There is a saying in baseball that most fans can recite by memory. A legendary moment in the blockbuster movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” That is exactly what Tony Buccilli, General Manager of the Washington Wild Things did this season.
With the news of the Frontier League suspending the 2020 baseball season, Buccilli went to work and rather quickly. Endless phone calls and sleepless nights led him to create something beautiful at Wild Things Park.
Socially Distanced. Socially Responsible. But still social.
The announcement came over social media days after the Frontier League’s announcement and a hopeful discussion via phone call with Buccilli. For it to work, the Wild Things would need all hands on deck from employees, players, and fans. Four teams, double-headers, and one champion.
Buccilli knew there would be a lot of variables going into a baseball season during COVID-19, especially with so many uncertainties continuing to pop-up throughout the country.
Teaming up with Joe Torre —no, not that one — and his Black Sox, Buccilli split his Wild Things into two teams: Washington Wild Things and the Steel City Slammin’ Sammies. Torre did the same, splitting his men into two teams: Baseball Brilliance Sox and the Road Warrior Black Sox.
Against all odds, Wild Things Park was given baseball on July 9, 2020 with a day game between the Baseball Brilliance Sox and Road Warrior Black Sox. The night followed with the Washington Wild Things going head-to-head with the Slammin’ Sammies.
“Playing eight games in a row is never easy, let alone eight games in four days,” Buccilli said on Sunday during the final game of the weekend, "Would safely say everyone is exhausted after this weekend but it was quite satisfying just bringing baseball back and seeing how excited fans were.”
To make the summer even more special, Buccilli has even more tricks up his sleeve – including former Major League Baseball players taking the field. So far, former Cincinnati Reds Brandon Phillips has made an appearance playing for the Baseball Brilliance.
“We’re going to continue to build on week one and add more to production over time,” Buccilli added.
He and Torre’s men equally understand what it means to be able to play baseball in 2020. With so many leagues and teams opting out and waiting for 2021, Buccilli’s plan has allowed each of them to continue fundamental development and increase their chances of furthering their careers.
“The first weekend went well. Being able to play in 2020 is a blessing honestly,” Road Warrior first basemen Brooks Benson said, “There are only a few other leagues playing and I get to play in one of them. It’s pretty incredible to think about – not going to lie.”
Benson, 25, has previously played for the Monterey Amberjacks and was a Pacific Division All-Star. Benson is currently documenting his travels and career in professional baseball while living in a camper on social media. His residence is wherever the game takes him and Chance, his three-year-old four-legged friend who often accompanies him. When he isn’t traveling for baseball, Benson works with Driveline Baseball as an Online Youth Trainer.
“I’m just excited to get back out on a field and compete again with a group of great guys. I love training for baseball, don’t get me wrong but nothing is better than competing between the lines on the field.” Benson added.
Washington’s RHP Matt Marsili is also thankful for the opportunity this season. “It’s an amazing feeling being able to get out on the baseball field and compete in one way or another when so many players across the country are stuck at home. It’s also a great feeling knowing that our management team for the Wild Things found a way to put together some type of season for all of us.”
Marsili, 23, joined the Wild Things organization in 2019 after finishing his playing career with James Madison University. He is currently the Director of Player Development for JMU and assists with practice planning, data tracking, and development strategies.
He continued, “I’m just excited to be allowed to compete for the next 10 weeks this summer. All of us have worked hard during the offseason and luckily now, we get to play and show everyone what we can do out there.”
Former Wild Thing and current Road Warrior Black Sox RHP Joe Jones earned his first win on Friday afternoon against the Slammin’ Sammies. “I’m excited about the potential exposure and competitiveness. The competition is two-fold because we have the competition from the Black Sox guys that are here and not on the roster but trying to make the team and then you have the intricate competition of facing the same guys every weekend.”
When Jones, 24, is not on the field playing baseball, he can be found in the hot Arizona desert with Watch Momentum. Jones has been featured in Watch Momentum’s Live AB Youtube videos featuring Trevor Bauer, Paige Halstead, Jose Ramirez, and Cesar Salazar.
Jones might have returned to Wild Things Park this summer in a different uniform but his goal remains the same – to play baseball.
“When you face guys so many times, they know your stuff and your tendencies, and to be successful, you have to adapt and sharpen,” he said.
In his first year with the Wild Things, outfielder Robbie Thorburn found himself on the Slammin’ Sammies.
“Honestly, the first word that comes to mind is blessed. I’m blessed to be able to play this game in the first place but considering the circumstances in baseball and just society as a whole right now, I’m even more grateful for this opportunity.
“I know how many people there are out there who aren’t able to do the things they love right now, so I make sure to just have gratitude and bring a positive attitude to the field every day,” he said.
Thorburn, 25, previously played in the Baltimore Orioles organization and for UNC Wilmington before joining Buccilli’s “Thangz” for the 2020 season. Thorburn split his time between Frederick and Delmarva during the 2019 season.
He continued, “I’m excited about the little rivalries we are inevitably going to create. I mean going up against these guys all summer long is going to prod those competitive fires that we all have. I think it’s shaping up to be an eventful summer, I just cross my fingers we are able to continue doing what we’re able to do right now. I can’t say enough about the staff and all the people playing a part in making this season happen. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to play.”
Buccilli and his staff will continue to post weekly schedules throughout the summer with the end goal to finish up in September. “We’re going with the flow.” His motto when asked on social media about releasing schedules.
Fans who are unable to attend the game in person or are not comfortable with attending can watch each game via livestream.com and on Periscope with Kyle Dawson giving play-by-plays throughout the game. Fans will also have the occasional opportunity to hear Buccilli relieve Dawson in later innings, as he did on the first Friday night game of the season.
For more information on the Washington Wild Things and Slammin’ Sammies, you can visit the main website here. And for more information on Joe Torre’s Black Sox Professional Baseball, you can visit the main website here.
(Photo Credit: Tony Buccilli)