The Leaning Golden Man Awaits
The stage is set. Two of Seattle Wiffleball’s premier franchises collide once again, with the Leaning Golden Man on the line. Don’t turn the TV off just because it’s a four-year rematch — this one is way more compelling than Warriors/Cavs.
For Wiffle House, this marks their fifth straight World Series appearance. They fell in their first trip five years ago, but since then they’ve authored a dynasty: three straight titles and now a shot at a fourth.
For the Bilabial Stops, it’s their fifth World Series appearance overall. They broke through in 2020 for their first crown, and now they seek to vanquish the rivals that have held them from a second these last three years.
Wiffle House: Dynasty in Progress
At this point, House doesn’t just reach the finals — they own the stage. Led by the Thomas brothers, the champs finished first in hitting and pitching yet again.
Sam Thomas is in the middle of an MVP-caliber season, leading the league in ERA while ranking second in wRC+. He’s been a two-way menace — able to dominate from the mound and turn games with his bat. Phillip Thomas stepped up in 2025, finishing second in strikeouts and adding depth to an already elite rotation. He’ll tell you he runs the league — and the stats back him up. Liam and Reed McFeely bring balance: Liam’s power bat showed up big in the semis, while Reed’s game-changing palm saved runs and swung momentum. Dustin Diemond has a flair for the dramatic in October. His postseason track record makes him the X-factor.
House has the depth, patience, and experience to win ugly or win loud. They’ve been here before — and they know what it takes.
Bilabial Stops: One More Step
Few teams embody consistency like the Stops. They’ve been contenders since 2019, and now they’re back on the doorstep of another title.
Paul Rogers has been in vintage form, dominating on the mound while swinging one of the league’s most dangerous bats. A Hall of Famer and two-time MVP, he’s still seeking to lift the Leaning Golden Man for the first time in his career. Eddie Brown, the league’s 2025 batting champ and wRC+ leader, has powered the offense. But the question remains: will he pitch? Saved for Game 3 in the Juice series, his arsenal is still as formidable as ever. Noah Purcell has carried more innings this season, and when he commands the zone, he’s as tough as anyone to square up. Kevin Do flexed his clutch gene in the semifinal with a series-changing home run. His consistency will be crucial this time around. Greg Nyssen and Robby Pershing lengthen a lineup that can pile up crooked numbers if you give them chances.
This is a balanced, battle-tested team — second in both hitting and pitching this year. They’ve done everything but win it all. This could be the year they finally finish the climb.
Matchup Keys
- Rogers vs. Sam: Both are elite two-way threats. Each team needs their ace to not just pitch well but swing the bat and change games. Whoever produces more on both sides may tilt the series.
- Eddie’s Arm: If Eddie Brown takes the mound, the Stops gain another ace-level weapon. The question is when — and how long.
- House Patience vs. Stops Depth: House grinds out at-bats and forces mistakes. The Stops counter with a deep rotation and lineup that punishes lapses.
- The X-Factor: Will it be another Do home run? A certified Diemond playoff moment? Nyssen with a wily veteran play? Perhaps a Reed McFeely catch? This series may turn on one unexpected star.
The Stakes
For Wiffle House: a chance to cement their dynasty with a fourth straight Leaning Golden Man in their fifth straight World Series appearance.
For the Bilabial Stops: redemption and validation. Their fifth appearance since 2019, a shot at their second championship, and an opportunity to finally topple the dynasty.
The Leaning Golden Man waits. The question is whether House will keep building their empire — or the Stops will finally steal the crown back.
