Full Schedule and Initial Insights

WIFFLEPALOOZA IX SCHEDULE

The day-of pregame festivities include the following

8:30- MLW Today Pregame starts

9:45 – Optional BP on Field 2 & 3

10:30- All Players Arrive

10:45- Opening Ceremonies

              Team Introductions

              Ceremonial First Pitch

              National Anthem (Whitney Houston)

(all games on the Fox family of networks)

It's unconfirmed that the National Anthem playing will be Whitney Houston's version. Apparently there is still a possibility it will be the same Carrie Underwood version from last year, but other options are still being weighed. Additionally there has been no word or rumor on who will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The commissioner's office announced today that public address announcer Kevin Read will once again take the mic for the pregame ceremonies and beyond. This is Read's third tournament as PA announcer.

GAMES

11:00

Field 1- Flapacamingos v. Cuban Raft Riders 

    The rematch is set. For the 3rd year in a row, these two teams will open the tournament and continue to grow their rivalry. While the Flapacs won it all last year, the Raft Riders have won the only two matchups between these squads, including a walk off double last year. There has been much talk from the Flapacs side about refusing to lose this game. They wanted this matchup, and they've got it.

Field 2- Goon Squad v. High & Dry

    The other finalists from last year open up against one of the highly touted expansion teams. The newly renovated Goon Squad will be up against a stiff test early, but if they can consistently put the ball in play they'll test High & Dry, who's league is less defensive oriented. Both teams need a good start to the day in this divisional matchup

 

Field 3- Balco Bombers v. Mandingos

    It's rare that a team enters Wifflepalooza for the first time with as high a set of expectations as the Bombers have. But they certainly should have the talent to deal with it, and they get to showcase it right out of the gate. The Mandingos, having recently had a roster shakeup, should not be expected to do much more than settle in in this game, play hard, and hope to catch the right breaks.

12:00

Field 1- High & Dry v. Balco Bombers

   Battle at high noon, as the two new sets of gunslingers face off in a divisional matchup on the main field.

Field 2- Goodfellas v. Mandingos

   The Goodfellas finally take the field, as they look to rebound from last year's crushing semi-final extra-inning loss to the Goon Squad. A rare off first game will give this team of all-stars and veterans an extra chance to prepare for the Mandingos, who if they set up their pitching will have a good shot to earn their first all-time win

 

Field 3- Cuban Raft Riders v. French Toast Mafia

   The last of the new expansion teams finally get to take the stage. French Toast Mafia, who requested a first-game bye due to a possible travel conflict, will take on the Cuban Raft Riders who will already be on their second game of the day. Advantage may lie with CRR here as they are certainly more familiar with the field and structure of the tournament.

1:00

Field 1- French Toast Mafia v. Goodfellas

  Goodfellas & FTM play the middle of their three divisional games, and this one will be crucial for tiebreakers

 

Field 2- Flapacamingos v. Goon Squad

  The rematch of last year's championship game, as both squads continue their path through the gauntlet

2:00

Field 1- Mandingos v. French Toast Mafia

   This is the point in the day where teams with pitching depth could begin to seperate themselves, and on paper the advantage here goes to FTM. But if the Mandingos can get more offense from both ends of the lineup they can challenge everyone

 

Field 2- Goodfellas v. Cuban Raft Riders

  The final divisional matchup for the Goodfellas pits them against another experienced squad. And a rematch of an absolute slaughtering in last year's tournament that saw the Goodfellas hit 7 homers in the same game. Same field as last year also.

 

Field 3- Flapacamingos v. High & Dry

  The first and only trip over to Field 3 of the day for both squads. A matchup of highly prepared squads should bring a quality contest in another important divisional matchup

3:00

Field 1- Cuban Raft Riders v. Mandingos

   Both of these teams wrap up their days on the mainstage, hoping to still be battling for a playoff spot. While neither squad made the elimination rounds last year, being in the same division gives at least one of these teams an edge, and it may all come down to this matchup

 

Field 2- Balco Bombers v. Flapacamingos

  In talking about possible winner-take-all games, this one shapes up as another possibility. The Bombers will still have another game to work with, but the Flapacs may need this one to keep or gain control of their destiny. A big matchup for sure.

 

Field 3- Goon Squad v. Goodfellas

  The Goodfellas day wraps up with their inter-division matchup against the Goons. Both teams could easily be in playoff contention, and will be looking to add to the other tiebreaker, run differential.

4:00

Field 1- Balco Bombers v. Goon Squad

   Final game for both squads, and will finalize the playoff picture for at least one side of the bracket.

Field 2- High & Dry v. French Toast Mafia

  The final pool play game of the day, an interdivision matchup that could be all or nothing.

5:00- PLAYOFFS

Field 2- East Div Winner v. Wild Card

Field 3- West Div Winner v. Wild Card

6:15 – CHAMPIONSHIP

Field 1-  for the 9^th Wiffleball Championship of the World