The Super 10 Whiffleball Teams of All-Time

In celebration of the Championship’s Silver Anniversary in 2004, ten teams were named the greatest in World Whiffleball Championship history. (This list is now updated annually.)

1. Blue Ribbon Builders, 1989-present

After routinely going to the final eight in the early ‘90s, Hall-of-Famers and Granger, Indiana whifflers Kerry and Terry Snyder, in 1995, completed the most stunning acquisition in tournament history, signing the two best young players in the game, Jason Zolman (Co-Player of the ‘90s) and Ben Downey. Seven titles later, Hall-of-Famers Downey, Zolman and Barcus continue to win, now without the retired Snyders.

2. Dud's Gang, 1987-94

The gold standard of whiffleball in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, this team featured the most deadly group of home run hitters in the tournament’s history. They won five consecutive titles from 1987-91, then avenged their ‘92 loss to win a then-record sixth championship in 1993. Defeating this South Bend, Indiana team was such a rarity that – when it looked like it would happen – the event drew hundreds of fans. Outfielders Dave and Dan Reed, and pitcher Scott Schroyer, are in the Hall-of-Fame. Dave Reed was named Co-Player of the ‘90s.

3. Club Ripped, 1999-present

Playing in what may go down as the golden age of whiffleball, these kids from Munster, Indiana have managed to win three titles over some of the toughest competition in the three decade history of the tournament. Hall-of-Famers Nate Hansen and Mike Baniak lead this team of power hitters and mistake-free defenders.

4. The Sure Things, 1987-2007

This Indiana/Kentucky/Georgia team never seemed to stop contending. While other dynasties came and went, these guys won three titles over two decades (1992, 1998 and 2001), interrupting the reigns of both Dud’s Gang and the legendary Blue Ribbon Builders. Now-retired pitcher/longballer Skip Wright was the team’s backbone, Mike Weber the consistent star and captain Ken Humphrey, the glue. All are in the Hall-of-Fame.

5. Homeboys, 1981-present

World Champions in 1981 and 1986, the flashy Baltimore/LA/Barcelona boys were the “Showtime” Lakers of whiffleball. The tournament’s flagship team, they continue to play winning winning whiffleball 30 years later, led by the ageless barefoot aerialist outfielder Scott Ermeti and the slap-hitting Mad Belgian, Perry Baert. Stopper and all-time mythical homerun champion “Gator” Waumans retired in 2004.

6. Blue Ribbon Babies, 1982-84

Three years – three championships. The 1983 champs may have been the most explosive offensive team in tournament history. Bashing 93 homers in 8 games, this Bloomington, Indiana team featured four Hall-of-Famers: Jim Wiesjahn, Player of the ‘80s Dave Steinhilber and tournament founders Larry Grau and Jim Bottorff (who also won a title in 1980 with “College Park”).

7. Balco Boys, 2007-present

The 2008 and 2010 world champs also won the national championship in 2009 and 2010. Loaded with home run hitters and defensive stoppers, this still-young team may contend well into the next decade.

8. Funky Plastic Offspring, 2004-present

The team’s fifth man and Hall-of-Famer Mike Schuster won a title in 1985 with Laidig. Now his three sons Dan, Randy and Joe lead this team of super-athletes, world champs in 2007 and 2011, and national champs in 2011.

9. Weasels, 1991-94

The dynasty that never was, the Weasels challenged the game’s dominant team of the day, Dud’s Gang, every year for four years. After finally taking the title in 1994, the Indy kids disappeared forever. Stellar outfielder/power hitter Andy Schoettle is in the Hall-of-Fame.

10. Looney Wifflers, 1995-present

A team of little known whifflers from New Carlisle, Indiana, the Looneys upset all of the traditional powers en route to the 2000 title. Captain and Hall-of-Famer John Ardnt continues to put together serious contenders more than ten years later.