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Ghost Crabs Host WSSA Rick Mongero Night
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Click on the photo for video presentation.
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This food drive is about more than just giving food — it’s about making a meaningful impact in our community and showing what WSSA is all about.Every donation, no matter how small, can help a family in need. We hope all players, families, and friends will join together to support this effort. Thank you for your continued generosity, sportsmanship, and commitment to helping others. Food collection boxes will be located at the entrance to the park. |
Cape Fear Ghost Crabs to Begin First Season
The Cape Fear Ghost Crabs are soon beginning their first season in the Old North State League, a summer collegiate baseball league with teams based in North Carolina. They will be playing their home games at Brooks Field on the Campus of UNCW. The head coach of the Ghost Crabs is Trent Mongero, son of WSSA Hall of Famer Rick Mongero.
The Ghost Crabs are looking for families to host a player or players who need accommodations while playing with the team. If you would be interested in hosting a player, complete the form on their website.
The Cape Fear Ghost Crabs are soon beginning their first season in the Old North State League, a summer collegiate baseball league with teams based in North Carolina. They will be playing their home games at Brooks Field on the Campus of UNCW. The head coach of the Ghost Crabs is Trent Mongero, son of WSSA Hall of Famer Rick Mongero.
The Ghost Crabs are looking for families to host a player or players who need accommodations while playing with the team. If you would be interested in hosting a player, complete the form on their website.
Click on the photo for larger view.
Wilmington 65s Win Myrtle Beach Tournament
The Wilmington Seniors, composed for WSSA players from the Atlantic Division, won the 2026 ISSA Myrtle Beach USA Championship Tournament with a record of 5-1. They posted a team batting average of .662. Tournament MVP Mike Gallagher was joined on the All-Tournament team by Will Bordeaux, Phil Lavigne, and Bill Lilly.
The rest of the team members were:
The Wilmington Seniors, composed for WSSA players from the Atlantic Division, won the 2026 ISSA Myrtle Beach USA Championship Tournament with a record of 5-1. They posted a team batting average of .662. Tournament MVP Mike Gallagher was joined on the All-Tournament team by Will Bordeaux, Phil Lavigne, and Bill Lilly.
The rest of the team members were:
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RustyBrewer
John Hogan Eddie Jurbala |
Kevin Norman
Gary Ochsner Rick Ruby |
Tom Tarantino
Ron Torre Rick Townsend |
Welcome to our New League Sponsor: EmergeOrtho
The WSSA wishes to welcome EmergeOrtho as a League Sponsor, our highest level of support. EmergeOrtho’s medical team includes upwards of 370 highly-trained orthopedic specialists and physicians, as well as advanced practice providers, with offices throughout North Carolina. Many of your fellow WSSA players have depended on EmergeOrtho for their repaired or replaced joints and injury treatment. We are honored that they have chosen to join with us in making sure our WSSA members have a healthy and enjoyable playing experience.
The WSSA wishes to welcome EmergeOrtho as a League Sponsor, our highest level of support. EmergeOrtho’s medical team includes upwards of 370 highly-trained orthopedic specialists and physicians, as well as advanced practice providers, with offices throughout North Carolina. Many of your fellow WSSA players have depended on EmergeOrtho for their repaired or replaced joints and injury treatment. We are honored that they have chosen to join with us in making sure our WSSA members have a healthy and enjoyable playing experience.
Another Successful WSSA Annual Golf Outing
The WSSA 8th Annual Golf Outing was held at Castle Bay Golf Club on Monday, October 20. Our reporter on the scene was Drew Peck, this year's tournament director. Read Drew's account below.
The WSSA 8th Annual Golf Outing was held at Castle Bay Golf Club on Monday, October 20. Our reporter on the scene was Drew Peck, this year's tournament director. Read Drew's account below.
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On Mon, 20 Oct 25, the 8th Annual WSSA Golf Tournament was held in Hampstead, NC at Castle Bay Country Club. We were blessed with a gorgeous and sunny, 65 degree day! 71 golfers teed it up, got lots of great exercise and competed for numerous prizes.
Our main sponsor this year was Sound Retirement Solutions (SRS) who also sponsors one of our Coastal Division teams. They provided some awesome looking ditty bags containing several handy golfing items. WSSA would like to express a huge thank-you to SRS’s CEO, Ashley Hopkins, and to Mike McDowell and their entire staff. Not only did they sponsor the event, they also added a new dimension to our tournament this year by conducting a fun putting contest on the practice putting green with ball caps and golf shirts as prizes. You will find photos of almost all our 18 foursomes, along with a couple of pictures of Ashley and her SRS staff that administered the contest here. Two additional sponsors were very gracious by providing more ditty bag items: Molly Taylor from the Starbucks district manager for the Wilmington area, kindly donated some snazzy, reusable Starbucks cups, with lids, while Amina Shade from State Farm Insurance, on Wrightsville Ave, generously provided golf towels and sunscreen sticks! We all owe a big gratitude of thanks to our conscientious, WSSA Marketing Manager, Kevin Ulmer, for working with all three tournament sponsors and collecting all the ditty bag items! |
Here is a list of our tournament winners.
1. First place , with an amazing 15 under “57”, winning $25 each was Terry Ward, Dennis Duke, Gary Combs and Clarence Harrison.
2. Second place (won a scorecard playoff) with a 13 under “59”, winning $20 each was the “Bill Group” of Bill Walsh, Bill Vaughn Sr, Bill Vaughn Jr and Jenny Vaughn.
3. Third place (lost a scorecard playoff) also with a 13 under “59”, winning $10 each was JP Perrone, Tom Perrone, Sonny LaMarsh and Kent Lee.
We had two Closest to Pin and two Long Drive winners, all of whom won $20. The Closest to Pin winners were: Gary Lanier and Tom Perrone. The two Longest Drive winners were Alayne Murphy and Billy Vaughn, Sr, aptly awarded bunches of bananas for their “Gorilla Drives”!
Four guys won SRS ball caps for making “Hole in Ones” in the putting contest: Steve Stady, Rodney VanderPol, Rick Ruby and Walter Aaron. The best putting foursome, with an average of only 17.25 inches from the hole, and winning beautiful golf shirts, were Steve Stady, Gary Lanier, Steve Knotts and Will Goldston.
Many thanks to Mike Watson, PGA GM and Head Professional at Castle Bay Country Club, James and his entire staff. The golf course was in pristine condition and Josh, and his 19th hole team, made some delicious box lunches! Castle Bay generously provided “free range balls” as well as a gift card for a free foursome (green fees and carts) at Castle Bay! Ace putter Walter Aaron was all smiles when SRS CEO, Ashley Hopkins, drew his winning ticket for that free foursome!
Attached, check out Castle Bay’s famous 12’ alligator in the water in front of the 17th tee. Veteran WSSA golfers and softball stars, Bill “Hogan” Black and Kevin “Hutch” Hutchinson can be seen perilously close to that gator !
We’ll do it again next year, so practice up, and as Tiger always said, “Bring your A game”!
Drew “Tomahawk” Peck
Tournament Director
1. First place , with an amazing 15 under “57”, winning $25 each was Terry Ward, Dennis Duke, Gary Combs and Clarence Harrison.
2. Second place (won a scorecard playoff) with a 13 under “59”, winning $20 each was the “Bill Group” of Bill Walsh, Bill Vaughn Sr, Bill Vaughn Jr and Jenny Vaughn.
3. Third place (lost a scorecard playoff) also with a 13 under “59”, winning $10 each was JP Perrone, Tom Perrone, Sonny LaMarsh and Kent Lee.
We had two Closest to Pin and two Long Drive winners, all of whom won $20. The Closest to Pin winners were: Gary Lanier and Tom Perrone. The two Longest Drive winners were Alayne Murphy and Billy Vaughn, Sr, aptly awarded bunches of bananas for their “Gorilla Drives”!
Four guys won SRS ball caps for making “Hole in Ones” in the putting contest: Steve Stady, Rodney VanderPol, Rick Ruby and Walter Aaron. The best putting foursome, with an average of only 17.25 inches from the hole, and winning beautiful golf shirts, were Steve Stady, Gary Lanier, Steve Knotts and Will Goldston.
Many thanks to Mike Watson, PGA GM and Head Professional at Castle Bay Country Club, James and his entire staff. The golf course was in pristine condition and Josh, and his 19th hole team, made some delicious box lunches! Castle Bay generously provided “free range balls” as well as a gift card for a free foursome (green fees and carts) at Castle Bay! Ace putter Walter Aaron was all smiles when SRS CEO, Ashley Hopkins, drew his winning ticket for that free foursome!
Attached, check out Castle Bay’s famous 12’ alligator in the water in front of the 17th tee. Veteran WSSA golfers and softball stars, Bill “Hogan” Black and Kevin “Hutch” Hutchinson can be seen perilously close to that gator !
We’ll do it again next year, so practice up, and as Tiger always said, “Bring your A game”!
Drew “Tomahawk” Peck
Tournament Director
Important Dates for March:
Returning Players:
*Open Practice Sessions at Ogden Park for returning players will begin on March 3rd, and will continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until the drafts are held. Practices start at 10:00am (note time change) and end at 2:00pm or when the Player Evaluation Sessions begin on the days they are held.
New Players and Players Changing Divisions:
Player Evaluation Sessions will be held on March 10, 12, 18, 19, 24, and 26 from 11:3Oam to 2:00pm. New players and players who plan to change divisions should plan to attend at least three of these sessions.
Returning Players:
*Open Practice Sessions at Ogden Park for returning players will begin on March 3rd, and will continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until the drafts are held. Practices start at 10:00am (note time change) and end at 2:00pm or when the Player Evaluation Sessions begin on the days they are held.
New Players and Players Changing Divisions:
Player Evaluation Sessions will be held on March 10, 12, 18, 19, 24, and 26 from 11:3Oam to 2:00pm. New players and players who plan to change divisions should plan to attend at least three of these sessions.
Free CPR/AED Classes to be Offered For WSSA Members and Family
WSSA has arranged with New Hanover County Fire Rescue (NHCFR) for free CPR/AED training for all WSSA members and a family member if interested. The classes last approximately 90 minutes.
The date is Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 9:30AM at:
NHCFR
7375 Market Street
Wilmington, NC
Please email Mike Clancy at [email protected] if you want to attend. The first 15 will be put on the list of attendees. Please include how many will attend.
You could save a life.
WSSA has arranged with New Hanover County Fire Rescue (NHCFR) for free CPR/AED training for all WSSA members and a family member if interested. The classes last approximately 90 minutes.
The date is Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 9:30AM at:
NHCFR
7375 Market Street
Wilmington, NC
Please email Mike Clancy at [email protected] if you want to attend. The first 15 will be put on the list of attendees. Please include how many will attend.
You could save a life.
St. Patrick's Day Parade Info Has Changed
The 25th Annual Wilmington St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held in downtown Wilmington on Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 11am. As we do every year, the WSSA will be there to help celebrate the event and promote the league. WSSA members will meet, starting at about 9:30, on Front Street, just north of Red Cross Street. Enter Front Street from north of Red Cross Street.
As for parking you may want to consider that we end up, after the parade, at the Goat and Compass, 710 N 4th Street, between Hanover and Brunswick streets. Also the Goat and Compass opens at 8:30 that morning. Some of us will be there helping to decorate the float. There are a few seats on the float so if you can't walk the mile you can ride.
Come join us. All are welcome!
The 25th Annual Wilmington St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held in downtown Wilmington on Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 11am. As we do every year, the WSSA will be there to help celebrate the event and promote the league. WSSA members will meet, starting at about 9:30, on Front Street, just north of Red Cross Street. Enter Front Street from north of Red Cross Street.
As for parking you may want to consider that we end up, after the parade, at the Goat and Compass, 710 N 4th Street, between Hanover and Brunswick streets. Also the Goat and Compass opens at 8:30 that morning. Some of us will be there helping to decorate the float. There are a few seats on the float so if you can't walk the mile you can ride.
Come join us. All are welcome!
WSSA Annual Meeting Presentation Available for Viewing
The WSSA Annual Meeting presentation prepared by Kevin Ulmer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, is available for those who missed the meeting or would like to review it. Click on the image to see it.
The WSSA Annual Meeting presentation prepared by Kevin Ulmer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, is available for those who missed the meeting or would like to review it. Click on the image to see it.
Many WSSA members will remember Larry Crane, a 2014 Hall of Fame inductee, great player and contributor to the league.
About two weeks ago Larry suffered a stroke and blood pooling on the brain. At last report he is recuperating at his home in Alabama. We thought some of you would like to make contact with Larry to let him know we are thinking of him. If you would like to do so he can be reached by mail at 18 Rose Hip Lane SE, Brownsville, Ala. 35741. His cell is 910-465-9522. You can email him at [email protected]
About two weeks ago Larry suffered a stroke and blood pooling on the brain. At last report he is recuperating at his home in Alabama. We thought some of you would like to make contact with Larry to let him know we are thinking of him. If you would like to do so he can be reached by mail at 18 Rose Hip Lane SE, Brownsville, Ala. 35741. His cell is 910-465-9522. You can email him at [email protected]
Play Ball!
WSSA 2026 Annual General Membership Meeting, Jan. 28, 2026
The next WSSA General Membership Meeting will be held
Wednesday
January 28, 2026
11am
Conference Rooms 138/139
New Hanover County Government Center (Layout)
230 Government Center Drive (Google map)
Wilmington, NC
The next WSSA General Membership Meeting will be held
Wednesday
January 28, 2026
11am
Conference Rooms 138/139
New Hanover County Government Center (Layout)
230 Government Center Drive (Google map)
Wilmington, NC
At the Annual Meeting agenda items include:
- Vote to approve an amendment altering the process of electing the Board of Directors in future years (see below).
- Election of candidates for the Board of Directors for 2026
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The Board of Directors positions up for election this year (and current candidates) are:
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Proposed Bylaw Amendment
Amendments to the WSSA Bylaws must be voted on by the members present at the Annual Meeting. To prepare you to vote, and pursuant to current bylaws, we are posting this proposed change to our Bylaws below. Please consider this proposal and be ready to vote on it at the meeting.
Amendments to the WSSA Bylaws must be voted on by the members present at the Annual Meeting. To prepare you to vote, and pursuant to current bylaws, we are posting this proposed change to our Bylaws below. Please consider this proposal and be ready to vote on it at the meeting.
Atlantic Tournament Champions O'brien Service Company |
Stifel Captures Atlantic Regular Season Title; O'Brien Wins Tournament
The Stifel team won the regular season of the Atlantic Division by sixteen games, but the O'brien Service Company team claimed the Atlantic tournament title, sweeping through the tournament without a loss, in the culmination of the 2025 WSSA Atlantic Division season on October 9. Congratulations to both teams! (Click on photos for larger view). The tournament bracket and results can be found here. |
Atlantic Regular Season Champions Stifel |
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Carolina Ale House Wins Coastal Division Regular Season and Tournament
The Carolina Ale House team finished the Coastal Division regular season with a slim one game lead over Sound Retirement Solutions and continued their winning ways by taking the abbreviated Coastal Tournament. The Coastal Tournament Bracket can be found here. |
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Healthy Seniors Wins Legacy Division Regular Season and Tournament
The Healthy Seniors Physical Therapy and Wellness team won both halves of the Legacy Division regular season to earn the title of Regular Season Champions. The Legacy Division Tournament was ended due to inclement weather, with the top seeded Healthy Seniors team declared Champions and Longhorn the runner-up. View the Legacy bracket here. |
Atlantic Division players (L-R) Gary Lanier, Kent Lee, Adam Stauble and Mark Schall with donations ready to be delivered to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.
WSSA Collects Over 1000 Pounds of Food for Food Bank
The WSSA Food Drive on Thursday, September 25, collected over 750 pounds of donations at Ogden Park and another 358 pounds at Olsen Park.
The follow-up collection on October 2, for teams that had a bye on the 25th, garnered an additional 100 pounds of donations. Collected donations are being delivered to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.
Thanks to all WSSA players for your support of the less fortunate in our community.
The WSSA Food Drive on Thursday, September 25, collected over 750 pounds of donations at Ogden Park and another 358 pounds at Olsen Park.
The follow-up collection on October 2, for teams that had a bye on the 25th, garnered an additional 100 pounds of donations. Collected donations are being delivered to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.
Thanks to all WSSA players for your support of the less fortunate in our community.
WSSA Hosts Successful Coat Drive on October 9
On October 9, the WSSA held a Coat Drive to benefit the Sister Isaac Center, a non-profit in Wilmington that has been meeting the needs of people in crisis for more than forty years. Donations of coats and other warm weather apparel were collected at both Olsen Park and Ogden Park. Seven tall boxes full of clothing were collected to aid the mission of the Sister Isaac Center, and reportedly all of them were ones they could use. This is another example of how the caring members of the WSSA give back to the community.
The Sister Isaac Center wrote a nice thank you to us on page 5 of their Oct. 25-26 bulletin. See it here.
On October 9, the WSSA held a Coat Drive to benefit the Sister Isaac Center, a non-profit in Wilmington that has been meeting the needs of people in crisis for more than forty years. Donations of coats and other warm weather apparel were collected at both Olsen Park and Ogden Park. Seven tall boxes full of clothing were collected to aid the mission of the Sister Isaac Center, and reportedly all of them were ones they could use. This is another example of how the caring members of the WSSA give back to the community.
The Sister Isaac Center wrote a nice thank you to us on page 5 of their Oct. 25-26 bulletin. See it here.
L-R: Anthony Bolino, Harry Marriner, Ed Dominelli, Mike Clancy, John Leone, Dick Rietzke, Jim Dillon, Darrell Irwin |
WSSA Volunteers Assist Special Olympics
Our Wilmington Senior Softball Association members volunteered to assist the Special Olympics event at Legion Stadium on October 17. They focused their attention on the softball throw event, with their WSSA caps testifying to the association's commitment. Volunteering for the Special Olympics is another way the WSSA shows its support for the community. |
Coastal Division Will Make Up Games at Olsen Park
The Coastal Division will be making up rained out and heated out games on Wednesdays, starting on August 20. Wednesday games will be played at Olsen Park (Do not be fooled by the Google Maps image. You cannot access the fields by Murrayville Rd. Take North Chase Parkway and Corporate Drive). Start time will be 9:30am, and we must be done by 12:30pm per requirements of our field agreement.
The make-up schedule is not yet available. Until it is, your manager will tell you when you will have a game at Olsen Field.
The Coastal Division will be making up rained out and heated out games on Wednesdays, starting on August 20. Wednesday games will be played at Olsen Park (Do not be fooled by the Google Maps image. You cannot access the fields by Murrayville Rd. Take North Chase Parkway and Corporate Drive). Start time will be 9:30am, and we must be done by 12:30pm per requirements of our field agreement.
The make-up schedule is not yet available. Until it is, your manager will tell you when you will have a game at Olsen Field.
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Wilmington 75 Team Brings Home the Bronze Medal
The Wilmington 75 team, made up of players from all three WSSA divisions, garnered the Bronze Medal at the National Senior Games event in Des Moines, Iowa, which wrapped up on August 4. At left, the players display their medals (click on the picture for a larger view). The team members are:
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Supper Optimist 12U Softball Team Headed to Babe Ruth World Series
Thanks to the generosity of the community, including WSSA members, the Supper Optimist 12U team will be heading to Alabama to compete in the Babe Ruth World Series. WSSA player, manager, and Hall-of-Famer Jay Harrington, whose granddaughter plays on the team, offers this message to all those who helped make the trip possible:
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Wilmington 75 Team to Compete in National Senior Games
The Wilmington 75 team, composed of WSSA players from all three WSSA divisions, will play in the 75+ Division of the National Senior Games in DesMoines, Iowa, on Aug 2-4, 2025. We are proud to have this group represent the WSSA and Wilmington Area softball. WWAY TV3 has reported on the team's trip. See the report here.
The Wilmington 75 team, composed of WSSA players from all three WSSA divisions, will play in the 75+ Division of the National Senior Games in DesMoines, Iowa, on Aug 2-4, 2025. We are proud to have this group represent the WSSA and Wilmington Area softball. WWAY TV3 has reported on the team's trip. See the report here.
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The team members are:
George Allen Norman Allen Fred Altman Bill Black John Bonner |
Darrell Davies Mike Dolan Jerry Dowling Robert Kernitzki Larry Lawrence |
Michael Master Donald Morton Terry Peters Tony Spataro Mike Watters |
First Annual Sponsors Day a Great Success
On May 20th at Ogden Park the WSSA hosted its 1st annual Sponsors Game. Guests from two long-time sponsors, Carolina Bay Retirement Community and Champions Assisted Living, were invited to attend games between the teams they sponsored. Approximately 14 people from each sponsor attended the game. They were greeted by the players of each respective team and a ceremonial first pitch was thrown by a representative of each sponsor. The weather was perfect and all attendees had a great time. They were supplied a nice lunch donated by our great sponsor Carolina Ale House. When you go to the Ale House please thank them for their participation. Special thanks to Tina Busse and Brittany Smith of the Carolina Ale House for being part of the event.
On May 20th at Ogden Park the WSSA hosted its 1st annual Sponsors Game. Guests from two long-time sponsors, Carolina Bay Retirement Community and Champions Assisted Living, were invited to attend games between the teams they sponsored. Approximately 14 people from each sponsor attended the game. They were greeted by the players of each respective team and a ceremonial first pitch was thrown by a representative of each sponsor. The weather was perfect and all attendees had a great time. They were supplied a nice lunch donated by our great sponsor Carolina Ale House. When you go to the Ale House please thank them for their participation. Special thanks to Tina Busse and Brittany Smith of the Carolina Ale House for being part of the event.
Thanks to WSSA Director of Marketing and Public Relations Kevin Ulmer, who organized the event, and the managers Gary Jacobs (Carolina Bay) and Hendrik Van Leuven (Champions) for getting their teams to make this such a special event. Also thanks to WSSA Deputy Commissioner Brian McCarthy, who assisted the three busses from the sponsors with dropping off and parking of the vehicles. It was also great to see players from both divisions at Ogden Park come up and meet and greet the attendees. It was truly a great day in the history of the WSSA.
WSSA History Updated
The History page (under About WSSA in the navigation at the top of the page) has been updated. "A Brief History on the Formation of the WSSA", originally written by Bill Walsh and Richard Price, has been updated to add information on the league events from 2021 to the present. Thanks to Bill Walsh for the research and adding the new material.
The History page (under About WSSA in the navigation at the top of the page) has been updated. "A Brief History on the Formation of the WSSA", originally written by Bill Walsh and Richard Price, has been updated to add information on the league events from 2021 to the present. Thanks to Bill Walsh for the research and adding the new material.
Sound Retirement Solutions Offering Seminar to Help WSSA Members
Our newest sponsor, Sound Retirement Solutions, has invited our members to attend one of their free seminars on Wills and Living Trusts. They have a wide range of knowledge to help seniors. (Click on the logo to see the complete invitation). Space is limited, so please respond to Ashley Hopkins ([email protected]) or Mike McDowell ([email protected]) to get on the list or if you have questions.
The date and time secured for the WSSA is 6:00pm, on May 20th, at the WWAY Event Center, 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC, 28451. The capacity is 100 people and attendees are encouraged to bring their spouses to the class in order to understand the process. RSVPs are requested in advance should there be overflow and a need to host additional seating at a future date. This is a high demand topic. Invitations can be sent via email or USPS, whichever you prefer, but email is quicker and easier. Contact Ashley or Mike if you wish to attend this event. Hors d’oeuvres, water and coffee will also be provided.
Our newest sponsor, Sound Retirement Solutions, has invited our members to attend one of their free seminars on Wills and Living Trusts. They have a wide range of knowledge to help seniors. (Click on the logo to see the complete invitation). Space is limited, so please respond to Ashley Hopkins ([email protected]) or Mike McDowell ([email protected]) to get on the list or if you have questions.
The date and time secured for the WSSA is 6:00pm, on May 20th, at the WWAY Event Center, 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC, 28451. The capacity is 100 people and attendees are encouraged to bring their spouses to the class in order to understand the process. RSVPs are requested in advance should there be overflow and a need to host additional seating at a future date. This is a high demand topic. Invitations can be sent via email or USPS, whichever you prefer, but email is quicker and easier. Contact Ashley or Mike if you wish to attend this event. Hors d’oeuvres, water and coffee will also be provided.
The Sponsors Game
WSSA players and friends!
We all know the feeling of being at the ballpark. We experience the joy every Tuesday and Thursday.
Imagine giving others this same joyful and uplifting experience.
On Tuesday, May 20th, at 9:30 am, two Legacy Division teams will host a Sponsors Game. Champions at
the Davis Community and Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall will play on the yellow field. The residents of each
community will be in attendance. Please let our guests feel welcome and interact as much as possible.
Our goal will be to give them a day at the ballfield experience. We will have programs to hand out, and
Carolina Ale House, a sponsor, will provide lunch to the residents attending. This will be the first of
many SPONSORS GAMES. Promoting our sponsors is a core mission goal.
Thank you,
Kevin Ulmer
WSSA Director of Marketing and Public Relations
WSSA players and friends!
We all know the feeling of being at the ballpark. We experience the joy every Tuesday and Thursday.
Imagine giving others this same joyful and uplifting experience.
On Tuesday, May 20th, at 9:30 am, two Legacy Division teams will host a Sponsors Game. Champions at
the Davis Community and Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall will play on the yellow field. The residents of each
community will be in attendance. Please let our guests feel welcome and interact as much as possible.
Our goal will be to give them a day at the ballfield experience. We will have programs to hand out, and
Carolina Ale House, a sponsor, will provide lunch to the residents attending. This will be the first of
many SPONSORS GAMES. Promoting our sponsors is a core mission goal.
Thank you,
Kevin Ulmer
WSSA Director of Marketing and Public Relations
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Dinner Dance Canceled The 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance originally scheduled for May 22 has been canceled. |
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Mayor Saffo Throws Out First Pitch at Atlantic Division Opening Day
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo was the guest of honor at the opening of the Atlantic Division 2025 season. Below are photos Mayor Saffo posted on his Facebook page commemorating the event. The WSSA thanks Mayor Saffo for encouraging senior softball in his city.
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo was the guest of honor at the opening of the Atlantic Division 2025 season. Below are photos Mayor Saffo posted on his Facebook page commemorating the event. The WSSA thanks Mayor Saffo for encouraging senior softball in his city.
Opening Day 2025--Celebrating 30 Years of Wilmington Senior Softball
The 2025 season of the WSSA officially kicked off with opening ceremonies Thursday morning, April 10th, at Ogden Park. WSSA commissioner Mike Clancy welcomed the players and visitors with brief introductory remarks, with special welcome to representatives of our sponsors Carolina Ale House and Sound Retirement Solutions. The national anthem was led by Roy Mayo and Ed Dominelli, both players on the Carrabba's team. A ceremonial first pitch was thrown by the Carolina Ale House representative. The pitch was a little low but showed good pitching form. County Commissioner Rob Zapple, who is a long-time advocate for the WSSA, was then introduced. He gave a brief address expressing his support for the WSSA and encouraging seniors to keep active by continuing to play ball. In response to a shouted question from the crowd asking when he was going to be playing softball with us he said, "When I'm finished with politics." He then wound up and threw a perfect strike to WSSA veteran of 30 years Richard Price. And the 2025 WSSA season began.
More photos from the first day of the season are available in the 2025 Opening Day Gallery here.
The 2025 season of the WSSA officially kicked off with opening ceremonies Thursday morning, April 10th, at Ogden Park. WSSA commissioner Mike Clancy welcomed the players and visitors with brief introductory remarks, with special welcome to representatives of our sponsors Carolina Ale House and Sound Retirement Solutions. The national anthem was led by Roy Mayo and Ed Dominelli, both players on the Carrabba's team. A ceremonial first pitch was thrown by the Carolina Ale House representative. The pitch was a little low but showed good pitching form. County Commissioner Rob Zapple, who is a long-time advocate for the WSSA, was then introduced. He gave a brief address expressing his support for the WSSA and encouraging seniors to keep active by continuing to play ball. In response to a shouted question from the crowd asking when he was going to be playing softball with us he said, "When I'm finished with politics." He then wound up and threw a perfect strike to WSSA veteran of 30 years Richard Price. And the 2025 WSSA season began.
More photos from the first day of the season are available in the 2025 Opening Day Gallery here.
April 10, 2025 is Opening Day!
Thursday, April 10 will now be opening day at Ogden and Olsen Parks as the Wilmington Senior Softball Association's 2025 season begins. This year the WSSA is celebrating 30 years of senior softball in the Wilmington area.
Opening day festivities will include throwing out the first ball at Ogden Park. Representatives of our sponsors Sound Retirement Solutions and Carolina Ale House and will be on hand, and New Hanover County Commissioner and long-time friend of the WSSA Rob Zapple will join the Carolina Ale House representative in throwing out the first pitches. And expect a special rendition of the national anthem.
Due to special events, games may start a little later than 9:30
Thursday, April 10 will now be opening day at Ogden and Olsen Parks as the Wilmington Senior Softball Association's 2025 season begins. This year the WSSA is celebrating 30 years of senior softball in the Wilmington area.
Opening day festivities will include throwing out the first ball at Ogden Park. Representatives of our sponsors Sound Retirement Solutions and Carolina Ale House and will be on hand, and New Hanover County Commissioner and long-time friend of the WSSA Rob Zapple will join the Carolina Ale House representative in throwing out the first pitches. And expect a special rendition of the national anthem.
Due to special events, games may start a little later than 9:30
WSSA Practice and Spring Training Being Held at Ogden Park
Open practice is now being held at Ogden Park Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 1200pm. At 12:00pm Spring Training for new players and players changing divisions begins and goes until 2:00pm.
If you still owe us an application or money, you can bring the application and payment to the fields on those days. If you cannot make any of the practices, please mail your application or payment to our mailing address - WSSA, 1319 Military Cutoff Rd, Box 302, Wilmington NC 28405 - or sign up and pay online.
Open practice is now being held at Ogden Park Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 1200pm. At 12:00pm Spring Training for new players and players changing divisions begins and goes until 2:00pm.
If you still owe us an application or money, you can bring the application and payment to the fields on those days. If you cannot make any of the practices, please mail your application or payment to our mailing address - WSSA, 1319 Military Cutoff Rd, Box 302, Wilmington NC 28405 - or sign up and pay online.
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Blood Drive to Benefit the Community, February 15
Blood Connection will be conducting a blood drive on February 15, 2025, at St. Stanislaus Parish, 4849 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne, NC. This is a way WSSA members can fulfill our mission to give back to the community. Time slots are in 15 minute intervals from 10am to 3pm. Contact WSSA member Bill Lilly to schedule a time or get more info. You can reach Bill at 980.234.3234 or email [email protected]. |
2025 Board of Directors Elected at Annual Meeting
The Board of Directors of the WSSA for 2025 were elected by the members present at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 29. The new board members are:
The Board of Directors of the WSSA for 2025 were elected by the members present at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 29. The new board members are:
- Brian McCarthy, Deputy Commissioner
- David Reardon, Treasurer
- Tony Spataro, Coastal Division President
- Kevin Ulmer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
- Harry Marriner, Webmaster
Winter Ball!
What comes after Fall Ball? Winter Ball of course. Arrangements have been made for our WSSA players to have access to Field #1 at Northwest Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12/3/24 to 1/30/25, 9am-11am. While Ogden Park is closed players who are not bothered by cold weather can keep their bats warm until the 2025 season commences. (Remember, the WSSA Annual Meeting is on January 29, 2025).
What comes after Fall Ball? Winter Ball of course. Arrangements have been made for our WSSA players to have access to Field #1 at Northwest Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12/3/24 to 1/30/25, 9am-11am. While Ogden Park is closed players who are not bothered by cold weather can keep their bats warm until the 2025 season commences. (Remember, the WSSA Annual Meeting is on January 29, 2025).
Suggestions for Changes to the Bylaws Now Being Accepted
Each year at the WSSA Annual Meeting the players present at that meeting vote to approve or disapprove of suggested changes to the association bylaws. Suggestions for changes to the bylaws may be made by any member in good standing. You may read the bylaws here. The Bylaws should not be confused with the WSSA Manual, sometimes referred to as the Player Manual. Changes to the Manual may be made by a vote of the Board of Directors while the Bylaws may only be changed by a vote of the WSSA members.
Proposed By-Law changes must be published two weeks before the General Meeting. If you see needed changes please reply to Dave Reardon before Tuesday, January 7th. The BOD will meet next week to discuss any requests and put valid requests before the WSSA Membership at the Annual Meeting.
Each year at the WSSA Annual Meeting the players present at that meeting vote to approve or disapprove of suggested changes to the association bylaws. Suggestions for changes to the bylaws may be made by any member in good standing. You may read the bylaws here. The Bylaws should not be confused with the WSSA Manual, sometimes referred to as the Player Manual. Changes to the Manual may be made by a vote of the Board of Directors while the Bylaws may only be changed by a vote of the WSSA members.
Proposed By-Law changes must be published two weeks before the General Meeting. If you see needed changes please reply to Dave Reardon before Tuesday, January 7th. The BOD will meet next week to discuss any requests and put valid requests before the WSSA Membership at the Annual Meeting.
| Commissioner's End of Year Message |
The WSSA Commissioner's message should open below. If it does not, please click on Download File above.
O'Brien wins Atlantic End-0f-Season Tournament
The O'Brien squad made it a sweep of Regular Season and Tournament Championships for 2024 by defeating Aptive/Cambridge Village for the tournament title on October 24. Aptive/Cambridge should also be congratulated for coming from the third seed to reach the finals, and to all the Atlantic Teams and players for a great season.
The O'Brien squad made it a sweep of Regular Season and Tournament Championships for 2024 by defeating Aptive/Cambridge Village for the tournament title on October 24. Aptive/Cambridge should also be congratulated for coming from the third seed to reach the finals, and to all the Atlantic Teams and players for a great season.
Atlantic End-of-Year Tournament Bracket
Aetna/Champions Win Legacy Division End-of-Season Tournament
Aetna/Champions are Legacy Division Tournament champions for 2024. They came from a third place seed to win three games while losing none to knock off top seed Carolina Bay. Congratulations to Aetna/Champions and regular season champs Carolina Bay, as well as all the Legacy Division players and teams, for a great season.
Aetna/Champions are Legacy Division Tournament champions for 2024. They came from a third place seed to win three games while losing none to knock off top seed Carolina Bay. Congratulations to Aetna/Champions and regular season champs Carolina Bay, as well as all the Legacy Division players and teams, for a great season.
Carrabba's Captures Coastal Division Regular Season and Tournament
Carrabba's overcame a loss in the second round of the Coastal Division End-of-Season Tournament, coming back to best Healthy Seniors Physical Therapy/Carolina Ale House in the title game. Carrabba's also had the best regular season record, winning the division by more than ten games. Congratulations also to HSPT/Carolina Ale House and all the Coastal Division teams and players for a great season.
Carrabba's overcame a loss in the second round of the Coastal Division End-of-Season Tournament, coming back to best Healthy Seniors Physical Therapy/Carolina Ale House in the title game. Carrabba's also had the best regular season record, winning the division by more than ten games. Congratulations also to HSPT/Carolina Ale House and all the Coastal Division teams and players for a great season.
Coastal End-of-Year Tournament Bracket
2024 WSSA Annual Golf Outing
The annual WSSA golf outing was held Tuesday, October 23rd and once again was a great success. The outing was hosted by the River Landing Golf Club in Wallace, NC. This year’s event was held at the Landing course and comprised 15 teams. A special thanks to our WSSA team sponsors Aetna insurance (Mike McDowell) & Able insurance (Miles Butler & Jeff Butler) who provided goodie bags for our participants, and individual sponsor Rick De Mayo who made a financial contribution. Prizes were given out for the following:
The annual WSSA golf outing was held Tuesday, October 23rd and once again was a great success. The outing was hosted by the River Landing Golf Club in Wallace, NC. This year’s event was held at the Landing course and comprised 15 teams. A special thanks to our WSSA team sponsors Aetna insurance (Mike McDowell) & Able insurance (Miles Butler & Jeff Butler) who provided goodie bags for our participants, and individual sponsor Rick De Mayo who made a financial contribution. Prizes were given out for the following:
Also a special thanks to the WSSA Golf Committee who put in the work to make the event a success: Dave Reardon, Darrell Davies, Bill Walsh and Walter Aaron.
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1st Place Team – Score: 55
Sr. Longest Drive: J. Pocaro
Longest Drive: William Vaughn |
2nd Place Team – Score: 59
Closest To The Hole #5: JR Tremul
Closest To The Hole #: Dennis Duke |
Front row: Ed Dominelli, Sonny LaMarsh, Jr., Rick Ruby, Tim Bennett, Dennis Telmanik
Back row: Ron Atkins, Mike Gallagher, Rick Kon, Dick Rietzke, Drew Peck, Don Evans, Wayne Fincannon, Mike Last, Kevin Hutchinson
70s Team Takes Silver in NC Senior Games
The Walk-Ons team, staffed with WSSA players from the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions, won the Silver Medal in the 70s age group at this year's North Carolina State Games in Cary the weekend of October 12-13. Doing so qualified them for the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Also qualifying for the 2025 Nationals were the 75s and 80s teams comprising WSSA players.
Congratulations to all the players who participated and brought honor to the WSSA.
The Walk-Ons team, staffed with WSSA players from the Atlantic and Coastal Divisions, won the Silver Medal in the 70s age group at this year's North Carolina State Games in Cary the weekend of October 12-13. Doing so qualified them for the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Also qualifying for the 2025 Nationals were the 75s and 80s teams comprising WSSA players.
Congratulations to all the players who participated and brought honor to the WSSA.
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WSSA Player Manual Updated Again on May 5th
The WSSA Player Manual, which contains all the local rules and practices that control the conduct of games played in all divisions of the WSSA, has been revised to reflect changes to address situations encountered in the 2024 season. It can be found by clicking More... in the main navigation at the top of this page, then clicking on Documents and Manual. It is a good read, chock full of interesting information you should know. For instance, as of May 7th games:
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Coastal Division Going Back to Four Teams
On Friday, May 3, Coastal Division President Walter Aaron released this statement concerning the structure of his Division:
"Unfortunately, the Coastal division is being forced to reduce its number of teams to four (4) from five (5). This has a been a trying season with multiple player injuries, part-time attendance players and current rosters playing with nagging injuries have reduced our ranks significantly. Teams are now pulling players from other teams to fill out a roster. We’ve gone from the initial 76 (5 teams) to a current number that varies between 56 - 67players.
It was agreed upon by the managers and I that Carolina Ale House (CAH) (this year’s fifth team) would be the team that will be disbanded and its roster distributed. This is unfortunate indeed as CAH had a rough start but now seems to be getting their groove as a team. They never lost faith in each other and just wanted to be competitive. Having been a recent member of that team I will miss the fact that we didn’t get a chance to see just how far we would have gone.
The managers and I met after this past Thursday’s games to discuss our options and met again Friday morning, thanks Dave for hosting, to balance the four team’s rosters. Please follow the links below for the latest roster and schedule changes.
With the disbanding of the fifth team there will be no more bye weeks, so everyone is playing Tuesday May 7th. The managers agreed that we will do a restart. Dave produced a new 4 team 60 game schedule. It is balanced with each team playing equal dates and teams. A couple of rain dates are also included. So come Tuesday, everyone is 0-0.
The Ale House sponsorship will be moved to Healthy Seniors for a shared sponsorship. CAH members, going to other teams, please get your jerseys to Tim Bennett, manager.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Tony Spataro personally for the work he put into this process. He undertook the lead for the newly created 5th team and poured his heart and soul into it. He made every effort to make it work and while he lamented it’s disbanding, he nevertheless helped us make the decision that was in the best interest for the league in general and Coastal in particular. Once again, thank you Tony!"
Rosters: www.wilmingtonseniorsoftball.net/2024-coastal-rosters.html
New Schedule: http://www.wilmingtonseniorsoftball.net/2024-coastal-schedule-and-scores.html
On Friday, May 3, Coastal Division President Walter Aaron released this statement concerning the structure of his Division:
"Unfortunately, the Coastal division is being forced to reduce its number of teams to four (4) from five (5). This has a been a trying season with multiple player injuries, part-time attendance players and current rosters playing with nagging injuries have reduced our ranks significantly. Teams are now pulling players from other teams to fill out a roster. We’ve gone from the initial 76 (5 teams) to a current number that varies between 56 - 67players.
It was agreed upon by the managers and I that Carolina Ale House (CAH) (this year’s fifth team) would be the team that will be disbanded and its roster distributed. This is unfortunate indeed as CAH had a rough start but now seems to be getting their groove as a team. They never lost faith in each other and just wanted to be competitive. Having been a recent member of that team I will miss the fact that we didn’t get a chance to see just how far we would have gone.
The managers and I met after this past Thursday’s games to discuss our options and met again Friday morning, thanks Dave for hosting, to balance the four team’s rosters. Please follow the links below for the latest roster and schedule changes.
With the disbanding of the fifth team there will be no more bye weeks, so everyone is playing Tuesday May 7th. The managers agreed that we will do a restart. Dave produced a new 4 team 60 game schedule. It is balanced with each team playing equal dates and teams. A couple of rain dates are also included. So come Tuesday, everyone is 0-0.
The Ale House sponsorship will be moved to Healthy Seniors for a shared sponsorship. CAH members, going to other teams, please get your jerseys to Tim Bennett, manager.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Tony Spataro personally for the work he put into this process. He undertook the lead for the newly created 5th team and poured his heart and soul into it. He made every effort to make it work and while he lamented it’s disbanding, he nevertheless helped us make the decision that was in the best interest for the league in general and Coastal in particular. Once again, thank you Tony!"
Rosters: www.wilmingtonseniorsoftball.net/2024-coastal-rosters.html
New Schedule: http://www.wilmingtonseniorsoftball.net/2024-coastal-schedule-and-scores.html
2024 Opening Day at Ogden Park
(Click to Enlarge)
(Click to Enlarge)
Photos by Walter Aaron
2024 USA Softball Rule Book Available Online
The 2024 Official Rules of Softball manual published by USA Softball, of which the WSSA is a member, is available to read online here. The WSSA follows these rules unless an exception has been made in the WSSA Player Manual. Read it. Remember it.
The 2024 Official Rules of Softball manual published by USA Softball, of which the WSSA is a member, is available to read online here. The WSSA follows these rules unless an exception has been made in the WSSA Player Manual. Read it. Remember it.
WSSA Golf Shirts Available Now
These WSSA golf shirts (click on image for larger view) are now available for purchase in size large and extra large. To purchase a shirt or shirts online click here.
To purchase by check, send your request to 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Box 302, Wilmington NC 28405, being sure to list the number and size of the shirts you want; or email us with the number and size of the shirts you would like, then mail payment ($40 each) to the above address. Once payment is received your order will be mailed to you.
These WSSA golf shirts (click on image for larger view) are now available for purchase in size large and extra large. To purchase a shirt or shirts online click here.
To purchase by check, send your request to 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Box 302, Wilmington NC 28405, being sure to list the number and size of the shirts you want; or email us with the number and size of the shirts you would like, then mail payment ($40 each) to the above address. Once payment is received your order will be mailed to you.