4/20/07 by Brian Meyers
With Spring, comes Wiffles.
The snow melts, the days grow longer, the birds reclaim their perches, and the summer hopefuls begin to hone their craft. Just like another year begins, the wiffleball culture hits center stage for another round of everyone's favorite summer game. There are "players" and there are "addicts", only the summer separates those that bleed 8-hole wiffles, from those that are just dazing into the sun.
With opening day of the Kalamazoo Wiffleball league only a short calendar leap away, players are lacing up their cleats and seeking the outdoors. Each has visions of warm summer evenings, and the crisp sound of plastic hitting plastic. Players prepare themselves in every way possible; no one can withstand the lure of reliving childhood memories. Eight months of waiting followed by three quick months of the best days of your life. There is nothing quite like spending hazy evenings with friends, playing a childhood game.
	What once was an innocent game of backyard boredom, has quickly transformed into a vehicle for intense competition. Trophy hopefuls are preparing for what could become the best season of their life. Hours are spent throwing a plastic ball at a wood target, or swinging a plastic bat in front of the reflection of a window.
Three fields await the dog days of the summer. Unbelievable plays will be forever etched in the minds of those that oust the competition. Those that step into the batters box look to feel the pressure and the glory of a walk off homerun. The elite that take the mound strive for the fanfare of a perfect game. Friendships will be built upon it, bonds will be sealed with. Teammates will put aside their personal goals for a chance to come together to reach one goal; to be the team talked about even years later.
With all the teams ready to clash in a three month journey, the anticipation is high. Everyone takes a deep breath to forever lock time on one moment; Opening Day. American League Opens 4/30/07 @ 6:30pm National League Opens 5/03/07 @ 6:30pm