War Drums: The Roster That Will Redeem The HWL
Written by Patrick Rayl
Since the performance of last year’s tournament team was less than spectacular, Josh and Greg have been looking to build a stronger and more dominate wiffleball team. The planning started last August with the assembling of a coaching staff months before the first pitch was thrown on the season. For the past 8 weeks the roster has constantly changed, but the eight players who will represent The Huntington Wiffleball League were finally selected. These eight players were picked for many different reasons. But the one thing that these players have in common is that you will find them somewhere at the top of the league. This year’s team earned the right to play against the best competition and they have proven time and time again they are the best the league has to offer.
The Coaching Staff:
Greg Sowards- Greg has more wiffleball knowledge than any other player in the league. Greg can help any player in the area they are struggling with. He brings the experience and poise that one would expect from a veteran. Seeing the NWLA tournament first hand last year gives him the knowledge of what it’s going to take this year’s team. Also as co-commissioner he knows what every player in Huntington’s league is capable of and his opinion was crucial in assembling the team.
Josh Smith- If you are going to start anywhere with Josh you have to start with his enthusiasm. He is the type of coach that will be able to make sure his team is relaxed and focused. Josh brings the wealth of knowledge that Greg brings and knows exactly what to expect in Columbus. Players look towards Josh for any rule clarification or for a good joke. Plus all of Columbus will see his pasty white skin if this team goes all the way.
Patrick Rayl- Last and probably least is Patrick. This is Patrick’s first full season in the league, but that doesn’t hurt him. Patrick brings the ability to strategize. He will spend hours watching teams and finding just one weak point. He also has the ability to spot talent in other players which is why he was a great choice for the coaching staff.
The Team:
This team is made up of some of the best players that Huntington Wiffle League has to offer. This team has a little bit of everything: pitching, base running, batting, and fielding are very much the strong points of this team. The best ability this team has though is that every player competes at the highest level. Without any more rambling here are the eight players that every team should fear in Columbus.
Drew McClanahan- If I wanted to lie I would say Drew was just ok. My computer won’t even let me say he is bad because it knows that’s flat out wrong. What can’t Drew do? Even if you forced a whole keg down his throat and made him pitch he would still strike out half the league and end up with a no hitter. When he is on the mound he looks at home. Any weak grounder or check swing hit should be celebrated. Drew has 3 perfect games and 3 no-hitters so far this season and has made league history. Once he strikes out the side he is an even better batter. Drew can do it all and that’s why he was an easy choice to be on the team.
Nick Kappra- Rotation rules would hurt if HWL didn’t have a number two pitcher like Nick. Nick has had a very impressive first full season as pitcher. If Nick could get run support his pitching record would only be beaten by Drew. Nick has posted a 0.45 ERA and has a .312 batting AVG. Nick is a well rounded player who will be able to be used even when not pitching.
Steven Adkins- Steven is one of those players that is a great pitcher and would be able to come out of the bullpen or even start. Steven’s main ability is to strike batters out. He has 102 Ks through 14 games. Steven will also be one of the stronger batters and base runners for HWL in Columbus. Steven has a .311 batting average and has tallied 4 Homeruns.
Jeremy Ray- This is Jeremy’s first season with HWL and in the sport of wiffleball in general. Which is impressive since he has led his team to an impressive 10-4 record and first place in their division. As the weeks progress he has become a force on the mound. Jeremy will be a great extra arm and field player in Columbus. At the plate he is a confident hitter posting a .450 AVG.
Paul Hesson- Paul is one of those players that no matter where you put him he will be successful. Paul has shown through the season that he is a leader and that he can surprise you with one of his fastballs. His main strength is with the plastic. Paul has one of the best swings that the coaching staff has seen. At the plate he has posted .426 AVG with 7 HRs and 21 RBIs. So if there is a runner in scoring position Paul is the guy to have at the plate.
Zach Blatt- Zach had a little longer road to making the team than most but in the end he is the type of player the league needs. Zach is a baseball fanatic and his obsession with baseball translates over to wiffleball seamlessly. Zach would have been a great player coach, but he will be of greater use as a player. Zach is a great fielder and a solid hitter, posting a .368 AVG. He refuses to let any ball get by him in the outfield. But the greatest thing Zach brings to the team is constant strategy and resourcefulness.
Brian Ball- Brian is a very competitive person, and he refuses to lose. He will have his teammates ready to play and he will constantly try to get better to win. Brian is solid at the plate but even better on the base paths. Brian’s sheer hustle and resilience should scare some teams. But having Brian in the outfield HWL will be where his services will be most highlighted. His speed and defensive skills are unparalleled and those skills will serve his team well in Ohio.
Andrew Westcott- Andrew brings speed and power to round out the HWL tournament team. Andrew has 5 HRs on the season and has posted a .325 AVG. Whoever is on the mound will feel comfort knowing they have a fielder like Andrew backing them up in the outfield. Andrew will chase down any ball and make the catch or throw that needs to be done.
Jacob Fischer - He is a little late to the party, but Jacob Fischer is the team's alternate player. Should anything happen prior to or during the tournament, Jacob will be there to step in. Fresh to the league, his pitching has really amazed opponents and rivals pitchers such as Adkins and McClanahan. This year will be a learning year for Fischer as he grows in his talent while transferring from baseball to wiffleball (a real man's game) he will have the opportunity to see some of the best in the country compete first-hand. But with our tournament team nearly dropping out last year because of instability it's necessary to have a back-up plan and it's comforting to know Fischer is ready should anything happen.
There you have it! This is the team that will walk into Columbus to make the league forget about last year’s downfall. This team has so many different abilities and the only thing that looks to hurt them is youth. Many of these players are just in their first season but with youth comes confidence and if this team is able to grab an early win they may take off with it. Pitching looks to be a promising position but what makes this team different from last year is that they have used the yellow bat all year. HWL has seen where they are predicted to fall (bottom feeder) and looks forward to bringing a little more respect back to the league's reputation.
