A lot of us played the game when we were kids. Whether you had to head to the neighbors house, or the game was in your backyard, we remember our summer wiffle ball crew. A little yellow bat and a plastic ball with holes in it provided entertainment from sun up to sundown. While some view wiffle ball as a kid’s game, some locals have proven that it’s not your typical backyard game anymore. There are certain things just stand the test of time better than others. Activities that appeal to those of all ages generally fit into that category. Wiffle ball has proven to not only be a fun activity amongst friends, but also a way to still fill that competitive void as an adult. Tournament wiffle has taken off not only nationally, but locally as well. Justin Donavon and Whitt Huffer, co-founders of the Warsaw Whitecats have spent time on the tournament trail that’s led them as far as Homewood, Ill., this summer. While most people are unaware of the competitive wiffle ball world, these guys are no strangers to the sport. Since 2005 they’ve put together quite a few summers full of wiffle ball and memories. This year was the first of its kind though. A grand slam was formed between founders of four different tourneys. The idea formed in 2008 by Huffer was finally brought to fruition this summer. As the smoke cleared after the season, the Whitecats can lay claim to being the third best team in the nation. A very impressive feat when you look at the athletic talent that these events attract. With the quality finish, it’s no surprise that the Whitecats are already looking toward their 2016 summer that may include a tourney here in Warsaw. “I hope to have two tourneys. One affiliated with the Grand Slam and the other a charitable fundraising tournament,” said Huffer. With the interest growing in not only Warsaw, but northern Indiana, any wiffle ball event is sure to bring dollars to the community. Both Mishawaka events brought in around $5,000 in just team entry fees. The founder of the World Championship tourney in Skokie, Ill., estimates that their event brings in nearly $29,000 to their local economy. Those are the type of numbers that excite Huffer, who wants to provide those kind of experiences here for not only competitors, but also surrounding businesses and charities. “2016 might be the biggest year yet,” said Huffer. “We are actively searching for locations and volunteers to help bring in teams from all over to visit our fantastic city.”
