Deep River Horseshoe League

And a special thanks to Diane Smith for keeping us in mind and including us in her series of books on 'Positively Connecticut'. If I recall we are in her 1st and 3rd editions. Thank you Diane.

BRIEF LEAGUE HISTORY
It started in Deep River north on Nucci Lane off route 154. Al Pearson was a postman who decided to put in a couple of stakes and courts for horseshoes. He added lights as well. He attracted a good number of players with interest. One was Vic Sokolowski. Vic also had courts and lights at his home. Al had organized Boy's Clubs around the New York/Connecticut area. With this experience and help from Vic he followed an idea to organize a horseshoe league. Another league also formed called the New London County League which has since ceased. This league was competition between counties and was held at various homes. When it was Middlesex County's turn Vic Sokolowski's home was the site used. Meanwhile the Pearson-Sokolowski League was evolving and doing well. Al would report the weekly results to a New Haven Register reporter, Lucy Bradshaw. Lucy took the initiative and had a trophy made that would represent the champion of the league. For a good many years names of the 3 player team champs were added. However, the trophy limit was reached and no more names could be added. The trophy moved from one person to another. Fortunately it was never damaged or lost. At the picnic it was handed over to the Deep River Historical Society for safe keeping and display. As time progresses I hope to supply the Society with more. At which time you can view the trophy and read about the league from the past.

The National League saw 1st week teams, Pirates, Braves and Cards share the top spot. They would never see it again. Except for the 2nd week when the Reds had 1st place it would be Astros and Mets for the rest of the season. On May 6 the Mets caught 1st place. But on May 13th the Astros took over and held the top spot thru June 17. On June 24 the Astros and Mets shared 1st place with the Mets taking sole possession on July 1st. The Astros wouldn't go away easy and tied the Mets the following week, July 8th and 15th. But the Mets would take it from there on July 22nd and finish in 1st to win the National League season title.

The playoff competition and ABC Tournament results are shown elsewhere on this site.

Lastly, the league has had an original trophy donated by the New Haven Register newspaper opening first season of 1955. Names of league champions were added on it and the trophy was shared by those team members until the following end of season when a another champion took the trophy. The trophy was limited to how many names it would hold. For a long time now it has been full and passed around. But, it sits in a closet or basement always in a state of potential damage or even lost. The executives have agreed to make a loan of it to the Deep River Historical Society where it would be safe and sound as well as on display. The Historical Society has shown great interest and enthusiasm and graciously will send a representative to the picnic to accept the trophy as well as any archived material relating to the early years of the league.

Our visibilty has been our greatest asset. We are grateful to those who join the league but also to the town of Deep River where we reside, to the Congregational Church for the use of the property, to local residents who have tolerated our sometimes, but not for sometime now, rowdy activity. To those who have accepted us and the clanking sound on Thursday evenings announcing our presence we thank you. Our goal is to be a positive part of the community. There is plenty of open area where we play and to all who might be curious about us you are invited to stop by to see what we are about and to try out the Hotdog Wagon vendor's menu as well. Parking is best behind the Congregational Church in their parking lot. Please use good judgement when deciding where to park. Thanks.

The championship was the effort of the 2 best teams in our league. All season long both teams maintained a high level of competition winning their matches every week. It was testimony to this that the match and season came down to a 7th game tiebreaker. Both teams merit honors for their high level of play.

Congratulations to winners.
A Division...Bill Strong bested Chris Christensen
B Division...Dan Ready topped Todd Nuhn
C Division...Prelims..Chris Caggiano over Don Grohs, Rich Bibbiani over Billy King
C Division Finals...Rich Bibbiani over Chris Caggiano

COMMENT ON SEASON...so far. Observing the activities during the season and those currently happening all involved appear to be having a good time. To date the executives haven't had any major concerns confront them. We realize there is no gaurantees on anything. It is the reward to executives to have a league that is fair and results in members who have a fun time despite coming up short on the end of season competition. No one really loses as the picnic is coming and everyone gets to spend a day doing whatever they want and enjoying the food and drink. We , the executives, want to express our gratitude to everyone who played this season and weathered the ups and downs. We do accept constructive comments and don't want anyone to feel they can't be heard from. That can only create frustration. Not a desirable aspect.

The final week of competition is in the books. Those teams that finished in the top 4 slots in each league will now meet in a playoff format that will produce an AL and an NL champion.

Respectfully, the Dodgers made a gallant run to tie the Cubs for the 4th playoff slot. Ties are decided by the season record of these 2 teams when they met. On June 10th they met. The Cubs bested them 4 games to 2 and were awarded the 4th position.

Rounds 1 and 2 will be 'best 2 of 3 game sets. The 2 winning teams will then meet in a 6 game, 7th game tiebreaker if needed, for the Deep River Horseshoe League Championship. Here are the teams and format;

Championship Match;
1st game A&B
2nd game A&C
3rd game B&C
4th game B&A
5th game C&A
6th game C&B
7th game A&B[if necessary]

Subs;
If a team uses a sub to fill-in for a team member (s), the sub starts the match and will play the entire match in the order called out above.
A sub will be assigned by the sub coordinator.
The sub coordinator will make every effort to best fit a sub using the missing team member (s) handicap as a guide.

The ABC Tournament will also be taking place while the playoff competition is in progress. Although we are not certain we think that the 1st 4 courts will be for playoff competition, court 5 empty to seperate the 2 functions and courts 6, 7, 8 and 9 for the ABC Tournament. The finals for the ABC Tournament are slated for the picnic at Clark Memorial Field in Old Saybrook on Sept. 12th.

For those Connecticut pitching fans the World Tournament has only one adult entry from the Constitution State. Kevin Weiks has made the journey and crusade to take on the world in his class. Visit the link here and see how Kevin did!!

July 24th...addition
Here is what looks like the scope of horseshoe pitching wisdom as defined by Jim Atwell.
Click the link here to be enlightened

To all league team members/players; This past week there was an error in the wins/losses for 2 teams. Our post season playoff takes several teams from each league into a championship playoff format. Although this was a last place team they have a reasonable chance to make the playoffs by finishing in that last playoff spot. Player/members should be mindful and pay close attention to scoring and reporting as the season is winding down.

I am offering some overviews/profiles of some league members since we are in our 50th consecutive season. I don't intentionally ignore anyone. I am working off the top of my head and use what is there at any moment. I am looking at members in key positions and some not as key.

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.

Note From the Executives:
We, the league officers, in the interest of serving the members better recognize that we could have made better decisions on issues that were unanticapted. These have been acknowledged and more awareness and effort on organizing is being made. So that the league knows as much as possible the officers are posting information on absolute events/dates and whatever other items they feel need to be known. Advance notice gives everyone time to plan. The posting will be here on the website, on the scoreboard weekly, each clipboard[from time to time], and at meetings regarding various issues. We hope an outline of the season helps everyone with knowledge of what to expect as well as when and where. Our intent is to have a league run smooth with as few interuptions as possible so that everyone can feel comfortable and focus on their game.

DEEP RIVER HORSESHOE LEAGUE INDEX PAGE
AKA PEARSON-SOKOLOWSKI HORSESHOE LEAGUE

A Positively Proud Connecticut Tradition Since 1955!

DEEP RIVER HORSESHOE LEAGUE INDEX PAGE AKA PEARSON-SOKOLOWSKI HORSESHOE LEAGUE

A Positively Proud Connecticut Tradition Since 1955!

DEEP RIVER HORSESHOE LEAGUE INDEX PAGE
AKA PEARSON-SOKOLOWSKI HORSESHOE LEAGUE