by Brent Wentworth
Veteran kickballer Allen Walker has been an outstanding first baseman in WAKA VA Peninsula since the early days. Season after season, you can count on him bringing great defense and dangerous offense. And despite the fact that Walker is entering his mid-30s, he's only getting better with age. The dude has been hitting the gym and is in the best shape of his career. Stronger. Faster. More powerful. Just ask Kick Ass' Manny Anderson. Walker gunned him out at home in an early season match-up. Not many people can say they've thrown out Manny from more than 60 ft away, and that was only one of many highlights for Allen. Great season.
by Brent Wentworth
Frank Council is possibly the nicest guy in the league. But don't mistake his kindness for weakness. He will destroy you on the kickball field. Always known for his powerful right leg, Council has shown a versatility on the defensive side of the ball that was invaluable to Free Ballin' in the spring. He saw major innings at first base, outfield, and charger. And in week 6, with Mark Flores unavailable, Frank stepped up and pitched 5 scoreless innings in a big 4-0 victory over Pop Pop. As Adam Henry said recently, "In a nutshell, Council makes your team better."
by Emily Ross Cook
One of the most difficult things to do as an outfielder is judge the distance of a kickball once it’s been kicked. Dani Buchanan-Schmidt has a strong depth perception and an innate ability to read a ball once it’s been kicked. With a softball background, it’s understandable that Dani would bring that ability into the kickball realm and, in all honesty, she rarely ever drops a ball in left field. Not only is her defense a crucial cog in the Pop Pop wheel, she’s strong on the offensive side of the ball as well. She’s aggressive on the bases, and isn't afraid to get dirty - as evidence by her recent play in the Spring end of season Tournament.
by Nathaniel "Jorts" Johnson
The most imposing presence on the mound in VA Peninsula (and that’s really saying something), Hassan Dubose is a towering southpaw who pitched Pop Pop into the semifinals in their first appearance in the league. Hass presents the extremely rare combination of speed, power, and movement on his pitches which blows away rookies and confounds wily veterans at the plate. When he is at the plate, Hass uses a powerful left leg to consistently drive in runs and has added a sneaky bunt into his offensive repertoire. Hass is making his return to the All-Peninsula Second team pitcher position which he held after the Spring 2012 season.
by Emily Ross Cook
Gene Efird has only been playing kickball for just over a year, but has already established himself as an elite charger, both in the Peninsula league and in the nation. A basketball player at heart, Efird can gun you out with an overhand throw or a quick chest pass to first base. Offensively he’s no joke either, as he can bunt or kick away with precision. The best thing about Efird? He’s young, which means you’ll be seeing his name on the All-Peninsula ballots for quite a while.
by Brent Wentworth
Very few males in VA Peninsula posses the speed of TJH's Lenora Harper. She puts hours and hours of work in at the gym and the practice field, and it paid off. As one of the best pure athletes in the league, Harper impressed opponents by beating out many great throws to reach base safely. Defensively, Lenora showed herself to have good range and sure hands... What's scary, is that she's still a relatively inexperienced player. She's just scratching the surface. Imagine what she's going to do in the Fall?
by Emily Ross Cook
Jason Kidd has had the opportunity to play for a variety of top tier teams: Foul Balls (circa ’09), 5 O’Clockers, JFK, and Pop Pop. Its no secret that when you kick the ball to the outfield, you’ll want to keep it away from Kidd as he is quick to get to the ball and has sure hands for catching. Offensively, Kidd typically leads off due to his speed, but his sneaky line drives can fool an unsuspecting outfield. Kidd may be on the All-Peninsula team for his play in the outfield, but if you were there for the semifinal match between the Clockers and Pop Pop you saw his versatility as a pitcher and charger as well. If anything, J.Kidd should be on the All-Peninsula team as a utility player instead of an outfielder because the Kidd can do it all.
by Emily Ross Cook
In only her second season in the WAKA Peninsula league, Nique Williams has established herself as a tough contender on the kickball field. Her sure hands at third base saved numerous “would be” singles during the regular season and throughout the tournament. Not only can she catch, but she’ll throw you out if you’re not careful. Snuck one past the charger? Nique will throw across the field to get you out at first. When she gets on base she’s no joke either, aggressive on the base paths always looking to push for that extra base. Needless to say, Freed found a quality player when he recruited this one.
by Nathaniel "Jorts" Johnson
The Kick Ass captain fulfilled three years of guarantees in the Spring 2013 in winning his first VA Peninsula championship. Manny Anderson was an integral part of this championship run playing catcher at breakneck speed behind the plate and jump starting the KA offense from the lead-off spot in the lineup. A fierce competitor from his years playing high school and collegiate football, Manny is a guy who leaves it all on the field and never quits. The voters once again recognize his unique combination of offensive and defensive talent.
by Brent Wentworth
To say that Noelle Walsh has a serious kickball addiction would be an understatement. Since the beginning of 2013 Noelle has competed in kickball tournaments in Ft. Lauderdale, Austin TX, Washington DC, and Harrisburg PA. In addition to racking up frequent flyer miles, Walsh has continued to showcase her all around skills. Skills which have helped Free Ballin' to their most successful season in franchise history. Kicking. Bunting. Defense. Noelle is the total package.
by Brent Wentworth
This man pisses excellence.
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