When the Westminster Baseball Association (WBA) polled its members about starting a "simple, fun, backyard-style" summer wiffle ball league, the response, in the association's own words, came back "loud and clear … Westminster is ready for wiffle ball." So get your trick pitches ready and break out the yellow bats, kids … and adults.
The WBA announced its inaugural Summer Wiffle Ball League in a Facebook post on May 20: a six-week season running June 29 through August 8, an end-of-season tournament to close it out, plus divisions for older teenagers and adults 18 and over.
Registration opens Memorial Day weekend, with a link to be posted on the WBA website once it goes live. Games will be played on several traditional WBA fields, with dimensions modified for Wiffle Ball.
"The WBA Board has been working hard to bring more community involvement, energy, and fun to our organization," said WBA president Teresa Griese. "Over the past year, several players and families approached us about creating additional summer opportunities, so we began exploring programs that would fit well within our mission and field space."
The board wanted something short-term, affordable, competitive, and fun, Griese said, while still emphasizing teamwork and community involvement. "Wiffle Ball checked all the boxes for us. It provides the blend of competition and recreation that also allows it to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels."
A fast-paced game designed for fun and easy participation
Games are built for speed. Rosters will be smaller than a traditional baseball lineup, time limits will be shorter, and equipment requirements will be pared down. Strike zone targets will replace ball-and-strike calls behind the plate, keeping innings moving.
"Our format is designed to be fast-paced, fun, and easy to participate in," Griese said. The aim, she added, is a summer atmosphere that brings players, families, and the community together "while offering a unique baseball experience outside of the traditional season that will lead into our Fall Ball season."
Early community interest, she said, has been "overwhelmingly positive," with the adult and older-teen divisions drawing the most enthusiasm. "We are very excited and believe this will have a positive impact for the WBA."
On Facebook, the association told followers to expect "a summer of big hits, friendly competition, and backyard baseball vibes."
More details and the registration link will be posted at westminsterbaseballassociation.com and on the Westminster Baseball Association Facebook page.