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Hannon's Hot Corner with Alex Fuchylo of ??? (new team TBD)
by: Tom Hannon
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Hannon: What makes you come back year after year to play in the BWBL? |
Our fourth installment of Hannon’s Hot Corner I had the privilege of asking a multi-season MVP Alex Fuchylo some questions. He came into the league with AJ Vancosky, Derick Kearsh, and some kid named Mike. They were the original Jagerbombers and while they never won a championship together, they did make it to the finals once. Although that series never got played, Alex has gone on to win three titles with two different teams. Alex has continually been at the top of every pitching and hitting category year in and year out. A five-tool player is what I would consider him as there aren’t many weaknesses in his game. I had the pleasure of playing alongside Alex during the 2018 Nationals and he taught me some valuable Fortnite skills. Last year, Alex helped lead Full Count to the championship series where they ultimately fell short to Snack Shack three games to one in a best-of-five. The result of the series isn’t indicative of how close those two teams were to one another. Alex has seemed to load up on talent this year and his team is primed to make another deep playoff run in 2019.
1. You were finally able to get a taste of the NWLA on the national level. What are some of the takeaways from that experience that may help you improve your game not only in the BWBL but in the NWLA assuming you want another crack at it?
I really enjoyed the hitting aspect of NWLA as it was a nice challenge not only because of the smaller yellow bat, but also because of the speed and talent of pitching. I think that definitely helped me hitting in BWBL in the second half of the season. If I were to go back, I would definitely have to work on pitching with an unscuffed ball, as I haven’t done that in 10+ years before last year.
2. You have won I believe three titles with two coming with the juggernaut Jagerbombers and one with Bases Loaded. Out of those three, do any of them stand out more than the other?
The Bases Loaded one. Making a run from the sixth seed and beating the teams we did to win the championship was a lot of fun and exciting. It was also nice to help Sickle win his first (and only) championship in the league he helped create. I enjoyed the other two championships as well, don’t get me wrong. They were both with a great group of guys, but we were favorites to win both years. The championship series versus the Bandits with the first Jagerbomb team was the best series I’ve been a part of or have seen to date in my time in the league.
3. This past season Full Count made it to the championship series to face off against the Snack Shack. Coming into that series was there any special game plan?
We were hoping to limit what Snack Shack could do offensively with our pitching. It almost worked in the first game and it worked in the second game, but the wheels kind of fell off after that pitching-wise. I knew I would be able to hit Curtis and I was hoping he would lose the strike zone and combine that with our pitching, I thought we would be able to win the series.
4. The rain/rain delay seemed to affect your team more than the Shack. Why were they seemingly able to bounce back whereas you guys looked lethargic?
The rain hurt us and my decision to play one more inning and have Sorber pitch in the rain was ultimately our downfall. I should not have sent Sorber out there and just waited for the rain to stop. I figured since Curtis pitched in the rain, it was only fair we did as well for an inning. However, I didn’t account for the buildup of mud that Sorber had to deal with whereas Curtis did not. It was a decision that I shouldn’t have let happen.
5. This upcoming season we are seeing a split amongst yourself and Sorber, a teammate of yours for some time now. Was the decision to form two teams a tough one?
Sorber has always been one of my favorite teammates I’ve always played with. Up there with Derick and AJ, who I’ve played with most of my life. It’s always tough not playing with someone that you really enjoy playing with. He has a group of his lifelong friends that he wants to play with in BWBL and I completely understand that. With all that being said, I am also looking forward to facing him as a hitter since I think I’ve only faced him once before in Fall Ball years ago.
6. Having seen your roster, what can we expect from the new additions to Full Count in 2019?
As of right now our team name is TBD, but for the purpose of the question I think we added more depth. Probably the most depth I’ve played with since those two stacked Jagerbomb teams. We have three #1 pitchers in myself, Jake, and Sean Hart. Derick is a solid spot starter. We have solid defense in my opinion across the board with the additions of Brandon Haydt and Andy Peck. We can rotate any player in the field and not skip a beat.
7. You are probably the best infielder on the left side of the field in a very long time. By being unafraid of playing on the grass and taking away any short hit. If anyone in the league wanted to work on their defense what tips could you possibly give them?
In terms of playing on the left side of the field, having the ability to throw the ball across the diamond to first is the biggest obstacle of playing on that side. I think playing on the grass helps making that throw a lot easier. In terms of playing defense anywhere on the field, knowing where to go with the ball is a big part of playing defense. You mainly want to be comfortable and trust your abilities. If you’re not sure where to go, throwing the ball back to the pitcher is always a safe bet and can limit what the base runners can do.
8. As a hitter a lot of pitchers are cautious when you step in the batter’s box which shows a lot of respect to you as a bona fide stud hitter. Do you have a different approach when facing certain pitchers?
For some of the top tier pitchers, I always look for a specific pitch. Most pitchers only have 2 or 3 different pitches and normally one of those they can consistently throw for strikes. So, I’m always looking for one specific pitch going into each at bat and I will change that specific pitch I’m looking for each plate appearance.
9. Name some pitcher/s you love facing and why?
I enjoy hitting a lot more than I do pitching so I’m always looking for a challenge when batting. Curtis Wagner is always fun to hit against. He throws hard and with movement. I haven’t faced Artim in a while, but he has improved greatly in terms of his pitch selection and ability to throw strikes so I’m looking forward to that this year. Years ago, you and Dotzel were fun to hit against. As I mentioned before, I’m really looking forward to hitting against Sorber, as that has rarely happened before.
10. Name some hitter/s you love to hate facing and why?
Honestly, I hate facing most hitters (laughter). Pitching, for me, is always a challenge week in and week out. I’ve evolved greatly as a pitcher who used to only throw a straight fastball, to now having four, sometimes five, pitches that I can throw for strikes, but I always tend to make multiple mistakes against a wide variety of hitters. If I had to mention names, you, Dalton and Belles have consistently done the most damage off me.
11. What can we expect from Full Count as a whole in the 2019 season. A championship appearance/ title?
I’m always striving to make and win the championship with whomever I’m playing with, but the main thing in my mind is to always have fun playing. At the end of the day, it’s just Wiffle® ball and win or lose, I play to have fun.
12. What makes you come back year after year to play in the BWBL?
Similar answer to the previous question – I always have fun playing year in and year out. I also want to help support the league and have it continue to grow. If it weren’t for the BWBL, I probably would have stopped playing Wiffle® ball 10+ years ago. I used to only play with Derick, AJ, and others growing up, but only Derick is in the area or I still talk to. The BWBL has given me the chance to continue playing Wiffle® ball, which I looked forward to playing every summer growing up.
13. Name the five teams that make the post-season?
I don’t exactly know all the teams in the league, but if I had to guess I would say (in no particular order) us, Bad Meets Evil, Special K, Sorber’s team, and maybe Electric City Express if they have the pitching.
14. Your 2019 BWBL Champion is?
The team holding up the trophy at the end of the year.
1. You were finally able to get a taste of the NWLA on the national level. What are some of the takeaways from that experience that may help you improve your game not only in the BWBL but in the NWLA assuming you want another crack at it?
I really enjoyed the hitting aspect of NWLA as it was a nice challenge not only because of the smaller yellow bat, but also because of the speed and talent of pitching. I think that definitely helped me hitting in BWBL in the second half of the season. If I were to go back, I would definitely have to work on pitching with an unscuffed ball, as I haven’t done that in 10+ years before last year.
2. You have won I believe three titles with two coming with the juggernaut Jagerbombers and one with Bases Loaded. Out of those three, do any of them stand out more than the other?
The Bases Loaded one. Making a run from the sixth seed and beating the teams we did to win the championship was a lot of fun and exciting. It was also nice to help Sickle win his first (and only) championship in the league he helped create. I enjoyed the other two championships as well, don’t get me wrong. They were both with a great group of guys, but we were favorites to win both years. The championship series versus the Bandits with the first Jagerbomb team was the best series I’ve been a part of or have seen to date in my time in the league.
3. This past season Full Count made it to the championship series to face off against the Snack Shack. Coming into that series was there any special game plan?
We were hoping to limit what Snack Shack could do offensively with our pitching. It almost worked in the first game and it worked in the second game, but the wheels kind of fell off after that pitching-wise. I knew I would be able to hit Curtis and I was hoping he would lose the strike zone and combine that with our pitching, I thought we would be able to win the series.
4. The rain/rain delay seemed to affect your team more than the Shack. Why were they seemingly able to bounce back whereas you guys looked lethargic?
The rain hurt us and my decision to play one more inning and have Sorber pitch in the rain was ultimately our downfall. I should not have sent Sorber out there and just waited for the rain to stop. I figured since Curtis pitched in the rain, it was only fair we did as well for an inning. However, I didn’t account for the buildup of mud that Sorber had to deal with whereas Curtis did not. It was a decision that I shouldn’t have let happen.
5. This upcoming season we are seeing a split amongst yourself and Sorber, a teammate of yours for some time now. Was the decision to form two teams a tough one?
Sorber has always been one of my favorite teammates I’ve always played with. Up there with Derick and AJ, who I’ve played with most of my life. It’s always tough not playing with someone that you really enjoy playing with. He has a group of his lifelong friends that he wants to play with in BWBL and I completely understand that. With all that being said, I am also looking forward to facing him as a hitter since I think I’ve only faced him once before in Fall Ball years ago.
6. Having seen your roster, what can we expect from the new additions to Full Count in 2019?
As of right now our team name is TBD, but for the purpose of the question I think we added more depth. Probably the most depth I’ve played with since those two stacked Jagerbomb teams. We have three #1 pitchers in myself, Jake, and Sean Hart. Derick is a solid spot starter. We have solid defense in my opinion across the board with the additions of Brandon Haydt and Andy Peck. We can rotate any player in the field and not skip a beat.
7. You are probably the best infielder on the left side of the field in a very long time. By being unafraid of playing on the grass and taking away any short hit. If anyone in the league wanted to work on their defense what tips could you possibly give them?
In terms of playing on the left side of the field, having the ability to throw the ball across the diamond to first is the biggest obstacle of playing on that side. I think playing on the grass helps making that throw a lot easier. In terms of playing defense anywhere on the field, knowing where to go with the ball is a big part of playing defense. You mainly want to be comfortable and trust your abilities. If you’re not sure where to go, throwing the ball back to the pitcher is always a safe bet and can limit what the base runners can do.
8. As a hitter a lot of pitchers are cautious when you step in the batter’s box which shows a lot of respect to you as a bona fide stud hitter. Do you have a different approach when facing certain pitchers?
For some of the top tier pitchers, I always look for a specific pitch. Most pitchers only have 2 or 3 different pitches and normally one of those they can consistently throw for strikes. So, I’m always looking for one specific pitch going into each at bat and I will change that specific pitch I’m looking for each plate appearance.
9. Name some pitcher/s you love facing and why?
I enjoy hitting a lot more than I do pitching so I’m always looking for a challenge when batting. Curtis Wagner is always fun to hit against. He throws hard and with movement. I haven’t faced Artim in a while, but he has improved greatly in terms of his pitch selection and ability to throw strikes so I’m looking forward to that this year. Years ago, you and Dotzel were fun to hit against. As I mentioned before, I’m really looking forward to hitting against Sorber, as that has rarely happened before.
10. Name some hitter/s you love to hate facing and why?
Honestly, I hate facing most hitters (laughter). Pitching, for me, is always a challenge week in and week out. I’ve evolved greatly as a pitcher who used to only throw a straight fastball, to now having four, sometimes five, pitches that I can throw for strikes, but I always tend to make multiple mistakes against a wide variety of hitters. If I had to mention names, you, Dalton and Belles have consistently done the most damage off me.
11. What can we expect from Full Count as a whole in the 2019 season. A championship appearance/ title?
I’m always striving to make and win the championship with whomever I’m playing with, but the main thing in my mind is to always have fun playing. At the end of the day, it’s just Wiffle® ball and win or lose, I play to have fun.
12. What makes you come back year after year to play in the BWBL?
Similar answer to the previous question – I always have fun playing year in and year out. I also want to help support the league and have it continue to grow. If it weren’t for the BWBL, I probably would have stopped playing Wiffle® ball 10+ years ago. I used to only play with Derick, AJ, and others growing up, but only Derick is in the area or I still talk to. The BWBL has given me the chance to continue playing Wiffle® ball, which I looked forward to playing every summer growing up.
13. Name the five teams that make the post-season?
I don’t exactly know all the teams in the league, but if I had to guess I would say (in no particular order) us, Bad Meets Evil, Special K, Sorber’s team, and maybe Electric City Express if they have the pitching.
14. Your 2019 BWBL Champion is?
The team holding up the trophy at the end of the year.
Hannon's Hot Corner with Steve Homza of Special K
by: Tom Hannon
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Hannon: Last season (in the playoffs) ... Game 1 was very controversial on a HR by J.J. Neely.... Looking back at that series do you think after the call didn't go your team's way did it take the wind out of your sails so to speak? |
This week I had the chance to ask Steve Homza Captain of Special K some questions heading into the 2019 season. Steve has blossomed into a very good bat inside the BWBL and at just 20 years old he has a ton of potential to become one of the best hitters in our leagues illustrious history.
Special K has gradually increased their win total year after year. During his 1st season as a Captain Steve fielded a team that wasn’t too competitive. However, last year his team had some of the missing pieces it needed to be a steady playoff contender in an ace pitcher in Artim and a deadly bat in Belles. Move ahead to 2019 and his roster is looking better than ever with 2 more BWBL veterans and pitchers. Coming in at #13 in the pre-season NWLA rankings is a very good start to the year. There are a lot of high expectations for this squad not only inside the league but outside as well. Is it due to the names that are on the roster? Is it the talent that is on the roster or is it a combination of both? Only time will tell and we will see how this team handles being the hunter instead of the prey.
Who's in the shadows?
Who's ready to play?
Are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?
There's no surrender and there's no escape are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?
1. Each year you have captained a team your team record has improved. The next step in the progression would be either a title appearance and or title itself. What has helped your team get better each season?
Every year I like to set goals. At first when I became a captain it was reaching the .500 mark and then finally reaching playoffs last year. Each year I reached these goals by filling in players to fill in roles that I felt we needed to improve on. Whether it was fielding, hitting, or pitching. Bringing in players that I played with in the past, bringing in friends, and bringing in some big name players.
2. Heading into the 2019 season your team Special K is considered by many inside the league one of the front runners to capture the Title. What changes have you made to help get you guys to the next level?
Last year was definitely beneficial to some of the guys on the roster since it was their first time playing in the playoffs and having the veterans there to help. Unfortunately, we lost a huge bat in our lineup, but going out and grabbing some new name weapons and 2 huge arms with some great bats too.
3. You recently released your roster to me via message and it is one of the larger rosters so far. How will you be able to manage the AB's and pitching duties with 3 to 4 starters?
Depending on different players’ schedules on the Sunday’s, I am not expecting the whole roster to be there every week. I will not sit a player only unless they ask me to or if we need to play strategically. Every player can hit and play the field, so there’s no reason to sit.
My problem as a captain in the past was that we would only have 1 starter. Now the problem is having too many. And this is a good problem. I am looking forward to see how each one of them do. I am going to try and get them to throw every week but if my starter in the game is throwing a gem, of course I am going to keep him in there. We have a lot of different pitchers with different styles so can plan it out strategically depending on the team we are playing. We do have a lot of arms on the roster in case of emergency.
4. Is Joel Bennett a Special K secret weapon and what can we expect from this rookie of the BWBL?
Most definitely! We always have high expectations for new players. I love seeing this league grow and this was a guy who wanted to check out the league and try it out. He does have experience in baseball, so I am most definitely looking forward to his success in hitting and fielding. For people who don’t know him… he was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a third generation brewer who’s grandfather, Frederick Miller, wrote the original recipe for miller brewing company in 1855 after his emigration from Hohenzollern, Germany in 1854. His father was a crucial member of the team that created Miller Lite in 1973. Joel works as a apart of the teams which is the official sponsor of the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and is a crew member of Brad Keselowski’s #2 mustang in the Nascar Cup Series. We are beyond excited to welcome Joel Bennett into the BWBL as an official member of Special K.
5. Having a pitching staff of Artim, Ziobro, Pasone and George has to be the deepest rotation in the league and arguably the best as well. How were you able to convince James and Fran to leave Bases Loaded?
We are beyond excited to have this staff this year. It is always hard to bring in players and have them leave their other teams. But all having the same goal of winning a championship, and with the roster that we have, is definitely a good pitch to anyone in free agency.
6. Having missed the last 2 NWLA tournaments in Michigan due to Legion Baseball will we see you out in Michigan this coming summer provided the BWBL gets one of those at large bids?
Missing the last two years definitely was a heartbreaker. I will have summer ball this year, but it won’t be in playoffs at the time. If the manager and the people involved in making the team vote me on. I can’t wait to represent the BWBL.
7. Last season Special K was eliminated in the semifinals courtesy of Snack Shack in a 2 games to none series. Game 1 was very controversial on a HR by JJ Neely which a couple days later admitted it may have been foul. I did not see the HR at the time I was behind the dugout on 3rd base side. Looking back at that series do you think after the call didn't go your team's way did it take the wind out of your sails so to speak?
I am always going to say it was foul. It was a battle of the 2 best pitchers in the East side of the NWLA total and the game was going to end once someone scored. But that was something that totally took the game plan apart. Wanted to win game 1 and be relaxed for game 2 against Bob. But since we lost, it made me rush into things and our pitcher wasn’t ready for game 2 and the attitude of the team was changed throughout game 2. This year having that experience, we will definitely be ready for anything in a game. Because umpires are never perfect and just have to accept it.
8. What are you most looking forward to in the 2019 season?
All the new roster moves and new teams coming along this year. Having missed out on the Winter meeting, I am also looking forward to any new rule changes that was made. Also, seeing Mark Belles lead the BWBL team the farthest it has ever been in the NWLA tournament.
9. What are the expectations coming into the season for not only yourself but team and league?
My personal goal is to manage the team, with the help of asst. manager Gober, to a championship. And I just want to see the league improve better on talent and want to see a new winner. With snack shack not running any more parties this year, it is up for grabs.
10. Last year had probably the most parity in the league ever. Thru the years there have been teams assembled and labeled as "Super" teams. Would you consider your team to be one of those teams and what would you like to say to those that may think that?
I don’t consider my team is a super team. My team 3 years ago consisted of just 5 players. And we got killed almost every game. We got lucky if we split a series. And that gave us experience of learning to hit different styles of pitching. Now, it is basically the same team, and added veteran guys and young arms. I wouldn’t call it a super team.
11. With 8 teams in the league and as of right now 5 making the playoffs. In no particular order which 5 makes playoffs?
Special K, chafing the dream, electric city express, bad meets evil, Saturday crush
12. Lastly who is hoisting the 2019 BWBL Red Robin Cup?
Not being cocky, just want to be confident. Sending the boys out on a win. Special K.
Special K has gradually increased their win total year after year. During his 1st season as a Captain Steve fielded a team that wasn’t too competitive. However, last year his team had some of the missing pieces it needed to be a steady playoff contender in an ace pitcher in Artim and a deadly bat in Belles. Move ahead to 2019 and his roster is looking better than ever with 2 more BWBL veterans and pitchers. Coming in at #13 in the pre-season NWLA rankings is a very good start to the year. There are a lot of high expectations for this squad not only inside the league but outside as well. Is it due to the names that are on the roster? Is it the talent that is on the roster or is it a combination of both? Only time will tell and we will see how this team handles being the hunter instead of the prey.
Who's in the shadows?
Who's ready to play?
Are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?
There's no surrender and there's no escape are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?
1. Each year you have captained a team your team record has improved. The next step in the progression would be either a title appearance and or title itself. What has helped your team get better each season?
Every year I like to set goals. At first when I became a captain it was reaching the .500 mark and then finally reaching playoffs last year. Each year I reached these goals by filling in players to fill in roles that I felt we needed to improve on. Whether it was fielding, hitting, or pitching. Bringing in players that I played with in the past, bringing in friends, and bringing in some big name players.
2. Heading into the 2019 season your team Special K is considered by many inside the league one of the front runners to capture the Title. What changes have you made to help get you guys to the next level?
Last year was definitely beneficial to some of the guys on the roster since it was their first time playing in the playoffs and having the veterans there to help. Unfortunately, we lost a huge bat in our lineup, but going out and grabbing some new name weapons and 2 huge arms with some great bats too.
3. You recently released your roster to me via message and it is one of the larger rosters so far. How will you be able to manage the AB's and pitching duties with 3 to 4 starters?
Depending on different players’ schedules on the Sunday’s, I am not expecting the whole roster to be there every week. I will not sit a player only unless they ask me to or if we need to play strategically. Every player can hit and play the field, so there’s no reason to sit.
My problem as a captain in the past was that we would only have 1 starter. Now the problem is having too many. And this is a good problem. I am looking forward to see how each one of them do. I am going to try and get them to throw every week but if my starter in the game is throwing a gem, of course I am going to keep him in there. We have a lot of different pitchers with different styles so can plan it out strategically depending on the team we are playing. We do have a lot of arms on the roster in case of emergency.
4. Is Joel Bennett a Special K secret weapon and what can we expect from this rookie of the BWBL?
Most definitely! We always have high expectations for new players. I love seeing this league grow and this was a guy who wanted to check out the league and try it out. He does have experience in baseball, so I am most definitely looking forward to his success in hitting and fielding. For people who don’t know him… he was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a third generation brewer who’s grandfather, Frederick Miller, wrote the original recipe for miller brewing company in 1855 after his emigration from Hohenzollern, Germany in 1854. His father was a crucial member of the team that created Miller Lite in 1973. Joel works as a apart of the teams which is the official sponsor of the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and is a crew member of Brad Keselowski’s #2 mustang in the Nascar Cup Series. We are beyond excited to welcome Joel Bennett into the BWBL as an official member of Special K.
5. Having a pitching staff of Artim, Ziobro, Pasone and George has to be the deepest rotation in the league and arguably the best as well. How were you able to convince James and Fran to leave Bases Loaded?
We are beyond excited to have this staff this year. It is always hard to bring in players and have them leave their other teams. But all having the same goal of winning a championship, and with the roster that we have, is definitely a good pitch to anyone in free agency.
6. Having missed the last 2 NWLA tournaments in Michigan due to Legion Baseball will we see you out in Michigan this coming summer provided the BWBL gets one of those at large bids?
Missing the last two years definitely was a heartbreaker. I will have summer ball this year, but it won’t be in playoffs at the time. If the manager and the people involved in making the team vote me on. I can’t wait to represent the BWBL.
7. Last season Special K was eliminated in the semifinals courtesy of Snack Shack in a 2 games to none series. Game 1 was very controversial on a HR by JJ Neely which a couple days later admitted it may have been foul. I did not see the HR at the time I was behind the dugout on 3rd base side. Looking back at that series do you think after the call didn't go your team's way did it take the wind out of your sails so to speak?
I am always going to say it was foul. It was a battle of the 2 best pitchers in the East side of the NWLA total and the game was going to end once someone scored. But that was something that totally took the game plan apart. Wanted to win game 1 and be relaxed for game 2 against Bob. But since we lost, it made me rush into things and our pitcher wasn’t ready for game 2 and the attitude of the team was changed throughout game 2. This year having that experience, we will definitely be ready for anything in a game. Because umpires are never perfect and just have to accept it.
8. What are you most looking forward to in the 2019 season?
All the new roster moves and new teams coming along this year. Having missed out on the Winter meeting, I am also looking forward to any new rule changes that was made. Also, seeing Mark Belles lead the BWBL team the farthest it has ever been in the NWLA tournament.
9. What are the expectations coming into the season for not only yourself but team and league?
My personal goal is to manage the team, with the help of asst. manager Gober, to a championship. And I just want to see the league improve better on talent and want to see a new winner. With snack shack not running any more parties this year, it is up for grabs.
10. Last year had probably the most parity in the league ever. Thru the years there have been teams assembled and labeled as "Super" teams. Would you consider your team to be one of those teams and what would you like to say to those that may think that?
I don’t consider my team is a super team. My team 3 years ago consisted of just 5 players. And we got killed almost every game. We got lucky if we split a series. And that gave us experience of learning to hit different styles of pitching. Now, it is basically the same team, and added veteran guys and young arms. I wouldn’t call it a super team.
11. With 8 teams in the league and as of right now 5 making the playoffs. In no particular order which 5 makes playoffs?
Special K, chafing the dream, electric city express, bad meets evil, Saturday crush
12. Lastly who is hoisting the 2019 BWBL Red Robin Cup?
Not being cocky, just want to be confident. Sending the boys out on a win. Special K.
BWBL Hall of Fame, Class of 2019
In continuing to commemorate the efforts of great players and organizers, the Backyard Wiffle® Ball League is proud to announce the BWBL Hall of Fame, Class of 2019!
Members are elected to the Hall of Fame through a vote of BWBL Council members and still-active Hall of Famers. In order to become a member of the Hall of Fame, players/organizers must first be nominated by the Council and then receive 75% of the vote.
The league is proud to announce the BWBL Hall of Fame, Class of 2019:
Mikey Holloway -- Player for all 15 years of the league’s existence and was the league’s youngest player at the age of 12 when the league formed. Mikey has transformed his game throught the years, at first relying on his speed and quick hands then becoming an all-around player capable of carrying a team on his back. Don’t be fooled by the lackadaisical effort because if you sleep on him, he will turn a little 15-foot hit into a double. Holloway’s speed and quickness has garnered him some national recognition from the NWLA as a first team fielder and is considered to be one of the most reliable defensive players roaming the outfield at Diamond City Park. With his induction, the Core-4 of not only the 2004 Dragons but the original one-on-one league is now all derservingly in the Hall of Fame.
Bob Sickle -- Father of the league co-creator, without Sickle, the league most likely would have gone under within the first few years. Sickle was routinely at the field early to help set up and get the field in playing condition. Sickle is best known for his supervisory skills and ability to see where improvements could be made. He is also famous for one-liners, with favorite targets being fellow Hall of Famers Tom Hannon, Mike White, and his son Kevin Sickle. Sickle was instrumental in getting Diamond City Park up and running to allow the league to continue well into the future. Athletically, Sickle served as a fill-in during the early years for his son's teams and has two sons who hold BWBL titles (Kevin and Nate with Bases Loaded in 2013). The league, its founders, commissioner son, council, and all players past, present, and future owe a debt of gratitude to Bob.
Stay tuned for plans for the Hall of Fame Induction!
Members are elected to the Hall of Fame through a vote of BWBL Council members and still-active Hall of Famers. In order to become a member of the Hall of Fame, players/organizers must first be nominated by the Council and then receive 75% of the vote.
The league is proud to announce the BWBL Hall of Fame, Class of 2019:
Mikey Holloway -- Player for all 15 years of the league’s existence and was the league’s youngest player at the age of 12 when the league formed. Mikey has transformed his game throught the years, at first relying on his speed and quick hands then becoming an all-around player capable of carrying a team on his back. Don’t be fooled by the lackadaisical effort because if you sleep on him, he will turn a little 15-foot hit into a double. Holloway’s speed and quickness has garnered him some national recognition from the NWLA as a first team fielder and is considered to be one of the most reliable defensive players roaming the outfield at Diamond City Park. With his induction, the Core-4 of not only the 2004 Dragons but the original one-on-one league is now all derservingly in the Hall of Fame.
Bob Sickle -- Father of the league co-creator, without Sickle, the league most likely would have gone under within the first few years. Sickle was routinely at the field early to help set up and get the field in playing condition. Sickle is best known for his supervisory skills and ability to see where improvements could be made. He is also famous for one-liners, with favorite targets being fellow Hall of Famers Tom Hannon, Mike White, and his son Kevin Sickle. Sickle was instrumental in getting Diamond City Park up and running to allow the league to continue well into the future. Athletically, Sickle served as a fill-in during the early years for his son's teams and has two sons who hold BWBL titles (Kevin and Nate with Bases Loaded in 2013). The league, its founders, commissioner son, council, and all players past, present, and future owe a debt of gratitude to Bob.
Stay tuned for plans for the Hall of Fame Induction!
We've Had Some Good Times and Some Bad Times
by: Tom Hannon
For the past 15 years, my summers have been spent playing Wiffle ball - a child’s game here in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Outsiders have laughed at the idea of grown men playing “competitive” Wiffle in these parts of town for just as long. Now don’t get me wrong - once this is all said and done, I too may look back and reflect on how crazy this whole things seems but for now this is my release on life. Life can be a cruel bitch and we all need that one thing where we can just forget about the stressful day to day things that come up in our lives. Some people will never get it and that’s OK with me and probably most of the players that gave come and gone in the BWBL’s league history. This article is going to be focused on some great moments, some not so great moments and some top 5’s from my perspective. Liberals go get the tissues now just in case you don’t make one of my lists. So to kick things off here is the first set of lists. I want to thank not only the Breaker Boys this past weekend to help me create this article but also JJ Neely for posting something similar in a Facebook thread.
Top 5 Teams
1. Bad Meets Evil - Only had 1 ship in 2012 but you couldn’t discount the 39-1 regular season record over 2 years and the Charity Tournament wins.
2. Pittston Park Boys - Had to find a place for them and #2 seemed fitting. The league had to make up a rule for pitching because of this team’s ace.
3. Jagerbombers - This team in 2016 was stacked top to bottom. Having 3 #1’s on the roster is something many teams dream about.
4. Rynk’s Sports Bar - When the league first started we had never seen a team like them. Unscuffed balls moving in ways we hadn’t seen before plus very good hitters.
5. Saturday Crush - I don’t feel like going back and looking up the year but they went undefeated during regular season only to lose to the LJS Seamen in semis.
Top 5 Worst Teams
1. Shooting Stars (2013) - Granted they had some winning season,s but they also had some dreadful ones.
2. Losers Sometimes Win(2005) - This team was god awful. I mean awful - the only bright spot on this roster back in the day was Tanya.
3. The Dudes (2011) - Only had 1 win and any time you had to rely on Sickle as an ace that spells trouble. 6 starts that year.
4. Sons of Pitches (2014) - Not only was the team name really dumb but the team was not any better. I give them props for sticking out the season but it was their only one.
5. Jr’s Heroes (2014) - The team had such a hodgepodge roster. There is only two players left from this team in the league. Thankfully they have gotten better.
When I was going through my memory bank and thinking back to some of these teams I realized there are others that could have made these lists.
Top 5 Tournament Memories
1. Mark Belles dry humping the Loadbeats ceramic leopard mascot and breaking it. Why was this significant you may ask? Well the Loadbeats had traveled to our 2 day event from Akron, Ohio area I think. They were pretty cocky and confident at the same time and not only did they lose the title to a Dragons team they lost their beloved mascot as well.
2. Dragons over Loadbeats. The previous year the Dragons had lost to this team but in this year they had gotten their revenge after calling me out and wondering why I wasn’t pitching. They got what they asked for and maybe they should have just been quiet. We haven’t heard or seen from this group of guys since.
3. Raising a very good amount of money to help Andy Peck’s uncle who had heart and liver transplants. We played some horseshoes in the outfield and had a very nice response team wise.
4. Playing til 1 am against the Bandits in the 1st Fall tournament. It was cold rainy but somehow both teams played 1 out of the 2 games to decide the champion. After a game 1 win to force a deciding game both teams agreed to co-champ.
5. The very 1st tournament held at Coal St. We had the renaissance fair going with jousting in the background and we had no idea what we were doing as far as running the thing. A tournament that should have taken only a day to complete was dragged on for a 2nd day. Long but fun days at the old park.
This league had many changes throughout the years from using original yellows and Black Magic aluminum bats to the now Loco and Moonshot bats and also the no pegging rule for the first two seasons.. With that we have also changed the way the pitchers have been able to manipulate the ball. When we first stated out we used one ball straight out of the box for the 1st game of the day. That ball would continue to get used until it had a crack big enough to deem it unplayable. By the time you were the final game of the day there was a good chance you had a worn in ball not anything close to the balls you see used in today’s BWBL which is fine. There were no bringing your own balls and alter them however you see fit as long as they didn’t completely change the integrity of the ball. With that meaning no loading with rocks. Seriously who the hell would even do that and for what purpose? Now on to another couple of lists.
Top 5 Pitchers (All-Time)
1. Bob Loftus - You really can’t put anyone at number one when it comes to all-time pitcher. He is the reason we have pitching rules in regards to a rotation. Back in his earlier years his teammates would literally sit on their asses while he threw a no-hitter or perfect game. Still shocks me that a simple riser can still get so many people out after all these years.
2. Tom Hannon - I know, I know he put himself at #2 - is he crazy? “He’s not the number two” some will say. I can see that side of it, however after completing season 15 this year, it’s hard to argue anyone else being in this spot. Over 50 wins and a couple CY Youngs in both formats medium and fast pitch all while nursing a hurt shoulder. Had one of the nastiest slider/risers in the game during his prime years.
3. Steve Dotzel - He is an absolute workhorse on the mound. Very well could be #2 when his career is over. He would be at 50 career wins or higher had he pitched in the 2012 season. However, that Bad Meets Evil team had Loftus, Hannon, Loftus Jr., and Dotzel so seeing the mound was very limited for Dotzel.
4. Ryan Hart - This kid could sure ball when he was in the league. He was one of the top players in every category year in and year out. If it wasn’t for him “growing” up and becoming a lawyer who knows what his career would have looked like in the BWBL.
5. TJ Nikoden- Was a member of the Dragons team and was also responsible for single handily knocking out a 20-0 Saturday Crush team in I believe the final year of fast pitch. His drop was one of the best ever in the league and hitters had a hard time squaring it up.
Top 5 Pitchers (Now)
1. Josh Sorber - The guys is like 75 and still gets guys out. I haven’t seen a game where teams square up on him on a consistent basis. He relies on a drop of which is similar to that of TJ Nikoden’s and will mix in a riser.
2. Zach Artim - A bulldog on the mound and has currently developed a couple more pitches to go along with his heat seeking riser. You will know if Artim is winning or losing by checking the dents in the outfield wall or signs in close proximity.
3. Alex Fuchylo - Having three to four pitches in your arsenal is very nice to have especially when one of those pitches throws batters so off balance it makes them look foolish. He has a lot of big game experience and with that comes a cool and calm demeanor.
4. Steve Dotzel - How can he be #4 on this list but #3 on the other. Well here is how even though he is #3 in my eyes as an all timer he has struggled a little bit this year. Maybe it’s not having a full team week in and week out or maybe it’s because he doesn’t have the likes of Rob Hess or myself to provide the offense for him.
5. Fran George- Crazy how a once terrible pitcher can develop into a top-five pitcher in the BWBL right now. He has worked on his pitching by a very large amount over the course of a five-year span. He is a fireballer with a riser reminiscent of a younger Bob Loftus.
I think the hardest part about writing this article is narrowing down all the players past and present and ranking them where I see fit. Sure this is just my opinion but as everyone in the BWBL knows my opinion means shit. Even though this league has not fared well at the NWLA tournament, it doesn’t mean we don’t have some talented guys here in Wilkes-Barre. Granted we use bigger barrel bats and it somewhat puts us at a disadvantage but this isn’t about which is better. We take a lot of grief because of the style we play and how it’s not like many other NWLA leagues but we don’t care. Our way of play has afforded us the opportunity to play for 15 seasons. Not that many leagues can make it past 5 or 6 without drastically changing up their format. Weekend tournaments aren’t leagues, they are just that - tournaments. I could go on about this subject but don’t feel the need to waste any more time regarding this matter. It’s now time to talk about everyone’s favorite topic - the hitters.
Top 5 Hitters (All-Time)
1. Tom Hannon - There are very few in this league that have been around as long as him, not only this league but the game of Wiffle. He gets walked the most intentionally and unintentionally. Doesn’t strike out too often and numbers would be slightly better if he weren’t fat and slow now. Or if he were a right-handed batter.
2. Ryan Hart - Just as stated in the pitching category, this man could have been the leader in all of the major categories had he played until now. A homerun threat every time he stepped in the box.
3. Steve Pinnacoli - Only played two seasons at most and left a mark on the BWBL. A freakishly good athlete and was able to barrel up some of the best pitchers early on in the BWBL, including Bob Loftus.
4. Steve Owazany - Set the single season mark in HRs a couple years back and early on in his career there was nothing to be excited about. When Steve flourished it was in the middle of the medium pitch era where pitchers could no longer rely on speed but had to use movement. Batting titles and multiple championships speak volumes.
5. Bob Loftus - Was a very good hitter in his late 30’s and early 40’s. Numbers have slipped a little as of late - could be due to getting older or just being a part time player. But either way, when Bob was up, he was always a tough out to get. The all-time leader in HRs as of this writing. Will he stay there forever? Probably not but for the time being, he is there.
Some may question what about Andy Peck, the all-time leader in hits? Well, Peck reminds me a lot of those stat stuffing players. Hits add up when you run it up against weaker teams. Not saying he does that now, but in years past, he had been known to be more concerned with his stats than sportsmanship. Some may ask what about Alex, Belles, those on the LF wall in the HOF? Well this is my list so deal with it.
Top 5 Hitters (Now)
1. Rob Hess - It pains me to put this guy here but the man can hit with a pencil if you give him one and ask him to do it. He has put many years into the craft of hitting and it shows. Just ask Saturday Crush from last year’s championship series.
2. Alex Fuchylo -This kid the speed as well as power to all fields. Always a threat to go deep and won the MVP last year for good reason. He tends to chase some bad pitches at times, but all in all, if you were going to start a franchise he would be the #1 pick
3. Mark Belles - Early on in Belles’ career he was considered someone that was an easier out. He has really come into his own and has since dominated opposing pitching. Always a threat to turn the simple single into a double and further. One day the number #35 will be hanging on the wall in left - could that be soon?
4. Mike Holloway - Some may say you put him on there because he is your brother but let me tell you and some of you know first hand that his 75% is better than most 100%. He has the ability to hit the worst of pitches fair and when focused can be a very difficult out. One day his number #1 or whichever he chooses will be hanging in LF.
5. Steve Homza - A very good righty batter who never seems to get himself out. Very selective hitter who knows his zone well and can mash with the best of them. With only 3 or 4 seasons under his belt he has risen to the top as one of the best hitters in our league currently.
Moving on and away from individual players I’m going to focus next on rivalries. Rivalries to me are those battles between teams that could have gone either way and on many occasions have gone either way. Also I would like to highlight maybe some individual rivalries that have arisen.
Top 5 Team Rivalries
1. Saturday Crush vs. Dragons - There wasn’t a better rivalry in the league better than these two teams. It was so intense that Peck had to steal Bob Loftus away from myself twice. They only met in one championship series which I will get into later.
2. Shooting Stars vs Saturday Crush - Now this may not seem like a big rivalry but they had some interesting social media and in game theatrics that made this a top rivalry for me. The hanging of Kermit, the Kermit memes on twitter. The stars almost got their revenge in a deciding playoff game only to lose on a walk-off.
3. Flying Dragons vs Bunch O’ Swingers - These two teams were about as evenly matched early on in the BWBL. So much so that a night of drinking and playing cards a video surfaced of team captain Tom Hannon stating “ Bunch of Swingers? More like a Bunch of F****s”. Both teams were fighting for a playoff spot that year.
4. Pittston Park Boys vs Saturday Crush - The boys came in cocky and deservedly so as they were the defending champs, but here came this young cocky team of their own. Beating Bob Loftus and winning the championship was the ultimate prize for the Crush and a lot of words were said among these teams and the major players from both teams became teammates years later.
5. Westside Washout vs. Anyone - The thing about the Washout that made them a rival was their ability to take pitches and walk. That garnered the name Westside Walkouts or Walkabouts. The had a top tier pitcher at the time in Dan Rish and he led them to many victories usually over a #2 of the opposing team.
Top Rivalries (Personal)
1. Bob Loftus vs Tom Hannon - There isn’t a rivalry as big in the BWBL now or will there be one in the future like this. At the time these two were the supposed Kings of Wiffle in the BWBL. They wanted to beat each other so bad each and every time they faced one another. They are once again teammates but you never know if one changes teams will the rivalry spark back up again.
2. Tom Hannon vs Andy Peck - There was no shortage of barbs being thrown around back in the earlier years of Peck’s career and some lighter ones still to this day. The captains of their respective teams always tried to find ways to needle the other whether it be by taking Loftus away from the Dragons and BME or memes used on social media.
3. Zach Artim vs Bob Loftus - Artim is currently the only guy in league history to get a guy to quit twice and come back either in the same year or following year. These two were once teammates and friends but now when and if they play against each other, blood will be shed.
4. Bobby Loftus Jr. vs. Andy Peck - Bobby was a really good pitcher in his late teens and early 20’s. Peck knew that and wanted him on his roster. Things didn’t work out and Bobby wanted to make Peck pay every chance he got. Bobby carried that emotion and hatred toward the Crush and Peck to where the teams almost came to blows during a playoff series.
5. Tom Hannon vs. Anyone - As an antagonist and the self-proclaimed Narcissus, he has an ability to rub people the wrong way.
Top 5 Leagues/Fields(I’ve Played At)
1. Diamond City Park (BWBL) - The place has an aura around it when you step foot on the field. No place in the country has that same feel for me
2. Bush Grapes Park (OCWA) - Wish I had a yard as nice with the ability to play some Wiffle on it.
3. Cottage Lane (PWBL) - Brett Bev does a great job maintaining his three primary fields and you know when it’s time to Wiff by the sounds.
4. Original BWBL Field - The best part about the field was the Pizza Mill being next door. Wings and beer after your game - it didn’t get much better.
5. Coal St - I liked Coal St. for the simple fact that it was very secluded and nobody ever bothered us. We had backyard wrestling after an All-Star game - it was great.
The very last topic I want to discuss is the top 5 best championships. This can go a bunch of different ways. I can talk solely on those that I have been a part of or I can talk about those that I have watched. I’m going to go with a little bit of both.
Top 5 Championships
1. Bad Meets Evil vs Saturday Crush - This wasn’t the first title that I had won, however it was the most important to myself. In the two previous championship titles, I never had the opportunity to face off against one of my rivals. On top of that, the BME squad ran through everyone that year, not losing a single game in tournament or season play. The consensus was it was going to be a very good series and to be honest that never lived up to the hype. The Crush did take one away from BME’s near perfect season, but they didn’t capture the Red Robin Cup like they had hoped. No better way to close down the old Coal St. Park than by beating a rival.
2. Jagerbombers vs. Backdoor Bandits - The table was set another perfect regular season and all that stood in the way was a hungry Jagerbombers team loaded with pitching. This may have been the only championship series so far to go the distance of 5 games and each game had their own storyline to it. Belles on the outfield deck with Artim rooting for the Bombers with Hit it Here signs. It was supposed to be my last season in the BWBL, as I was walking away to pursue other endeavors, but be it as it may, I am still here. These two teams were every evenly matched that a bounce here or there in Game 5 and the Bandits could have gotten their first Cup.
3. Saturday Crush vs Pittston Park Boys - Saturday Crush, who barely got into playoffs that year, went on and shocked the BWBL world and put them on notice that a new up and coming team was ready to dominate. This had everything you could ask for - a huge underdog and some pitching performances for the ages from Shawn Ashton and Ryan Hart. Ashton would collect those little green army men for each strikeout he got. The after party with a then 17 or 18 yr old Ryan Hart at Kenny Kandrac’s house was epic as well.
4. Bases Loaded vs Backdoor Bandits - Kevin Sickle was in search of his first title as a captain/player and after years of frustration and shitty teams, he found himself in the midst of a run like no other. As the #6 seed, they went on and defeated the reigning and defending champs BME in deciding fashion 2-0 to reach the championship series against the Bandits. Everyone in the league thought this could be the year for the Bandits but….nope .. stellar pitching performances from Curtis Wagner and Alex Fuchylo helped Kevin and his porno beard claim their 1st title.
5. Snack Shack vs Saturday Crush - Tom Hannon vs Andy Peck part two didn’t quite live up to the hype or excitement of the other championship matchup on social media, but it sure did have its own drama on the field. Rob Hess was the story for the series as he hit seven HRs on the day including walk o-ff HRs in games 1&3. Even though Hannon didn’t captain this team, he can still rest easy at night knowing that he is 2-0 when facing an Andy Peck team in the championship series.
I seem to have rambled on long enough to bore you with some stupid article that most won’t read any of the content other than the top 5 lists I have complied, which is OK by me. The next time you see this old man down the field and ask him why I am down there all day, the simple answer will be who else do you know would write a 4,000 word article on the BWBL and the game he loves? Sit down, have a beer, and we could talk Wiffle all day. If you need tips on certain pitchers, I’ll gladly lend a hand. I have seen it all and only true die-hards will understand the love for the game. I’ve told many that you can take a Wiffle ball player and he could play slow-pitch softball but you can’t take a slow-pitch softball player and have him play Wiffle. The games are entirely different and I’m so happy for the last 15 years I was able to call the BWBL home. I look forward to the rest of the season, albeit only going a couple more weeks, but either way, it should be an entertaining end of another wonderful season. Be on the lookout for some more great BWBL players and maybe even some new rivalries.
To answer the Special K question - “ Yes, we do Parties”.
Top 5 Teams
1. Bad Meets Evil - Only had 1 ship in 2012 but you couldn’t discount the 39-1 regular season record over 2 years and the Charity Tournament wins.
2. Pittston Park Boys - Had to find a place for them and #2 seemed fitting. The league had to make up a rule for pitching because of this team’s ace.
3. Jagerbombers - This team in 2016 was stacked top to bottom. Having 3 #1’s on the roster is something many teams dream about.
4. Rynk’s Sports Bar - When the league first started we had never seen a team like them. Unscuffed balls moving in ways we hadn’t seen before plus very good hitters.
5. Saturday Crush - I don’t feel like going back and looking up the year but they went undefeated during regular season only to lose to the LJS Seamen in semis.
Top 5 Worst Teams
1. Shooting Stars (2013) - Granted they had some winning season,s but they also had some dreadful ones.
2. Losers Sometimes Win(2005) - This team was god awful. I mean awful - the only bright spot on this roster back in the day was Tanya.
3. The Dudes (2011) - Only had 1 win and any time you had to rely on Sickle as an ace that spells trouble. 6 starts that year.
4. Sons of Pitches (2014) - Not only was the team name really dumb but the team was not any better. I give them props for sticking out the season but it was their only one.
5. Jr’s Heroes (2014) - The team had such a hodgepodge roster. There is only two players left from this team in the league. Thankfully they have gotten better.
When I was going through my memory bank and thinking back to some of these teams I realized there are others that could have made these lists.
Top 5 Tournament Memories
1. Mark Belles dry humping the Loadbeats ceramic leopard mascot and breaking it. Why was this significant you may ask? Well the Loadbeats had traveled to our 2 day event from Akron, Ohio area I think. They were pretty cocky and confident at the same time and not only did they lose the title to a Dragons team they lost their beloved mascot as well.
2. Dragons over Loadbeats. The previous year the Dragons had lost to this team but in this year they had gotten their revenge after calling me out and wondering why I wasn’t pitching. They got what they asked for and maybe they should have just been quiet. We haven’t heard or seen from this group of guys since.
3. Raising a very good amount of money to help Andy Peck’s uncle who had heart and liver transplants. We played some horseshoes in the outfield and had a very nice response team wise.
4. Playing til 1 am against the Bandits in the 1st Fall tournament. It was cold rainy but somehow both teams played 1 out of the 2 games to decide the champion. After a game 1 win to force a deciding game both teams agreed to co-champ.
5. The very 1st tournament held at Coal St. We had the renaissance fair going with jousting in the background and we had no idea what we were doing as far as running the thing. A tournament that should have taken only a day to complete was dragged on for a 2nd day. Long but fun days at the old park.
This league had many changes throughout the years from using original yellows and Black Magic aluminum bats to the now Loco and Moonshot bats and also the no pegging rule for the first two seasons.. With that we have also changed the way the pitchers have been able to manipulate the ball. When we first stated out we used one ball straight out of the box for the 1st game of the day. That ball would continue to get used until it had a crack big enough to deem it unplayable. By the time you were the final game of the day there was a good chance you had a worn in ball not anything close to the balls you see used in today’s BWBL which is fine. There were no bringing your own balls and alter them however you see fit as long as they didn’t completely change the integrity of the ball. With that meaning no loading with rocks. Seriously who the hell would even do that and for what purpose? Now on to another couple of lists.
Top 5 Pitchers (All-Time)
1. Bob Loftus - You really can’t put anyone at number one when it comes to all-time pitcher. He is the reason we have pitching rules in regards to a rotation. Back in his earlier years his teammates would literally sit on their asses while he threw a no-hitter or perfect game. Still shocks me that a simple riser can still get so many people out after all these years.
2. Tom Hannon - I know, I know he put himself at #2 - is he crazy? “He’s not the number two” some will say. I can see that side of it, however after completing season 15 this year, it’s hard to argue anyone else being in this spot. Over 50 wins and a couple CY Youngs in both formats medium and fast pitch all while nursing a hurt shoulder. Had one of the nastiest slider/risers in the game during his prime years.
3. Steve Dotzel - He is an absolute workhorse on the mound. Very well could be #2 when his career is over. He would be at 50 career wins or higher had he pitched in the 2012 season. However, that Bad Meets Evil team had Loftus, Hannon, Loftus Jr., and Dotzel so seeing the mound was very limited for Dotzel.
4. Ryan Hart - This kid could sure ball when he was in the league. He was one of the top players in every category year in and year out. If it wasn’t for him “growing” up and becoming a lawyer who knows what his career would have looked like in the BWBL.
5. TJ Nikoden- Was a member of the Dragons team and was also responsible for single handily knocking out a 20-0 Saturday Crush team in I believe the final year of fast pitch. His drop was one of the best ever in the league and hitters had a hard time squaring it up.
Top 5 Pitchers (Now)
1. Josh Sorber - The guys is like 75 and still gets guys out. I haven’t seen a game where teams square up on him on a consistent basis. He relies on a drop of which is similar to that of TJ Nikoden’s and will mix in a riser.
2. Zach Artim - A bulldog on the mound and has currently developed a couple more pitches to go along with his heat seeking riser. You will know if Artim is winning or losing by checking the dents in the outfield wall or signs in close proximity.
3. Alex Fuchylo - Having three to four pitches in your arsenal is very nice to have especially when one of those pitches throws batters so off balance it makes them look foolish. He has a lot of big game experience and with that comes a cool and calm demeanor.
4. Steve Dotzel - How can he be #4 on this list but #3 on the other. Well here is how even though he is #3 in my eyes as an all timer he has struggled a little bit this year. Maybe it’s not having a full team week in and week out or maybe it’s because he doesn’t have the likes of Rob Hess or myself to provide the offense for him.
5. Fran George- Crazy how a once terrible pitcher can develop into a top-five pitcher in the BWBL right now. He has worked on his pitching by a very large amount over the course of a five-year span. He is a fireballer with a riser reminiscent of a younger Bob Loftus.
I think the hardest part about writing this article is narrowing down all the players past and present and ranking them where I see fit. Sure this is just my opinion but as everyone in the BWBL knows my opinion means shit. Even though this league has not fared well at the NWLA tournament, it doesn’t mean we don’t have some talented guys here in Wilkes-Barre. Granted we use bigger barrel bats and it somewhat puts us at a disadvantage but this isn’t about which is better. We take a lot of grief because of the style we play and how it’s not like many other NWLA leagues but we don’t care. Our way of play has afforded us the opportunity to play for 15 seasons. Not that many leagues can make it past 5 or 6 without drastically changing up their format. Weekend tournaments aren’t leagues, they are just that - tournaments. I could go on about this subject but don’t feel the need to waste any more time regarding this matter. It’s now time to talk about everyone’s favorite topic - the hitters.
Top 5 Hitters (All-Time)
1. Tom Hannon - There are very few in this league that have been around as long as him, not only this league but the game of Wiffle. He gets walked the most intentionally and unintentionally. Doesn’t strike out too often and numbers would be slightly better if he weren’t fat and slow now. Or if he were a right-handed batter.
2. Ryan Hart - Just as stated in the pitching category, this man could have been the leader in all of the major categories had he played until now. A homerun threat every time he stepped in the box.
3. Steve Pinnacoli - Only played two seasons at most and left a mark on the BWBL. A freakishly good athlete and was able to barrel up some of the best pitchers early on in the BWBL, including Bob Loftus.
4. Steve Owazany - Set the single season mark in HRs a couple years back and early on in his career there was nothing to be excited about. When Steve flourished it was in the middle of the medium pitch era where pitchers could no longer rely on speed but had to use movement. Batting titles and multiple championships speak volumes.
5. Bob Loftus - Was a very good hitter in his late 30’s and early 40’s. Numbers have slipped a little as of late - could be due to getting older or just being a part time player. But either way, when Bob was up, he was always a tough out to get. The all-time leader in HRs as of this writing. Will he stay there forever? Probably not but for the time being, he is there.
Some may question what about Andy Peck, the all-time leader in hits? Well, Peck reminds me a lot of those stat stuffing players. Hits add up when you run it up against weaker teams. Not saying he does that now, but in years past, he had been known to be more concerned with his stats than sportsmanship. Some may ask what about Alex, Belles, those on the LF wall in the HOF? Well this is my list so deal with it.
Top 5 Hitters (Now)
1. Rob Hess - It pains me to put this guy here but the man can hit with a pencil if you give him one and ask him to do it. He has put many years into the craft of hitting and it shows. Just ask Saturday Crush from last year’s championship series.
2. Alex Fuchylo -This kid the speed as well as power to all fields. Always a threat to go deep and won the MVP last year for good reason. He tends to chase some bad pitches at times, but all in all, if you were going to start a franchise he would be the #1 pick
3. Mark Belles - Early on in Belles’ career he was considered someone that was an easier out. He has really come into his own and has since dominated opposing pitching. Always a threat to turn the simple single into a double and further. One day the number #35 will be hanging on the wall in left - could that be soon?
4. Mike Holloway - Some may say you put him on there because he is your brother but let me tell you and some of you know first hand that his 75% is better than most 100%. He has the ability to hit the worst of pitches fair and when focused can be a very difficult out. One day his number #1 or whichever he chooses will be hanging in LF.
5. Steve Homza - A very good righty batter who never seems to get himself out. Very selective hitter who knows his zone well and can mash with the best of them. With only 3 or 4 seasons under his belt he has risen to the top as one of the best hitters in our league currently.
Moving on and away from individual players I’m going to focus next on rivalries. Rivalries to me are those battles between teams that could have gone either way and on many occasions have gone either way. Also I would like to highlight maybe some individual rivalries that have arisen.
Top 5 Team Rivalries
1. Saturday Crush vs. Dragons - There wasn’t a better rivalry in the league better than these two teams. It was so intense that Peck had to steal Bob Loftus away from myself twice. They only met in one championship series which I will get into later.
2. Shooting Stars vs Saturday Crush - Now this may not seem like a big rivalry but they had some interesting social media and in game theatrics that made this a top rivalry for me. The hanging of Kermit, the Kermit memes on twitter. The stars almost got their revenge in a deciding playoff game only to lose on a walk-off.
3. Flying Dragons vs Bunch O’ Swingers - These two teams were about as evenly matched early on in the BWBL. So much so that a night of drinking and playing cards a video surfaced of team captain Tom Hannon stating “ Bunch of Swingers? More like a Bunch of F****s”. Both teams were fighting for a playoff spot that year.
4. Pittston Park Boys vs Saturday Crush - The boys came in cocky and deservedly so as they were the defending champs, but here came this young cocky team of their own. Beating Bob Loftus and winning the championship was the ultimate prize for the Crush and a lot of words were said among these teams and the major players from both teams became teammates years later.
5. Westside Washout vs. Anyone - The thing about the Washout that made them a rival was their ability to take pitches and walk. That garnered the name Westside Walkouts or Walkabouts. The had a top tier pitcher at the time in Dan Rish and he led them to many victories usually over a #2 of the opposing team.
Top Rivalries (Personal)
1. Bob Loftus vs Tom Hannon - There isn’t a rivalry as big in the BWBL now or will there be one in the future like this. At the time these two were the supposed Kings of Wiffle in the BWBL. They wanted to beat each other so bad each and every time they faced one another. They are once again teammates but you never know if one changes teams will the rivalry spark back up again.
2. Tom Hannon vs Andy Peck - There was no shortage of barbs being thrown around back in the earlier years of Peck’s career and some lighter ones still to this day. The captains of their respective teams always tried to find ways to needle the other whether it be by taking Loftus away from the Dragons and BME or memes used on social media.
3. Zach Artim vs Bob Loftus - Artim is currently the only guy in league history to get a guy to quit twice and come back either in the same year or following year. These two were once teammates and friends but now when and if they play against each other, blood will be shed.
4. Bobby Loftus Jr. vs. Andy Peck - Bobby was a really good pitcher in his late teens and early 20’s. Peck knew that and wanted him on his roster. Things didn’t work out and Bobby wanted to make Peck pay every chance he got. Bobby carried that emotion and hatred toward the Crush and Peck to where the teams almost came to blows during a playoff series.
5. Tom Hannon vs. Anyone - As an antagonist and the self-proclaimed Narcissus, he has an ability to rub people the wrong way.
Top 5 Leagues/Fields(I’ve Played At)
1. Diamond City Park (BWBL) - The place has an aura around it when you step foot on the field. No place in the country has that same feel for me
2. Bush Grapes Park (OCWA) - Wish I had a yard as nice with the ability to play some Wiffle on it.
3. Cottage Lane (PWBL) - Brett Bev does a great job maintaining his three primary fields and you know when it’s time to Wiff by the sounds.
4. Original BWBL Field - The best part about the field was the Pizza Mill being next door. Wings and beer after your game - it didn’t get much better.
5. Coal St - I liked Coal St. for the simple fact that it was very secluded and nobody ever bothered us. We had backyard wrestling after an All-Star game - it was great.
The very last topic I want to discuss is the top 5 best championships. This can go a bunch of different ways. I can talk solely on those that I have been a part of or I can talk about those that I have watched. I’m going to go with a little bit of both.
Top 5 Championships
1. Bad Meets Evil vs Saturday Crush - This wasn’t the first title that I had won, however it was the most important to myself. In the two previous championship titles, I never had the opportunity to face off against one of my rivals. On top of that, the BME squad ran through everyone that year, not losing a single game in tournament or season play. The consensus was it was going to be a very good series and to be honest that never lived up to the hype. The Crush did take one away from BME’s near perfect season, but they didn’t capture the Red Robin Cup like they had hoped. No better way to close down the old Coal St. Park than by beating a rival.
2. Jagerbombers vs. Backdoor Bandits - The table was set another perfect regular season and all that stood in the way was a hungry Jagerbombers team loaded with pitching. This may have been the only championship series so far to go the distance of 5 games and each game had their own storyline to it. Belles on the outfield deck with Artim rooting for the Bombers with Hit it Here signs. It was supposed to be my last season in the BWBL, as I was walking away to pursue other endeavors, but be it as it may, I am still here. These two teams were every evenly matched that a bounce here or there in Game 5 and the Bandits could have gotten their first Cup.
3. Saturday Crush vs Pittston Park Boys - Saturday Crush, who barely got into playoffs that year, went on and shocked the BWBL world and put them on notice that a new up and coming team was ready to dominate. This had everything you could ask for - a huge underdog and some pitching performances for the ages from Shawn Ashton and Ryan Hart. Ashton would collect those little green army men for each strikeout he got. The after party with a then 17 or 18 yr old Ryan Hart at Kenny Kandrac’s house was epic as well.
4. Bases Loaded vs Backdoor Bandits - Kevin Sickle was in search of his first title as a captain/player and after years of frustration and shitty teams, he found himself in the midst of a run like no other. As the #6 seed, they went on and defeated the reigning and defending champs BME in deciding fashion 2-0 to reach the championship series against the Bandits. Everyone in the league thought this could be the year for the Bandits but….nope .. stellar pitching performances from Curtis Wagner and Alex Fuchylo helped Kevin and his porno beard claim their 1st title.
5. Snack Shack vs Saturday Crush - Tom Hannon vs Andy Peck part two didn’t quite live up to the hype or excitement of the other championship matchup on social media, but it sure did have its own drama on the field. Rob Hess was the story for the series as he hit seven HRs on the day including walk o-ff HRs in games 1&3. Even though Hannon didn’t captain this team, he can still rest easy at night knowing that he is 2-0 when facing an Andy Peck team in the championship series.
I seem to have rambled on long enough to bore you with some stupid article that most won’t read any of the content other than the top 5 lists I have complied, which is OK by me. The next time you see this old man down the field and ask him why I am down there all day, the simple answer will be who else do you know would write a 4,000 word article on the BWBL and the game he loves? Sit down, have a beer, and we could talk Wiffle all day. If you need tips on certain pitchers, I’ll gladly lend a hand. I have seen it all and only true die-hards will understand the love for the game. I’ve told many that you can take a Wiffle ball player and he could play slow-pitch softball but you can’t take a slow-pitch softball player and have him play Wiffle. The games are entirely different and I’m so happy for the last 15 years I was able to call the BWBL home. I look forward to the rest of the season, albeit only going a couple more weeks, but either way, it should be an entertaining end of another wonderful season. Be on the lookout for some more great BWBL players and maybe even some new rivalries.
To answer the Special K question - “ Yes, we do Parties”.
The BWBL is officially sanctioned by The Wiffle Ball, Inc., 275 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, CT 06484
