Let's keep Jim "J-Dub" Wallace in our thoughts and say our prayers as he heads up to the Moffit Center for treatment.  Godspeed to you Jim for a quick and successful recovery.

The Short Season will begin Thursday, April 25th and end on Monday, June 3rd, for a 12 date schedule.

All games are at Carmalita Park, 2605 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

All games will begin at 9:00 am and end by 11:00 am.

We will be playing a Modified Double-Header each day.

Due to the limited number of players, the following rule numbers have been modified as indicated with ** and in BOLD.  All other rules remain the same:

1.     Starting on Monday, May 6th, all games will be 6 innings, not counting any extra innings that might be played.  

        ** All 3 teams will play each day and bat, field and sit during every inning.  The order will be Bat, Field and Sit.  The team with the most runs will be credited with 2 wins.  The team with the second most runs will receive 1 win.  The team with the fewest runs will receive 2 loses for that day.  If two teams tie for the most runs, they will each be credited with 1 1/2 wins.  If two teams tie for the 2nd most runs, they will each be credited with 1/2 win.

2.     Dugouts will be chosen by whichever teams arrives first and choses their dugout.  Two Teams will share a Dugout.

3.     Teams will field 11 fielders as follows:  Pitcher, catcher, 5 infielders and 4 outfielders.  All infielders, including the middle fielder, must be positioned on the infield dirt until the pitcher’s release of the ball.  All outfielders must be behind the white line in the outfield. They may move in only on the pitcher’s release of the pitch. 

        ** The team on the field will take a player, or players, as needed, from the Sitting Team to play a defensive position for that inning, as follows:

            ·        Defensive players can play any position as determined by the Manager of          the team in the Field.

·       Teams will only bat the players that they have that day from their roster.

12.   ** Running the bases:  There will be a 2nd Base Line extending from about 4-5 feet from 2nd base out towards the grass.  This is on a trial basis and is intended to prevent collisions at second base.  

Ø  Batted Balls handled by an Infielder:

·       Runners must use this line when running to 2nd base when any batted ball is initially handled by any infielder (including Pitchers & Catchers), except bloopers to the grass are considered Batted Balls Handled by an Outfielder, regardless of who fields it.  In these situations, the runner at first must use the bag.

·       Umpires will determine if the ball was caught by the defensive player receiving the throw at 2nd Base BEFORE the runner crossed the 2nd Base Line AND touched the ground.  If so, the runner is out.

·       The runner is allowed to “over run” this line and not be in jeopardy of being tagged out, unless he makes a movement towards 3rd Base (similar to over running 1st base).  If the runner decides to run to 3rd Base, he can do so without having to backtrack and touch 2nd Base first. 

·       If an infield throw gets by the First Baseman and the batter-baserunner decides to go to 2nd Base, the runner must use the line and not go to the bad.

·       Players who do not use the line when required will be called out, regardless of whether there is a throw to 2nd Base or not. 

Ø  Batted Balls handled by an Outfielder:

·       On a batted ball that is initially handled by an Outfielder, there is no automatic out if a player goes to the line when not required to do so, however, he is in jeopardy of being tagged or forced out until he safely reaches 2nd Base.

     ·       However, a runner can’t choose to use the line in an attempt to avoid being tagged out or forced out when the batted ball was initially handled by an     Outfielder, including relays to an Infielder.  If there is a play at 2nd Base that originated from the outfield and the runner goes to the line instead of the   bag, the runner will be called out for leaving the base path regardless of whether he is actually tagged or forced out.   

        Umpires and runners are cautioned that when runners are going into 2nd or 3rd base on a force out at that bag, any runner who interferes with the fielder covering the bag or goes hard into that fielder causing a collision, can be called OUT by the umpire for Interference, if the runner's action resulted in the fielder not being able to make the play, and the umpire can call a double play if the umpire thinks that the interference prevented an obvious double play from being made.  Even if the collision doesn't prevent the fielder from making the play, going into the fielder hard can result in Unsportsmanlike Conduct and the runner can be called out or ejected from the game by the Umpire.  Remember, this is a Recreational league and we want to have Fun and prevent Injuries from happening.

13.   The umpire will have the FINAL say on any call, with exceptions noted below.  ONLY a Manager is allowed to talk to the umpire to question a call or an interpretation of the rules. 

        ** NOTE: However, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, the Managers of the Batting and Defensive Teams can confer and “overrule” the Umpire’s call, especially if the Umpire failed to make an obvious call that is spelled out in the rules or when the Umpire’s call was just incorrect.  An example is when an Umpire fails to make an obvious Infield Fly Rule call.  Remember, an Infield Fly is not automatic on a popup to the infield.  It must “catchable”, in that it must be hit in the vicinity of a defensive player.

20.   NOT APPLICABLE: There will be NO “Mercy Run Rule” during the Short Season.

21.   If the game is tied after regulation play, extra innings shall start with the last batter on 2^nd base.  This runner may not be pinch run for until he reaches 3^rd base.  If he cannot physically run for any reason, he will be declared out, and the 2^nd to last batter from the previous inning will take his place.  If any teams are tied after 1, or 2 extra innings if played, those teams will end in a tie.  Courtesy runners are permitted to run once in the extra innings.

        ** Only the teams that are tied will play 1 extra inning, or 2 extra innings if there is time and both Managers agree.

23.   ** NOTE:  A designated pinch runner may run an unlimited number of times during the game, but only ONCE per inning. There is NO pinch running for another Pinch Runner.  If a pinch runner is on base and it’s his turn to bat, he shall be called OUT, the base will be vacated, and he will come in bat, unless that is the third out.  If a player is pinch run for, it is NOT required that he be pinch run from that point on.  It is the Manager’s discretion to determine if and when pinch runners will be used. 

To see ALL the Rules, go to http://www.leaguelineup.com/newsitem.asp?url=ccmorning&itemid=2127750

League Commissioners

Gary Feige             717-808-4572                

Bill Abbatematteo   941-740-1660

Paul Giles              702-343-5908

Richard Howard "Magoo" McGill

1948 - 2024

R.I.P

Once again, it is with our deepest sadness that we announce that long-time player and friend to all Rich "Magoo" McGill has passed away.  Magoo was a dugout inspiration to all his teammates, cheering us on and providing insights into the game that we all appreciated.  He was devoted to softball and our league, usually being the first player to arrive and setting up the pitcher's net and home plate on both fields as well as helping to take down the equipment and store it.  He will be missed.  Our condolences to his family. 

It is with deep sadness that we announce that long-time player and friend to all, Bobby Roth, Jr., has passed away.  Bobby was a left-hander and had a good bat and great speed.  He usually ended up on second base after a hit.  He made a great pinch runner.  Bobby played outfield and would also pitch.  He was preceeded by his Dad, Bob Roth, Sr, who passed in 2011 and played morning ball with Bobby for many years.  Our deepest sympathies to his wife Diane and their family.  

The League would like to express our deepest condolences to Jay Franco for the recent passing of his Dad, and to Bill Beemer for the passing of his wife Helen.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families.  Let's also ask for comfort to our players and their loved ones who are going through difficult times with illnesses and other health issues.

Congratulations to Steve "Big Daddy" Knapp and the Teal Team for their First Place finish with an 18-6 record.

League Commissioners

Gary Feige             717-808-4572                

Bill Abbatematteo   941-740-1660

Paul Giles              702-343-5908