Inside the GBL Podcast Week 1

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Griffleball Week One Game Recaps

Ducks on the Pond (Siokis) @ Nighttime Ninjas (Arvay) Game 1

THE JANKE CAGE - It did not take long for the Nighttime Ninjas to pick up right where they left off in 2015. One of the league's top offenses from last season did not wait very long to start putting up runs on the board. After taking a 1-0 lead off a Mike Kubacki Jr double in the first, he followed it up in the same inning with a grand slam. Then, the reigning MVP, Ethan Arvay, tripled in a run to give the Ninjas a 6-0 advantage. The expansion franchise, the Ducks on the Pond, answered back in the second with two runs via bases loaded walks. Mark Nelleman scored his first career hit and RBI in the second. At one point it looked like the Ducks could tie it up with one swing but, Arvay found his control to exit the inning. Already up 6-2, the Ninjas added one more in the third (Kubacki Jr. RBI single) and four more in the third. Then, they capped off the game in the fourth with a walk off mercy rule home run by Arvay. All in all, the Ninjas dominated on offense and made sure the Ducks had no chance to make a comeback.  

FINAL - Nighttime Ninjas 12 Ducks on the Pond 2

W - Ethan Arvay (1-0)

L - Shawn Siokis (0-1)

Ducks on the Pond (Duvnjak) @ Nighttime Ninjas Game 2

THE JANKE CAGE - With one game in the books, the Ducks on the Pond needed an answer. They could not find one against starter Mike Kubacki Jr. He stifled many of the Ducks hitters with his good movement and unpredictability on the mound. He ended the game without allowing a hit in four innings but, the fun did not stop their for the Ninjas. In the first, Kubacki had a two run home run and a RBI single to give his squad a 3-0 advantage. Then in the second inning, Ethan Arvay hit a grand slam off starter Zack Duvnjak for a 7-0 lead. With Kubacki keeping the Ducks guessing it did not look like they would need any more runs but, the Ninjas just could not be stopped. They added two more in the third via a Derek Revis two run bomb. Then, Arvay ended the game (again) with a walk off mercy rule home run in the fourth. While the Ninjas started their season off with a literal bang, the Ducks just could not seem to find any rhythm. They may need to adjust their gameplan next week if they wish to contend. 

FINAL - Nighttime Ninjas 11 Ducks on the Pond 0

W - Mike Kubacki Jr. (1-0) 

L - Zack Duvnjak (0-1) 

Stallionaires (Reyna) @ Bird Gang (A. Felde)

THE JANKE CAGE - It seemed like the Stallionaires were on the brink of dropping their first game  of the season but, they were saved by the power of John Reyna. The Stallionaires struggle against Bird Gang starter, Andrew Felde, who looks like an all-star pitcher in the making. A. Felde struck out three and only allowed one hit in three innings. Then, he added a two run double in the second to give the Bird Gang a 2-0 lead. Going into the fifth, it looked like the Bird Gang had locked up their first game victory but Reyna had other plans. After a Matt Kuna single to lead off the fifth, Matt Zurawski watched Reyna put one over the net in left to tie the game at two.  Then Zurawski came back to pitch in extras and did not fare well against the Stallionaires lineup. Reyna started off extras with a solo shot to give his team a 3-2 lead. After a few walks by Aaron Ross, Kuna tripled in one and singled in another later in the inning. Entering the bottom of the sixth, the Stallionaires led 5-2 and they scored all five in the fifth and sixth. The Stallionaires late game heroics stole a game from the Bird Gang and started their season off in the right direction.

FINAL/6 - Stallionaires 5 Bird Gang 2
W - Matt Kuna (1-0)
L - Matt Zurawksi (0-1)
S - John Reyna (1)

Stallionaires (Reyna) @ Bird Gang (C. Felde)

THE JANKE CAGE - After a gut wrenching lost in the first game, the Bird Gang answered the call and split their series with the Stallionaires. Both starters, John Reyna and Cole Felde, did not allow a single hit until the third inning. That is when the game began to get more interesting. After a walk by rookie, Aaron Ross, Matt Kuna hit a two run homer to give the Stallionaires a 2-0 lead. It was the only inning the Stallionaires had where they had more then two batters. Then, in the bottom of the third, Andrew Felde smashed a two run bomb of his own to tie the score at two. With the score tied at two, Ross came in to pitch for his first GBL appearance. Bird Gang took advantage. Ross walked three and gave up one single, which gave Bird Gang a slim 3-2 lead. After Cole's good start, his brother Andrew came in relief to shut the door. Not only did he shut the door, he double locked and bolted it to seal the victory.

FINAL - Bird Gang 3 Stallionaires 2
W - Cole Felde (1-0)
L - Aaron Ross (0-1)
S - Andrew Felde (1)

Taka Drivers (Voges) @ Gashouse Gorillas (Tucker)

THE GRIFFLE GROUNDS - After watching the Gashouse Gorillas celebrate their fourth straight championship, the Taka Drivers decided to spoil the party. Mind you that this was also the team that eliminated them last year from the postseason. They wanted to make a statement and they did. Ryan Voges and Jim Tucker went pitch for pitch on the mound. Neither of them allowed a single run in the first three innings. Jeremy Ratajczyk entered the game in the fourth and the NWLA Closer of the Year struggled. With the bases loaded, Voges doubled in two to give the Taka Drivers a 2-0 lead. Voges also had a no-hitter going into the fourth but, Jeremy Ratajczyk singled and knocked him out of the game (for now). Jackson Buzea entered the game and did his job in the fourth. After a quick 1-2 from Ratajczyk in the fifth, the Gashouse Gorillas needed two to tie. Jim Tucker led off and battled with Buzea. Then, Tucker was able to smash a pitch that found its way on the other side of the fence. Down 2-1, Ratajczyk stepped to the plate. In Gashouse Gorilla style, Ratajczyk went back-to-back with his teammate to tie the game at two. After five, Taka and Gashouse bought a ticket for some more wiffle ball. Voges re-entered the game to pitch in the sixth and found himself in a bases loaded jam. Ratajczyk came to bat and Voges threw some of best stuff to find his way out of the sixth. After the sixth, Voges did not allow another hit. After a few scoreless innings from each team, Voges helped his squad with a solo home run in the top of the ninth. The Taka Drivers hung on to take game one from the champs. Mission accomplished. 

FINAL/9 - Taka Drivers 3 Gashouse Gorillas 2

W - Ryan Voges (1-0)

L - Jeremy Ratajczyk (0-1)

Taka Drivers (Miecznikowski) @ Gashouse Gorillas (Galiher)

GAME SUSPENDED IN THE TOP OF THE FIFTH
Taka Drivers have men on 1st and 2nd No Outs.
Gashouse Gorillas lead 6 - 4
TO BE CONTINUED...

Griffleball Power Rankings and Players of the Week: Week One

The Griffleball season is finally underway. The weather was nice for a change, the excitement and anticipation were sky high, and the league was ready for season seven. The GBL even added a fence to the Griffle Grounds and it made the court actually look like a wiffle ball field. Here's a look at it during the nightcap....

.....now that's a wiffle ball field (or park, grounds, court, etc.)

Even with the new toys and rules, the games took center stage. The Nighttime Ninjas started the season off with a bang. They won both games against the Ducks on the Pond by mercy rule and they may not slow down anytime soon. The Stallionaires and Bird Gang played a highly competitive middle set. The teams ended up splitting their series and are both looking to improve on last year's regular season records. Then, it was time for the Griffleball Nightcap between the Taka Drivers and the Gashouse Gorillas. Coming off of their fourth straight championship, the Gashouse Gorillas had their own ceremony honoring their victory. The unveiled the banner and celebrated their triumph. They did this in front of the team they eliminated in the semi-finals last season. The Taka Drivers decided while the champions would look to the past, they would stay in the present. Taka spoiled the party in one of the most memorable GBL games ever. That game ended in extras and can be seen here on the Griffleball YouTube channel. (Or just click here GBL Week One Nightcap Game 1). After taking game one, Taka had a chance to take the lead in the last inning of game two. That's when the lights at Sheppard Park cut off and prematurely ended opening night (Dear Highland, is it too much to ask to leave the lights on until 10 PM, Sincerely, Griffleball).

With another opening week in the books, Griffleball looks primed to have another great season. More questions will be answered as the season goes deeper but for now, here is the Power Rankings and Players of the Week for Week One.

Week One Power Rankings

1. Taka Drivers 1-0 (Preseason - 2)

The Taka Drivers spoiled the celebration for Gashouse by taking game one of the series in an extra inning classic. By no means were they more dominant then the defending champs but, they played with a purpose. Even though they may lose game two, (Taka trails by two with two on, no outs, in the top of the fifth) Taka proved it can play with anyone. Everyone on their team contributed with Ryan Voges being this week's stand-out. I give them a slight edge over Gashouse and Nighttime in this week's rankings. Expect them to hover around the top three all year.

2. Gashouse Gorillas 0-1 (Pre-season - 1)

After dropping game one to Taka, Gashouse responded early in the second game only to be shut down by electricity. Chances are they may win that game against Taka but, we won't know until Week Six (Not official). Even in the loss, Gashouse hit back-to-back home runs to send the game into extras. Besides Tucker, their pitching looked a bit shaky at times but, it did last year's regular season as well. They may be the champs but don't expect them to turn it on immediately. I expect a similar season in 2016 as they had in 2015 (The end result may be different though).

3. Nighttime Ninjas 2-0 (Pre-season - 4)

The Nighttime Ninjas are poised to have another fantastic season. They made quick work of the Ducks on the Pond and ended each game in four innings. Everyone on the team hit. Seriously, everyone. The Ninjas had one of the best hitting teams in the league last season and it carried them to a first place regular season finish. Week One proved they have no signs of slowing down. This will be their strength all season and if they improve any aspect, the Ninjas may push for a long post-season run. 

4. Stallionaires 1-1 (Pre-season - 3)

Pitching has carried the Stallionaires to back to back World Series appearances and their formula will not change. In Week One, timely hitting made a difference while they kept their opponent under three runs in both games. They can always improve on some aspects of their game but, the Stallionaires are solid in every area of Griffleball. They play close games and always are in the mix by the end of the season. If they make the playoffs, the Stallionaires can just as dangerous as they have been in years past. 

5. Bird Gang 1-1 (Pre-season - 5)

The Bird Gang are looking to improve on last year's disappointing season. They showed in Week One that they may have what it takes to not only improve but possibly be a playoff contender. With the same core as last season and the addition of the Felde brothers, the Bird Gang can be tough to handle. They had one of the league's better offenses last season and I expect it to carry over in 2016. The Bird Gang may surprise a few people.

6. Ducks on the Pond 0-2 (Pre-season - 6)

The Ducks may have to go through some growing pains before making any noise in 2016. They have a team full of raw talent and not much experience. No player on the Ducks has played more than 12 games in their career (Zack Duvnjak). If they can find they best positions and situations for their players, they could turn it around and compete. Do not count them out. Besides it is only Week One, they have the potential to be better then what the box score indicated.

Week One Players of the Week

• Co-Hitter of the Week - Mike Kubacki Jr. - 7 Hits 12 At-Bats 2 Home Runs 9 RBI (Also tossed a Four Inning No-Hitter
• Co-Hitter of the Week - Ethan Arvay - 9 Hits 16 At-bats 4 Home Runs 9 RBI
• Pitcher of the Week -  Ryan Voges 1-0 0 Earned Runs 7 IP 9 Strikeouts 5 BB 2 HA (Game Two Stats Unofficial) 
• Rookie of the Week -  Mark Nelleman - First GBL Career Hit and RBI 

 Stay tuned to the blog later in the week for Week One Recap Blog and Pod.

WIFFLE-OUT!

Griffleball 2016 Power Rankings and Team Prediction Podcast

In just a few days, sounds of wiffle-balls will be heard zipping through the air at Sheppard Park. Grown men will begin infesting the park to play competitive wiffle-ball and, their shouts will be heard (almost) every Sunday until September. Griffleball is back. It is hard to believe the GBL has been around for seven years. The league has had its fair share of ups and downs but, the future seems bright for this growing league.

As many of you may already know, the league lost the two time champion Lightning but, a new team has emerged. The Ducks on the Pond will entering their first year in the GBL and will face a tall task of competing with the veterans of the league.  The five returning teams, Bird Gang, Gashouse Gorillas, Taka Drivers, Nighttime Ninjas, and Stallionaires will all be returning many of the same players. They all have added more pieces to help them get over the hump or, to help them beat Gashouse.

The Gashouse Gorillas have won four straight GBL titles and are looking for an unprecedented fifth, The competition has increased dramatically but, it did not slow them down in last years playoff. They did struggle during the regular season but, consider them a shoe-in to defend their crown.

The GBL should have an exciting season in 2016 and let's hope that many others around the area begin to tune in. Stay tuned for more updates via Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, and the GBL website. And one more thing, it looks like it'll be raining on opening day. It wouldn't be the GBL without inclement weather.

(I also linked my prediction podcast to the the end of the blog, for team by team breakdowns check out the pod.)

PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

1. Gashouse Gorillas 2015: 12-8 (2016 Prediction: 14-6)

When you win four straight champions and return basically the same team as last season. There is really no other choice to put at the top spot entering 2016. They will easily be one of the best teams again this season. Their only question going into the season is, who will and who can beat them?

2. Taka Drivers 2015: 13-7 (2016 Prediction: 17-3)

After an impressive inaugural season, the Taka Drivers are looking to take the next step. With the addition of a GBL great, even if it is for limited weeks, may help them if Lidster can make it during playoff time. Without him expect improvements from all three sophomores (Voges, Mieznikowski, and Bartley).

3. Stallionaires 2015: 8-12 (2016 Prediction 6-14)

The Stallionaires are looking to make a third straight World Series appearance but, they may have a tougher time then in years past. It seems like their roster may change from week to week and consistency could be an issue. Expect them either to take a step back or sneak into the fourth spot again. 

4. Nighttime Ninjas 2015: 14-6 (2016 Prediction 13-7)
After a great regular season, the Ninjas fell flat in the playoffs. They realistically don't have any weaknesses but, their bats went cold at the wrong time last season. They will look to turn things around this year and try and notch their first playoff series win. 

5. Bird Gang 2015: 5-15 (2016 Prediction 7-13)

With an offense that could put up big numbers, the Bird Gang could hit their way into the playoffs. Their biggest issue will be on the mound. If they are unable to get outs, they will struggle. Expect more offense and a bit better pitching and the Bird Gang could find themselves in fourth. 

6. Ducks on the Pond 2015: N/A (2016 Prediction 4-16)

 The Ducks on the Pond will replace the storied franchise. Managed by Brian Brilmyer, the Ducks may struggle this year. It will be tough road for them, not only because of their experience in the league but, because of the league's other teams.