Sunday, July 7, 2024

Two-Time Champion Bert Brigade Out of Wifflepalooza XVIII

In a stunning turn of events, the league office was notified Saturday morning that the two-time defending champions and team with the second highest winning percentage in tournament history (min. 10 games) will not be able to field a team for this year's tournament. 

Captain and owner Jake Hatki notified the commissioner directly. Bert Brigade represented a positive shift in the tournament at a time where it could've been perceived that the strength of the contest was wavering. Bert burst onto the scene in dramatic fashion, reaching the title game in each of their first four tournaments. In their first year, a devastating violation of the fence rule likely cost them a title that year, where they would've been just the 2nd ever team to win in their first year as an expansion club. After coming up short again the following year, Bert finally broke through in 2020, defeating their heated rivals the Goodfellas in the title game, 9-0. Ken McCormick won the title game MVP that year, dominating both on the mound and at the plate. They would go on to repeat the next year, defeating Ironballs in the championship game, 5-2. Anthony Donato was the MVP of that game, also turning in a two-way performance. 

Bert will certainly be missed, a set of great ambassadors for the sport and league if their ever was one. They will be replaced in the tournament this year by a new expansion franchise, led by former Bert all-star Taylor Cheli. Their name and roster TBD. It is unclear what the remaining future for Bert Brigade is within Wifflepalooza. Sources told us that the Office of the Commissioner has make it known that should Bert be able to return next year, they'd be welcomed with open arms, although it's unclear which team would be removed to make way for them. It's also unclear what other roster pieces from Bert might be available, and until the new team's roster is finalized that will remain that way.

In the end, it was a great run for Bert Brigade and one that deserves great appreciation.

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