When the 40+ members of the New York Yard League take the field this Sunday in East Rockaway they’ll be plenty 
of old faces.  Now when I say old, I don’t necessarily mean veterans of the league.  Several new teams will have 
those over the 40 year old mark, but they have the heart and passion of the 20-25 year olds that gives this league 
the exciting and gripping experience so many have had.

Of the ten franchises in Golden Stick New York’s Yard League this season, three are new additions to the region; 
the Mob, Swingmen, and the Blue Dragons.  Two of the total franchises, Swingmen and Throwbacks, will be 
composed of men who can be classified as “old” in wiffleball terms, but certainly not old in terms of life.

These 7-8 guys are a product of the 2011 GSTC-NY event that drew 20 teams and one local news organization that 
dubbed the event one of the most elaborate and interesting events they had ever witnessed.  Known in the Fast 
Pitch arena as the Dead End Kids, they travelled to The Open last year with the goal of truly testing their skill against 
the best that Golden Stick has to offer.  While the final result may have been a disappointment, the experience they 
had is unmatched.

Over the winter this group of newly addicted wifflers practiced with some of the GSWL regulars on an almost weekly 
basis.  Through these practices, these “rookies” have quickly turned into “veterans”.  They have learned most of the 
tricks of the trade when it comes to wiffleball.  It is amazing how much someone can learn when they play this sport 
on a consistent basis.

It just doesn’t compare to the little that could come from playing in a 5-week regular season.  Especially when you 
can play for as long as you want on a random Sunday in New Hyde Park, in February.  You can really learn how to 
throw that nasty screwball, or make someone swing out of their jock strap on a filthy change-up or knuckleball.

Vanus, Petric, Kollias, JD, YE, D’Octor, and Caras…these are the new “veterans” of GSWL.

So if you’re coming down to Bay County Park in East Rockaway this Sunday look for these smooth looking gentlemen 
wearing either the bright red Swingmen or forest green Throwbacks uniforms.

But of course, don’t forget about the three time New York Regional champion Enemy to try and steal the show.  
They ARE the best team in New York you know… or are they.

Stay tuned… 2012 will be the best season yet in New York.