Jim Hewey & Lexington Brewers calling it quits

2010 CCWA Champion Lexington Brewers
(L-R) Kyle Godinho, Jim Hewey, Matt Bailey, Parker Williamson, Phil Shero

In news that stunned everybody in the league Jim Hewey announced that 2012 will be his last season of wiffleball and that the Lexington Brewers would no longer be fielding a team in the CCWA.  Hewey has been around since day one and was instrumental in helping shape the league and also helping it grow.  He has played in more CCWA games than anybody else at this point.  He has won more Gold Gloves than any CCWA player, won a MVP award and was the team captain for a Championship team.
 
The Brewers have been a fan favorite for many years and their loss will leave a huge void in the Northern League.  The Brew Crew was one of only two teams remaining from the inaugral season with the other being the Jackmove Giants.  The Brewers won the CCWA Championship in 2010 when they defeated the Southeast Athletics. 

Jim hasn't entirely ruled out a return to the league in the future.  "I will definitely be around still and try to check out as much as possble. I just dont have the time anymore with coaching my son with his stuff and my daughter starting to get involved in sports as well, so I dont want to be that guy that people have to schedule around." Jim said, adding "I am sure there would be some times I would like to get some wiffles in, just hard to commit for a full season."

Thanks for all of the good times Brewers, you guys will be missed.

2012 CCWA Award Winners

With the 2012 CCWA Regular season finished here are the Award Winners.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Northern League - Josh Burckhardt, Longview Lumberjacks
Southern League - Justin Ellis, Mid-Town Mariners

CY YOUNG
Northern League - Eric Dorland, Ridgefield Orioles
Southern League - Dan Sefner, Eastside Expos

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Northern League - Marcus Deyo, Lexington Brewers
Southern League - Brian Jolly, Bridgetown Black Barons

MOST IMPROVED
Northern League - Keith Bunn, Ridgefield Orioles
Southern League - Bryan Anderson, Clark County Colt .45's and Dan Woytek, Portland Gothams

TEAM CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR
Northern League - Jim Hewey, Lexington Brewers
Southern League - Andy Kushner, Bridge City Dodgers

COMMISSIONER'S AWARD
Gerald Allen, Jackmove Giants

Extra Innings - Eric Erickson

Eric "Pretentious E" Erickson

Today at Extra Innings we have Eric "Pretentious E" Erickson of the Rose City Royals.  Eric is playing his rookie season in the CCWA and has become quite the presence on the league's message board.  Eric is a lifelong baseball fan and player who was convinced to give wiffleball a try by Royals captain Joey Bock.  His favorite MLB team is the Phillies.  His likes include Tillamook's squeaky cheese, Barry Manilow, and Oregon beers while he dislikes the gingers.  What?

Extra Innings - How long do you plan on playing in the CCWA?
Eric Erickson - You'll have to ask Joey Bock and Jeramey Randall about that.  If I can make it through the season without getting the boot we'll put it in the Win column.

E.I. - What are your favorite restaurants?
E.E. - Amalfi's, Ringside and the Delta Cafe

E.I. - Do you sing in the shower?
E.E. - No, but I pee in there a lot.  Sometimes when I'm not even taking a shower.

E.I. - What's your fondest CCWA memory?
E.E. - The first time I got to the park and saw beers in the cooler.

E.I. - If you could play for any other CCWA team who would it be?
E.E. - I'll fight you if you think you're gonna rip this Royals jersey off my back, son.  But I'd drink with most of 'em.  Does that count?

E.I. - Who's your favorite wrestler?
E.E. - Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat.  FYI: Dude's real name was Richard Henry Blood.  That might be even cooler than his stage name.

E.I. - What do you love most about wiffleball?
E.E. - To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
Wait... that was the answer to "What is best in life?" so I'm gonna change my answer to: drinking with the fellas.

E.I. - Name three things that need to go away.
E.E. - Aluminum bats, the DH and soccer

E.I. - What are your three favorite TV shows?
E.E. - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, NCIS, Phillies games

E.I. - If you could face any major leaguer in wiffleball who would it be?
E.E. - Johnny Damon 'cause he throws like an 8 year old girl and that means I'd have a chance of getting a hit.

E.I. - What is your dream job?
E.E. - Married to an old, rich broad who is close to death and has remembered me fondly in her will.

E.I. - What is in your CD player right at this moment?
E.E. - I was listening to The Dead Milkmen in the Volvo this morning.  Jim Rome is on the radio right now.

E.I. - Miracle Whip or Mayo?
E.E. - Mayo

E.I. - What's the best way to spend a Saturday?
E.E. - Watching the Phillies and being manly

E.I. - What is your most embarrassing CCWA moment?
E.E. - Every time I grab a bat.  But having me pick one is like asking someone to pick their favorite child.  Except that I hate kids.  Hold on.  This is the worst analogy ever.  I don't even know what I'm saying at this point.  Can we start this interview over?

2012 CCWA All-Star Teams

The votes are in and they've been tallied.  Here are the 2012 CCWA All-Star Teams!

Northern League All Stars
Josh Burckhardt, Longview Lumberjacks (team captain)
Scott Coleman, Jackmove Giants
Eric Dorland, Ridgefield Orioles
Karlis Liepa, Jackmove Giants
Mike Wilson, Longview Lumberjacks
Eric Keele, Lexington Brewers


Southern League All Stars
Dan Sefner, Eastside Expos (team captain)(most votes received)
Omar Steinberg, Eastside Expos
Mike Benkoski, Buckman Blue Jays
Justin Ellis, Mid-Town Mariners
Brian Jolly, Bridgetown Black Barons
Eddie Francis, Rose City Royals

Here are the teams for the Fun-Star Game


Northern League Fun Stars
Jim Hewey, Lexington Brewers (team captain)
Matt Jones, Jackmove Giants
Rick Meder, Ridgefield Orioles
Erik Doyle, Longview Lumberjacks
Keith Bunn, Ridgefield Orioles
Nate Bullock, Longview Lumberjacks


Southern League Fun Stars
Andy Kushner, Bridge City Dodgers (team captain)
John Savoie, Portland Gothams
Gram McCloud, Buckman Blue Jays
Ryan Oxford, Mid-Town Mariners
Nate Colpron, Clark County Colt .45's
Dan Woytek, Portland Gothams


And last but not least here are the n00bs that will be filling the rosters of the Rookie Stars.  We've lost a team in the Northern League so not all of these players are "rookies" in the true sense of the word.


Northern League Rookie Stars
Tyler Robinson, Columbia Hgts. Cardinals (team captain)
Marcus Deyo, Lexington Brewers
Casey Robinson, Columbia Hgts. Cardinals
Ryan Guizzotti, Ridgefield Orioles
Andy "Red" Huntington, Columbia Hgts. Cardinals
Rob James, Columbia Hgts. Cardinals


Southern League Rookie Stars
Dan Lurie, Bridgetown Black Barons (team captain)
Mark Dec, Beaver State Biscuits
Chris Larkin, Bridge City Dodgers
Eric Erickson, Rose City Royals
Darcy Cordell, Beaver State Biscuits
Bryan Anderson, Clark County Colt .45's


This years game will be held on July 14th at Wahl Field in Washougal, Washington.  The directions to Wahl Field are right here! The All-Star Game kicks off at 2 PM, hope to see you all there!

Week 11 Power Rankings

We haven't posted a new Power Rankings in a few weeks and there has been some changes to the list.  For the first time we have two teams from the same league in the top two spots.  The Buckman Blue Jays have taken the top spot from the Eastside Expos and dropped them down to two.  There are a few other teams moving up and down this week.

1.  Buckman Blue Jays (3) - Jeff Priester and Mike Benkoski's bats have heated up and helped the Blue Jays drive in the most runs in the CCWA.  Mark Sefner's pitching has been another bright spot for the Jays.  Look for the Blue Jays to be the first team to win their division.

2.  Eastside Expos (1) - The Spos have dropped a spot after suffering their first sweep all season.  This should only be a minor setback for the Expos though as Dan Sefner and Omar Steinberg have once again formed the most dangerous pitching rotation in the league.

3.  Longview Lumberjacks (5) - The Jacks have been playing some great ball lately and have an eight game win streak to show for it.  Josh Burckhardt and Erik Doyle have been absolutely plastering the ball.  They should help the Jacks compete for the top seed in the North.

4.  Lexington Brewers (2) - The Brewers have had some of their younger players step up and produce for them this season.  Marcus Deyo is running away with the Rookie of the Year award.  If the Brew Crew can get Eric Keele and Kyle Godinho back on a regular basis they could go very far in the postseason.

5.  Ridgefield Orioles (7) - The O's have been playing some great ball all season long.  Team ace Eric Dorland has been almost untouchable all season long.  Keith Bunn has stepped up his pitching and been a dominant number two starter for the birds.

6.  Jackmove Giants (6) - The Giants lead the CCWA in just about every statistical category.  They've had their fair share of bad luck this season losing a couple of close games.  Scott Coleman and Karlis Liepa's bats have been on fire and they should help the Giants make a deep playoff run.

7.  Bridgetown Black Barons (4) - The Barons recently got swept by the Brew Crew and that hurts their standing a little bit.  Since their sweep they've split two series.  Brian Jolly has been dominant from the mound for the Barons and should help them compete for a division crown.

8.  Mid-Town Mariners (10) - The Mariners started the season slow but have since bounced back.  They are playing some great wiffleball right now behind Justin Ellis's pitching and should compete for the Wild Card in the South.

9.  Rose City Royals (9) - The Royals just keep on performing at a high level week in and week out.  Joey Bock and Eddie Francis have been absolutely amazing on the hill this season and should help the Royals compete for their first ever postseason appearance.

10.  Bridge City Dodgers (8) - The Dodgers have been slipping a little after their hot start and have lost eight of their last twelve.  Team captain Andy Kushner will have to get this team turned around if they are going to try to make the playoffs.

11.  Portland Gothams (11) - The Gothams have been a huge surprise this season as many had predicted a playoff season for them.  They are going to be looking to play the part of spoiler for the rest of the season while they try to knock other teams out of contention.

12.  Columbia Hgts. Cardinals (13) - The Cards have been hitting the cover off the ball as of late and could make the playoff run interesting in the North.  Casey Robinson has turned into a viable number two starter and could help this team with more playing time.

13.  Beaver State Biscuits (12) - The Biscuits postseason chances are starting to flake away but this team is still fighting.  Darcy Cordell has quickly become one of the most feared hitters in the South.

14.  Clark County Colt .45's (14) - Bryan Anderson and company have had a very tough time adapting to the Southern League and are most likely out of the playoff race.  Look for this team to bounce back next year with a second season under their belts.

15.  Cowlitz Black Bears (14) - This team stinks.

Week 11 Northern League Player of the Week

Karlis Liepa

Karlis Liepa of the Jackmove Giants had a monstrous day at the plate to help his team sweep their division rivals, the Columbia Hgts. Cardinals.

Liepa batted an eye-popping .667 on the day going eight for twelve at the plate.  Among his eight hits were two bombs to help him drive in a team high eight RBIs.  He also managed to score six runs during the series.

With Liepa's hot bat leading the Jackmove lineup look for the Giants to go far into the playoffs.  As of right now Karlis is leading the entire CCWA in batting average.

Extra Innings - Rick Meder

Rick Meder (left) and his fan club president Patches

Today at Extra Innings we have Rick "Trizza" Meder who is the captain of the Ridgefield Orioles.  Rick is playing his second season in the CCWA and his team is filled with friends from high school.  Rick's leadership has the team right in the middle of the playoff hunt in the North.  In addition to Rick's wiffleball skills he is also a world-class karaoke singer covering a wide array of hits from Madonna to George Michael.  When Rick's not playing wiffleball or rocking the karaoke he can be found spending time with his newlywed wife.  Rick's grandma also makes some of the most delicious cookies you have ever seen.

Extra Innings - If you could face any major leaguer in wiffleball who would it be and why?
Rick Meder - I would have to say Mark Reynolds, because I may actually be able to strike him out.

E.I. - What is your fondest CCWA memory?
R.M. - Watching Todd Keele hit his first career homer off of Bryan Anderson in the very last game last year.  I was so proud. (it was a Grand Salami)

E.I. - Do you have any pets?  If so, what are they and what are their names?
R.M. - I have 3.  I have a St. Bernard named Jack, I have a fluffy cat named Savannah, and another cat that is 1/4 wild cat named Sahara.

E.I. - What's your favorite cheese?
R.M. - Pepperjack is quite possibly the best thing ever.

E.I. - What's your most embarrassing CCWA moment?
R.M. - Having a meltdown pitching against the Brewers last year when I started screaming profanities and kicked the wiffle bucket a good fifteen yards.

E.I. - Miracle Whip or Mayo?
R.M. - Miracle Whip is hands down superior to mayo.

E.I. - What's in your CD player right at this moment?
R.M. - "The Thing That Ate Larry Livermore" compilation; this is by far one of the best things I've heard in a while!

E.I. - If you were stranded on an island and could only have three things what would they be?
R.M. - Pizza, Playstation and Rihanna.

E.I. - Who's the toughest batter to face in the CCWA?  Toughest pitcher?
R.M. - The toughest batter is no one.  I either strike'em out or walk'em, more of the latter.  The toughest pitcher I would have to say is Eric Keele.  He mixes pitches and speeds real well; hard to figure out.

E.I. - Who's your favorite MLB team and player?
R.M. - The Mariners are far and away my favorite team.  My favorite player of all-time is Jay Buhner; love guys who crush the ball and strike out a ton!

E.I. - How long do you plan on playing in the CCWA?
R.M. - Until my career batting average is .067.

E.I. - Who's your favorite pro wrestler?
R.M. - "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon.  He had the best finishing move ever, the Razor's Edge.  It was always awesome when at the beginning of the match he would talk shit, then call whoever it was "Chico" and then throw his toothpick in their face.

E.I. - Cologne?
R.M. - Aqua Di Gio........Holla!

E.I. - What are your three favorite albums?
R.M. - 88 Fingers Louie "Back on the Streets", Madonna "True Blue" and ALL "Mass Nerder".

E.I. - What's something about you that we should know but don't?
R.M. - Contrary to popular belief I am not good in bed.