Meet the Rumspringas!

by Brian Yohn, Rumspringa

WAKA Peninsula is rapidly approaching its Fall 2011 season, and the Rumspringa team is gearing up for their 4th season together.  In their first outing as a team, they struggled heavily, which was understandable since they only fielded two veterans in Dan Wright and Sabra Swilley.  In spite of their struggles, they finished with some momentum and went into their second season with a new appreciation for the game.  The start of the second season brought on more pressure because people saw a strong resolve in the returning players.  The Springas did not respond well, starting out slow once again.  They found their stride in the second half of the season, racking off several impressive victories, culminating in a double-overtime 3-2 loss to friendly rivals, Just For Kicks, in the semi finals of the tournament.  As far as WAKA was concerned, Rumspringa had arrived; they weren’t an elite team, but certainly one that needed attention. They carried their white-hot swagger into their third season; where they were delivered an early wake-up call by new powerhouse (and reigning champs) Vicious and Delicious.  VD beat the Springas, initiating what would end up as an early season spiral with little bright spots.  In spite of a mid-season turn around, the team never got into a full groove, coming up time and again, especially offensively, against teams higher than them in the power rankings.  With their fourth season on the horizon, the Springas have gone through their first major overhaul.  They have lost superstar couple Gary and Berd Weems, founding member, Tia McCoy, as well as several other strong performers.  Sabra Swilley and Scott Moriarty have stepped down as Captains, passing the torch to Matt Wellbrock, and the team has turned to veteran Free Agent acquisitions for help to move forward.  Here’s a brief look at the players of Rumspringa, and the journey they’ve taken so far.

It's all about the accessories.

Matt Wellbrock: Matt has taken over as the Captain and Coach of this team.  He began his career as a solid outfielder.  During the first season he verbally supported Brian Yohn’s mid-season rise into the starting pitching job, but was asked “Why don’t you try pitching?  You’ve got like 30 bowling trophies,” and the light bulb lit up.  Since then, Matt climbed from 3rd string pitcher to the unquestioned starter and arguably one of the top five in the league.  For better or worse, he plays with his emotions squarely on his sleeve and his physical skills combined with an uncanny passion keep him in command of his team.  Matt can be identified on the field through his strong play, or through his signature matching head and arm sweatbands.


Brian Yohn: Despite being scientifically impossible, Brian claims to bleed Smurf (Rumspringa) blue.  His claim to fame on the field stems from being in the right place at the right time.  While missing just under half of the games his team has played in three seasons, he has been a part of several defining moments for the Springa squad.  During the first Rumspringa season, he took over at pitcher and helped get the franchise their first ever win.  In season two, he kicked in Angie Weatherhead for the first run in the overtime epic against JFK, end the 7-inning 0-0 deadlock.  In season three, he kicked a walk-off single to steal Rumspringa’s first victory against Alliance partners and good friends, the Jagernauts.  While establishing himself as a player in the league in his third season, Brian’s clear cut role on Rumspringa is as Matt’s sidekick, and often the voice of reason with his roommate and good friend.

"I bleed Smurf blue."

Holmes, sans-mohawk

Ricky Holmes: There is no one in the league who believes in himself and his team more than Ricky.  To outsiders, it would appear that Ricky simply wants to win at any cost, but in reality, Ricky simply demands high effort.  He gives 100% on every single play, only missing one defensive series in three seasons (In game 3 of season 1 he was late to a 6:30 game and missed the first inning, Brian proved he is not cut out to be charger in that game) and his presence on the field inspires the people around him to care more and try harder.  He began his career near the top of the lineup, but was noticeably slower than teammate Troy Southall.  Upon shaving his 8 inch Mohawk after his first season, and gaining the natural aerodynamics of his body, thus drastically picking up his quickness, Ricky claimed the leadoff job and has held onto it since.  While not the biggest or the strongest charger in the league, Ricky’s blazing speed and focus keep him in the discussion for tops at his position in WAKA.

Southall kickin' it.

Troy Southall:  Troy is selflessness personified.  Even on a very bad rookie Rumspringa team, Troy found himself reaching stardom in the league.  After invitations to play in tournaments and strong play throughout his first season, he undoubtedly earned interest from some of the more established WAKA teams.  This climb continued and put Troy into top catcher discussions as his team found their stride in their second year.  Still, Troy never waived in his loyalty to his friends and teammates.  Very early in the Springas third season; Troy had a fluke accident that broke his foot, sidelining him for the majority of the season.  Fortunately for the team, they found another strong catcher in Guy Sumrell, who Troy supported and mentored.  Upon his return to the field late in the season, Troy didn’t complain about starting or playing time, but instead used his experience and knowledge of the game to teach his teammates.  With the understanding that he will still be splitting time, Troy decided to come back and play with his friends, contributing wherever he can.  After spending the summer healing to 100% and getting his timing and swagger back, he is more than ready to be a force in the Peninsula again.


Kecia Warner: If there were one word to describe Kecia, it would be “underrated.”  Kecia has quite a bit of league-wide popularity because of her unmatched partying skills, but it is what she brings to the field that goes unnoticed.  Constant hustle, a grasp for situations, and a toughness that is flat out untouchable by anyone else in the league allow Kecia to be a consistent and irreplaceable presence for the Rumspringa team.

Sabra Swilley:  The founder, and preverbal “team mom” of Rumspringa.  Sabra began dating Scott Moriarty, and they discussed playing kickball together.  In searching for talent, Sabra was able to see Scott’s friends as more than douche bag, frat-boy types and as a group that could deliver as a heck of a kickball team on and off the field.  Through the losing seasons and the huge wins, Sabra has always kept her composure, sometimes single handedly holding the franchise together.  Her veteran knowledge and familiarity with the league have been pivotal to the team.

Sabra and Scotty.

Scott (Scotty) Moriarty: The Mastermind of it all.  Scott saw Sabra’s dream and made a reality by turning his flag football buddies into a kickball team.  Starting his kickball career with a torn ACL, he fought through surgery and rehab to establish himself as a solid player, especially offensively.  With friendships throughout the roster including with teammates Matt and Brian in excess of 15 years, Scott used a solid foundation of friendship to build and maintain Rumspringa.  Due to a busier schedule with their upcoming wedding as well as more active roles with their jobs, Scott and Sabra stepped down as official team captains, but fortunately for the team, will continue to play.

Angie (Hawk) Weatherhead:  Outsiders may think Angie is only on the team because she looks good in her uniform and the team needs females.  Contrary to those beliefs, Angie is the third most solidified Springa at any position.  Behind only Ricky and Troy she has played the most innings at one spot on the field.  With her strong situational vision and great hands, she has locked down 2nd base for the majority of Rumspringas existence.  A strong bunter and fast runner, Angie never gripes with her seemingly ever-changing lineup spot.  She was the first run scored in Rumspringa’s epic overtime loss to friendly rival JFK in the fall 2010 season.

Dan the Man.

Dan Wright:  Dan is the most improved player on the roster.  When he joined the team as one of two veterans, he was unsure of himself, and with good reason as he joined a very close group of already-friends.  Having over double the kickball experience of most of the players on the team, Dan has used the last three seasons to hone his situational field vision, drastically improved his hustle, and developed into a reliable offensive player.  He can be used in a pinch to plug into any position on the field and perform adequately.  His fundamentals, especially with bunting and base running, are the most sound of any player on the roster.

Phil (Blue) Ferrainolo:  Rounding out the group of original Springas, Phil serves as both a seasoned outfielder and the team’s mascot (You’re my boy Blue).  Phil exemplifies what the Rumspringa team stands for: a lot of heart, and a lot of drinking.  He plays fearless and with a determination only previously seen in the film “Rudy.”  Phil is known for his reliable bunt and very aggressive base-running.

Rusty Wallace.

Rusty Wallace:  Rusty is a rock.  Largely unknown to the league because of his quiet demeanor and lack of a Facebook profile, Rusty is the guy the team looks to when things are down.  Whether the team is winning or losing, he keeps the same composure.  He is unaffected by hard situations or run deficits and next to Ricky, is the most natural athlete on the team.  He is a very strong outfielder and can both kick away and bunt with effectiveness.  Any opposing team is in trouble if Rusty turns on the jets whilst base-running.






Guy Sumrell:  Guy joined the team in fall 2010 as a fast runner with a lot of baseball experience.  He earned his way into the starting rotation as an outfielder as well, inching closer and closer to leadoff kicker.  His speed and presence were missed in the tournament in his rookie season.  In his second season he was a player everyone was excited to watch continue to develop in his role as a utility player because of his versatility; no one could have predicted how important Guy’s value would be.  With a terrible injury to All-star catcher Troy Southall, Guy was thrust into the starting catching job.  Troy left big shoes to fill, but Guy responded strongly, even garnering praise as a possible replacement for Troy.  Fortunately for the Rumspringa team, the players and friends embraced one another and instead of a controversy, the team gained a rare asset: two starting quality players at such a pivotal position.  

David Merritts: David is another guy who has made strides since joining the team.  Although a kickball veteran, David has only been a part of Rumspringa for one season.  When he joined the team, it was difficult to figure out exactly where he should play, but as he got comfortable with his teammates and potential roles on the team, he settled in as a reliable outfielder as well as 1st or 3rd baseman when needed.  He’s a bit quiet when you first meet him, but this guy can throw down and his unwillingness to say no to a good time definitely fuels the Rumspringa resolve when competing for the bar buzz.



Amy Leineweber: New to the team last season, Amy joined apprehensive on how seriously to take the sport.  She was a natural fielding the ball, but struggled early on with kicking and bunting.  As expected, after getting her feet wet, she began contributing to coincide with Rumspringa’s mid-season success.  Unfortunately, Amy’s aggressive play and never-quit attitude lead to a torn rotator cuff that greatly hampered the second half of her season.  Like any Springa, her resolve was unscathed and she’s back this season ready to pick up where she left off.


Nicole (Sticky Nikki) Hisler: Where Rusty calms the team, girlfriend Nikki calms Rusty.  A rookie last season, Nikki’s impact on the team happened before the games even started as she engaged in using Karate noises while kicking the ball.  The noise she made, coupled with team friend and JFK member Daniel Shaw’s awesome last name, has developed into something of a team slogan: “SHHHAAAWWW!”  Nikki continues to progress offensively and defensively and is poised to explode this season.


Patrick (Patches) Hanlon: Patrick uses kickball as an opportunity to have fun with a lot of people, and to attempt starting fashion trends.  Against all reason, he wears sneakers and jeans to every game, and as strange as that sounds, he is lightning fast and never slips.  An absolutely underrated free agent acquisition last season, Patrick has established himself as a strong outfielder, a very reliable offensive player, and one hell of a partier.  This guy gives it his all on and off the field week after week and never seems to be affected negatively by anything.

Mimi Gill: New to Rumspringa, it is impossible to not smile when around Mimi; her constant bubbly personality and positive attitude make everyone around her better.  The opportunity to bring her in as a Free agent was too much to turn down.

Meagan Gillcrest: Another free agent picked up because of her great attitude and positive resolve.  Meagan, who is good friends with Mimi, brings veteran skills to the field as well as some sick moves on the dance floor, which will definitely be utilized in the chase for the Bar Buzz.


Amie Graham:  Fairly new to kickball as a sport, Amie spent the summer impressing Matt, Brian, Troy and Patrick with her willingness to kick as often as she bunts and with her strong base running skills.  Although a free agent who doesn’t know most of the team, the Rumspringas are confident Amie will easily fit in and be able to contribute early.