. The investigation is based soley on a series of unsubstantiated

allegations and falsehoods that have been levied against the SSSA.You may receive a blind phone call from either Jackie Harris or Andy Hood from the County with questions about the fairness of our League. In the meantime, we met with Andy Hood on Saturday 08 March and a meeting between the SSSA Board of Directors and the County is being scheduled.

As everyone knows, SSSA runs an open, fair and well rounded League that has been enjoyed by membership since 2017. Our League is all inclusive of men, women and players from all kinds of backgrounds, faiths, colors and creeds. Our unique system of sign ups is well ahead of its time and there is always room for everyone to play even if we need to add extra players to each team and even play additional innings.

Mr. Lipper is already the head of one League and somehow thinks he is entitled to be the head of our League as well. Lipper and his band of Prime Time Invaders have joined together in a bloc and would like to steal our League for themselves. Mr. Nassan is clearly disgruntled after his suspension for taping and disseminating information from phone calls. Mr. Furst resigned as an Officer after failing to appear for a hearing regarding his open threats of violence against the Commissioner. They have hatched a nasty, dirty and underhanded plot against SSSA. Their false and unethical claims must be opposed and defeated. Our Board firmly believes that our loyal membership shall stand firm and repel the Invaders and their false claims.

SSSA ELECTION RESULTS: After two weeks of voting, the results are finally in. Congratulations are in order to the newst board members: Paul "Nunzio"Franzese has been elected to serve as Legal Council and Billy Ray Perry has been elected to serve as Treasurer. Both terms are for a period of two years. The ballot counts were checked and verified independently by two non- board members. The Commissioner has accepted the results and they are final.

01 MARCH CHANGE OF VENUE: The County has taken our fields on this date to promote youth athletics under their MARCH MADNESS program. Therefore, our fields are switched to Okeeheelee for that date only. Do not be the dummy who goes to the wrong field.

RON FURST: As you know from the public apology of Mr. Furst that he was invited to attend a Board hearing for having made threats of violence against the commissioner. The audio and video tape of his ugly display is available for all to see. However, Mr. Furst chose to resign from the League and refused to attend the board meeting to account for his actions in front of his peers. The resignation of Mr. Furst has been accepted.

BEER CIRCLE: INVADERS are now attempting to use the County against us, This underhanded tactic apparently comes courtesy of Mark Lipper who allegedly made several nasty complaints to the County about SSSA. The cardinal rule of the County calls for an environment free of smoke, drugs, tobacco and alcohol. When the County starts checking into his comments, they shall undoubtedly come across the Beer Circle.

Therefore, the BEER CIRCLE is officially closed. Anyone participating does so at their own individual risk and shall answer directly to the County. The SSSA does not endorse and has no connection whatsoever with the BEER CIRCLE.

SSSA ELECTION NEWS: Three members applied for board sitions: Kevin King, Billy Ray and Ed Nassan. Mark Lipper applied for Commissioner. and by a unanamous vote of the Board (4-0) the application was rejected on the basis of conflict of interest. Mark is already the Commissioner of another softball league which has similar goals, objectives and cross memberships. The time for nominations has now passed.

Ron Furst resigned on Sunday 16 Feb as the Treasurer of SSSA.

For this round, there are 2 board positions available so membership needs to circle their two choices and return the signed ballot to Harvey. Vote for two of the five candidates listed below. The available positions are Treasurer and Legal Consultant....the term is for 2 years.

Candidates are the following pick 2:

RON FURST: Treasurer................Resigned

NUNZIO: Legal......................Elected

BILLY RAY: Treasurer................,Elected

KEVIN KING

ED NASSAN

The League by-laws have been updated 2/15/2025 and were passed by the board 4-0. You can refer to them for more election and League information.

SSSA RECRUITING: We continue actively seeking new membership. Players from another Leagus such as Pompano, PBSSA, Boca and Prime Time and others are welcome. Please see Harvey.

18 JANUARY GAME CANCELED WET GROUNDS: Last night's rain has left the fields unplayable this morning. I have been in contact with Caloosa field maintenance and all fields are wet and unplayable. See y'all next week Ron Penn Commissioner SSSA.

GENERAL MEETING UPDATE: Ed Nassan has submitted his list of League improvements. Other than a rehashing of the Ira situation and a personal attack on the Commissioner, he suggested a call for elections, which was already part of our our program. Elections are held in February after dues are collected.

In order to run for office or vote in an election, the member must be in good standing which includes payment of dues. The open election policy was initially announced in January 2024 and you can scroll down to review. At this point, only a fraction of membership has paid 2025 dues and we shall await word from Ron Furst (Treasurer) to update the paid list. Target date for elections 15 Feb, after the payment deadline for dues has passed. In the meantime, anyone interested in holding an SSSA position should pay their dues and throw their name into the ring by adding this information to their next SSSA e-mail or contact the commissioner to be added to the ballot. Further details to follow.

ANNUAL DUES REQUIRED BY 15 FEB $25.00 PAY RON FURST, TREASURER

RETIREMENT: Whether it was Father Time gaining on him or a career ending rotator cuff injury, Ira

Drescher has decided to end his playing days @ SSSA. Some members had expressed concern

over the possibilty of him being injured on the field, so they need not be concerned anymore. Ira shall

spend his future SSSA time either managing or umpiring. In addition, he is eligible for the SSSA Hall

of Fame and shall be honored at the SSSA banquet 22 March

GENERAL MEETING: Some members, spearheaded by Ed Nassan have suggested there be an SSSA

meeting scheduled to discuss improvements to the league and to air certain grievances which he claims

are in existence. In order to move forward, Mr. Nassan shall submit a detailed agenda for the meeting by

3:00 PM Tuesday 14 January 2025. As per Board approval, the proposed agenda shall be signed by at

least three members in good standing. Afterwards, the Commissioner shall determine the rules for the

meeting and set the time and place.

BOARD NOTES: Harvey Lee has replaced Scott J on the Board. Scott retired after suffering a home fire.

Nunzio has been added to the Board as Legal Consultant.

SSSA AWARDS DIINNER:

Mark the date 22 March at the Caloosa BBQ Pavillion

South Florida Basketball Association: Alan Eganthal has joined the organizing committee for this great

annual luncheon event shcheduled for 15 January 2025 @ Broken Sound Country Club. The event was an incredible success...many thanks to Alan for helping organize a memorable event.

04 January game recap: Who made these teams?

Field 6: Tie game 23-23

These managers decided it was better to kiss their sister than play extra innings and find the winner. It was

a well played game marked by the auspicious debut of Mike Shea. The buzz after the game was that Shea

stole the show with all around play including a long drive over the left center field fence and some good leather and strong throwing arm....welcome aboard, Mike.

Field 5: Tigers 19 Roosters 18.

Nunzio and Quickie arrived at first place simultaneously and both went flying..It was Nunzio who made the

play by grabbing a grounder, and racing to first base in time to beat the hard charging Quickie Both players

immediately bounced to their feet avoiding injury. However, the runner on third scored and eventually became

the winning Tiger run. Roosters held the lead most of the game but their hopes were dashed when they gave

up 5 runs in the bottom of the eighth securing the Tiger victory. J P was the winning pitcher. Verryl pitched for

the Roosters and returned to action after a lengthy absence due to knee surgery.

28 December game rained out.

21 DECEMBER GAME RECAP: Going strong

With games on both fields, the league flexed its muscles with solid growth. Welcome new members Steve Upduke, Joe Stepenson, Paul Smeton, Gary Stern, Steve Bahns, Andrew Chen. In the midst of a one run

game after eight, the Roosters pushed six runs across in the ninth to secure sweet victory 22-16.

Jeff Weill was effective on both sides of the plate. He flashed leather in the outfield and ran down several long Tiger drives. On Field 5, the game ended in controversy over a bogus play at first base.

Roosters 22 Tigers 16

"After the final out is made, and the score long forgotten, all we

are left with are the sweet memories of the game"

14 DECEMBER GAME RECAP: Two games:

With attendance building and league insterst perking, we opened the second field and played two great games. On field 6, the lead bounced back and forth all game until the Tigers landed five runs in the last inning but Roosters fought back in the bottom half with five of their own. At he end of the day, rain chased us off the field and the game ended in a satisfying tie 23-23. Field 5 was a one sided affair with Ed Nassan's Tigers besting Jacobs' Roosters 17-5.

Roosters 23 Tigers 23, Tigers 17 Roosters 5.

07 DECEMBER GAME RECAP: High Voltage:

In an amazing power performance, Evlio JR came out swinging a hot bat for the Roosters. He consistently broke up a close game by blasting not one, not two but three home runs over the 300 foot fence. The first homer being a tape measure job that was last seen clearing I-95 and heading North. On top of that, the 275 practice tee swngs taken by Kong King during the week, finally paid dividends. Kong aided the Rooster cause by smashing his first of two homers over the fence. The high voltage power display short circuited Tiger attempts to stay in the game. Nunzio chipped in going 4-4 and the rest was history. Game ball to Evilio JR who also made spectacular fielding play. Tigers started late but it was not enough. Watch for Evelio JR post game interview on U-Tube. Steve Jernigan made his SSSA debut.

ROOSTERS 28 TIGERS 16,

Note from Commissioner: After our third appeal, the country has agreed to issue SSSA softball permits for the Holiday games. This means we shall play our regular Saturday games on 28 December 2024 and 04 January 2025. We have always played through the Holiday season and I have profusely thanked the County for their cooperation. Cancel your cruise plans, stay on your diet, wash the car later and come down for more great games on these dates. Let's hope for warm and dry weather and see ya'all on the field!

30 NOVEMBER GAME RECAP: Thriller in Manila:

With the lead bobbing back and forth, Roosters pulled ahead 12-9 only to allow Tigers back into the game by taking over the lead through eight innings 13-12. In a wild top of the ninth, the Roosters pounded the ball but some overly aggressive base running cut their inning short. With two

runners standing on third base and the ball overthrown, controversy ensued and Commissioner himself had to intervene and resolve the matter in favor of thr Tigers. At the end of the day, Roosters scored three runs and pinned down the Tigers by grabbing the lead 15-13. However, it was not enough as some clutch hitting by the Tigers rained on the Rooster parade. The game winning RBI went to Mark Jacobs who lined a two out single driving in the winning run. Alvarez socked one over the left field fence and Evelio JR contined his good work with the bat and added some slick

fielding at short. Kong King made a spectacular play in right by cutting down a runner at third...he also hit the ball hard all day. Huston hurled for the Roosters and he proved his worth on offense with several timely hits. Theresa played an outstanding right field for the Tigers. Ron Furst stayed hot with the bat driving in several Roosters. Carmine pitched well for the Tigers but Paul Smiton relieved late and got the win.

TIGERS 16 ROOSTERS 15

23 NOVEMBER GAME RECAP: Crisp and clear.

At game time, the temperature was a crisp 52 degress. The tall blue sky was crystal clear without a cloud in sight. Roosters opened the scoring with three in the first only to watch Tigers bounce back with five runs. In the fifth inning, Jake smashed a bases loaded long ball over the left fielder's head that turned into four runs. He was aided by timely hitting by Tommy Gottleib who drove in four more runs. Ron Furst showed flashes of lthe old legend with timely opposite field hitting. Erratic fielding by the Tigers opend the flood gates for several Rooster runs. Rooster gloves were bolstered by Evilio JR who made several strong plays at short and was consistent all game with good throws mowing down several Tiger runners. Jeff Weil played outstanding Tiger defense in left field and added three hits. At the end of the day, the weather was 72 degrees, crisp and clear and the game was played under perfect playing conditions.

ROOSTERS 18 TIGERS 13.

16 NOVEMBER GAME RECAP: Too little, too late.

Just when the Roosters thought it was safe to go outside, here came the Tigers. The Roosters seemingly had the game tucked away heading into the ninth inning riding 14-10 lead. A single here. and a double there. the Tigers mounted a serious rally but fell one run short as the game ended with the tying run on second. It was a day of perfect weather and fun sotball. Kevin Kong King was back in form going 4-4 and driving in clutch runs. In the field, Joe Stephenson was a one man wrecking crew by running down long drives off Tiger bats. The one he did not catcth was a long dinger over the fence off the bat of Evilio JR.

ROOSTERS 14 TIGERS 13

09 NOVEMBER GAME RECAP: Great turnout.

Before the game started, we received news that Billy Ray suffered a broken arm chasing down a fly ball in left field. Billy is expected to be out at least six weeks. Attendance continues to increase as new memebers are signing up and snow birds are finding their way back to the nest. If this trend continues,we shall be opening the second field soon. Ron Furst won the game ball today as he drove in six runs and chased down several fly balls in right center. Greg Alvarez hit a gigunda home run in the sixth inning that cleared the fence and the road. The ball eventually landed accross the street on the soccer field. Nunzio had an outstanding day at the plate 3-4 and Klavon smashed a three run homer down the right field line. The strong wind blowing from left to right field, kept several balls inside the park. It was a close game eventually decided in the 10th inning after a Rooster 8 run rally. Monty has turned 80 years old and is now eligible under the Ira Rule and cannot be thrown out at first on an outfield hit. New member Paul Smitten replaced Billy Ray. Kudos to Ed Nassan and Scott Ersland for assisting with the field conditions prior to the start. Board meeting scheduled for Thursday...player comments welcome.

ROOSTERS 23 TIGERS 17.

South Florida Basketball Association: Alan Eganthal has joined the organizing committee for this great annual luncheon event shcheduled for 15 January 2025 @ Broken Sound Country Club. The organization raises funds for challenged athletes. This year's honorees are Derrick Coleman (Syracuse), Bob Huggins ( WVA), Darrell Heitner (NCAA). I attended two years ago whn NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing was honored. There were some 450 fans in attendance and the atmosphere and ambiance were fantastic. Many well known local and national sports personalities were in attendance. You may seek additional information either from Alan or via web https://www.sfbassoc.com.

02 NOVEMBER 02 GAME RECAP: Dream, dream, dream.

One pitch, one hit, one run and that's all it took for Evilio JR leading off the game to blast one over the left field wall and give Tigers the lead 1-0. This hit set the tone for the game and some claim his hit should not count because JR is not a lead off hitter LOL. In the meantime, all Rooster hitters could do was dream, dream, dream. They were scoreless the first four frames and only mustered two runs through six innings. Jeff Weill added two more runs in the Tiger fourth with a long ball. Ira pitched well for the Roosters allowing only five runs through four innings. Billy Ray returned from injury after missing two months. George Hough will undergo knee surgery next week and we wish him good luck and speedy recovery. Verryl is still recovering from his knee surgery and hopes to be back in December. James Hair is still in recovery and no return date is known. Harry umpired an excellent game.

TIGERS 12 ROOSTERS 4

26 OCTOBER GAME RECAP: Great weather great game.

This game marked the retrn of Steve Lombardo, Gary Stern and Ross Herring and the debut of Jo Stephenson. Tigers had

a well stacked team but could not field enough ground balls and failed to string together enough hits to challenge. Roosters jumped out 3-0 in the first inning and never looked back. They were led on offense by Evilio JR who broke open the game with a monster three run homer into the trees in leftfield. Tigers hit several long balls that were run down by Rooster fielders deep in the outfield. Carmine pitched well for the Roosters and was the winning pitcher. We are awaiting the return of Verryl who has been sidelined by knee surgery.

ROOSTERS 13 TIGERS 8

INTERVIEWS: Through the kindness and generosoty of Harvey, many of our games are being taped and can be viewed in entirety on U-Tube. We are pulling out some of the player interviews and publishing them in the spirit of good fun via our VIDEO section. More to follow keep checking.

19 OCTOBER GAME RECAP: Kevin, Kong, King!

In a remarkable hitting exhibition, Kevin Kong King had a career game....his homer, triple and two singles drove in 8 runs and extended his personal hitting streak to 16 consecutive at bats. Ira pitched suberb and left after four innings leading 6-2. Tigers showed some spunk with seven runs in the seventh inning to cut the Rooster lead down to 18-15. Afer that it was all Roosters as Nunzio, Gottleim, JR, and Furst all backed up the offense.

ROOSTERS 25 TIGERS 18

12 OCTOBER GAME RECAP: Wind Tunnel

I wasn't at the game but Lipper filled me in on some details. With the wind blowing out,the ball was jumping around all game. Evilio JR found the range with two dingers as did Jeff Weil who was a late entrant subbing for Frankie. The highlight was a grand salami off the bat of Alan Eganthal. It still wasn't enough as Tiger bats ruled.

TIGERS 21 ROOSTERS 16

05 OCTOBER GAME RECAP: Rain Shortened

In a wild affair that was interrupted several times by light rain, the Roosters managed to push across five runs and grab the lead before the skies opened at the end of seven innings and washed out the rest of the game. Tigers held the early 8-4 lead that was relinquished in the top of the seventh. Clutch 2 out RBI hits by Bobby Quickie and George Hough drove in the deciding runs. John Huston lead the Tiger attack with a long RBI triple that nearly cleared the fence in left field. However,

it wasn't enough as the rest of the Tiger offense fell short.

Playing the game was made possible through the efforts of Ed Nassan and Scott Erlanger who arrived early and worked on the weather beaten field to bring it up to game condition standards. Our hats are off to these two members who's constant contributions are highly appreciated. Mark Lippere umpired an excellent game and did not throw anybody out.

Game next Saturday 12 October falls on Yom Kippor the Jewish Day of Atonement. Many players shall attend synagogue on that day. We should have enough memebrs to field teams. In meantime, we are currently facing Hurrican Milton which is expected to hit South Flordia mid week and we have no idea as to future field conditions.

ROOSTERS 9 TIGERS 8

ROOSTERS 9 TIGERS 8.

28 SEPTEMBER GAME RECAP: Lordy Lordy!

In a lopsided game, the Roosters finally hit a wall against superlative pitching by Carmine and outstanding Tiger fielding.

With the wind blowing in, the ball was kept in the park and runs did not score easily. With the score 6-2 playing into the ninth inning,Tigers finally took control and exploded for 10 runs to secure the victory. Tigers broke a three game Rooster winning streak. Enough cannot be said about the outstand pitching of Carmine who held a great Rooster offense to just two unearned runs. Evilio JR flashed leather all game from shortstop throwing Roosters runners out all game.

TIGERS 16 ROOSTERS 2.

21 SEPTEMBER GAME RECAP: Must be the shirt.

Doesn't seem to matter who's wearing the shirt because the Tigers are in a slump. Once again, loaded to the hilt with talent and even with added last minute replacement Greg Alvarez, nothing is working for the Tigers. Roosters jumped out to early 4-0 lead but were quickly caught after five at 7-7. However, the roof caved in for the Tigers in the late innings. Roosters scored five in the eighth and added eleven more in the ninth including a basis loaded walk to Ira after Rooster lined a single over third. Unsung heros Andrew Chen 5RBI and Mucci 4 hits combined with a perfect day from Evilio JR. to ensure victory.

ROOSTERS 25 TIGERS 9.

14 SEPTEMBER GAME RECAP: Looks good on paper.

It doesn't matter how good a team looks on paper, what matters is how they perform on the field. In an upset of sorts, Roosters completely dominated a superior Tiger team consisting of Wallace, Gottleib, Alvarez, Scotty, Huston and Carmine was held to four runs. Consistent Rooster hitting spelled the difference including a bases clearing two RBI double by the Rooster.

ROOSTERS 16 TIGERS 4

07 SEPTEMBER GAME RECAP: Too little too late

What a difference a week can make. Roosters turned the tables today and held Tigers scoreless through the first three innings. Roosters pulled ahead but some late Tiger hitting brought them back but all for naught as Rooster bats Nunzio, Wallace, Billy Ray were on line. Long homer by Alvarez was wasted as other Tiger bats did not have their superchargers working,

ROOSTERS 20 TIGERS 12

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SSSA MEETINGS: Quarterly meetings shall be held last week of each quarter @ the field after the game. All members are invited to attend and may submit advance items for itinerary and discussion. First meeting 30 March 2024.