Lower Connecticut River
Valley Tri-Town District of;
Chester, Deep River & Essex
A heartfelt gracious thank you to Lucy Bradshaw and the New Haven Register. In 1955 Ms. Bradshaw, who worked for the New Haven Register, along with the New Haven Register, took the initiative and provided the league with it's trophy which was and is awarded to the season champion team. In it's infancy it was without any team acknowledgments. The league had engraved plates around the trophy base with the team names and their members who were champions for the years. Eventually the trophy was unable to accomodate more names. Since then a varity of awards from mugs, shirts and the like have replaced the engraved names on the trophy. And for safety against loss and/or damage the trophy is now in the possession of the Deep River Historical Society on display at the Stone House just opposite the horsehoe courts at Marvin Recreational Field. Thank you to the Deep River Historical Society for keeping this league heirloom from loss and/or damage and for putting it up for display.The Deep River Horseshoe League(A.K.A Pearson Sokolowski Horseshoe League) proudly engages the 58th year of it's horseshoe pitching league. The league hails as the longest continuous currently operating organization devoted to horseshoe pitching. Members have come and gone as they can't pitch forever. Our gratitude goes out to the original founding members and all who have pitched and those who step up to carry the torch by joining us to continue this positively proud Deep River Connecticut tradition. The league has much activity behind the scenes as well. The executives positions are a much needed and changing group. And to those who fill those important positions special thanks and appreciation. As a former member I can attest to every person's contribution. Players make up the league who without them the executives would have no purpose. To have the positve recognition of the town of Deep River and various sports news sources gives the league great satisfaction. The unique identity of the league has been welcomed and added to town history and included in it's notable events. Visitors on a Thursday evening of play are welcome to find out 1st hand what the league is about.
Scroll down for the August 23rd, 2011 entry
26 May, 2012...addition
I have created a list of player names. This list has player names and the 1st year they began playing in the league. No record of how continuous or last year of play is listed. The list isn't completre as I took it from a list I found that was created by I believe George Trabucchi or a league secretary. Click the link here to view that list.
13 May, 2012...addition
I have created a page for the weekly results. Click the link here to see the results week by week.
Photos provided will also be posted from the weekly results link as well.
The playoff information is also posted from this link. Visit it to find out all the information about the playoffs!
2012 Weekly Standings
May 9, 2012...addition.
Sometime ago I was contacted by Kay Keskinen about horseshoe pitching in Moscow Idaho. I promised to put a link to her website. So, after too long here it is;
Kay Keskinen's Horseshoe Pitching Site
February 11, 2012...addition..The 2012 Season Is Here, News and Notes:
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Click on either of the photos for a full size image  
It is getting close to that time of year again to start a new season for the Deep River Horseshoe League. Our first meeting will be held at the Deep River Town Hall on March 29th 2012 at 7:00 pm. This is a perfect time for new players to attend and find out about how to qualify for the league and all the new information about the upcoming season. Past players also need to attend to sign up for the 2012 season. This meeting will be about our pit clean up night on April 12th 2012 and the new season events schedule and any other items that need to be discussed by League Officers and Players. We can use extra help this year because of damage that happened from Tropical Storm Irene last year.The League Officers would like to encourage anyone that would like to substitute or potentially become a new member that you don't need to be a town resident or have played in any Horseshoe League in the past. For instance the pictures that are shown are of Brian Simpson & Michelle Puckett who just finished their first season. The League would also like to mention we could always use more substitute players even if you cannot play the entire season, so if you’re interested come down to the meeting and be part of the fun for a league that is Connecticut's oldest and is starting its 58th year of existence.
Thank You, |
In that it is the start of the DRHL season I am placing the link to a page of distrutors of horseshoes and horseshoe pitching related tools and materials.
Long overdo are comments about a past President. And there were many since the league's inception. They were the ones who stepped up and served as the rally guy for the league. Here are my personal comments about the last President I served with. This gentlemen joined for a brief time back in the late 70's and early 80's. He took a leave of absence until late 90's and early 2000 when he returned. After a year or so at a league election he stepped up to offer his services. The league accepted and he would serve 3 or 4 terms before retiring. I make comments here because the league has evolved to a town of Deep River recognized activity and gained respect and identified among those who search out things that, as Diane Smith would say are 'Positively Connecticut'. To make the step up to this level took some effort and doing. The President of the league I refer to shifted some emphasis from the competitive nature of horseshoe pitching to a more balanced out one of having a good time. This took some subtle and not so subtle change(s). But during his tenure he and those around him would move the league identity toward a less serious, laid back and relaxed experience. There would be the same recognition of accomplishment but from a toned down atmosphere. Replacing the original name of the founders to the town name of Deep River brought on a connection to the location of the league. It would also give positive visibility to the town. The league has gained respectability and enjoys this continuance from current President Vin Puckett. The President of the league who nurtured the league to this status was Tom Denino. I would also include a just prior President Ray Aronson as he also adopted a policy of better league image. Tom has stated that as a child he would ride in the family car passing the horseshoe courts and became infatuated with the activity. He would dream one day of playing and that he did. Little did he know he would help the league with recognition and improve it's identity. In the capacity of secretary working with Tom I can state that he put in time and effort to accomplish goals. The league is grateful for his dedication to serve extending it's thanks for all he contributed.
June 02, 2011...addition
League Secretary John Nilson passed this newest updated LEAGUE ROSTER AND SCHEDULE to me.
You may click on this link here, to pull it up in a separate window. To all who it concerns the following is posted for your information:
23 August, 2011...addition..2011 Playoff Teams
Click the link below to bring up a framed page of weekly results. The final end of season standings are there as of the last week of play, the make-up date for the rainout of week#9. The playoffs will see the top 8 season ending teams begin a playoff schedule to determine the 2011 Playoff Champion. Currently the teams in the playoffs are the (1)CARDS, (2)METS, (3)ANGELS, (4)ORIOLES, (5)CUBS, (6)REDS, (7/8)ROYALS & (7/8)RANGERS. The tie between the Royals and Rangers will be broken by a rules decision. This will be necessary to pair up the correct teams for the playoff schedule. The link to the weekly standings above will be updated as playoff match results come in!! The playoffs bring the best the league has over the 17 weeks of competition together to compete. And the competition is the best it can be. If you are curious just set aside a few hours some Thursday evening to come down to the courts and witness and relax while the competition goes head to head.
Thank You,
RU
I have created a page for the weekly results. Click the link here to see the results week by week.
Photos provided will also be posted from the weekly results link as well.
The playoff information is also posted from this link. Visit it to find out all the information about the playoffs!
2011 Weekly Standings
The opening night(week#1) of play was rained out. Be advised of a possible makeup might for that week and a posting of it by the executives.
18 April, 2011...addition, President's comments and new players
What a great spring day on 4-14-11 it was in the 70's and new qualifying players came out in droves! It was phenomenal! Probably the best opening qualifying day turn out in league history! The League Officers would like to thank all the new potential qualifying players for showing up and trying to become new players with the Deep River Horseshoe League. The League Officers would like to remind everyone that opening day is 4-28-11, so come early (before 5:15 PM) because there is a lot of information to go over prior to start of play.25 March, 2011...addition(s)Thanx Vin Puckett
Click on the photos to enlarge.
left photo(L-R): Ted Rostoski & Terry Kensler. right photo(L-R): Anthony Bianca & Morgan Boxwell
Upcoming events;
Sign up sheet for the picnic will be available in July. |
| 2011 - New Players Wanted Thursday April 14, 2011 Pit Clean Up/ New Players Meeting - 5:30 pm Come and join us for our first meeting at the horse shoe pits and pitch in to organize the playing areas. The new season is about to start so this is a good time for new players to sign up and meet their Potential Teammates. New players also need to play four games to form an average for the start of the new season which starts on April 28, 2011. You don't have to be a resident of this area to participate. There is limited space to join the league, so please make sure you make it a point to come to this meeting and give us a hand and be a part of this league that's celebrating 56 years of existence! |
2011 - Existing & New Player Meeting
Thursday March 24, 2011 - Spring Meeting - 7:00 pm
United Scandinavian Society - Swede Club 860/526-2234
10 Riverview Av. Deep River, Ct. 06417
Come and join us for our first meeting for the new season and meet the League Officers. This is a good time for new players to sign up and meet their Potential Teammates. There is limited space to join the league, so please make sure you make it a point to come to this meeting.
JOIN THE FUN!
Thank You, League President: Vincent Puckett Jr.
Congratulations to the A-B-C Tournament Champions. It is a tradition to hold a post season head to head competition in the A, B and C divisions. Usually a best 2 of 3 games per match with the winner moving to the next round. Then the final match for each division is played for the division title. This was done at the picnic and those winners were;
A Division-Chris Christensen: B Division-John Nilson and C-Divison was John Hutra
You may click the link here to see the round by round account of each division by match play
26 September, 2010...addition, a message from Michelle Puckett
Dear Gents of the Deep River Horseshoe League,16 September, 2010...addition
I would like to say Thank you to all! Everyone in the league showed me great kindness, support, respect, and excepted me as part of the league. Also for giving me a league shirt, allowing me to be at your league picnic to help, and letting me get in your face with a camera. It was a PRIVILEGE to serve you and help promote the legacy of the Deep River Horseshoe League, and it's players! I hope to be able to repeat this in 2011. I have met alot of kind gents and think of this league as part of my extended family!Sincerely Michelle Puckett
Although it was slightly overcast the league picnic had a perfect day!! President Puckett and the executives organized the picnic with help very well.The usual coffee and donuts were available to the the early birds. The order of the day was horseshoe pitching and eating not necessarily in that order. Of course libation was present as well. President Puckett called the group to assemble and conducted the presentation of awards. The Royals recieved their recogition for taking both the season and the playoffs. Individual achievemnets were also awarded such as high average in the respective classes. Some members were honored with hats and/or shirts.
The league then calls for the business of nominating and electing it's officers. This year there was one nomination for President from the floor with that person declining the nomination. With no more individual nominations the floor nominated the current executive board members. Those members accepted the nomination, a voice vote was called and taken. The vote was unanimous and the current executive board will transition for the coming season/year.
The menu for the day included steamers, New England Clam Chowda, corn on the cobb, potatoes, salad,etc. with the main choice of steak or chicken. I can attest that the chicken was sooo good off the grill. And those who had the steak felt the same.
As I learned in the Air Force never ignore the cooks!!! The food preparation was masterfully done by Tom Joy, John Nilson, Pete Perkins and Vin Puckett. I heard many compliments on the steak and I can personally testify on the chicken deserving a 10 rating on a scale of 10. The frills were also top shelf.
During the entire picnic a lone single person needs recognition. In addition to serving as the league photographer Michelle Puckett donned the apron and orchestrated the food serving activities.
The A/B/C individual horseshoe Tournament was also conducted and winners were decided by match play. Gradually the day ended and the 2010 season for the Deep River Horseshoe League came to a close until next year.
Here are some photos of the picnic;
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14 September, 2010...addition
It has come to my attention that Connecticut Magazine has studied and rated Connecticut's Small Towns by population for 2010. I am pleased and proud to announce that in the 3500-6500 catagory Chester Connecticut is the #1 town. To add to that the #3 town is our good neighbor Deep River. And in the 6500-10000 population catagory our other Tri-Town member/neighbor town of Essex came in #2!!! And if you like may I also inform you that in the under 3500 group the picturesque and quaint town just across the river of Lyme came in #1. Congratulations to our great local environment and all who live, work and enjoy their leisure time in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Here is a link to the Connecticut Magazine and the Small Town Ratings, Rating the Small Town For 2010 from Connecticut Magazine.
11 September, 2010...addition
Here are 2 photos of Nucci Lane where league founder Fred 'Al' Pearson lived;
I would welcome photos of where Ed, Vic and Walt Sokolowski lived as well as any photos of Fred Pearson and the Sokolowski brothers.
31 August, 2010...addition
COMRADERIE I am quite certain that I will be echoing the following from those in the league who share the thoughts I have. At the time I came into the league there were seasoned players whose image instantly put me in awe of them. Since horseshoe pitching was a pickup game this organized league I found myself in was considerabley more than just a game and the players had more than just soso images to me. As time progressed I would come to accept myself among them. I would come to see them in an awe but from the point that I had an understanding of the game and their better than the everyday player skill level. It also came to pass, unfortunately, that some would leave for their reasons. Some would also leave in passing. The human aspect is inescapable and with the ending of a season thoughts and memories emerge and surface of those who I(we) were given the opportunity to come together with on a Thursday night for a a brief time in life to share the common urge to compete. Perhaps the real competition was to keep those egos from taking over? Over the many seasons I have known(limited) and witnessed a great many players who left their footprint on the Deep River Horseshoe League Courts. Perhaps it is the feeling of Family that stimulates thoughts of this kind? Some we form more sentiment with than others and still others kindle a feeling of great respect. I don't perticularly have a reason to point to any one person as it is a group that grows over time. But, I will say that I have just been made aware of the passing of one of our players whom I felt a closeness and sentiment for. His memory evokes memories of those who went before him as well. There can no better feeling than to be accepted by your peers and to all my peers I thank you and I hope you all identify with that statement. It tends to be the element that binds the league together. Knowing that among you you are thought of is an important part of life. Other than that don't go stale over the winter and practice, practice and practice. To conclude the thought on comraderie the league brings all players together after the season and playoffs are over for a post season outing. This consists of an all day outdoor picnic and the usual horseshoe pitching, card playing and the like. The gathering to break bread together puts a good feeling on the season for everyone. Take my word, everyone at the picnic wins!!!
27 August, 2010...addition
The entire league from top to bottom has won another season for a league that has sustained for 56 years!! In the beginning it was questioned as to the leagues ability to perpetuate. Each season is another year of success added to the history of an organization that has been cited by Authoress Diane Smith as 'Positively Connecticut' and been embraced by the town of Deep River as one of it's landmark highliights. Over the years there have been many occupants of the officer positions that make up the league executives. This past season the photo here recognizes it's current members;
L-R, Gary Brainard, Vinnie Jonynas, Vin Puckett, Tom Joy and John Nilson
More...The league has also been experiencing an upswing in publicity and visibility. Although everyone plays a role in the leagues public image may I recognize the main players as follows;
Ms. Holly Daddio of the Valley Courier(Shore Publishing)
Mr. Sean Barker of the New Haven Registerand
Ms. Vickie Fulkerson of The DayLastly may I shamefully admit to being tardy. I intended to include the woman who has essentially been holding the position of Deep River Horseshoe League Photographer, Michelle Puckett. All of the photos throughout the season have been from the camera eye of Michelle. Her skill with the camera has been a huge part of our league's recognition. The entire league wishes to express our appreciation and gratitude to her for her contribution!!!
26 August, 2010...addition
Just stopped by the Deep River Horseshoe Courts and it was Championship match night. I got there jst after the match ended. It was between the 5th place Indians and the season Champions Royals. If I recall it was over in 4 straight games with the Playoff Championship going to the Royals!!! Congratulations to a team that has taken both titles for the season. Something very rare!!
Left to Right;
C player-Rob Johnson
B player-Leo Rudewicz
A player-Ray Smith
This is the Royals that just won the Playoff Championship. They are the same team that won the regular season. This team never lost a series all year and none of them missed one game between them all season. They were the #1 seeded team in the Playoffs and the #1 seed has not won the Championship in over 10 years!! Leo has won the Championship 2 years in a row. Kudos to The Royals for a great regular and post season!!
Champion Royals info..Rob Johnson is from Guilford, Ray Smith is from Clinton and Leo Rudewicz is from Chester. Ray Smith has always been a very competitive player and anchors the team being the A shooter while Leo has been a very consistent B shooter wand one of the top B players all season. Rookie Rob in his first season with us has been consistent all season holding his average. These guys have been in first place most of the season. This is the same team that won the regular season.
Team Info...This team never lost a series all year and none of them missed one game between them all season. The #1 seed has not won the Playoff Championship in over 10 years. Leo has won the Championship 2 years in a row. They have been in first place since week 4.
25 August, 2010...addition
The Deep River Horseshoe League regular season has produced it's 56th Season Champion team. We are certain everyone who participated put forth their best effort. And when the last shoe dropped and the final week was over there emerged one team whose team season record topped all other teams!!! From week 1 to the final week the Royals were the team!! So in their honor we recognize their efforts and congratulate them here;
Left to Right;
A player-Ray Smith
B player-Leo Rudewicz
C player-Rob Johnson
The league assembles teams using a method used since the 2nd/3rd season of it's inception. It groups A, B and C players in teams of 3 whose sum of their 3 averages are as close together(to the other teams sums) as possible. This brings the teams to a close in competition status. As you expect there is that unknown factor that emerges. Note that the Royals players placed in average as a 4th place for the A and B and a 10th place for the C player. Over time it proves out that a balanced team is the most likely team to finish at the top. Not necessarily those who have the highest scores in catagories and/or averages.
04, July, 2010...addition
Click here to see and read the opening season article from the New Era, 05, May, 1955
03 May, 2010...addition
I have created a page for the weekley results. Click the link here to see the results week by week.
The playoff information is also posted from this link. Visit it to find out all the information about the playoffs!
2010 Weekly Standings
June 10th, 2010 RAINED OUT. This will be made up on MONDAY JUNE 21ST, same location and time. Thank You, League Executives.
20, April, 2010...addition
Please be advised that due to some issues with loose ends that the schedule may have changes. We would ask for your patience and understanding in our effort to finalize the schedule.. Thanks, League Executives
Click for the 2010 Roster and Schedule
Click here for horseshoe pitching videos
Upcoming events;
The retainer fee will be returned to all that attend the picnic. Subs joining the fun will be required to pay, 50% of league dues, ($15.00) |
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As our league begins it's movement from the winter hibernation it is the secretarial duty to connect with fellow horseshoe pitchers and all who may be interested to become a player. The use of the media affords us the means to inform people of our preseason activities as well as timely submission of our weekly play that are posted in newspapers as well. Below we acknowledge them by title/name;
Middletown Press New London Day Pictorial Gazette Shoreline Times Hartford Courant HKTV[Haddam/Killingworth Cable Network] THANK YOU FOR THE COVERAGE
CLICK FOR A LIST OF DISTRIBUTORS CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR TOURNAMENT BIOGRAPHIES
Click above on the image to go to the WEATHER UNDERGROUND site. There you will find a list of quick current weather reports for all
the New England Tour sites with option to view individual sites for an extended forecast. There are also radar and temperature maps available on-
line to view. An interesting site that I hope you can use. *********************************************************** If you sign the guestbook as a 'private message' and include your email address in the private message, only I can view it. Then you can leave the email address portion of the guestbook empty.  Sign My Guestbook
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