6-Pack Fun, Vol. 5: Games

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

This is the toughest list for me, but I will try and rank the six most memorable games in WSEM history. Obviously, most of these games I have either played in or watched, so I apologize if I missed any good ones.

6.   8/10/2013   All-Star Game
What started as a boring pitcher’s duel, turned into a very exciting game. Ryan Alexia’s peg of Evan Bortmas as he was a 1/2 step away from winning for Ringler ended up being the boost the Garcia team needed, as they were able to win the 8 inning affair 3-0.

5.   4/29/2011   Mattseals @ Commandos
The first game in WSEM history is one to remember. Joe Seto belted four home runs (including the first in WSEM history) and had 10 RBIs, as the Commandos easily won 13-3.

4.   7/29/2012   Belgian @ Mattseals
This 23 inning marathon set records that will probably never be broken. Tomlinson had ten hits, Chandler had 53 strike outs, and everyone watching fell asleep.

3.   5/5/2012   Donkeys @ Wicked Aces
This is the only game on the list that I wasn’t at, but the legend of Joe Seto once again made this game standout. His solo HR off of Austin Bischoff broke all of the laws of physics, but we also can’t forget about Shore’s shutout performance on the mound en route to a Donkeys 1-0 upset.

2.   7/30/2011   Game 4:   DeLoppes @ Squirrels
This is my favorite game that I played in, so it gets the #2 spot. The Squirrels down 2-1 in the best of 5 semifinals series had to win to keep their season alive. Austin Bischoff went toe to toe with Cliff Comstock, and the Squirrels won 1-0 in 12 innings.

1.   8/4/2013   Game 1:   Westside @ Wicked Aces
Everyone knew Sam Hatt vs. Austin Bischoff would be something special to watch, but no one predicted the game would end the way it did. Down 1-0 with two outs and a runner on, Joel Crozier hit a walkoff 2-run homer to win the game for the Aces.

6-Pack Fun, Vol. 4: Logos

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

We are very fortunate to have the man in charge of the Wiffle Logos site in our league, therefore crappy logos are rare.

6.	2012 Manchester Punchouts
I wonder how many people never noticed the fist in this logo is actually an ‘MP.’ That’s very clever.

5.	2012-13 Whiteford Wicked Aces
This logo won the NWLA logo of the year so it could be a crime if I didn’t include it.

4.	2011-13 Belgian Wiffles
This classic beauty will always be one of my favorites. It’s so simple yet so wonderful.

3.	2013 Ducks
I believe this one is Corbs’ favorite and it’s up there for me as well.

2.	2012 Jason Mattseals
You just look at this logo and smile.

1.	2012 Campus Commandos
The 2011 Commandos logo may be the worst ever in our league, but the 2012 one is my favorite. What isn’t awesome about a toy soldier shooting wiffleballs out of a wiffle bat?!?!

BIG NAMES

		Your Junk my Happy Zone
		by Brandon Corbett

The 2012-2013 offseason saw a surprising amount of movement in free agency. That was awesome! Some of the moves were groundbreaking. Others just settling. Now, with the introduction the talent cap for 2014, as well as two new franchises, we are expecting an even more active offseason. Listed below are six of the players who I think are the BIGGEST NAMES in 2013-14 free agency, and the reasons why I think they fit there. Obviously, there may be more than these names floating around, and I hope to be blindsided by a few big moves, too! But, let this be an appetizer for the main course coming up on October 1st. Let's look at some of the early BIG NAMES!

	22 HR	★	DENNIS PEARSON Pearson ran away with the Country Strong HR King title in 2013. The closest player to him was 9 behind and nearly doubled up on. 22 of Dennis' 38 hits on the season were home runs. That's 58%! Putting more numbers to that, it was once every 4.7 at bats that Pearson hit a home run! Spurred by his home run totals, Dennis also led the league in RBI (45) and slugging (1.038). The latter of which was over .100 better than his closest competitor! Also, his 38 hits see him tied for fourth, while at 36 runs scored he came in sixth. Pearson is gold standard of offensive production, and a quintessential 5-star played based on that alone. The fact he can rack up 130 K on the mound in a season, which is tied for second, is just the cherry on top. Teams linked to:  El Diablos were hard after Dennis, but affording him would prove tricky. Holy Balls and Pearson were reportedly in talks a couple weeks back, although those appear to have stalled. Squirrels brass has mentioned Pearson's name, though it is unknown if any talks have occurred.
	1.038 SLG	★
	45 RBI	★
	38 H	★
	130 K PITCHING	★

	.426 AVG	★	DAVID CASTLE The big noise Castle made in 2013 was with his 22 stolen bases en route to the first-ever Great Lakes Stealer handy. Really, though, that sideshow just distracts from the incredible season he had offensively. His 13 home runs were second in the league, as were his 47 runs scored. His .861 slugging percentage was third best in the league. His .426 average was good enough for fourth, while David led the league with 49 hits, including 9 doubles and a triple. Castle's impact after signing with Holy Balls in 2013 was huge. His production led a team projected to finish near .500 to 8 games over that at the end of the season, easily in possession of the third seed. In addition to his stout offensive numbers, David also provides teams with a solid option as a number two or three pitcher. Likely landing spots: Castle was excited to test the market, so it may be a long list of suitors. He will most likely remain downriver, though. So, with El Diablos unable to bring in high star talent, a return to a former team - Belgian or Balls - could be in the cards. Although, do not rule out David possibly forming part of a solid core with Hollister's new team, either.
	.821 SLG	★
	47 R	★
	22 SB	★
	13 HR	★

	.796 SLG	★	Evan Bortmas Perennial All-Star. 2012 MVP, and in the discussion again in 2013. If he had thrown more innings with the Aces in 2013, Evan would also have been in the running for Clown Shu both years, as well. Bortmas may be the most well-rounded player in WSEM: hitting for average, hitting for power, pitching, speed, and defense are all strengths of his. In 2013, Bortmas finished sixth, fourth, fifth, and third respectively in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and RBI. His career numbers are a .397 AVG, .545 OBP, and .835 SLG. Teams linked to: The Aces could hold onto him and pay a luxury tax, but inquiries made to the front office make it seem like they will not head in that direction. More rumors about where Evan may be residing have spurred lots of talks. Hearing he may live in Detroit has the Islanders pursuing the opportunity to sign him and form a dynamite 1-2 combination in their rotation. Reports indicate the Warriors have similarly been trying to work out an arrangement to reunite the elite tandem of Bortmas and Hatt.
	.591 OBP	★
	10 HR	★
	45 R	★
	39 RBI	★

	.686 SLG	★	Dakota LaDouceur An unconfirmed, but likely, cap casualty of El Diablos, Dakota is a great pickup for any team. He has hit over .325 in both of his seasons in the league, slugged over .685, and gotten on base better than fifty percent of the time. He was a co-Country Strong HR King in 2012, and his accomplishments seem to only ever be overshadowed by teammates. Think Prince Fielder to Miguel Cabrera. He is still a beast. In 2013, LaDouceur was eighth in slugging percentage (.686), sixth in on-base percentage (.557), and tied for eighth in home runs (9). Teams linked to: Belgian are reportedly offering Dakota free breakfast at IHOP for the duration of the season. The Squirrels also seem to be angling to lure LaDouceur in, although no terms have yet leaked out from Sessions' camp. It is assumed their incentives are not be breakfast-based, however. The Islanders are also rumored to be poking around, citing that Dakota would make a great pirate.
	.557 OBP	★
	40 R	★
	38 RBI	★

			Josh Nagorski Josh was underutilized in 2013. Still, he managed a top seven finish in batting average. He also had an extra base hit once every thirteen at bats, including a home run hit in every twenty six. When able to play a full season, Nagorski has proven to provide competitive numbers at the plate. Nagorski also has the humor to keep a bench loose in tense situations, which is an invaluable trait. On his career Josh has a batting average of .348, an on-base percentage of .412, and a slugging percentage of .483. Simply stated: get him to the field and he will come through. Teams interested: At three stars Nagorski is a good pick-up for most teams. He will likely be another downriver leaning player, though. Not much talk has come up with his name yet, but if Belgian continues to play in his backyard, that could be a potential fit. Hollister's expansion team is again a potential fit, as could be a team like Holy Balls looking for an offensive spark.
	.404 AVG	★
	.456 OBP	★
	.556 SLG	★

			Ryan Alexia Hear me out. Alexia is Billy Beane's wet dream. He was tied for third in walks for the 2013 season with 46, and was sixth in on-base percentage (.567). He was also second in steals, with 14. Alexia may not hit for power or drive in a ton of runs, but to restate what was said two sentences ago: he gets on base. If you put Ryan in front of quality hitters in a lineup, his presence will create many runs scored. Additionally, he is a very solid defensive shortstop. Teams linked to: The Squirrels have made a strong push for signing Alexia. Sessions is a big fan of sabermetrics, after all, so it makes perfect sense. The Balls could also be a good fit with Bullard and Alexia being close friends, as well as it also being rumored the Balls made a play for Alexia before the 2013 season began. We should not rule out the possibility of Alexia returning to Belgian, either, heading over to the team's facebook page still shows the team featuring Ryan as the face of the franchise.
	.567 OBP	★
	46 BB	★
	14 SB	★

6-Pack Fun, Vol. 3: Characters

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

We’ve had our fair share of good and bad players, but what about the guys who just always seem to standout as unique characters? Well, they deserve some attention for once!

6.	Craig Skinner	(2012)     (2012)     (2013-pres.)
Craig’s skill set could easily make him a giant douche, but instead he always has fun on the field. His little shimmy and hoot after striking out a batter always makes me laugh.

5.	Brandon Mushinski	(2012)
It was really sad when I found out Brandon wasn’t returning in 2013. It is a safe bet his #703 will never be worn again in this league.

4.	Cliff Comstock	(2011-12)
My favorite DeLoppe to play against was easily Cliff Comstock. His check swings, cigarette in mouth whether batting or pitching, and fun attitude on the field still stand out to me.

3.	Adam Grant	(2011-12)
Adam always seemed to be a big topic of conversation in 2011-12 with his lean-over-the-plate-never-swing batting approach, loud mouth, and controversy. He brought Wiffleball to Detroit though, so he always has a soft spot in my heart.

2.	Nick Coffee	(2011-12)      (2013)
Whenever Nick played, I played, so I got to see and hear a lot of him on the field. Most player’s drink of choice is water or Gatorade, but Nick’s was Bacardi Razz.

1.	Jason Matt	(2011-12)      (2013)
It is never boring when Jason Matt is at a game. He goes 100% in every at-bat, pitch, run to 1st, or catch attempt in the field. His signature mouth wide open look while playing is a beautiful thing.

6-Pack Fun, Vol. 2: Fields

		Coffee Time
		by Carl Coffee

I believe we often forget just how unique it is to have so many fields in WSEM, both current and historic. These were my favorite fields to play on.

	6.	Frenchtown Field
	This is the only field on this list that lacks creativity. However, I can’t ignore the fact that this field was always well maintained and being elevated prevented it from ever being flooded.

	5.	Holy Grounds
	There is something very nostalgic about the Holy Grounds. It may be the alley past the home run fence or the school in the background; I just love the feel of this field.

	4.	The Drey
	This field was the ultimate pitcher’s park, and no matter what side of the plate you hit on, hitting it out wasn’t easy.

	3.	Knockout Park
	This field is often forgotten about when talking about some of the best fields in our league. They went all out here with their scoreboard in left field, and their creative outfield fencing.

	2.	Poolside Park
	The epitome of a backyard field is Poolside Park. Every time I walk into the Bischoff’s backyard I just get excited.

	1.	Pervis Memorial
	Every single time I visited Pervis Memorial it got better and better. Their improvements and fine attention to detail makes this my favorite field in WSEM history.