For most athletes, the dream is to hear their name called on draft day. Few imagine that dream unfolding through a childhood backyard pastime. But for Fishers native Connor Smith, a lifelong love of Wiffle ball has led to an unexpected opportunity — one that now has him competing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Smith, a recent graduate of Fishers High School, was selected by the Atlanta Ballers in the Big League Wiffle Ball Draft, earning the chance to play professionally in a rapidly growing sport that is drawing national attention through ESPN and online streaming platforms.
“I couldn’t really believe that Wiffle ball would take me to a place like this,” Smith says. “Being able to say I’m a professional Wiffle ball player isn’t something I had planned, but it’s something I’m super grateful for.”
The announcement generated excitement throughout his family and plenty of surprise among friends.
“When everyone in my circle heard I was getting the opportunity to play on ESPN and get paid, they were pretty shocked,” he says.
Like many players, Smith’s athletic journey began with traditional baseball. He spent 11 years developing the fundamentals that would later help him excel in Wiffle ball. While the sports differ in some ways, Smith says baseball provides the foundation for his swing and overall approach at the plate.
His path changed in 2020 when he discovered the competitive Wiffle ball scene. Two years later, he competed in his first organized tournament and quickly found a new passion.
“I had a lot of stress and anxiety toward the end of my baseball career,” Smith says. “Wiffle ball never brought those emotions. Being on the Wiffle ball field is the one place where I truly stay in the moment. It’s become my happy place.”
Smith’s breakthrough came after competing in BLW tournaments. While his team struggled during a tournament in Chicago, a subsequent event in Texas told a different story. Alongside longtime teammate Cael Foreman, Smith helped lead an undefeated championship run that caught the attention of league scouts.
The Atlanta Ballers soon came calling.
“Teams were interested in Cael and me together because we’ve played with each other for five years,” Smith says. “When the Ballers reached out about selecting me 10th overall, we were ecstatic to have the opportunity to play together on the biggest stage in Wiffle ball.”
Now part of BLW’s newest franchise, Smith is helping build the Atlanta Ballers into a competitive force. The team is backed by notable owners, including rapper Nelly and former NFL player Julio Jones.
For fans unfamiliar with competitive Wiffle ball, Smith says it’s baseball with a unique twist. Pitchers throw from just 45 feet away and use an arsenal of pitches, including sliders, risers, drops and knuckleballs, that make hitting a major challenge.
Fishers residents can follow Smith’s journey through BLW and Atlanta Ballers social media channels, as well as broadcasts on YouTube and ESPN+. As for his rookie season, Smith’s goals extend beyond wins and statistics.
“Showing the league that I belong is the main goal,” he says. “But off the field, I want to make fans feel welcome. Signing autographs and taking pictures is something I never imagined doing for Wiffle ball, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to see where it takes me.”
For Smith, what started as a backyard game has become a professional adventure, and he’s only just getting started.
