Maggie Gerrish [daughter of Molly and granddaughter of Gerry "Mize" Meyer] of River Falls, WI. turned one year old on Sunday (June 22) and more importantly, has hopped on the Tiger bandwagon. Happy Birthday, Maggie!
3 Straight Wins Precede Henderson Heartbreaker
The aimless U.S.S. Tigertown finally showed signs of life, following up last week’s climactic 11-5 comeback at Gaylord with a 10-5 win at Waconia, a zany 15-12 victory at Victoria, and heartbreak hotel in a 7-5 loss to Henderson.
New Germany visits Tiger Park on Friday for “Dollar Hamburger Night” – game time 7:30 pm. On Sunday, the Red Caps will return to league action with a 2:00 pm visit from Captain Jack Sparrow and the St. Peter Saints. Local musician Ernie Stumpf will be dusting off the accordion for “Senior Citizen’s Day” – all seniors will be admitted free of charge. Come join us for a festive afternoon at the ballpark!
On Tuesday (July 1), the Tigertown Express will pay a visit to Joe Schleper Stadium in Shakopee, to take on the Indians. The first pitch is slated for 7:30 pm.
The Tigers record is 4-7 in the River Valley League, 5-16 overall.
Tigers 10 @ Waconia 5 (Friday, June 20)
On the baseball page of the sports section, the “probable” pitchers for each day’s games are listed. When it comes to Waconia, save the fifty cents – Rob Wagener will be on the mound.
Facing Wagener was Belle Plaine’s surest probable – the high-hander himself, Shane Hofmann. Hofmann sandwiched a vacation in-between his last start on June 6th, so was the benefactor of an unusual two weeks of mid-season rest. (Just guessing, but I’ll take the under on Wagener having had 14 days off since his last start.)
Often a thorn in the Tigers’ paw, this time the visitors hopped on the bearded wonder early with three in the second and two more in the third, to stake a 5-1 lead after four. In the fifth, Tim Huber led off the inning with a circuit blast, and two batters later Wagener was given the hook.
In the sixth, Belle Plaine put things out of reach with four more runs, sending 12 men to the plate. Could this be the same team that entered with a .214 batting average? Indeed it was, and in fact it was the third game in a row the Tigers had 10 or more hits.
Mike Milam (pictured) went 4-for-4 to pace the Tiger attack, while Tim Huber went 3-for-5. Adam Hoffman led the squad with 3 RBI, thanks to a two-out single and a double.
Jeff Miller worked on his off-speed pitches – including the patented Dipsy Doodle – in a 3-run Laker ninth.
Tigers 15 @ Victoria 12 (Saturday, June 21)
I believe it was the 4th inning when the Victoria third baseman said to me, “Boy, this game is moving right along”, and I knew right then he jinxed it. Just 2-0 Vics at the time, the running joke in the Tigertown dugout is that something weird always happens in the Victoria games, and now it was a sure-fire lock.
Nothing special seemed in order when the Poppitz-razzi reeled off eight runs in the 6th, sending Tiger starter Eric Lyons on his merry way, and putting the Tigers on the verge of a 10-run job with an 11-2 deficit. But then came the first installment.
Belle Plaine batted eleven in the 7th, scoring five times. After rookie Jason Krause (pictured) took on some shrapnel as part of the Vics eight run 6th, shortstop Adam Hoffman made his 2008 mound debut and worked 2.2 scoreless to send it to the 9th at 11-7. A Scooby Doo-like fog had also encompassed the field; was it a Mike Poppitz smoke screen, or the sign of something bizarre yet to come?
The 9th began with five of the first six Tigers getting a hit, the latter of which was rookie Jason Krause ignoring the “take a strike” theory and lifting a double over the left-fielder’s head. Pinch runner Brett Kruschke scored the 10th run, but Dylan Nyberg was the second out at home plate and he attempted to tie the score.
However, Krause had taken third on the play at the plate, and with #9-hitter Josh Wolf up – and making his first town team start, no less – a wild pitch allowed the tying run to score. Wolf then reached via error, and aggressively took third on a base hit to left by Dan Huber, allowing Huber to also move up a base. Adam Hoffman then delivered the tie-breaker, a two-run single. A walk to Tim Huber, an RBI-single by Pat Schultz, and an RBI-double by Mike Milam finally gave the Tigers a 15-11 lead. Whew! But it wasn’t over yet.
With Hoffman having shown signs of tiring, a four-run lead, a desire for his defense at short and Sunday’s scheduled reliever Dave Feldt now suddenly available, the pitching change was made. However, Feldt didn’t have it and partitioned a strikeout between a pair of walks and hits, making it 15-12 with one out and the bases loaded – and Victoria’s heart of the order coming up in cleanup hitter Eric Winegarden.
Why not have another dance with the one that brung ya?! Hoffman (pictured) came back in from shortstop, recorded the next two outs, and became what almost has-to-be the first Tiger to record the win AND save in the same game!
The hitting heroes were many for the Tigers, who lashed out a season-high 19 hits. Mike Milam went 4-for-6 with 3 RBI, meaning the Le Sueur native has gone 19-for-59 (.487) since beginning the season 0-for-20. He’s nothing if not consistent! And his season average is now a robust .322.
Pat Schultz went 3-for-5 with 4 RBI, while A-Hoff also chipped in with the bat and drove in three runs for the second game in a row. Seven Tigers had multi-hit games.
Tigers 5 @ Henderson 7 (Sunday, June 22)
Jonny Schulz started and went six innings for the hometown nine. He was unscathed through five, but gave up a three-run, two-out homer to opposing pitcher Matt Peot in the sixth. One more out and that was the afternoon for Schulz.
The long ball gave Hooterville a 3-2 lead, but manager-for-the-day Jeff Miller “willed” the Red Caps into a three-run 7th as they responded to his verbal ultimatum. Jeff Bruder knocked in the tying run before Matt Schultz delivered a clutch two-out single for a 5-3 advantage.
After a three-batter 7th, reliever Dave Feldt ran into trouble in the 8th, and his Night at the Roxbury buddy Dan Huber came on for his first mound appearance of the season (a disturbing trend throughout these last two write-ups). With one in and runners at first and second, a sac bunt moved them up to second and third. A groundout tied the game, and then a two-out, two-run tater tot shot by DH Greg Graham gave Henderson the lead in dramatic fashion. A quiet BP ninth, and that was the ballgame.
Tim Huber and Bruder both went 3-for-4 on the day, with Huber belting his team-leading third home run of the season. Henderson might be the Coors Field of the River Valley League, the way home runs fly out of there. If nothing else, they can be an honorary DRS-park. (When you can’t win, you plant a cheap shot! That’s how it works.)
On a positive note, the Chatfielders have raised the team batting average from .202 to .242 over the last five games, going 66-for-194 (.340) during that span.
Tigers Go 1-3 on Week
Young America Game on Wednesday Cancelled
By Pat Schultz - The Tigers finished their recent 4 game stretch going 1-3 but are starting to show signs of improving and are hoping to start playing like the team that went to the State Tournament last year. The Tigers lost to Webster and Union Hill during the week with the Victoria game getting rained out for a 2nd time this season before playing 2 games on Sunday which found the local lads losing a tough game to Fairfax but rebounding for a dramatic11-5 victory over the Gaylord Islanders.
The Tigers game against Young America at Tiger Park tonight (June 18) has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict with YA.
The Tigers have another busy weekend in store as they have three River Valley League games, all of which are on the road. Friday night the Tigers travel to Waconia who the Tigers beat earlier this year by a score of 8-6. Saturday is another attempt to make up the game with Victoria and is scheduled for 7:30 at Victoria . Sunday the Tigers will try and avenge an earlier defeat as they travel to Henderson for a 2:00pm contest.
Webster 5 @ Tigers 0 (Tuesday, June 10)
Mike Schultz got the start on the mound for the Tigers in what was to be the first of 5 games in 6 days for the local 9. Schultz, who as you may remember, helped lead the Tigers to a 9-1 victory over the Sox last season by throwing a complete game 3 hitter in the only meeting between these two teams in recent memory. Webster had no plans of letting that happen again as they came out swinging in the 1st when the Sox Brett Hoffman hit his first of 2 homeruns in the game. The Sox tallied 5 runs in the first 4 innings to chase starter Schultz in favor of Eric Lyons who worked a scoreless 5th and final frame.
The Sox sent 4 different pitchers to the mound and each baffled the Tigers more than the last. Josh Terrio had the only hit for the Tigers but was quickly erased on the base paths. After smashing 12 hits in a victory over Waconia last week at Tiger Park , the Tigers have tallied a total of 4 singles in the last 3 games, all of which were losses.
The game was shortened to 5 innings due to the fact that Tiger Park , as well as most of the town, had no power. Although many of the Tiger faithful wondered if the pinstriped warriors had been playing in the dark all night as the Tigers committed 3 more errors in the 5 inning affair.
Tigers 1 @ Union Hill 10 (Friday, June 13)
The Tigers graciously welcomed back veteran Tiger shortstop Adam Hoffman as they went to battle against DRS powerhouse Union Hill Bulldogs for the 2nd time in a week. The Bulldogs handed the Tigers their ugliest defeat of the season last Saturday in the Tigertown Classic by a score of 16-4.
The Tigers sent Dave Feldt to the mound who started strong and faced only 3 hitters in the first inning. Bulldog catcher Eric Bisek got the best of Dave in the 2nd when he sent a fly ball over the short right center field fence. Feldt kept the Bulldog hitters off balance until the 4th when a combination of walks, hits and errors forced Everyday Eric Lyons to finish the 4th. Lyons threw effective in relief with 1 run in 2 and 2/3 innings. Rookie Jason Krause made his Tiger debut on the mound and recorded a scoreless 7th but the deadly combination of walks, hits and errors again allowed the Bulldogs to score 3 more runs in the 8th to put the game out of reach.
After not playing in over a month, Adam Hoffman ripped a single in his first at bat of the game and immediately made plans to start putting on his own hitting camps to rival fellow Tiger Tim Huber's. Mike Milam, Eric Tharaldson and Pat Schultz also had hits for the Tigers. The 4 hits for the Tigers dropped the team batting average to paltry .202.
The Tigers scored their only run in the 8th inning and threatened to make it a ballgame with runners on 2nd and 3rd, but a daring steal of home by Tharaldson came up just short and ended the Tigers chances.
Tigers 5 @ Fairfax 6 (Sunday June 15)
Team Tigertown loaded up the wagons Sunday for two important River Valley League games with the first stop being at new league member Fairfax. Corey Schaaf got the ball from manager Miller and looked sharp early as he didn't give up a run through 5 innings. Fairfax got to Schaaf in the 6th for 3 runs and again in the 8th for 2 more runs. Johnny Schulz relieved Schaaf in the 8th and eventually got out of the jam but not before the Cardinals had tied it at 5 apiece.
The Tigers bats came alive in this game as they pounded out 10 hits and also drew 8 walks on the day. The Tigers took an early 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning on a wild pitch and a RBI single from Adam Hoffman. Another wild pitch and a Dylan Nyberg 2 RBI single in the 7th inning allowed the Tigers to retake the lead at a score of 5-3. The lead was short lived however as the Cardinals would eventually score 2 runs in the 8th and the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th to steal the victory from the Tigers.
Dan Huber helped lead the Tigers on the day with 2 hard hit doubles while Dylan Nyberg and Pat Schultz also recorded 2 hits apiece.. The Tigers played errorless ball on the afternoon and played a very solid overall game but couldn't quite pull it out at the finish.
Tigers 11 @ Gaylord 5 (Sunday June 15)
After the tough loss to Fairfax , the Tigers packed their bags for the quick drive down Highway 19 for their 2nd game of the day. This contest was against the Gaylord Islanders and Mike Schultz got the nod on the hill. The Islanders threatened to make this one ugly early as they jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after just 1 inning. Schultz settled down however and was brilliant the rest of the way allowing only 1 run over the final 8 innings.
The Tigers battled back from the early deficit by scoring a run in the 2nd, 2 in the 6th and 1 more in the 7th. Things looked bleak heading into the 9th as the Tigers were still trailing 5-4 and were down to their last chance. Josh Terrio lead off the inning with a walk, Corey Schaff reached on an error and Mike Milam reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases for Tiger veteran Jeff Miller. Miller didn't disappoint as he drove a fly ball to center that had just enough on it to carry over the fence for a grand slam. The crowd went wild as Miller rounded the bases with a fist pump and a salute to the fans cheering him on. 3 more runs were scored in the inning to give the Tigers a commanding 11-5 lead which was more than enough for pitcher Schultz as he shut down the Islanders in the bottom of the 9th for the complete game victory to send the festive Fathers Day crowd home happy.
The Tigers had their second double digit hit game of the day with 7 of the 9 starters again recording hits. Matt Schultz led the way for the Tigers with 3 base hits while Corey Schaaf, Mike Milam and Dan Huber each recorded 2 hits of their own.
ONE STEP FORWARD and TWO STEPS BACK
Tigers Get First League Win, Drop Two in Tigertown Classic
Belle Plaine beat Waconia 8-6 last Tuesday (June 3) before going out with a whimper in the Tigertown Classic, collecting just three hits in 39 at-bats in losses to Freeport and Union Hill. Last night the Tigers hosted Webster in a non-league game; check www.bptigertown.com for the score and more.
The league win over Waconia was El Tigre’s first, putting them at 1-5 in the River Valley. Overall, the Tigers sit at 2-12.
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AT THIS WEEKEND’S 10th ANNUAL TIGERTOWN CLASSIC, Blue Earth defeated Freeport 8-1 to claim the hardware. This is the second Tigertown Classic title for the Pirates, who also won in 2005. Union Hill, the back-to-back defending champs, took the consolation championship with a 10-2 victory over Lonsdale.
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Blue Earth Pirates - 2008 Tigertown Classic Champions
Wednesday the locals will hit the trail to Victoria, for an 8:00 pm makeup game that was originally scheduled for May 2nd. On Friday, the Tigers will reacquaint with Union Hill, who put a 16-4 pounding on them Saturday in the Tigertown Classic. This contest will be at “The Hill” and scheduled for 7:30 pm.
On Sunday, the Red Caps are scheduled for a double-dip road trip, with a 2:00 pm foray at Fairfax and a 6:00 pm game at Gaylord on the way back.
Next week you will have the musings of Pat Schultz to look forward to, as the regular scribe will be on vacation. As long as Pat doesn’t turn in a hand-written article, all should go well.
Waconia 6 @ Tigers 8 (Tuesday, June 3)
Familiar face and Laker ace Rob Wagener got the ball against Johnny Miller's choice, Mike Schultz. Waconia struck first when speedy leadoff hitter Blaine Walstrom singled, took two bases on a sacrifice bunt, then scored on a groundout to shortstop.
Team Tigertown knotted it up in the 4th on a 2-out, RBI-single by Mike "Miley" Milam. The 5th inning saw Waconia plate two, and the Tigers answer with two to tie it at three. Both Belle Plaine runs came on another two-out hit, a single that Jeff Bruder muscled into centerfield.
The hometown nine plated one in the 6th on their third two-out RBI, the first town team hit for rookie third baseman Dylan "Dyl Pickle" Nyberg. In the 7th, the Tigers kept plucking by scoring for the fourth consecutive inning – an RBI single from Bruder, followed directly by an RBI double from Pat Schultz. It was a 6-3 Tiger lead with two frames to go, that elusive first league win of the year within sight.
Showing life, the Lakers batted eight men and score thrice to knot it at six. Could the Red Caps swipe back the lead by scoring for the 5th straight stanza? Could the Tiger bullpen plug the leak long enough to get out of Dodge? Why am I asking you??
Nyberg walked with one out in the 8th and scored the go-ahead run when Tim Huber reached by fielder's choice. The crusty veteran Bruder, fresh off an appearance in the Old Timer's Game, collected his third hit and fourth RBI of the night to claim player of the game honors and give the Tigers an insurance run.
Corey Schaaf gave up a leadoff single in the 9th, but retired the next three for his first save of the year. Eric Lyons picked up the first town team victory of his career, and passed out bubble gum cigars to celebrate.
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Freeport 4 @ Tigers 1 – Tigertown Classic (Friday, June 6)
With the smell of pork burgers in the air, Shane Hofmann and Tiger-killer Nate Klaphake took the mound for their respective clubs. The Black Sox broke the scoreless tie in the 4th when two unearned runs came in off Hofmann, due to a two-out error.
In the fifth, Trace Selly walked and gained second on a wild pitch, moved to third on Mike Milam’s single, and scored on a fielder’s choice by Nick Volek. For Milam, it was his sixth hit in his last 11 trips – making it a 2-1 deficit with two frames to go. (Tournament games are seven innings.)
Freeport shot back with a pair of runs in the sixth, and thanks to a few sterling defensive plays by Tyler Hess (a shortsop playing first base) in the bottom of the inning, Klaphake cruised home to a 7-inning 1-hitter.
Union Hill 16 @ Tigers 4 – Tigertown Classic (Saturday, June 7)
Union Hill lost to Marshall in Round One, setting the tourney hosts up with a loser’s bracket matchup against the back-to-back defending champs. The Bulldogs took out their frustrations on the Tigers, posting 5-4-0-0 and 7 runs to end this one in five innings.
Corey Schaaf, Jonny Schulz, and Dave Feldt were on the receiving end of the Union Hill onslaught, coughing up 13 earned runs between them. The team ERA shot up from 3.85 to 4.70 when all was said and done.
Speaking of team averages, the team batting average sank from an already-low .225 entering the weekend, to a highway-like .212 when it had finished. Team Tigertown collected just three singles in 39 official at-bats over those two games and twelve innings.
Mike Milam stayed hot and tallied a hit and RBI in three trips.
Take some time to relive the special memories from the 2008 Belle Plaine Tigers Old Timers website.
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Another Busy Weekend On Tap at Tiger Park
Right on the heels of Tiger Alumni Weekend comes the 10th annual Tigertown Classic, an 8-team invitational tournament. Freeport, Union Hill, Marshall, Le Sueur, Waseca, Lonsdale, Blue Earth, and Belle Plaine will spend a busy weekend at Tiger Park.
Action gets underway Friday night at 6:30 pm, with Belle Plaine taking on the Freeport Black Sox and their four Hess brothers. Back-to-back defending champion Union Hill will butt heads with tournament staple Marshall, at 8:30 pm. Prepare your gullet, as Friday will once again be “$5 All-You-Can-Eat Pork Burger Night.” This deal is valid for the duration of both games.
Le Sueur and Waseca kick off the first of five Saturday games at 10:30 am. Lonsdale and Blue Earth will follow at 12:45 pm, with the remaining winner’s and consolation bracket games scheduled for 3:00 pm, 5:15 pm, and 7:30 pm. Sunday’s action is slated for 11:00 am, 1:15 pm, and the championship at 3:30 pm. Please visit www.bptigertown.com for the full bracket, as well as updates through the weekend.
Last night Waconia’s Lakers stopped by; check the website for a final score, if not full details. On Tuesday (June 10), the mega-homestand continues as the Webster Black Sox pay a visit. The weekday game time, as per usual, is 7:30 pm.
Last Tuesday, May 27, the Tigers of Henderson came away 12-7 winners. On Friday night, Milroy faced Chatfield’s finest for the first time in 14 years, and came away 5-4 victors.
Sunday saw all three Belle Plaine representations go down – first, the Old Timer’s lost 4-0 in 5 innings to Jordan’s Used-To-Be’s; then the Brewers beat the town team 9-4; and the night ended with Zip Zellmann’s Gray Tigers suffering a 4-3, extra-inning loss to Hanska.
The Old Timer’s Game was a real treat and a pleasure to watch. While the final linescore showed Jordan with 4-11-1 and Belle Plaine with 0-1-1, the bottom line was the fun that was evident for all involved. Dave “Greek” Wagner unleashed his nasty knuckler and went all five innings on the hill, while Pat Miller garnered the lone Tiger hit. A lot of other Tiger greats showed up and gave it their all, blue jeans be danged.
On the Jordan side, John Dolan started and went four innings, with Tom Dolan throwing the last inning while also collecting three hits and two runs scored.
Gerry “Mize” Meyer was roving PA man, while the respective clubs were led by Ron Beckman for Jordan and Brent Meyer for Belle Plaine. Former Tiger Nathan Muehlenhardt umpired. $Bill Kruschke videotaped the game and provided commentary, and the game is being planned for replay on the public access channel at 12:00 pm noon tomorrow and Friday. Be sure to tune in! 
Not to be forgotten, Saturday’s 5th annual “Tiger Open” golf tournament was a great time and we were blessed with oustanding weather. “Team Hartmann” – Dave & Mike Hartmann, Rick Stevens, and Doug Olson – once again took the honors, shooting an impressive 57. Congrats, and thanks to all for your support!
Henderson 12 @ Tigers 7 (Tuesday, May 27)
The good news – Los Tigros posted their first double-digit hit total of the season, with 13. Jeff Miller and Pat Schultz led the way with three hits apiece. The bad news – four errors for the locals led to nine unearned runs. “Nine times, Mrs. Bueller… nine times.”
Belle Plaine held a 4-1 lead after three, but that tune changed in a hurry when the Men of Troy posted a seven-spot in the 4th and two more in the 5th. From there on, it was all academic.
Milroy 5 @ Tigers 4 (Friday, May 30)
The Tigers wore their “championship blues”, the name they were affectionately given since getting the job done in the 1994 Class ‘C’ state championship against these same Milroy Yankees. Would the power of this magic material be enough to propel the Tigers to their second victory of the season? Was there a “Grrr, Tiger” left in the famous Tiger head patch on the sleeve??
It looked sketchy early on, as Corey Schaaf was touched for one, one, and two runs and the T-Town Express trailed 4-0 after three. But in the fifth, the Tigers roared back with four runs, while batting around. RBI-singles by Matt Schultz and Trace Selly did the last of the damage.
Jonny Schulz relieved Schaaf after six, but was nailed with the loss when Belle Plaine’s fifth error of the game contributed to the winning run. Selly and Nick Volek set the pace with two hits each for the hometown nine.
Jordan 9 @ Tigers 4 (Sunday, June 1)
The Red Caps led 2-0 after three, thanks primarily to leadoff man Tim Huber. Huber walked, stole second, and scored after a pair of groundouts in the first, then tripled in the third and scored on an astute baserunning play when a wild pitch squirted away just enough.
In the fourth, Jordan first baseman and beastly cleanup presence Cullen Bahn drove a two-run homer to left, ending Shane Hofmann’s shutout bid. The score held at two until the sixth, when the Brewers chased Hofmann with a five-run outburst. From there, the teams traded a couple runs each over the rest of the game, but the final was well in hand for the Jordan contingent.
The previously mentioned Huber was pretty much the extent of the Tiger offense, and a stat-stuffer: three of our four runs, two of our five hits, a double, a triple, a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a stolen base.
Eric Lyons made his second appearance on the mound in three games, looking sharp while going six up and six down.
Golf Tourney, Old Timer’s Game Among Highlights
The championship bunting is coming out for “Tiger Alumni Weekend”, this weekend at Tiger Park. On Friday the Tigers will host Milroy, whom they haven’t faced since beating the Yankees in the 1994 Class ‘C’ State Championship game. Game time is 7:30 pm, and it will be Dollar Beer Night.
Saturday is the Tiger Open golf tournament fundraiser at Valley View Golf Club, with registration at 11:00 am and a noon shotgun start. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm at Neil’s Rustic Room, with a 6:00 pm social hour. The price is $50 for members of Valley View, $75 for non-members. Meal-only is $15. And the good news is, it’s not too late to join the fun! Contact Shane Hofmann at 952-484-2319, or show up early at registration Saturday and we can still get you squared away. For more info, visit www.bptigertown.com.
Sunday is a must-attend for all Tiger fans, as the first Old Timer’s Game in 20+ years will take place beginning at 12:00 pm! Actually, show up early to watch the former players get loose – that might be as entertaining as the game itself. All former Tigers are invited – just show up and we will get you in the game. Or, just watch and hang out in the dugout, if you prefer. The game will be casual, and the emphasis is to have fun.
Jordan will be the opponent for both the Old Timer’s Game and the River Valley League game, which will follow at 2:00 pm. If you still haven’t had enough ball by that point, the Gray Tigers and rookie manager Zip Zellmann will face off against the Steinbach-laden Hanska Bulldogs at 6:00 pm.
On Tuesday, the Tigers will host a key RVL-Central battle against Waconia, 7:30 pm the first pitch. Kids, it’s also Little League Night – all boys and girls currently playing Little League will receive a free mustard stain – I mean hot dog – for wearing their uniform top!
Over the past week the Tigers finally got off the schneid, beating Owatonna 8-2 on Friday after losing to the Prior Lake Jays 5-3 on Tuesday (May 20). Henderson visited last night (May 27), so check the website for results. Team Tigertown is 1-7 on the season, and 0-3 in RVL play. See you at the ballpark!
Prior Lake Jays 5 @ Tigers 3 (Tuesday, May 20)
El Tigre ran into the buzzsaw that is Joe “Tex” Chapman’s 2008 Prior Lake Jays. The visitors entered the game with a 5-1 record, having outscored their opponents 63-24 – good for a whopping 10.5 runs per game average. The man given the assignment to stop this offensive onslaught was no-frills right-hander, Mike Schultz.
Schultz put forth a whale of an effort, but was victim to the Tigers’ second consecutive six-error game (and third such game of the season). Belle Plaine posted five flubs in the 2nd and 3rd innings alone, which led to three unearned runs. He finished having surrendered just three hits in six innings, but was on the wrong end of a 4-1 score.
Helping keep the damage to a minimum was battery mate and brother Pat Schultz, who gunned down stolen-base threats in the 1st, 4th, and 5th innings. At that point, the Jays seemed to say, “Who is this mechanical throwing robot, sent back in time?” and put the puppies back in the kennel for the rest of the night.
The Red Caps got plucky in the 8th, scoring twice and putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs. However, the score would remain and finish at 5-3, as the early game miscues loomed large.
Tigers 8 @ Owatonna 2 (Friday, May 23)
Manager Johnny Miller could have quoted Blazing Saddles and said, “Alright folks – I know you’re a bit confused, wondering what you’re doing out in the middle of the prairie out in the middle of the night!” Or, in Owatonna, to be precise. But, from the Tigers perspective, any chance to snap the season-opening seven-game losing streak was a good one.
The miracle water must not have kicked in yet, because here’s how the first five batters of the game fared against pitcher Shane Hofmann: walk, hit batsman, walk, RBI fielder’s choice, RBI double. 2-0, Owatonna. YIKES! However, from that point on, would you believe the self-proclaimed ace would retire 23 of the next 24 batters? Amazing, but true!
Other than a two-out double in the third, over that stretch Hofmann was perfect for 7.2 innings. And, he finished strong, striking out four of the last eight batters he faced. The effort was buoyed by the catch of the night in the 8th, courtesy of left-fielder Matt Schultz. Jonny Schulz provided relief for Hofmann by working a 1-2-3 ninth.
Offensively, the Tigros struck out 17 times – including the sombrero changing hands three times. Smith, the Aces starter, whiffed 14 in his seven innings of work and was in a groove. Yet, the Tigers held a 3-2 led after seven thanks in large part to Jeff “Hot Dog” Miller, who delivered an RBI-double in the 4th and an RBI-single in the 6th.
Once Smith departed, a pair of Owatonna relievers struggled mightily over the final two frames, with the Tigers tacking on five more runs over that span to win going away
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!
Season-Opening Skid Reaches Six
Entering the past week, the Tigers stood at 0-3 after getting outscored by a combined total of 19-6. Since then, the locals have lost three more to lower their record to 0-6, although each of those losses was by two runs and a combined total of 23-17. That stat is no doubt small consolation to Tiger diehards, but provides hope that the club may finally be ready to break through.
Wednesday (May 14) saw Glencoe hand the hometown team a 10-8 defeat, while on Saturday the Tigers lost a pair at the Black Sox Tourney in Avon / Freeport – 4-2 to the Moorhead Brewers, and 9-7 to the Watkins Clippers.
Last night the Tigertown Express returned to River Valley League action, hosting the Prior Lake Jays. Check www.bptigertown.com for the score and game details.
On Friday night Belle Plaine will travel to Owatonna for a 7:30 pm affair. The squad will have the rest of Memorial Day Weekend off, before resuming RVL-play on Tuesday night, when Henderson visits at 7:30 pm. This date is tentative as the high school team could have a home playoff game; please check the town team website on Friday (as the determining games are on Thursday) for any updates to the contrary.
After that is the big “Tiger Alumni Weekend”, which will receive plenty of build-up in next week’s Herald. However, if you haven’t already, be sure to get your foursome together today – the Tiger Open is just 10 days away!
Glencoe 10 @ Tigers 8 (Wednesday, May 14)
A 1-0 game after four, Tim Huber put the Tigers on top with a 2-run blast to right. Starter Mike Schultz cruised until the sixth, when the Brewers pasted a six-spot – half of which Schultz was responsible for. The other three runs of the inning, although unearned, were charged to Dave Feldt when he served up a two-out grand slam to Glencoe’s #3 hitter, Jason Schade.
Tiger Pride battled back with three in the 7th, cutting it to a 7-6 deficit. After two more Brewer runs in the 8th and one in the 9th, the locals needed a big final frame. And they almost got it.
With two in, two gone and the bases loaded, rookie sensation Dylan Nyberg worked a full count. With the runners off on the pitch, a base hit most certainly would have tied the score and possibly lead to the winner. However, a confusing call went against the Tigers, as it appeared Nyberg fouled the ball – yet it was ruled a swing-and-miss.
Belle Plaine did break out with their first four extra-base hits of the season – Huber doubled to go along with his homer, while Pat Schultz and Josh Terrio tripled. Terrio’s three-bagger led to a spur-of-the-moment foot race between he and his grandpa, with both eventually arriving safely at third.
Moorhead Brewers 4 vs. Tigers 2, at Avon (Black Sox Tourney)
Although casually known as the “Freeport Tourney”, three of the tournament’s ten games were played in nearby Avon, due to no lights at the namesake’s ballpark. The Tigers first two games – win or lose – were scheduled at Avon, with the hopes of securing a Sunday date at Freeport’s beautiful new field.
It should be mentioned, Avon’s park is no slouch itself. Nestled right off Hwy. 94, Team Tigertown enjoyed the chance to take in a few games at the home of the Lakers – a picturesque ballpark and afternoon, to boot.
Shane Hofmann started and gave up three runs over the first two innings, before settling down nicely. With the Tigers trailing 3-2 in the sixth, he surrendered a one-out long ball before Jonny Schulz came in to finish up.
The story of the game was a couple of golden opportunites that were wasted by the team in pinstripes. Twice – in the 4th and 6th innings – the Tigers loaded the bases with nobody out. A double play ground ball led to a run in the 4th before another ground out ending the inning, while in the 6th an infield pop-out, a strikeout, and a ground ball led to a big goose egg.
With tournament games lasting just seven innings, that was the Tigers last big chance as a leadoff walk was the extent of a final inning uprising.
Watkins 9 vs. Tigers 7, at Avon (Black Sox Tourney)
With an 0-5 record and now dispatched to the loser’s bracket of the tournament, fill-in manager Jeff Miller shook things up a little bit. While six Tiger errors weren’t what anyone had in mind, the end result was a near-crazy comeback and wild finish.
Corey Schaaf started on the hill, his second appearance and first start after working 4.2 solid innings at Le Sueur on May 11th. The Clippers were done milking their chickens and slapped a six-spot on the Tigers in the third, chasing Schaaf. A three-run homer was the major blow.
El Tigre had scored twice in the 1st and answered with two of their own in the 3rd, making it 6-4. Single runs in the 4th, 5th, and 7th put the Chatfielders in a 9-4 hole with just three outs to go.
Veteran Mike Beier worked six cagey stanzas for the Clippers, before turning it over to the bullpen. One run was in and the bases loaded with two outs, when left-fielder Shane Hofmann stepped to the plate. Already having boomed a deep, RBI double in the 3rd inning, Hofmann caught hold of another one, sending a potential game-tying grand slam to the fence. It might be, it could be… but was it?!
To those in attendance, the fact that this last minute play came down to a bizarre and delayed ruling was the cherry on top of this most “interesting” fudge sundae. Hofmann’s ball appeared not to go out, but it was also hard to tell and no call was made. Instead, the man in blue told left-fielder Tim Haines not to touch it, as he jogged out to take a look.
While the man in the DNR truck parked in left-field said he couldn’t tell, the final decision was a ground-rule double for Hofmann, making it 9-7 Watkins with runners at 2nd and 3rd and two outs. After a walk to load the bases, a ground out to second ended the Tigers’ last inning excitement and their hopes of a Sunday game in Freeport.
Note the left-field fence - where Shane Hofmann almost hit a game-tying grand slam
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
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