Q. Last year you guys were longshots, you came very prepared and managed your team to what some people called “perfection”. Take us through the process of building your team and how you remember the day unfolding.
A. Well we felt that we had the ability to make the playoffs and potentially make a run, but I felt we needed another piece. We lucked out getting Matt and we were able to practice a lot and build the team chemistry needed to succeed. Everything fell into place last year and my plan worked to perfection.
Q. Also last year, one of your players Carlos Negron, boldly predicted you guys would win it all. How’s the team’s confidence heading into this year compared to last year?
A. Our confidence is about the same as last year. It's tough to win one Wifflepalooza, but to repeat is even tougher. We know what we need to do to reclaim the trident and we are going into this Saturday with focus, confidence, and determination.
Q. You’ve seemed to master the structuring of a pitching staff around the innings limit. How did you find the right formula so quickly?
A. Knowing that the inning limit is 14 innings, I strategized to use the right pitchers in the right spots. Gave our pitching staff what they could handle, when they could handle it. It was all about the right situation.
Q. How do you feel about playing for a cash prize this year?
A. I feel bittersweet about the cash prize because I wish we had done it last year, but a cash prize has everyone excited this year. I think the competition will get way more serious because of the money being involved.
Q. What do you think can be done, if anything, to improve the reach and publicity of this tournament?
A. I think if we could reach out to guys from the past and get some of their friends out here it could benefit the league. If we added two more teams and got the local newspapers to come out, things could get big. We could try to contact some leagues out in PA and see what they could offer to us as well.
Q. From “the Derecho”, to the creation of the “Wiffle Torch”, to title game no-hitters, and anywhere in between, what is your favorite Wifflepalooza memory?
A. My favorite moment in Wifflepalooza would have to be winning the championship of WP7. Going from worst to first was a hell of an accomplishment for our team and couldn't have been happier with the guys. Hopefully we can make this year my favorite moment and take the trident home again.
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