WPHPA Update:

The Western Pennsylvania Horseshoe Pitchers Association conducted an election by mail in October and November of 2002 to determine the replacement officers needed to fill the vacant spots created by the sudden resignation of Ron Weiss in September. Harvey Hayes became President of the Association by default and Steve Morris became Vice-President via the election. The new Secretary/Treasurer is Robert D. White, also determined through the election process. This gives our club great representation in the state association.

$$ Shortages Reported:

Shortages have been consistently recorded in the concession room at the indoor courts on all league nights so far this season. We would like to remind members that, while this is an honor system, based on accepting donations to the club to cover the cost of snacks and beverages, it is expected that all members will participate in this honor system. Members in violation of the honor system are more or less taking from all other members and are threatening the discontinuation of a service that is not only a convenience for all of us, but is also a good source of income for the club’s building fund. We are simply asking that all members more carefully observe this honor system and that league captains remind their league members (especially new ones) regularly that the stuff in the concession room is there for their convenience and the club expects their donations for any items they consume. Please be aware that we will immediately discontinue this service if it becomes unprofitable and/or a drain on the club’s funds. It’s purpose is to build savings for the club, not the opposite. So let’s do the right thing and pay for what we eat or drink to help us get that building of our own that we all want so badly. Our building fund now is in excess of $45,000 and believe it or not, a lot of it has come from the nickels and dimes we earn on pop and beer and snacks. So let’s make sure we all do our part and support this service properly and honorably.

Most of the five winter leagues are at least halfway through the season. The Friday night group is the exception because they are a second half group and are just getting started. Here are the leaders in the other four groups:

Monday Night: Ed Kroto and Mark Baldwin

Tuesday Night: Bob DeCecco and Bob White Jr.

Wednesday Night: Andy Ingro and Dick Rhineberger

Thursday Night: Harry Reickel

As we all know, we’re only half way. Anything can happen, so don’t give up if you or your team is lagging. It only takes a couple of hot nights in a row to get right back in the thick of it, so good luck to all players and remember if you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the club’s league director, Sam Stafford at 833-2447, for all that kind of help.

As you know, our club holds five indoor tournaments every winter. These have grown from tiny events a few years ago into full fledged tournaments now. So far this season, we have not had less than 49 players entered in each tournament. The February tournament is already at 50 entries, nearly maxed out three weeks before it’s deadline! Our winter tournaments are larger than many of the nearby outdoor summer tournaments— That’s really saying something, since this is by far a summertime sport! We must be doing something right and we owe our tournament director, Chuck Burkett and family, Steve Kuchcinski Sally Siegel, Ruby Church, Joe Marschak, Harvey Hayes and Sam Stafford, among others a big thank you for all they do to organize and put on these events. These things really do bring in some income to the club and the bigger they become, the more we all benefit. Our next tournament is the Roger Drayer Memorial, February 21 thru 23, and we can use all the help we can get. Making some food to sell at the concession would be a tremendous help, along with scorekeeping and stats work. Please, if you have some spare over that weekend, plan on spending a little extra time down at the indoor courts, especially if you are a player in the tournament. Early mornings starting at 8 AM Sat. & Sun. are the time that we need the most help. Please do what you can.

Past Newsletters on-line:

Fall, 2002