Swinging Into Spring: Ellis House Wiffle Ball Brings the Field to Life

19 April 2026William L, Ellis ‘26

Under clear skies and the early hints of spring, Ellis House traded its usual routines for the crack of plastic bats and the laughter of competition, as we took to the field for an afternoon of wiffle ball. What began as a simple house event quickly turned into a spirited display of energy and camaraderie, drawing players and spectators alike into the action. With each swing, strikeout, and close play at the bases, the game became less about the score and more about the shared moments that define life in Ellis.

With just two months left in the school year, the timing could not have been better. The field quickly filled with a mix of boarders and day students, all stepping into the game with energy and enthusiasm. Some came ready to compete, others simply to enjoy the sunshine, but together they created an atmosphere that reflected the best of Ellis House.

Ellis Assistant Houseparent Mr Toby Collis Handford captured the spirit of the game best: “Wiffle ball is the marriage between man’s greatest passion (the ball) and man’s greatest dream (flight). It’s an excellent game for the young men of Ellis.” His words echoed throughout the afternoon, as towering hits and diving stops brought both excitement and laughter to the field.

For players like Daimon G, Ellis ‘25, the appeal was in the action. “I love making big hits and chasing down people with the ball,” he mentioned, reflecting the competitive edge that pushed each inning forward. At the same time, the event offered something more than just competition. Grade 11 day student Owen L shared, “I love how I can form greater connections with boarders with whom I normally wouldn’t have interacted,” highlighting the way the game brought different parts of the Brentwood community together.

Even staff joined in on the energy. Mr Ma, Ellis BFA, summed it up simply: “Wiffle is goated.”

Behind the scenes, the game ran smoothly, with players rotating in and out and teams adjusting on the fly to keep things competitive. There were no formal stakes, no final prize to be won, but that was never the point. What mattered was the energy on the field, the laughter between innings, and the shared experience that carried through the afternoon.

As the final outs were made and the sun began to dip, the field slowly cleared, but the feeling remained. With the end of the school year approaching, moments like these take on greater meaning—simple, unstructured, and rooted in connection.

With eight weeks left in my Brentwood career, it feels surreal that these will be some of the final memories I will make at the school with my peers. I can’t thank the Ellis boys enough. They continue to show up with energy and positivity. I will cherish all the moments we have left together. It is afternoons like these that make Ellis feel like home, and they are the moments I know I will miss most.

To more wiffle league ball and memories!

William L, Ellis ‘26