<![CDATA[Circle City Wiffle® - News]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:19:35 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Jorf Porsson's mock draft]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:48:36 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/jorf-porssons-mock-draftJorf Porsson’s CCW Mock Draft
CCW’s first-ever league-wide draft night looms, and the only thing better than the event itself is the speculation about it. I, Jorf Porsson, Sultan of Sources, Ruler of Reports, and Swami of Speculation, am ready to unveil my official Mock Draft. 

Here’s where I put all my effort to bear. The months of reporting, working the phones, and analyzing players’ offseason habits finally come to fruition. I’ll be analyzing player fit, team needs, and everything else that’s relevant to come to my lock-solid conclusion, pick by pick, for the whole draft. 

Let’s get started. 

ROUND 1

Pick 1 - Scott selects Brendan Dudas (Ranked 1)
As mentioned on my last big board, Scott drafting the commissioner feels like a foregone conclusion at the first overall pick. Dudas brings the best and most reliable bat in the sport to the fold, paired with elite defense, and yet-unfulfilled upside on the mound. With this pairing to start the team, there’s a good chance that the two best defenders in the league - in Scott and Dudas - will be in the field for just about 100% of the team’s innings. 

Pick 2 - Buis selects Alex Gurtcheff (Ranked 4)
The first jumbling of the draft ranking order happens early, and I believe it will happen often. Buis is on record stating that he is prioritizing versatility here, which narrows this down to Gurtcheff and Lyon. Industry opinion is that Buis prefers Gurtcheff at this spot, however. While Rudy has more consistent production, Gurtch outperformed him in both hitting and pitching categories last season, and Buis may be buying that trend. Mitch gets an instant offense-providing bat and his number 2 arm in one fell swoop. 

Pick 3 - Alles selects Holden Palmer (Ranked 3)
I think that Alles’ pick at 3 is the most interesting choice in the draft. He could go a number of ways here - the best two-way guy in Lyon, a recent slugging teammate in Jones, or an upside arm in Holden. He could even take a big swing at Dowden if he feels confident about his availability. Ultimately, Alles has said he’s prioritizing pitching, and I think he’ll take the most sure bet in Holden Palmer. Alles has an elite bat himself, and with less proven success on the bump, he’s got a clear opportunity to sell out for pitching early in the draft. With this selection, the Alles - Palmer one-two punch at the top of the rotation looks imposing. 

Pick 4 - Palmer selects Cade Luker (Ranked 6)
If Holden isn’t picked by Alles, I’d be willing to bet my house on Aidan happily picking his brother with his first pick. But, in our mock, he’s off the board, and Aidan has to improvise. I think Aidan would be torn, in this scenario, between two captains he’s had success with recently in Luker and Lyon. Despite Aidan’s career years with Rudy’s Yakkers, I think his down 2025 hurts him here, and Palmer instead drafts Cade, who’s shown more recent offensive upside. Cade didn’t pitch last year in the loaded Stampede rotation, but he’ll likely slide in as this team’s third arm. 

ROUND 2

Pick 5 - Scott selects Rudy Lyon (Ranked 2)
Rudy finally has his name called in early round 2, with Scott adding to the well-rounded core he started with Dudas last round. Rudy is a perfect fit with this group, hitting behind Dudas in the order and slotting in as the team’s second pitcher. He’s a skilled fielder as well, adding further strength to their existing strength. If Lyon does slide to Scott in round 2, this version of the team already looks well-balanced and nearly complete, only lacking depth bats and maybe one more depth arm. 

Pick 6 - Buis selects Dylan Jones (Ranked 5)
Dylan Jones falling into Buis’ lap in the second round is, I think, a result he would be more than happy with. The two played together with the Hounds last season, and DJ would bring another impact bat and a depth arm to the fold. I think Buis might consider Connor Young in this scenario, but would be hesitant to pass up such proven impact with Jones. The top two in the lineup of DJ and Gurtch would be a formidable lineup anchor. 

Pick 7 - Alles selects Connor Young (Ranked 7)
With Jones off the board, who I think Alles would select if given the opportunity, he can instead pivot to Connor Young, who will plug a variety of holes in the roster. Young slides in behind Alles and Holden as the team’s third arm, and will likely be the best number 3 in the league. He will hit behind Alles at the top of the order. With more room to grow and established skills, Young is a great blend of upside and proven production. 

Pick 8 - Palmer selects Dustin Laugel (Ranked 9)
With Aidan and Cade forming the first two of this group, I think Aidan would survey the landscape and see a need for a proven number two pitcher, and also foresee those getting scooped up quickly. Laugel fits the bill perfectly and would vibe well with Aidan and Cade, from my perspective. Dowden remains on the board as a proven ace-caliber arm, and depending on Palmer’s perception of his availability, this may be the perfect place to take the swing - but ultimately, I think the sure thing of Laugel wins out. 

Pick 9 - Werner selects Dalton Lewis (Ranked 12)
Reigning MVP Reid Werner is the first of three superstars making their first picks this round after their competitors have already drafted twice. As such, I think the proper tactic for these three in this round is to pick proven, reliable value. Risks may still come down the board, but missing on this first selection could spell disaster for the team. Enter DLewy, who had a career-best offensive season last year, and can serve as Reid’s number two arm. This may look like a reach, but Lewis is a versatile and consistent performer - something Werner will likely prioritize here. 

Pick 10 - Smithey selects Ian Garavalia (Ranked 13)
Not unlike Werner, I think Smithey will survey the landscape available to him with his first pick with two things on his mind - who is going to show up every week, and who is going to eat innings. Garavalia checks both of those boxes. Despite higher upside arms in Dowden and Buchman being available, Smithey has made it known he’s looking for availability first and foremost, and Ian should fit that bill, all while serving as a quality number two hitter. He may not offer much with the bat, but Smithey can hit enough for 2 or 3 guys most years. 

Pick 11 - Witty selects Dustin Dowden (Ranked 8)
Witty might be in the most interesting position in this draft, sitting at the bottom of the order, and with what I suspect will be a very different draft strategy than Werner and Smithey. While they are looking for consistency and floor, I think Witty is drafting with 4-peat or bust on the mind. And so, I believe he’ll take big risky swings, knowing that for Myc, second place and last place aren’t much different. With Dowden available to him, he’ll take a risk with his first pick, bringing in the potential for the most devastating pitching one-two punch in the sport. 

ROUND 3

Pick 12 - Scott selects Thomas Hopkins (Ranked 10)
With his third pick, Brayden adds to his cohort of former team managers with Thomas Hopkins, assembling what will surely be the most fearsome lineup in the league. Scott doesn’t need to reach for another arm with a front three likely already established, and instead can get the best player available, bolstering the hitting group. There is speculation that Hopkins may not be as fully available as in years past, but with his already talented group, this squad can take that risk. 

Pick 13 - Buis selects Alec Buchman (Ranked 11)
With plenty of pitching depth, but not yet much impact on the team, Buis can take a big swing here on Alec Buchman. If Buchman isn’t able to put things together, Gurtcheff and Jones can form a formidable 2-3 in the rotation, but if Buchman looks like his former self, everyone slides back a line, and they gain a borderline ace. This team is still short one more bat, in my estimation, but there are lots of those left in the draft, and this may be their best upside chance to take. 

Pick 14 - Alles selects Coby Taylor (Ranked 15)
Alles’ pitching group is already 3 solid arms deep, and so he can focus this pick on hitting. I like Coby for this group, over similarly ranked bat-first guys. He played with Alles last season, and I like the power he provides to complement the more contact-first approach from Young. A defense consisting of Alles, Young, and Taylor will also beat out every team other than Scott’s, most likely. 

Pick 15 - Palmer selects Dalsen Murdock (Ranked 16)
Aidan’s team could also use a bat and someone to play an important role in the field, and Dalsen would be the best option to do so. He has tons of history with Luker, and recent history with Aidan on the Stampede. House offers more pure offensive upside here, but I think the defensive value from Murdock gives him the edge for this particular pick. 

Pick 16 - Werner selects Cody House (Ranked 14)
I imagine that Reid would be thrilled to see House’s name available on his draft board when he makes his second pick. House had a resurgent campaign with Werner’s 8 Balls last season, and could recapture that production again in 2026. With Lewis in tow already, Werner can afford to wait until his name comes back around to target another pitcher - and instead grab the best available bat off the board. 

Pick 17 - Smithey selects Connor Smith (Ranked 21)
Somebody is going to reach for Smith on draft night, and I think it’ll be Smithey, who managed him with the Moonshots last season. Connor has yet to post productive numbers with CCW, but everyone agrees it’s just a matter of time until he does. I think Smithey will survey the landscape here and realize that his path to success is through breakouts, and not through floor, from here on out, and he’ll be the one to take a risk on Smith. 

Pick 18 - Witty selects Jay Wilsey (Ranked 17)
With his upside-heavy top of the rotation set, Witty will be looking for consistent, versatile production with his next pick, and Jay fits the bill perfectly. He can do a little bit of everything on the field, and if Dowden is absent or Witty struggles to find a late-draft arm, Wilsey can step in and post innings on the mound, too. Jay would see a ton of innings in the field and a lot of at-bats near the top of the lineup with this group. 

ROUND 4

Pick 19 - Scott selects Justin Swingler (Ranked 25)
With an already stacked lineup and fielding core, Scott can take an upside swing on a wiffleball vet and carpool buddy in Swingler. This isn’t a pure reach - Swingler hasn’t posted much to be excited about in CCW yet, but he has loads of experience and pedigree, suggesting that he can be a breakout candidate. He can hit at the bottom of this loaded order, and if he shows he’s recaptured some pitching prowess, provide innings from the back of the rotation. 

Pick 20 - Buis selects Tristan Dudas (Ranked 23)
Buis has plenty of arms in the house, but lacks bats to round out the order and athleticism on the field and on the basepaths. I think Tristan is a perfect fit for this team as composed - offering a bat with upside potential to hit 3rd or 4th, and the speed to play in the grass defensively. 

Pick 21 - Alles selects Nolan Karwoski (Ranked 19)
Once again, Alles will be thinking best available bat with a pitching rotation and defensive group pretty well established, and I believe that will lead him to Karwoski. In his rookie year, he flashed huge power and solid plate discipline. This will further add to the huge power potential in this lineup - he, Alles, and Taylor especially may combine to lead the league in home runs as a unit. 

Pick 22 - Palmer selects Jared Gray (Ranked 22)
Jared Gray is the first rookie off the board in this mock, going to Aidan to round out his core five. While very few in the CCW circuit have seen Gray in action, Laugel is one of those few and may put a bug in Palmer’s ear about the rookie. He’s allegedly a versatile player who can hit and pitch, and if all goes according to plan, provide the back-end arm and bat that Palmer needs. 

Pick 23 - Werner selects Eric Starke (Ranked 20)
Reid once again snags the player that has slipped past the other drafters this round in CCW-returnee Eric Starke. Werner needs another arm, and Starke will provide that, with both he and Lewis splitting the innings that aren’t covered by Reid on this team. With Lewis’ versatility already on the squad, Reid can afford to take a player in Starke who may be viewed as more of a pitcher-only. 

Pick 24 - Smithey selects Byron Young (Ranked 24)
Smithey goes slot here with Byron, banking on another versatile, upside play to pair with Connor Smith, fitting a similar bill. Byron is one of the big risers in the offseason, and he’ll provide a nice insurance policy if Smith isn’t as ascendant as hoped. The two of them will likely split third-pitcher innings, and Byron will likely hit toward the bottom of the lineup. 

Pick 25 - Witty selects Mitch Unversaw (Ranked 26)
Unversaw offers something in shorter supply year by year - athleticism. And it’s what Witty’s team is looking to revolve around, with multiple guys possessing speed and versatility. If Unversaw is a mainstay at The Dirtyard this summer, he’ll likely produce more value than this spot would usually present with his contact and speed approach. 

ROUND 5

Pick 26 - Witty selects Kent Nims (Ranked 28) 
Things snake back to Witty for the first time here in the late rounds, giving him the chance to take back-to-back picks. I think he’ll take a look at his roster, especially if Dowden isn’t around consistently, and see that he needs to have more innings covered. Enter Kent Nims, who should have plenty of innings available to him after struggling to find them on a deep Yakkers rotation last season. 

Pick 27 - Smithey selects Keegan Caughey (Ranked 27) 
Smithey’s team’s biggest need at this point is a bat for the back of their lineup, and Keegan is the best available hitter remaining. His contact-first approach should be a nice foil to Smithey and Smith’s power output, and makes a pretty neat fit with this group as-is.

Pick 28 - Werner selects Max Lowry (Ranked 31)
Lowry is the second rookie off the board in my mock, going to Werner in the later stages of the draft. Not unlike Smithey, his biggest need is a bat as well. Hart is available on the board, but his brief appearance with Werner’s 8 Balls in 2024 went pretty poorly, and Reid may be more likely to take a risk on a rookie instead. 

Pick 29 - Palmer selects Josh Hart (Ranked 30)
As the draft winds down, Aidan could use some insurance against rookie reliance and depth for a thin back of the lineup. Josh Hart fits the bill as someone who will show up and who most teams would be happy with hitting in the four hole.   

Pick 30 - Alles selects Adam Watson (Ranked 32)
Alles takes a swing at a young rookie with what is likely to be his final pick, with his team looking pretty complete on paper. Berninger is still available, but his perceived lack of availability and most teams’ full pitching group may cause him to slide late in the draft. Instead, Watson should provide lineup depth and Alles and co. will hope for a surprise from the rookie. 

Pick 31 - Buis selects Myles Caudill (Ranked 33)
The biggest thing that Buis’ squad could use at this point is another guy to give good innings in the field. There aren’t any proven options out there in that regard anymore, but they’ll take a swing on a young rookie who has youth and potential athleticism on his side over more established options. 

Pick 32 - Scott selects Alec Berninger (Ranked 29)
Berny has his name called by Scott at pick 32, as one of the few teams left with a need for rotation depth. Behind Scott and Lyon, their group consists of high-upside but unproven arms in Dudas and Swingler. Bringing Berninger into the fold provides a sure thing back of the rotation option, in the case that neither of those other two work out consistently. 

ROUND 6 

Pick 33 - Witty selects Colt Cantrell (Ranked 34)
Despite us being down to the final two selections, Cantrell is actually a great fit for Witty’s roster. The team needs another bat to round out the lineup for weeks where others may be absent, and Cantrell can do just that. 

Pick 34 - Smithey selects Ethan New (Ranked 35)  
Ethan New claims the title of Mr. Irrelevant in the CCW draft, fitting into Smithey’s squad at the end of the draft. Similarly to Cantrell, he lands on a team with a likely pitcher-only and a guy with availability questions, and so he may find himself getting more at-bats than one would expect of a guy drafted here. 

THE FINAL SQUADS

Scott’s Team (Short Shorts?)
Brayden Scott
Brendan Dudas
Rudy Lyon
Thomas Hopkins
Justin Swingler
Alec Berninger

Buis’ Team (Outlaws?)
Mitch Buis
Alex Gurtcheff
Dylan Jones
Alec Buchman
Tristan Dudas
Myles Caudill 

Alles’ Team (?)
Austin Alles
Holden Palmer
Connor Young
Coby Taylor
Nolan Karwoski
Adam Watson
​
Palmer’s Team (Stampede?)
Aidan Palmer
Cade Luker
Dustin Laugel
Dalsen Murdock
Jared Gray
Josh Hart

Werner’s Team (8 Balls)
Reid Werner
Dalton Lewis
Cody House
Eric Starke
Max Lowry

Smithey’s Team (Moonshots)
Will Smithey
Ian Garavalia
Connor Smith
Byron Young
Keegan Caughey
Ethan New

Witty’s Team (?)
Myc Witty
Dustin Dowden
Jay Wilsey
Mitch Unversaw
Kent Nims
​Colt Cantrell

]]><![CDATA[Jorf Porsson's CCW Draft Big Board 2.o]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/jorf-porssons-ccw-draft-big-board-2o
Jorf Porsson’s Big Board 2.0
T minus 3 days until draft night, and I, CCW Jorf Porsson, have my crystal ball working overtime. As the pivotal night nears, my sources are getting chattier, and my vision for draft night gets clearer.

Today’s Big Board represents my ranking of each available player as a pure prospect for this season - without taking into account fit, preference, or other similar variables. I’ll take into account the players’ expected values, past performance, and my own professional analysis to line them up top to bottom. Stay tuned for the official Jorf Porsson Mock Draft coming later this week.

New for V2.0, we’ve added some returning players after years’-long hiatus, a new crop of registered rookies, and taken a few names off the list who are expected to be unavailable for draft this season. This isn’t an official draft list, as the Commissioner hasn’t provided that official information yet, but rather my informed speculation on who is available. 

Let’s go to the board.

The Drafting Aces
​
Myc Witty, Reid Werner, Will Smithey, Aidan Palmer, Austin Alles, Mitch Buis, Brayden Scott

1.0: These magnificent seven aren’t draft eligible because they will be the ones drafting the teams this season. This is the top 7 pitchers in the league, as weighed by CCW’s proprietary player evaluation system, the same which was used in setting player values for free agency in years prior. These are the building blocks of the teams this year, each player expected to pitch a lion’s share of their team’s innings, and in many cases, carrying the bulk of the offensive freight, as well. 

The New Omissions

Since the last iteration of the Board, these players have been removed, due to perceived lack of ability or availability to play this season. 

Nick Bundy (previous 11)
Devon Hensley (previous 25)
Luke Thompson (previous 30)

The Big Board

1. Brendan Dudas ↔️ Even
2.0 Update: No movement at the top here for Dudas, who is becoming widely expected to go number 1.1 in the draft. 

1.0: Commissioner Dudas is coming off one of the strongest years of his storied career, and for the first time, will not be the one building a team. He brought home the Yellow Slugger Award and was a colossal piece of the Championship Winning Short Shorts roster. His offensive floor is extremely high, and his ceiling is repeating as the best hitter in the league. Dudas even flashed improvement on the mound, with electric stuff that can be seriously effective if he can keep the arm healthy. I think Dudas couples his elite bat with a pitching performance of a legitimate number 2 in a rotation this summer.

2. Rudy Lyon ↔️ Even
2.0: Rudy holds at number 2 on my board on the strength of his long history of production and versatility. The rest of the first round after Dudas may be an up-in-the-air situation, though - stay tuned for my Mock Draft to see how I think it will shake out. 

1.0: Not unlike Dudas, Lyon enters 2026 free from team-building responsibilities for the first time in recent history. That may be a breath of fresh air for Rudy, who experienced a down year by his standards in 2025, perhaps burdened by managing a complicated Yakkers roster. Lyon offers top-of-the-league offensive potential and a pedigree that outpaces just about anyone else in the circuit. While his days as a team ace are likely behind him, Rudy will serve admirably as a second arm on a team, something that will be in high demand in this draft. 

3. Holden Palmer ↔️ Even
2.0: Palmer is still poised to jump back into the upper echelon of pitching in the ‘26 season. I believe his offseason work will pay dividends, and he’ll end the year as a top 6 arm in the game. 

1.0: Holden offers what may be the most coveted attribute in this draft - pitching upside. While his numbers in 2025 were those of a mid-tier number two pitcher, Holden has flashed ace-quality stuff and results in his expansive CCW career. It’s no secret that he’s been working hard on different wiffle ball styles over the winter, and Palmer may be poised for a huge bounce-back campaign in 2026. While he doesn’t offer much value with the bat, he has the potential to be a top 5 pitcher in the league, which is something that no one else in this draft (with maybe one exception, to come later) can boast. 

4. Alex Gurtcheff ↔️ Even
2.0: More holding firm here at the top of the draft rankings. Gurtch will likely be counted on as a number 2 pitcher for a team this year, compared to a more number 3 value for Jones and Luker below him.

1.0: Gurtch made the leap from a valuable role player to a star in 2025, leading the league in dingers and taking home the Most Improved Player Award. He gets top billing in a closely packed group of sluggers at this stage in the draft, though, due to his versatility and potential value on the mound. Any one of Gurtcheff or the following two players is equally likely to have the strongest offensive season in 2026, but Gurtcheff can more reliably produce number two pitcher value for a team. His history on the mound is up and down, but if he can avoid the one or two blow-up outings that have haunted him in recent years, he could turn in a solid two-way campaign. 

5. Dylan Jones ↔️ Even
2.0: Jones will post offensive value as reliably as anyone in the league, and a team seeking that stability may value that very highly. We’re splitting hairs between him, Luker, and Gurtcheff, though. 

1.0: DJ is a perennially elite bat stretching back nearly a decade now. Jones will anchor any lineup he ends up in, and as another player who may be free of managing a team for the first time in years, might feel a little freer to focus on the game between the lines. He put up impressive rate-based numbers on an underachieving Hounds team last season, and, perhaps surprisingly to some, logged an ERA under 7.00 for the first time in his career. DJ is a soft-tosser on the mound, but one who is sneakily effective, and will likely eat some third-pitcher innings on his team. 

6. Cade Luker ↔️ Even
2.0: I think Luker’s explosive ceiling and reputation as a great teammate may get him drafted higher than this spot - but that same volatility brings him in just below the other two sluggers in my estimation. 

1.0: The third of the three stacked sluggers, as mentioned above, Luker may be the most volatile of the group, but may also have the highest season. He won the Yellow Slugger in 2023, finished 14th in offensive value in 2024, and then was back to being a second-team All-CCW hitter in 2025. The smart man would bet on something like his 2025 output for what to expect in the next season, but the proven ceiling and floor give space for give in either direction. Cade didn’t have to pitch except in emergencies on last year’s Stampede squad, but will likely see an uptick in innings on whichever team drafts him this year, and can serve as a third arm for that team. 

7. Connor Young ⬆️ (previous 8)
2.0: Connor rises a spot in my second board here by way of Dowden falling one. After the top 6, which form a clear tier, I think Young is the best available value proposition, able to provide value in numerous ways for a team. 

1.0: There may be no better two-way upside play in the draft than Connor Young. After taking home the Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, he followed up the season with another solid two-way campaign in 2025, capped off with a go-ahead dinger in the Dirtyard Classic. He’s one of the few guys who offers actualized top-15 value at the plate and on the mound, with strong defense and baserunning packed in. He’s got room to grow as well, entering just his third year in the league. 

8. Dustin Dowden ⬇️ (previous 7)
2.0: As we near the draft, there is unfortunately no more clarity on Dowden’s availability than there was a week ago. If a team can snag him and get him playoff eligible, and ensure he’ll be available for playoff starts, Dowden could be the steal of the draft - but the risk of not getting him eligible for playoff starts will cause trepidation early in the draft, where teams have to nail their early round picks. 

1.0: If Dowden were fully available in 2026, he wouldn’t be on this draft board - he would be one of the aces doing the drafting. But questions regarding his availability abound, and so his selection would be a risky one for any team. When Dustin is around, he’s a legitimate ace, a first or second team All-CCW arm for each of the last 4 seasons. A team with some pitching depth already established, or looking to take a huge gamble, could swing on Dowden, and look like either the smartest or most bone-headed manager in the game.

9. Dustin Laugel ↔️ Even
2.0: The closer to the draft we get, the more confident I am that pitching will be prioritized quickly by drafters. Laugel could get snatched up higher than this by a team needing that proven arm desperately. 

1.0: Laugel is the best remaining arm in the draft, and I suspect that drafters will gobble up proven pitchers like mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving. The Lush finished as the 10th most valuable pitcher in 2025, and will slide in as some team’s proven number two in the rotation. The contribution to general vibes and the number of beers brought for the team isn’t a measured metric on this board, but if it was, his stock would rise even higher. 

10. Thomas Hopkins ↔️ Even
2.0: After the early top tier of hitters, Hopkins is the clear next best available bat, especially with Bundy unavailable. A team with a pick higher than this that feels set in the rotation could pick him above slot. 

1.0: Hopkins is another proven, reliable slugger who cracked the All-CCW Hitting First Team as recently as 2024. He’s a disciplined, patient hitter who absolutely feasts on slow pitch and is a tough out against even the most elite pitching, as well. While he won’t offer any value on the mound, he’s very likely to be the best batter on the team that ends up with him. 

11. Alec Buchman ⬆️ (previous 12)
2.0: Sources indicate that Buchman is in and committed to a full season at The Dirtyard this season, after a false start return last summer. His upside on the mound is an extremely juicy target for drafters. 

1.0: Buchman is this draft’s ultimate boom-or-bust upside play. After a career that started with a Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and a First-Team All-CCW performance in 2021, his career was put on hiatus due to injury and unavailability in subsequent summers. Buchman attempted a return last season, making two disappointing starts before suffering another season-ending injury. If Buch returns to his previous form, a team is going to get a potential ace from a slot that has no business producing one, but there is the unfortunate possibility that he offers very little, as well.  

12. Dalton Lewis ⬆️ (previous 14)
2.0: With pitching and versatility looking to be the priorities for drafters, DLewy could be just what a team picking in this range is looking for. 

1.0: DLewy put together a strong two-way 2025 campaign - finishing just around the top-15 in the league in both hitting and pitching. Lewis is one of the league’s premier slow-pitch mashers, and his patient approach at the plate leads to him getting plenty of those opportunities. He’s a prototypical back-of-the-rotation arm who throws strikes and provides valuable innings for a club. DLewy is a safe, versatile pick who is guaranteed to provide value in a multitude of ways and plug plenty of a team’s holes. 

13. Ian Garavalia ⬆️ (previous 15)
2.0: Similarly to Lewis, one line higher, Garavalia will benefit from the league’s focus on pitching in the draft. Ian is also on “best shape of his life” alert, after an offseason well-spent, which may prove impactful to his play this season. 

1.0: Ian would likely call his first full CCW season a disappointing one. He got the bulk of the number two innings for the Moonshots and turned in four strong outings to begin the season, before getting knocked around in the last two. His stats, in turn, look worse than his performance likely earned, with those late-season blow-ups tanking his numbers. Yet, he boasts the ability to be a top-half number two pitcher in the league, something that may be heavily sought after in this draft. 

14. Cody House ⬇️ (previous 13)
2.0: Housey drops a spot in version 2 of the board, not due to anything he has done, but instead due to what I perceive as a focus on pitching in the draft. As someone without any real value to offer on the mound, House may slip in the projections. 

1.0: House is another bat-only slugger with a resurgent 2025 season - blasting 10 homers and finishing 7th in the league in total value. His preceding history is more of a top 15-ish hitter than a top 10 one, however, and he doesn’t bring much to the table in the field or on the mound. A team drafting The Mobile Home will be betting on his 2025 surge being sustainable, and could get a valuable contribution to the lineup. 

15. Coby Taylor ⬆️ (previous 16)
2.0: If Coby’s busy summer schedule allows him to be at The Dirtyard for close to a full season, I think he’ll put up career-high numbers. He’s shown he gets better as the year progresses, and if he can hit that stride sooner, he’ll be a steal at this spot. 

1.0: Coby sports potentially the most raw power in the league. I’ve seen Coby hit wiffle balls further than just about anyone else. The sticking point for him is how consistently he can tap into it in-game. Taylor usually clocks in just above the threshold of receiving playoff eligibility, and I wonder if he were able to be more consistently in attendance, he could find that rhythm. In any case, a team looking for slug in the lineup and a solid defender could do much worse than Taylor. 

16. Dalsen Murdock ⬆️ (previous 17)
2.0: Which version of Todd Mudrock does the league remember - his first-quarter performance from last season, or his back chunk? That will determine if he rises or falls from this spot. 

1.0: Dalsen started off 2025 red-hot, collecting 9 of his total 17 hits in just a four-game early-season stretch, before plummeting back to earth. After that stretch, he was held hitless in nearly half of his remaining games. Murdock has shown that when he’s on, he’s really on, but he will need to tap into some more consistency to take the next step. Defense doesn’t slump, however, and he does possess one of the better sets of hands in the league. 

17. Jay Wilsey ⬆️ (previous 18)
2.0: The players ranked 14-17 on this list are pretty even and will likely come down to preference by the drafters. One thing you can count on from Jay is a full season of games and a good hang, which might be the difference maker in this narrowly separated group. 

1.0: Jay is a true jack of all trades on the Wiffle diamond. He’ll make plenty of contact, he’ll hit for some power, he’ll turn singles into extra base hits with his legs, he’ll make spectacular plays in the field, and he’ll fill in on the mound and provide innings with the potential for upside. So, why is he all the way down at 18 on the board? While he is a jack of all trades, he is yet the master of none, with no one elite skill. He may be a perfect fit for a team with established, but limited players, for whom he can fill a multitude of slots.

18. Austin Church ⭐ (previous unranked)
To not bury the lede - I’d call it a coinflip right now that Church is truly available this season. A cryptic text reported by a source, and general radio silence following, is all we have to go off of. But if Church is on board for this season, the CCW returning legend has the potential to add a valuable role-playing piece to a team. Once an elite defender and potent power-first bat, a team betting on his returning to form would value him maybe even higher than this spot. But as we’ve seen before, a return from years-long absence is anything but a sure thing. 

19. Nolan Karwoski ↔️ Even
2.0: Karwoski’s rookie season provides a model for what the top-notch version of him can look like in form. Big power and a serviceable arm are on the table with another strong year. 

1.0:Mr. Karwoski was the runner-up in 2025’s Rookie of the Year voting, after a solid two-way rookie campaign. Nolan is another guy with huge pull-side power, but a lot of swing and miss in the profile. He struggled to hit the board with consistency in his rookie campaign, but he would be far from the first player to come back with improved command in year two. It wouldn’t be surprising for Nolan to end the year as a team’s solid number 3 arm. 

20. Eric Starke ⭐ (previous unranked)
Starke, another CCW boomerang, is reportedly back in town and ready to play a full season of games at The Dirtyard. The once manager of the woebegotten Hackers franchise, Starke rejoins the league free of managerial duties, and, provided he hasn’t lost much in his years away, can serve as a multi-faceted role player. I’d expect Starke to slot in as a number 3 arm on a team, at least to start, with the upside to ascend into more of a number 2. He doesn’t have much pop at the plate, but can slide in the back of a team’s lineup and put together professional at-bats. 

21. Connor Smith ⬆️ (previous 24)
2.0: I said in my last write-up that Connor will be drafted higher than his spot, and I’ve adjusted my prognostication here accordingly. Yes, his numbers in the last two seasons have not been enough to justify this draft placement. But I believe in the breakout that others are banking on, too. 

1.0: Connor Smith will go higher than 24th in the draft, almost certainly, because of his immense untapped potential in CCW league play. He’s young, and accomplished in other leagues and formats of wiffle ball, but Connor has yet to put it all together in CCW, batting just .180 and carrying an ERA north of 10 in 2025. But again, the world knows that Smith is going to breakout and become a much more valuable player than his past numbers represent - the question for drafters is if that breakout will come this season. 

22. Jared Gray ⭐ (previous unranked)
The first of a couple registered and available rookies, Jared Gray, enters the draft board in the 22nd spot. Sources say that Gray is another Illinois commuter, and the last time a player from that neck of the woods entered as a rookie, he won Rookie of the Year and a Golden Hands award (and he’s got the first pick of the draft this season). Gray is relatively unscouted, but has lots of wiffle experience as a two-way lefty. I’m not betting against the Southern Illinois pipeline at this point. 

23. Tristan Dudas ⬇️ (previous 21)
2.0: Tristan tumbles slightly as a result of the new entries into the draft pool. But, he remains one of the hottest breakout picks of the draft, and a team may value his upside over another’s proven results. 

1.0: Tristan teetered on the edge of an offensive breakout last season, but it never fully came - perhaps this year will be the year it fully does. The young lefty carried a respectable batting average through the 2025 campaign, but only two extra-base hits to his name. As Dudas continues to mature, it’s not a reach to expect him to tap into more power and become more of an offensive force. 

24. Byron Young ⬆️ (previous 29)
2.0: Byron shoots up the draft rankings, despite the entry of new players above him, in the Board’s 2.0 edition. The younger of the Youngs made an appearance at a CCW-sponsored charity tournament a few weekends ago, and players in attendance couldn’t stop talking about his maturation. An anonymous source told me that he “wouldn’t be surprised if he outperforms his brother this season”. His brother, Connor, is the 7th-ranked player on the board. I’m not buying that hot of a take, but Byron is a helium name on the Board.
 
1.0: Byron didn’t do much in his 2025 rookie season, but he is another projectable young player with upside. He’s already throwing the ball with the ability to hit the board with some consistency, which is a huge hurdle for any young player. Similar to Nims, the expanded format will likely force Young to take the ball for more innings and give him the chance to develop. 

25. Justin Swingler ⬇️ (previous 22)
2.0: Swingler’s placement at 25 on this board speaks to the depth of the league. He didn’t show much as a rookie, but could quickly and easily outperform players around him on this board if he’s healthy and effective. 

1.0: Swing’s first foray into CCW, unfortunately, was underwhelming statistically - but he carries a wealth of national Wiffle experience, and is a good bet to outperform his rookie campaign’s output. Swingler will hope to get plenty of opportunity at the back of a lineup to prove his ability at the plate, and may worm his way into some pitching opportunities, if his arm is healthy enough. 

26. Mitch Unversaw ⬇️ (previous 23)
2.0: No new news on Mitch - his biggest thing against him is his recent history of attendance. A full season of Unversaw would be an extremely valuable player at this slot. 

1.0: Big Mitch is another high-average, low-power guy that will likely be available later in the draft. He has youth and athleticism on his side, as one of the speedier players in the league. Unversaw was absent for the entirety of July last year, though - if a drafter can get assurance of his availability, he’ll be a useful player to slot into the back half of a lineup and to play important innings defensively. 

27. Keegan Caughey ⬇️ (previous 26)
2.0: Keegan is going to be a dad. Does the kid’s pending arrival give him newfound dad strength? Or does the lack of sleep sap what strength remains? Your guess is as good as mine. 

1.0: Keegan has become CCW’s Robert Horry - winning back-to-back titles with different teams now, playing a limited but meaningful role. Caughey doesn’t have much pure power or wheels left in his profile, but he does have great bat-to-ball skills and is a consummate teammate. A lineup full of on-base or speed-first guys would benefit from Keegan’s ability to stack up base knocks and make productive outs. 

28. Kent Nims ⬇️ (previous 27)
2.0: Nims showed up to a league workout last weekend and showed that he can hold his own, after getting very few looks at him in uniform last season. He pumped strikes, without much electricity on the stuff, and was able to put the bat on the ball with some consistency. I think Kent will prove to be a useful player this season, even from this draft position. 

1.0: Nims’ rookie campaign saw him mostly buried in a deep Yakkers depth chart, but with the league’s expansion, he’ll look to make a greater impact in 2026. A team in need of pitching depth late in the draft could look at Nims, and hope for him to slot in as a serviceable third arm. 

29. Alec Berninger ⬇️ (previous 20)
2.0: Unfortunately, Berny plummets down this list due to newly reported concerns about his availability this summer. He has utility as a third arm, but the team that drafts him may need to fit his pitching schedule around his availability.
 
1.0: Last season’s self-appointed Mr. Irrelevant was the last man off the board in free agency, but I don’t see history repeating in this year’s draft. With the expansion to 7 teams, teams will be looking for guys to eat innings, and Berny will be up to the task. His funky, deceptive repertoire is difficult to command, but effective when on the board. He won’t add much at the plate, but he can handle himself in the field, as well. 

30. Josh Hart ⬇️ (previous 28)
2.0: Hart is another victim of the players added to the Board above him. All previously stated holds true - he’ll hit some timely bombs for a team - but the profiles above offer more potential impact.

1.0: Josh is effectively the yin to Keegan Caughey’s yang. In a comparable number of ABs, their hit totals were separated by just one. But, Hart had 3 longballs to Keegan’s one, but 30 strikeouts to Keegan’s 13. Hart is boom or bust at the plate, but he will run into balls and do damage on them when he connects. 

31. Max Lowry ⭐ (previous unranked)
The second of the rookies comes in near the bottom of the list as a relative unknown to the league. He’s been described as a lefty with a frame suggesting some speed. With so many proven names above him, the risk on an unknown likely won’t be appealing compared to known, proven quantities. 

32. Adam Watson ⭐ (previous unranked)
Another effectively unknown rookie, Adam is an 18-year-old ball player without much competitive wiffle experience. As with any prospect of his age, he's as likely to be a breakout impact player as he is to provide very little.

33. Myles caudill ⭐ (previous unranked)
Myles is a teammate of Adam's above him and offers a similar profile. Not much is known about either of the youngsters, and either could surprise with value as the season gets underway. 

34. Colt Cantrell ⬇️ (previous 31)
2.0: Colt still finds himself near the bottom of the board, likely to be taken deep in the draft, but still with the potential for occasional offensive impact.

1.0: Colt’s an All-CCW vibes guy - highlighted by his drunken one-handed dinger mid-way through last season. He sneakily put together a solid final stretch of the season last year, and if he’s able to carry that momentum into 2026, Colt could serve as a valuable back-of-the-lineup contributor. 

35. Ethan New ⬇️ (previous 32)
2.0: Rounding out the Board, New will go into draft night hoping not to wind up Mr. Irrelevant - but my money is on him leaving with the new honorific attributed to his name. 

1.0: New didn’t get into a lot of games for the Hounds last season, and frankly, didn’t do much with the times he did. An offseason can change a lot, however, and a reset into year two could unlock a step forward for Ethan in 2026. 
​]]><![CDATA[Jorf Porsson's Draft Big Board 1.0]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:23:29 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/jorf-porssons-draft-big-board-10
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Jorf Porsson’s Big Board

The CCW league-wide draft is just over a week away, and it’s time to start the speculation. I, Jorf Porsson, CCW Insider, have been tirelessly working the phones, getting the scoops from my SOURCES, all while doing my own independent analysis of the players available for drafting.

It’s time to unveil my first Big Board of the season. This won’t take into account draft order, but will rather be a full ranking of players based on my assessment of their impact in 2026. When the mock draft comes, you’ll see relationships and fit come into play. 

V1 of our Big Board won’t include any new rookies, or other players who didn’t play last year. With league registration closing within a week, the next version of the Board will include all draft eligible players, including rookies.

Let’s get right to it.

The Drafting Aces

Myc Witty, Reid Werner, Will Smithey, Aidan Palmer, Austin Alles, Mitch Buis, Brayden Scott

These magnificent seven aren’t draft eligible because they will be the ones drafting the teams this season. This is the top 7 pitchers in the league, as weighed by CCW’s proprietary player evaluation system, the same which was used in setting player values for free agency in years prior. These are the building blocks of the teams this year, each player expected to pitch a lion’s share of their team’s innings, and in many cases, carrying the bulk of the offensive freight, as well. 

The Big Board

1. Brendan Dudas

Commissioner Dudas is coming off one of the strongest years of his storied career, and for the first time, will not be the one building a team. He brought home the Yellow Slugger Award and was a colossal piece of the Championship Winning Short Shorts roster. His offensive floor is extremely high, and his ceiling is repeating as the best hitter in the league. Dudas even flashed improvement on the mound, with electric stuff that can be seriously effective if he can keep the arm healthy. I think Dudas couples his elite bat with a pitching performance of a legitimate number 2 in a rotation this summer.


2. Rudy Lyon

Not unlike Dudas, Lyon enters 2026 free from team-building responsibilities for the first time in recent history. That may be a breath of fresh air for Rudy, who experienced a down year by his standards in 2025, perhaps burdened by managing a complicated Yakkers roster. Lyon offers top-of-the-league offensive potential and a pedigree that outpaces just about anyone else in the circuit. While his days as a team ace are likely behind him, Rudy will serve admirably as a second arm on a team, something that will be in high demand in this draft. 

3. Holden Palmer

Holden offers what may be the most coveted attribute in this draft - pitching upside. While his numbers in 2025 were those of a mid-tier number two pitcher, Holden has flashed ace-quality stuff and results in his expansive CCW career. It’s no secret that he’s been working hard on different wiffle ball styles over the winter, and Palmer may be poised for a huge bounce-back campaign in 2026. While he doesn’t offer much value with the bat, he has the potential to be a top 5 pitcher in the league - which is something that no one else in this draft (with maybe one exception, to come later) can boast. 

4. Alex Gurtcheff

Gurtch made the leap from a valuable role player to a star in 2025, leading the league in dingers and taking home the Most Improved Player Award. He gets top billing in a closely packed group of sluggers at this stage in the draft, though, due to his versatility and potential value on the mound. Any one of Gurtcheff or the following two players is equally likely to have the strongest offensive season in 2026, but Gurtcheff can more reliably produce number two pitcher value for a team. His history on the mound is up and down, but if he can avoid the one or two blow-up outings that have haunted him in recent years, he could turn in a solid two-way campaign. 

5. Dylan Jones

DJ is a perennially elite bat stretching back nearly a decade now. Jones will anchor any lineup he ends up in, and as another player who may be free of managing a team for the first time in years, might feel a little freer to focus on the game between the lines. He put up impressive rate-based numbers on an underachieving Hounds team last season, and, perhaps surprisingly to some, logged an ERA under 7.00 for the first time in his career. DJ is a soft-tosser on the mound, but one who is sneakily effective, and will likely eat some third-pitcher innings on his team. 

6. Cade Luker

The third of the three stacked sluggers, as mentioned above, Luker may be the most volatile of the group, but may also have the highest ceiling. He won the Yellow Slugger in 2023, finished 14th in offensive value in 2024, and then was back to being a second-team All-CCW hitter in 2025. The smart man would bet on something like his 2025 output for what to expect in the next season, but the proven ceiling and floor give space for give in either direction. Cade didn’t have to pitch except in emergencies on last year’s Stampede squad, but will likely see an uptick in innings on whichever team drafts him this year, and can serve as a third arm for that team. 

7. Dustin Dowden

If Dowden were fully available in 2026, he wouldn’t be on this draft board - he would be one of the aces doing the drafting. But questions regarding his availability abound, and so his selection would be a risky one for any team. When Dustin is around, he’s a legitimate ace, a first or second team All-CCW arm for each of the last 4 seasons. A team with some pitching depth already established, or looking to take a huge gamble, could swing on Dowden, and look like either the smartest or most bone-headed manager in the game.

8. Connor Young

There may be no better two-way upside play in the draft than Connor Young. After taking home the Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, he followed up the season with another solid two-way campaign in 2025, capped off with a go-ahead dinger in the Dirtyard Classic. He’s one of the few guys who offers actualized top-15 value at the plate and on the mound, with strong defense and baserunning packed in. He’s got room to grow as well, entering just his third year in the league. 

9. Dustin Laugel

Laugel is the best remaining arm in the draft, and I suspect that drafters will gobble up proven pitchers like mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving. The Lush finished as the 10th most valuable pitcher in 2025, and will slide in as some team’s proven number two in the rotation. The contribution to general vibes and the number of beers brought for the team isn’t a measured metric on this board, but if it were, his stock would rise even higher. 

10. Thomas Hopkins

Hopkins is another proven, reliable slugger who cracked the All-CCW Hitting First Team as recently as 2024. He’s a disciplined, patient hitter who absolutely feasts on slow pitch and is a tough out against even the most elite pitching, as well. While he won’t offer any value on the mound, he’s very likely to be the best batter on the team that ends up with him. 

11. Nick Bundy

Bundy and Hopkins are pretty close to even for me in their evaluation. Bundy is a step or two behind Hopkins offensively, but both are serious threats at the plate. Bundy does offer a little more value in the field in my estimation, however. A team that is seeing a lack of pop in the early formation of their lineup would be well served to pick up Bundy, who’ll provide slug and consistency to the unit. 

12. Alec Buchman

Buchman is this draft’s ultimate boom-or-bust upside play. After a career that started with a Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and a First-Team All-CCW performance in 2021, his career was put on hiatus due to injury and unavailability in subsequent summers. Buchman attempted a return last season, making two disappointing starts before suffering another season-ending injury. If Buch returns to his previous form, a team is going to get a potential ace from a slot that has no business producing one, but there is the unfortunate possibility that he offers very little, as well.  

13. Cody House

House is another bat-only slugger with a resurgent 2025 season - blasting 10 homers and finishing 7th in the league in total value. His preceding history is more of a top 15-ish hitter than a top 10 one, however, and he doesn’t bring much to the table in the field or on the mound. A team drafting The Mobile Home will be betting on his 2025 surge being sustainable, and could get a valuable contribution to the lineup. 

14. Dalton Lewis

DLewy put together a strong two-way 2025 campaign - finishing just around the top-15 in the league in both hitting and pitching. Lewis is one of the league’s premier slow-pitch mashers, and his patient approach at the plate leads to him getting plenty of those opportunities. He’s a prototypical back-of-the-rotation arm who throws strikes and provides valuable innings for a club. DLewy is a safe, versatile pick who is guaranteed to provide value in a multitude of ways and plug plenty of a team’s holes. 

15. Ian Garavalia

Ian would likely call his first full CCW season a disappointing one. He got the bulk of the number two innings for the Moonshots and turned in four strong outings to begin the season, before getting knocked around in the last two. His stats, in turn, look worse than his performance likely earned, with those late-season blow-ups tanking his numbers. Yet, he boasts the ability to be a top-half number two pitcher in the league, something that may be heavily sought after in this draft. 

16. Coby Taylor

Coby sports potentially the best raw power in the league. I’ve seen Coby hit wiffle balls further than just about anyone else. The sticking point for him is how consistently he can tap into it in-game. Taylor usually clocks in just above the threshold of receiving playoff eligibility, and I wonder if he were able to be more consistently in attendance, he could find that rhythm. In any case, a team looking for slug in the lineup and a solid defender could do much worse than Taylor. 

17. Dalsen Murdock

Dalsen started off 2025 red-hot, collecting 9 of his total 17 hits in just a four-game early-season stretch, before plummeting back to earth. After that stretch, he was held hitless in nearly half of his remaining games. Murdock has shown that when he’s on, he’s really on, but he will need to tap into some more consistency to take the next step. Defense doesn’t slump, however, and he does possess one of the better sets of hands in the league. 

18. Jay Wilsey

Jay is a true jack of all trades on the Wiffle diamond. He’ll make plenty of contact, he’ll hit for some power, he’ll turn singles into extra base hits with his legs, he’ll make spectacular plays in the field, and he’ll fill in on the mound and provide innings with the potential for upside. So, why is he all the way down at 18 on the board? While he is a jack of all trades, he is yet the master of none, with no one elite skill. He may be a perfect fit for a team with established but limited players, for whom he can fill a multitude of slots.

19. Nolan Karwoski

Mr. Karwoski was the runner-up in 2025’s Rookie of the Year voting, after a solid two-way rookie campaign. Nolan is another guy with huge pull-side power, but a lot of swing and miss in the profile. He struggled to hit the board with consistency in his rookie campaign, but he would be far from the first player to come back with improved command in year two. It wouldn’t be surprising for Nolan to end the year as a team’s solid number 3 arm. 

20. Alec Berninger

Last season’s self-appointed Mr. Irrelevant was the last man off the board in free agency, but I don’t see history repeating in this year’s draft. With the expansion to 7 teams, teams will be looking for guys to eat innings, and Berny will be up to the task. His funky, deceptive repertoire is difficult to command, but effective when on the board. He won’t add much at the plate, but he can handle himself in the field, as well. 

21. Tristan Dudas

Tristan teetered on the edge of an offensive breakout last season, but it never fully came - perhaps this year will be the year it fully does. The young lefty carried a respectable batting average through the 2025 campaign, but only two extra-base hits to his name. As Dudas continues to mature, it’s not a reach to expect him to tap into more power and become more of an offensive force. 

22. Justin Swingler

Swing’s first foray into CCW, unfortunately, was underwhelming statistically - but he carries a wealth of national Wiffle experience, and is a good bet to outperform his rookie campaign’s output. Swingler will hope to get plenty of opportunity at the back of a lineup to prove his ability at the plate, and may worm his way into some pitching opportunities, if his arm is healthy enough. 

23. Mitch Unversaw

Big Mitch is another high-average, low-power guy who will likely be available later in the draft. He has youth and athleticism on his side, as one of the speedier players in the league. Unversaw was absent for the entirety of July last year, though - if a drafter can get assurance of his availability, he’ll be a useful player to slot into the back half of a lineup and to play important innings defensively. 

24. Connor Smith

Connor Smith will go higher than 24th in the draft, almost certainly, because of his immense untapped potential in CCW league play. He’s young and accomplished in other leagues and formats of wiffle ball, but Connor has yet to put it all together in CCW, batting just .180 and carrying an ERA north of 10 in 2025. But again, the world knows that Smith is going to break out and become a much more valuable player than his past numbers represent - the question for drafters is if that breakout will come this season. 

25. Devon Hensley

Hensley returned to CCW in 2025 after a number of years away and immediately filled an important role player position with the title-winning Shorts. Another contact-oriented hitter with a good approach and good eye, Hensley played his way into the lineup by the end of the Shorts’ season, and should start in a team’s day 1 plans this year. Another year to re-acclimate, and Devon could be another guy who outperforms his draft position. 

26. Keegan Caughey

Keegan has become CCW’s Robert Horry - winning back-to-back titles with different teams now, playing a limited but meaningful role. Caughey doesn’t have much pure power or wheels left in his profile, but he does have great bat-to-ball skills and is a consummate teammate. A lineup full of on-base or speed-first guys would benefit from Keegan’s ability to stack up base knocks and make productive outs. 

27. Kent Nims

Nims’ rookie campaign saw him mostly buried in a deep Yakkers depth chart, but with the league’s expansion, he’ll look to make a greater impact in 2026. A team in need of pitching depth late in the draft could look at Nims and hope for him to slot in as a serviceable third arm. 

28. Josh Hart

Josh is effectively the yin to Keegan Caughey’s yang. In a comparable number of ABs, their hit totals were separated by just one. But Hart had 3 longballs to Keegan’s one, but 30 strikeouts to Keegan’s 13. Hart is boom or bust at the plate, but he will run into balls and do damage on them when he connects. 

29. Byron Young

Byron didn’t do much in his 2025 rookie season, but he is another projectable young player with upside. He’s already throwing the ball with the ability to hit the board with some consistency, which is a huge hurdle for any young player. Similar to Nims, the expanded format will likely force Young to take the ball for more innings and give him the chance to develop. 

30. Luke Thompson

Stop me if you’ve heard this before - but Luke is a young, experienced wiffle ball player with limited success in a small CCW sample. If he’s able to get to The Dirtyard consistently this season, he could quickly become a rising performer in the league. 

31. Colt Cantrell

Colt’s an All-CCW vibes guy - highlighted by his drunken one-handed dinger mid-way through last season. He sneakily put together a solid final stretch of the season last year, and if he’s able to carry that momentum into 2026, Colt could serve as a valuable back-of-the-lineup contributor. 

32. Ethan New

New didn’t get into a lot of games for the Hounds last season, and frankly, didn’t do much with the times he did. An offseason can change a lot, however, and a reset into year two could unlock a step forward for Ethan in 2026. 
]]><![CDATA[Circle City Wiffle Sends Decorated 2026 Draft Class to Big League Wiffle]]>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:50:06 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/circle-city-wiffle-sends-decorated-2026-draft-class-to-big-league-wifflePicture
By Jorf Porsson
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​Three of the last four NWLA (Yellow Bat) National Championships belong to Circle City Wiffle (2022, 2024, 2025). Now CCW turns its focus to the 2026 Big League Wiffle Draft.

The pipeline is already proven. Myc Witty continues to lead the LA Naturals. Reid Werner, Will Smithey, and Brendan Dudas have yet to miss a cut with the NY Green Apples. Connor Smith recently captured a BLW tournament title in Dallas with the challenger team On The Rise.

​The transition from CCW to BLW is no longer theoretical.

The 2026 draft class reflects production, championships, and sustained impact.

Alex Gurtcheff is coming off the kind of season that forces people to take notice. He has launched 103 career home runs, inside the top ten all time, and carries a 1.343 career OPS. In 2025 he earned First Team Hitter (2025), All-CCW (2025), HR Derby Champion (2025), and Most Improved Player (2025). He is also a three-time All Star (2023, 2024, 2025) and an NWLA Participant (2025). He led CCW in home runs in 2025 and finished as Yellow Slugger runner-up. His explosive breakout season proved he can anchor a lineup, and the career efficiency proves it was not a fluke.

Coby Taylor’s career is tied directly to winning. He has produced 30 career home runs and 67 Runs Created while playing meaningful innings during title seasons. He is a two-time CCW Champion (2023, 2024) and an NWLA Participant (2023). Taylor understands how to operate inside structured systems where every at bat has weight. Championship contributors have a track record of carrying that reliability forward.

Connor Smith can boast about something most prospects cannot: a BLW trophy. He just won a BLW tournament in Dallas as a two-way contributor. In CCW play he owns a 1.239 career OPS with 29 home runs and 96 Runs Created and has represented the league on the NWLA stage. There is no projection required. He has already shown he can succeed in the exact format he is entering.
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Connor Young brings two-way value and upward trajectory. In fast-pitch CCW play, he has recorded 7 career home runs and 26 Runs Created while carrying an OPS just under 1.000 across his seasons. His breakout came in 2025 when he hit .390 with a 1.056 OPS over 59 at-bats. On the mound that same season, he went 3–0 with 21 strikeouts across 14 innings, throwing two complete games and a shutout. He also launched the Dirtyard Classic–clinching home run off Reid Werner in Game 3. Young has already demonstrated he can impact the biggest moment on the biggest stage.

Dylan Jones is production and championships wrapped together. He has hit 115 career home runs, sixth all time, and driven in 360 Runs Created, seventh all time, backed by a 1.254 career OPS. He is a three-time NWLA Champion (2022, 2024, 2025), a two-time CCW Champion (2023, 2024), First Team Hitter (2023), two-time Second Team Hitter (2021, 2025), All-CCW (2023), and Manager of the Year (2023). He has been a stalwart in CCW’s national team lineup and one of the most dependable bats during title runs. A lineup can be comfortably built around that kind of résumé.

Dustin Laugel is fresh off a championship season and continues to climb. He has recorded 52 career strikeouts and logged significant NWLA innings with YiSH and DIRT. In 2025 he was part of a CCW Championship (2025) and represented the league as an NWLA Participant (2025). Laugel brings energy, fills defined roles, and responds well to high-stakes moments.

Holden Palmer’s résumé begins with a number that commands attention: 670 career strikeouts, fourth all time, across 353.8 innings. He is a two-time NWLA Champion (2024, 2025), a three-time All-CCW selection (2016, 2017, 2018), a three-time Second Team Pitcher (2016, 2017, 2022), and Most Improved Player (2022). He has finished as a top ten pitcher in each of the last four seasons. Different hitters, different eras, different stages, same swing-and-miss profile.

Keegan Caughey has compiled one of the most durable offensive careers in CCW history. He ranks top ten all time in career hits and RBI, has surpassed 100 career home runs, and sits ninth all time in Runs Created with 354. He is an NWLA Champion (2025) and a three-time CCW Champion (2015, 2024, 2025). He earned First Team Hitter (2018), two-time Second Team Hitter honors (2014, 2020), and All-CCW (2014). Back-to-back league champion. A decade of production. Sustained top-tier output is rare.
Mitch Buis brings stability to any pitching staff. He ranks top ten all time in CCW strikeouts with 352 across nearly 200 innings. He earned All-CCW (2023), Manager of the Year (2021), is a three-time NWLA Participant (2021, 2023, 2025), and a two-time All Star (2021, 2025). He has been nationally tested with DIRT and remains one of the more durable arms available.Off the field, he has earned the respect of his teammates and serves as the President of the CCW Players Association.

Nolan Karwoski has developed inside one of the most competitive windows in league history. He has recorded 10 career home runs and 30 Runs Created while competing during a stretch that produced three NWLA championships in four years. He understands preparation, expectation, and the standards that come with winning.

Rudy Lyon’s numbers speak for themselves. 172 career home runs, second all time. 480 Runs Created, fourth all time. 1.348 career OPS. 666 strikeouts, fifth all time. He is a two-time NWLA Champion (2022, 2024), Playoff MVP (2022), five-time All-CCW selection (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024), two-time First Team Pitcher (2018, 2019), First Team Hitter (2019), HR Derby Champion (2023), Most Improved Player (2018), and Manager of the Year (2024). Few players in league history have controlled games on both sides the way Lyon has, and his résumé stands up in any era.
​
Circle City Wiffle’s track record is no longer confined to one league. Three NWLA championships in four years. Active BLW contributors already producing. A recent BLW tournament champion entering the pool. The 2026 draft class arrives with numbers, rings, and proof of concept.

Big League Wiffle is the first professional Wiffle ball league in the country, built around city-based franchises, national tournaments, and a growing World Series stage. The league features celebrity ownership, including Kevin Costner (LA Naturals), Gary Vaynerchuk (NY Green Apples), David Adelman, and Dude Perfect, helping elevate the sport’s visibility nationwide. With growing funding, elite venues, and a rapidly expanding fan base, BLW has turned backyard Wiffle into a structured professional circuit showcasing top talent from across the country.
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]]><![CDATA[Skullcrushers Head to York: Circle City’s Best Chase UWiff Glory]]>Sat, 04 Oct 2025 13:28:20 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/skullcrushers-head-to-york-circle-citys-best-chase-uwiff-glory
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Circle City Wiffle is back on the national stage this weekend as five of its top players make the trip to York, Pennsylvania, to compete in the United Wiffle®Ball World Championship Tournament. The Skullcrushers have already cemented their place in Wiffle history with three NWLA Tournament championships (back to back, 3 in 4 years), and now they turn their focus to a different crown: a United Wiffle Championship.

A Team Built for October

The roster includes some of the biggest names in Circle City: Myc Witty and Brendan Dudas from the Short Shorts, Will Smithey of the Moonshots, Dylan Jones of the Hounds, and Reid Werner from the 8 Balls. Together, they’ll represent Circle City Wiffle against a stacked field of 40 elite squads, with players flying in from across the country and even Japan.

A History of Close Calls

Despite their NWLA dominance with the yellow bat, the Skullcrushers have yet to break through at UWiff. The results tell the story:
    •    2024: 9th place
    •    2023: 11th place
    •    2022: 5th place
    •    2021: 41st place (😬)

Each year, they’ve clawed closer to the top, but the elusive UWiff title has remained just out of reach. For a group so accustomed to tournament success, York has become the white whale.

What’s at Stake

UWiff has grown into the sport’s crown jewel since its founding in 2020. Hosted at WellSpan Park, home of the York Revolution, the event attracts over 200 players from 25+ states. With the inclusion of Japan’s Saitama Wiffle Tigers and partnerships with MLW’s 17U National Championship, UWiff has elevated itself from national bragging rights to true world championship status.

For the Skullcrushers, this isn’t just another road trip. It’s a chance to prove that their NWLA success can translate onto the game’s biggest fast-pitch stage.

The Outlook

The bats are live, the arms are ready, and the Skullcrushers know the window is open. With their experience, depth, and recent success, the pieces are there for a deep run.

The question now: Can the Skullcrushers finally conquer UWiff?

They open up tourney play this morning at 8 AM EST. 

Games will be live streamed on the CCW Twitch channel!

​
]]><![CDATA[Introducing the 2025 CCW All-Stars]]>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:36:52 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/introducing-the-2025-ccw-all-starsINDIANAPOLIS —

The Circle City Wiffle 2025 All-Star Game is set to bring the heat — and a little flair — on Saturday, September 13 at 6 PM. This year’s league showcase will feature nine innings split between fast pitch and slow pitch, giving fans the full spectrum of what makes CCW special.

Adding to the drama, the league’s top two candidates, Reid Werner and Myc Witty, will serve as captains, drafting their teams live at the field before first pitch. And if that wasn’t enough, the night will also double as an awards ceremony, where the 2025 season’s MVP, Mike Speek Pitcher of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Yellow Slugger and more will be revealed.

This is the biggest stage CCW has to offer. Let’s meet the All-Stars who earned their place under the lights.
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The Captains
Reid Werner - Werner was the definition of dependable dominance. Over 44 innings, he baffled hitters with a sharp 1.50 ERA, while piling up 112 strikeouts, second-most in the league. His stingy 0.68 WHIP proved just how tough he was to square up. And Werner wasn’t just a pitcher — his bat cracked the league’s top 10 as well. That balance made him a natural captain and one of the premier two-way players in Circle City.

Myc Witty - If Werner was the steady hand, Witty was the hammer. No pitcher in the league struck more fear into opponents. He led CCW in strikeouts (116), ERA (0.41), and WHIP (0.41), earning the top composite pitching rank. Witty’s ability to completely overwhelm hitters made him a nightmare every time he took the mound. Even if his bat lagged behind his arm, his sheer dominance as a pitcher earned him the captaincy.

The All-Stars
Brayden Scott - Every season has a pitcher who makes hitters wonder if the mound is even fair. This year, that was Scott. His 0.22 ERA was the lowest in the league, and he allowed fewer than a baserunner per inning. With 54 strikeouts in 27.2 innings, Scott carved through lineups and gave his team a chance to win every time out.

Brendan Dudas - No bat in the league loomed larger than Dudas’. He posted the top hitting composite score in CCW, making him the most dangerous offensive player in the league. Whether it was driving balls to the gap or grinding through at-bats, Dudas carried his lineup week after week. His dominance at the plate alone secured him a spot among the All-Stars.

Alex Gurtcheff - Gurtcheff’s season was all about versatility. Offensively, he ranked among the top three hitters in the league, showing the ability to deliver in key situations. On the mound, he wasn’t as sharp, but his willingness to take innings and keep his team afloat mattered. His bat was the star of his profile, and his two-way value made him an easy All-Star selection.

Aidan Palmer - Palmer quietly pieced together one of the most balanced campaigns in CCW. On the hill, he logged 30.1 innings with a 2.57 ERA and 62 strikeouts, proving to be one of the most reliable arms in the league. At the plate, he held a spot inside the top 15 hitters, making him one of the rare players who could hurt opponents from both sides.

Dustin Dowden - Dowden brought fire every time he stepped onto the field. He worked 26.1 innings with a 1.59 ERA and 56 strikeouts, numbers that ranked him among the league’s best pitchers. Though his offense was streaky, his competitive edge and ability to flip games with one swing or one pitch made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent.

Cody House - House made his All-Star case with his bat. Ranking just outside the top 10 hitters, he provided steady production and timely swings all season. Even without a big presence on the mound, his offense gave his team the edge they needed in close games.

Thomas Hopkins - Hopkins made his mark as a reliable hitter, finishing inside the league’s top 10 at the plate. His ability to extend innings and deliver in tough spots gave his team a dependable spark. Hopkins’ consistency carried weight in a league where every at-bat matters.

Mitch Buis - Buis’ season was a mix of grit and power. On the mound, he struck out 44 hitters in 18.2 innings, showcasing one of the better strikeout rates in the league. While his 4.18 ERA showed he battled, his competitive fire and knack for finding big outs made him invaluable to his club.

Holden Palmer - Holden wasn’t afraid of a challenge. He threw 18.1 innings, striking out 41 along the way, and showed flashes of dominance with a strong strikeout rate. Though his ERA sat higher than he’d like, his willingness to take tough assignments and keep his team in the fight earned him respect across the league.

Dalton Lewis - Lewis brought balance to the roster. He logged 12.1 innings with 18 strikeouts and chipped in offensively with a mid-tier hitting rank. He may not have had the flashiest numbers, but his steady contributions and two-way value gave him the nod as an All-Star.

Join us to celebrate the 2025 Circle City Wiffle season! Fans can expect drama in the live draft, highlight-reel plays during the nine-inning showcase, and plenty of suspense as the season’s biggest awards are handed out.
  • Date & Time: Saturday, September 13 at 6 PM
  • Format: 9 innings, mix of fast pitch and slow pitch
  • Attire: All players wear league jerseys
  • Guests: Family, friends, and fans encouraged to attend
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]]><![CDATA[2025 CCW Awards Voting]]>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:19:33 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/2025-ccw-awards-voting🏆 CCW 2025 Award Races: Breaking Down the Nominees

The 2025 CCW Fast Pitch season delivered another year of incredible performances, capped off by the Short Shorts winning the championship in a thrilling three-game series over the 8 Balls. But as the dust settles, it’s time for the league’s players to cast their votes in the CCW Awards, recognizing the top individual performances across the season. With a ranked-choice voting system (3 points for first, 2 for second, 1 for third), every ballot will matter in what promises to be some razor-thin races.
Here’s a look at the award categories, the nominees, and what sets them apart.

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🌟 Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Awarded to the league’s best all-around player, factoring in both pitching dominance and offensive impact.
  • Myc Witty (Short Shorts)
    • Pitching: 0.41 ERA, 44 IP, 15.82 SO/9, 156 FIP
    • Hitting: .386/.442/.614, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 18 RC
    • The ace of the champions, Witty anchored the Shorts on the mound while adding consistent offensive production. His ability to dominate both ways makes him a complete candidate.

  • Reid Werner (8 Balls)
    • Pitching: 1.50 ERA, 44 IP, 15.27 SO/9, 142 FIP
    • Hitting: .377/.429/.740, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 24 RC
    • A true workhorse, Werner nearly matched Witty inning for inning and provided lineup-anchoring on base and power at the plate. His power bat paired with elite pitching gives him a strong MVP case.

  • Will Smithey (Moonshots)
    • Pitching: 1.02 ERA, 35.1 IP, 13.25 SO/9, 107 FIP
    • Hitting: .409/.435/1.015, 13 HR, 23 RBI, 29 RC
    • Smithey’s two-way numbers are becoming expected, but are still staggering. Leading his team offensively while being one of the toughest pitchers in the league, he’s a perfectly balanced MVP nominee.


💡 Storyline: Last year’s MVP race came down to one vote, and we expect this year to be just as close. It’s a true three-horse race, as the margins between these elite players are razor-thin. Voters will have to decide which facet of the game they value more highly when choosing. 

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🔥 Mike Speek Pitcher of the Year Award (Best Pitcher)
Dominance on the mound is the only thing that matters here, and 2025 was loaded with aces.

  • Myc Witty (Short Shorts): 0.41 ERA, 44 IP, 156 FIP — a continued trend of dominance.
  • Reid Werner (8 Balls): 1.50 ERA, 44 IP, 142 FIP — a top-of-the-league late-season and playoff run.
  • Will Smithey (Moonshots): 1.02 ERA, 35.1 IP, 107 FIP — consistent, ace-level performance in all aspects of pitching.
  • Brayden Scott (Yakkers): 0.22 ERA, 27.2 IP, 80 FIP — the rookie sensation barely allowed anything all year.

💡 Storyline: Witty has the edge statistically, but Scott’s video-game numbers in fewer innings and the proven workhorses (Werner, Smithey) make this a loaded ballot.

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💣 Yellow Slugger (Best Hitter)
The most feared bats in CCW, judged by raw offensive dominance.

  • Brendan Dudas (Short Shorts): .446/.529/1.162, 15 HR, 32 RBI, 45 RC — the most balanced, sheet-stuffing statline across the board.
  • Alex Gurtcheff (8 Balls): .356/.408/.944, 17 HR, 28 RBI, 34 RC — league-leading power bat, fueled by homeruns.
  • Will Smithey (Moonshots): .409/.435/1.015, 13 HR, 23 RBI, 29 RC — absurd balance of average and slugging.
  • Reid Werner (8 Balls): .377/.429/.740, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 24 RC — great all-around production, especially in the postseason.
  • Cade Luker (Short Shorts): .397/.426/.931, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 23 RC — quietly resurgent, elite performance.
  • Dylan Jones (Stampede): .386/.386/.857, 10 HR, 13 RBI, 23 RC — consistent all-around performance in fewer ABs.


💡 Storyline: Dudas has the statistical edge, but voters valuing the longball may swing Gurtcheff, and those valuing performance in a smaller sample size may prefer Smithey.

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🧢 Cody House Manager of the Year Award
Recognizing leadership, roster management, and success.

  • Brendan Dudas (Short Shorts)
  • Reid Werner (8 Balls)
  • Cade Luker (Stampede)
  • Will Smithey (Moonshots)
  • Dylan Jones (Hounds)
  • Rudy Lyon (Yakkers)


💡 Storyline: Dudas led his Shorts to their first title in nearly a decade, which may make him the favorite, but he did so with a roster that, admittedly, was the favorite entering the season. Werner, despite missing a few crucial weeks, saw his team outperform expectations and give the Shorts all they bargained for and thensome in the Final. Meanwhile, Luker got excellent pitching from a diverse cast, Smithey gracefully managed both veterans and newcomers, Jones led the team to admirable performance despite absence from their expected ace, and Lyon navigated multiple injuries and no-shows to keep the Yakkers in contention. 

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🧤 Golden Hands (Best Fielder)
Highlighting the defensive wizards who saved runs in the field.
  • Austin Alles (Hounds)
  • Brendan Dudas (Short Shorts)
  • Tyler Gregory (Moonshots)
  • Brayden Scott (Stampede)


💡 Storyline: Hard to quantify with stats, but each nominee made their presence felt defensively all season, and turned in jaw-dropping highlight-reel plays.

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🚀 Most Improved Player
From role players to breakout stars, this award honors year-to-year growth.

  • Dalton Lewis (Yakkers): From 38th hitter in 2024 (0 RC) to 16th in 2025 (11 RC); 18th pitcher in ‘24 to 14th in ‘25.
  • Tristan Dudas (Stampede): From 32nd hitter in 2024 (3 RC) to 22nd in 2025 (7 RC).
  • Connor Young (Short Shorts): From 17th pitcher in 2024 (5 FIP) to 13th in 2025 (22 FIP).
  • Alex Gurtcheff (8 Balls): From 8th hitter in 2024 (17 RC) to 2nd in 2025 (34 RC).
  • Cody House (8 Balls): From 16th hitter in 2024 (8 RC) to 7th in 2025 (20 RC).


💡 Storyline: Gurtcheff’s leap into offensive stardom may grab attention immediately, but Lewis’s ascent on the mound and at the plate may prove to be equally deserving. Steady improvements from youngsters Tristan Dudas and Connor Young, and a resurgent campaign from veteran Cody House, land them in the running as deserving nominees, as well.

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🌟 Rookie of the Year
​The newcomers who made an instant impact in their first CCW season.
  • Brayden Scott (Stampede): 0.22 ERA, 27.2 IP, 80 FIP — ridiculous dominance for a rookie.
  • Nolan Karwoski (Moonshots): .256/.293/.538, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 6 RC — a solid bat with key moments for his team.


💡 Storyline: Scott looks like the runaway favorite here, but Karwoski provided valuable offense for a contender.

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📝 Final Thoughts
The 2025 CCW season was defined by parity, breakout performances, and the Short Shorts’ championship run. Now, the attention turns to the awards ballots, where players will decide who stood out the most. With multiple categories coming down to a handful of votes in last year’s vote, this year’s awards ceremony promises to be just as dramatic as the action on the field.]]><![CDATA[2025 Dirtyard Classic Recap: Star-Studded Chaos At The Dirtyard]]>Sun, 24 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/2025-dirtyard-classic-recap-star-studded-chaos-at-the-dirtyard
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Full Series Broadcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DnNiy7UikA

​Box Scores
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3

August 24, 2025 – The Dirtyard
The 2025 Dirtyard Classic was not a blowout series. It was not predictable. It was not clean.
It was three extremely different games played by two wildly different rosters, and it ultimately came down to three consecutive hitters in the third inning of Game 3.

The Match-up

On one side: the 8 Balls, led by
Reid Werner (2025 MVP) and
Alex Gurtcheff (2025 Most Improved, Yellow Slugger Runner-Up).

On the other: the Short Shorts, featuring
Brendan Dudas (2025 Yellow Slugger) and
Myc Witty (2025 Mike Speek Pitcher of the Year).
This was star power at the top of both lineups. And it played out that way.

Game 1 – The MVP Takes Control
The opener belonged to Reid Werner.
Seven innings.
Five hits allowed.
Three walks.
Eighteen strikeouts.
Complete game shutout.

The Short Shorts put runners on base, but never scored. Werner elevated when he needed to and escaped every threat.
For six innings the game was scoreless. In the seventh, the 8 Balls finally broke through:
  • Alex Gurtcheff delivered the go-ahead RBI
  • John Mitchell added insurance
Final: 8 Balls 2, Short Shorts 0
At that point, it felt like the series might tilt permanently toward the MVP.

Game 2 – The Avalanche
Game 2 swung violently the other direction.
The Short Shorts scored seven runs in the first inning and never fully looked back.
They finished with 16 runs on just five hits, drawing 18 walks and forcing the 8 Balls into constant high-leverage stress.
Brendan Dudas provided the loudest swing of the game with a grand slam off the first pitch he saw from Alex Gurtcheff. Connor Young scored five runs. Traffic never stopped.

The 8 Balls fought back:
  • Reid Werner homered
  • Alex Gurtcheff went 3-for-5 with 4 RBI
  • The 8 Balls totaled 11 runs on 7 hits
But the early deficit proved too steep.
Final: Short Shorts 16, 8 Balls 11
The series was even. Momentum was not.

Game 3 – One Pitch, Then Three Swings
Game 3 opened with a jolt.
On the very first pitch of the game, Reid Werner launched a fastball over the wall.
It was stunning not just because of the moment, but because Myc Witty had never allowed a fast-pitch home run before.
8 Balls 1–0.
For two innings, the 8 Balls carried that edge.
Then the third inning happened.
Brendan Dudas led off with a solo home run.
Tie game.
Myc Witty followed with a single.
Connor Young crushed a two-run homer.
Home run.
Single.
Home run.
Three consecutive batters flipped the championship from 1–0 to 3–1.
From there, Witty shut the door.
After surrendering the first-pitch homer, the Pitcher of the Year delivered:
  • 5 innings
  • 4 hits
  • 1 earned run
  • 13 strikeouts
  • 0 walks
Reid Werner was outstanding again in defeat — 10 strikeouts, 0 walks in Game 3 — but the two third-inning swings proved decisive.
The 8 Balls never found another breakthrough.
Final: Short Shorts 3, 8 Balls 1

The Series in Numbers
Reid Werner (8 Balls)
  • 2 starts
  • 11 innings
  • 28 strikeouts
  • Game 1 shutout
  • First-pitch home run in Game 3
Myc Witty (Short Shorts)
  • 13 strikeouts in the deciding game
  • 0 walks in Game 3
  • Closed the series with command
Brendan Dudas
  • Homers in Games 2 and 3
  • Tied Game 3 with the leadoff blast
Connor Young
  • 5 runs scored in Game 2
  • Go-ahead two-run homer in Game 3

Why People Will Remember It
Game 1 was dominance.
Game 2 was chaos.
Game 3 was execution.
The 8 Balls had the MVP and two elite pitching performances.
The Short Shorts had resilience, patience, and the decisive third inning that turned a 1–0 deficit into a championship.

When people look back on the 2025 Dirtyard Classic, they won’t just remember who won.
They’ll remember the first pitch of Game 3.
And the three swings that answered it.

2025 Dirtyard Classic Champions
​Short Shorts – Series Win 2–1
]]><![CDATA[2025 Dirtyard Classic Predictions]]>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:46:46 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/2025-dirtyard-classic-predictions
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8 Balls (10-9) vs Shorts (12-5)

Truly fitting that the teams that have played each other FOUR times in the last three weeks get to play each other at least two more times. Predicting this series is about as easy as predicting the weather, as every single game has been insanely close. Somehow, the Shorts managed to win every single game, twice via a walk-off (down 5 in the final inning of both those games), once down 3 in the final inning, and once by only 1 run, which was scored in the very first inning of the game. The Shorts are riding a hot streak, winning 7 games in a row and 9 of their last 10. However, they say beating a team three times is hard - the Shorts have managed to beat the 8 Balls four times already - so what do they say about six times? The table is set for absolute chaos at the Dirtyard Classic, and I’m (Laugel) here to overanalyze every bit of it.
​

Hitting
The two best offenses in the league couldn’t possibly be more different. The 8 Balls lead the League in slugging, HR, OPS, and striking out. A true all-or-nothing offense with Swamp Donkey Master Gurtch leading the league with 17 dingers, Cody House 4th with 10, and Werner with 7.
The Shorts get it done in an incredibly different way. Leading the league in Hits, Average, Walks, and Fewest Strikeouts. Outside of Dudas, the Shorts have absolutely no business swinging for the fences, even on a slow pitch. The Shorts put pressure on you all game, and the 8 Balls offense scores a lot of runs fast.
Advantage: 8-Balls (1-0)


Pitching
Reid Werner has been lights out all year to the tune of a 1.45 ERA and 84 strikeouts in only 33 innings, but after Reid, it's been some ups and downs for the 8 Balls. Alex Gurtcheff has been the #2 most of the year, tossing 18.1 innings and has had some brilliant innings, but has had some not-so-brilliant outings as well, giving him a 10.15 ERA thus far. Jay Wilsey has had limited chances (6ip) but has had good success in those limited innings in the #3/#4 duty along with Alec Berninger.

The Shorts have some guy named Myc Witty. Is he good, you ask? Well, he gave up 1 run all year (slow-pitch dinger to Will Smithey). He struck out 85 batters in 32 innings pitched, and led the League in ERA and muscles, so yeah, he’s decent. The last time the 8 Balls saw Witty, he struck out all 15 batters in a perfect game, so there is nowhere to go but up. I (Laugel) feel like I’ve given the Shorts a solid 23.2 innings in the #2 hole so far this year (Despite what Dudas says) and really have only had issues against 1 team. Oh yeah, that team is the 8 Balls. The 8 Balls are solely responsible for DOUBLING my ERA (5.83). I have excuses, but none worth mentioning. Luckily, there’s this dude named Connor Young on my team, who has done a great job bailing me out when needed. Connor has pitched out of the #3 spot and been a good reliever, delivering a 5.84 ERA across 12.1 innings. All in all, I think Witty alone gives the Shorts the pitching advantage regardless of Laugel’s recent struggles against the 8 balls.
Advantage: Shorts (1-1)


Fielding
The 8-Balls are by no means a bad fielding team, but the Shorts' fielding is full of speed, hands, and at least one mouth. Dudas, Witty, Unversaw, and Young are all great fielders that any team would take in a heartbeat. Then there’s me, who spends more time on the ground than anyone else in the league, usually bailing out a horrible feed from Dudas, off a horribly thrown pitch by me. In Dudas’s defense, he makes the plays absolutely nobody else has a shot at, and the one time we didn’t have the cameras rolling, he made an amazing over-the-fence catch to rob a home run.
Advantage: Shorts (2-1)


Experience
This one is tough. If you’re looking at just this year, the Shorts have 4 CCW NWLA players to the 8 Balls' 2. If you’re looking for league veterans, the 8 Balls team is full of them, while half the Shorts' team seems to be made up of rookies or sophomores. Reid’s walk-off home run at NWLA was incredible, as was Dudas's hitting the go-ahead bomb in what seemed like every other game. Witty may have 107 in the tank; we just haven’t officially recorded it. Gurtch hit the first-ever swamp donkey shell at NWLA (IYKYK). This is about as even as they come, but Witty does have a few championships to his name.
Advantage: Shorts (3-1)


Facial Hair
I know what everyone’s thinking - of course, a category that outright favors Laugel and his top 3 mustache (Shoutout to Bundy and Buis). Look at the rest of the Shorts, though - absolutely embarrassing. Dudas, Witty, and Connor Young grow nothing of any significance. Unversaw has potential and don’t get me started on 12-year-old Byron Young - come on man, I started shaving when I was 12.  Meanwhile, the 8 Balls are supporting the beard case, or at least trying to. Gurtch, Werner, Jay, Berny - all guys throwing around some form of masculinity. Hate to say it, but there’s an obvious winner here…
Advantage: 8-Balls (2-3)


Sobriety
It’s probably a good thing, but the Shorts are a lonely team for a Lush like Laugel to be on. Outside of maybe 1 or 2 with Witty this year, I must do all the drinking to keep our street cred up. I can’t 100% speak for the 8Balls, but I know Berny's going to put a few down, and House and Gurtch seem like guys who are down. Reid isn’t against drinking, but doesn’t seem to partake. Wait, was this category supposed to be a good or bad thing? I can’t remember, too many beers. Maybe next year, when Byron is of legal drinking age, he can supply some bonding over adult beverages. Congrats on Dudas' extreme commitment to staying OFF the wagon, that’s tough and I think you alone may cancel me out. In the end, I think the Shorts may be more sober overall…wait no, no, who am I kidding, I’m not a problem, but I may have a problem…
Advantage: 8-Balls (3-3)


Steroids
I’ve been informed that it is not in the future budget to begin testing for such things, but I think we have a 1990s MLB situation forming on our hands. I know what you're thinking - Witty is literally double the size this year. But no, look at his head - unsuspiciously the same exact size when he weighed 145 lbs. The elephant head in the room here is obviously the commissioner himself, Brendan Dudas. He claims it’s all this boulder digging and moving giving him a bigger head (figuratively for sure) and bigger arms, but I don’t think it's all natural - just look at the stats. First 8 games of the season, 4 home runs, respectable, sure, but everyone was talking about Gurtch’s Donkeys. Next thing you know, Dudas has 9 dingers in the last 7 games. Not to mention Dudas’s recent anger issues on the field, picking fights with refs, bookkeepers, and sideline reporters; a true sign of roid rage.

Gurtch may have been the first to do it, though. Come on, a guy who hit 7 dingers last year all a sudden nearly doubles it? This is a real Bonds jealous of McGwire dynamic. Barry, the only guy whose head is confirmed bigger than Dudas’s (for now), and McGwire, who was always just a bigger dude who could mash, but now he’s really mashing (Gurtch). Then we look at Cody House, talk about a guy who has gotten swole, and has really swollen my ERA; 10 dingers this year to last year's 4? Please, Sosa, don’t make it so obvious. Then there’s Alec Berninger, who claims to have been hitting the gym and not the Androstenedione. John Mitchell genuinely is just huge, and Reid seems like the guy who would do it clean, but his arm seems to be a lot better suddenly for a guy who was complaining about it a lot this year. The only clean guy on that team may be Jay, but who’s to say he’s not the distributor? Sure, Connor Young has a six-pack, but he’s 20 years old and swims, not dives (contact Connor for the difference). Are the Shorts clean? Hell no, but whew the 8-Balls are diiiiirrrrrttttyyyyy. The fact that the commissioner refuses to do testing isn’t a good look for CCW at all, but in the meantime, we will continue to reap the rewards as our popularity continues to skyrocket in the new CCW steroid era.
Advantage: 8-Balls (4-3)


Diversity
Are we really going down this road? Yes, but probably not in the way you’d expect. Look at the 8 Balls - House, Werner, Mitchell, Gurtch - this team's full of dudes who get sunburnt getting the mail. Maybe it’s the black jerseys, but also maybe it’s those white faces. In any case, I think the Shorts are the clear winners of the tanning contest. Witty and Unversaw are looking good, Dudas has spent an entire summer making love to a rock in the sun, and you know Connor Young's working on that swim tan. My shoulders currently resemble a lobster, but I assure you, they will be a nice scaly brown come the championship.
Advantage: Shorts (4-4)


In a Benches Clearing Incident
Between Dudas’s roid rage, my ability to hit batters, and Reid’s face, there’s a good chance of a scuffle of sorts during this series. I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was; but I was never good enough to deal with a guy the size of John Mitchell. That dude's going to be a problem. Going to go for the legs and hope for the best. Dudas strikes me as the spider monkey type, and maybe he can assist after he beats Reid's ass for all the trash talking he was doing (but in reality, this was manifested by Dudas' mind only). Witty will stand to the side, carefully picking his target before delivering a 106-mph punch to the unlucky contestant’s face (poor Jay). Connor Young is a stout little dude, but House is a brick house, an absolute UNIT of a man. Sure, Connor has a 6-pack, but House has an 18-pack, and those shoulders are big, son! Hope Gurtch packed his lunch, because he’s in for a long day with Unversaw standing in his way. Berny and Keegan are going to go toe to toe for about 45 seconds until Keegan's lower back/hip/uvula gives out. That, of course, leaves Mike Speek Sr. and Byron Young. The oldest dude in the league fighting a 12-year-old. A lose-lose situation for either guy if you ask me, and both too nice and too mature to engage in such a brouhaha. This fight is a literal tie through the first round, but with Witty, Dudas, and Mitch still standing and me still drinking, all bets are off.
Advantage: Shorts (5-4)


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There you have it, the Shorts have the advantage, but will it be enough for the first Championship since 2021? Or will the 8 Balls overcome the odds for their first title since 2019? One thing's for sure, the 7 good fingers I used to type all of this are exhausted, but not nearly as exhausted as I’ll be Sunday evening. First game of the 2025 Dirtyard Classic starts at 11 am!

]]><![CDATA[CCW Wild Card Round Preview]]>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:17:37 GMThttps://www.circlecitywiffleball.com/news/ccw-wild-card-round-preview6:30 - #5 Moonshots vs. #4 Hounds

Expected Starters:
Moonshots: Will Smithey (1.00 ERA, 55 Ks, 75 FIP)
Hounds: Austin Alles (2.40 ERA, 36 Ks, 48 FIP)

Preview: 
The Hounds and Moonshots have seen a lot of each other recently - playing all 3 games against one another in the last 2 weeks of play - and they’ll see even more of each other in the Wild Card round. The teams boast similar, potent offenses - with elite threats leading them (Smithey & Jones) and nearly equally as dangerous right-hand men behind them (Hopkins and Alles). All 4 of those guys finished the regular season in the top 6 of offensive value, and with the exception of Hopkins, who got the bulk of his production in the early stages of the season, they are all getting hot at the right time. Coby Taylor - who just turned in a 4 home run game last week - and Josh Hart - who is a dangerous power hitter on slow pitch - are expected to round out the Hounds’ playoff lineup. T-Greg will also hit for the Moonshots, and then they’ll have an interesting decision to make regarding the 4th hole, as both Connor Smith and Nolan Karwoski are valid options. 

These two pitchers faced off just last week, with Smithey narrowly out-deuling Alles in that contest. Smithey has, once again, put together a pitching season better than anyone not named Myc Witty, and is a guy that seemingly plays even better when the stakes get higher. That said, he is not unhittable, having been tagged for at least one run twice and two runs once in his 5 outings this season. Alles has taken another step forward on the bump this year, holding opponents to 3 runs or fewer in each of his outings. If he can be on the board consistently and keep the Moonshots away from slow pitch opportunities, Alles has the ability to match Smithey on the mound.

X-Factors:
Moonshots: Tyler Gregory
T-Greg, in what is reportedly his final year in a long and storied CCW career, has unfortunately had a somewhat forgettable season at the plate. He’s tied for 16th in offensive value - nothing to sneeze at, but pedestrian for a guy we’re used to seeing in the top 10 - with a .268 batting average and 4 homers. But all of that potential disappointment could be erased with a strong postseason showing. He’s no stranger to the big moment as a staple on championship Moonshot teams, and when Smithey is inevitably intentionally walked in an important moment, T-Greg seems to go Super Saiyan in those moments. I’m putting money on a big game from Gregory.

Hounds: Austin Alles
Alles is one of two guys in the top 15 offensive players this season to have only played 11 games, which speaks to the quality of his performance, even if the volume is limited. Further, he may be swinging the hottest bat in the league, coming off a Hitter of the Week award in which he went 8/11 with 5 home runs across their two games. He’s also the current holder of the “Most Likely to Actually Run Through the Dirtyard Outfield Wall to Make a Play” distinction. Combine these, and the potential for a winning game on the mound, and we’re on “The Austin Alles Game” watch. 

The Verdict:
This game has all the makings of a hard fought, low scoring affair. I expect the Moonshots’ bats to get theirs against Alles and put up a few runs, like they did last time. It’s hard to bet against Smithey on the mound, but he’ll be facing this same red-hot offense for the second time this week, making his assignment more challenging (but you could say the same thing for Alles). The big question is who wins out in a strength-vs-strength matchup between Smithey’s arm and the Hounds’ bats? If Alles, DJ, and Coby can do enough damage, this could be anyone’s game. 



8:00 - #6 Yakkers vs. #3 8 Balls

Expected Starters:
Yakkers: Dustin Dowden (0.81 ERA, 50 Ks, 68 FIP)
8 Balls: Reid Werner (1.67 ERA, 46 Ks, 58 FIP)

Preview: 
Despite the divergent roads these teams took to get here, the 8 Balls and Yakkers are actually pretty similarly constructed. Both offenses are power-dependent, slow-pitch mashers who have the downside of getting shut down if the balls aren’t leaving the yard. Both pitching staffs are led by a shut-down ace, but struggle to compete with the depth behind them. Those aces will surely get the ball tonight, with Werner throwing for the 8 Balls after a long rest between starts, and Dowden going for the Yaks. Dowden has too quietly put up an elite season on the mound - his ERA and total pitching value are third in the league, each. He’s on the board as much as anyone, and mixes in and locates a handful of different pitches, making him an extremely frustrating assignment for batters. Reid only threw 4 games this season - one fewer than any other ace - but still finished in the top 5 in Ks and just outside the top 5 in total value. 

The Yakkers' offense this season has been disappointing on the whole, but has shown an ability to deliver the big hit when it’s needed. Rudy Lyon leads the offense, with his 8 home runs falling one shy of the top 5 in the league. Behind him, Dalton Lewis has had a breakout campaign with the bat, collecting at least one hit in all but two of his 13 games. Dowden, who already has one home run against Reid this year, will slot in as well, and Justin Swingler, if playoff eligible, will round out the lineup. For the 8 Balls, Werner’s return to the lineup will be a much-needed wrinkle to the otherwise homer-or-bust nature of the team. Alex Gurtcheff is having a career year at the plate, leading the league in home runs and finishing 3rd in total offensive value. Cody House is hot entering the playoffs, going 7-10 with 3 home runs last week. And Jay Wilsey has been dependable all year, with a well-rounded approach and willingness to create some chaos on the basepaths. 

X-Factors:
Yakkers: Dalton Lewis
It feels like every week DLewy has come up big in a clutch spot, and in a game that looks likely to be a low-scoring one, the Yaks may need him to do so again to pull out a win. Lewis has become a weapon in slow-pitch opportunities and is holding his own more and more in fast-pitch. Whether in regulation or a potential jack-off tie breaker, don’t be surprised if the game hinges on a DLewy at-bat. 

8 Balls: Reid Werner
It sounds weird to call the 8 Balls’ manager and ace the wild card, but after missing the last two weeks of games, Werner’s re-introduction to the team could change things dramatically for them. Will his month off from throwing in league play result in a fresh, rested arm? Or will it create some rust that needs to be shaken off? The bulk of the damage against Reid has always come off slow-pitch, so his ability to lock in on the zone, especially on a team that feasts on lob balls, is crucial to their success. His insertion into the top of a lineup desperately in need of speed and bat-to-ball skill may be a game-changer for the offense, as well.  

The Verdict:
​I don’t think it’s too bold a prediction to say whichever team does more damage on slow-pitch will win this game. Both pitchers are extremely hard to string hits together against, and it’ll likely be one or two big hits that decide this. With the jack-off out of play in the playoffs, this one will continue until a team jumps ahead. Last year, Werner threw a 12-inning shutout in the Wild Card round, and viewers may need to buckle up for another marathon game. 

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