By Savannah Leedy | Arizona Foothills Magazine
Come be a part of the Valley’s best wiffle ball tournament during The Western WIFFLE Ball Championship, which returns for its fourth annual event on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Whether spectating or playing, the tournament promises another exciting year of home runs and family-friendly fun for all participants of all ages and abilities. This year’s event takes place at Goodyear Ballpark, the Spring Training home of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, with the ceremonial pitch thrown at 9 a.m. to commence the tournament.
Created by 16-year-old Logan Rose during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to promote being outside and staying active, the annual tournament is a production of Big League Wiffle Ball, a six-team competitive league based in Scottsdale that has now grown to over 50 players since its founding in 2019. The Western WIFFLE Ball Championship itself has grown to over 75 teams and has seen participants from across the country.
“Watching the Western WIFFLE Ball Championship’s growth over the years – seeing more teams, spectators and surprise guests show up and compete at the tournament has been just as exciting as it is rewarding,” says Logan Rose. “At last year’s tournament, YouTuber Eric Sim, also known as the King of Juco, came out to play which was incredible.”
The 2023 Western WIFFLE Ball Championship will have up to 40 teams made of three to five players. Teams can register to compete in one of the two divisions, Competitive or Recreational, depending on competitive interest and athletic ability. Due to no base running, all players of all abilities are welcome to participate in either of the two divisions.
Both the Competitive and Recreational Divisions will play on designated fields in a bracket-style tournament to compete for their division’s trophy. All teams are guaranteed three pool play games before the top eight teams participate in a single elimination bracket to determine the champions of both divisions. First place and second place teams of each division will receive a commemorative trophy.
