Get to Know the HRL: Groundskeeper Willie

Willie joined the league through Meesta, who he worked with at the time. He played in Wifflin for Wishes in 2016 and was waiting for the chance to join the Kardinals for a couple seasons before getting the call. Does he regret joining? Probably not, but he claims Tootin is the best at trash talking to his own teammates. The Kardinals/Manatees/Hops franchise is known for having one of the best vibes in the league, but close to them are the Marlins who Willie says “are always a good time”. 

Willie is a teammate you want on your side, with a career .348 OBP and good for 15+ HR a season. He went 3-4 with 2 bombs off Shandy in a Wifflepalooza game in 2021, one of his proudest league accomplishments. 

Willie grew up in small town Truman, MN before heading to the bright lights of Mankato for college. He is married with a 10/10 pupper named Rodger. Speaking of dogs, the last time Willie cried was watching the dog scene in A Star Is Born. He’s an account manager at Roundel, a wing of Target.

Some rapid fire with Willie:

• 2023 season prediction: playoffs for the Hops
• First HRL HR came off Catfish
• Prefers Burger King fries over McDonalds
• Could fight off two 3rd graders before being overwhelmed
• Big fan of the Packers, loves a good fall Sunday football gameday
• Trampled by Turtles, Furturebirds, Zach Bryan are some of his favorite artists

Willie is the glue that holds the Hops together with one of the better attendance records in the league dating back to 2018. Willie can be thanked for his efforts getting Bald Man Brewing on board as a sponsor for the Hops. Why does he play in the HRL? “Connection, competition, & camaraderie”. We appreciate you Willie!

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The ALS Wiffleball Tournament is on June 3rd at the West St Paul Sports Complex, register at www.alswiffleball.com.