Greenfield’s Toby Campbell and his friends were trying to figure out ways to have fun this summer.
While the usual options like swimming and video games were thrown out, Campbell — who is going into sixth grade at Greenfield Middle School this fall — had another idea: to start a Wiffle ball league. His friends liked it and were down to play, but the idea needed a few more steps before becoming a reality.
“My friends and I were trying to figure out what to do this summer,” Campbell said. “Someone said video games and I said ‘no, how about we try to go have fun somewhere.’”
First, the league needed the proper Wiffle ball equipment, which included a Blitzball torpedo bat, the Wiffle balls themselves and an outfield fence. Campbell worked jobs around the house to raise the funds needed for his league.
Next was going to the city of Greenfield and seeing if they’d allow him to use the diamond at Four Rivers Corner School. The town gave him the go ahead and soon after, Campbell, his dad, Aaron, and friends Bryce Zraunig and Owen Castine got to work putting the fence just outside the infield portion of the diamond.
Once that was complete, the league was set to begin. Sixteen players signed up to compete, and 10 were able to make it to the first day of games which took place earlier this month.
“I asked the town if I could build a Wiffle ball field there,” Campbell said. “I got all my friends from around here to come play and have fun. They let the people know who mow the field and they were alright with it. We got our first couple games in. A lot of people were busy but it was still fun.”
When those like Castine heard about the idea, they wanted to contribute however they could.
“Toby and us have been friends for five years,” Castine said. “I wanted to help him do it.”
The league was a welcome addition for many kids in Greenfield. It was something the group had been talking about doing, but had never executed the plan of getting a league together.
Once Campbell took a leadership role in getting the ball rolling, the group of friends were eager to play. For those like Anthony Ruggeri — who was unable to attend the opening set of games — signing up for the league was a no-brainer decision.
“I haven’t played a game yet because I was busy,” Ruggeri said. “I was really excited when I heard it was happening though. I’ve always wanted a Wiffle ball league but I didn’t feel like starting one myself. I’m glad Toby was there to start one.”
How does the league work? Currently, there are four teams with four players on each squad. The players held a draft to determine teams.
In the field there is a pitcher, a first baseman, a second baseman and a third baseman, with a catcher strike zone behind the plate to determine balls and strikes.
As the league grows, Campbell said he’s hoping to add more teams or add an additional player to each roster. Through one round of games though, the current format doesn’t seem like it needs much tinkering.
“It’s been pretty good,” Castine said. “Most people showed up on the first day which was nice. We had the right amount of players we needed and it went well. We got a few games in.”
The league will continue throughout the summer, and Campbell said he hopes people come out and want to watch them play. There is an Instagram (@wiffleball3) and Tik Tok set up to showcase highlights. Campbell planned to livestream the opening games but the heat on that first Sunday forced his phone to overheat.
“I want to get it more popular and for people to come watch,” Campbell said. “I want people to play and have fun and not stay home during the summer.”