BAL News
Three Straight Finals—But Are the 8 Balls Beginning to Crack?
The 8 Balls chase a fourth straight championship — but offseason questions swirl around Matt McCleary's future.
August 25, 2026
No franchise has been more consistent than the 8 Balls.
They have appeared in all three BWAL championship games, winning the Season 2 title and finishing as runner-up twice. This season, they will attempt to climb the mountain again and become the first team to reach four consecutive championships.
Before that can happen, however, the 8 Balls may need to address questions inside their own clubhouse.
Despite another championship appearance last season, there is a feeling that the team's focus has not always been entirely on winning. The constant attention surrounding Stubby's has reportedly frustrated Matt McCleary, creating one of the league's most interesting offseason storylines.
Could McCleary eventually want out?
Losing him would be a massive blow. In his first season with the 8 Balls, McCleary recorded 17 hits, 19 walks, three home runs and a league-leading 150 pitching strikeouts. He was not merely another contributor—he became one of the most valuable two-way players in the league.
The 8 Balls already have proven pieces around him. Ronnie Swantner produced 16 hits, 12 runs and 11 RBIs last season, while Nate Adams added 16 hits and 10 RBIs. Cam Barto also delivered 10 RBIs in only six appearances.
The talent is there. The question is whether the focus is there too.
Meanwhile, the 8 Balls have shown interest in Cherrypickers pitcher Brad Atkinson. Brad appeared in only four games last season but still collected 16 walks, eight runs and eight RBIs while adding 29 pitching strikeouts.
A move for Atkinson could give the 8 Balls additional pitching depth—but it would also raise questions about McCleary's future. Would Brad join McCleary in a loaded rotation, or could he eventually become his replacement?
The 8 Balls have never missed a BWAL championship game.
This season will reveal whether they are preparing for another title run—or approaching the end of an era.
THE FEED
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