2016 NWLA Tournament Uniform Rankings
by Trent Steffes
8/24/2016
I want to start off by saying: I apologize for the extreme tardiness of these rankings. This is a passion of mine and I know that there are some people, believe it or not, that look forward to these. However, life has really caught up to me in the month since NWLA Tournament. I find myself working all the time between my internship ramping up heading towards the end of summer and I recently got a new job with that company. I know that's no excuse because everyone works but I wanted to explain why I am getting these out so late.
Secondly, I want to give a huge shout out to anyone that had a part in choosing their team's uniform for this tournament. This year's field was BY FAR the most difficult to rank. Since starting these rankings after the 2014 Tournament, there has been a steady increase of uniformity throughout the tournament and the level that everyone brought it to in 2016 is incredible. So no matter where you find yourself on this list, please be proud of what you did. It was also the most difficult time I've had crowning a #1, and I will explain that later on.
Once again: uniform is the key word here. They aren't just jersey rankings, but uniform rankings. however, I know that some teams tried really hard with their jersey this year. So I decided to give each team both a uniform ranking and a jersey grade. Because even though some teams had killer jerseys, the ranking won't give light to that due to lack of uniform. But I definitely wanted to acknowledge the hard work that went into both the jerseys and uniforms this year.
Without further ado, I humbly give the long overdue 2016 NWLA Tournament Uniform Rankings:
**DISCLAIMER** There wasn't a single team this year that looked awful. Just keep that in mind.
8/24/2016
I want to start off by saying: I apologize for the extreme tardiness of these rankings. This is a passion of mine and I know that there are some people, believe it or not, that look forward to these. However, life has really caught up to me in the month since NWLA Tournament. I find myself working all the time between my internship ramping up heading towards the end of summer and I recently got a new job with that company. I know that's no excuse because everyone works but I wanted to explain why I am getting these out so late.
Secondly, I want to give a huge shout out to anyone that had a part in choosing their team's uniform for this tournament. This year's field was BY FAR the most difficult to rank. Since starting these rankings after the 2014 Tournament, there has been a steady increase of uniformity throughout the tournament and the level that everyone brought it to in 2016 is incredible. So no matter where you find yourself on this list, please be proud of what you did. It was also the most difficult time I've had crowning a #1, and I will explain that later on.
Once again: uniform is the key word here. They aren't just jersey rankings, but uniform rankings. however, I know that some teams tried really hard with their jersey this year. So I decided to give each team both a uniform ranking and a jersey grade. Because even though some teams had killer jerseys, the ranking won't give light to that due to lack of uniform. But I definitely wanted to acknowledge the hard work that went into both the jerseys and uniforms this year.
Without further ado, I humbly give the long overdue 2016 NWLA Tournament Uniform Rankings:
**DISCLAIMER** There wasn't a single team this year that looked awful. Just keep that in mind.
16. GAWL Stars
Regional Rank: 22
Jersey Grade: D
There was hardly anything memorable about both the Stars' jerseys and uniform overall. Some of the guys rocked some Red Sox hats and if they come back in 2017, I would recommend maybe adopting that type of uniform identity. Navy blue and red does well, obviously.
Jersey Grade: D
There was hardly anything memorable about both the Stars' jerseys and uniform overall. Some of the guys rocked some Red Sox hats and if they come back in 2017, I would recommend maybe adopting that type of uniform identity. Navy blue and red does well, obviously.
15. LWA Legends of Leroy
Regional Rank: 17
Jersey Grade: C
In terms of overall grades, no one deserves an A more than Leroy (ok, maybe OCWA and Skibbe,) LWA did something I've always wanted to be able to do as a team: prove the critics wrong. And as one of those critics, I'm happy to eat humble pie. Those guys can flat out play and I'm actually proud of them. But guys, gotta tighten up the unis if you want to prove this critic wrong in this arena of wiffleball. I don't know, maybe I'm just salty there was another team there with gold shirts. But honestly, black and gold is a great combo and they have a good identity. It's the foundation for a good uniform (I offer a uniform consultation service for free, boys.)
Jersey Grade: C
In terms of overall grades, no one deserves an A more than Leroy (ok, maybe OCWA and Skibbe,) LWA did something I've always wanted to be able to do as a team: prove the critics wrong. And as one of those critics, I'm happy to eat humble pie. Those guys can flat out play and I'm actually proud of them. But guys, gotta tighten up the unis if you want to prove this critic wrong in this arena of wiffleball. I don't know, maybe I'm just salty there was another team there with gold shirts. But honestly, black and gold is a great combo and they have a good identity. It's the foundation for a good uniform (I offer a uniform consultation service for free, boys.)
14. WWF New Wiffle Order
Regional Rank: 10
Jersey Grade: A
So for a team as good as nWo is and for as well as they ranked in Regionals AND as well as their jerseys got graded, it's a bit shocking to see them this low. Their shorts game was just too out of wack to garner any higher ranking than this. A few of them had really cool shorts that matched but nothing across the board matched consistently. Honestly, I really loved their jerseys. I really appreciate the fact that they had an alternate as well but it was just too mismatched, in the end. But if this were a jersey ranking, WWF would be seeing a single digit ranking for sure.
Jersey Grade: A
So for a team as good as nWo is and for as well as they ranked in Regionals AND as well as their jerseys got graded, it's a bit shocking to see them this low. Their shorts game was just too out of wack to garner any higher ranking than this. A few of them had really cool shorts that matched but nothing across the board matched consistently. Honestly, I really loved their jerseys. I really appreciate the fact that they had an alternate as well but it was just too mismatched, in the end. But if this were a jersey ranking, WWF would be seeing a single digit ranking for sure.
13. KWL Keggers
Regional Rank: 13
Jersey Grade: A
It seems like every year, I slight KWL in these rankings. Maybe it's because we've been beat by them every year of this tournament and it never gets easier to accept. For some reason this time around, I fell in love with the jerseys. I think they looked really, really good. But as is the case with WWF, a good jersey doesn't justify a good uniform rank. I think there's something there if you got everyone to just wear some Tigers hats and maybe get some matching navy shorts. Those additions would virtually guarantee a Top-7 ranking. But I applaud those jerseys. I really think they were a beaut.
Jersey Grade: A
It seems like every year, I slight KWL in these rankings. Maybe it's because we've been beat by them every year of this tournament and it never gets easier to accept. For some reason this time around, I fell in love with the jerseys. I think they looked really, really good. But as is the case with WWF, a good jersey doesn't justify a good uniform rank. I think there's something there if you got everyone to just wear some Tigers hats and maybe get some matching navy shorts. Those additions would virtually guarantee a Top-7 ranking. But I applaud those jerseys. I really think they were a beaut.
12. HVWBL
Regional Rank: 11
Jersey Grade: B+
There is a lot of potential with the HVWBL jersey set. I think it's a good color set, and I really like the word-mark but for the third time in a row: the mismatched "complements" were too random to give a higher ranking. I really do like these guys and they're on the right track and they're just matching hats and black shorts away from being major contenders in these rankings. Not having the logo on the jerseys helps!
Jersey Grade: B+
There is a lot of potential with the HVWBL jersey set. I think it's a good color set, and I really like the word-mark but for the third time in a row: the mismatched "complements" were too random to give a higher ranking. I really do like these guys and they're on the right track and they're just matching hats and black shorts away from being major contenders in these rankings. Not having the logo on the jerseys helps!
11. GBL Paw Chests
Regional Rank: 14
Jersey Grade: C+
The Curious Case of the GBL Paw Chests. That's the name of the documentary I'm going to produce about the GBL uniform situation. I just don't know where to put these guys. Because I like the simplicity of their jerseys, but they're too plain to warrant a high grade. They have matching shorts (I think?) but then go totally mismatched for the hats. I had them at a higher rank but then their media guy Tyler Walk talked me down after I told him about where they were. To be honest GBL: I just don't know. I think you guys have an actualy good foundation for a top-8 uniform set but the mismatched hats drive me bananas. Love you.
Jersey Grade: C+
The Curious Case of the GBL Paw Chests. That's the name of the documentary I'm going to produce about the GBL uniform situation. I just don't know where to put these guys. Because I like the simplicity of their jerseys, but they're too plain to warrant a high grade. They have matching shorts (I think?) but then go totally mismatched for the hats. I had them at a higher rank but then their media guy Tyler Walk talked me down after I told him about where they were. To be honest GBL: I just don't know. I think you guys have an actualy good foundation for a top-8 uniform set but the mismatched hats drive me bananas. Love you.
10. SWBL Cardinals
Regional Rank: 12
Jersey Grade: A
I don't know how I can give this team a double digit ranking, once again. Just look at those faces. And those guns. Sam teased me the weeks leading up to the tournament by saying that this year's jerseys were unlike any style ever seen, and that definitely peaked my interest. No team had ever gone with the full on bro tank before, and I applaud the effort. Add to the unique style a completely custom looking logo, and you have an A jersey. I would've given an A+ if I had any idea what that number font on the back was. At this point, I've kind of just accepted the fact that the Skibbe guys will never all just wear red Cardinals hats so this is the last time I'll mention that request. It would get you guys a single digit ranking... But I digress. Overall, it really was a good uniform! But the fact that they are the most handsome team probably makes up for any uniform fault of theirs.
Jersey Grade: A
I don't know how I can give this team a double digit ranking, once again. Just look at those faces. And those guns. Sam teased me the weeks leading up to the tournament by saying that this year's jerseys were unlike any style ever seen, and that definitely peaked my interest. No team had ever gone with the full on bro tank before, and I applaud the effort. Add to the unique style a completely custom looking logo, and you have an A jersey. I would've given an A+ if I had any idea what that number font on the back was. At this point, I've kind of just accepted the fact that the Skibbe guys will never all just wear red Cardinals hats so this is the last time I'll mention that request. It would get you guys a single digit ranking... But I digress. Overall, it really was a good uniform! But the fact that they are the most handsome team probably makes up for any uniform fault of theirs.
9. BWBL Breaker Boys
Regional Rank: 20
Jersey Grade: C+
The effort of Mr. KEvin Sickle cannot be ignored, here. He seemingly took my advice and went and got BWBL caps made to match the jerseys. THANK YOU KEVIN. The more I look at the set, the more I like it. Black and white is a combo that is really used well here, with the Oreo-esque combo of black, white, black (2017 BWBL Oreos?). The jerseys were plain, but overall this is a realy, really solid set. Congrats, BWBL. To go from #20 to #9 is a huge leap.
Jersey Grade: C+
The effort of Mr. KEvin Sickle cannot be ignored, here. He seemingly took my advice and went and got BWBL caps made to match the jerseys. THANK YOU KEVIN. The more I look at the set, the more I like it. Black and white is a combo that is really used well here, with the Oreo-esque combo of black, white, black (2017 BWBL Oreos?). The jerseys were plain, but overall this is a realy, really solid set. Congrats, BWBL. To go from #20 to #9 is a huge leap.
8. BCW Keg Crushers
Regional Rank: 3
Jersey Grade: B
BCW has only ever been top-5 in these rankings but I had to slow the roll this time around. Overall: it is a really fantastic set. Matching caps, good shirts ,and matching shorts. Literally hits everything on my list. Only reason these fellas find themselves lower in this edition of the rankings is that it's the third straight time we've seen those threads. Don't get me wrong, I love the jerseys. But repetition is not the way to garner a higher uni ranking. Just ask Skibbe. And while I know jerseys of that caliber can be quite expensive, I would offer the advice that an alternate jersey would do wonders for this set.
Jersey Grade: B
BCW has only ever been top-5 in these rankings but I had to slow the roll this time around. Overall: it is a really fantastic set. Matching caps, good shirts ,and matching shorts. Literally hits everything on my list. Only reason these fellas find themselves lower in this edition of the rankings is that it's the third straight time we've seen those threads. Don't get me wrong, I love the jerseys. But repetition is not the way to garner a higher uni ranking. Just ask Skibbe. And while I know jerseys of that caliber can be quite expensive, I would offer the advice that an alternate jersey would do wonders for this set.
7. HRL All-Stars
Regional Rank: 1
Jersey Grade: A+
The honeymoon is over and we are starting to get to the really nitpicky part of the rankings. HRL has the best jerseys in the tournament, I will admit that. But Twobat's return to wearing his old cap and Smallpox being "too cool for school" and choosing to not wear the right cap is what is keeping them on the outside looking in on the top-5. I would also like to acknowledge the attempt at trying to match shorts but I have a feeling that those efforts were wasted by the second game. I expect big things ut f the creative genius mind of Web Gem for the HLR threads next year. Let's see what you've got.
Jersey Grade: A+
The honeymoon is over and we are starting to get to the really nitpicky part of the rankings. HRL has the best jerseys in the tournament, I will admit that. But Twobat's return to wearing his old cap and Smallpox being "too cool for school" and choosing to not wear the right cap is what is keeping them on the outside looking in on the top-5. I would also like to acknowledge the attempt at trying to match shorts but I have a feeling that those efforts were wasted by the second game. I expect big things ut f the creative genius mind of Web Gem for the HLR threads next year. Let's see what you've got.
6. MNWA Gophers
Regional Rank: 7
Jersey Grade: B
Despite our plain jerseys, I thought we looked dynamite this year. I have been pushing for a gold jersey for years and this year decided to just buy them without telling anyone first and it worked. I think we also had the best hats in the tournament (ignore the kid in the bucket hat. He didn't play in the tourney so he doesn't count). One thing that popped up a few times this year for the first time in history was the addition of matching accessories. If you notice, Devin Nelson took initiative this year and bought everyone who wanted one a maroon digi-camo arm sleeve. I think they looked badass. Overall, this was a very attractive set. I think after the success of this year's jerseys, the days of the weird Gophers jerseys are behind us. You know me, of course I already have an idea of what I want to wear for next year. And I can say it will be a bit more liberal than plain gold shirts, but not much. Well done, me.
Jersey Grade: B
Despite our plain jerseys, I thought we looked dynamite this year. I have been pushing for a gold jersey for years and this year decided to just buy them without telling anyone first and it worked. I think we also had the best hats in the tournament (ignore the kid in the bucket hat. He didn't play in the tourney so he doesn't count). One thing that popped up a few times this year for the first time in history was the addition of matching accessories. If you notice, Devin Nelson took initiative this year and bought everyone who wanted one a maroon digi-camo arm sleeve. I think they looked badass. Overall, this was a very attractive set. I think after the success of this year's jerseys, the days of the weird Gophers jerseys are behind us. You know me, of course I already have an idea of what I want to wear for next year. And I can say it will be a bit more liberal than plain gold shirts, but not much. Well done, me.
5. PWL Nationals
Regional Rank: 5
Jersey Grade: B-
For the purposes of this ranking, I am ignoring the dude in the grey shirt in this picture. Although I may be in the minority, I for one like the fact that PWL went away from the MLB-replica jerseys. I like that they attempted to be more creative with it this year and I paid off. I thought the hats were absolutely killer, too. And they may have some of the best shots in the entire tournament. Once again, and very good effort out of our nation's capital.
Jersey Grade: B-
For the purposes of this ranking, I am ignoring the dude in the grey shirt in this picture. Although I may be in the minority, I for one like the fact that PWL went away from the MLB-replica jerseys. I like that they attempted to be more creative with it this year and I paid off. I thought the hats were absolutely killer, too. And they may have some of the best shots in the entire tournament. Once again, and very good effort out of our nation's capital.
4. HFWB Hitmen
Regional Rank: 8
Jersey Grade: A+
I want to start off by saying with this top-4, you could blindly pick one of them and have one of the best uniform sets we've ever had at this tournament. Seriously, it was incredible how hard it was to rank these four teams. And when it gets that hard, I get really REALLY nitpicky. And although Hess had amazing shirts that no one saw coming, warm up jerseys and matched everything from socks to shorts to headbands to armbands (really. who does that!) I have to put them at four because we still weren't matching hats. And the worst part is that if they all just either rocked a Yankee cap or headband: they'd be in serious consideration for number one. But I can't say enough about how amazing every little detail of this set. Seriously, it's mystifying how detail oriented Aussy is. Even the freaking wings of the skull on the shirt mach the pattern of the sleeves'headband/shorts. I honestly can't believe it.
Jersey Grade: A+
I want to start off by saying with this top-4, you could blindly pick one of them and have one of the best uniform sets we've ever had at this tournament. Seriously, it was incredible how hard it was to rank these four teams. And when it gets that hard, I get really REALLY nitpicky. And although Hess had amazing shirts that no one saw coming, warm up jerseys and matched everything from socks to shorts to headbands to armbands (really. who does that!) I have to put them at four because we still weren't matching hats. And the worst part is that if they all just either rocked a Yankee cap or headband: they'd be in serious consideration for number one. But I can't say enough about how amazing every little detail of this set. Seriously, it's mystifying how detail oriented Aussy is. Even the freaking wings of the skull on the shirt mach the pattern of the sleeves'headband/shorts. I honestly can't believe it.
3. TBW Lightning
Regional Rank: 6
Jersey Grade: A+
Don't even know where to begin here. TBW had three shirts in rotation, and they were all magnificent. The shirts shown in this picture match the shorts that they all rocked last year, so that was a really nice surprise. And they all matched the caps this year, which is great. I just straight up don't know what to say about the set. It was so so so so good.
Jersey Grade: A+
Don't even know where to begin here. TBW had three shirts in rotation, and they were all magnificent. The shirts shown in this picture match the shorts that they all rocked last year, so that was a really nice surprise. And they all matched the caps this year, which is great. I just straight up don't know what to say about the set. It was so so so so good.
T-1. OCWA Freaky Franchise
Regional Rank: 2
Jersey Grade: A+
Such a good set. I thought both the red and blue jerseys worked and my favorite part was that each day had it's own set of matching shorts. The hats were absolutely elite, and overall: The Franchise is back. I thought this set was too good to give any rank lower than a 1 to. So I decided this year to have co-champions. But if I must say: there was one thing that nearly bumped OCWA into the 2 slot, and it's really quite petty so I decided not to be a dick about it. Socks. That's how detailed the top of the list gets. But I decided to be a nice guy and just have these two teams tie. Ironically, they seem to hate one another.
Jersey Grade: A+
Such a good set. I thought both the red and blue jerseys worked and my favorite part was that each day had it's own set of matching shorts. The hats were absolutely elite, and overall: The Franchise is back. I thought this set was too good to give any rank lower than a 1 to. So I decided this year to have co-champions. But if I must say: there was one thing that nearly bumped OCWA into the 2 slot, and it's really quite petty so I decided not to be a dick about it. Socks. That's how detailed the top of the list gets. But I decided to be a nice guy and just have these two teams tie. Ironically, they seem to hate one another.
T-1. WSEM Dads
Regional Rank: 4
Jersey Grade: A+
Everything about these uniforms was elite. Alex Shore kept a firm grip of the Dads' uniform sets in years past and Chandler didn't let that tradition die out. Everyone had the same shirt, hat (well, except Strojny I believe. Darker shade of green) SOCKS and shorts. My god, the shorts. By far the best the tournament has ever seen. Chandler and WSEM have nothing to be ashamed of in this tied top ranking. It's just that I thought both sets were too good to have at any rank lower than 1. But I really, really loved those jerseys. I even got one (and am still waiting on my OCWA one, Ryan.)
Jersey Grade: A+
Everything about these uniforms was elite. Alex Shore kept a firm grip of the Dads' uniform sets in years past and Chandler didn't let that tradition die out. Everyone had the same shirt, hat (well, except Strojny I believe. Darker shade of green) SOCKS and shorts. My god, the shorts. By far the best the tournament has ever seen. Chandler and WSEM have nothing to be ashamed of in this tied top ranking. It's just that I thought both sets were too good to have at any rank lower than 1. But I really, really loved those jerseys. I even got one (and am still waiting on my OCWA one, Ryan.)
The Real 1. The Umps
Whether you think they were good or bad at making the calls, you can't deny the fact that they were matching as hell. I honestly thought all the umps this year were a blast. Thank you for not ejecting me against OCWA.