Wiffleball teams gather for sixth annual event today

What started as a bunch of friends getting together to play wiffleball in Jeff Augustine's backyard has turned into the 10-team double-elimination Wiffle Ball World Series that begins today.

This year's is the sixth edition of the event and will feature teams from Benton, Ill., Carbondale, Ill., Potosi, Mo., Farmington, Mo., and Cape Girardeau.

"It was six teams the first year, mainly just friends," Augustine said. "It kind of just exploded."

Augustine attracted some of the out-of-state teams by posting the tournament on a Web site. One of the teams from Carbondale came to Cape Girardeau several weeks ago to get a feel for the field before entering the tournament.

Some Missouri teams like Farmington and Potosi have competed for the past couple of years.

Augustine and his Diablo teammates will look to defend their world series title from last year. The Diablos will contend with Cape Girardeau teams The Alliance, The Lower Companion Darkside Monkey, The Miller Lite All Stars and The Playtechs.

The Playtechs are the first women's team to compete in the event.

"It's going to be real interesting to see how they play," Augustine said, "but we're looking forward to it."

The Wiffleball World Series is open to the public at 2130 Sherwood in Cape Girardeau. Because of the growth of the tournament, Augustine's back yard is equipped with bleachers for fan seating.