2016 All Star Teams

The Gold All Stars pulled out a dramatic 11-9 win over the Red All Stars in one of the most competitive AS Games to date. With the win, the Gold AS now own a 5-1 advantage in the All Star Game. Robbie Redic (Wells Sox) and Malai Walker (Big Red) both successfully defended their Fastest Running Titles with new record times for both. Lathan Washington (Gold Ru$h) won his 2nd HR Derby and Julie Black (Sidewinders) won her first ever HR Derby over 2014 Champ - Meghan Oldis (Sidewinders).

Clint Layton (Wells Royals) was named Male AS MVP after his performance defensively and offensively. Clint drove in 4 RBI with two coming on a HR. He also made a spectacular play at the fence to rob Brian Parker (Blue Heat) of an extra-base hit. For the Female MVP, Allison Koehler (Play2Reign) had two hits and played stellar defense at 1B for the losing Red All Stars.

On Thursday, June 2nd, the league took a week off to hold its annual All Star Game and Awards Night. As is always the case, the HR Derby and Fastest Runner Skills Competitions were held prior to the game itself. Robbie Redic (Wells Sox) and Malai Walker (Big Red) both set new records in defending their Fastest Runner Competition titles. For Redic, it was his third win in a row.

The HR Derby was a different format in 2016. For the first time ever, players were seeded and a bracket was created for both the Men and Women. The Men's bracket saw Lathan Washington (Gold Ru$h) reach the finals for the third time and winning his second HR Derby (he also won in 2014). :Lathan defeated defending champion, Robbie Redic in the finals. Julie Black (Sidewinders) won her first HR Derby in defeating former HR Derby champion, Meghan Oldis (Sidewinders).

The All Star Game itself proved to be a close, tightly contested affair throughout. The Gold All Stars won for the fifth time in six All Star Games with an 11-9 game. Great defense held the Red All Stars at bay for most of the evening. Brandon Riedmiller (Play2Reign) crushed to HRs to help the Reds cause, but in the end, Clint Layton (Wells Royals), Brad Dougherty (Airport Flyers), Harold Gamble (Gold Ru$h) and Robbie Redic powered in 8 of the Gold's 11 runs with HRs during the game.

For his efforts on the winning All Star team, Clint Layton was named All Star MVP for the men for his big night at the plate and making a sensational catch against the fence on a Brian Parker (Blue Heat) drive. Allison Koehler (Play2Reign) was named the female All Star MVP in the losing effort for the Red All Stars. Allison had a great night defensively with several put outs and had a 2-3 night at the plate.

Before the All Star Game excitement unfolded, the league recognized several individuals before hand in the annual awared ceremony. The following awards were handed out:

Crystal Robbins Spirit Award: Erika Garcia (Wells Royals)
Female WFL MVP Award: Tanya Wiley (Wells Sox)
Male WFL MVP Award: Zack Nichols (Uptown Ballers)
HOF Class of 2016: Meghan Oldis (Sidewinders) / Joel Gearhart (Blue Heat)
Commissioner's Award: Nate Smith (Big Red)