August 2nd, 2010 by BKligler
With only 5 more days to wait until the 2010 tourney, the bookies have released up-to-the-second odds for the 6th championship title in tournament history. Here is everything you need to know about the contenders for this chance to walk among the gods of the game:
Snap, Crackle, & Pop (3 to 1): By reaching the finals the past 2 years, the media darlings of 2010 have raised expectations to unparalleled heights. Headlined by superstar Ryan Gomes, they are the trendy pick to take home the hardware. They came painfully close last year, only to lose to Doom in an epic pitcher’s duel that broke every ratings and attendance record in history. However, with the added hype also comes added pressure. A third straight finals appearance without a win would put them in 1990’s Buffalo Bills territory. If they want to avoid a reputation as a talented team that can’t win the big one, they have to finish the job.
Biffle Wallers (6 to 1): After back to back semifinal appearances this squad is trying to take the next step. Southpaw Aram Hamalian wins the Jamie Moyer award for “pitcher most people think they can crush until they step in the box against him.” The veteran junkballer has sent many an aggressive hitter back to the bench with tears in his eyes. These 4 veterans have taken out some serious competition in past years, and they are keeping the roster of Shea, Keane, Litchfield and Hamalian together for another run at immortality. Their chemistry is unmatched and if a few breaks go their way don’t be surprised to see them doing the talk show/Disneyworld circuit next week.
Milkmen (10 to 1): This 2010 Dream Team is the bastard child of 2009’s Green Street Elite and Dead Baby Mammoths. They are aging quickly but with a combined 6 championships they cannot be counted out just yet. They are counting on their decorated veterans to keep notorious malcontent Dan Westerman in line, and in fact “win a ring for Double D’s” has become their unofficial rallying cry. He won a silver slugger in 2008 and knows this may be his last chance at a ring, so expect him to bring the calcium and leave his troubled past in the rearview mirror.
Sleeper Teams:
1. Skeletor and Beastman: The younger Hennesseys step out of big bro’s shadows and try to create their own legacy.
2. Fresh Catch: Always a threat to go on a winning streak, they can mash with the big boys.
3. Take a Wiff of This: Up and comers made a deep run in last year’s tourney and are only now hitting their prime.
Awards Predictions:
MVP: Ryan Gomes. With a devastating arsenal on the mound and a Griffey like swing, he brings the complete package every time he steps on the field.
Gold Glove: Lamarr Monterio (aka Willie Mays Hayes). His blazing speed and superior backpedaling ability allow him to track down any ball you hit.
Cy Young Award: Ryan Hennessey. Towering mound presence and an intimidating glare make him nearly unhittable.
Tags: 2010, tournament, Wiffle Ball
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June 29th, 2010 by MKeach
Easton, MA – June 29, 2010 – The Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation announced today it will host the 6th Annual Edwin A. Keach Memorial Wiffle® Ball Tournament and Home Run Derby, August 7, 2010, at Militia Park in Easton, MA. Registration is now open on the website (www.edwinkeach.com) for teams looking to compete or sponsors looking to support this spectacular event. This unique tournament is a major fundraiser for the Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation and has become the largest Wiffle Ball Tournament of its kind in the region.
An important change to this year’s tournament is the introduction of two divisions. Entrants will have the choice of playing in either a competitive or non-competitive division. According to Nick Ventresco, who heads the event, “The tournament draws a diverse crowd that includes casual backyard players, friends and family who play in memory of Edwin, and highly competitive teams who play for the cash prize. The division addition will accommodate the increased tournament size along with each team’s desired level of competitive play. With the player and spectator draw, it’s a win-win situation for the Memorial Foundation and increased exposure for our sponsors.”
The event organizers are currently seeking corporate and individual tournament sponsors, advertisers, and volunteers. Sponsorship and participation benefits the Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation, which utilizes its resources to fund local charitable works. Donations of all kinds will be recognized. The tournament is 100% volunteer run and all after-tax proceeds benefit the Foundation.
Easton’s Militia Park, where the Wiffle Ball Tournament is held, is home to the Easton Youth Baseball fields (www.eastonyouthbaseball.org).
Created in 2003, after the tragic loss of Edwin A. Keach, The Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation plans to carry forward Edwin’s passion for life by making contributions to the community that promote a “Lead, Don’t Follow” spirit – a testament to the lasting impression he made on so many lives. For tournament and sponsorship information, please visit our website at www.edwinkeach.com or email meredithkeach@hotmail.com.
Tags: 2010, Wiffle Ball
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August 6th, 2009 by BKligler
- 72 Teams are playing this year, shattering the previous record of 60 set in 2008. 36 teams will make the playoffs, with the bottom 8 seeds playing their way into the field of 32. The winning team earns a $400 cash prize, as well as a trophy and a place on the tournament plaque of legends. The fame and endorsement deals that come with being a tournament champion will probably be worth several million dollars as well.
- Piccadilly Pub will be the after party spot this year. It is located on Route 140 on the Mansfield/Foxboro line. There is a ton of space and they have been very accommodating. There will be $1.95 Bud lights and they promised not to run out of anything. We told them to expect around 100 people, so they’ll be ready for us.
- Speed Limit increase – The training wheels are off this year. In division play the speed limit will be increased to 45 MPH. In the playoffs, there is no speed limit- so fire away and manage your pitching staff accordingly.
- Home Run Derby – The home run derby will be running from 11am through the start of the championship game. Entry is $5, and you can enter as many times as you want. You choose your own pitcher and get 10 outs. Any swing that’s not a home run is an out. The winner receives a prize, a shiny trophy, and will be immortalized on the tournament plaque.
- Winter Mini Tournament- We are in final negotiations to secure an indoor location for our first invitation only winter mini-tourney. To qualify your team must have gone deep into at least one of our 5 tournaments (this year included). More details will follow Saturday’s tournament.
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July 18th, 2009 by BKligler
With the 2009 Edwin A. Keach Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament 3 weeks away, Las Vegas has released the favorites to take home this years’ coveted title. Here are the odds along with expert analysis for each team’s chances…
- Mega Powers (4 to 1 odds) = The defending champions return the same 2 man team that took home last year’s title, and look formidable once again. With a roster consisting of the veteran Mike Heenan and the young superstar Mark Peterson, The Mega Powers are poised to repeat. Heenan is a backyard legend hailing from the concrete jungle of the Chesnut Knoll neighborhood of Easton. This former Home Run Derby champion has found the perfect 1-2 punch with the up and coming Peterson.
- Dead Baby Mammoths (5 to 1) = Although they have yet to reveal their 2009 team name, the team formerly known as DBM is hungry to avenge last year’s bitter playoff exit. The only 2 time tourney champs have gone through an off season personnel shake up, dropping the controversial Dan Westerman and returning to 2007’s championship roster. The critics say they’ve lost the drive to be great and have grown fat on the fruits of past success, leaving this team with much to prove.
- Team New York 1 (6 to 1) = The last of the former champions, this team is dangerous despite playing what essentially amounts to a road game every time they take the field. Any title won under these adverse conditions can never be questioned, as any Wiffle Ball insider knows. However, there remain whispers that had Ben Kligler and Gregg Scarlata been at the 2006 Tournament, we might be talking about a 3 peat. A win in the 09’ tourney will surely quiet the last of the doubters and cement the Hennessey legacy.
- Green Street Elite (10 to 1) = The legendary one man show, Tim Golden, has been the most active of any GM this off season. Golden has attained all the money, fame, and individual accolades that any player could dream of. However, the one thing he desires most still eludes him, a championship ring. With this goal in mind Golden has stocked his roster with talent from all over the Wiffle Ball world. Nick Ventresco has been added for his championship experience and keen batting eye. Will Glynn, something of a mystery, has strength and talent, but is unproven in a competitive atmosphere. Will he be Wily Mo Pena or David Ortiz? Another question mark is the talented but controversial Westerman. Westerman has bounced around from team to team throughout his career, fueling rumors that he is a clubhouse cancer. This team undoubtedly is one of the most talented on paper, but it remains to be seen how they mesh on the field.
- Field (3 to 1) = With the most competitive field of teams of all time expected in 2009, it truly is anyone’s tournament to win. Who will be the next team to claim their place in tournament history??? On August 8th we’ll find out. It should be a bloodbath.
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July 13th, 2009 by WGlynn
With the 5th Annual Summer Classic known as the Edwin A. Keach Memorial Wiffle® Ball Tournament now less than one month away, the excitement has reached a fever pitch with all of us involved with Edwin’s Foundation. With each passing year, we strive to make each year’s Tournament better than the last, and 2009 should be no exception. Having seen the Edwin A. Keach Memorial Wiffle® Ball Tournament flourish over the past four years, it is our duty to ensure that we continue to offer you our best, not only for Edwin, but also for You, Edwin’s Family and Friends who have supported us since our inception. We hope that you will join us again this year, as you always have, in celebrating Edwin’s Memory as best we can. We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, August the 8th at
Militia Park in Easton.
Oh, by the way, the reigning champions – The Mega Powers have registered and are ready to take home the trophy again… think you can beat them?
Tags: Wiffle Ball
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July 9th, 2009 by MKeach
The Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation announced today it will host the 5th Annual Edwin A. Keach Memorial Wiffle® Ball Tournament and Home Run Derby, August 8, 2009, at Militia Park in Easton, MA. This unique and important tournament is a major fundraiser for the Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation. The tournament is growing in size and continues to draw support from local and regional sponsors and media outlets.
This event draws over 500 players and spectators. According to Nick Ventresco, one of the event organizers,
“this tournament has grown to be more and more successful each year. We expect spectator attendance to climb for the fifth consecutive year and anticipate reaching capacity in tournament play. With the continued support of our sponsors we have been able to accommodate the growth and put on a great community event.”
Last year, the Brockton Rox made a special appearance with K-O, winning the hearts of all. In addition, the Monster Rock Energy Drink truck greeted players with Monster Energy just in time for the play-offs.
The event organizers are currently seeking corporate and individual tournament sponsors, advertisers, and volunteers. Sponsorship and participation benefits the Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation, which utilizes its resources to fund local charitable works. Donations of all kinds will be recognized. The tournament is 100% volunteer run and all after tax proceeds benefit the memorial foundation.
Militia Park, the location where Wiffle® Ball Tournament is held, is home to The Easton Youth Baseball fields (www.eastonyouthbaseball.org).
Created in 2003, after the tragic loss of Edwin A. Keach, The Edwin A. Keach Memorial Foundation plans to carry forward Edwin’s passion for life, by making contributions to the community that promote a Lead, Don’t Follow spirit – a testament to the lasting impression he made on so many lives.
Tags: 2009, Foundation, tournament, Wiffle Ball
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May 13th, 2009 by admin
Welcome to the Edwin A. Keach blog.
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