BWBL Hall of Fame
To help commemorate the efforts of great players and organizers, the Backyard Wiffle® Ball League is proud to announce the formation of the BWBL Hall of Fame, as well as its inaugural class of members.
Members will be elected to the Hall of Fame through a vote of BWBL Council members and still-active Hall of Famers -- for the inaugural class, the vote of the Council was utilized. 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.
Below are the BWBL Hall of Famers and the inscription on their induction plaques.
Tom Hannon, Inaugural Class (2015) -- League co-creator and player for all 11 years of the league's existence. Hannon is well-known for both his hitting prowess and his pitching ability. He is capable of hitting for power as well as average and can throw a variety of pitches with movement. Hannon has been a captain in the BWBL for 11 seasons, guiding the Flying Dragons, Dragons, Ass Backward, Bad Meets Evil, and the Clam Blasters. He has guided his team to three BWBL Red Robin Cup championships and three BWBL Charity Classic tournament wins. Hannon has also won an MVP award, two Cy Young Awards, and two playoff MVP trophies and is a member of the 500 hit club. Hannon has also served as a member of the BWBL Council since its inception.
Bob Loftus, Sr., Inaugural Class (2015) -- One of the most feared players in the history of the league as a player of 10 seasons. Loftus, Sr. can dominate on the mound or in the batter's box. He is capable of striking out the side and hitting a powerful home run within the same inning. Loftus, Sr. came to the league as the captain of the Pittston Park Boys and has also played on the Dragons, Saturday Crush in two go-rounds, and Bad Meets Evil. Loftus, Sr. has won six BWBL Red Robin Cup championships, four BWBL Charity Classic tournaments, an MVP trophy, three Cy Young Awards, and three playoff MVP trophies and is a member of the 500 hit club.
Andy Peck, Inaugural Class (2015) -- Known as one of the best lead-off hitters throughout his nine seasons. Peck has a knack for getting on base to help his team start a rally. He has also been one of the most consistent captains in league history. Peck entered the league as a high school senior in 2006 when he formed Saturday Crush. As captain for all nine seasons, Peck has guided his team to four BWBL Red Robin Cup championships and a BWBL Charity Classic tournament win. Peck is also a member of the 500 hit club.
Kevin Sickle, Inaugural Class (2015) -- League co-creator and player for all 11 years of the league's existence. Sickle is best known for his leadership as Commissioner of the league, but is also a respectable bat in the lineup. Sickle helped elevate the league on the national landscape after applying for the Pepsi Refresh Grant that helped his vision for a permanent field for the BWBL come to fruition. Diamond City Park has become a gem in the City of Wilkes-Barre and has been named National Field of the Year. Sickle has been a member of the Flying Dragons, Dragons, The Highlanders, Kandrackles, G 'n' R, The Dudes, and as the captain of Bases Loaded. Sickle has also served as a member of the BWBL Council since its inception.
Joe Pugh, Class of 2017-- Player and groundskeeping assistant for both of his years in the league. Pugh's presence at the field brought laughter and good times, even if his performance sometimes fell short - a contradiction to his Big Goon persona. Pugh played for Bases Loaded and the Alcoballics, was willing to help anyone in need at any time, and always there to share a dip or to have a good laugh. A clubhouse staple, he was taken from us too soon, but his memory will not fade. Work at the field will never be quite the same, and neither will our hearts. Rest easy, big guy!
Mike White, Class of 2017 -- Player for all 13 years of the league's existence. White is as much known for his on-field performance as he is for his antics on the sidelines. He is capable of going deep, hitting for average, and pitching either a gem or a dud. White has played for the Flying Draaons, Dragons, LJS Seamen, Dragons (again), Kandrackles, Saturday Crush, DSJ & the Apostles, and Bases Loaded. He has been part of three BWBL Red Robin Cup championship teams, winning titles with the Dragons and Saturday Crush. White also won the first BWBL All-Star MVP award and has more than 300 hits, 200 RBI, and 50 home runs to his credit. In addition to the accomplishments, he is also know for his humor, often inebriated state, and off-color humor. No game is boring if White is present.
Mikey Holloway, Class of 2019 -- 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, Class of 2019 -- 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.
Mark Belles, Class of 2021 – Since entering the BWBL in 2006 with Saturday Crush Belles has become known as one of the best all-around players in the league. Belles has proven himself to be a vital player at the plate, on the mound, and in the field. This makes Belles a potential game changer anytime he touches the Wiffle ball. Proof of that is in Belles’ career history. During his 15 seasons with the league thus far Belles has competed in 8 championship series with 5 championship wins, cementing him as a top player in BWBL history.
Alex Fuchylo, Class of 2021 – Few players in league history have had as much success on both sides of the field as Alex. He has won three Season MVP awards, a Playoff MVP, two Silver Sluggers, and a Cy Young. Alex ranks top 7 all-time in the major offensive categories of home runs, RBI’s, runs, and hits. On the mound, he ranks top 5 in innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins. Beyond individual statistics, Alex is a two time Red Robin Cup Champion bringing home the title with Bases Loaded and two with Jagerbombers. He has also player-managed the Gamecocks, Full Count, and Kings of the North teams throughout his 12 year BWBL career. In addition, Alex is one of the most well-liked and respected players in the league. His integrity and long list of accomplishments makes him a worthy addition to the BWBL Hall of Fame.
Steve Dotzel, Class of 2023 -- Dotzel has been a player in the BWBL since 2011 as part of several teams including: Backdoor Bandits, Bad Meets Evil, Snack Shack, Balls Deep, Wiffleball Junkies, and currently Kings of the North. Dotzel is one of the leagues all-time best pitchers with a 60-16 win/loss record and a 3.16 ERA. He is equally as solid at the plate with a .438 all-time batting average and is currently chasing his 100th home run (92 as of this writing). Dotzel had won 3 Red Robin Cup Championships during his career; 2012, 2017, 2019. The 2023 season marks Dotzel’s 8th on the BWBL Council.
Ryan Hart, Class of 2023 -- Hart played in the BWBL from 2006 until 2015, taking a brief leave from the league until returning in 2023. Hart was a staple of the Coal Street days as a member of Saturday Crush. That was Hart’s only team until his return, joining Kings of the North. Hart was a founding member of the BWBL Council. He can also be credited with coining the name Diamond City Park. He was always seen as a great player with a consistent bat - batting .541 all-time. He was also considered one of the all-time best pitchers with a 23-7 win/loss record and a 3.02 ERA. During his time with the BWBL he captured 4 Red Robin Cup Championships; 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011. Additionally, Hart helped Diamond City Sports as a whole become a 501c3 non-profit organization in 2019.
Members will be elected to the Hall of Fame through a vote of BWBL Council members and still-active Hall of Famers -- for the inaugural class, the vote of the Council was utilized. 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.
Below are the BWBL Hall of Famers and the inscription on their induction plaques.
Tom Hannon, Inaugural Class (2015) -- League co-creator and player for all 11 years of the league's existence. Hannon is well-known for both his hitting prowess and his pitching ability. He is capable of hitting for power as well as average and can throw a variety of pitches with movement. Hannon has been a captain in the BWBL for 11 seasons, guiding the Flying Dragons, Dragons, Ass Backward, Bad Meets Evil, and the Clam Blasters. He has guided his team to three BWBL Red Robin Cup championships and three BWBL Charity Classic tournament wins. Hannon has also won an MVP award, two Cy Young Awards, and two playoff MVP trophies and is a member of the 500 hit club. Hannon has also served as a member of the BWBL Council since its inception.
Bob Loftus, Sr., Inaugural Class (2015) -- One of the most feared players in the history of the league as a player of 10 seasons. Loftus, Sr. can dominate on the mound or in the batter's box. He is capable of striking out the side and hitting a powerful home run within the same inning. Loftus, Sr. came to the league as the captain of the Pittston Park Boys and has also played on the Dragons, Saturday Crush in two go-rounds, and Bad Meets Evil. Loftus, Sr. has won six BWBL Red Robin Cup championships, four BWBL Charity Classic tournaments, an MVP trophy, three Cy Young Awards, and three playoff MVP trophies and is a member of the 500 hit club.
Andy Peck, Inaugural Class (2015) -- Known as one of the best lead-off hitters throughout his nine seasons. Peck has a knack for getting on base to help his team start a rally. He has also been one of the most consistent captains in league history. Peck entered the league as a high school senior in 2006 when he formed Saturday Crush. As captain for all nine seasons, Peck has guided his team to four BWBL Red Robin Cup championships and a BWBL Charity Classic tournament win. Peck is also a member of the 500 hit club.
Kevin Sickle, Inaugural Class (2015) -- League co-creator and player for all 11 years of the league's existence. Sickle is best known for his leadership as Commissioner of the league, but is also a respectable bat in the lineup. Sickle helped elevate the league on the national landscape after applying for the Pepsi Refresh Grant that helped his vision for a permanent field for the BWBL come to fruition. Diamond City Park has become a gem in the City of Wilkes-Barre and has been named National Field of the Year. Sickle has been a member of the Flying Dragons, Dragons, The Highlanders, Kandrackles, G 'n' R, The Dudes, and as the captain of Bases Loaded. Sickle has also served as a member of the BWBL Council since its inception.
Joe Pugh, Class of 2017-- Player and groundskeeping assistant for both of his years in the league. Pugh's presence at the field brought laughter and good times, even if his performance sometimes fell short - a contradiction to his Big Goon persona. Pugh played for Bases Loaded and the Alcoballics, was willing to help anyone in need at any time, and always there to share a dip or to have a good laugh. A clubhouse staple, he was taken from us too soon, but his memory will not fade. Work at the field will never be quite the same, and neither will our hearts. Rest easy, big guy!
Mike White, Class of 2017 -- Player for all 13 years of the league's existence. White is as much known for his on-field performance as he is for his antics on the sidelines. He is capable of going deep, hitting for average, and pitching either a gem or a dud. White has played for the Flying Draaons, Dragons, LJS Seamen, Dragons (again), Kandrackles, Saturday Crush, DSJ & the Apostles, and Bases Loaded. He has been part of three BWBL Red Robin Cup championship teams, winning titles with the Dragons and Saturday Crush. White also won the first BWBL All-Star MVP award and has more than 300 hits, 200 RBI, and 50 home runs to his credit. In addition to the accomplishments, he is also know for his humor, often inebriated state, and off-color humor. No game is boring if White is present.
Mikey Holloway, Class of 2019 -- 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, Class of 2019 -- 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.
Mark Belles, Class of 2021 – Since entering the BWBL in 2006 with Saturday Crush Belles has become known as one of the best all-around players in the league. Belles has proven himself to be a vital player at the plate, on the mound, and in the field. This makes Belles a potential game changer anytime he touches the Wiffle ball. Proof of that is in Belles’ career history. During his 15 seasons with the league thus far Belles has competed in 8 championship series with 5 championship wins, cementing him as a top player in BWBL history.
Alex Fuchylo, Class of 2021 – Few players in league history have had as much success on both sides of the field as Alex. He has won three Season MVP awards, a Playoff MVP, two Silver Sluggers, and a Cy Young. Alex ranks top 7 all-time in the major offensive categories of home runs, RBI’s, runs, and hits. On the mound, he ranks top 5 in innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins. Beyond individual statistics, Alex is a two time Red Robin Cup Champion bringing home the title with Bases Loaded and two with Jagerbombers. He has also player-managed the Gamecocks, Full Count, and Kings of the North teams throughout his 12 year BWBL career. In addition, Alex is one of the most well-liked and respected players in the league. His integrity and long list of accomplishments makes him a worthy addition to the BWBL Hall of Fame.
Steve Dotzel, Class of 2023 -- Dotzel has been a player in the BWBL since 2011 as part of several teams including: Backdoor Bandits, Bad Meets Evil, Snack Shack, Balls Deep, Wiffleball Junkies, and currently Kings of the North. Dotzel is one of the leagues all-time best pitchers with a 60-16 win/loss record and a 3.16 ERA. He is equally as solid at the plate with a .438 all-time batting average and is currently chasing his 100th home run (92 as of this writing). Dotzel had won 3 Red Robin Cup Championships during his career; 2012, 2017, 2019. The 2023 season marks Dotzel’s 8th on the BWBL Council.
Ryan Hart, Class of 2023 -- Hart played in the BWBL from 2006 until 2015, taking a brief leave from the league until returning in 2023. Hart was a staple of the Coal Street days as a member of Saturday Crush. That was Hart’s only team until his return, joining Kings of the North. Hart was a founding member of the BWBL Council. He can also be credited with coining the name Diamond City Park. He was always seen as a great player with a consistent bat - batting .541 all-time. He was also considered one of the all-time best pitchers with a 23-7 win/loss record and a 3.02 ERA. During his time with the BWBL he captured 4 Red Robin Cup Championships; 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011. Additionally, Hart helped Diamond City Sports as a whole become a 501c3 non-profit organization in 2019.