Are You Good at Wiffleball? Overrated and Underrated Skills of the Game
11/6/2015
by Ben Kapsner
I get it. We all think that we’re good at wiffleball. That’s part of the allure of sports right? We all want to be the best. However, judging by some of the talent in our league, that’s obviously unrealistic. The bottom line is that some players are better than others. But what makes a “good” wiffleball player? Is it the guy who can hit 8 dongs in a season? Is it the pitcher who can strike out 12 guys in a game? Or is it the guy who can literally beat out every grounder he hits (yes Peter I’m talking about you)? There are certainly a lot of disagreements over what qualities actually make a good wiffleball player. Today, however, I will try to break down some of the most overrated skills, and the most underrated skills.
**A quick disclaimer**
I am one of those people who believes in the “intangibles” of a player. Anyone who has ever played a team sport in their life understands that a player can impact a game in many ways other than how physically talented they are. You might not agree with me, and that’s fine. But you’re wrong, and probably not a good wiffleball player.
Overrated Skills
Power:
Underrated Skills
Athleticism:
Properly Rated Skills
Pitching
by Ben Kapsner
I get it. We all think that we’re good at wiffleball. That’s part of the allure of sports right? We all want to be the best. However, judging by some of the talent in our league, that’s obviously unrealistic. The bottom line is that some players are better than others. But what makes a “good” wiffleball player? Is it the guy who can hit 8 dongs in a season? Is it the pitcher who can strike out 12 guys in a game? Or is it the guy who can literally beat out every grounder he hits (yes Peter I’m talking about you)? There are certainly a lot of disagreements over what qualities actually make a good wiffleball player. Today, however, I will try to break down some of the most overrated skills, and the most underrated skills.
**A quick disclaimer**
I am one of those people who believes in the “intangibles” of a player. Anyone who has ever played a team sport in their life understands that a player can impact a game in many ways other than how physically talented they are. You might not agree with me, and that’s fine. But you’re wrong, and probably not a good wiffleball player.
Overrated Skills
Power:
- Yep. Power is obviously a very valuable skill to have. You can change the course of the game with one swing of the bat (see Andrew Johnson against the Buxtons last year). However, it is still overrated. There are many aspects to the game that having power does not impact. Power cannot make you a better fielder, or baserunner. Additionally, if you have power, but you cannot hit the ball you are going to struggle. Having power is most effective when it can be supplemented with other skills, or with teammates who can fill those holes. However, if your one trick is power, it is NOT a great trick.
- In baseball, every fan of sabermetrics LOVES OBP. And they’re not wrong to appreciate it. Wiffleball has a similar view. OBP does have its value. Scoring runs is the whole point of offense, and it’s pretty tough to do if you cannot get on base. However, we have gotten to the point where a walk is viewed as valuable as a single. That just is not the case. A two-out walk cannot drive the run in from second base like a single can. There is something to be said about putting the ball in play. In wiffleball, crazy things happen. Some of the greatest scoring opportunities happen because the defense makes a critical mistake.
Underrated Skills
Athleticism:
- Peter Monsrud. That is all. Obviously Peter has tremendous overall skills. But one of his best assets is his athletic ability. Being athletic impacts so many areas of the game. Both offensively and defensively. Obviously to be a force at the plate you need to hit, but having athletic abilities will get you on base more frequently. Additionally, using that speed on the basepaths multiple times in a game is an absolute weapon. And we all know how important defense is to a team.
- You gotta know how to play the game folks. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen Peter and Jordan win the Buxtons games because of their brains. Knowing when to take the extra base, how to identify a rattled player, and seeing not making mental errors WIN GAMES.
- Again, I value the importance of putting the ball in play. Crazy things happen when the ball is in play. You can score runs without even getting a hit, the defense can boot the ball around, and it will get you runs. Again, there are other skills needed, but having a favorable strike out rate will lead to more runs.
Properly Rated Skills
Pitching
- Not a lot to say here. Dominating pitching wins championships (See Devin Nelson).
- I think we’ve finally come to the realization that defense is important. At times it can still be underrated because BAD DEFENSE WILL COST YOU GAMES. I do think that most people realize defense is important, I just don’t know that everyone can properly identify how to form a good team defense.
- They’re fun to watch. They’re even funnier when you’re on the other team. However, it’s not fun when it’s your team doing the throwing.
- Some people love them, some people hate them. And that’s right where it should be. It’s definitely bold, and it’s definitely going to be made fun of in 20 years…however there is something magical about Lindor’s hair.