Coed adult kickball is a veteran's game. Time and time again, experience trumps youth. But father time catches up with us all and with many elite players hitting the north side of 35, it's only inevitable that their grip on the sport will loosen. There's a new generation waiting in the wings who haven't even hit their prime years yet. These men and women born in the 90s are poised to dominate the sport for the next 20-30 seasons. Let's take some time to highlight some of the best with my personal picks for the CLUBWAKA VA Peninsula U27 team.
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| Slow-pez |
Rumspringa, Outfield
I was shocked when I saw that Lopez was on this list. It seems like he has been around forever. And it's true, he's a 5-year veteran and hasn't even hit 27 yet. David's birthday is in late September and he likes to tell a story about the time he e-mailed me in the summer before his 21st birthday to ask if he could register for the fall season. Like the strict asshole that I am, I told him he had to wait until the spring. Well, he did, and he's been playing ever since. Lopez excels as a speedy player who can kick near the top and play multiple positions well.
Randall Hammond
Chaotic KILFs, Outfield
Randall is a talented athlete with a lot of baseball experience. That experience has translated over to the kickball field as he's been a standout player for the KILFs over the past 3 years.
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| The KILFs have some of the best young talent in the league. |
Chaotic KILFs, Outfield
I'll be honest. When TJ first started, I never imagined that I would include him on a list of best anything. He was a little rough around the edges, to say the least. I remember watching the KILFs first playoff game and seeing TJ drop a handful of fly balls and cringing. Not good. But all he's done since then is show love and dedication to the game. Bowman is a very reliable outfielder, fundamentally sound offensive player, and by all accounts a great teammate. Certainly deserving of some recognition.
Chris Storar
Chaotic KILFs, Pitcher
Chris is a fiery competitor who puts his heart and soul into every play when he's on the kickball field. Storar is the classic 'five-tool' player. He bunts well. He has speed. Can kick liners. Has some deep power. Strong armed and can play any position on defense. I'm a fan. Only 25 years old, but he's already lead the KILFs to the Tortolini Title as well as been on a VA Freedom championship squad.
Justin Madon
Fireballs, First Base
One of the underrated players in the league is Justin Madon. His reliable hands and length at first have been an important factor in the Fireballs' recent success.
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| Justin parties. |
Jamie Gallagher
Cardiac Arrest, Third Base
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| Cardiac Arrest made a splash when they picked Jamie up. |
Journey Schmidt
JFK, Outfield
Big things sometimes come in small packages. Despite Journey's small frame, she's one of the better female outfielders in VA Peninsula. The former softball standout at Hampton High (#CrabberPride) can track fly balls well, cover good ground, and is very reliable in either corner of the outfield. Already in her young career, Journey has won championships in both VA Peninsula and VA Freedom.
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| Journey about to paint that line. |
Devin Raines
Fireballs, Outfield
Like Journey, Devin also grew up playing competitive softball. What stands out most about Devin is her drive and competitiveness. She always give 100% max effort. Since debuting in 2014 as a 21-year-old rookie, she's gone all in with kickball. Devin plays in multiple leagues a season, all year round. The hard work is paying off as she's beginning to build a reputation as an excellent all-around player. And she hasn't even begun to scratch the surface yet!
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| Intensity. |
Free Agent, Catcher
This man was only born a mere 23 years ago but has quickly established himself as one of the best catchers in all of kickball. Trey is so damn good at such a young age, that I can't even imagine the level he'll be at in 4 or 5 years. Simmons' natural athleticism is only matched by his outstanding work ethic. Last year he took a job that required him to move to the western part of the state and despite being 2-3 hours away, he still traveled back to Hampton Roads regularly to participate in VA Peninsula, Freedom, one-day tourneys, and Hammerheads practices. It's that dedication to continuous improvement that will lead to a lot of Wentworth Trophies® in Trey's future.
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| Not the most graceful moment in Trey's kickball career. |
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| The couple that slays together stays together. |
Haley Efird
Night Sweats, Second Base
Her husband, Gene, might get more of the attention (more on him in a moment), but Haley has become a great kickball player in her own right. She's practiced hard and honed the ability to put a bunt right down the line. In fact, she's probably one of the toughest women to get out. The VA Patriot captains agree as she was one of the first women taken in the draft this past summer. Haley had an incredible 2015 campaign, winning the Grand Slam of kickball. She earned championships in VA Raptor, Freedom, Peninsula, and Patriot, becoming the first player ever to do so.
Gene Efird
Night Sweats, Charger
What can I possibly say about Gene that hasn't already been said? He's not bad at kickball at all.
Honorable Mention
There were several to choose from. Here are some of the players that I had a really tough time leaving off my starting 11 (No particular order): Jacob Bean, Nick Pera, Alexandra McCarthy, Caitlyn Weirick, Katelyn Bryce, Kathryn Montgomery, Adam Frantz, Sarah Schmitt, Sarah Szekely, Teddy Phillips, Maghan Bryce
Despite all evidence to the contrary, I'm not the all-knowing expert of kickball. No doubt I missed some really deserving players. So, please comment on Facebook. What players do you think belong on the U27 All-Peninsula team?
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