Home Run Champion Will Tune Up For 2003

November 24th, 2002

Shelly Kroona took the 2001 female home run race with a commanding 7 home runs.  The output, almost double that of the nearest competitor, could be a tough feat to match.

"Winning was a great thrill," said Kroona.  "But it was a shock, too."

Kroona's home runs came in the most timely of situations often giving her team a critical late-inning lead or securing championships.  It is no coincidence that she is the third winningest FVWBL member of all-time with six team titles.

She's not satisfied, however, and says that maintaining that level is going to be a difficult chore.

"I have not done a physical activity since I have been away from wiffle," Kroona stated in an email interview.   "I am so out of shape...[it] looks like I'm going to have to start up again if I want to be ready and good for next season."

One can probably assume that she'll be successful in her comeback.  She has even eliminated most television from her daily routine.

"I don't watch Ed anymore," said Kroona, who was once a big fan of the hit NBC series.  "I haven't gotten in to TV all that much this semester. I'm hoping to stay away from a lot of it from now on. It is really getting bad."

She'll certainly be all the better for cutting the tube out of her daily life, but she's still got some other work ahead of her.

"I have been sort of busy with classes," said Kroona who is working on a degree in elementary education at the University of St. Thomas.  "I had a presentation last week and I'm trying to get my final papers done early so I can just relax the rest of the semester. I'm all set for next semester though."

Kroona has been a star in the league since it's inception in 2000.  She has amassed great pitching records to go along with the home run achievement.  She has won several "Best Dressed" awards and she has been an ambassador to the game bringing in brother, Mike, who is also one of the league's stars.  After a one-year layoff, she is ready to resume her accomplished career.

Along with the other league members, Kroona will be checking FVWBL.com early and often for the release of the 2003 schedule.  Until then, she'll do her best to find the time necessary to get herself into top playing form for the anticipated season-opener.

"Looks like I'll be busy, busy, busy."

Judd P. Berthiaume can be reached at viola16@yahoo.com