NORTH CAROLINA WIFFLE BALL HALL OF FAME
The following people are members of the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame. The current members meet each year to nominate and choose new inductees. There is no set number of honorees per year, nor does there have to be an inductee each year. This is a prestigious award, and thus it is hard to attain.
People can be elected for their accomplishments as Players, Directors, Umpires, or a combination of all these. Your total contribution to North Carolina Wiffle Ball is judged.
MIKE GRIZZARD - Class of 1999
Mike Grizzard contributed to North Carolina Wiffle Ball in many ways. He was one of the first great players in the Kenly Tournament,he was All-State in 1992, but first and foremost, he was the impetus behind a local get together between friends becoming a State Championship.
Griz, known for his passion for the game and no-holds-barred style, paired with Chris Davis in 1982 to win the inaugral Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament. The two also finished second in 1983, 1984 and 1985. He also was on the winning team in the first Kenly Three-man Tourney in 1985.
Mike only played a few years in the State Tournament, but was very successful. His Slugfest Inc. team had top-4 finishes all four years he played (1989-1992), and Mike was awarded All-Tournament in 1992. He retired following that tournament.
Mike's greatest contribution was teaming with Jeff Davis to help start the tournament in 1982, then making the suggestion in 1989 to make it a State Championship. His vision and contacts within the media helped not only make the early years of the State Tourney successful, but helped it thrive, averaging 20 teams from 1989-1992.
For seeing past a small local tournament to what the event could become, Mike Grizzard could be as important as anyone in North Carolina Wiffle Ball history. For his accomplishments, Mike was Inducted by himself in the Inaugral Class of 1999.
KEN BALLANCE - Class of 2000
Ken Ballance was one of the true pioneers of the game, hosting the first tournaments in his yard, bombing home runs, and even having a rule passed just because of him.
With teammate Jeff Davis, Ken dominated the Kenly Two-Man Tournament from 1982-1987, winning three titles and finsihing second twice as the Wiffle Kings. he also finished second in the Kenly Three-man Tournament in 1986. Ken was known for his booming home runs, but also for his many foul balls. After a few years, the tournament passed a rule that called a batter out for fouling off three balls after two strikes. this "Ballance Rule" is still in effect today.
In State Tournament play, Ken also had a stellar career. In the Inaugral State Tourney in 1989, he blasted 11 home runs in 5 games, winning the Home Run trophy and setting a tournament record that stood until 1999. He finished second in 1989, fourth in 1992, second again in 1994, and won the State Championship in 1998 with the Ghetto Superstars. He was runner up again in 2000, and fourth in 2002 before retiring.
In addition to his hitting, Ken was possibly the best pitcher in tournament history, throwing a knuckle ball and fielding the middle as well as anyone who ever played the position.
After retiring, he has now umpired the tournament for several years also.
Ken was All-Tournament four times, in 1989, 1991, 1994 and 2000. He was Inducted in the Class of 2000.
CHRIS DAVIS - Class of 2000
Chris is another pioneer of the game, having played in the first ever Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament, and carrying that success over into the state event..
Chris is one of the best all-around players to ever play, hitting for average and power, running the bases as well as anyone in tourney history, and playing first base better than anyone in history.
Chris and partner Mike Grizzard won the very first Kenly Two-Man Tournament in 1982, and were runners-up the next three years. he also was on the championship team of the inaugral Three-Man Event in 1985, and finished second in that tournament in 1987.
Chris was named All Decade twice, in 1989-1998 and again from 1999-2008. He was also a member of the Silver Anniversary Team for the event's first 25 years. He was named All-Tournament nine times, despite retiring for five years in his prime. He has won two State Titles (1995, 2007) and was runner up in 1996, 1998,1999, 2006 and 2008. His nine All-Tourney selections are third all-time.
Chris was also a member of Legendary Lumber in 2009 when they won the National Wiffle Ball Association National Championship in Seymour, Indiana. Chris was named All-Tournament in that event, despite playing the final four games with a torn ACL.
As one of the true ground breakers, Chris was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame with its second class in 2000. In addition, Chris was announced as a Charter Inductee in to the World Of Wiffleball Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2009.
Chris is one of the best all-around players to ever play, hitting for average and power, running the bases as well as anyone in tourney history, and playing first base better than anyone in history.
Chris and partner Mike Grizzard won the very first Kenly Two-Man Tournament in 1982, and were runners-up the next three years. he also was on the championship team of the inaugral Three-Man Event in 1985, and finished second in that tournament in 1987.
Chris was named All Decade twice, in 1989-1998 and again from 1999-2008. He was also a member of the Silver Anniversary Team for the event's first 25 years. He was named All-Tournament nine times, despite retiring for five years in his prime. He has won two State Titles (1995, 2007) and was runner up in 1996, 1998,1999, 2006 and 2008. His nine All-Tourney selections are third all-time.
Chris was also a member of Legendary Lumber in 2009 when they won the National Wiffle Ball Association National Championship in Seymour, Indiana. Chris was named All-Tournament in that event, despite playing the final four games with a torn ACL.
As one of the true ground breakers, Chris was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame with its second class in 2000. In addition, Chris was announced as a Charter Inductee in to the World Of Wiffleball Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2009.
JEFF DAVIS - Class of 2000
Teaming with Mike Grizzard in 1982 to start the Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament and having been involved for all 39 years as a player, director, and umpire, Jeff Davis has been as instrumental to the success of wiffle ball in North Carolina as anyone.
Considered the greatest defensive player in the tournament's history, Jeff, playing third, teamed with Ken Ballance to play in five of the six championship games of the Kenly Two-Man Tournament from 1982-1987, winning three. He was also runner-up twice in the Three-Man event, which ran from 1985-1988.
When the state tourney began in 1989, Jeff and brother Chris combined to be the greatest defensive tandem in history. The two played shallow and close to the line, daring batters to hit the ball over their head, yet getting back to cover the deep ball and run down fly balls in deep center field.
Jeff was All-Decade both times that award has been given. In the first decade (1989-1998), Jeff was All-Tournament 9 times in 10 years, and led all players with 38 points, including an MVP award and titles in 1995 and 1997. After retiring for six years, during which he continued to help direct and umpire the tourney, he came back out of retirement in 2006. He was also named to the tourney's Silver Anniversary Team in 2013.
Jeff, playing with fellow Hall of Famers Chris Davis, Duane Pittman, and Ritchie Willoughby, cam back to win a third state championship in 2007. Jeff became the oldest player to win MVP at age 38, then became the oldest All-Tournament player ever the following year at 39, a record since broken.
Overall, Jeff has 13 All-Tournament awards, second only to Duane Pittman, two MVP's, three championships, and five runner-up finishes. He continues to direct and umpire the event.
In 2009, as a member of Legendary Lumber, he won the National Wiffle Ball Association Championship in Seymour, Indiana, where he was selected to the All-Tournament team.
Jeff was named to the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2000, and was recently selected for the Charter class of the World of Wiffleball Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2009.
Considered the greatest defensive player in the tournament's history, Jeff, playing third, teamed with Ken Ballance to play in five of the six championship games of the Kenly Two-Man Tournament from 1982-1987, winning three. He was also runner-up twice in the Three-Man event, which ran from 1985-1988.
When the state tourney began in 1989, Jeff and brother Chris combined to be the greatest defensive tandem in history. The two played shallow and close to the line, daring batters to hit the ball over their head, yet getting back to cover the deep ball and run down fly balls in deep center field.
Jeff was All-Decade both times that award has been given. In the first decade (1989-1998), Jeff was All-Tournament 9 times in 10 years, and led all players with 38 points, including an MVP award and titles in 1995 and 1997. After retiring for six years, during which he continued to help direct and umpire the tourney, he came back out of retirement in 2006. He was also named to the tourney's Silver Anniversary Team in 2013.
Jeff, playing with fellow Hall of Famers Chris Davis, Duane Pittman, and Ritchie Willoughby, cam back to win a third state championship in 2007. Jeff became the oldest player to win MVP at age 38, then became the oldest All-Tournament player ever the following year at 39, a record since broken.
Overall, Jeff has 13 All-Tournament awards, second only to Duane Pittman, two MVP's, three championships, and five runner-up finishes. He continues to direct and umpire the event.
In 2009, as a member of Legendary Lumber, he won the National Wiffle Ball Association Championship in Seymour, Indiana, where he was selected to the All-Tournament team.
Jeff was named to the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2000, and was recently selected for the Charter class of the World of Wiffleball Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2009.
DUANE PITTMAN - Class of 2001
Duane Pittman has been the most dominant offensive force in wiffle ball history, as well as being the tournament's greatest "winner", and arguably the greatest player in tournament history.
Duane has won a record 7 state championships with 12 different players. He has also been runner-up four times, giving him 11 title appearances, a record he shares with Ritchie Willoughby. Pittman has also been great for a long time, as he was named All-Tournament a mind-boggling 16 times in the event's 23 year history.
Duane, who has caught, pitched, and even played some third base in his career, holds almost every tournament power record, including home runs in a tournament (12), and inning (3). He is known for his clutch hitting and ability to hit with power to all fields.
Duane began his career in the Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament back in the late 1980's, and has been playing ever since. Pittman has also been MVP twice, winning the award in 1996 and 1999.
Duane is known for his love of the game and his legendary focus. He repatedly "retired", but finally hung up his bat for good.
Duane was Inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2001, and was the youngest inductee ever at age 27. He also was recently named as a Charter member of the World of Wiffleball Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2009.
Duane has won a record 7 state championships with 12 different players. He has also been runner-up four times, giving him 11 title appearances, a record he shares with Ritchie Willoughby. Pittman has also been great for a long time, as he was named All-Tournament a mind-boggling 16 times in the event's 23 year history.
Duane, who has caught, pitched, and even played some third base in his career, holds almost every tournament power record, including home runs in a tournament (12), and inning (3). He is known for his clutch hitting and ability to hit with power to all fields.
Duane began his career in the Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament back in the late 1980's, and has been playing ever since. Pittman has also been MVP twice, winning the award in 1996 and 1999.
Duane is known for his love of the game and his legendary focus. He repatedly "retired", but finally hung up his bat for good.
Duane was Inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2001, and was the youngest inductee ever at age 27. He also was recently named as a Charter member of the World of Wiffleball Hall of Fame on Sept. 28, 2009.
STEVIE EDWARDS - Class of 2002
Stevie Edwards has worn many hats in the past 28 years, from successful player to director to official. His many contributions earned him induction to the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Stevie began his career back in 1987, finishing second in the Kenly Two-Man Wiffle Ball Tournament with teammate Jeff Johnson. he won the final Kenly Three-Man Tournament in 1988 as a member of "Pine Level", and was awarded the MVP Trophy that season.
In state tournament play, Stevie was a four-time All-Tournament selection in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998. He won the State Championship in
1997 with Unfair Advantege, and was runner-up in 1995, 1996 and 1998.
After retiring from competition, Stevie became the Lead Director for the tournament, and held that position for 10 years, before retiring in 2008. He also umpired during that time, and his leadership helped the event gain sponsorship from Pepsi and expand the number of teams. His work helped in 2006 to make the dramatic move to Smithfield, leaving Kenly, where it had been since 1982. The move was a good one, as it upgraded the event's facilities and helped it grow.
Stevie stepped down in 2009, but continues to be involved behind the scenes.
Stevie began his career back in 1987, finishing second in the Kenly Two-Man Wiffle Ball Tournament with teammate Jeff Johnson. he won the final Kenly Three-Man Tournament in 1988 as a member of "Pine Level", and was awarded the MVP Trophy that season.
In state tournament play, Stevie was a four-time All-Tournament selection in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998. He won the State Championship in
1997 with Unfair Advantege, and was runner-up in 1995, 1996 and 1998.
After retiring from competition, Stevie became the Lead Director for the tournament, and held that position for 10 years, before retiring in 2008. He also umpired during that time, and his leadership helped the event gain sponsorship from Pepsi and expand the number of teams. His work helped in 2006 to make the dramatic move to Smithfield, leaving Kenly, where it had been since 1982. The move was a good one, as it upgraded the event's facilities and helped it grow.
Stevie stepped down in 2009, but continues to be involved behind the scenes.
TONY HAMM - Class of 2004
Tony Hamm gained fame as a player, then moved to the other side, helping direct the tournament and becoming its first permanent umpire.
Tony Hamm first started with the tourney in 1988, finishing runner up in the Kenly Three-Man Event with Travis Smith and John Daughtry. When the format changed to a State Tournament in 1989, he met succes there as well, finishing second in 1989, third in 1994 and fourth in 1993. He also was awarded All-Tournament honors in 1989, 1994 and 1995.
Tony then retired from playing, but continued to be involved with the tournament until 2008. He became the tournament's first steady official, umpiring from 1996-2006 almost by himself, at times calling every tournament game with no break. He then continued to help direct the event in 2007 and 2008 before finally retiring.
Tony's officiating gave the tournament credibility, as it finallt had a real umpire who knew wiffle ball and was there year after year. Many of these years he called with little or no pay.
Because of his success on the field and behind the plate, Tony was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2004.
Tony Hamm first started with the tourney in 1988, finishing runner up in the Kenly Three-Man Event with Travis Smith and John Daughtry. When the format changed to a State Tournament in 1989, he met succes there as well, finishing second in 1989, third in 1994 and fourth in 1993. He also was awarded All-Tournament honors in 1989, 1994 and 1995.
Tony then retired from playing, but continued to be involved with the tournament until 2008. He became the tournament's first steady official, umpiring from 1996-2006 almost by himself, at times calling every tournament game with no break. He then continued to help direct the event in 2007 and 2008 before finally retiring.
Tony's officiating gave the tournament credibility, as it finallt had a real umpire who knew wiffle ball and was there year after year. Many of these years he called with little or no pay.
Because of his success on the field and behind the plate, Tony was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2004.
PAUL LYNN WILLOUGHBY - Class of 2004
Paul Lynn Willougby has been around forever. He played in the first-ever Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament in 1982 at the age of 8, and has since won every major award possible.
Paul Lynn has been All-Tournament eight times, one of only six players to do that, and is also one of only two people to be MVP while finishing third, something he did in 1994.
Paul Lynn has pitched most of his career, and his knuckler and ability to field the middle and cover the bases make him one of the game's greatest defensive players. He also is a great hitter, once hitting three homers in a game, and hitting the middle as consistently as anyone in the tournaments' history.
Willoughby has won the State Championship four times (1997, 2003, 2004, 2007) which ties him with brother Ritchie for second most all-time. He also has been the runner up in 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.
Because of his pitching defense and hitting prowness, Paul Lynn was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2004.
Paul Lynn has been All-Tournament eight times, one of only six players to do that, and is also one of only two people to be MVP while finishing third, something he did in 1994.
Paul Lynn has pitched most of his career, and his knuckler and ability to field the middle and cover the bases make him one of the game's greatest defensive players. He also is a great hitter, once hitting three homers in a game, and hitting the middle as consistently as anyone in the tournaments' history.
Willoughby has won the State Championship four times (1997, 2003, 2004, 2007) which ties him with brother Ritchie for second most all-time. He also has been the runner up in 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.
Because of his pitching defense and hitting prowness, Paul Lynn was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2004.
CHARLIE FLOWERS - Class of 2006
"Charlie Mac" has been around wiffle ball most of his life, laying out his own backyard field in his youth. His first association with the Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament was in 1987, when he teamed with brother Doug and Jay Lamm to win the Three-Man Championship.
After stepping away for a few years, Charlie came back and helped lead perhaps the greatest team in North Carolina Wiffle Ball history. In 1997 as the Legends, he finished runner up in the tournament, but that was just the beggining.
With teammates Doug Flowers, Jay Lamm and Travis Matthews, Charlie made up Chase Flooring, who waltzed through three state tournaments in 2000, 2001 and 2002, becoming the only team to ever win three straight.
Charlie was All-Tournament in 1997, then was Co-MVP with Matthews in 2000. The following year he became the first back-to-back MVP in the event's history, and followed that up with another All-Tournament selection in 2002.
Flashing a gold glove at third and also hitting the third base line from the plate as well as anyone, Charlie continues to play today. He has led other teams into the tournament, and continues to be a great ambassador for the game.
For his stellar career, Charlie was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2006.
After stepping away for a few years, Charlie came back and helped lead perhaps the greatest team in North Carolina Wiffle Ball history. In 1997 as the Legends, he finished runner up in the tournament, but that was just the beggining.
With teammates Doug Flowers, Jay Lamm and Travis Matthews, Charlie made up Chase Flooring, who waltzed through three state tournaments in 2000, 2001 and 2002, becoming the only team to ever win three straight.
Charlie was All-Tournament in 1997, then was Co-MVP with Matthews in 2000. The following year he became the first back-to-back MVP in the event's history, and followed that up with another All-Tournament selection in 2002.
Flashing a gold glove at third and also hitting the third base line from the plate as well as anyone, Charlie continues to play today. He has led other teams into the tournament, and continues to be a great ambassador for the game.
For his stellar career, Charlie was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2006.
RITCHIE WILLOUGHBY - Class of 2006
Ritchie Willoughby was only 9 years old when he played in the first Kenly Wiffle Ball Tournament, and he turned in one of the game's greatest careers.
Ritchie, who has caught and pitched most of his career, is a constant participant in State Championship games. he has won the title four times (1997, 2003, 2004, 2007), tying brother Paul Lynn Willougby for second on the all-time list, and is tied with Duane Pittman and Joey Creech for title game appearances with 11.
Ritchie has mastered the art of hitting the ball hard on the ground, pulling the ball yet being able to go backside when needed. His hitting has helped him amass an amazing eight All-Tournaments awards.
Ritchie won titles with Unfair Advantege (1997), AND 1 (2003, 2004) and most recently Legendary Lumber in 2007.
Ritchie and his brother Paul Lynn are one of two sets of brothers in the Hall of Fame. Ritchie was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Ritchie, who has caught and pitched most of his career, is a constant participant in State Championship games. he has won the title four times (1997, 2003, 2004, 2007), tying brother Paul Lynn Willougby for second on the all-time list, and is tied with Duane Pittman and Joey Creech for title game appearances with 11.
Ritchie has mastered the art of hitting the ball hard on the ground, pulling the ball yet being able to go backside when needed. His hitting has helped him amass an amazing eight All-Tournaments awards.
Ritchie won titles with Unfair Advantege (1997), AND 1 (2003, 2004) and most recently Legendary Lumber in 2007.
Ritchie and his brother Paul Lynn are one of two sets of brothers in the Hall of Fame. Ritchie was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2006.
JOEY CREECH - Class of 2006
Joey Creech is proof that dynamite comes in small packages. Standing only 5'7, Joey has constructed a resume to rival anyone in tournament history.
At age 18 in 1992, Joey made tournament history by becoming the youngest MVP ever, leading his Yard Dogs to a second place finish. He then went on to win 5 championships and finish as runner up 6 times. He has played in 11 championship games, a record he shares with Johnny baker and Ritchie Willoughby.
Overall, Joey was All-Tournament 13 times. The first (1992) and last (2019) were an amazing 27 years apart. He was All-Decade from 1989-2008, then again from 2009-18, the only player in history to be win that award in non-consecutive deaceds.
Joey can hit for power and average, and also has been an excellent defensive player, mostly at third base and pitcher. He has also been deadly on the base paths, using his speed to take the extra base. His intense nature and competitive drive are legendary.
Having battled back from a serious car accident, Joey continued to excel afterwards.. For all this, Joey was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2006.
JOHN DAUGHTRY - Class of 2006
Posessing possibly the strongest arm in tournament history, John Daughtry comined defense and power to be one of the greatest players in tournament history. Known for taking pitch after pitch, John always sparked discussion of a possible "pitch count" or "ball and strike" rule that never materialized.
Playing third base, John was one of the only players to be a threat to throw runners out at first base at any time. He could throw the wiffle ball fast and straight, and thus was a defensive weapon.
In addition, his power made him one of the greatest home run hitters ever. John was dominant in the tournament's first decade, winning the State Championship twice (1992, 1995), finishing runner up in 1993 and 1996, and winning MVP in 1993.
John, who retired prematurley after the 1996 season, made All-Tournament five times (1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996) and was as good an all around player as anyone in the '90's.
John was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in 2006.
JOHNNY BAKER - Class of 2011
No player in North Carolina Wiffle Ball history has compiled awards at the rate Johnny Baker.. Known for his power on offense and his great arm on defense, Johnny is one of the few third basemen in the event's history to consistently throw runners out at first. He and Duane Pittman are the only two players in the "GOAT" discussion.
Johnny has amassed an incredible SIX Most Valuable Player Awards, twice as many as anyone else. He was named All Tournament 10 times, and won titles in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010,2011 and 2012. Amazingly, he won MVP the first three times he played in the tournament.
Johnny's power to all fields, incredible hands and arm, and ability to win the big one make him arguably the greatest player in tournament history.
In addition to this, he also was a member of Legendary Lumber in 2009 when they won the National Title in Seymour, Indiana. Johnny also was named MVP in that! He was only 32 at the time of his induction.
Johnny became the 13th member of the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame on July 16, 2011.
Johnny has amassed an incredible SIX Most Valuable Player Awards, twice as many as anyone else. He was named All Tournament 10 times, and won titles in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010,2011 and 2012. Amazingly, he won MVP the first three times he played in the tournament.
Johnny's power to all fields, incredible hands and arm, and ability to win the big one make him arguably the greatest player in tournament history.
In addition to this, he also was a member of Legendary Lumber in 2009 when they won the National Title in Seymour, Indiana. Johnny also was named MVP in that! He was only 32 at the time of his induction.
Johnny became the 13th member of the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame on July 16, 2011.
JON MOORE - Class of 2018
One of the greatest defensive first basemen in tournament history, Jon Moore coupled that with incredible bat control to build one of the greatest resumes in tournament history. His ability to consistently hit the ball hard to the left side has led to numerous championships and awards.
Jon first entered the tournament scene in 1996, winning the 5 team "Rec" division (in retrospect, he should not have been playing there). Within 5 years (2001), he finished runner up and garnered his first All Tournament award, and never looked back.
Since then Jon has played on 4 championship teams (2005 with the Ghetto Gamers, 2010,2011,2012 with the Hand Picked J's), and been runner up 3 times (2001,2002,2013). He also has been All Tournament 10 times (2001,2002,2005,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2016,2017).
The Hand Picked J's, consisting of Moore and fellow Hall of Famers Johnny Bake, Joey Creech and Jeff Finney, are one of the greatest teams in North Carolina history, making 7 final fours in 8 years from 2010-2017, including one runner up and three consecutive titles from 2010-2012.
In addition, Jon was instrumental in moving the tournament to Smithfield in 2007, and has helped guide and run the event as a member of the Smithfield Rec Department. That move was huge for the tournament, adding the support and resources from the town of Smithfield to the event.
Jon continues to play and also help in the administration of the tournament. he was inducted into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in July, 2018.
JEFF FINNEY - Class of 2018
A deadly power hitter, Jeff Finney teamed with fellow Hall of Famers Johnny Baker, Jon Moore and Joey Creech to assemble one of the events greatest team, the Hand Picked J's.
From 2010-2012, the J's won back to back to back State Titles, then added a runner up in 2013, third place finishes in 2014 and 2017, and a fourth place finish in 2016 for a total of 7 final fours in 8 years.
In addition, Finney won the 1998 tournament with the Ghetto Superstars and again in 2005 with the Ghetto Gamers, being named MVP both times. Finney also overcame cancer during his career, recovering to come back to more success.
During it all, he kept up a steady stream of conversation with players, umps and fans from the catcher position, mastering the art of distraction.
Overall, Finney was named All Tournament 9 times, in 1998,1999,2000,2004 and 2005 before his cancer diagnoses, then again in 2010,2011,2012 and 2014 afterwards.
For all his accomplishments, he was named to the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in July of 2018.
A deadly power hitter, Jeff Finney teamed with fellow Hall of Famers Johnny Baker, Jon Moore and Joey Creech to assemble one of the events greatest team, the Hand Picked J's.
From 2010-2012, the J's won back to back to back State Titles, then added a runner up in 2013, third place finishes in 2014 and 2017, and a fourth place finish in 2016 for a total of 7 final fours in 8 years.
In addition, Finney won the 1998 tournament with the Ghetto Superstars and again in 2005 with the Ghetto Gamers, being named MVP both times. Finney also overcame cancer during his career, recovering to come back to more success.
During it all, he kept up a steady stream of conversation with players, umps and fans from the catcher position, mastering the art of distraction.
Overall, Finney was named All Tournament 9 times, in 1998,1999,2000,2004 and 2005 before his cancer diagnoses, then again in 2010,2011,2012 and 2014 afterwards.
For all his accomplishments, he was named to the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame in July of 2018.
JAKE AUSTIN -
Class of 2021
Known for his acrobatic catches at third base and clutch hitting at the plate, Jake Austin is one of the most decorated players in North Carolina Wiffle Ball Tournament history.
As a member of the G-Nats, Jake ws a part of one of the most dominant teams in tourney history. From 2005-2014 they finished in the final 4 of the event nine times in 10 years, including championships in 2008,2009 and 2013, as well as runner up finishes in 2005,2010,2012 and 2014.
Jake was named MVP in all 3 G-Nats title runs, and as a 19 year old in 2008, he became one of only 3 teens to ever win the award.
Jake's 3 MVP's are the second most of all time, trailing only Johnny Baker's six, and he is one of only nine players to win more than one.
In addition, Jake was All Tournament seven times (05,07,08,09,10,12,13) before stepping away from the game at the ripe old age of 24. Even in such a short period of time, his 7 All Tourney awards are tied for the 11th most in history.
In addition to his exploits in the state event, in 2009 he and his G-Nats teammates traveled to Indiana and finished second in the National Wiffle Ball Federation National Tournament, where he was named All Tournament.
Jake returned to the tournament in 2019, and is currently still playing. For all his accomplishments, Jake Austin is the sole inductee into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame for 2021.
Class of 2021
Known for his acrobatic catches at third base and clutch hitting at the plate, Jake Austin is one of the most decorated players in North Carolina Wiffle Ball Tournament history.
As a member of the G-Nats, Jake ws a part of one of the most dominant teams in tourney history. From 2005-2014 they finished in the final 4 of the event nine times in 10 years, including championships in 2008,2009 and 2013, as well as runner up finishes in 2005,2010,2012 and 2014.
Jake was named MVP in all 3 G-Nats title runs, and as a 19 year old in 2008, he became one of only 3 teens to ever win the award.
Jake's 3 MVP's are the second most of all time, trailing only Johnny Baker's six, and he is one of only nine players to win more than one.
In addition, Jake was All Tournament seven times (05,07,08,09,10,12,13) before stepping away from the game at the ripe old age of 24. Even in such a short period of time, his 7 All Tourney awards are tied for the 11th most in history.
In addition to his exploits in the state event, in 2009 he and his G-Nats teammates traveled to Indiana and finished second in the National Wiffle Ball Federation National Tournament, where he was named All Tournament.
Jake returned to the tournament in 2019, and is currently still playing. For all his accomplishments, Jake Austin is the sole inductee into the North Carolina Wiffle Ball Hall of Fame for 2021.
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CRAIG HARDIN - Class of 2022
A complete player who can hit, play defense and run the bases, Craig Hardin is the most dominant player of the past decade, playing in 9 of the last 10 championship games with his teammates on Uncensored/In It To Win It. Craig first emerged as a force in 2009, when he as named All Tournament. His team In It To Win It then made their first Final Four in 2013, which set off a decade-long run as the tournament's best team. In It To Win It won back to back titles in 2014 and 2015, and Craig was named MVP both times. He is one of only 9 players in history to win multiple MVP's, and one of only 4 to go back to back. After a sub par showing in 2016, In It To Win It reorganized as Uncensored, and promptly played in 5 straight championship games, winning in 2017 and 2019. They then went back to their In It To Win It moniker in 2022 and won their 5th championship. Craig has been named All Tournament 9 times, tied for 6th most ever, along with his 2 MVP awards. Craig was inducted on July 16, 2022. |
JORDAN ADAMS- Class of 2022
As a pitcher and clutch hitter, Jordan Adams has been the backbone of one of the most dominant teams in tournament history for the past decade, In It To Win It/Uncensored.
Jordan has his first success in 2011, when he finished runner up with the Scrubs. But this was nothing compared to the success he would have the next ten years.
With In It To Win It, Jordan finished 4th in 2013, and has since finished first or second in 9 of the past 10 tournaments. Championships as In It To Win It in 2014 and 2015 were followed by wins as Uncensored in 2017 and 2019. Then, again as Uncensored, Jordan and his teammates won again in 2022.
Along the way, Jordan was named MVP twice (2017,2019),one of only 9 players to win multiple MVP's. He has also been named All Tournament 7 times, one of only 14 players to garner that award 7 times or more.
In addition, Jordan's story is made even more amazing by his battle with a life threatening illness. Jordan was All Tournament in 2018 while his health deteriorated from liver disease. Incredibly, after receiving a liver transplant in January 2019, he came back that July to win the MVP award and another title.
Jordan was inducted on July 16, 2022.
As a pitcher and clutch hitter, Jordan Adams has been the backbone of one of the most dominant teams in tournament history for the past decade, In It To Win It/Uncensored.
Jordan has his first success in 2011, when he finished runner up with the Scrubs. But this was nothing compared to the success he would have the next ten years.
With In It To Win It, Jordan finished 4th in 2013, and has since finished first or second in 9 of the past 10 tournaments. Championships as In It To Win It in 2014 and 2015 were followed by wins as Uncensored in 2017 and 2019. Then, again as Uncensored, Jordan and his teammates won again in 2022.
Along the way, Jordan was named MVP twice (2017,2019),one of only 9 players to win multiple MVP's. He has also been named All Tournament 7 times, one of only 14 players to garner that award 7 times or more.
In addition, Jordan's story is made even more amazing by his battle with a life threatening illness. Jordan was All Tournament in 2018 while his health deteriorated from liver disease. Incredibly, after receiving a liver transplant in January 2019, he came back that July to win the MVP award and another title.
Jordan was inducted on July 16, 2022.