CCW 2025 Rookie Draft: Next Wave of Talent Ready to Leave Their Mark

The 2025 CCW Rookie Draft was one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, featuring a deep and promising class of incoming talent. With teams looking to fill key gaps and build for the future, the lottery set the stage for an exciting selection process. As expected, the draft order followed the odds, with the Stampede securing the first overall pick and the rest of the teams falling in line accordingly. Let’s take a closer look at each selection and what these rookies bring to their new squads.

1st Pick - Stampede: Brayden Scott
Brayden Scott was widely regarded as the top available rookie and the Stampede wasted no time in securing his services. An experienced wiffle ball player and former teammate of Short Shorts’ Dustin Laugel, Scott brings immediate credibility to the Stampede's rotation. The Palmers are expected to carry the bulk of the pitching load, but Scott’s addition could provide much-needed depth and stability on the mound. If he lives up to expectations, the Stampede might have landed a game-changer with the first overall pick.

2nd Pick - Moonshots: Nolan Karwoski
The Moonshots continued their tradition of targeting high-upside sluggers by selecting Nolan Karwoski. His performance at the rookie combine turned heads, as he showcased jaw-dropping raw power in batting practice. Players and scouts in attendance marveled at the sheer force behind his swings, as he consistently launched balls with authority. While his game may still be unrefined, the Moonshots are banking on his power potential to add another dangerous bat to their lineup.

3rd Pick - Short Shorts: Byron Young
The Short Shorts added the youngest player in the league by selecting Byron Young, the younger brother of reigning Rookie of the Year Connor Young. While Byron is still developing, his performance on the mound at the rookie combine was impressive. He displayed excellent command, throwing more strikes than any other rookie in attendance, which could immediately help shore up the Shorts’ rotation. With time and development, Byron could become a key piece for the team.

4th Pick - 8 Balls: John Mitchell
John Mitchell may have been the most physically imposing player in the draft, towering over his peers and displaying impressive athleticism. While his command on the mound was lacking, he flashed a fastball that reached over 90 miles per hour—an elite velocity for CCW standards. His raw power at the plate was also evident, though consistency will be key for his development. The 8 Balls, a team known for prioritizing safe, steady players, took a calculated risk on Mitchell’s upside, hoping he can refine his tools and become a force in the league.

5th Pick - Hounds: Ethan New
A familiar face in the Indy wiffle community, Ethan New has been a longtime supporter of CCW and a regular in local YMCA wiffle tournaments. His experience gives him an edge over some of the other rookies, as he’s already accustomed to the nuances of competitive wiffle ball. The Hounds, fresh off an eventful free agency period, added him for depth and lineup flexibility. New’s familiarity with the sport should help him adjust quickly to CCW play.

6th Pick - Yakkers: Kent Nims
The Yakkers rounded out the first round by selecting Kent Nims, a strike-throwing pitcher with an unusual but effective approach. He gained attention by submitting a scouting video of himself consistently hitting the edges of the strike board, even weaving pitches around his young daughter standing nearby. With the Yakkers' pitching staff always facing the potential for injuries or availability issues, Nims could see meaningful innings and become a valuable depth piece.


Draft TakeawaysThe 2025 CCW Rookie Draft showcased a mix of experienced wiffle ball players, raw power hitters, and projectable athletes. Here are some key takeaways from this year’s class:

1. Stampede Address Their Biggest Need - With the selection of Brayden Scott, the Stampede filled a major hole in their pitching depth. His success or struggles could play a significant role in their 2025 season.
   
   
2. Moonshots Bet on Power Again - Nolan Karwoski’s sheer strength makes him a classic Moonshots pick. If he can translate his power to actual in-game production, he could be a major weapon.
   
   
3. Short Shorts Go With Family Ties - Byron Young will have a lot to prove, but learning in competition with his older brother Connor gives him a solid foundation for growth.
   
   
4. High-Risk, High-Reward for the 8 Balls - John Mitchell is the biggest boom-or-bust pick of the draft. If he harnesses his raw tools, he could be a star. If not, he could struggle to find consistent playing time.
   
   
5. Experience Over Upside for the Hounds and Yakkers - Ethan New and Kent Nims aren’t flashy picks, but both could contribute right away given their skill sets.
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With the 2025 rookie class now set, all eyes turn to the season ahead. Which of these rookies will live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—CCW just got a whole lot more interesting.