Darrell Porter not confirmed - 26 days till Wifflefest

Darrell Porter, longtime St. Louis Cardinal and 1982 World Series MVP, has not been confirmed to be attending the Justin Osborne All American Wifflefest. When asked if the catcher who wore glasses would be attending, Wifflefest founder Justin Osborne said "We haven't had any luck in contacting Mr. Porter, and honestly, we haven't even tried to do so." "Now that I think about it, Darrell was always my mom's favorite Cardinal. She said he had good looks." Regrettably, the only star power to be on display this year at Wifflefest, that is confirmed, will be the return of the Kyocera Hot Rollers, whose star slugger Roger Brown still holds his Wifflefest Hall of Fame status close to his heart. "The induction ceremony was really touching, and I received a really nice bronzed photo of myself" said Brown enthusiastically, "Although I had to give the frame back". Brown and Co. are sure to be a force come tourney time.

Corporately Sponsored - 30 days until Wifflefest

This is serious. What was once a backyard game and a dream has now become an event that is officially "corporately sponsored". Osborne Office Equipment of Cape Girardeau, MO has stepped up to the Justin Osborne All American Wifflefest plate financially. The sponsoring will allow more publicity in the form of signage, newspaper, web, and radio ads, as well as a better overall Wifflefest experience. "This is unbelievable", says Wifflefest founder and designer Justin Osborne. "I am so proud of the place that I work. That they would not only donate company time to allow co-workers the chance to help set up at Wifflefest, but also to donate monetarily". Wifflefest will again this year be donating to the Albert Pujols Family Foundation, and Osborne Office Equipment is squarely behind that cause. Osborne Office Equipment is a self described "faithful-family" business that is in its 35th year. They specialize in network copiers, printers, scanners and fax equipment and service the greater southeast Missouri and southern Illinois area.

What is your dream? - 31 days until Wifflfest

Tonight, when you are lying in bed and staring at the ceiling because you can't fall asleep, I want you to dream with me. Dream with me a little dream, a dream that we all have had at some point in our tiny lives. A little dream of being somebody.
As you close your eyes tonight there will be a little boy who goes to sleep with a glove on his hand. A glove that symbolizes the dream we all carry deep inside. Maybe, just maybe, if we didn't know about the money the average ballplayer makes these days. Perhaps, if we didn't really know the rules of play or what makes a ball foul or fair. If we had no method of keeping score or calculating a batting average.... and were left with enjoyment and a dream. A dream that once we were good at playing ball. A dream that if we worked hard enough and long enough, we could still be good. A dream in which your theme song and plate approach were perfectly choreographed. A dream in which a plastic perferated white ball floated in front of your face, opened its mouth, smiled, and said "Hit me!". A dream that if fate would be kind to us, we could win the Justin Osborne All American Wifflefest, and thus, be somebody. Good night little wiffle ballers. Sweet dreams and remember, the glove goes on the hand you don't throw with.

A new champion will be crowned - 35 days unitl Wifflefest

This year's Justin Osborne All American Wifflefest title is up for grabs as we have received word that Sean's Sluggers will not be making an appearance. After compiling a 7-1 record last year at Wifflefest and claiming the coveted Wifflefest trophy, they have decided not to defend their crown. Although Sean was not available for comment, other sources confirm that former member Drew Burgess will be getting married the same day as Wifflefest.
If you are up on your Wifflefest history, you may recall the fact that Drew hit the second ever home run at Wifflefest. Let's hope that Drew bring the same intensity and consistent play to the marriage as he does to the wiffle ball field. As for Sean's Sluggers future, it seems to be uncertain. Last year's off season acquisitions Trent and Amanda Forester paid big dividends, in the form of a Wifflefest championship, but rumors are circulating that turmoil has struck the champ's camp. I spoke with Forrester over the summer and was told directly by him, that he was "forming his own team". Wow! It is hard to blame Forester though. After batting .711 for the tournament, scoring a record 16 runs, and pounding 8 home runs, many wonder if "he could win Wifflefest by himself"? We may never know the answer to that question, but you can count on the fact that Trent is getting heavy consideration for being voted Silver Slugger 2007. There is no telling how far he can carry his new team... and no telling how sad it will be without Sean's Sluggers winning this year.

- Sean's Sluggers -

Gone but not forgotten

To early to start a countdown? - 41 days to Wifflefest

Let's be honest. Forty one days is a long time to do anything, and it is especially hard when you are waiting for something as amazing as the Justin Osborne All-American Wifflefest. It may be a little premature to start the countdown. I am told only truly strong people will be able to last that long, and read that many entries on a blog about wiffleball. There is a reason Christ was in the wilderness for forty days.... and that reason may or may not correlate to the height and depth of wiffleball enthusiam. I would like to stoke the wiffle-fire that burns in your heart.

The Justin Osborne All-American Wifflefest will be held on September 20th. It will contain all of its goodness that the first two years of Wifflefest have contained, and then some. We are still planning on having the announcing crew, homemade fields, food, and lots of fun. Feel free to invite any and all, as it should be a great time.

There are some new things that we are really excited about for Wifflefest. The biggest addition may be the first ever Wiffle Run for Fun - a run through the Martin Tree Farm trail system. We are deliberatly trying to have people experience more of the Tree Farm. It is sunch a beautiful place, and there is so much to do besides Wiffleball. The run will be short in nature, less than a 5K for sure. So, lace them up and be sure to show at 10:00 a.m.

I for one am excited about the Wiffle Run for Fun as I have never actually ran in an event before. Some may suggest that I have never really ran before. If one watches closely it seems as though I quickly loaf from point to point, with a slight hop involved somehow. It isn't the prettiest thing to watch, and doesn't lend itself to speed over long distances. We shall see how this unfolds. That is what the countdown is all about. Preparing our minds, bodies, and hearts for whatever may happen at Wifflefest.

A loafer

Let the countdown begin! - 45 days until Wifflefest

Wifflefest 2008 is officially open for business. Invitations have been sent out and the process that is the Justin Osborne All American Wifflefest has begun. If you missed it, here is what was sent out:

Dear Friend,

Count yourself lucky today, for you have been selected to participate in the Justin Osborne All-American Wifflefest 2008. Wifflefest is a one-day, double-elimination Wiffleball tournament hosted by Justin Osborne. This year Wifflefest will be held on September 20, 2008. Details can be found at www.yellowbatwhiteball.com

If you feel like you have received this e-mail in error… you are wrong. Nothing happens on accident in this world. This is your chance to take part in a beautiful day of family fun. This is your chance to be somebody.

What do I do next:
Watch Promotion Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CISRZvg7r4Q
Log on to www.yellowbatwhiteball.com
Form a team
Contact us at yellowbatwhiteball@hotmail.com with the below information:

Contact Person:
Mailing Address:
Team Name:
Team Members:

We are so excited to see you and hope that you are ready for some fun.

Thanks,
Justin, Ann, Owen and Ellie Osborne

Justin Osborne All-American Wifflefest 2008
Contact us:
yellowbatwhiteball@hotmail.com
www.yellowbatwhiteball.com