WIFFLE at WORK
By Scott Martell.
“Hi, I run a lunchtime wiffle ball league for our company and we have about 40 players. We were hoping we could have a pitching and hitting clinic to start off our season this year. Could you recommend a wiffleball pitching/hitting expert or two that might be interested in leading such a thing for us? Regards, June – iFix Automation Support Manager – GE – Intelligent Platform”
Nick Benas forwarded me this email along with a request that I host said event. The clinic commenced on a bright Friday afternoon, only several miles from Gillette Stadium. The GE staff enjoyed BBQ as the WiffJunkies educated the group on WIFFLE Ball 101. Topics included game equipment and ball scuffing. Questions revolved around the tournament circuit, league formats and throwing a plastic ball 90mph.
Clinic directors shared hitting and pitching tips as the players tested new pitches and took part in batting practice. The day wrapped up with a Q&A session. Several months after the activities, I contacted June to see how the season went.
“Hi Scott, We just played the last semi-final yesterday (and roasted in the sun) and our championship game and cookout is next Thursday the 28th @ noon. The clinic was a great kick-off to the season and I could see through the season that your advice benefited the players, especially some of our pitchers.”
Imagine, being excited about going to work – looking forward to a game of WIFFLE Ball to take your mind off the daily grind. Ask your job to offer recreational activities during lunch hours. When HR asks why WIFFLE Ball is a good activity to include during work, explain how it benefit June and the employees at GE…
“It really is a great company activity, I started the league/tournament for fun 5 years ago and it’s taken on a life of its own. We have a scorekeeper who makes people nuts about their stats, we draw a lunchtime crowd, and people from different departments who’ve walked by each other in the halls for years have gotten to know each other. It’s awesome.”
