Devin Nelson's 2016 Uneducated Pre-NWLA Tournament Rankings
7/10/2016
by Devin Nelson
by Devin Nelson
16. BCW Keg Crushers
I remember Trent asking me to write this article before the 4th of July weekend and of course I forgot. Luckily a conversation about Alcoholic Beverages arose and I remembered that I had to write this article because nothing goes together better than alcoholic beverages and the guys from BCW. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the regional tournament to take part in their fun, but I know alcohol is a staple with these guys. As for their #16 ranking, they were the only team with 1 regionals win to make it in, so it’s tough to rank them higher.
15. LWA Legends of Leroy
I literally know nothing about this league, except that their logo is similar to that of a logo on a Trojan condom. Something that no one from MNWA will be using while we are in Ohio. (I mean that in a good way, I think?) Anyway being they are a new team, I expect them to have some troubles in the early going in Ohio.
14. BWBL Breaker Boys
I literally know nothing about this league, except that their logo is similar to that of a logo on… yeah never mind. Anyway, I see they had a positive run differential and that is the sole reason I put them ahead of LWA. Even though run scoring really means nothing in the NWLA. I believe we scored 19 and 17 last years in two of our losses. I suppose a run differential doesn’t mean anything unless you win so clearly my logic is flawed.
13. GAWL Stars
I literally know nothing about this league, except that their logo is similar to that of a logo on.. Gosh this is getting old. I mean these are uneducated power rankings, but at least if SRL made the field I would have been able to drop some knowledge about their wonderful team that I will miss not having in Ohio. Anyway onto the GAWL Stars, another new team to the field is why they are sitting at #13, another reason is because if I would have kept going in order I would have had to put MNWA next, which I didn’t want to do.
12. WWF New Wiffle Order
I truly don’t know where to rank a team like this. With Loftus and Artim on the Hill, they could battle their way all the way to the top 5, but they could also end up in 10th or lower. This year’s tournaments competition will be spectacular, and if these guys come out hard and compete, they are a team I would look out for.
11. GBL Paw Chests
I still don’t know anything about these guys except for that they raked at regionals and have Jeremy rrr….. was this the team that showed up late? Anyways, much like the WWF, and many of the teams I will mention in between, anywhere from 5-12 is up for grabs.
10. MNWA North Star Gophers
I guess we are the Gophers again. Anyhow, we addressed our need for pitching, added the best all around player in our league, and are traveling with 11 guys instead of 6. We may not be title contenders yet, but the Dangerfield Tournament is hopefully a thing of our past.
9. PWL Nationals
After taking a break from this article, I come back to see the remaining 9 teams. Even though all of these teams could make a run for the title (just like anyone else) I think that the Nationals are least likely to do so. Despite the Shannon brothers dominance of my own worn out arm, they still barely squeaked out a victory against us last year.
8. KWL Keggers
After quitting last year, KWL came back and dominated at regionals, earning them a spot in the top tier. Despite their dominance at regionals, I still don’t think the Keggers can move up from the middle of the pack. At least with an 8th place finish they’ll guarantee themselves a spot for next year.
7. HVWBL River Monsters
Their logo still scares me, and so does that kid who throws that pitch that goes from 6 feet above your head to the top of the strike zone. Another top 8 finish seems like a good spot for the River Monsters. Much like PWL and KWL, I just don’t think they have the firepower to compete for the #1 spot.
6. TBW Lightning
One Harley short. Yelp. A top 8 finish isn’t bad, but a top 8 finish can turn into a championship or vice versa with one player change. Obviously Tampa will still be a dominant team, but the wedding bells take the cake and drop them to 6th overall.
5. HFWB Hitmen
So is Jimmy Cole playing? Remember these are uneducated rankings, I’ve heard the surgery is scheduled for August, but does that put him in play for the tourney. Without the “MVP” It’s going to be tough to replicate last years success.
4. SWBL Cardinals
I love the Skibbe’s, but I “fear” they will never win an NWLA Tournament. They have the fielding and the hitting, but their pitching always seems to come up a bit short against the other best teams on Sunday morning. Another top 5 it is for the Skibbe’s.
3. HRL All-Stars
Oh how badly they want to win a title. I think if Smallpox loses to WSEM again someone will actually be killed. They have all the tools needed to win the title, they just need a few balls to bounce their way.
2. OCWA Freaky Franchise
New logos, new Franchise. New Regis. Hungry for revenge the Franchise will once again finish in the top 2. The addition of Pollard at the dish will be helpful but not quite enough to take care of the Dads.
1. WSEM Dads
3 peat. 3 peat. 3 peat. Its tough to beat a team like WSEM. They got it all. However, this year the target on their back has gotten bigger, and you never know who might take advantage in the early rounds and cause some ruckus in the double elimination portion. Only time will tell.
Once again, I hope I hurt everyone’s feelings and that all of these rankings are proven incorrect and you make me look stupid in about a week in Ohio. Can’t wait to see all of you, and for the best wiffleball weekend of the year to be here.
Once again, I hope I hurt everyone’s feelings and that all of these rankings are proven incorrect and you make me look stupid in about a week in Ohio. Can’t wait to see all of you, and for the best wiffleball weekend of the year to be here.