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.