A League Of Their Own

Reproduced with permission from Mr. Ahlberg:

A League of their Own,

Major League Wiffle Ball Brings Sport to the People

Walking up to the plate Joe Janik had one thing on his mind: home run. His best friend and opposing pitcher Summer Johnston was winding up. The pitch came, and Janik swung and popped it up to the second base. Third out. Game over. The team on the field went crazy. They had just won the Major League Wiffle Ball of Milford World Series.

That’s right, competitive wiffle ball in the home state of wiffle ball: Connecticut. The game is just as simple has America’s past time but with a twist. The field is shorter and the players aren’t the best athletes in the world, but don’t mistake that for lack of heart and emotion. All are good friends off the field; however, game time is different.

“It started in the summer of 2003; we didn’t keep stats like we do now. So I guess it was a wasted summer,” said co-founder and player Janik. Janik, along with Johnston, George Cometa, and the player know has Cooper started the league as something to do on Sunday afternoons in the summer. “Some other kids saw us playing on a little league field in Milford and ask if they could join. We said sure why not,” continued Janik?

“It started with six people and then word spread. There was motivation and we got organized; but, it was tough to get people on certain days to play so we had it every Sunday. If you made it fine, if not it didn’t matter. Now the population and the popularity of the league has just blossomed,” added Cometa.

“Now we have a huge roster and I can’t wait for opening day,” said Janik. Janik looks at Johnston and feels his arms, “You going to the gym to get ready for the season?”
He asks.

“Oh yeah,” Johnston replied! He forms a muscle in the forearm, and Cometa speaks up. “It’s all about wrist and arm strength,” he adds.

According to the web site www.majorleaguewiffleballofmilford.com, opening day is scheduled for May 21^st. The web site also is home to the stats of individual players and important news and information.

The players are from a variety of backgrounds and ages. The oldest regular is 49 and the youngest is 14. Women play along with men and even tend to surprise the league. “Marcea Williams threw a one hitter.” Janik said enthusiastically. “And Kristin Gayda hit the first home run by a girl this season. I really encourage women and older parents to come and play.” He exclaimed adding, “Tom Cadigan’s father Mr.Cadigan is the oldest player and hit the longest homer we’ve ever seen!”

Finding out how to play and when is just by word of mouth. Player and 2005 rookie of the year runner up Nick Altieri explains, “George (Cometa) instant messaged me in like June to tell me of the wiffle ball thing. The next thing I know, I’m showing up every Sunday and calling out of work to come play. It’s fun and addicting.”

The rules for the game are simple but can be confusing at first. According to the web site, there is no outfield and the pitcher stands about twenty feet away from the plate. The pitcher, on the other hand, can not throw fast and must try and get the batter out. Lines are drawn on the field (which is either a little league or soft ball field) to designate a single, double, or triple.

Home runs are key factors; they occur when the ball leaves the infield and hits the outfield grass. There are only four position players out every inning: a first baseman, second baseman, the hot corner third baseman, and the pitcher takes the mound. There is no catcher, only a chair representing the strike zone. “It’s simple once you get the hang of it,” said Altieri.

The player's focus isn't just the game, however, the league also tries to get involved in the community. After Hurricane Katrina, there was a game to benefit the victims, and a money bucket was passed around. All the proceeds went to the Red Cross.

When going to see the game played for myself the first time, it was almost as if I was always a part of the league. They welcomed me with open arms and a plastic bat. I didn’t know what to make of it. Confused, I decided to “pick” a team. Teams are chosen by the “long and short” teams. Meaning, you throw a ball in the air and hit it. If the ball goes long, you’re on the long team, if not, you’re on the short.

I wanted to make a good impression, so I tried to hit the ball into Long Island Sound. I missed and was placed on the short team.

I can’t remember if my team won or lost. I can remember that I didn’t want to go home. I wished the field in Milford had lights and that we could play all night; it was that much fun.

The games are played every Sunday at Meadow Side Field in Milford. The league also has flag football in the winter, and meetings to discuss the next season are held in the winter. All are encouraged to come and play.

He Got Shot 9 Times!

After hearing Fiddy, among others, cashed in 6 figures for gigs around the bar mitzvah circuit. I am now declaring myself available for bar and/or bat mitzvahs in the low $20,000-range.

Have your people call my people, we'll arrange something. It'll be more than just kosher; it'll be spectacular.

New Rules for 2006

Rules & regulations ratified by the Wiffleboard during the winter meeting :

• The "doubles line" will come out of provisional status and will be a permanent fixture in all MLWM sanctioned games.
• To be playoff-eligible, a player must have at least 100 ABs. Hereforeto, this shalt be known as "The Carlos Cutoff".
• As our answer to the NBA's new dress code, all male players are no longer allowed to have their hair covering their name on their jersey.
• The "Griffey model" longer black bat has been approved for game action.

We Are Tops In Connecticut!!!

Major League Wiffleball of Milford has been ranked as the 5th best league/site of New England and first in Connecticut.

We will continue to send fruit baskets, flowers, and other bribes until we are #1!

The BJB Memorial Wiffle Tournament

As received via email, an invitation. Reproduced here for our fans:


The Britton John Broatch Memorial Foundation, Inc is proud to announce that the 3rd annual Britton John Broatch Memorial Wiffle Tournament will be held again at Joseph A. Foran Hign School in Milford CT on July 8th. This year's tournament will be better than ever! We are implementing a faster format that will ensure each team a guaranteed 3 games. This will eliminate the waiting for fields and other rules have been added to speed up play.

Other things have not changed, like our awsome DJ, the incredible food provided by Outback Steakhouse of Orange, a competitive Wiffle Ball tournament, raffle prizes, tournament t-shirts, trophies and cash prizes for the top three finishers, and a great time.

So, please join us July 8th for some great Wiffle Ball and help a wonderful cause.

Please check out the updated website, www.thebjbtournament.com for further details and to see photos of the first two tournaments.