Getting the Most Out of Your KWL Experience 3/4/2010 by Mason Everett I first heard about the KWL from some random website listing various Kalamazoo area sports organizations. I thought to myself, “Kalamazoo has a Wiffle ball league? I gotta check this out!” From the quality of the website alone, I could tell this league took Wiffle serious. My brother and I had played home run derby in our parents' backyard for years growing up. Even when I'd come back home

to visit from out-of-state, we'd relive the old times and head out back with the old yellow bat and beat up plastic balls. After browsing the website for a few minutes, I knew I had to be a part of this league. With one season under my belt now, I'm glad I am. I understand that not everyone is as passionate about or has the same history with Wiffle ball as me. That's fine, but there are a few things that people new to the league or the sport should keep in mind. This is why I've created a mini-checklist for the newbies to follow, in which I call: Getting the Most Out of Your KWL Experience. O - Know the rules, take part in Spring Training The rules are pretty simple, pretty basic, so take the time to make yourselves familiar with them. People in the KWL are pretty easy going, especially with new blood. As nice as we are, people who don't know the rules can slow the games down. The best way to get a feel for the rules is to take part in Spring Training. You learn everything from setup, to game play, to closing down the field. It's also a great way to gauge talent - not just other teams' but your own! O - After the final pitch The teams that have the most fun are those that don't end their nights with the final pitch of the game. And the KWL doesn't take to kindly to the excuse, “I'd love to guys, but I have to work in the morning.” Fact 1 – WE ALL DO! Fact 2 – You don't have to close down the bar if you go out after the game... but you're a lot more fun when you do. O - Swing by the Fields on your off-night You play on Monday nights? Catch a game on Thursday. Play on Thursday nights? Catch a game on Monday. Not only will you get a feel for the other teams in the league, but there's other good people enjoying the summer evenings at the parks. Plus, it's a good way to get acquainted with KWL legends A.J. Tate and Michael Raber – two guys you want on your side for various reasons. (Those reasons will become clearer as you play against them) O - Attend the All Star Break, whether you're playing or not Last year's All Star Break consisted of the All Star Game, Fun Star Game, and Home Run Derby. Along with these three events, we had “Louisville Chuggers,” a man in a Speedo, topless people (I won't say if they were men or women... ok, I will... they were men), a dog as a defensive specialist, and much more. I'm sure if you asked everyone that attended, they would each have a different story to share. If you follow these suggestions, you'll enjoy your first KWL season as much as any veteran out here. Plus, all the articles on the league website will make much more sense if you're a part of them rather than looking in from the outside. Best of luck, newbies, and if you have any questions just let someone know. We're good people... except Jacques. He's not a good person. - Mason Everett, 2009 KWL NL Rookie of the Year