Big League WIFFLE Ball News

If you’ve ever seen the Devil’s Advocate you’ll remember Pacino at the end, “Vanity, it is my favorite sin.” I reference it here because many wiffleball teams playing competitively these days are so wrapped up in themselves, that they often fail to appreciate the efforts of others. At tournaments like Wifflerock, there are many teams there who have never played before, or who may never win a Championship. Their main goal is just to have fun. For the rest of us, it’s win at all costs. Lose and feel destroyed mentally. Anger and disappointment consumes us as we ponder what might have been. And while we’re all caught up in our own plight, we fail to celebrate the achievements of our opponent.

During prelims last Saturday DOOM played a game vs. a team I’m sure many of you have never heard of. Come the bottom of the 6th inning their underrated pitcher had held us to only 1 run. To that point, I had yet to give up a hit and in talking to maybe the least talented kid on their squad their expectations of winning were minimal. But that doesn’t mean they were just going through the motions. They had every desire to win, and when their pitcher hit a solo to tie it up, the stage was set for the so-called “least talented” player (maybe in the whole division) to step into the box and make his mark on the game. A few seconds later he lined a ball up the middle and off Dallas’s outstretched hand, for the walk off game winning HR. Even though we were disappointed in losing the game, how could we not be happy for that kid and his team? Forget the fact, they just beat DOOM, the #1 ranked team in the tournament, but they also just hit 2 HR’s to win a game against a picther who was throwing a no no. An unforgetable accomplishment. And the kid who hit the walk off was the MOST unlikely of heroes, but to have his teammates rally around him and celebrate with him, that’s a feeling we all hope to experience.

Those of us who are in it to win it, fail sometimes to appreciate the other sides perspective. We fail sometimes to appreciate the true love of the game and how it can be found even in defeat> so long as our vanity doesn’t block our ability to see it.

WFFLE ball tournaments and leagues like GSWL, are breeding grounds for people with common interests to get together and form realtionships with one another. Some of my best friends are WIFFLE ball players. I see them almost every weekend. They have in turn become part of my extended family. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate more and more the value of having these people in my life.

Being part of this ever growing WIFFLE community, has been an honor and a privledge and I hope this article helps to inspire others to think less about themselves and more about the joy that comes from the experiences we all share together. Happy 4th of July!

After losing to 1-man DOOM in the Finals of this most recent BLWB; Wiffman, Gongman, Boomer and Leahy were found in the parking lot taking out their frustration on the poor 2nd place trophy. It wasn’t that the trophy was undesirable, it’s what it represented….not quite good enough. So instead of going on the mantle, it became a pinata, absorbing blow after blow from the bats of the guys who finsihed second.

Has this sport become too competitve? Is winning all that matters? Where did the fun go? Seems like for most teams, fun takes a back seat to success. In a growing format like BLWB, we have to guard against the spirit of the sport being compramised. New teams, average teams, family teams, all play initially for the love of the game. They keep playing, b/c of how much fun they’re having. These teams will eventually make up the majority of BLWB if it’s to succeed.

So what do we do to maximize FUN? For me, it’s finiding a way to increase balance within the format. This weekend there were way too many 1-0 games. If the bat must be yellow ONLY, then the options become: lower the speed limit more or make the ball unscuffed.

1. An unscuffed ball moves less and will make pitchers work harder to get batters out. (due to the unlimited fouls rule)  Advantage: Hitter

2. Having scuffed balls with a lower speed limit of 35mph, allows pitchers more movement, and gives yellow weilding batters a better chance of putting the ball in play.   Advantage: Both (good balance)

Remember, this is all about the big picture. How do we get WIFFLE recognized Nationally? BLWB is the front runner in making this a reality. To pull it off two things need to happen. It needs to multiply in size and it needs to be marketable.

1. To grow, you must ensure every team equal opportunity to win, b/c winning does matter and to those whom it doesn’t, you still have to make it fun for them so they want to come back. Getting shut out every game won’t inspire that.

2. To be more marketable, the fans need to enjoy what they’re viewing. It needs to be exciting. The pitching needs to be crafty, not over powering. The hitting needs to be frequent, not occasional. And the defense needs to play a significant role, and that only happens when the ball is put in play.

To give all three elements their fair shake a rule change needs to be made. Should it be changing to unscuffed balls, or should the speed limit be reduced to 35mph? I think my opinion is obvious, but I look forward to yours.

BLWB is proud to announce its new team of writers. First is Adam “the Franchise” Trotta, Captain of DOOM, and 16 year WIFFLE pro. He will be heading up the “DOOM Blog” — covering anything that matters to WIFFLE enthusiasts. Trotta has led DOOM to 75 Tournament Championships… and shows no signs of slowing down!

Joining him is Dave “the Animal” Morse. Perhaps the most colorful WIFFLE personality in the game. He heads up the WIFFLE ball team Lou’s Diamonds. Dave is best known for his witty rebuttles and insightful observations.

Lastly, the beautiful April Lange. She will bring the charm and charisma along with frequent updates regarding the format.