Murphy Wiffle ball Classic supports those with ALS

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – The Murphy Wiffle Ball Classic in Batesville continued their efforts to support local families battling ALS on Saturday. 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, attacks the nerve cells that control voluntary movement. Currently, there is no cure.

Andy Murphy, of Batesville, was diagnosed with ALS in 2019 and passed away at the age of 45 in 2023. He is survived by his wife, Brooke, and two young children. 

While he was battling the disease, family and friends came up with the concept of hosting a wiffle ball tournament to raise funds for his family. 

The tournament has continued in his honor and organizers select a family every year that is affected by ALS. 

This year, the funds were raised for Colleen Kopp, of Franklin County, who is pictured above with her family.

Kopp began having symptoms consistent with ALS in 2009 and was officially diagnosed in March of 2020. 

Colleen and her family were in attendance for the tournament on Saturday which featured a full-day of games, raffles and food. 

There were 16 teams that played and the team ‘Cindy’s Wiffle Watchers’ earned the tournament championship. That team was organized by another local family who is also currently impacted by ALS. 

Chris Slagle helped create the Andy Murphy Wiffleball Classic and is responsible for making the event continue every year. 

“We are here for those with ALS and we also want to connect them with resources  that are available. If someone knows someone that is struggling with ALS please reach out and maybe we can donate to them next year,” Slagle said.

You can learn more about the Murphy Wiffle Ball Classic and how to get involved by clicking this link.

More About Andy

Prior to moving to Batesville, Andy Murphy had once served as a student manager for legendary IU basketball coach Bobby Knight. 

Before Andy passed away, he created Hoops4ALS which is a nonprofit that unites basketball coaches, players, & fans to raise awareness for ALS and promote research. You can learn more about the nonprofit by clicking here.