GBL Winter Meetings: Day 1

Hello Griffle nerds. It's been a long time since the last pitch of the 2018 GBL season. Congrats again to the Taka Drivers (Happy, Voges?). In the past 3.5 months, GBL administration has been toying with the idea of making serious changes for the 2019 season. Mainly to balance the competitiveness of the league, but to also add a new level of excitement to Griffleball. And after months of deep thought, and weighing out the pros and cons of making a big change to Griffleball as we know it, I am here to officially announce that for the 2019 season, the GBL will undergo a complete re-draft, and each team will have a salary cap.

 

Since the salaries of each player and the cap of each team still have a few kinks that need to be worked out, we cannot share that information just yet. But we have given ourselves a deadline of February 1st to have that completed, so check back soon!

 

What I can share right now is some of the new features that will come along with our new league format. The six managers have been decided upon, and they are as follows:

 

- Jeremy Ratajczyk

- Ryan Voges

- Jackson Buzea

- Mike Kubacki

- Kyle Gagliardi

- Greg Gierling

 

With the draft approaching, players and managers now have a chance to discuss the opportunity of being teammates with each other. The draft order will be determined by a lottery in which the manager with the lowest personal salary will have the most lottery balls, and so on.

 

Another aspect of our old league format that needed to be addressed was the fact that so many teams played games with just two players last year. In 2019, it will still be allowed, as we don't want forfeits, but every time a team plays a game with just two players, it will be penalized with a salary cap hit that could eventually lead to having to release a good player from its roster.

 

Speaking of us wanting to see more three-man lineups, no team will be allowed to play a postseason game with a two-man lineup this year.

 

Lastly, another change that will be made in 2019 is that we will be playing on Saturdays for two weeks. Rather than having bye weeks for Mother's Day and Father's Day, we decided that we will just play on those respective Saturdays instead.

 

That's about it from Day 1 of the winter meetings. Check back soon for more info after our next meeting!

 

Sincerely,

Commish

 

 

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 20 - Taka Wiffleball League Part 2

On the last episode of Griffle Talk, T-Walk is joined by Ryan Voges and Chris Bartley of the Taka Drivers. We recap their second GBL championship and discuss the GBL in 2018 as a whole. Thank you for listening and I will see you next year!

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 19 - Taka Wiffleball League

On episode 19, T-Walk recaps the first two games of the World Series and then previews the upcoming games on Sunday.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 18 - World Series Preview

On episode 18, we are joined by Kyle Lidster and Mike Kubacki to recap the first round of the GBL Playoffs and preview the upcoming World Series. We also break down each of the Taka Drivers and Nighttime Ninjas biggest strengths/weaknesses and give you our predictions.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 17 - Week One Playoff Recap

On episode 17, Walk and Gags recap all the action in week one of the playoffs, and discuss what each team has to do to move on to the Griffleball World Series. 

Griffle Talk with T-Walk - Episode 16 - Griffleball Playoff Preview

On episode 16, Tyler and Kyle break down the GBL playoffs, recap the All Star festivities, and give you the biggest story lines for the first round of the playoffs.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 15 - All Star Week and Playoff Scenarios

On episode 15 of Griffle talk, I recap the action in week 10 and previews the All Star week festivities. I also give my award finalists, preview the possible playoff scenarios, and reveal the outcome of the GBL All-Star Game Draft.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 14 - NWLA Recap & Catching Up on Griffleball

Griffle Talk is back! There is a ton of wiffleball to cover as Tyler Walk and new co-host, Kyle Gagliardi, catch you up on all the action. On episode 14, we discuss GBL Week 8, Week 9, playoff scenarios, and recap the Legends run in the NWLA Tournament. 

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 13 - All Star Picks and Mt. Rushmore of Griffleball

On episode 13 of Griffle Talk, T-Walk is joined by his family once again, Kyle Gagliardi, to talk some wiffleball. We recap week 7, preview week 8, go through the standings and playoff scenarios, pick our GBL All-Star team if it ended today, and pick the Mt. Rushmore of Griffleball.

10 Reasons Why Griffleball Will Win the NWLA Tournament

With the NWLA tournament less than a week away, Griffleball wants to let the world know why this is our year. In year’s past, high expectations have doomed our league and we came away disappointed. Not this time. This year the GBL is bringing out all the stops. Here are 10 Reasons Why the Griffleball Legends are going to be your 2018 NWLA Champions. 

1. Three Headed Pitching Monster - If you haven’t heard yet, Griffleball is bringing arguably three of the best pitchers in the entire tournament. Adding Caleb Jonkman and Brett Detmar are two of the biggest additions to any tournament team. They both came on to the scene with Leroy (which we will touch on later) and they finished 7th in two straight seasons. Then, we are also bringing back Kyle Lidster. Usually, he’d be the only ace on the staff and we’d be trying to find a number two. This year we have three legitimate aces and that should put the Wiffle world on notice. 
2. Morenci Pub - In between games and before and after the tournament, Griffleball will most likely be found at the Pub (this is 100% confirmed according to multiple sources). With the prices, food, and great atmosphere, there’s no better place in town. I expect the celebration to be there as well.
3. NWLA Experience - Every single player on the roster has two years of NWLA experience. This team knows what to expect. We have finished 6th and 16th, this team understands the highs and lows. Even though some of our players haven’t won a single double elimination game, the experience we’ve earned will be invaluable.
4. Most Voluntarily Unemployed Players - I’m not going to name anyone but, a few of our players left their job just to play wiffleball. They left their jobs just to win a championship. That’s fucking dedication.
5. Chip on Our Shoulder - Griffleball has been in the Dangerfield tournament two years in a row and nobody believes this league can make any sort of run in this tournament. We have consistently underachieved, and many think the league will continue that trend. After all the disappointments and heartbreak, this year the Legends are walking into the tournament trying to prove that we can compete with anyone in the nation.
6. Most Attractive Team - Even though we don’t have the “football team” we used to have in teams of the past with Kuna and Bryan, we do still have Rat and Lidster. And now we’ve added the Taka Drivers of Griffleball, which means the athletic Ryan Voges, the moxy-laden Jackson Buzea, and the best calves at the tournament in Christopher Bartley. Then there’s the slender pretty boy Caleb Jonkman and the sneaky handsome Brett Detmar from Leroy. And then of course, every team needs a little fire, and GBL is no exception. We have our moral compass of the team in Jim Tucker, who will charm you with his unassuming smile and his quippy banter.
7. Leroy - You may think this is obvious as we added the best two pitchers from last year’s Legends of Leroy but, that isn’t the only reason. Most of the roster and some who are not, have taken a liking to playing in the LWA. Buzea, Tucker, Voges, Bartley, and Ratajczyk have all played games at Leroy. Getting familiar to that type of play should prove to help the GBL since we don’t play with “real wiffleballs. Speaking of that...
8. We Play With Real Wiffleballs - We play with Champs Sports Poly Molded Wiffleballs and it makes the GBL a more realistic clone of baseball. To make the ball move, you have to put effort into your approach on the mound. While with the so called “real” wiffleballs, you have to put little effort into making the ball move. Enough said.
9. Versatility - Every player on this year’s roster can play any position on the field, hit, and pitch. Obviously some do each aspect better than others but, the options are limitless. Plus our combined team forearm strength is unmatched. Everyone can hit dingers.
10. Alcohol - I don’t think any team will consume more alcohol next weekend than Griffleball. This year we are coming early just to drink, and we play our league games at a damn bar. This league is ready to explode the bubbly Sunday and I am sure gratuitous amounts of alcohol will be involved. BONUS-Because.T-Walk.Said.So.Wiffle Out!

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 12 - Griffleball's NWLA Tournament Preview

On a special episode of Griffle Talk, T-Walk is joined by Ryan Voges and Jeremy Ratajczyk to preview the NWLA Tournament. We give each team a confidence ranking and briefly break down their strengths. Full Disclosure, alcohol was involved.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 11 - It's Been a While

T-Walk is back! Today, I break down the league leaders, standings, recap week 6, and preview week 7! IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE BACK!

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 10 - GBL Regional Recap and Mid-season Award Predictions

On episode 10, T.Walk is joined by most of the GBL Fat Cats to discuss our regional performance (4-0 1st Place) and what we expect at nationals. The group also predicts GBL mid season awards and preview week six.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 9 - Back to Griffle Talk

After a long week without any league news, I am back to discuss everything that has happened in the past two weeks. On Episode 9, I give you the Power Rankings, Stars of Griffleball, recap week four, discuss GBL transactions, and preview week five.

2018 NWLA Tournament Regional Roster Preview

Meet the GBL Legends

#47 - Jeremy Ratajczyk
Age: 28
Bats: L
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 9th Season

NWLA Experience: 7th Season
An NWLA Tournament participant since the tournament's inaugural season of 2010, Jeremy's name is often talked about as one of the most feared hitters in the tournament. The commissioner of the GBL will need to live up to his expectations if he wants to bring his league a national title.

#77 - Kyle Lidster
Age: 27
Bats: L
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 7th Season
NWLA Experience: 5th Tournament
One of the tournament's better strike throwers who also features plus velocity, Kyle has pitched himself into the category of ace pitchers at the tournament. Kyle missed the 2017 tournament, and his absence left a gaping hole on the GBL's roster as they finished in 16th place at Nationals.

#34 - Jim Tucker
Age: 28
Bats: R
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 8th Season
NWLA Experience: 3rd Tournament
Jim is arguably the best pitcher of all time in the GBL, but in NWLA Tournament play, his bat will be more vital to the team than his arm, as he had one of the team's best OBPs last year. He will be asked to use his acute batting eye and vicious swing to reach base for the Legends.

#0 - Jackson Buzea
Age: 27
Bats: R
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 5th Season
NWLA Experience: 3rd Tournament
Jackson is one of the toughest players to keep off of the base paths in NWLA Tournament play. He will be at or near the top of the Legends lineup for most of the tournament. He can also be a reliable relief pitcher if needed.

#25 - Ryan Voges
Age: 26
Bats: R
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 4th Season
NWLA Experience: 3rd Tournament
Ryan made a name for himself last year at Regionals with an assortment of highlight reel defensive plays. The Legends believe that he is as good of a fielder as anyone in the tournament, and he will log plenty of innings behind the team's pitching staff.

#7 - Chris Bartley
Age: 27
Bats: R
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 4th Season
NWLA Experience: 2nd Tourament
Chris is quietly one of the best all-around players in the GBL. Chris has had some memorable runs in big moments over the years in the GBL. The Legends hope that Chris can bring some of his late inning magic from Griffith to Morenci.

#22 - Caleb Jonkman
Age: 22
Bats: L
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 2nd Season
NWLA Experience: 3rd Tournament
Over the years, the GBL has always been known as a team that just hasn't had enough pitching. But in 2018, the team has ordered reinforcements. Caleb had some masterful pitching performances over his first two years in NWLA play (spent with LWA), and his presence on the mound for the GBL will be exactly what the doctor ordered.

#14 - Brett Detmar
Age: 22
Bats: R
Throws: R
GBL Experience: 1st Season
NWLA Experience: 3rd Tournament
Much like the GBL's aforementioned addition of Caleb Jonkman, Brett's addition will be just as important to the success of this team. Detmar, along with Lidster and Jonkman is figured to round out what will be a 3-headed monster pitching rotation. Detmar has posted elite numbers on the mound in NWLA play with LWA, and will be asked to do the same for the GBL.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 8 - NWLA Regional Special

Today, Tyler Walk is here to break down the NWLA Regional and recap his Griffleball tenure. I also predict the four bids and give you a little of what I know from each team.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 7 - Time For a Change

In another episode of Griffle Talk With T-Walk, Tyler is once again joined by family to discuss the upcoming week in Griffleball. This week Kyle Gagliardi and myself break down the new dimension changes to the field and preview/predict Week Four.

Griffleball Week Three Power Rankings and Stars of the Week

GRIFFLEBALL POWER RANKINGS

1. GasHouse Gorillas - 5-1 (LW - #1)

The GasHouse Gorillas keep finding ways to win after dropping their first game of the season. Now winners of five straight, GasHouse seems poised to reclaim their title. With a healthy Ratajczyk, GasHouse should be a tough opponent every week.

2. Taka Drivers - 4-2 (LW - #2)

The Taka Drivers have only allowed two runs all season and they have two losses to show for it. Nonetheless, the Taka pitching staff is quite arguably the best staff we have ever seen in the GBL. If they continue at this rate, a repeat wouldn't surprise anyone.

3. Nighttime Ninjas - 4-2 (LW - #3)

After a couple of 1-0 wins, the Ninjas see themselves as contenders for the World Series. They are neck and neck in every category with GasHouse and Taka (AVG, RUNS, ERA, etc.). At this rate, it is hard to argue they aren't on the same par as the top two.

4. Leroy Legends - 2-4 (LW - #4)

Without ace, Caleb Jonkman, the Legends were swept for the first time this season. Even though Jonkman was not there, their pitching held up. It was their offense, which did not plate a run in both games. It will interesting to see their approach in the coming weeks.

5. Digger Dudes - 1-4 (LW - #6)

The Dudes have had their fair share of close games due to the strength of their arms but, they have also faced some of the best arms in the league. If they can put a few runs on the board, they may contend until the end of the year.

6.. Ducks on the Pond - 1-4 (LW - #5)

The Ducks on the Pond need to find a way to string together some hits before thinking about making a return to the playoffs. They are currently seven for sixty seven (.104) on the season and that is good for worst in the GBL.

GRIFFLEBALL STARS OF THE WEEK

1. Ryan Galiher - (P) 1-0 7 IP 11 SO 5 BB 0 HA (No Hitter) (H) .416 AVG 1 HR 1 RBI

2. Kyle Gagliardi - (P) 2-0 9 IP 8 SO 4 BB 1 HA (No Hitter Game Two)

3. Ryan Voges - (P) 0-0 5 IP 7 SO 1 BB 2 HA 1 SAVE (H) .444 AVG 1 RBI

Griffle Talk With T Walk - Episode 6 - The Edge Gags Special

On episode six of Griffle Talk, T.Walk is joined by Edge (Kevin Edgington) and Gags (Kyle Gagliardi) to answer some questions for the fans and give their takes on Griffleball.

Griffle Talk With T-Walk - Episode 5 - Week Two Recap

In Griffle Talk this week, I touch on a few things about the NWLA criteria, recap week two, give you a standings and stats (yes finally stats) update, and preview and predict week three. #GriffleTalk