The Home of ND Wiffleball
The Notre Dame Wiffleball League is a league where students of all baseball backgrounds and skill levels can compete and get to know each other on the South Quad of Notre Dame’s campus, right outside Alumni Hall. Founded in 2021 by then-Freshmen Matthew Doty and Michael Pilger, the league has grown to 10 teams and over 100 players annually. Each season begins on the first day of the academic year for Notre Dame, often the 2nd-to-last Monday in August, and typically ends in mid-to-late November.
History
During Welcome Weekend 2021, Dillon Hall resident Matthew Doty was throwing a wiffleball around on South Quad when Alumni Hall resident Michael Pilger asked to join him. A few days later, the two of them organized the first pick-up game, joined by other members of Alumni and Dillon. After a week of pickup games, the two agreed to create a 4-team league and drafted 13 total players, marking the beginning of ND Wiffleball.
The league grew consistently with time, approximately 25-30 people joining per class. In 2025, when the founding class graduated, the league settled at a consistent number of players around 100.
Current State and League Leadership
The league now enters its 6th year. With 9 teams competing for the title in 2026, it will undoubtedly be an intense season.
Commissioners
Michael Pilger (‘25, ‘27)
Michael enters his 6th and final year as commissioner as he wraps up his Master’s program. Michael has served as captain of the Storm for all 5 years.
Joey Thomalla (‘27)
Joey enters his 3rd and final year as commissioner. Joey was drafted by the Midnight in 2023, took over as captain in ‘24, but delegated the captain duty for ‘25-’26. He has been the franchise tag for the Midnight the last 2 seasons.
William Stevens (‘28)
Will is the oldest of the new commissioners, stepping up to take over the league in 2027. Will was drafted by the Storm in 2024, acted as captain in 2025 while Michael was on IR, and is now the Storm’s franchise tag.
Jimmy Szpak (‘29)
Jimmy joins tied as the youngest member of the league to take over as commissioner. Jimmy was drafted by the Midnight in 2025, but enters the 2026 draft as a free agent.
Brendan Mato (‘29)
Brendan and Jimmy tie Joey as the only members of the league to take on commissioner roles as sophomores. Brendan was drafted by the Stiffies in 2025 and now takes over as their captain.