WIFFLE HIBERNATION
By: Scotty Wiffs
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Autumn brings colder weather, shorter days and a WIFFLE ball’s arch enemy, the wind. Thus, it also marks the end for WIFFLE season in New England. Late October/early November may allow for last minute outdoor games and practices before snow sets in. Diehards can deal with difficult conditions, but not even the most devoted players in New England can take the field in mid-December. We must wait until spring arrives as winter marks the time when outdoor WIFFLE action in the north east enters hibernation. A small percentage continues play indoors. However, the majority of north eastern WIFFLE fanatics flock to online forums, message boards, YouTube, Wiffjunkies.com and Wiffler’s Digest for their off-season fix.
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October 29, 2011
Framingham, MA
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It’s strictly speculation that this conundrum only exists in the north eastern part of the United States. (winter off season) North Easterners often complain of wiffdrawal and wish they resided in more favorable climates. Players from warm weather states (Florida/Georgia), compete all year-round… right? Let’s ask the Super Savvy Psychos just to be certain.
Super Savvy Psycho’s - winter in Georgia.
SW: What’s the average temperature in Savannah from December to February?
Scott Bragg: “During December, most of the highs are in the upper 70s with lows in the mid 40s. Once January rolls around we have our 2 months of cold and the temps are usually high 50's and mid 30s.”
Smooch: “Temp varies quite a bit. The temperature may drop to below freezing, but only for a day or two; in other words we never have long periods of "freezing". The temp Dec-Feb stays between 40 and 60 most days.”
SW: How does the winter weather affect the quantity and quality of Savvy’s WIFFLE action? For example: Do you continue to play in tournaments, leagues or practice during the winter months?
Scott Bragg: “We do not play in tournaments in the winter; HOWEVER, we do practice year round. Probably not as much as during the season, but we all try to get practicing in a couple of times a month.”
Smooch: “Not for SAVVY. We play year round. We take a little time after Nationals to get our lives in order. Cancelling a practice for "cold" happens about as often as a "rainout".”
SW: I heard you had significant snowfall last winter in Savannah, was it a blizzard? Describe that experience. Was your community prepared and how did people react?
Scott Bragg: “We did have snow, but it was really confined to some of the northern counties and communities in the Savannah area. It was about 2 or 3 inches at my house. It honestly melted within a day and except for some slightly slippery roads here and there. But EVERYONE was excited to see the snow for sure.”
Smooch: “Snowfall was not significant at all. We had no accumulation; it's just that ANY snow in Savannah is a major news story. The communities down here are flat out comical when it comes to being prepared for bad weather! No joke, if a weather report predicts "possible snow flurries", the grocery stores and Wal-Marts will be flooded with idiots buying up all the milk and bread. Oh and by the way, the schools here shut down at the first snow flake to fall. It’s funny to watch.”
SW: Did the snow affect Savvy’s 2011 season?
Scott Bragg: “Hahaha. I don't think the snow helped or hurt us. Most of the time, it was the sun burning us up. But Right now here is perfect WIFFLE weather, about 72 as a high with light breeze. Perfect.”
Smooch: “Not at all-unless you count my skiing accident that blew my knee and put me under the knife and out for most of the season...but that was West Virginia snow.”
With conditions varying from state to state, warmer regions eventually go into an off season too. Where the winter hinders outdoor play up north; summer conditions in the south west bring hot temperatures, and the south east heavy rain. This was brought up last year on a Wiffler’s Digest post comment: Tampa Wiffleball League finishes 2011 season…already.
Scotty Wiffs Said…
Wow, I need to move. WIFFLE ball competition is fierce here in New England but our season doesn’t begin until the frost is gone. It’s early April and No (outdoor) events have been played up here! While I’ve been preparing for this upcoming season, down south they’re wrapping up their League! Does WIFFLE ball ever end in FLA? If Massachusetts got weather like that I’d be throwing so much-my arm would fall off! April 8, 2011 1:06pm.
Wiffler's Digest said...
Tampa is the only league I'm aware of in Florida. They'll be done before most of us even start our seasons. I imagine the humidity is simply too much to play in during the dog days of summer. If you've ever experienced that one-of-a-kind southern humidity you can understand why they don't play all summer long. April 8, 2011 1:28 PM
Allen said...
What everyone needs to understand, is we would absolutely love to play year round, but it just isn't possible. Humidity isn’t our problem with TBWL, it’s the fact that in the summer is rains pretty much every day... May 20, 2011 2:27 AM
Wiffler's Digest said...
I think we got it dude, after all I did mention the humidity. You've got a point with the daily rain...plus its hurricane season. It's understandable you guys play when you do. It makes you unique. I don't think anyone's knocking that. May 20, 2011 7:16 AM
Super Savvy Psycho’s - winter in Georgia.
SW: What’s the average temperature in Savannah from December to February?
Scott Bragg: “During December, most of the highs are in the upper 70s with lows in the mid 40s. Once January rolls around we have our 2 months of cold and the temps are usually high 50's and mid 30s.”
Smooch: “Temp varies quite a bit. The temperature may drop to below freezing, but only for a day or two; in other words we never have long periods of "freezing". The temp Dec-Feb stays between 40 and 60 most days.”
SW: How does the winter weather affect the quantity and quality of Savvy’s WIFFLE action? For example: Do you continue to play in tournaments, leagues or practice during the winter months?
Scott Bragg: “We do not play in tournaments in the winter; HOWEVER, we do practice year round. Probably not as much as during the season, but we all try to get practicing in a couple of times a month.”
Smooch: “Not for SAVVY. We play year round. We take a little time after Nationals to get our lives in order. Cancelling a practice for "cold" happens about as often as a "rainout".”
SW: I heard you had significant snowfall last winter in Savannah, was it a blizzard? Describe that experience. Was your community prepared and how did people react?
Scott Bragg: “We did have snow, but it was really confined to some of the northern counties and communities in the Savannah area. It was about 2 or 3 inches at my house. It honestly melted within a day and except for some slightly slippery roads here and there. But EVERYONE was excited to see the snow for sure.”
Smooch: “Snowfall was not significant at all. We had no accumulation; it's just that ANY snow in Savannah is a major news story. The communities down here are flat out comical when it comes to being prepared for bad weather! No joke, if a weather report predicts "possible snow flurries", the grocery stores and Wal-Marts will be flooded with idiots buying up all the milk and bread. Oh and by the way, the schools here shut down at the first snow flake to fall. It’s funny to watch.”
SW: Did the snow affect Savvy’s 2011 season?
Scott Bragg: “Hahaha. I don't think the snow helped or hurt us. Most of the time, it was the sun burning us up. But Right now here is perfect WIFFLE weather, about 72 as a high with light breeze. Perfect.”
Smooch: “Not at all-unless you count my skiing accident that blew my knee and put me under the knife and out for most of the season...but that was West Virginia snow.”
With conditions varying from state to state, warmer regions eventually go into an off season too. Where the winter hinders outdoor play up north; summer conditions in the south west bring hot temperatures, and the south east heavy rain. This was brought up last year on a Wiffler’s Digest post comment: Tampa Wiffleball League finishes 2011 season…already.
Scotty Wiffs Said…
Wow, I need to move. WIFFLE ball competition is fierce here in New England but our season doesn’t begin until the frost is gone. It’s early April and No (outdoor) events have been played up here! While I’ve been preparing for this upcoming season, down south they’re wrapping up their League! Does WIFFLE ball ever end in FLA? If Massachusetts got weather like that I’d be throwing so much-my arm would fall off! April 8, 2011 1:06pm.
Wiffler's Digest said...
Tampa is the only league I'm aware of in Florida. They'll be done before most of us even start our seasons. I imagine the humidity is simply too much to play in during the dog days of summer. If you've ever experienced that one-of-a-kind southern humidity you can understand why they don't play all summer long. April 8, 2011 1:28 PM
Allen said...
What everyone needs to understand, is we would absolutely love to play year round, but it just isn't possible. Humidity isn’t our problem with TBWL, it’s the fact that in the summer is rains pretty much every day... May 20, 2011 2:27 AM
Wiffler's Digest said...
I think we got it dude, after all I did mention the humidity. You've got a point with the daily rain...plus its hurricane season. It's understandable you guys play when you do. It makes you unique. I don't think anyone's knocking that. May 20, 2011 7:16 AM
"NY: Dead End Kids are working on 2012 while the rest of you are at home in your Snuggies." - GSWL
WIFFLE ball season arrives for all of us, sometimes at different times of the year. Remember, while you’re out on the field during the spring/summer, teams living in HOT climates, are wishing it was winter so they could get out and play.
The off season blues can set in quickly. I recommend finding anyway from going stir crazy; cabin fever is real and you must stay active if to remain successful next season. Don’t sit around titling your twat! Find an activity to keep your body fresh. Exercise, find an indoor area to throw and hit. In my region, numerous WIFFLE organizers host leagues and tournaments indoors during the winter. Players often complain about not enough indoor events to stay happy during the off season. These events are sparse due to certain factors.
A few reasons why indoor venues are NOT considered an untapped market, and organizers shy away during the winter. Numerous sports compete with WIFFLE ball for indoor space: soccer leagues, indoor lacrosse, Frisbee, flag football and field hockey are all in competition for that sweet artificial grass. Not to mention that WIFFLE has numerous disadvantages when played indoors.
Less space: Smaller field dimensions and confined space = Fewer teams can participate. Cost: With fewer teams allowed to register; the costs are much higher to play. It’s often very difficult for the event organizer to break even.
The ceiling: A low roof has cost our team a championship. Some venues have basketball hoops hanging from the rafters. These dangling obstructions hinder the games enjoyment level, and interfere resulting in an unfavorable outcome.
- If you can overcome these negative aspects, then go nuts and host an event. However, if you’re looking to only practice, than a simple batting cage or small gymnasium will suffice. On Campus: Do you live on a college campus? If yes than you’re in luck! Take advantage of the FREE facilities available. Most schools offer club or intramural sports, including WIFFLE ball! If not, speak up and get a league started. At the very least, you have access to a gym/open space – so find a ball/bat, a chair, a few friends, and kill time with a few pick up games until WIFFLE ball season returns.
The off season doesn’t mean a vacation from WIFFLE ball. Use this time to prepare and work on improvements where needed. The off-season has its benefits, as time off is necessary to stay healthy. Most importantly, the off season signifies time without WIFFLE ball, and with the family. Please don’t forget, they’ll be missing you when next season starts.
The off season blues can set in quickly. I recommend finding anyway from going stir crazy; cabin fever is real and you must stay active if to remain successful next season. Don’t sit around titling your twat! Find an activity to keep your body fresh. Exercise, find an indoor area to throw and hit. In my region, numerous WIFFLE organizers host leagues and tournaments indoors during the winter. Players often complain about not enough indoor events to stay happy during the off season. These events are sparse due to certain factors.
A few reasons why indoor venues are NOT considered an untapped market, and organizers shy away during the winter. Numerous sports compete with WIFFLE ball for indoor space: soccer leagues, indoor lacrosse, Frisbee, flag football and field hockey are all in competition for that sweet artificial grass. Not to mention that WIFFLE has numerous disadvantages when played indoors.
Less space: Smaller field dimensions and confined space = Fewer teams can participate. Cost: With fewer teams allowed to register; the costs are much higher to play. It’s often very difficult for the event organizer to break even.
The ceiling: A low roof has cost our team a championship. Some venues have basketball hoops hanging from the rafters. These dangling obstructions hinder the games enjoyment level, and interfere resulting in an unfavorable outcome.
- If you can overcome these negative aspects, then go nuts and host an event. However, if you’re looking to only practice, than a simple batting cage or small gymnasium will suffice. On Campus: Do you live on a college campus? If yes than you’re in luck! Take advantage of the FREE facilities available. Most schools offer club or intramural sports, including WIFFLE ball! If not, speak up and get a league started. At the very least, you have access to a gym/open space – so find a ball/bat, a chair, a few friends, and kill time with a few pick up games until WIFFLE ball season returns.
The off season doesn’t mean a vacation from WIFFLE ball. Use this time to prepare and work on improvements where needed. The off-season has its benefits, as time off is necessary to stay healthy. Most importantly, the off season signifies time without WIFFLE ball, and with the family. Please don’t forget, they’ll be missing you when next season starts.
