2014 NWLA Review

cefbbf_fd34363726eb40f6850e32c42b588de4.png_srz_123_100_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png

Article by: Sam Skibbe

2014 was a great year of wiffleball for the SWBL. With the new year in full swing and Season 13 on the horizon, let’s take one more look back at the SWBL and the recognition received from the National Wiffleball League Association (NWLA).

Every year, the NWLA has many opportunities for leagues around the U.S. and Canada to be recognized in many ways including: the National Tournament in Ohio, the National Hall of Fame, Team Rankings, Mock National Tournaments, National Teams Lists, the Annual Wiffy Awards, and this year marked the first ever NWLA Fantasy Draft. Here is a list of the SWBL accomplishments with the NWLA in 2014:

NWLA 3rd Annual National Tournament

-SWBL Cardinals finish in 3rd Place for the second consecutive year, achieving the number one seed in the double elimination tournament after going 4-0 in pool play and leading the tournament in team offensive statistics.

NWLA Hall of Fame

-Brett Spencer inducted into the 2014 NWLA Hall of Fame Class.

NWLA Team Rankings

-Rays pre-ranked 7th nationally.

-Brewers pre-ranked 21st nationally.

-Rays finish 12th in the National Rankings.

-Royals finish 10th in the National Rankings.

NWLA Mock National Tournaments

-Pirates selected to the Dangerfield Tournament, “eliminated” in the elite 8.

-Royals selected to the Mock National Tournament, eliminated in the Second Round.

-Rays selected to the Mock National Tournament, eliminated in the Sweet 16.

-Rockies selected to the Mock National Tournament, eliminated in the First Round.

NWLA National Teams Lists

-Gus Skibbe: Third Team Pitchers, Third Team Hitters

-Scott Pohle: First Team Hitters

-Ty Butler: First Team Hitters, First Team Rookies

-Spencer Bogad: Second Team Hitters

-Peter Leicht: Second Team Hitters

-Edloe Donnan: Third Team Hitters

-Chris Meador: First Team Fielders

-Brian Kenney: Second Team Fielders

-Sam Skibbe: Second Team Fielders

-Jackson Crosley: Third Team Fielders

-Paul Castellano: Third Team Fielders

-Danny Bell: First Team Rookies

-Curtis Ford: Second Team Rookies

-Kyle Breda: Second Team Rookies

-Bryan Benware: Third Team Rookies

-Corey Pohle: Third Team Rookies

NWLA Wiffy Awards

-Chris Meador: National and Midwest Fielder of the Year

-Ty Butler: Midwest Rookie of the Year

-NWLA Most Improved Website

-NWLA Event of the Year (1/15)

NWLA Fantasy Draft

-Sam Skibbe asked to manage one of eight NWLA fantasy teams.

-Chris Meador drafted by Team Steffes in the 3rd Round

-Gus Skibbe drafted by Team Coffee in the 4th Round

-Ty Butler drafted by Team Tomkins in the 5th Round

-Brett Spencer drafted by Team Boyles in the 6th Round

-“The Blur” (SWBL Field) drafted by Team Skibbe in the 8th Round.

Congratulations to all of our NWLA honorees in what was a very successful year of wiffleball. I am one very proud Commissioner, and I cannot wait to see what 2015 has in store for the SWBL!