Fall 2013 Preview - Free Ballin'

Color: Cardinal

Captain:  Mary Katherine Hogg
Spring ’13 record: 7-3-0
VA Peninsula Experience: 5th season
All-Time Record: 21-16-5
Wentworth Trophies®: 0

By David Chappell

I wanna glide down, onto first base,
I wanna run past, second to third.
I wanna free fall, right into home plate,
Man I love this, Free Ballin’ Team!
And we’re Free, Free Ballin’!!!

(Thanks for Dana Pilz (or Tom Petty) for coming up with our name!)

Free Ballin’ has been expanding since Jon Pilz and Mary Katherine broke away from Battlestar 2 years ago to co-captain FB, and the team continues to excel on and off the field. Coming off the best season so far in the Spring of 2013, Free Ballin’ has maintained a core group of loyalists dedicated to the blood red shirts.

With 8 of the original members returning, Free Ballin’ at its core can be a tough match for any team. Mark “Superman” Flores, might be the oldest Free Baller, but as his name implies he is truly the “Man of Steel.” His lightening fast pitches have had some of the greatest bunters foul out and the big kickers pop out. Don’t let his calm, cool, collective presence on the mound fool you, he is a beast!  Frank Council, charger, first base, outfield, long-baller with the left or right foot, bunter, etc. I could go on and on about Big Frank, but his ability on the field speaks for itself. Alyssa Stoner, don’t be fooled by her “Pot Head” name, she controls the in-field and outfield like no other lady in the league. Pitchers fear her ability to kick, bunt, and her speed down the line. Lisa Rock, her name says it all. Always solid on defense and offense, opponents always feel her presence. Jon Pilz and Dana Pilz, enter the fifth season as new parents and one of the most solid couple duos in the league. Jon and Dana can do it all on the field and off, just check out that cute kid on opening night. JP Wilkinson, utility at it’s finest. JP knows all positions, knows all rules, and knows the value of Rock, Paper, and Scissors. I think his record in close to 99%. Mary Katherine, should be nominated for Coach of the Year every year. Her dedication, loyalty, and positive attitude have made Free Ballin’ one of the best teams to play on or against in the league. Though she rarely takes the field, beware if she does, she has many secret weapons up her sleeve and her “mama” feistiness when standing up for the team.

Coming off of our best season yet, we've worked hard to fill some big shoes (Jimmy, Noelle and Joey).  

Free Ballin’ during the off-season made some key additions in their pursuit of The Wentworth Trophy®. Dave Dixon will make his return to kickball after taking some time off as he and Betsy welcome their new son to this wild sport we all love. Dynamic duo Ty Main and Deej Sneir moved here from Florida and brought the “Sunshine” to Free Ballin’. (MK finally got a Meatballs player without flying her up!) They promise to bring great weather for all games so Scott Duncan will no longer be needed for weekly forecasts, LOL. Matt Mitchell, one of the infamous Swamp Donkeys is a much needed addition to the line-up. Great foot, Great defense, Great attitude! Just like the rest of the team!

Warning to all teams, Erin Rock is just like her sister Lisa when it’s game time. Solid on the bases and solid in the field, watch out because she will burn you quickly. Amroth Hough, will shake any pitcher on the mound, especially if the ducks are on the pond. She has a leg and will put the ball deep enough to clear the bases. Bundy, need I say anything else about this guy. Always a solid addition to any team, from coaching, strategy, and ability, Bundy and his black face paint is solid, always! In Egyptian, Greek, and Roman mythology, the peacock feathers were considered much like the evil eye. They are all seeing and David “Peacock” Chappell can see the gap in any defense. Known to line drive into the gap or lay a bunt down the line, he moves players around the bases. Shane Neilson, moves around the bases like Ali around the ring. He has speed and uses it wisely. On the field, beware Shane takes utility player to a new level. Amy “Amo” Schendel, determination is the first thing that comes to mind when Amo takes the field. She knows the game, has the skills, and destroys opponents. David “Dbizzle” Baum, has it all! His speed and big foot makes him one of the most feared players in the league. A pitchers nightmare, especially if the bases are loaded in the bottom of the 5th. Just consider it game over!  Shamus Riley is always happy, always having fun, and always locking down the throws to 1st. His ability to do the splits has most gymnastic athletes calling for advice. Offensively, he has a foot for the long ball and the speed to abuse any defensive.  

We are all hyped for another great WAKA season!  Free Ballin’ has a tough schedule and we are looking forward to the challenge and (as always) will be having fun on the field!  Good friends, good times!