Tigers Score Twice In Each of 3 Losses
#22 Adam Hoffman and #7 Dan Weldon
The Tigers have officially come out of the gate slowly, dropping their first three games while scoring a total of six runs. The pitching has been decent – 3.81 staff ERA – and the defense sound since a rocky first game, but the bats have floundered with a .140 composite average (13-for-93) and no extra-base hits.
Team Tigertown will try to right the ship tonight, when the Glencoe Brewers visit for a 7:30 p.m. tussle. This weekend, the Tigers will partake in the 2nd annual Black Sox Tourney, co-hosted by Freeport and Avon. Last year, our lads played valiantly and finished 3rd in the 8-team tournament.
Belle Plaine will first pair up Saturday in Avon against the powerful Moorhead Brewers, who fashioned a 27-15 record last year before losing a first round state tournament game to Plato, the Class ‘C’ State Champions. The Brewers took 3rd in the 2004 State Tournament, before first round exits each of the last three years. Game time is 11:00 a.m.
The Tigers will stay in Avon to play a second game on Saturday, at either 1:15 or 3:30 p.m. against the winner / loser of Avon vs. Watkins. Sunday’s game would be in Freeport, should they advance. For the full bracket click here.
On Tuesday night, the local nine will return to RVL action, when the Prior Lake Jays stop by for a 7:30 p.m. affair. See you at the ballpark!
Note: last Tuesday’s (May 6) home game against New Market was rained out, and will not be rescheduled.
New Prague 3 @ BP 2 (Friday, May 9)
Hot dogs were only a dollar but hits were much tougher to come by, as Belle Plaine mustered four singles while stranding 14 baserunners in a one-run loss to New Prague. Four Orioles pitchers combined to walk a dozen Tiger batters, but only once did one of those free passes haunt.
Mike Schultz started on the mound for the hometown nine, yielding two runs over four innings while getting saddled with the loss. Jonny Schulz provided three innings of one-run relief, while Dave "Joba" Feldt looked sharp, retiring all six men he faced.
As noted, the Tigers had plenty of chances. Their most prime opportunity was also their last, when they loaded the bases with one down in the 8th, trailing 3-2. That's when the saltiest hot dog of all – Jeff Miller – hit a sharp grounder to the second baseman, who tagged out Pat Schultz and then relayed the throw to first for the inning-ending double play. Unfortunately a mysterious and spooky fog that hovered over Tiger Park at the time did not keep the man in blue from making the correct – and difficult – call on the tag-out.
Brothers Pat and Matt Schultz each tallied two hits, while Adam Hoffman and Dan Huber both reached base three times.
Dan Weldon was benched for wearing the wrong cap, but later appeared with two at-bats in right field.
Tigers 2 @ Le Sueur 7 (Sunday, May 11)
The Tigers didn’t fashion pink bats on this Mother’s Day – at least not literally. Although they finished just a half-dozen singles in 34 trips, perhaps a portend of things to come was several hard-hit balls that were caught for outs.
The oft-dependable Shane Hofmann started but did not have his best stuff on this day, as he was chased with one away in the 3rd and was charged for five runs. Corey Schaaf came on in relief and did well, working 4.2 innings of two-run ball. He walked one and struck out six. Jeff Miller finished up with a scoreless ninth.
After the 3rd, the Red Caps played the Braves even – but that’s kind of how Tim Brewster looks at things. The bottom line is, the early hole was too much for the Tigers to climb out of.
The Dans – Huber and Weldon – swung hot sticks and each collected two hits. Pat Schultz extended his hitting streak to three games and is batting .444 on the young season.
6 Errors Lead to 9-2 Loss
The luster of a perfect Opening Day afternoon was quickly erased by a hideous performance from the hometown nine, as Chaska took advantage of six Tiger errors to win in a walk, 9-2. All eight of the runs charged to Belle Plaine pitchers were unearned, but when you finish with just three hits, you might as well just accept the fact that it wasn’t a good day.
The home opener against Chaska’s Cubs turned into the season opener, when Friday’s game at Victoria was rained out. No make-up date has yet been determined. Last night, El Tigre Train hosted New Market. Check www.bptigertown.com for the verdict and game details.
Friday night Belle Plaine will host New Prague at 7:30 pm, and it will be Dollar Dog Night. On Sunday at 2:00 pm, the boys will get back to league play, when new Tiger Mike Milam returns to his former stomping grounds of Le Sueur after 16 years in the valley.
As a public service reminder, I’d like to offer one final plug about Tiger season tickets. If you haven’t got yours already, 18 home games still remain for the crazy low price of $25. And, Dugout Club passes are available for $50 if you want to add your choice of a food and beverage item at each game.
“Tiger Alumni Weekend” Note
If you are a former Tiger town team player and have not yet received a letter in the mail, please contact BPBA President Gerry Meyer at 952-873-2792, or Brett Kruschke at 612-327-2715 or bkru11@yahoo.com. You certainly don’t need the invite by mail to attend – all are welcome! However, it’s our goal to compile the most comprehensive list possible.
If you go to www.bptigertown.com/roster.htm, you can view a partial list of former Tiger players. If you could bring to our attention any names that are not currently listed, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, we are still seeking addresses for those names listed that show no current city. Thank you!
Chaska 9 @ Tigers 2
It bears repeating – the most magnificent day of the year so far, weather-wise, enveloped Tiger Park for Opening Day. Everything was set. And then the Tigers went out and laid an egg. Or six of them, if you will.
Three of Belle Plaine’s half-dozen miscues came in the 2nd inning, setting an ominous tone. This led to four runs and a 4-0 Chaska lead, that remained through five complete.
In the sixth, the inning started with a pair of errors, leading to four more runs. By this point, the fans could be heard saying, “We waited 8 ½ months for this?!” Or maybe that was the players. I don’t know, but either way, it wasn’t good.
The Tiger Train did save some face late in the game, avoiding the shutout by plating single runs in the 8th and 9th. The first run came courtesy of an RBI groundout by rookie Dylan Nyberg, part of the “Wonder Twins” along with fellow rook Travis Latzke, who debuted with a pinch-running appearance.
Amateur arm-wrestling champion Erik Tharaldson collected one of three Tiger hits on the day, turning a double into a single in the 5th.
Jeff Bruder was benched for indifference, but later appeared with two at-bats from the DH-slot.
TIGERS OPENER POSTPONED
No Make-Up Date Set
Belle Plaine's Tiger Manager Johnny Miller is saddened to announce the postponement of the Tiger's season opener at Victoria Friday night due to poor weather conditions in the area. The make-up date for this game has not been set. Check back for more details.
Home Opener Sunday vs. Chaska
Belle Plaine's Tigers went 9-21 in 2006, and 22-19 with a State Tournament appearance last year. What could 2008 possibly hold for Johnny Miller's crew?
Precincts will begin reporting on Friday in Victoria. The Prairie Warriors head to the land of Mike Poppitz for a 7:30 pm road affair. On Sunday, the gates will open at Tiger Park as Chaska arrives for a 2:00 pm home tilt. If you have Opening Day garb like a straw hat or lovely bonnet, now is the time to break it out.
Tuesday night will feature another home game, against the New Market Muskies at 7:30 pm.
Speaking of home games, here comes the "big sell": Tiger season tickets are available at the gate - $25 for all 20 regular season home games. (This includes the Tigertown Classic June 6-7-8.) Regular adult admission is $3 per game, so consider the savings! I'd say that's substantial. Note: admission for seniors and students is $2, and 12-and-under are always free.
Another season ticket option is the $50 version – the "Dugout Club" – which includes the above but also a food and beverage item of your choice at each game. Let's face it, you can't go wrong.
The season tickets will remain available through the season's first month at either the ticket gate or Brad's Barber Shop.
Each season brings roster turnover, and 2008 is no different. Returning from last year's squad is Jonny Schulz, Eric Lyons, Tim Huber, Dan Weldon, Josh Terrio, Brett Kruschke, Dave Feldt, Nick Volek, Ryan Dressen, Paul Dressen, Matt Schultz, Mike Schultz, Pat Schultz, Shane Hofmann, Adam Hoffman, Erik Tharaldson, Corey Schaaf, Jeff Miller, Trace Selly, and Jeff Bruder.
New to the team are long-time Le Sueur Brave Mike Milam, and prodigal son Dan Huber, who is back after a couple years in "The City That Never Sleeps", Las Vegas. Current BPHS'ers Dylan Nyberg and Travis Latzke also look set to make their town team debuts in 2008.
Unfortunately a cast of talented ballplayers won't be back in 2008, in Brad Lawson, Peter Schuneman, Nate Hartmann, Nick Selly, and Scott Schaffler. Lawson is headed for St. Benedict this year, but will return to Momma Tiger in 2009. This is due to a college rule which doesn't allow a player and his coach – in this case, Tim Huber – to play on the same summer league team.
The Tigers will set up shop this year in the newly named River Valley League, or, oldly named, depending on how you look at it. A recent "30 Years Ago" column in the Belle Plaine Herald noted that in 1978 the league dissolved. If nothing else, you have to love the symmetry.
The RVL "Central" consists of Belle Plaine, Henderson, Le Sueur, and Waconia.
As always, check out www.bptigertown.com for all that and a bag of Funyuns. Also available there is the registration form for the Tiger Open fundraiser golf tournament, which will be held Saturday, May 31 at Valley View Golf Course. Start putting that foursome together today! Single golfers are also welcome; we will find you a team.
It will be wedding bells this Saturday for Tiger Nick Volek. CONGRATS NICK & KACIE!!!
Rumor Central
Belle Plaine, Minn. - It has been confirmed that former Belle Plaine Tiger bench warmer and relief pitcher Josh Muehlenhardt is NOT engaged. He is however moved out of Barb and Lyle's and living in sin with his significant other. When asked if a proposal was in the near future Muehlenhardt responded, "Well I suppose I should here sometime. I better before she starts charging me rent." He added, "The second income would really help out too, I have been having’ a rough stretch of it lately in Sheephead up at Neil’s. A couple thousand for a ring, and I get a second income. Fiscally its the right move to make." Muehlenhardt, 29, played for the Tigers back in the 1998 and 1999 summers. Muehlenhardt is rapidly advancing his way up the ladder in his profession. He is currently the assistant groundskeeper at Valley View Golf Course after working their just a shade under a decade.
Welcome Back, Dan Huber!
Town Team Announces 2008 Schedule, Promotions
The Belle Plaine Tigers town team has released their 2008 schedule, and promotions. The Tigers, managed by Johnny Miller, went 22-19 last year and made their first State Tournament appearance since 2001. This year's schedule contains up to 35 regular season games, plus playoffs. The regular season opener is Friday, May 2, at Victoria, with the home opener Sunday, May 4, against Chaska.
Returning promotions include Dollar Dog Night (May 9), Dollar Beer Night (May 30), Little League Night (June 3 - free hot dog for all Little Leaguers), $5 All-You-Can-Eat Pork Burger Night (June 6), Senior Citizens Day (June 29 - Seniors free admission), and Fan Appreciation Day (July 13 - free prizes every inning). A new promotion is Dollar Hamburger Night, on June 27.
The highlight of the 2008 schedule is what the Belle Plaine Baseball Association is calling "Tiger Alumni Weekend." On Friday, May 30, the Tigers will square off against Milroy for the first time since 1994, when Belle Plaine defeated the Yankees for the Class 'C' State Championship. (This home game will also be Dollar Beer Night.)
On Saturday, May 31, is the Tiger Open golf tournament, at Valley View Golf Club. An effort is being made to round up as many fans, supporters, and former Tigers as possible. Anyone is welcome; please join us at the golf course! Details for the golf tourney - plus all things Tiger baseball - are available at www.bptigertown.com.
On Sunday, June 1, an Old Timer's Game vs. Jordan is being planned for 12:00 pm, with the current BP & Jordan town teams to face off at 2:00 pm. If you're a former Tiger and interested in playing in the Old Timer's Game, please contact Pres. Gerry Meyer or any BPBA member. It is an "Old Timer's" game, so no-one is too old to play!
Belle Plaine will once again host the Tigertown Classic - the 10th annual - on June 6-7-8. This year's field is Freeport, Union Hill, Marshall, Le Sueur, Waseca, Lonsdale, Blue Earth, and the host Tigers.
The Carver Central League changed its name this offseason back to River Valley League, which it was previously known as. (Carver and Brownton left for the Crow River League, with Henderson and Fairfax joining the new RVL.) League playoffs begin on Sunday, July 20.
Season tickets will be back from the printer shortly, and there are two options: a $25 ticket which gets you a front-row seat to each of the Tigers' 20 home games, or a $50 "Dugout Club" ticket which also gets you a free hot dog or beverage at every game! (Weigh that against single-game prices of $3 for adults, and $2 for students & seniors. Kids 12-and-under are always free.) See you at the ballpark in '08!
* All teams are guaranteed two games (although, not a true double-elimination format - the losers of games 7 & 8 will be eliminated despite a 1-1 record).
* Games will be seven innings, with 10-run rule in effect after five (including Championship).
* Courtesy runners are allowed for pitchers and catchers at all times.
Tom Melchior's new book
"SCOTT COUNTY BASEBALL"
1952 Class A State Champion Runners Up - Belle Plaine Tigers
Scott County Baseball is a 488 page book with more than 300 photographs and an index of 1600 names about the history of baseball in Scott County. I have been working on the book for four years and it will be available in early spring of 2008.
The book records the history of baseball in Belle Plaine, Elko, Jordan, Marystown, New Market, New Prague, Savage, St. Benedict, St. Patrick, Shakopee, and Union Hill, including interviews and articles about outstanding players. Each chapter records the results of every state tournament game, including game summaries and statistics, as well as team photographs, player names, and game box scores when available.
What else is included in Scott County Baseball?
The first chapter highlights the careers of the nine Scott County members in the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.
Chapter two focuses on three players who had more than 1000 career hits—Paul Buss, and Ron Beckman from Jordan, and Ty Dombeck from Elko. There may be more, but none are documented.
”Kicking”: Scott County baseball has a rich history. Baseball games were filled with more than base hits and strikeouts. During the years before organized leagues were formed, many players were involved in “kicking” (arguing, fighting, and quitting). Here’s one of many examples of “kicking.”
May 25, 1904: Belle Plaine Herald
Henderson Forfeits Game. Contest Marred by the Action of Visitors in Leaving Grounds.
“August Bosel tried rough work with Burns by blocking him, roughly pushing and rubbing in his elbow uncomfortably. He waded into his bigger antagonist. They clinched, but several Belle Plaine players near first promptly separated the combatants.
“Suddenly a fan by the name of Mr. Wiest raced across the diamond and kicked Burns in the face. A police officer arrested Wiest and removed him from the diamond. A few of the Henderson players used this arrest as a pretext for not continuing the game. The umpire forfeited the game to Belle Plaine.”
For drama, nothing quite matches the thrill of watching a pitcher go after a no-hitter. This chapter includes a history of those games. The first documented no-hitter was thrown in Scott County in 1905 by Shakopee’s “Shooty” Niedenfuehr and the last in 2006 by Elko’s Brian Muell. Many were thrown between these years. Here’s one from that chapter.
August 6, 1953
Marystown Pitcher Hurls Perfect No-Hit, No-Run Game
“James Busch, 17-year-old pitcher for the Marystown team, carved himself a niche in the Dakota-Rice-Scott league Hall of Fame Sunday when he turned in a no-hit, no-run performance against Veseli. Marystown won, 1 to 0, in the last regular scheduled game prior to the playoffs.”
Were amateur ball players paid?
In 1905 Belle Plaine hired a former major league pitcher. Jordan later hired the same player. “Money, Money, Money” documents that players were hired as late as 1957.
Chapter 5 records the history of the Class A Minnesota River League teams from 1947-1957: Belle Plaine, Jordan, New Prague, Shakopee, and New Prague. Every team in the league hired at least two players legally. This chapter summarizes each team’s performance, including box scores.
Many professional players took their positions on the diamonds of Scott County. Some formed all-star teams to make extra money. In September of 1947 “Babe” Barna and other Minneapolis Millers (Class AAA) took the field against the Belle Plaine Tigers. In 1948 the Shakopee Indians and a few all-stars from Jordan and Chaska took on a team of played who were banned from professional ball and played in the Mexican League. New York Giants ace Sal “the Barber” Maglie pitched for the professional all-stars.
During World War II many ball players served in the Armed Forces and only a few towns were left with enough players to field teams. A few Belle Plaine men joined the Jordan team; Prior Lake and Shakopee combined to form a team, and players from St. Benedict joined the players from Union Hill.
The chapter, “There Used to Be a Ball Team Right Here,” focuses on Cedar Lake, Credit River, Eidswold, Lydia, and Shakopee’s Two Bens.
“The Longest Game” includes interviews, the box score, and copies of the score book pages from the longest game ever played in the county, a 24-inning marathon between Shakopee and St. Peter in 1950.
From the late 1950 through the early 1970, players and fans eagerly awaited the arrival of that game’s Northwest umpire. He brought with him copies of the “Northwest Umpires Review,” which contained league standings and individual batting averages. Copies of the final issue of the Northwest Umpires Review from 1958, 1962, 1968, and 1971 are included in the book as well as the names and batting averages of the leading hitters from the River Valley and D-R-S leagues from 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1970. In 1964 Pat Devitt from Prior Lake hit .561, to lead the River Valley League, and in 1968 Dick Schmitz from New Market led the D-R-S with .403.
The price of the book is $25.00, which does not include sales tax or shipping. The book will be available in April or May. Copies may be purchased at that time from the Scott County Historical Society in Shakopee and at designated sites. Please watch for further information once I have received the books.
I plan to print 350 copies of the book. This will be a one-time printing. No books will be sold at book stores. If you would like to order a copy or copies in advance, please contact me at one of the following: tsmelch@msn.com or 952-445-4109 or
Tom Melchior
1901 125th St. W
Shakopee, MN 55379
