Step up to the plate and discover the fun of Wiffle Ball! This interactive program will take place on Tuesday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m. ET and will introduce participants to the basics of playing, the official rules, and the history of Wiffle Ball—especially its connection to New Carlisle.
Perfect for all ages! We will start the program inside the library and then move outside for some hands-on time.
Make sure to stop by the Historic New Carlisle Museum to see the Wiffle Ball exhibit there this summer.
Wiffle Ball Championship
By: Dana Groves, Historic New Carlisle
The Wiffle Ball Championship began in 2005 as part of the newly formed Hometown Days summer festival in New Carlisle. Koby Keck, just 16 years old at the time, had an idea for the Hometown Days committee to add a Wiffle Ball tournament to the weekend events. Growing up, Koby and his friends were often seen playing pick-up Wiffle Ball games at the New Prairie Little League T-Ball field, which they affectionately call “The Palace of Bourissa Hills.”
The Wiffle Ball tournament has grown over the last 20 years, drawing teams from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and even Canada. Last year, a total of 96 teams participated. The tournament is a highly anticipated event each year to see which four teams will make it to the finals and who will be crowned Hometown Cup champions.
The schedule is set, and teams play generally about four games during the course of the day. There are around 24 fields set up using the baseball and softball fields, the football field, and Bourissa Hills. All teams vying for their chance to play at Migley Field on Sunday in 5their quest for the Hometown Cup.
On Sunday, visitors flock to Dunn and Bray to watch the semifinals and the championship game at Migley Field. There is excitement in the air as music plays and the Jumbotron is on full display. Opening ceremonies include the announcement of the teams, the playing of the National Anthem, and the ceremonial first pitch by individuals of local and even national fame. Who will be this year’s winner of the Hometown Cup?