Kyle Piazza
April 2, 1983 - October 30, 2011
Kyle was an exceptional player and person. Our sport lost a legend.
What I remember most when playing against Kyle: His kindness, sincerity and the fear that came over any pitcher when he stepped into the batters box.
This sport lost one of its best. Easily top 3, most feared hitters in any format. I typically pitched around him, otherwise, the ball went over the fence. He made his reputation with the bat, but he pitched just as well, and in big games.
What stands out the most, was his humble attitude towards everything. It’s hard to like a guy that consistently hits your best pitches, but it was impossible not to like Kyle. Win or lose, you respected the guy.
His positive attitude and high esteemed was a breath of fresh air, in an arena filled with stringent competition, cockiness, and bad attitudes. Being around him made this game that more enjoyable for me, and I always admired his success rate in such a short period of time.
Kyle was proof that hard work, sincerity and kindness will make the time we have, worth while.
This sport lost one of its best. Easily top 3, most feared hitters in any format. I typically pitched around him, otherwise, the ball went over the fence. He made his reputation with the bat, but he pitched just as well, and in big games.
What stands out the most, was his humble attitude towards everything. It’s hard to like a guy that consistently hits your best pitches, but it was impossible not to like Kyle. Win or lose, you respected the guy.
His positive attitude and high esteemed was a breath of fresh air, in an arena filled with stringent competition, cockiness, and bad attitudes. Being around him made this game that more enjoyable for me, and I always admired his success rate in such a short period of time.
Kyle was proof that hard work, sincerity and kindness will make the time we have, worth while.
Braintree mourns track coach Piazza
To the Beast: Rest in Peace
Risers Team mate: Mike Sidorov
Couldn't have played with a better guy or a better teammate than Kyle. This was the '09 Risers where Russ was the gold and told us week one "oh by the way I just had labrum surgery and can't pitch this year." Kyle just steps in and is our shutdown pitcher and as always one of the toughest outs anywhere.
But I mean the stuff I'll really miss is he'll hit a bomb, come sit down and be like hey Brendan, I got a math riddle for ya. Or the week we ended up toughing it out as a 2-man, and he was hitting probably .500 and I couldn't buy a base hit, killing rallies left and right, and he's just staying positive, tracking my swing, being a hitting coach. I saw the same thing with him and Brendan and I could definitely see how good of a football coach he was.
I'll always remember this ridiculous argument we got into, about whether if you come in with 2 outs in the 9th up 3 with the bases loaded, if you'd get a save. I think I know a lot about baseball and I was 100% sure the answer is yes, but he checks the rulebook and of course he's right - no save.
And of course I'll remember game 2 of the Yard finals (win and we go to Vegas) - I pitch the best game of my life and he calmly beats us 1-0. Absolutely deserved that MVP. If I have the #1 pick in a nationwide Yard draft I'm taking Kyle, no hesitation, as much for what he brings to the field as what he brings as a coach and a leader.
But I mean the stuff I'll really miss is he'll hit a bomb, come sit down and be like hey Brendan, I got a math riddle for ya. Or the week we ended up toughing it out as a 2-man, and he was hitting probably .500 and I couldn't buy a base hit, killing rallies left and right, and he's just staying positive, tracking my swing, being a hitting coach. I saw the same thing with him and Brendan and I could definitely see how good of a football coach he was.
I'll always remember this ridiculous argument we got into, about whether if you come in with 2 outs in the 9th up 3 with the bases loaded, if you'd get a save. I think I know a lot about baseball and I was 100% sure the answer is yes, but he checks the rulebook and of course he's right - no save.
And of course I'll remember game 2 of the Yard finals (win and we go to Vegas) - I pitch the best game of my life and he calmly beats us 1-0. Absolutely deserved that MVP. If I have the #1 pick in a nationwide Yard draft I'm taking Kyle, no hesitation, as much for what he brings to the field as what he brings as a coach and a leader.
Yo Ho Ho Team mate: Russ
From the BLWB blog.
Memories with kyle, My 1st season with him and corey as yo ho ho, he said we could play with the best, he was right. 2006 ended with a win @ the NEWA champinships
07mwa champions, we had to go thru doom to win it, that meant alot to kyle.
2008 wifflerock, this is where it all began for kyle, years earlier, he liked the $1000 too !
road trip with his bro Corey to NY for the wiff up finals, kyle loved his brother.
1st trip to Sandown, Kyle let the direction fly out the window, no GPS!
This stuff will live with me forever. Feel free to post your memories or thoughts, we all would like to hear them. I love you man
Memories with kyle, My 1st season with him and corey as yo ho ho, he said we could play with the best, he was right. 2006 ended with a win @ the NEWA champinships
07mwa champions, we had to go thru doom to win it, that meant alot to kyle.
2008 wifflerock, this is where it all began for kyle, years earlier, he liked the $1000 too !
road trip with his bro Corey to NY for the wiff up finals, kyle loved his brother.
1st trip to Sandown, Kyle let the direction fly out the window, no GPS!
This stuff will live with me forever. Feel free to post your memories or thoughts, we all would like to hear them. I love you man
Throwback's Team mate: Adam Trotta
From GSWL
Kyle was an inspiration to so many who were graced by his presence. He was straight forward, honest and loyal, a true man of integrity. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Most of us met Kyle through wiffleball and we all respected the way he played the game. He was intense and competitive but always displayed great sportsmanship. Some may have thought him cocky but in truth he was very humble. He gave all he had all time and if recognized so be it, but if not whatever b/c he knew the truth. The last time I saw him was this year at the MA Region Finals. It was his first and only GSWL appearance in 2011 but one that will never be forgotten. Prior to the games he was awarded the 2010 Yard League MVP award which he was unaware he won. He stayed and watched every game not only as a fan but as a teammate wearing his Throwbacks jersey. He offered feedback and support and at times a sarcastic remark showing us he hadn’t lost his guile. After the Throwbacks won he was first to congratulate us and even though he was asked to be part of the team photo he declined not wanting to steal from the moment. He was truly selfless. After our win in Vegas he was the first I contacted, he said, “Congratulations man !!! Made my day, Hell made my week.”
Who he was and what he meant to us makes his passing so unbelievably hard, but I’m comforted in knowing he is finally at peace and with other loved ones lost. We will always play with you in our hearts brother.
Anyone with Kyle stories please post them. I’m sure his family, friends and acquaintances would appreciate it
Kyle was an inspiration to so many who were graced by his presence. He was straight forward, honest and loyal, a true man of integrity. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Most of us met Kyle through wiffleball and we all respected the way he played the game. He was intense and competitive but always displayed great sportsmanship. Some may have thought him cocky but in truth he was very humble. He gave all he had all time and if recognized so be it, but if not whatever b/c he knew the truth. The last time I saw him was this year at the MA Region Finals. It was his first and only GSWL appearance in 2011 but one that will never be forgotten. Prior to the games he was awarded the 2010 Yard League MVP award which he was unaware he won. He stayed and watched every game not only as a fan but as a teammate wearing his Throwbacks jersey. He offered feedback and support and at times a sarcastic remark showing us he hadn’t lost his guile. After the Throwbacks won he was first to congratulate us and even though he was asked to be part of the team photo he declined not wanting to steal from the moment. He was truly selfless. After our win in Vegas he was the first I contacted, he said, “Congratulations man !!! Made my day, Hell made my week.”
Who he was and what he meant to us makes his passing so unbelievably hard, but I’m comforted in knowing he is finally at peace and with other loved ones lost. We will always play with you in our hearts brother.
Anyone with Kyle stories please post them. I’m sure his family, friends and acquaintances would appreciate it
Risers Team Mate: Animal
From GSWL
I met Kyle is a series of battles (most often losing ones) with Yo Ho Ho. I liked him then, but came to think even more highly of him when I played the 08 Risers with him. He never gave up on a game, and he treated everyone on the team like he was a superstar, even if he was just the Animal. Okay, he didn’t treat Goodman like a superstar, but he was a good guy, not f-ing Jesus.
Kyle was my favorite type of wiffler. Incredibly good and perfectly humble. Intense but cheerful. He showed you can be an outstanding player without being a poser or inappropriately agressive. And what a sweet lefty swing! He even played defense. I was fond of calling him the most athletic fat guy in all of wiffleball, and I stand by that judgment.
If I knew him better, I would have liked him even more, I’m sure.
I met Kyle is a series of battles (most often losing ones) with Yo Ho Ho. I liked him then, but came to think even more highly of him when I played the 08 Risers with him. He never gave up on a game, and he treated everyone on the team like he was a superstar, even if he was just the Animal. Okay, he didn’t treat Goodman like a superstar, but he was a good guy, not f-ing Jesus.
Kyle was my favorite type of wiffler. Incredibly good and perfectly humble. Intense but cheerful. He showed you can be an outstanding player without being a poser or inappropriately agressive. And what a sweet lefty swing! He even played defense. I was fond of calling him the most athletic fat guy in all of wiffleball, and I stand by that judgment.
If I knew him better, I would have liked him even more, I’m sure.
Smooch - Super Savvy Psychos
From GSWL
I actually have a Kyle story… A few months ago I was on line when I get an instant message from Kyle. He asked me how my ACL surgery rehab was going. We on Savvy didn’t really know Kyle, yet he saw fit to ask how “I” was while he himself was dying; that’s a GOOD man. I am sad for his friends and family because they lost someone truly special.
I actually have a Kyle story… A few months ago I was on line when I get an instant message from Kyle. He asked me how my ACL surgery rehab was going. We on Savvy didn’t really know Kyle, yet he saw fit to ask how “I” was while he himself was dying; that’s a GOOD man. I am sad for his friends and family because they lost someone truly special.
