Flapacs Acquire 2023 Top Rookie in Transfer Deal with Temp Agency WC

 VINELAND - For a couple of weeks it's been pretty widely known that the Flapacamingos were looking for re-inforcements, especially after losing Rob Humes for the season with a knee injury. On Wednesday, they found just that, as they received 2023 Top Rookie, Dylan Clark, on loan from Temp Agency WC for the remainder of 2024, with an option for 2025. 

"We're always excited to add a player like Dylan", said Al Etter, Flapacs President & GM said when asked for comment. "To be able to add someone with his upside and power into our lineup is something we've been looking to do throughout the season. He's a tremendous addition to our group and we're pleased with the result." 

Clark debuted in 2023 during WP17 with Temp Agency, and burst onto the scene well, hitting 3 homers and driving in 11 in just 15 at bats. He boasted a 1.609 OPS and won tournament Top Rookie. While in a rather small sample size, the team is confident in his upside. "They've started to shift away from more established veterans the last couple of years. They really believe in playing upside and trying to strike big, similar to the way they did with Engasser", one league source said about the shift in philosophy for the Flapacs. "If Clark hits the way he did last year, they're going to be really tough to stop. If he doesn't though, it could cause them issues. But the process is good."

Clark will join the team immediately and is expected to wear #3. To make room on their 12-man roster, the Flapacamingos designated for assignement, former 4th round pick, 1B Ryan Lorello. If he ultimately clears waivers, Lorello is expected to be re-signed to minor league camp.

DEAL TERMS:

Flapacs receive IF Dylan Clark on loan from Temp Agency WC for the remainder of the 2024 league year. There is an option in the deal for 2025, should Temp Agency WC not qualify for Wifflepalooza XIX. Should they qualify, Clark would return to TAWC, unless a purchase agreement can be struck between the clubs before hand. Terms of purchase agreement TBD.

Goons' Legend Mark Ronchetti Calls It A Career

  

VINELAND - In a surprise announcement, the Goondingos official twitter account announced that long-time tournament and franchise legend, Mark Ronchetti, is retiring from professional wiffleball effective immediately. MLW Network sources have confirmed the reports. The news came as a shock to most around the league as there had been no rumors indicating that this decision was imminent, however sources say this decision had been looming for a year or two and Ronchetti had opted to remain active the last couple of seasons. 

        Mark retires as one of the all-time greats. While he was never able to secure a championship in his career, it could be said that he's one of the 5 greatest players over the history of Wifflepalooza. "After that title game loss last season, I just don't have it in me to keep going" Ronchetti said, when asked for comment on hanging up his cleats and keg-tap. "This was the 4th time I've made it there and came up short".

        Ronchetti also wanted to make sure one thing was very clear in retirement, as rumors had spread over the last number of years regarding his ability. "I'm not blind, I can see just fine... When it's time to hang them up you have to be ready to do it, so you don't end up like Ryan Howard". Ronchetti continued on through our sources. "I've made the decision to retire now before it gets any worse out there. I can't reliably hit or play the field, so I need to put myself out to pasture. I have learned from Tiger Woods' mistakes, to be honest with myself and know when to call it a career".

    In the Goondingos initial press release, Ronchetti indicated that there was no door remaining open for a return. "I have nothing left to do there", but after it was made known that Goondingo officials still hope to change his mind prior to the August 2nd roster cutoff, sources close to Ronchetti indicate there may be some wiggle room there. "There is always the possibility of a Tom Brady, that can never be ruled out".

    Ronchetti steps away as 2-time MVP and a 9-time All-star. He concludes his career sitting 4th on the all-time HR list (36), tied for 4th in hits (82), 4th in total bases (198), 5th in Bases+ (108), 7th in RBI (67), 8th in OPS (1.477), 8th in runs scored (59) and tied for 9th in batting average (.414). Additionally, Ronchetti retires as the 4th fastest to reach 80 career hits, doing it in just 188 at bats. He was the 3rd quickest to 70 hits as well, in 148 at bats. 

    His walk-off HR off of Al Etter in WP2, was one of the first true signature moments in Wifflepalooza history, scoring the only runs Etter allowed in that tournament and giving Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch, one of the original 4 teams, their only win of that tournament. Ronchetti is one of the founding legends of the tournament, having been involved since it's inception. Multiple time team captain and owner, Mark helped set the tone of the Goon Squad through Wifflepalooza's modern era, as the quintessential "Bad Boys" of the tournament, often pushing the boundaries and in the middle of controversy. Between rolling kegs out in trash cans, pong tables placed in the middle of the field, having an organized meatball festival, the famous "Impeach Al" entry and overall unpredictability, there was never a dull moment, and other teams and players have followed in the footsteps of the Goons in the years since. 

Full Schedule & Times for Wifflepalooza XVIII

 VINELAND - Over the weekend, the commissioner's office released the full schedule for Wifflepalooza XVIII, after confirming the 6 particpants of this year's event. One change from last year sees the Ironballs returning after a 1-year hiatus, taking the place of Temp Agency WP, who became the first new team to make the postseason in their first year since the Ironballs themselves did it in 2020.

    As has become tradition, the defending champions will open the tournament on Field 1 at 11am, a reward for winning the year before is that you get the first game on the nicest field before things get super hot. This year's version of that sees the Flapacamingos, fresh off of their 5th title, facing off with Ironballs to start things off.

    A rematch of last year's title game unfortunately isn't in the cards during regular tournament play. We do see a rematch of one of our semi-finals from last year, as at 1pm on Field 2, the Goodfellas try to get revenge for last year's playoff loss to the Flapacs.

    The final window of the day is worth noting as well, as we see last year's runners-up, the Goondingos, face off against Ironballs directly after their much anticipated match against 2022 Champion and mangoon ally, PA Pork Missiles. The other match in the final window, sees long time rivals, Bert Brigade & Goodfellas face off once again. As their almost always is, there likely will be multiple playoff spots and seeding on the line in that window.

11:00am

Field 1- Flapacamingos v. Ironballs

Field 2- Goodfellas v. Goondingos

11:40am

Field 1- v. Goodfellas v. PA Pork Missiles

Field 2- Ironballs v. Bert Brigade

12:20pm

Field 1- Bert Brigade v. Goondingos

Field 2- Flapacamingos v. PA Pork Missiles

1:00pm

Field 1- Ironballs v. PA Pork Missiles

Field 2- Flapacamingos v. Goodfellas

1:40pm

Field 1- Flapacamingos v. Bert Brigade

Field 2- PA Pork Missiles v. Goondingos

2:20pm

Field 1- Ironballs v. Goondingos

Field 2- Bert Brigade v. Goodfellas

 

3:10- PLAYOFFS

Field 1- Division Winner v. Wild Card

Field 2- Division Winner v. Wild Card

 

4:20 – CHAMPIONSHIP

Field 1-  for the 18^th Wiffleball Championship of the World