Playing like all-stars: First-ever Potawatomi All-Star Wiffle Ball Tournament draws a big crowd

MILWAUKEE -- Major League Baseball's "Midsummer Classic" may soon have some competition. An event very similar to baseball had many adults reliving their childhood, and it also brought out some former pro players.

Some of the best hitters and pitchers are showing what they've got this week. Not just in San Diego at the Major League All-Star Game, but also at the first-ever Potawatomi All-Star Wiffle Ball Tournament.

"It's a fun event, it's a great idea, games are fun, a lot of defense, not a lot of offense but still fun to watch," said Brian Wilmet, from Milwaukee.

The casino and hotel's event center was transformed into a wiffle ball haven.

"Bunch of guys from work came out and thought it would be a blast to play a little wiffle ball," said Paul Salb, from Mequon.

"I came across it on Facebook and we are all big baseball, softball, wiffle ball players so we figured we'd give it a shot," said Wilmet.

45 teams ended up giving it a shot -- a shot at playing some former major leaguers.

Former Milwaukee Brewers Geoff Jenkins, Jim Gantner and Paul Wagner, are known for their abilities on the big field, but what about this?

"This should be fun, you know I was watching the pitching out there, looks pretty tough. If Wagner can hold them to nothing we might have a chance if we get one base hit, but its great competition, great event and looks a little bit tougher than hard ball," said Gantner.

The tournament did bring back some memories that took place years before hitting the majors.

"Last time I played wiffle ball I was probably 10-12 years old, playing in the backyard we played a lot of wiffle ball when I was young. This is pretty close pitching and we were only 10 or 12 at the time, so the speed wasn't up there," said Gantner.

"Me and my brother used to have some knockdown drag-out games in our  front yard, I mean we had strict rules and you had to hit it over this bush or up against this wall -- man a lot of times the game would end in fights," said Jenkins.

No endings like that for these players, but it was competitive.

"We just lost in whatever it is the elite 8, so not too bad, a lot better than we thought we were going to do that's for sure," said Kyle Roadt, from Wind Lake.

And win or lose it seems like organizers have a hit on their hands.

"We'll come back next year, with a little bit of strategy, maybe practice a little bit so we know what we're doing," said Tony Cichy, from Milwaukee.

"We are coming, we're coming next year. We're going to practice next year," said Salb.