Many top Backyard Baseball coaches return this summer for more competitive play in Season 5. Let's take a look at the possible frontrunners for this season.
10. Schwilly
- Season 3 Runner-up
- 25-11 Career Record
Schwilly had a somewhat down year in Season 4 after great regular season performances in Seasons 2 and 3. Having been to a championship before, there's no reason why he can't get back there.
9. Heinz
- Semifinals in Season 3
- 24-12 Career Record
A well-seasoned coach who has competed at a high level for the past three seasons.
8. Vissery
- 28-22 Career Record (substitute coach for one season, might not be accurate)
Vissery has had solid seasons each of the five they've participated in. Although they haven't made a deep playoff run yet, nobody would be surprised if they take a squad all the way to the championship.
7. Mattitude
- 24-12 Career Record
This will be Mattitude's fourth season in the BBOL. His strongest season was Season 4, going 12-2 but losing to the eventual Champion Loba in the Quarterfinals.
6. Epstein
- Season 4 Runner-up
- 13-12 Career Record
Epstein had a fantastic season relying on defense and great pitching. He had the biggest turnaround, going from 3-8 in Season 3 to earning 2nd Place in Season 4. This is Epstein's "prove it" season.
5. Natetastic
- Semifinals in Season 4
- 17-8 Career Record
Natetastic joined in Season 3 but is a long-time rBBL veteran. He has reached the playoffs both seasons.
4. Killerbat
- Season 3 Champion, Season 2 Runner-up
- 28-8 Career Record
A long-time veteran who played the original online mode at a high level had a bit of a slide during Season 4, but you can't count out a former champion.
3. Hciii
- Quarterfinals in Season 4
- 21-4 Career Record
Since joining the league, Hcii has dominated league play. This might be the year they make a deep playoff run, having just recently defeated Gshlim in the Gauntlet 3-2.
2. Freakshow
- Semifinals in Season 4
- 29-7 Career Record
Freakshow had an undefeated Season 4 and reached the Quarterfinals for their second straight season. They have a great chance to win it all this season. Freakshow recently defeated lilwaws 10-6 in the Gauntlet and will now face Hcii in this offseason tournament play.
1. Loba
- Champion in Seasons 1 and 4
- 32-14 Career Record
There's no reason to believe Loba won't come back and have a great season. Loba has been in the shop this offseason, trying to figure out the new meta and once again draft a high-tier team. Consistent in the regular season and with two championship playoff runs, Loba is the frontrunner for this upcoming season.
Honorable Mentions
- JyKnight: If he decides to play, he's always a threat. A rBBL veteran who knows the game very well.
- OrlandoStars: Has shown sparks of greatness but has been inconsistent.
- TheCrk: Has been putting in the work this offseason after winning the Junior League Championship. A real "student" of the game.