Next Wednesday marks the return of the Downtown Springfield Wiffleball season. The game, which takes place on Springfield’s square, has been an ongoing summer tradition for locals since 2016.
The league is meant to bring together those who live and work downtown, but anyone can come watch the games.
The effort is run by the Downtown Springfield Association. According to Rusty Worley, executive director of DSA, the purpose of the sport is to promote downtown organizations and bring them closer together. Games are held every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., June 8 to early September depending on rain.
Two divisions make up the Wiffleball League: Sandlot and Queen City. The former is the more recreational sports based division, with the latter having a more competitive edge to it. Players are mainly members of the DSA, working or living near downtown.
Fields include Mother’s Brewing Company, Regal College Station and the Square.
“Each field has its own characteristics, just like a major league field or minor league field,” Worley said. “Folks love to play at Mother's, that has a fun backyard setting. The Square is iconic, and it's a great place to hit home runs into the fountain.”
Do they close down the square?
These areas are all self-contained and are out of the way. Worley said this allows roads to remain open during play. For example, players will be situated in the courtyard of the Square, not the entire space.
Worley said since the ball is made of plastic, there is a low chance of property damage. Additionally, the sport is ghost runner based, meaning players don’t actually run after hitting. This minimizes the risk of running into oncoming traffic.
The pitcher will announce outs and runs before every batter. While there is not an umpire, Worley said most disputes are solved with rock paper scissors.
A full list of rules can be found on the It’s All Downtown website.
Last year’s recreational champions were the Efactory group, an innovation hub and coworking space at the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center.
Brian Ash, owner of Calibrate Digital Marketing and returning team captain for Efactory, said while only two players will be returning from the previous season, he is excited to begin again.
Ash was surprised and grateful for his victory last year, saying the team’s opponent was tough and “stars had to align” for Efactory’s win.
According to Ash, the main goal of the team is to have a fun time while playing. They have only had one practice to “kick the rust off,” as the games won’t be too taxing.
“It's not real serious,” Ash said. “I enjoy the camaraderie, just getting together. Being outdoors, grabbing a beer afterwards. Just a break from the normal daily grind.”
Ash said his favorite field was Mother’s, as players can drink while playing.
Worley said the season will continue as normal until mid-August. Then playoffs for both the Sandlot and Queen City divisions will be held. The season will end with a Homerun Derby for each team.
While the leagues are catered to those who live and work downtown, those interested can contact Worley at rusty@itsalldowntown.com to apply. Games are open to the public for viewing as well. A full schedule of wiffleball games can be found on the It’s All Downtown website.
