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BEDFORD -It was game 7 of the 1987 Bedford Wiffleball Championship series. Bottom of the fourth, four balls, two strikes, one out, bases loaded (ghost runners were allowed until they were abolished in 1991). One more ball, and Slammer Sadowski would be
served another lob pitch (he already homered twice
earlier off of lob pitches).
"The Garden Greats", led by Dirk McBride, were up three runs. Crafty veteran pitcher Andy Busch, let
his pitch go. Sadowski swung and drove it deep towards the rocks in left-center field. McBride gave
chase, dove and made the catch. Preserving "The Garden Greats" 3rd straight wiffleball championship.
Unfortunately it would be the last catch Dirk McBride
ever made. When he made that last catch, he landed on
a stake that held up the outfield fence. The stake
went straight through McBride's stomach. He died instantly.
The Bedford wiffleball world went into shock. Everyone wanted to forget wiffleball. In an attempt
to move on, bats, balls and jerseys were all thrown into
a bonfire in Bedford center.
Then in 1991, a group of High Schoolers were assigned
to write a book report on "Swing for the Fences: The
Dirk McBride Story". Upon reading this book, a new
generation of wiffleball players were born. That April, the future Bedford High School Class of 1993 held the
inaugral Bedford Wiffleball Tournament.
Prior to 1991's tournament, a 10 minute montage of
Dirk's career was broadcast on the center field 35"
television. Dirk's wife, Wanda, and his 4 children, Lance, Winnie, Montell, and Dirk Jr., were all in attendance. In remembrance of Dirk's passing, Wanda
was presented with the "Golden Stake". The Golden
Stake, renamed the Dirk McBride award, is now presented every year to the player who exhibits the
most hustle during tournament play.
In memory of Dirk, every player must now have the letters "DM" some where on their uniform. This pays
tribute to the man who revolutionalized the way the
game was played.
-BWA2K
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