2025 Fast Pitch Season Preview

Shorts 
(9-7 record in 2024)
The Shorts went all in on Myc Witty for a reason; he was only responsible for one loss last year on the mound, giving up 1 run in that game. However, there are new rules in place this year to limit pitchers’ innings. So, the Shorts deciding factor here is probably the idiot writing this article, Laugel. At the end of 2023, I retired from the YiSH and wiffleball in general (aside from an NWLA appearance). Then I saw an X post and, on a whim, decided to drive 100 minutes 1 way to play with these CCW goons. Now, with a more “Typical” off-season, I HOPE to be as good as ever. What the hell does that mean? I’ll probably win 2 games this year instead of 1, especially with this defense behind me.  Connor Young and possibly Dudas himself will need to provide some good innings on the mound as well. Dudas will be his usual top-performing self at the plate, and I’d expect Witty’s off-season bulk to pay dividends at the dish (monster in slow pitch). Laugel batted .310 somehow last year, and Connor Young batted an impressive .339 in his rookie campaign. Mitch Unversaw and Keegan will round out this offense, but will it be anything more than average?
Fast pitch Prediction (9-7)  
Stampede
(6-10 record in 2024)
I think it’s probably safe to say the Stampede (on paper) look like the most improved team from last year. Cade and Dalsen had a bit of an off year at the plate in 2024, but I wouldn’t expect that this year, and with the additions of Bundy and Rookie, Brayden Scott, this offense is looking a lot better. The pitching department? That’s covered. Signing Aiden Palmer to join Holden as one heck of a brotherly 1-2 punch, and we haven’t even mentioned Brayden Scott’s pitching yet. I’m biased as a fellow Buschwacker, BUT when Brayden’s got his stuff working, he’s just as tough as the Palmer Brothers. Tristian Dudas Rounds out this team nicely and looks to improve on a decent 2024 season. I fully expect the Stampede to be a problem this year, but how much of one is hard to predict.
Fast pitch Prediction (8-8)  
Yakkers
(14-6 record in 2024)
The Yakkers were a juggernaut in 2024, going all the way to the championship to ultimately lose the Dirtyard Classic, 2 games to 1. Rudy had a fantastic year in every way last year, and it’s hard to expect him to replicate it again, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. This team looked a bit shaky until the last-minute addition of Dustin Dowden, giving them a solid rotation with Buchman. I see a lot of pitching duels in the Yaks' future as their offense may be a player short. Good performances from Sawyer, D-Lewey, and Colt throughout the season will be needed to remain in the win column. Kent Nims joins this solid roster for his rookie campaign. I see the Yaks ultimately regressing from last year, but still a good competitive team. 
Fast pitch Prediction (7-9)  

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Moonshots
(9-8 record in 2024)
Blah, Blah, Will Smithey, Blah, Blah, Tyler Gregory. The two mainstays of this team will keep torching pitchers as always, but let’s talk about the unknowns.  A late pickup of Thomas Hopkins from the waiver wire is a great offensive addition to any team, for sure. Ian Garavalia is unproven but SHOULD be a good bat. Connor Smith had a decent rookie year last year and will look to improve at the plate and on the mound. Rookie Nolan looks like he can run into a few dingers this year, and finally, Cody Fowler to round out this good-looking offense. But wait a minute, who the hell is pitching here? Smithey will be his normal Ace-like self, but after that, a lot of question marks. Connor Smith shows potential, but who else is joining him? Ian? Will knows something I obviously don’t, but it appears he bet on the offense to do a lot of the work this season.
Fast pitch Prediction (8-8)  
8 Balls 
(5-14 record in 2024)
Expect Reid Werner to continue dominating in the pitching department and the hitting, for that matter. Slow pitch MVP and certified swamp donkey shepherd, Alex Gurtcheff, will remain a top bat and a reliable arm for the 8 Balls as well, but who else will stand up and join these two? House and Wilsey will continue to prove themselves as reliable bats, and I fully expect Berny to have a bounce-back season at the plate and add value in the pitching department. Mike Speek Sr. is listed on this team, but how much will he show? Finally, the Rookie and record holder for the tallest person ever to play in CCW, John Mitchell, looks to hit a few dingers himself. We saw 90mph on the gun from John in the Rookie Combine. If he can harness it, this team will be tough to beat, but that’s asking a lot from a Rookie.
Fast pitch Prediction (7-9)  
 
Hounds
(12-10 record in 2024)
Sure, they lost Witty, but I think DJ’s done as good a job replacing him as possible with Josh Hart. We all know Josh has it in him, but can he get it out of him? We saw flashes of brilliance from him in slow pitch, but will it translate to fast pitch success? Expect fellow awesome mustache owner, Mitch Buis, to be the Ace of this team. Jake Sprinkle, depending on his attendance, can give Mitch a run for his money in the Ace department. Joining them in the rotation is Austin Alles, who showed signs of Ace potential himself last season, but can he keep it together for a whole season? Dylan Jones hit the hardest ball (104mph) at the combine, and I fully expect those daddy hacks to translate to piss-missiles in fast pitch. Coby Taylor will continue to supply some pop for this team and reliable innings on the mound when needed. Ethan New rounds out this team for his rookie season. One would expect the Hounds to take a step back this year, but their owner has compiled one hell of a roster without Myc Witty.
Fast pitch Prediction (9-7)  

Other Notable Predictions
First person to strikeout              Josh Hart     (2nd inning of Game #1, 1st plate appearance) 
Most Strikeouts as a Batter        Coby Taylor           (46)
Most Beers Consumed                 Dustin Laugel       (85)
Most Hits                                            Alex Gurtcheff       (28)
Most Doubles                                   Myc Witty                  (7)
Most Triples                                      Brendan Dudas       (4)
Season Home Run Leader        Josh Hart                   (74)

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Dustin Laugel