In the Spring 2013 season, David “D-Bizzle” Baum made the move from the outfield to first base for Free Ballin’. The move paid off for his team as they exploded to a second place regular season finish and David’s first selection to an All-Peninsula team. Baum was probably the best kept secret on the Peninsula, until a signature moment when he blasted a walk-off home run against Rumspringa. A soccer background provided The Baumer has one of the most powerful legs in the league and Peninsula outfields have often fallen victim to his charms and “Baums”. Do not expect this to be David Baum’s first and last appearance on an All-Peninsula team.
by Brent Wentworth
Jeremy Edge is known throughout the country for being one of the most technically precise bunters in kickball. He seems to always paint the line and burst up the line in stride. His consistency gave Moose Knuckles a solid anchor at the top and started several rallies. Most notably, his bunt single sparked a big MK comeback win against That Just Happened in week 6. But don't think he's just a one dimensional bunter. Dude can kick bombs too, and Edge proved it by winning a preseason home run derby. No wonder Jorts has such a huge man crush on him.
With all respect to the pitchers on the first and second teams, no hurler can dominate the game from the mound quite like Mark Flores. The Superman socks that fly behind him as he winds up are a fitting piece of apparel for the Free Ballin’ pitcher who repeats as a Third Team All-Peninsula selection. Flores mixes speed, location and spin in a dizzying assault on unsuspecting kickers. Meanwhile, veteran kickers are still susceptible to fouling out at the hands of Mark Flores. As if it wasn’t bad enough for opposing players already, Flores is the eldest member of the All-Peninsula team by a wide margin (I’m too polite to reveal his age here, but feel free to ask him if you ever consider retirement).
by Nathaniel Johnson
Ricky Holmes might actually be the exact antithesis of Dwight Howard, who he compares himself favorably to in his Facebook profile. Ricky is the team captain and undisputed leader of Rumspringa, he is a human spark plug on defense, and he has improved into an elite lead off kicker. I get tired just trying to list the many things Ricky does for his team. He bunts with precision, sends laser rocket line drives, hypes his team up, calms his team down, gets to any ball at charger and he’ll be waiting at Luckie’s to tell you all about Rumspringa blue and make sure everybody’s hands go up... and they stay there.
by Brent Wentworth
Jiselle Anderson is a perennial member of the All-Peninsula honors and with good reason. She straight up dominates. The former college soccer standout has the skill to kick away or bunt to get on base. Anderson is without a doubt, one of the toughest ladies to get out in the league.
by Brent Wentworth
Another season, another stand out performance by Mr. John LaNeave. The Wahoo himself gave the Knucklers plenty of offensive options, as he's a great bunter and a line drive machine. There are 11 players in the field at all times, but that hardly seems enough when John is at the plate. He always seems to find the wholes and gaps.
by Nathaniel Johnson
The Moose Knuckles captain was capable of leading his team from any position on the field. Nick plays first base and outfield at a high level and is a capable of stepping in to pitch and charge. However, being an able fielder and leader is not all it takes to make it on the All-Peninsula squad. Nick boasts an impressive array of offensive skills which have gained the attention of Peninsula voters recently. It is rare to find a versatile player like Nick who can bunt and kick away effectively in any offensive scenario.
by Brent Wentworth
In the Fall of 2008, Jen Nardi first stepped onto the WAKA VA Peninsula scene, founding the Foul Balls franchise. She's been impressing kickballers every season since then. One of the more versatile ladies in the game, Jen is capable of playing multiple positions well, even positions traditionally associated with males, like pitcher. Her soccer background not only helps her kick with power, but it's where Nardi's patented over the shoulder throw comes from. This spring, Nardi lead the Foul Balls to their first winning record in over 2 years with her great play and leadership. Unfortunately (for us), this was her last VA Peninsula campaign, as she accepted a transfer to Boston late in the season. We'll certainly miss her around here!
by Brent Wentworth
There isn't a play on the field that Roger Jackson doesn't believe he can make. With unlimited energy and a quick burst out of the box, Roger wears opposing defenses out and absolutely smothers bunters. Opponents, you better not put any air under your bunts. Jackson will scoop it up. He's one of several reasons why the Clockers lead the league in least runs allowed per game (0.8).
by Brent Wentworth
In years past, Kecia Warner was known more for her dancing skills and her post-game Luckie's partying than for her play on the field. But recently, she's really developed into a dynamic all around player. Warner consistently drops bunts down the line and quick to first. She's also added in a line drive to her repertoire that can keep the defenses honest. In the field, Warner shows a lot of range in the middle infield and sure hands to secure outs. If you still think she's nothing but a party girl, than you're underestimating her at your own risk. Kecia will burn you.
by Nathaniel Johnson
If you’ve been to War Memorial Stadium on a Wednesday night, then you have heard Nicole Plesha. However, Plesha the kickball player is so much more than the “color commentary” she can be heard providing for her Battlestar Ballsacktica games. When Plesha is roaming the third base area or anywhere in the outfield, it’s a death sentence for the opposition’s fly balls. When on offense, Plesha can drive the ball into the outfield and is yet another dangerous RKI machine for a power kicking team.
Check back on the blog as we release the 2nd Team and the 1st Team later in the week!
