Team Tuesdays: Sit On My Base
**No team photo exists for SOMB yet**
Hello all you wiffle addicts! Welcome back to another season of HWL, and another season of team Tuesday! Six teams this year, some familiar team names and some new ones. And maybe even a team name that pushes the envelope. (My personal fav!) But, with six teams who do I start with this year? I’m going to go ahead and get team runner up out the way! Sit On My Base!
Before I go into the individuals and what they bring to the team, let me start on what I took away from opening day with SOMB. As I sit here and type out the first Team Tuesday of the year, SOMB sits alone at the top of the standings at 4-0. Now, some would say that’s impressive with some of the talent we have in the league this year. I’M NOT ONE OF THEM. They played two very favorable opening series versus an almost complete rookie team, led by the invisible man himself, T.J. Harrison and his band of rookies to the sport. Then they had no trouble with the dynamic duo of the Thunder Ducks. That’s right, they played rookies and a team with two players. Now, also some will say, “it was going to happen eventually.” (SOMB playing these two in back to back series.) But, I would like to have opened up with a team that is going to test me. Top Flight gave them a run for their money in game 1 of the series. Only inches from walking off on SOMB. Now, have said all that, I’m not saying this team is horrible and their wins are only due to their “tough” opening day schedule. They are a very talented team. They took care of business in the second game of the Top-Flight series. The obvious favorite to win their division that includes, the same two teams they beat opening day. I just don’t fell as if they are the dominate SOMB team were all use to. But, they will win games, and their division.
Let’s start with Jeremy Ray. Everyone knows, Jeremy. He has been the face of HWL for years. Dominate pitcher, solid hitter, good defensive player and fierce competitor. Jeremy, being a HWL committee member passed the captain reins to bestie, Andrew Westcott. Things are different for Jeremy Ray this year though. Known for his speed and power on the mound, with the medium pitch format, this may change his approach a bit. Rely on his movement and veteran knowledge of the game on the mound. At this point we have played one week of the season thus far. As expected, rust comes with any beginning to the season. 13 homeruns with 13 RBI’s on the day, not a bad start at all. I feel like Jeremy will struggle a bit in the first few weeks getting the speed correct with the new format, but will find it sooner than later. He’s a legend in the sport for a reason, I expect big numbers at the plate from Jeremy, but also interested to see how he translates to a slower style of pitching. Overall, he will do what he is known for, finding ways to win.
Andrew Westcott, another staple in the SOMB history. Reunited (and it feels so good) with Jeremy, this is the one two punches that the league has come to know. Andrew is a monster in the box. Turned out a decent opening day! But, like all of us he needs to get back into the groove of the game. He is going to deliver at the plate, always has. The thing I’m excited to see is his play on the mound. The medium pitch format fits guys like this. Not known as a fireballer, he does have good movement on his pitches and is an excellent fielder. Andrew, in this format doesn’t have a weakness in his game. I expect big things from him in 2018. Remember you heard it here first, Andrew will compete for a Cy Wiffle this year!
Josh Smith. What can you say about this HALL OF FAMER?! Returning to a full time playing role, another player this pitching format favors. He has wicked curve on his pitches and tricky movement. With the medium format, he will excel on the mound like never before. Teamed with big hitters for run support, he is going to keep this team in games. Taking nothing away from his game in the batter’s box. He turned out a nice 11 RBI opening day. He will deliver there as well, but his bread and butter this year will be on the mound in this format made for pitchers like, Josh.
Scott Westcott. This guy, like his brother can deliver from the batter’s box. Not known for the power like Andrew. His numbers are nothing to laugh out. 13 RBI’s on opening day is a good start. Also, able to watch Scott pitch some. Not a horrible day. He had respectable numbers, striking out 3 and a decent ERA from a guy best known for his swing. If he can fine tune his pitching ability, it may add to what could be an already stacked pitching team.
Brian Ball. Brian wasn’t able to make it out on opening day. I’ve had the pleasure of being on a team with Brian for the Amy for Africa tournament in Ashland, Ky a few years back. Also seen him play in spots in HWL. Big power in the box. Athletic guy. Plays all out when on defense. While he didn’t get to play on opening day, this is a guy that will show up and will impress.
