Josh Smith

Jun 20, 20144 min read

Team Tuesdays: Wiffle Ballers

Written by Josh Smith

Some teams can get overlooked during a season like this. It seems like Breaking Balls and Sit On My Base get all the press but there are a few good teams performing around .500 that don't get as much attention. The Wiffle Ballers are one of those teams that don't get a lot of spotlight. The team began last fall and is the creation of the league's first (and so far - only) female team captain, Stephanie Sadler. The team started strong during fall ball but roster problems kept the team from topping the standings. But during the offseason, Sadler stayed focused and brought a full roster and a good attitude. Returning for the team from fall ball was Sadler, Steven Adkins, and Tim Wilson-Byrne. Aaron Fradd and Jamie Reagan did not return but replacing them was Ronnie Canterbury, Rick Hanshaw, and Justin Fairman. The team looked to be a strong contender this season.

The season has had it's ups and downs for the Wiffle Ballers. Steven Adkins appeared to have worked on his pitching and seemed stronger than ever. But the team just has been unable to pull away from .500 for the majority of the season. Even now they are 9-9 and tied for 4th place in the league. Some could consider that disappointing consider they were top contenders last fall. But what's important to consider is the level of competition this year as compared to last. The fact that they have been able to break even all year is an accomplishment. The team initially struggled to hit in the first half of the season but has since found their groove. The team has performed well this year considering their set-backs but if they return next year they'll surely remain competitive.

Stephanie Sadler

#3 | Team Captain | OF/EH

Age? 34

What is your favorite food? Pasta

What made you want to play wiffleball? I heard good things about it from some fellow kickball players and wanted to try it out

Any previous experience with baseball or softball? How many years and in what leagues? I played softball from little league up through high school, then played some coed softball and some sandlot ball with my family, so pretty much all my life.

Do you have any personal goals for this season? If so, what are they? to stop letting that first pitch hit the board...i hate that sound

What do you do for a living? LPN at Marshall Health

Favorite TV show? The Walking Dead

Favorite movie? Hot Tub Time Machine

What are you other hobbies? Kickball, gym, spending time with friends/family

Steven Adkins

#8 | SP

Age? 22

What is your favorite food? Chicken

What made you want to play wiffleball? Playing baseball my whole life

Any previous experience with baseball or softball? How many years and in what leagues? 12 years of baseball

Do you have any personal goals for this season? If so, what are they? Lead league in strikeouts

What do you do for a living? D.C. Tree Service

Favorite TV show? Bates Motel

Favorite movie? Super Troopers

What are you other hobbies? Riding my motorcycle, shooting guns, and fishing

Tim Wilson-Byrne

#9 | OF

Age? 32

What is your favorite food? Pork Chops

What made you want to play wiffleball? Couldn't find a softball team

Any previous experience with baseball or softball? How many years and in what leagues? Since college

Do you have any personal goals for this season? If so, what are they? To suck less

What do you do for a living? MD

Favorite TV show? Big Bang Theory

Favorite movie? Thunderball

What are you other hobbies? Fast cars

Ronnie Canterbury

#4 | OF/RP

Age? 31

What is your favorite food? Italian

What made you want to play wiffleball? Stephanie recruited me and I am glad she did

Any previous experience with baseball or softball? How many years and in what leagues? 19 years. I started playing when I was 5 years old. Played at South Point High School. Also play Slow Pitch softball in Boyd County

Do you have any personal goals for this season? If so, what are they? I have never been about that. I do what ever I can do to help the team win.

What do you do for a living? USPS

Favorite TV show? Anything on ESPN/Fox Sports 1

Favorite movie? Comedies and Sports movies

What are you other hobbies? Coaching and being a dad

Rick Hanshaw

#2 | OF/RP

Age? 42

What is your favorite food? Hot Wings

What made you want to play wiffleball? I was asked to play

Any previous experience with baseball or softball? How many years and in what leagues? 12 years, little league, junior high school, and high school baseball

Do you have any personal goals for this season? If so, what are they? Help the team and to have fun

What do you do for a living? Child Care Worker

Favorite TV show? 24

Favorite movie? Star Wars

What are you other hobbies? Playing poker and watching my son play ball

Justin Fairman

#7 | OF/EH

Age? 28

What is your favorite food? Pizza

What made you want to play wiffleball? Love the sport

Any previous experience with baseball or softball? How many years and in what leagues? 15 years, including jv and varsity softball leagues

Do you have any personal goals for this season? If so, what are they? Win the whole thing