Deep River Horseshoe League

A quick overview of the league: It was established in 1955 by Al Pearson and Walt Sokolowski. The original design was and is to use an 18 team league of 3 players each across 9 courts for 17 weeks. It was a scratch score league and used cancellation for the 1st season only to discover that using that method would not provide sufficient statistics to assemble teams of A, B, and C players to be as near equal as possible. Someone recommended the Ohio 'Count All' system that proved itself and is currently used. As with any venture there is an unpredictable risk. The historical account afforded me from Dick Young describes how it began with 2 stakes in Al Peason's back yard. Those 2 stakes couldn't handle the number of interested players who congregated at Al's lone court. His friend Vic Sokolowski offerred his court for use and although it helped these 2 gentlemen got together and felt that there was enough interest to search for a place for everyone to play in a league format. The Marvin Family had donated a large tract of land the otherside of Church Street from the Deep River Congregational Church. This land was donated with stipulation to be used for recreational functions. The town was approached to use a small section for the horseshoe league and they approved. Through donations from local businesses for materials the members constructed the 9 courts/18 pits. The league proved a huge success. In fact, some other cities came forth to challenge the locals by founding the New London County League and for several years some players found themselves competing in that league as well. Early on publicity included weekly results in newspapers. One such was the New Haven Register. A local Deep River weoman who wroked for that paper was instrumental in supplying the league with a large trophy to be awarded to the league champions. The league would lend it to the winners and it would be returned the following season to be again awarded etc. etc. Currently this trophy is on display with the Deep River Historical Society in the Stone House as a league hierloom. One league member had artistic skills and created end of season composite yearbook like flyers with statistics, overviews and cartoon characterizations promoting a lighter side. Elsewhere on this site you may find copies of those in a separate section.

Behind the Scenes

The league functions are supported by 5 executives and another active volunteer. League President checks the calender and assigns dates for the preseason meeting, worknight, raindates. he will make contact with locations to reserve space necessary for our meetings and picnic. He will call for executive meetings to discuss issues as well as setting up call assignments for the executives to make to canvas and notify returning players. More than often he will also need to remedy situations at the beginning of the season where a 'would be' player can't play and he decides who to replace them with. Any issues needing decision are reported to the President as the season is on his watch.

The Vice President attends all functions as he may find himself called upon to step in on behalf of the President and assume the authority. He also joins in on contacting players to play as well as hands on in all other league activities that are the nuts and bolts of our organization.

The Treasurer is the custodian of our league funds. He will be assigned the daunting task of collecting dues which usually spans at least the 1st 3 weeks of play. As treasurer he is handed the operating bills and pays them. One of which we consider most important, our league insurance, which is usually due at the outset of the season. As we all are aware money needs to be watched with care. Our insurance is a must and we have had concerns when premiums go up. The Treasurer's job, as well as President's calls upon themselves to be available on nights of competition. This can unavoidabley intefere with pitching ability and performance but goes with the territory.

The Secretary records meeting content, collects weekly scoresheets, proofs them for accuarcy, supplies each week with updated averages, handicaps, team standings and season records in catagories etc. At season end composite compilation of each player is run off on the computer and made available at the league outing/picnic. At the start of each season the secretary assembles the computer files for the coming season. This includes the schedule and player list. At season start inevitabley one or more players may drop out necessitating computer file maintenance. And there may also be, as is in 2005, deviation from the 18 team format to a 16 team format due to less number of players. Preseason notice to news media is also a task the secretary performs as well as posting in news sources of weekly league status.

The Sub-Coordinator is a single person who works from a list of substitutes and a hierarchy method of choosing subs. His phone number is made available as teams will call him in advance in seeking a sub when it is known in advance of an absence. The SC also has a list made on any given night of walk-on subs who register with the SC. It is a 1st come 1st serve basis. However, the SC reserves the right to choose from the list the most close sub based on ability from average. The Sub-Coordinator is a key component in maintaining harmony when in the past without an SC subs were being fought over and some bitter feelings developed. Trouble from unfair practice also came about when teams were on there own to secure a sub. This position is one that has amazed me at being as much needed to keep control of important needed substitutes.

A past President emeritus, Ray Aronson, has remained on board in a volunteer capacity to act as a league maintenance man. Ray has been retired and although he keeps busy he generously provides his time and efforts in replacing dirt for the pits and any frame pieces that have broken down with age and weather. He and Tom Denino have also provided new clipboards and other needed items as well. Currently Ray has taken on the endeavor of creating a league logo.

Our raffle CEO, Rich Sypher provides his time and effort weekly throughout the night of play in operating our raffle. He will travel from court to court selling raffle tickets. Once all have been approached he chooses someone to pick the raffle number. Two drawings=2 winners with a percentage going to the league fund for our picnic/outing and other necessities.

Beryl Rayner

This gentleman was mentioned in another overview as one of the Three Rayners. I offer the following added comments. One of our best members, George Trabucchi, introduced the league to this fella 40 years ago this 2005 season. That would be 1966. Not sure either would know if he would take to the sport and the league at the start. But, good fortune smiled on both the man and the league as he returned for 40 consecutive seasons to pitch. Starting off as many he was in the lower group. But, after finding the shoe that worked best for him he progressed to the top class. He holds the shoe off center and throws the one turn flip. His shoe however does so flipping both left front toe to heel corner and end over end if you can picture it. When dialed in this shoe can be lethal to opponents. In at least one season Beryl averaged 30/31 which is a benchmark of accomplishment for all players. As well as his ability he attends all functions with few absences. If he can't make it he calls. With his organizational experience he has been League Treasurer for several years and executed those duties on the league's behalf. Beryl is observing and has a keen sense for providing his view of a situation. He contributes in all phases on league issues and concerns. When picnic time rolls around Beryl volunteers to pick up a share of the amenities and deliver them to Firemen's Field.
Over the years so many come and go for many reasons. Beryl's devotion and loyalty are valued attributes. Among members he is respected and all enjoy pitching with him or against him, although I'd prefer to pitch with him.
Beryl travels with his wife Betty to Florida where they enjoy the sunshine and as you expect there are horseshoes to throw. Coming back for the summer he is ready to go. And at least one time he brought back some of the nicest shirts with our league name for members.
This season will mark the 40th consecutive year the league has had him as a player! No small feat. He now becomes only the 2nd player to hold the distinction of playing into the 40 year level. Good luck to you this season and thank you Beryl.

Rich 'Ace' Ventura

More than 10 years ago a fella joined the league pretty much unknown to the sport. He tossed the multi-flip and scored better than the average player. In fact on one occasion he pegged 155 points or so points for a four game set. Using the multiflip he may have matched that again but his usual was in the 30 average range. Studying the game, himself and the turn shoe Rich started throwing the turn. In a short span he posted higher scores and average. He was challenging the best players in the league. He also began competing in the NHPA, state, regional and national tournaments. He has had success wherever he throws. In fact in one unique display he first won his class, then when there was an opening 2 classes up Rich expressed a desire to enter that class. He was permitted to enter and compete 2 classes up. He won that class as well! Rich is a past President and continues to pitch in the Norwich league. When it's the off season here, I.E. winter, Rich travels south to Florida where he keeps his game sharp in leagues there. From the well known movie he has been tagged with the nickname 'Ace' Ventura. Rich has a good sense of humor and it is always fun to pitch with him.
See also Chris Christensen and Bill Strong.

Tom Denino

I have mentioned the name 'Tom Denino' around this webpage but until now that was all. So...More about Tom: Tom has played in the league about 20 to 25 years ago. He was a 'B' player if I recall and he found himself in a championship match. After a few seasons Tom went on a sebatical but about 5 to 8 years ago he resurfaced. While at an end of season picnic he accepted a nomination for President, was voted in as President and for about 5 years or so he has filled that position. Early on Tom saw something. Something wasn't there. He had a plan to create more enjoyable pitching and less emphasis on competition results. After achieving this he has continued with the handicap system initiated by past President Neil Johnson during his term in office. And by carefully monitoring it and the games he has promoted some equity and closer competition. Tom comes across a bit forceful. His job as supervisor may well contribute to this. However, he is much more understanding and observant than might appear from the outside. He will listen and consider from players who might need to express a thought.

Tom has also done quite a bit on his own. The league has always been able to sledge hammer the stakes in but taking them out has never been easy. Tom tracked down a stake puller device and paid for it out of pocket. I have seen it work and it's amazing!!! He has also straightened the stakes as well as nipped off the tops that were flared over from the sledge hammers. He has also supplied the league with better clipboards, a weekly stats board and whatever else I have overlooked. Tom genuinely wants players to enjoy themselves. An unhappy, discontented player causes Tom to be unhappy and discontented as well. Testimony to the success of the league has been the increase in player interest. Rather than try to hunt for players we are currently having to decide from a list larger than we need. Tom can take pride in turning the league around. No one is perfect and Tom has unintentionally made a few off decisions and recovered. We look forward to another season with Tom as President. Thank you Tom.

Howie 'the Hop' Fisher

Howie Fisher has been in the league for 25+ years. Howie is quiet but you can get him to laugh easily. There are those pitchers who toss the shoe 1 turn and it hits on the heel with toes up. It then flips over along the ground and up to or even on the stake! Do this often enough and you might be called 'Howie the Hop Fisher'. He enjoys the game and maybe even more at finding himself as Vice President and contributing to the league in that capacity. For sometime as with our government, Vice President was more of a standby position. This past season, 2004, Howie stepped in and ran the ABC Tournament and helped out with additional league activities. He is always reliabley present and dependable. Howie also has supervisor skills from his company. He has also brought in new members from his company who are very positive additions. This season coming we are fortunate to have his services once again as Vice President. Thank you Howie.

Bruce Sjoval

Bruce has been in the league for some 30-35 years. He was a very tough B player who got promoted to A status. A popular event took place after the league down at the Swede Club where they had a horseshoe court. There, fellas would pair off in teams and challenge the winners on the court. I was there the night Bruce shot the lights out against the best. It was one of those times you dream about. For many seasons Bruce would find himself as a B or A player. Some years back he encountered 2 problems that would inhibit his ability. One was a numbness in his wrist and more recently his leg/knee has been going through post-op therapy. But Bruce enjoys the comraderie and whatever class he is in you'll find him in good spirits. Bruce is his own straight man. He has a serious side that sets you up and when his humor sneaks up on you well, he's gotcha! He's easy going and recently found himself elected to the Treasurer position. This isn't the easiest office to hold. Duites are to collect dues and dispense monies to pay bills and other fees incurred. A Treasurer's Report is an annual call at the preseason meeting. Sometimes players are slow in paying dues and this makes the Treasurer job a bit testy. Bruce has the good qualities to entrust him to this position. He can often be heard asking, 'Hey, ya goin' down to Calamari's for a cold one?' Bruce is a fixture in many places. Thank you Bruce.

Ray Sypher Sr.
Vinnie Jonynas

In our league we emphasize the importance of attendance of the regular team members. But as with any recreational business or other type of organized activity they are all subject to what each person's life calls for at anytime. And we understand there will be absences. Over the years the concept of substitution has been done in some different ways. All worked to a degree. After finding out what the advantages and disadvantages were we arrived at an idea!! We had tried leaving the duty of substitutes to the captains. But this tended to treat substitutes from a known preference and left some standing on the sidelines or not getting phone calls to sub. Meanwhile I was posting to the newspapers etc. that all you need do would be to show up and you would be used as a sub. This was not happening for many of those who were showing in good faith. Our substitutes were leaving us and this was not acceptable. The consequences of this were that the interest of the game was declining. And substitutes are a stepping stone to being a regular player. Since some were using regular players from another league the subs felt slighted. Rightfully so.

The Good Will factor in the league and amongst the public needed help. After much thought and several meetings it was determined that selecting substitutes for use should be done by a coordination system. This should be based on a 1st come 1st serve basis with consideration for the level of player needed. And, this would be best handled by one person who would have their phone number listed for this purpose and would be first contacted by any team needing a sub. They would also be in charge at the courts for last minute subs. This person would be known as the Sub-Coordinator who would keep a list of players and their phone numbers for subbing. They would also use a list of subs showing based on order of showing up. Captains needing subs would approach the SC who would choose the sub. Maybe I went a bit far here but everyone at one time was a sub, me too, and except for unique situations all regular players start as a sub.

I believe we have had 2 persons bare the responsibility for this important task. The founding player to hold this position was Ray Sypher Sr. Ray was a member for more years than I can recall. He was an extreme competitor who shot in the B and A classes. He was more often a B. His quick delivery, one flip, was awesome. He stepped up and became our Sub Coordinator for several years before retiring. His replacement was a fellow who had been in the league for several years and generated similar competitive energy. He too tosses a single flip and throws a lot of ringers and high scores in the B division. Vinnie Jonynas maintains that postion to date. Having to deal with this extra duty you might think your game would fall off but Vinnie has become used to this and has the system down. Our subs have a better attitude and find themselves being used as they should. The 'Good Will' factor is closer to where it should be and Vinnie is often cited, or should be, for this valuable contribution. Thank you Ray and Vinnie!!

Rich 'Seadog' Sypher

Seems like 20 years ago at least when a highly energetic and animated fella walked on the courts. Rather than blend in he stuck out with his loud exclamations of success or disappointment. You might have been concerned about how far he might let himself go but Richie, 'Seadog', Sypher doesn't let it get the best of him. While I have seen an amazingly proficient extremely high arcing shoe I can also say that I have seen it's counterpart. Although it may not be as proficient a shoe it is the lowest shoe I have ever seen that wraps around the stake often. Richie winds up and lets it fly. Many can't accept how he can get it on the stake. But, at least one season Richie averaged over 30 points a game! And that ain't easy.

The league runs a small raffle that generates some funds to go to the league treasurey to defray our expenses. There have been many who have taken on the raffle duties despite how it detracts from one's pitching. For some years now those duties have been shouldered by Richie faithfully. Always a good spirited player Richie carries on the Sypher horseshoe tradition started by his Dad and other relatives who have been league members. Son Andrew has joined our ranks as well. Go gettum Seadog!!!

Chris 'Cowboy' Christensen

          It was some years back that a stocky fella with a cowboy hat sauntered onto the courts here in Deep River. Talking with him he revealed that he had been a pitcher at the time the league started, was asked to join but didn't, much to his regret. He and the game became very attached and since that time he has become a proficient pitcher. So proficient that several years ago he bested the leagues best A player in the post season head to head competition to take the Championship in that class!!! No small feat. He has, and still does pitch in NHPA tournaments on the national and state levels in classes well toward the top.
          Chris is a no nonsense sort of person. He says what he feels. Seeing what I have of him he can also be his own hard critic. A bad shoe of his own gets him a dose of his own bitiest critique. But he can shift to the lighter side as well. His appetite for competition drives him. Close about the time Chris came into the league another gentleman also showed up. In just a very short time this player became very skilled as well. Soon both were attending NHPA tournaments together. A friendly form of jousting between the 2 became part of their comraderie and continues to date. Bill Strong compliments Chris and vice versa in a competively freindly way. Watching both of them you will soon see that they are very equal. Although each will scoff at the other being equal!!!
Chris is a horseshoe pitcher thru and thru. This past harsh winter of 2003/04 saw him[with help] contruct a quonset hut like building complete with heat[wood stove, gas fired heater and electric oil radiator] and electricity from a generator. Inside was enough room, high enough, for a single clay court[2 pits]. His good friend Bill supplied the secretarial duties and a small number of players paired off to compete for about 10 weeks. It was all in good fun but saw some serious pitching as well. Being the debut for the event players were just feeling out the environment experience. The radio supplied us with a link to Uconn's Men's and Women's NCAA championship crusade. On a personal note, I wouldn't have thought I could pitch in that setting!
          Chris, known as 'Cowboy'[it's the hat], is a valued player to the sport. His experiences go way back. He can speak about the great players and great matches both past and on up to the present. This season he is with us and as usual tossing the metal around the stake more often than not. He won't tell you that. He'll likely complain. And if ya bring up Bill Strong he'll do more complainin'. Chris: Hey Bill, when ya gonna learn the game? Bill: Hey Chris, get over here and I'll teach ya how to play! Chris: You and who else? Horseshoes is just horseshoes until you add the color of Chris and Bill. Where would the world be without it's famous, notorious, pairs? You know the ones. Now you know 2 more. Thanks Chris and Bill[Oscar and Felix?].
See also Rich Ventura and Bill Strong.

NEIL JOHNSON

When I joined the league in 1973 Neil Johnson had already been in the league for 11 years with ar least 1 championship to his credit. Neil would begin his pitching career using a flip shoe. He found this wasn't good enough after watching other players who tossed the turn shoe. So, with what George Trabucchi says is a natural talent he began pitching the turn shoe. He went right to the top, or as near as you could. For sometime he would post an average just below the top player. And around 1977 or so Neil would have THEE game when he posted a 62 to set the league record by a single point. Sal Bonano's 1958 61 stood for about 20 years and many wondered if it would ever be broken. Neil answered 'YES' to that question with his 62 point performance. As well as a natural pitcher Neil is a natural competitor. He is on top of ame situations and as captain keeps the scoring accurate. Some years ago Neil found himself as President. Taking this opportunity to aplly himself he instituted some research on how our scratch games margins of victories ended. He wanted to know the winning margins. Afer a season of handicap play he compared those results and found a closer more competitive league. Since then, except for a change in the handicap%, the league has used the handicap system successfully. If I recall Neil was President for 'back to back' terms. Neil is always in good spirits but can occasionally come controlled unglued. Remember, he is competitive!! Neil is reliable and punctual in attendance. This season saw Neil and his teamates go to the championship match and extend it to a 7th game before bowing to a stubborn Tiger team. Neil is one of the leagues earliest players who can draw on info that no one else can. And on a personal note, I can't get away from him. We were opponents in 1958/59 CDE Little League. Just kidding, I am proud to know Neil and always look forward to competing with him. Thanks Neil.

RAY 'Nob' ARONSON

For sometime now the league has been the recipient of court maintenance. Although the materials are paid for by the league the labor is volunteered. This person is a past league president who has assumed the role of court maintainer. He always appreciates any assistance but for the most part performs the duties on his own. The league is grateful to Ray Aronson for his contribution to maintain the nine[9] courts, 18 pits. Thanks Ray.

Three Brothers

At one time some 30 years ago, give or take, there were the only 3 brother combination playing in our league. It was a few seasons before I came into the league when these 3 were all playing.
Bob Rayner Bob was a real competitor who won the top Class 'C' high average for a season. He may have also found himself in the 'B' Division for a season or 2. He was an active member off the court. I'm not certain but I thought he was a league Secretary at one time. Bob enjoyed the league and the game for quite a few seasons until he redirected his interests.
Charlie Rayner Charlie was no less a competitor than his brothers. He was a scarey player as he could rise to an occasion when points were needed. He was a member of that elite Swede Hall group who congregated after the league and met and won many challenges. A good natured gentlemen Charlie was a worthy opponent. He too refocused his interests and has been away from horseshoes for sometime now.
Beryl Rayner Beryl is currently an active player and continues his brother's competitive pitching. I can say for certain that Beryl started pitching in the league in 1962/63 or so. It has been a 40 year career that has seen him hold down a solid 'B' player place for many seasons. Some years back and since then he gained in skill to post several 30.00 plus average seasons putting him into the 'A' Class. As players get older the 40 foot distance can prove unfair and excessive. Our league recognizes this and have players who pitch from the 30 foot mark. Beryl has moved to the 30 foot marker and is very much at home tossing as well as he always does. Beryl is a friendly person who contributes to and promotes the league. For a good many seasons he was the League Treasurer. Beryl and his wife escape the New England winters by going to Florida for several months where he enjoys Florida horseshoes. Proud to say I know this man and all the Rayners, who once were members of the same 3 man Angels team for a season. All are well respected native area residents. Thanks Rayners.

Don Johnson

Don Johnson has been in the league around 30 years. Don has been one of those members whose dedication comes out and you can't miss it. He either has a horseshoe, rake, shovel or pencil in his hands. His cap is his trademark. If there is a meeting he religiously calls to find out place and time etc. Or maybe he needs to know about the playoff schedule, picnic or worknight. Just a few short years ago Don was on a champion team for that season. I seem to recall him winning the post season head to head competition in his class as well. Don doesn't say all that much. He is more tuned to playing the game. He is consistently up at the top of the C division and at times finds himself in the B's. He tosses the one step single flip. With plenty of height it drops down around the stake more than most in his class. He throws by rhythm and his distance is very repetitive and accurate. Don can carry his weight for any team. And in at least that one season he carried it through the entire season coming out victorious in the championship match. Another of Don's better traits is his cooperative nature. He is always present on worknights to help lug new dirt to each pit, rake it over, sledge hammer the stakes in and police up the area. Don's responsible dedication might be overlooked by some but I suspect more fellow players see it than not. His spirits are never down and he supports our league in a positive way. Thanks Don for the many seasons of contribution and dedication. We look forward to more.

Bill Strong

To say that Bill Strong is charismatic is an understatement. You might say he is a show of his own. Not a bad one. If you read the description of Chris 'Cowboy' Christensen you would have become aware of Bill or Billy. I neglected to include something on him so here goes...
A good many years ago, maybe 15 to 20, Al Latouche said a fellow had asked about horseshoes. Al mentioned us to the fella and told Al that he would call a league member about joining or just show up on a lesague night. After a short time Bill showed. At this time he was somewhat new to the game. He tossed a flip and averaged 15 to 20 points a game. That didn't last long! He caught on very quickly that the better players threw a turn show and he learned fast! In a short time he was an 'A' player, skipping the 'B' class. And he was knocking heads with the top 'A' players for high average! Finding he had above average ability he was drawn to the NHPA circuit and entered their tournaments. The NHPA groups players of like ability and Bill was competing with others close to his equal. Improving he moved up in the divisions as members do. Of course down is also possible. He also went to the World Tournaments to meet and throw against others. Whatever year the Worlds were held in Syracuse New York Bill took home the trophy and title as Champion in his respective division. No small feat!
None of this could have happened without the enthusiasm Bill has for horseshoe pitching. If you are lucky enough to be around Bill you will find he is always in motion or talking. Don't get the wrong idea. Bill has horseshoe ettiquete and extends courtesy to all.
Some years ago Bill tossed 9 doubles in a row!! He throws the 1 1/4 turn and his rythym is potentially lethal to his opponents. Not 100% sure but I believe the 9 doubles is record or ties one at least.
Bill keeps close watch on scores and standings as is the responsibility of the A player team Captain. I can depend on being held accountable if something is amiss. Most all players keep an eye. A mistake can cost a team in the standings.
So, what is the connection between Bill and Chris? Both are around the same age. Both play in the same ringer percentage bracket and are capable of beating each other. That alone is enough. But, they also live within a few miles of each other and both have a passion for the game. Are they an asset to each other? To a degree they drive each other bonkers. Maybe Bill drives Chris bonkers more than the other way around. Felix and Oscar? Maybe. But it will never stray into the realm of hostility. In fact either will come to the others aid. Bill's energy has been a big reason Chris has his indoor heated clay court where he is currently holding league competition on several nights, Monday to Friday. He may have a Sat. morning elders league as well.
Bill is a known quantity by most pithers far and wide. He will pitch in several leagues, Haddam, Deep River, Norwich, East Hartford and anywhere there is competition on or above his level. He is reliable and dedicated to pitching and enjoys the real people who populate the pitching world.
Bill's character is one of our league's assets and may have been overlooked. You might have to look for him on a Thursday but you'll find him. You can't miss him. That's if he doesn't find you first.
Although I didn't mention him another member who is near equal to Bill and Chris and will find himself confronted by the dynamic duo of Bill and Chris is Rich Ventura whose write up is here in a seperate entry also.
Bill and Chris bring that added element that might be needed to pump each other up a times. Take one away and the other sort of wanders like a rebel without a cause. Both carry a heavy representation of the league and are a valuable component of it. Thanks Bill and Chris[Felix and Oscar?].
See also, Chris Christensen and Rich Ventura

Al Latouche

It has to be 30 years easy since this left handed gentleman appeared in the league. At that time he tossed the one step single flip. Not sure how many saw him throw the flip but I did. Al brought with him his own brand of deliberate approach and delivery. It was obvious that Al was focused and intent. He was a 'B' player who moved quickly to the 'A' class. Throwing better than most you might think he would be content. But Al found that he could throw 2 perfect flip shoes and have the last one go on and fly off!!! Against other top 'A' players he found himself coming up short. For Al this was unacceptable. Somewhere around this time George Trabucchi was in his prime and top form. As a tribute to George Al made George his benchmark for performance. The flip was not going to get him to the higher level. Having the unique ability to change Al was able to develop the turn shoe. He dropped slightly in average but then shot up toward the coveted 40 average mark. For a number of years he battled with George and would be a bridesmaid for average and in catagories. But, he was poised to assume the role of league's best. George eventually experienced health problems and the door was open for Al. Since then Al has set the pace for everyone in the league. Despite being the high average player Al exhibits exceptional team leadership in generating the best from his team. As tribute his teams are consistently above the .500 mark and being in the playoffs. He has at least one championship. Winning in our league is a team effort as Al can testify to. Al competes in the NHPA and is a known quantity by his fellow NHPA competitors. He never sits back on his laurels and constantly strives to improve. Al doesn't completely outdistance all competitors. The small handful who pose a threat are Bill Strong, Chris Christensen, Rich Ventura and Whit Brooks. I may have forgotten someone but these persons can stay with Al. I have to say that there were 3 major players who owned the top spot for high average and in game and match catagories, Dick Pearson, George Trabucci and Al Latouche. In a half century, 50 years, these 3 are the cream of the crop. I say this with great hesitancy knowing of the Ken Molanders, Earl Harringtons, Royce McCalls, Leo Rudewiczs, Neil Johnsons and others who gave exceptional accounts of themselves over the years. At 70 years old Al is proof that age doesn't get in the way of pitching.

Somewhere around 1978 or so Al provided the league with his secretarial talents across the 17 week season posting the weekly stats needed for team play.

Thank you Al for your presence, your high level of play, team spirit and league support. May the future hold more success for you.

Scott Allen

About 9 years ago Scott Allen came into the league. All the way from East Haven I thought he would be a short timer. Boy!, was I wrong!. Scott took to the game and few can match his enthusiasm. This 'e' factor extends beyond the Thursday nite competition and displays our best side. That side is the best promoters we have, our own members. From his enthusiasm Scott has brought us new players, about 4 and more on the way. Scott is not intimidated. He is currently a 'C' player. His competitive drive has him focused on some fellow 'C' players who have moved into the 'B' class and he is looking to join them. One of the visitors to this website he keeps me up on anything amiss. He also checks weekly stats to make me aware of any oversight. Scott has informed me that if there was a place in East Haven to pitch he would see how much interest there was in starting a league. If you are interested in this let me know and I can pass the info to Scott. Ringers to you Scott.

Gerry Hines

This player comes from the town of Higganum just up the road from usby 2 or 3 towns. Gerry is an avid pitcher. He pitches in both Higganum and Deep river and has for a number of years. And he has also pitched in NHPA Tournaments. Although he isn't all that outgoing he tends to let his shoes do his talking. Gerry is an A player as he has been since I can recall. His style looks a bit uncomfortable for me but he can post somke high averages and 4 game sets. Typically smokes a pipe and from time to time can be found wrestling with a tendency to throw to the right. This drives him bonkers as whatever causes him to do this hides itself and he finds the only way out is to let it leave on it's own. He tosses a high shoe. In fact he is one of the few that have thrown a shoe at Chris Christensen's quonset hut indoor clay court bewteen the roof and the corrigated siding at the top. It disappeared and came out to everyone's amazement!! The shoe has plenty of turns and he is nearly always at the 40 foot distance. Gerry is also one of the few who attends our annual preseason meetings. In fact this season, 2005, we had so few we held it at 2 tables with a few sitting on their own. If you are looking for Gerry just look for the pipe. Gerry is a bit of an unsung contributor as he has played on a reliable basis for many seasons. We look forward to him for more to come.

Couples

I draw on my memory on recollections of players whose wives attended along side of their husbands.
The McCalls Royce McCall was one of the early if not founding members of the league. Although he was small in build he stood head and shoulders above most in the horseshoe league competition. He was one of 2 players I know of who took no steps!! He tossed a turn shoe right handed and averaged 30 to 35 points putting him in an elite group. I saw him in his later seasons and was amazed!! Along with Royce his wife accompanied him every Thursday. She faithfully kept score and recorded his many ringers and games. These 2 were the earliest pair I can recall.

The Newmans These 2 fixtures are still in operation after many seasons. Ed Newman is one of the stellar players in the league. He found himself in the A class once and admits he and his multiflip shoe were out of their league. Going back to his B division he found a closer group he could contend with. Make no mistake, Ed did have a good enough season to warrant the A class. He is very consistent! Along with Ed his wife Delores attends every Thursday and any nights of post season play. She too can be found keeping score or at the least rooting Ed on. We look forward to seeing them weekly.

The Curones It's been awhile since we had this pair in the league. They are both gone now. I knew Cliff from the bowling alley in Old Saybrook during the 60's and 70's. After I had pitched in the horseshoe league for some seasons Cliff showed up to pitch. Although he never attained a high average he was very comfortable in the B division and posted 22 - 25 point averages. His real expertise was on the bowling alleys where he held a 200+ average. His wife Pat began coming to the Thursday night events and found she was also interested in playing. So, that's what she did. Pat was a C player and always was an asset to the league.

The Durinicks Back in the 70's a young fella came into the league and in a short while began to grab attention at his skill with his single flip. John Durinick started in the 25 average range but rose to about 35 point average and a solid place as an A player. John took a sabatical when he was transferred to the 2nd shift on his job. That stayed that way for sometime until he found a new job and rejoined the league. Along the way there was a young girl, Alice, who had also joined the league and began with a C average. But, she too elevated her game and became a 35 point average player as well. She is now Mrs. John Durinick and has been for sometime. Alice has also been tending her duties with the little Durinick they have. Maybe someday she will again toss the iron. We always enjoy her company.

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