Shady Characters entered the 2026 playoffs as the number four seed, finishing the regular season under .500 for the first time since 2020, and their 6-14 record was the worst in franchise history. Despite coming into the series in a rut, they managed to split games one and two of their first round series with defending champs and top seed Guac Boys, and Shady Characters were a single run away from holding a commanding 2-0 series lead. Tom played well in a tough game one loss, and he carried his squad to a decisive game two victory, excelling on offense and pitching a gem on the mound. After his week 1 playoff performance, he was named Pabst Blue Ribbon Wiffler of the Week.
In game one, Shady Characters lost the tightly contested series opener 7-6, and Tom went 3-for-4 with two singles, a double, a run scored, and an RBI.
In game two, Shady Characters evened the series with a dominant performance, and Tom went 5-for-5 with two singles, a double, two home runs, four runs scored, and four RBI. He also pitched a complete-game two-hitter, allowing only one run and neutralizing the powerful Guac Boys’ offense.
In total, Tom went 8-for-9 with four singles, two doubles, two home runs, five runs scored, five RBI, and a complete game win.
This is the ninth time Tom has been named Wiffler of the Week in his career, and the third time this season. He also earned the honors in 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, and twice in 2023.