While few freshmen participate in interscholastic sports at the Varsity level, one freshman has risen to the professional level in an unlikely fashion. R.J. Walgate, who is the son of Revere High School (RHS) social studies teacher Rachel Walgate, earned his way to a spot drafted into Major League WiffleBall (MLW).
Wiffle Ball is played on a smaller baseball field. The fielding team has only two fielders and a pitcher, while using a backstop which serves as a catcher. They play three game series, with each game being three innings long.
Walgate’s journey to the professional level started by watching YouTube videos of the league. Walgate said he was inspired by the videos to try and learn on his own.
“My wiffleball journey started by finding MLW on YouTube. . . . I started watching more and more videos about wiffleball and teaching myself how to pitch,” Walgate said.
RJ then asked for a backstop so he could practice.
“He asked my dad to build him a backstop, and he did. So R.J. would go outside and mess with the backstop and pitches, and he really liked it,” Rachel said.
RJ began to self-teach himself several pitches, and continues to practice his pitches. As RJ’s skills grew so did his interest in pursuing the hobby.
“He decided to make his own wiffleball league in Medina with some friends. Their team was pretty decent so he begged us to take him to a tournament. . . . We said ‘okay’,” Rachel Walgate said.
After going to a couple tournaments, R.J. gained attention from the MLW. R.J. ended up getting drafted by the Metro Magic following a first place finish in a national tournament.
He is currently preparing for his second season in the league, following a trip to the World Series with the Magic last year.
“He’ll start his next season at the end of April,” Rachel Walgate said.
R.J. has gained some publicity following his rookie season, which his mother has seen first-hand.
“He actually does get recognized from a lot of different places, on vacation in South Carolina or Cedar Point which is a common one,” Rachel Walgate said.
R.J. has also gotten to play in various locations, including an NFL stadium.
“He does get to go on trips across the country. He played in St. Louis, and he played in Atlanta in the Mercedes-Benz Dome,” Rachel Walgate said.
Along with his mother, Walgate’s father has watched the journey from backyards to world class stadiums.
“I watch him put in hours pitching, studying and taking notes. He really has a love and passion for it. It’s always fun and encouraging to see your children fall in love with something and have a passion for it and be willing to work at it,” (dad) said.
His father sees RJ apply what he has gained from wiffleball to life.
“I’ve seen him mature, and it helps him in life. . . . He’s been willing to work,” (dad) said.
R.J. played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, which is the Atlanta Falcons stadium, for the MLW World Series. He has used this experience of hard work and reaping the benefits to improve in basketball.
