Every year in Seattle brings six months of gray. The world outside seems harder to navigate with each passing season. But the gold always returns, and for four months a year, on Sunday mornings in Ravenna, one thing remains constant. Cowen Park, with its patchy patch of grass and open arms, welcomes you back.
Twelve seasons in, the Seattle Wiffleball League is ready for summer.
Changing of the Guard
This year marks the end of an era. After roughly a decade of service, Eric Sanford and Jeremy Salvo are hanging it up. Two players whose fingerprints are all over what Seattle Wiffle has become. With Jeremy's departure, the American Dreams have dissolved, dropping us to a tighter nine-team league for Season 12.
The captaincy board looks different too. On the Crows, Grant Bronsdon and John Trupin step in for Eric. The Bilabial Stops will be led by new captain Greg Nyssen, with Eddie Brown serving as co-captain, and reigning Rookie of the Year Sam Matterazzo joining the squad. On the Berserkers, Greg Markles takes the helm from Wallace Tillman. As for player movement: Jeff Hanschmann heads to the Crows, and Noah Purcell brings his bat to Chicken 'n' Wiffles.
Rule Refinements
A few tweaks for Season 12 (full text on the rules page):
- The Front Mound speed limit nudges up from 48 to 49 mph. Anything 50 and over is now a violation pitch. The back end stays at 70. (Rule 8.02)
- Most notably, the first overspeed pitch in an at-bat is a no-pitch warning rather than an automatic ball; subsequent overspeed pitches are balls. (Rule 8.02)
- Courtesy runners are now allowed but must be designated before first pitch and reserved for known injuries, with the last batter recorded out doing the running. (Rule 11.06)
- Pinch runners are available when needed and are chosen by the opposing team's captain. (Rule 11.01.C)
Introducing the Cowen Connection
You may notice some headlines crossing your feed this season. In an age when ESPN traffics in fabrications, when every major outlet has been compromised, when no byline can be trusted, the Cowen Connection emerges as the lone bastion of journalistic integrity left standing. Rigorous, unimpeachable reporting from this newsroom will be hitting Instagram regularly. The truth, finally, has a home.
A New Home Online
The league has a new website, cleaner and deeper, and home to the Ring of Honor where Seattle Wiffle's Hall of Fame now lives. Twelve years of history, finally given the showcase it deserves.
Hall of Fame: Class of 2026
Speaking of the Ring of Honor, the Cowen Park Commissioners Committee is honored to announce the 2026 inductee: Greg Nyssen.
See you under the golden hour at Cowen. Season 12 starts Sunday, May 3rd!
