Newts end 10 year drought as the Hometown Cup is coming back to New Carlisle!

NEW CARLISLE- The Old Republic Wiffleball League playoffs took an off week for the most prized possession in Wiffle Ball as the Wiffleball Championship took place over the weekend. With another amazing turnout, 75 teams showed up seeking Migley Field.

The Cult West Warriors who have dominated this tournament over the past half decade were eliminated by the Twin Branch Billy Goats which opened up a huge opportunity for a lot of teams.

Out of 75 teams, only 4 would have the opportunity to play at historic Migley Field in front of a huge and rowdy crowd. ORWBL teams represented the league in a big way as all Final 4 teams were ORWBL teams which says a lot about the quality of competition in the league.

In the first game of the Final 4, the Granger Panthers and Twin Branch Billy Goats both made their 1st Hometown Cup Final 4 appearance. These 2 teams are also slated to face off against each other on Sunday, August 5th as one of the 2 Granger teams will be advancing to their 1st ORWBL World Series.

However, the Hometown Cup was on the line in this one, and it was the Granger Panthers who took down the Billy Goats to advance to their 1st Hometown Cup Championship game. Austin Williams had himself a great game as he continues to play fantastic wiffleball. The Goats made a late rally but it was not enough as the Panthers were able to bring home a win.

In the 2nd semifinal matchup, the New Carlisle Newts and Maple City Magic Purple squared off in a slugfest that saw the Newts come out on top 17-11. New Carlisle got thing going early and Maple City was not able to dig out of the hole as the Newts clinched a spot in the Hometown Cup Championship Game to take on their National League rival Granger Panthers.

For the 1st time in a decade, New Carlisle sealed the deal and won the Cup in front of a packed crowd with the majority of the fans cheering on the hometown team in the New Carlisle Newts.

Garrett Curless won the Kaylor Keck Most Valuable Player Award which is the highest award a player can receive at this tournament.

It was another successful tournament yet again as New Carlisle has truly become THE destination for Wiffleball. After 10 years of waiting, New Carlisle has been ready for this moment and the scene on the field after the game was special as Koby Keck and Garrett Curless gave each other a huge hug in celebration! Congratulations to the 2018 Champions of Wiffleball at the Hometown Cup.

The Newts celebrated the following day with a Championship Parade around New Carlisle which was a wonderful sight to see for many! Until next year!