By Bob Greeley
Shakopee
Shakopee’s Bob Greeley put together a Q & A with people involved with amateur baseball through the years to gather their thoughts. This is posted with permission and serves as a supplement to the robust state tournament program, which you should grab a copy of this year at any of the state tournament sites.
Statewide baseball leaders were asked in the spring of 2024 five questions for the MBA state tourney program and/or website. The five questions were:
Why do you love the game of baseball?
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
What is your best MBA State tourney memory?
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Here are those baseball leaders and their responses:
AJ Hadley, Elrosa. Played in high school for BBE and was a 4x all-conference player and 2x All-West Central area player. Started college at SMSU and transferred to Ridgewater his sophomore year where they went to the College World Series with current teammate Ethan Vogt. Played for Regal 2002-08, Moorhead Miners 2009-10, Regal 2011-12, Lake Henry 2013-14, Elrosa 2015-present. His 23rd year of amateur baseball. He has not missed a single game in his career. He started co-managing in 2016 in Elrosa with Matt Middendorf and took over in 2017. His playing career ended in 2019. He also assisted Pat Illes as a BBE baseball coach from 2015-20.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
The sights, sounds and smells. The infinite possibilities on every pitch. The people, the personalities, the fans. The most pure form of competition; you have to give every player their opportunity. Seeing the game change from my youth to today. Baseball is a way of life and will forever be in our small Minnesota communities.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
There are so many memories, but I will never take for granted all of the sandlot games we played growing up in town. No structure. Show up in the morning, spend a few hours at the pool in the afternoon, and play the nightcap until the street lights came on. Repeat every day. So much of today’s kids’ schedules are structured now. We figured it out on the sandlot.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
With: Pat Illes. I got to play with him for four or five years in Elrosa. The guy played 30 years and still got the job done at a high level at the very end. He was the best first baseman I’ve ever played with.
Against: One that always stuck out was Chad Funk from New Munich. He was such a gamer making all the plays and hitting at a high level..quite the competitor. He did everything the right way and was an overall great guy.
What is your best MBA State tourney memory?
I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of four or five state tourney runs. Sometimes you remember the games and plays; but it always comes back to the later summer crowds, the bus rides, and beautiful ballparks. One game that sticks out with me is the 2016 state tourney game playing Hampton over two days and dealing with a rain delay and finishing the next day and winning in 13 innings.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
When it comes down to it, the state board has a tough job. I think at its core, they are trying to do what’s best for the 280 teams from all walks of life. Great people and from many great baseball communities. Continue the promotion of our game to the next generation, continue to put on fantastic state tourneys, all while keeping us happy in their governance. Simple right? :)
Mike Beier, Foley. Regal 1987-2000, Granite Falls 2001-04, Watkins 2005-14, Foley 2015-present. Holdingford High School head baseball coach 1996 and Foley 2007-present. Assistant high school baseball coach Yellow Medicine East 2000-03 and Foley 2004-05. Helped start the Foley youth baseball program (2005) and currently serves on its board. Foley VFW coach 2007-current. 27 state amateur baseball appearances. Two championships and two second-place finishes. 2020 MSHSL Class AA coach of the year. Coached two VFW state championships. Two state tournament entrant teams at Foley High School. Paynesville High School graduate. Played college baseball at Ridgewater CC 1991-92 and Southwest MN State 1993-94. A MBA State all-tournament team selection in 1997.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I love the game of baseball because I spent most of my time as a kid at the ballpark. Today, I enjoy it because it is an outside sport that is very difficult to play and there is no clock telling you when the game is over.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
My best memories are playing little league with my friends where we were fortunate to win five championships in a row.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I have played the great game for over 40 years and have formed some great relationships. It would be impossible to narrow it down to one or even a handful as each brings something different and unique.
What is your best MBA State tourney memory?
Growing up you envision winning a state championship; and I was fortunate to win two. The first one in 1991 with Regal included my family and lifelong friends is really special.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
The MBA has a tough job and everyone has an opinion on how to make it better; but sometimes doing less is doing more for the game.
Dennis Roisum, Glencoe. A rural Pennock native, he attended Kerkhoven High School (1962 graduate) playing football, basketball and baseball, along with American Legion baseball. Played at St. Cloud State (pitcher/shortstop and 1967 graduate). He played townball for the Kerkhoven Tigers, Norway Lake Lakers, and Hector Flyers. Managed both Kerkhoven and Hector teams. A MBA state all-tournament team selection in 1968 and 1971. Coached high school baseball for 33 years at Hector and Glencoe-Silver Lake (300-plus wins and four Wright County Conference titles. 1996 team finished third in the state tourney). A member of the Glencoe-Silver Lake Hall of Fame, Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF (1994), and Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches HOF. Received the Minnesota Coaches Distinguished Service Award for Officials (2011) and Retired High School Coaches Distinguished Service Award (1994). He has umpired Minnesota amateur baseball since 1979 and continues to do so. His claim to fame is that he once pitched a 20-inning complete game (1965). He currently serves on the Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF board of directors as its president.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I love the game. The game itself is a challenge and there is a place for everyone in the game. And, “baseball people” are fun to be around.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Early memories include my dad taking me to games in our area where they had some “hired” players.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
With: Willard Reigstad, Mike Johnson, Ronnie Tucker and Dave Hauer.
Against: Steve Schneider, Art Withmore, Jim Stoll, Tim/Tom/Terry Steinbach, Randy
Heidemann, Duke O’Brien, and Ty Wacker.
What is your best MBA State tourney memory?
1968 at Springfield. Our Norway Lake team won several games before losing to the eventual state champions in the semifinals (Dassel-Cokato Saints).
1976 at Brownton. Our Hector Flyers beat Stark in 20 innings.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I believe the state board and host communities do a very good job running state tournaments. I don’t like the idea of giving byes to regional champions in the first round. And, there are probably too many teams in the state tournament; as it becomes too easy to make it.
Sonny Hilyar, Elk River. Played American Legion for Zimmerman as a seventh grader. Pitcher for Elk River High School 1975-78. 1978 MVP. Pitched for Elk River American Legion 1976-78. Assistant coach Elk River High School five years. Head Elk River American Legion coach five years. Pitched two years for St. Michael town team. Managed and pitched four years for the Elk River town team. Managed Hamel town team for 17 years. 1997 Class B Champions. More than 600 wins as a town team manager. Member of the Hamel Baseball HOF.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
As a ninth grader, I had a back fusion operation that had me in a plaster body cast from my waist to my neck for nine months. I needed to learn how to walk all over again. Through a lot of hardwork and determination and support, I was able to pitch three more years of high school baseball. My love for the game gave me the strength to not give up. Baseball has given me the chance to meet a lot of people. I spent a lot of time at the ball yard getting the field ready for games, competing against other teams and spending time after the games talking ball. (Sonny survived polio in 1961).
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Going to the ball field almost everyday to get a game going. Many times I was the youngest playing with my brother Pete and his friends. If we didn’t have enough for two teams, we would play “work up.” Zimmerman had a town team in the 60s and I remember riding my bike to their home games chasing foul balls for a nickel and thinking that maybe someday I could be a part of the team.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Playing against Jim Eisenreich in legion baseball at St. Cloud Putz Stadium in St. Cloud. I loved pitching in that park and even though Jim got his hits, I did pretty well when I pitched there. Pitching against Dale Decker at Maple Lake. I would get him on a curveball early in the game and then hang one later and I can still hear the ball bouncing off the shed beyond the right field wall. Managing and playing against Herb Koch of Loretto, Herbie was a gamer. In 1986, he went yard in the Metrodome (not off of me). Being the Hamel Hawks manager, I had the opportunity to get to know a lot of great guys. Dan VanDehey was a gem. Kiki was a big time gamer. In the field, at bat and on the bases he was the smartest ball player I ever met. He took the game very seriously and gave 100% all the time. Off the field, you will not meet a nicer guy. I ended up naming my third son Dan.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Winning the 1997 Class B State Championship, along with just being able to compete in many state tourneys against the best teams in the state. I loved being able to see all of the great ballparks the state of Minnesota has. Some people like looking at sunsets or beaches. I like looking at well-groomed ballfields.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I like Class A and B being a one class state tourney. This was a great change. It would be nice to see some new locations picked in hosting state tourneys. Loretto has a great field and would make a great site. Hamel has added lights, a new scoreboard and just added a grandstand. Maybe Loretto and Hamel could be considered.
Keith Meyers, Cannon Falls. Played at Cannon Falls High School 1994-97. Mankato State 1998-01, Cannon Falls Bears 1997-present. Cannon Falls Bears manager 2004-15. Cannon Falls High School assistant coach 2012-present. 4x MBA State All-Tourney team (2002, 2004, 2009, 2015). 25-year MBA state tourney participant; 10 years draftee (Dodge Center, Lonsdale, Elko, Randolph, St. Patrick, Hampton (3), and Red Wing (2).
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I did not grow up in a baseball family, but I did grow up four blocks from the ballfield in a baseball town. I fell in love with baseball in junior high. I was 12 years old when Cannon Falls hosted the 1991 state tournament and I spent every weekend at the field as a ballhawk with current Bears manager and friend Bubba Brintnall. We worked the games together. One of us was hanging numbers on the old scoreboard and the other was hawking foul balls.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Playing wiffle ball and pickup games with kids around town is always a great memory. My ninth grade summer, I played on three baseball teams (Senior Babe Ruth, VFW, and American Legion). Mondays and Thursdays I’d play a doubleheader with Senior Babe Ruth in the afternoon and an American Legion game at night. That was a fun summer!
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I’ve played baseball with Rich Burr for 27 years. He’s been a great player for many years and an even better teammate. He’s a big reason our Cannon Falls Bears organization is in good health and able to be in position to host a state tournament again in 2028.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
2009 round of 16 vs. Elrosa. Back when the final eight were double-elimination. They tied it up in the ninth and the game went another five innings before Rich Burr hit a two-run home run to walk us off in the 14th. The game had so many unbelievable defensive plays in extra innings for both teams. Just a great state amateur tourney game. Throwing a no-hitter in the 2015 tournament at Cold Spring was a great memory, too (Cannon Falls 4, Luverne 0. 12 K’s, 0 BB).
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I don’t think leadership has to do anything magical. Encourage and empower communities to grow the game at the grassroots level, continue to be well organized, provide a vision for amateur baseball in our state, and be great stewards of our game.
Dale Decker, Maple Lake. Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF inductee in 2022. Waverly native and Howard Lake-Waverly High School 1975 graduate. Played his first organized baseball with the Howard Lake American Legion team as an eighth grader. He played his high school baseball for HL-W earning Wright County All-Conference all four years. Also a high school football and basketball standout athlete. He went on to play baseball at the University of Minnesota-Morris from 1976-79 earning an NIC all-conference selection his last three years in Morris. He had the opportunity to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds following his sophomore year, but decided to stay in school. Dale had a 24-year amateur baseball career with the Maple Lake Lakers that began in 1975. Dale was primarily a pitcher, but also played first and third base. He compiled a regular season record of 58-9 with a 2.69 ERA. As a hitter, he had a career .376 batting average with 65 home runs and 350 RBI. He participated in 18 state amateur tournaments as a player, 14 with Maple Lake and 4 as a draftee. A 1977 MBA state all-tournament team selection. After his playing career, he managed the Lakers from 2008-10 and led them to a third-place finish in the Class B Tournament in 2008. He also co-chaired state amateur tournaments hosted by Maple Lake in 2013 and 2019. He was elected to the North Star League HOF in 2008 and the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted HOF in 2018. The hard throwing right-hander dominated games throughout his career and his bat was very potent.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
The camaraderie and its people are unmatched. Getting together with teammates and other players was and is something I always look forward to. Shoe beer anyone?!
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
As a youngster, I got together with my buddies seemingly every morning in Waverly to play baseball. I’d hop on the bike and we’d get together at 9 a.m and have a blast.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Well, for me it is Gary Porter. He brought town ball back to Maple Lake in the 1970s and I jumped on board and the rest is history. Opponent players were a mixture of guys that were awesome hardballers; namely Greg Thayer, Barry Wohler, Joe Driscoll, Greg Odegaard and Tom Traen. Yes, Driscoll is still in my memory bank from the state tourney in St. Cloud in 1979.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Finishing in third place in Arlington as Cold Spring beat us in 1983 along with finishing in third place in 2008 in Shakopee my first year managing. We played New Ulm at Brownton in 1980 and New Ulm was loaded with future major league/minor league players. (Terry Steinbach was the 1980 state tourney MVP) And of course the 2023 state championship. They got great pitching, superb and timely hitting, and their defense was outstanding. They were on all cylinders. What a joy to watch those guys!
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Ongoing tweaking is fine. MBA baseball is the best in the nation with the best ballparks and game atmosphere and ambience. Truly unmatched.
(writer’s note: Dale was one of the best pitchers I faced in high school and town ball)
Joe Kreger, Green Isle. Part of the Green Isle Irish organization since 1968. Served as the Crow River Valley League secretary and president. MBA board member for 15 years. Member of the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball HOF (2009). Winner of the Terry Ryan Award for contributions to amateur baseball. Member of Northwest Umpires for 30 years.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
It’s a game I fell in love with at an early age. My older brother had gone to the army. I used to read many of his sports magazines that he had acquired. I started buying baseball cards (much to my parents’ dismay) also at a young age. I could always remember names and statistics of the players. The 50s and 60s were a glorious time for major league baseball. There were rare games on TV, but you could find games on the radio. My first World Series memory is that of the 1959 series between the Dodgers and White Sox. My brother was and still is a big Dodgers fan. Not me so much! The Twins came in 1961 and I have followed them closely ever since.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Hard to name one. I moved from the farm to town in 1961; so after that I got a chance to participate in little league ball. I also followed the Arlington Black Sox (A’s). A legendary player by the name of Jim Stoll moved to Arlington about that time. I was a batboy for the Arlington teams of 1963 and 1964. Those were the first times the Arlington teams qualified for the MBA state tourney. I started playing for Green Isle in 1968. Green Isle had not won a game in two years. In my first game, I drove in the winning run. Quite a thrill!
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Lots of great friends and teammates. One of my favorites was a hard throwing right hander named Terry McGuire. He could throw it through a brick wall; if only he could hit the brick wall! He was a great friend off the field. I tried to respect all of my opponents, but one guy who really stands out is Randy Feltmann. A slick-fielding third baseman, plus a dangerous hitter. He displayed great sportsmanship.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
I have a lot of good state tourney memories. I was fortunate enough to be drafted as a catcher 5 times. That was an experience, playing for teams that were your rivals with, but enjoyable. The top memory would have to be the 2003 state championship. Green Isle had knocked on the door for several years before finally winning one. Being the manager was certainly a special moment.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Since I was a member of the MBA board for 15 years, I want to be positive in my comments. There are a lot of changes being planned for the 2025 season. I think criteria needs to be continuously tweaked. Some things that should be looked at are: lower the age from 35 to 30 for player exemptions and rate players fairly on what they either did or did not do at the collegiate level.
Lyle Rambow, Glenwood. A Raymond native and 1974 graduate from Atwater High School where he was a three-sport athlete. Played college football and baseball at Willmar Community College and baseball at the University of Minnesota-Morris. Played townball for the Raymond Rockets (1974-85) and Morris Eagles (1986-89). The Morris Eagles 1989 team won the Class C state title played in Granite Falls and Marshall, while their 1988 team finished in third place. He was the player/manager for the Eagles during their 1988 and 1989 seasons.They had four straight state appearances from 1986-89. Lyle was the head baseball coach at Morris Area High School from 1981-2010 (350-plus wins). Lyle’s teams won five West Central Conference Championships and played in two state tournaments. He served on the Northern All-Star selection committee and helped run section tournaments at Chizek Field in Morris. He was active in the Morris summer baseball program; along with coaching high school football and basketball. His favorite saying to his players was “Play Hard and Have Fun.” A 2016 inductee of the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association HOF.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Baseball is the greatest game! Absolutely the most fun to play. The feeling of a solid line drive or a strong throw to a base is unmatched. You need great teamwork and you also need solid 1-1 matchups! So many games within the game. I always told my players that I loved coaching baseball, but it doesn’t hold a candle to playing the game! Playing town ball was absolutely the best!
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
I remember my buddies and I playing ball together whenever we could. I hated it when Mom and Dad made me work in the garden after supper and I couldn’t play with the guys. I played ball with my same buddies in Raymond from age 6 to 30 and then played with good friends in Morris.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Mark “RE” Torgerson from Morris was such a treat as a teammate. He could do it all. Hit, run, and field. Such a smart player who always seemed to be one step ahead. Kim Shelrud (10 years older) was a mentor and a tremendous teammate when I started playing townball in Raymond in 1974.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
The Morris Eagles won the state Class C championship in 1989 in Marshall. It was the biggest thrill I have had in sports. As a player/manager, I enjoyed playing with a bunch of good friends who really understood baseball and played as a team. Also, playing on such beautiful and well-manicured ballparks.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
The state MBA amateur baseball tournament is a great event for baseball fans (which I believe many people in the state still miss). I appreciate how the MBA tweaks things and continues to improve this tournament each year. The MBA needs to continue what its doing and get the word out about the ambience and the great baseball being played by excellent players at the state tournament and throughout the entire season!
Bucky Burgau, Moorhead. Perham native, Perham High School and American Legion Baseball. Fergus Falls Community College and NDSU baseball. Coached American Legion baseball in Perham five years and 27 years (beginning in 1973) for the Moorhead Blues (883-396 record). Head baseball coach at Concordia Moorhead for 37 years (711 wins) and is still an assistant coach there. Has coached with the Fargo/Moorhead RedHawks for 20 summers. Perham High School HOF. Concordia Moorhead Athletic HOF (2007). Christian Athletic HOF (Fargo). 4x MIAC Coach of the Year. Moorhead Blues American Legion World Series fourth Place (1988). The newly (2023) renovated baseball stadium at Concordia Moorhead ($850,000 upgrade including a new grandstand, with individual seating, new and larger dugouts, new fencing and backstop/netting between the dugouts, and a new “inning-by-inning” scoreboard is named (Bucky Burgau Field) in his honor (2014). He played townball with the Perham Pirates for many years (1964-73), starting out with them at age 14. Bucky was an excellent high school and college basketball official.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Baseball is like life as it has so much disappointment. It is a great teacher.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
I have so many good memories, but my favorite is throwing the final ground ball out to my dad at first base for the final out of the 1966 Class B state title game versus. Brownton in Belle Plaine. Our pitcher Al Stigman was the state tourney MVP (Won two games; saved two. Pitched 20 2/3 innings. Allowed two earned runs on nine hits while striking out 32).
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Of all the years in college baseball and independent professional baseball, still today it’s Al Stigman and it’s not close. He dominated.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
My best state tournament memory is winning the MBA 1966 Class B state title with the Perham Pirates. Perham had knocked on the door frequently before that, but the 1966 team made it happen.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I really like where Minnesota amateur baseball is today. The best in the USA!
Joe Schleper, Jr., Delano. Shakopee native and Shakopee High School 1973 graduate. Played varsity baseball from 1971-73. All Conference and team MVP. Played town ball for Marystown from 1973-74. Shakopee Cubs and Indians from 1975-88 (He coincidentally played in a league All-Star game in Delano a few years before moving to Delano). He has been a member of the Delano Athletic Club for 15-plus years leading to a leadership group that has renovated and made improvements to Delano Municipal Baseball Park and Dave Zitzloff Field. He has been a City of Delano Park Board member for 25-plus years, giving his baseball community representation with local city government. They partnered with the city on new LED lights, Zitzloff Field grandstand, new roof and backstop at The Muni, and much more. Served as one of the state tourney chairpersons for the 2013, 2019 and 2023 tournaments. Was a state tourney committee member with Shakopee in 2008, 2018 and 2020. He is still coaching Delano Junior High baseball (45-plus years of coaching some combination of baseball, basketball and football in Shakopee, Lonsdale/New Market/Veseli Catholic School (LNMV), New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Public Schools (NRHEG) and Delano Public Schools).
He is a big reason why the Delano ballpark is what it is today. When he is not at home; he is at the ballpark. Guaranteed. He is the creative mind of many of the recent Delano ballpark improvements and upgrades.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I was born into a baseball family! When I was a kid, my dad was the high school baseball coach in Belgrade (and later Shakopee), played town ball, and even built a backstop in our backyard. Any spare time was baseball time! I loved every minute of it. Now as a retiree, the ballpark is my happy place. I appreciate the beauty and serenity of being at Delano Municipal Baseball Park (The Muni) almost every day from spring to fall. Besides doing ballpark tasks, I often get inspiration for future projects and improvements. I especially appreciate Minnesota Town Ball because players play for the love of the game! Players typically work regular jobs during the day and still prioritize time to play ball in their limited free time. I’ve found that the camaraderie of the town ball experience lasts far beyond one’s playing years. I often run into former rivals who now are friends from the shared bond of the town ball experience. Finally, I truly enjoy visiting all the wonderful ballparks we have in Minnesota..each with its own unique features and character!
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
- Being bat boy for the Shakopee Indians during the mid-1960’s was a great memory. Just taking in the atmosphere of team camaraderie, the playful banter of a dugout, the rivalries between teams, and the unpredictability of each game. Seeing my dad hit towering home runs over the right field fence at Shakopee’s old Riverside Park is a memory I can see clearly as if it were yesterday. The team had several deep runs at the State Tourney and I felt every win or loss as if I were playing.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I had the extraordinary experience of playing with my brothers Bill, Gary and Tom. We were all left-handed hitters just like my dad was, so teams saved their best lefty pitchers for us. For a few of those years, my dad managed the team, too. I somewhat appreciated it then, but now I really treasure memories of those past family get-togethers on the field. I was blessed to play with Shakopee teammates such as Steve O’Neill, Dan and Bill Heller, Keith Busch, Steve Hullander and so many more. We had fun playing together, razzing each other, and celebrating victories or mourning losses. Players who pop to mind from opposing teams:
*Lonsdale’s Daryl Vosepka: A mountain of a man who created fear every time he came
to the plate.
*Jordan’s Ron Beckman: It seemed like we never got him out. Always on base, never
struck out, big hits in pressure situations.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
My current best MBA state tournament memories are related to hosting the tourney. Just the drama of the games, how excited fans are rooting for their team, the teams with unique nicknames, fans arriving on fan buses and celebrating the history of Minnesota amateur baseball.
In Delano, we initiated celebrations of past successful teams with a goal of creating multiple town ball team reunions. One of the most touching was the St. Boni team celebrating their championship from 55 years ago at the 2019 state tourney. An incredible 15 players, along with many family members, were able to make it. Though many of the players hadn’t seen each other for years, the good-natured banter started almost immediately! It was like they were stepping back in time picking up right where they left off in 1964. It was uplifting for the players, heartwarming for their families and touching for all in attendance.
On a personal level, the 2023 100th anniversary was memorable as Delano was in the tourney and our son Adam was playing. He got to experience playing in front of a crowd of over 1,500 fans on his home field!
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Like any group with authority, it’s easy to criticize the state board. I don’t agree with every decision, but overall, I think MBA leadership has done a nice job of growing the game. They have been open minded about making changes, they generally treat their constituents with respect, even when there are disagreements and they generally seem to want to do what is best for town ball. As a recent host of three state tournaments in Delano, the board has been supportive and easy to work with. They have shown trust that we know how to run a good tourney. It seems like every town that has recently received a state tourney host bid has done an incredible job of upgrading their ballparks. When one ballpark improves, it is good for all of Minnesota amateur baseball. Town ball is headed in the right direction!
Scott Lieser, St. Martin. Browerville High School 2009 graduate (football, basketball and baseball) and at St. Cloud State University 2010-2013. He led his high school baseball team to two state tournament appearances and earned the team MVP honors twice. He was a Lions All-Star following his senior season. He played for the Waterloo Bucks of the Northwood League in 2010 and the Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League in 2011 and 12. He played for the Milwaukee Brewers MLB organization from 2013-15 making it to the high-Class A level. The MBA teams he has played for include Clarissa Flyers 2005-09, Lake Henry Lakers 2010-11, St. Michael Saints 2016 and St. Martin Martin 2019-present. Coaching/leadership background includes coaching in the Centennial High School and American Legion program in 2016-17; coached with the Willmar Stingers (Northwoods League) in 2017; coached in 2017-18 at Augsburg College, coached with the St. Cloud Rox (Northwoods League) 2018; coached at St. John’s University in 2019; Activities Director at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School 2019-21; and coach at St. John’s University 2022-present. A standout right-handed pitcher, he ended his career at SCSU with a school-record 32 victories (32-7 record) in 66 appearances (269 2/3 innings pitched) with 226 strikeouts and a 3.10 ERA. He played on SCSU squads that reached the NCAA Division II Central Regional in each of his four years. He earned All-Region Tournament team as a sophomore, junior, and senior. A two-year SCSU captain, Lieser earned All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference honors twice and All-Central Region honors three times. He was named Daktronics Division II All-American honorable mention in 2013 when he went 10-3 with five complete games, 66 strikeouts to 11 walks, and a 2.71 ERA in 83 innings.
He works for CSB/SJU as Associate Director of Annual Giving besides being a SJU assistant baseball coach.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
For me, baseball has a constant presence in my life. I had one of the best support systems growing up. It started with my dad, Steve, and my three older brothers Brent, Joel and Mitch. As the youngest brother, I was always dragged along to the field for all of my brother’s baseball games. My mom, Doris, was always our biggest fan. She hardly ever missed a game. She loves to watch us as much as we love playing. Now that I have gotten older and started my own family, I get to share my love for the game with my wife, Nora, who is always cheering me on whether I’m playing or coaching. We hope our kids will love the game just as much as we do.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
I was 16 years old and I was playing second base, while my brother Mitch was playing shortstop for the Clarissa Flyers amateur team. There was a slow ground ball up the middle and I fielded the ball between the mound and second base. Without looking or stopping, I flipped it straight back to second base where Mitch caught it and turned a double play. After the game my uncle asked me, “How did you know Mitch would be at second base?” All I said was, “He better have been there! We practiced that play all the time in the backyard.”
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I’ve had so many great teammates over the years. It would be almost impossible to pick just one. I had great teammates in high school, in college, and I’m still close with a lot of those guys. I’m also really lucky to have great teammates in St. Martin. I’ve made some lifelong friends playing in the Stearns County League again. That’s part of the reason I still enjoy playing so much. As for the best player I ever faced, that would be Aaron Judge while I was playing Minor League ball. I’d say he’s done alright for himself!
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Some will laugh at this, but the memory that will stick with me forever is when we (St. Martin) got no-hit twice in a single elimination tournament in 2021. In the first game, Fergus Falls threw a few guys and we didn’t record a single hit, but we still ended up winning 1-0. (Our leadoff guy (Kyle Lieser) walked, then advanced all the way to third on a passed ball on some heads-up baserunning. He score after a suicide squeeze by Bryan Schlangen. It was the craziest thing!
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I have a lot of appreciation for the MBA leadership team/board. The biggest thing for myself is the need to continue to understand the commitment of town ball in our small communities. It’s more than just a game for some people. For some, it is truly a way of life in that they plan their whole summers around the baseball schedule. Also, there are rivalries that have been around for decades! Those are what make town ball fun.
Dale Welter, Chaska. A Chaska native. Longtime Chaska Cubs player (1960-1982). Mankato State graduate (1967). Maple Lake (1967-70); Eden Prairie (1978-80); and Chaska (1981-08) head coach. Five conference titles and four state tournaments. Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF (2003). A MBA state all-tournament team selection in 1978. Still on the Minnesota high school baseball advisory board, helps to host the annual MSHSL state baseball tournament in Chaska/Jordan, and helps host the annual Play Ball Minnesota High School All-Star Series played in Chaska. MSHSBCA Hall of Fame (2005). Past Dick Siebert Award winner. A national finalist for high school coach of the year in 2004.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
My love of the game of baseball started at 4-5 years of age. Hauser Lano, a great Chaska Cubs player, gave me a bat. Hauser was on the team that won the 1947 state tournament at Mankato before a crowd of nearly 8,000 fans. Check it out on Google, amazing. I remember playing wall ball off the brick building next to where we lived in downtown Chaska. When I was 6-7 years old, we moved to a dairy farm. We set up a field with bases in the cow pasture. The problem was the next day we would find cow pies everywhere … not good! I never played Little League. When I milked cows, I would set the surge machines and while they were milking, I would slip outside and hit rocks. Over the creek was a home run. Leaving the machines on that long would cause hard quarters and my dad wasn’t happy.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
My junior year in high school, the Chaska Guardian Angels did not have much baseball, so I went out for the Chaska American Legion team coached by Bob Tadson. Bob was a Chaska teacher/coach who was from Brownton where the ballfield is named after his dad Barney Tadson. He was a great coach. My senior year I went out for the Chaska Cubs town team. Now I was working at the Gedney Pickle factory and had a pickle barrel drop on my foot, which ended my baseball season. The Cubs season also ended when we were beaten by Norwood, a powerhouse in those days with names like Feltman, Willemson and McCarthy.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
In the early 1960s the Chaska Cubs had a good team, but could never get by the great St. Boni teams, who had recruited some very good ballplayers like Al Provo from Maple Lake, Don Carruth from Minnetonka, Al Ebert from Waconia, and many others. One year, St. Boni won the state title with these drafted from Chaska RHP Al Stans, C John Ryski, and Don Jorissen, who had just come out of pro ball with the Dodgers. In 1955, Don had breakfast with Jackie Robinson. Google this amazing story.
In 1963, my brother Denny joined the Cubs. The two of us were playing ball at Mankato State. I still have the newspaper article with the headline “Recruiting Helps Build Chaska into Carver Hennepin Power”. We were short on pitching that year, so we got John Zolka from Richfield, Steve Gustafson from Minnetonka, Bob Mielke and catcher Gary Porter from Bloomington. Gary in 1973 took my teaching/coaching job in Maple Lake and he started up the Maple Lake town team again with much success.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
The 1968 MBA state tournament in Springfield was my first tournament experience with the Cubs. Fellow players were Bob Bruers, Rick Engelhardt, and brother Denny. Our manager was Hall of Famer Ted Nikolai. In 1970, we played in the state tournament at St. Cloud Rox Stadium. I hit a home run in each of our first two games, but we had a tough loss to Grand Rapids in that second game. The 1971 Cubs were state champions played at Brownton as we beat Delano in the championship game. Our 1971 drafted players were Steve Stommen, Andy and Dave Lane. The 1978 Cubs made a great run; taking second place with our championship game loss to Miesville. We hit into five double plays; which has to be a state record. Drafted players that year included Jim Diethelm, Jerry Chapman and Randy Litfin. During that tournament, I went 12-for-21 and made the all-tournament team. I feel players who are great pitchers and hitters can affect the game both on the mound and at the plate. Some of the best in my opinion included Jim Stoll from Arlington, Don Jorissen from Chaska, Al Ebert from St. Boni and Joe Driscoll.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I am always interested in making the ticket prices to MBA state tourney games fan and family friendly. Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF members should be able to get a free tourney pass. Just my opinion.
Dave Hinkemeyer, Cold Spring. Graduated from Rocori High School and played two years of college baseball at Willmar Community College. The Cold Spring Springers are the only team I played amateur baseball with; something I am proud of. I managed the team from 1994-2022. As a player or manager, I was part of six championship teams (1986, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2013, 2014). I was inducted into the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball HOF in 2019. I was fortunate enough to pitch in a lot of games with the Springers through the years, but the main reason I had some success was that I played on some phenomenal teams.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Just one of the many reasons that I love baseball is the people that I have met through the years while playing the game. I have been lucky to play with some great amateur players here in Cold Spring and have even developed eventual friendships with opponents we have come up against. Some of us are still playing well into years of 60-plus.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
My parents moved our family to Cold Spring when I was 2 years old; our house was a half a block from the baseball field. The writing was on the wall. As elementary-aged kids, we were allowed to play pick-up games in the outfield. It was baseball heaven.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
The Springers have had so many fantastic players through the years. If I had to choose one as the best teammate, it would be Rod Schafer. He was our catcher for many years, and as a pitcher, he made me so much better with his incredible intelligence and enthusiasm for the game.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
My favorite MBA state tournament memory is from 1986. Cold Spring hosted the state tournament that year and it was the first year of Class B baseball. We beat Red Wing in the championship game on Labor Day. Our starting right fielder was the owner of one of the local taverns in town and the celebration after the game was epic.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
The state board needs to continue to try to find ways to bring amateur baseball back to what it was years ago. I appreciate that they are constantly trying different things to get it back, but I am not sure that can happen. So much in amateur baseball has changed through the years. Some of it good, and some of it not so good.
Herb Koch, Loretto. Delano High School graduate. Loretto Larks player for 44 years. Manager of the Loretto Larks for 45 years. North Star League president 18 years. North Star League secretary 13 years. North Star League MVP 1996. North Star League Manager of the Year 2009 and 2021. MBA Mike Downes Award 2009. North Star League HOF 2010. Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF 2012. 14 MBA State Tournament appearances. A MBA state all-tournament team selection in 1992.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Growing up in Loretto, we had a baseball field and a town team. I loved going to the games and hanging around the field hoping to someday play for the Larks.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
As a 10 year old taking the fan bus to watch Loretto play in the 1969 state tournament in Jordan.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I was fortunate enough to start a game in Loretto with my four sons in the lineup. My oldest son Herb Jr. was at third base, my middle son Kent was at shortstop, I was at second base, my youngest son Kirby was at first base, and my second oldest son Nick was pitching.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
As a player, making the all-tournament team in 1992 in Jordan. As a manager, in 2010 Loretto played in four games in the tournament and we made it to Labor Day weekend.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
For many years the state tournaments have been awesome. Competitive and entertaining. Attendance has been increasing; so just keep doing what you are doing.
Myron Bennett, Hadley. Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF inductee 2018. Manager of the Hadley Buttermakers (1993-present). The Hadley ballpark (Laurie Mahon Field) is a unique facility with a skin infield, left field ivy green monster and a great concession stand. Their annual fan appreciation day in July is awesome (300-plus in attendance in 2021). He serves as the Gopher and First Nite League secretary/treasurer. A 1978 graduate of Slayton High School, he coached Murray County Junior High baseball for 19 years. He is the treasurer of the Hadley Baseball Association and previously was president and vice president of the MBA Gopher League.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I fell in love with the game of baseball at a young age. I remember listening to games on the radio and going with my uncles to their games until I was old enough to play organized baseball myself. One of the things I like about baseball is our MBA game isn’t controlled by a time clock, but by outs and innings.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
I have fond memories of playing catch with my Dad in the front yard when he would get home from work. When I was 8 years old, I got asked to play with the age group ahead of me because they were short a player that day. I played that day and the rest of the summer in Slayton. We were the 1968 champions of that age group division.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
We’ve had a lot of good players for the Hadley Buttermakers. Three of the better ones are T.J. Schmidt, Nick Bruning and Joe Larson. T.J. was a pitcher/outfielder who played baseball at Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall. He hit .523 for the Hadley Buttermakers the last year we used aluminum bats and hit .500 (34-for-68) the first year we used wooden bats. Nick played parts of 12 seasons for Hadley. The last 10 years, he led the team in batting average and home runs. He played college ball at Lipscomb (Tennessee) University, Iowa Lakes CC, and the University of Sioux Falls. Joe also played college ball at Iowa Lakes and USF. He is currently playing in his 22nd season with the Buttermakers. No one has ever had a longer career in Hadley. He is a solid hitter and is good defensively in the outfield and at shortstop.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
The 2001 MBA state tournament is a special memory. We played Ada in Red Wing on a Thursday at 5 p.m. and rallied for five runs in the top of the ninth to win, 10-8. The 2016 tournament was also memorable for us. We played Regal at Hutchinson. It was two small towns with great fan support. The atmosphere at the game was unbelievable. It was town ball baseball at its best, with Hadley winning 12-1.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I think the MBA is doing a good job working on a new three-class system. The corporate sponsors they are attracting are helping to make baseball more affordable for the teams and leagues. The MBA is doing all it can for the betterment of baseball in Minnesota.
Kevin Hiedeman, Breckenridge. I played for Breckenridge HS (1981-84) and American Legion Post 53 (1981-84). Concordia Moorhead (1985-88) and town ball for the Wahpeton-Breckenridge Twins (1985-87). I have coached the past 26 years in some capacity. From 1998-05, I coached youth baseball in Kingsburg, California and served on the baseball board for Cal Ripken. My wife and I started our youth baseball program in Breckenridge in 2006. With the help of many people, that program is now hosting the Minnesota Sports Federation qualifying tournament every year. In 2008, we started our community baseball board. I coached Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth until 2009 when I then took over as the head varsity and American Legion coach in Breckenridge until two years ago when we started the Breckenridge Bucks MBA team, which I currently coach. Kevin has been selected “Coach of the Year” five times.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
The majority of the game that’s played is an individual event. It’s just the batter and the pitcher, for example, but the outcome has great implications to the success of your team; which adds even more intensity. It’s also the only game where the camaraderie in the dugout is as fun as the game itself. There is no other sport like that.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
One of the best baseball memories growing up was hitting for the cycle when Breckenridge played rival Wheaton in high school. But even better than that is in our first Breckenridge Bucks MBA season (2022); all three of my boys were on base and I was coaching third. That will probably never happen again. That is a really special memory for me.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
That is an easy one for me to answer. My freshman year in high school I was lucky enough to dress on varsity and got to watch Dean Kappes hit towering home runs for the Cowboys. Dean was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and was one of the best high school players ever in our area.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
My favorite MBA State tournament memory was when son Jack Hiedeman made the “Willie Mays” diving over the shoulder catch in the second round of the Class C state tournament for the Fergus Falls Hurricanes.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Split up the classes so the smaller communities have a more proper opportunity to make it to the state tournament. Also, get rid of that bye in the first round of the state Class C tournament. It seems like more often than not that is more harm than good for the team that won the region. I am also not a big fan of drafted pitchers. You’ve played your entire season with your team and have earned the right to go to the tournament with that team. There is enough time between games that I don’t think it’s necessary.
Chad Knutson, Heron Lake. Graduated from Southwest Star Concept (Heron Lake-Okabena) in 2000. Started playing town ball with Heron Lake in 2000 and took over as player/manager in 2002. 2024 is my 23rd season as manager and 25th season overall. I am the vice president of the First Nite League and First Nite/Gopher League (Region 13C) and website coordinator. I annually help with the state Class C town ball rankings on the MBA website. I coached Little League ages 10-15 and high school for four years (2016-19) for Heron Lake/Okabena and Heron Lake/Fulda. I’m an advocate for the continued growth of baseball in Heron Lake, southwestern Minnesota and the entire state.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Baseball is the greatest game there is. I love all aspects of it. The different and unique fields throughout our great state and I have visited or been to or played on most of them. I enjoy taking care and maintaining our field in Heron Lake and want to turn it into one of the best in the state. The strategy and mental part of the game and the little things it takes to win a game and the atmosphere of a tight and competitive game.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Playing pickup games with all the neighborhood kids everyday; sometimes with different rules. We had a game called hamshack that was played with a shed as the backstop with a metal grate as the strike zone and we used a tennis ball or a softer type ball and pitched across the street. We also had a wiffle ball field in our backyard; playing those games everyday developed my passion for the game.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
My best teammates would have to be my three brothers, Lance, Lucas and Logan. We got to play together for the first time with the town ball team Heron Lake Lakers. We have a passion for baseball and each has done a lot to keep baseball going in Heron Lake. We have had a lot of great teammates. Some of the best that have played for me (more than 100 players) have been Tyler Leopold, Kirk McBreen, Matt Franks, Ike Rogers and Lon Eichenberger to name a few. Some tough players we played against were Phil Paquette, Andy Wolf and Brandan Alfson; as there are many great players in our area.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
The 2014 Sobieski Skis and their run to the title with impressive pitching from Tyler Jendro; and the fog game at Dassel between the Milroy Irish and New York Mills in 2016; and the 21-inning game with Bird Island and Loretto at Dundas in 2022.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
The state of amateur baseball in Minnesota is strong and leadership has done a great job of growing the game and getting more exposure and interest. We are in an era where it is getting tougher and tougher to keep kids interested and field nine players some nights. Every team in the state has dealt with it at some point. The new format that the state is going to is potentially going to give more teams a shot at state. The MBA leadership needs to continue to grow the game and find ways to keep interest; plus advocate for all the teams in the state.
Joseph Grose, Waterville. Joe played at Waterville-Elysian high school, Bethany Lutheran College Vikings, St. Cloud State Huskies, and the MBA Waterville Indians in many roles for 30-plus years. He was inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF in 2023.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I was born into it, thankfully. As a player, it was the competition. Now I get to enjoy the little things. The crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn, the crowd and dugout laughter, the impressive fields and the enjoyment of watching my sons and my favorite team.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Definitely growing up around the field with my dad. He spent countless hours working on the field and making me a better player. Then slowly, he didn’t want to give me all of his secrets and guided me on how to maintain a field.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I had the privilege to play with many great teammates. We had a lot of success and fun. But ultimately playing with my brother and two sons was something I will never forget.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
All of them. As a player, it was competing against the best. Especially winning games and hearing the other team say they just got beat by the worst team in the tourney. LOL. Now as a fan, it’s taking in the whole atmosphere and experience in rooting for the club and watching great baseball.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I just think we need some stability.
Matt Geislinger, Watkins. Eden Valley-Watkins High School 2011 graduate. Wabash Valley Community College in southern Illinois/Mount Carmel (150-plus Division I players since 2000/40-plus wins 26 of past 27 years) one year and two years at Mankato State. The Geislinger name is synonymous with baseball in Watkins. Matt is the groundskeeper with his dad, Bruce, of the fine Watkins ballpark facilities. A superb left-handed pitcher. Matt received the MBA state tournament Outstanding Pitcher Award in 2020 as he pitched 31 innings with 30 of the innings being consecutive scoreless while striking out 36, allowing one run on 16 hits with an ERA of 0.29 (Mike Davison Memorial Award) and an all-tournament team selection in 2019, 2020 and 2021. EV-W won two consecutive MSHSL baseball state championships in 2010 and 2011 with a record of 50-2 those two years. When healthy, Matt has been a dominant pitcher in the Central Valley League, in the regional playoffs, and at the state tournament. In MBA state tourney play, he had 19 Ks vs. Foley in 2016; 19 Ks vs. Stark in 2019; 19 Ks vs. St. Martin and a no-hitter in 2021; and 19 Ks vs. Carlos in 2023. During a regular season league game vs. Pearl Lake in 2014, he had 21 Ks. Matt pitched with the Northwoods League Willmar Stingers in 2014, compiling a 6-0 record with a 2.09 ERA in 17 games pitching 42 innings with 36 Ks.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I love the competitive nature of the sport and I grew up playing it with my family.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Winning back-to-back state high school baseball championships in 2010 and 2011.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
That would be my dad. See below!
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Throwing a no-hitter in the MBA 2021 state tournament.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Don’t move small-town baseball to Class B.
Bruce Geislinger, Watkins. A 1986 Eden Valley-Watkins graduate. 1985 MSHSL Class 1A second place at Putz Field in St. Cloud versus Windom. Northwest Missouri State baseball four years from 1987-90. An all-conference and all-region selection with two conference championships. A fifth-place finish in the Division II national tourney. Bruce was a dominant right-handed pitcher. 2001 MBA Class C State Tournament MVP (Four wins, pitching 33 1/3 innings, allowing 13 runs on 36 hits, striking out 23) and the 2001 MBA Class C state championship. The Clippers qualified for the MBA state tournament in 12 of the 15 years between 1989-2003. Bruce was an MBA State All-Tournament Team selection in 1993 and 2001. Son Matt served as the Clipper batboy then. Bruce was the lead person (former Clippers player and manager) who spearheaded the renovations and 2015 MBA state bid host site. A member of the Eden Valley-Watkins Schools HOF. Watkins recently completed building an indoor heated baseball facility (60-feet X 120-feet) down the right field line at the ballpark. A similar facility to what Granite Falls also has. A Clippers player from 1981-2013; its manager for 17 of those years. He is the Central Valley League president and a Watkins baseball board member. He takes much pride in maintaining the field with Matt and its playing surfaces.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
There is no clock. We played with our family and all the friends we grew up with and there was/is beer after the game.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
When we went to the Babe Ruth state tournament in Maple Lake when I was 15 years old. We played Coon Rapids (a big city team) and it was the first time I got to pitch under the lights.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
That is my son, Matt. My best memory was when I was his catcher in 2011 against St. Augusta (and it was hotter than hades) when I was 43 years old and caught all nine innings.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Best MBA State tourney memory? When we won the 2001 Class C state tournament. We were knocking on the door for so many years. That year we were able to finish it!
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
There is no argument. Attendance is improving every year. They must be doing something right.
Dennis Brennan, Hinckley. Hinckley High School 1967-70. Hinckley Knights 1966-2006. Pine City American Legion 1968-70. Assistant Coach Hinckley-Finlayson varsity baseball 1985-01. Hinckley Knights manager 1989-94, 01-04, 2012. MBA Board of Directors 1987-94 and 98-present. Current MBA vice president. Minnesota Amateur Baseball HOF 1994. Hinckley Baseball HOF 2021. Groundskeeper of Brennan Field for 50-plus years. Coached Little League in 1969 and 1971. Helped to bring back American Legion baseball to Hinckley in 1989. Served as the secretary/treasurer of the Hinckley Athletic Association from 1985-2018. The Brennan name is an MBA legacy. It’s full of history. The annual MBA state tourney J.M. & J.D Brennan Sportsmanship Trophy (1941-present) is named after the Brennan family. The Hinckley Baseball Association started donating a new trophy to each year’s winner in 1987. Before that, it was a traveling trophy. And, their ballpark (Brennan Field) is awesome.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I didn’t have any choice not to love the game since my grandfather was one of the MBA originators. When I was growing up, our neighbors tried to make a fisherman out of me. Thankfully, that didn’t fly as most of our spare time as a family was spent at the ballpark.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
My father was on the MBA state board, so every year I got to spend the first week of school at the state tournament. Then in 1959 I was a ball shagger for all the state tournament games. This lasted until 1965, during those years I have many fond memories.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I would have to say my brother James. He was my youth baseball coach and after I started playing amateur baseball, he continued to coach me on the finer points of the game until he retired from playing in 1994.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
The 1989 state tourney when our team made it to the semifinals. It was my first year as manager of our team and I was still playing. It was a great time.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Being a state board member for 35 years, I’ve seen many changes and all have been for the betterment of our state association. What I hope happens is that the board never adopts the major league rules that have been implemented the last few years. Electronics and clocks were not meant to be part of the game of baseball.
Tyler Jendro, Sauk Rapids. Played high school baseball at Royalton and college baseball at St. Cloud Tech College and Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall. His MBA teams have included the Royalton Riverdogs and Sobieski Skis. He was a high school conference MVP and St. Cloud Tech College All-American. MBA Region 8C tournament MVP twice and MBA Class C State Tournament MVP in 2014. In the MBA 2014 State Tournament, Tyler pitched 41 2/3 innings (a new tournament record), won six games (a new tournament record), striking out 44 and allowing only one run for a 0.21 ERA. He pitched 24 shutout innings Labor Day weekend. A MBA state all-tournament team selection in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I love the game of baseball because of how challenging it is. Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest things to do in sports.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
In ninth grade, I was lucky enough to play left field for the varsity team. We were ranked high that year and made it to the state tournament. Getting to play in the state tournament was a great experience.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I was fortunate to play with Adam Schrader at Southwest Minnesota State. Adam went on to get drafted by the Padres. He was an incredible pitcher and was fun to watch on the mound.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
My best memory is being able to win two MBA state championships with Sobieski. We had a talented team and the guys were great teammates. (In the 2014 state tourney, he threw a no-hitter with 14 Ks. Sobieski 4, New Market 0)
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I really don’t have any new ideas on what they need to do. I will say that the adding of YouTube for state tournament games was a good idea.
Kelly Bohmbach, Red Wing. Played for the Red Wing Wingers, Mankato State (until I was told I had to go to classes also), and the Red Wing Aces. Managed/coached youth baseball, Red Wing American Legion and Red Wing Aces. 1974 MBA state all-tournament team. Red Wing Baseball HOF inductee 2005. After my playing days came to an end, I was the groundskeeper for many years at the Red Wing Athletic Field (The ATH), PA announcer for Aces games, committee chair and co-chair of MBA state tourneys held in Red Wing and vice president of the Red Wing Aces Baseball organization. I am on the selection committee for the Red Wing Amateur Baseball HOF and help raise funds for our “Friends of Baseball” operation with money raised going toward enhancing the fan experience at games.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I grew up with the game first of all with family involvement. It’s just something about the game that fits. I am not sure I can pick out one reason.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
There are many, but the one I always look back on didn’t happen on the field. I was home sick from grade school (maybe third grade) and my dad came home at lunch time. He walked up to the house hiding something behind his back. To my surprise, it was a new glove I had been looking at for weeks from our local sporting goods store.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Oh no, I’m not going there.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Gotta be the 1974 state championship. We were a young and close team who had grown up together playing ball.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I think the MBA is doing just fine now and just continues adjusting with the times.
Jeremy Hinderks, Renville. He played high school ball for Belview-Danube-Renville-Sacred Heart, American Legion for Sacred Heart and then started town ball with the Bird Island Bullfrogs 1998-2000. Granite Falls Kilowatts 2001, Sacred Heart Saints 2002, Northwoods League Alexandria Beetles 2003, Northern League Winnipeg Jackhammers 2004, Eagan Bandits 2005-07, Sacred Heart Saints 2008-present. A MBA State all-tournament team selection in 2010. He played college football and baseball at Concordia Moorhead, setting school records in wins, appearances and innings pitched. Was a 3x All-MIAC and D3 All-Midwest Region selection. He was the MIAC most outstanding pitcher in 2004. His career high point was when he pitched his first professional game on May 26, 2004 versus the St. Paul Saints at Midway Stadium and threw a three-hit shutout. He had the honor of being inducted into the Concordia Moorhead Athletic HOF in 2023. And, he had the opportunity to play in the first amateur baseball game with his 16-year old son last season. He has poured a ton of blood, sweat and tears into their beautiful ballpark in Sacred Heart for the past 25 years and he hopes to continue playing as hard as he can for as long as he can.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I love competition and the game of baseball is the ultimate form. It is unpredictable and it grooms you to take on failure. I think that when you take the field with a group of guys, stare failure right in the face and have any level of success, it really forms a lifelong love of the game and the people you played it for, with and against.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
The summer of 2000. Winning the Minnesota American Legion State Tournament and going onto win the Central Plains Regional Championship as well. That group of guys caught fire at the right time, and it seemed that nothing could get in our way.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I’ve been incredibly blessed to have played with and against many of the state’s great ball players, from Chris Baso, Mike Peschel, Scotty Hollingsworth, Aaron Olson, Zach Femrite, Drew VanLoy, Tyler Steen, Mike Jesseritz, the Hebrinks, the Richters, the Marquardts, the Geislingers … many outstanding opponents and teammates. Of all the guys I’ve played with or against, I would take the field any day with my younger brother and catcher for 15 years, Jeff Hinderks.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
As a player, the stage that is the MBA state tourney makes you feel like you’re really something special. But for me, getting the chance to play in front of our local hometown crowds in the 2010 MBA state tourney at Willmar/Bird Island will always stand out. We made a great run that year.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
The game doesn’t need to change much, if at all. But the feat of maintaining a level playing field between different classes/divisions will be important to maintain the quality of competition and participation. I could also see the potential for MBA involvement in a more regional based 35-plus division.
Ryan (Ryno) Simonson aka Town Ball Tuesdays, Bloomington. Attended high school in Holland, Michigan and has played baseball for the Minneapolis Diablos, Battalion Bats, Chaska Diamonds and Chaska Voyageurs. He is considered the connoisseur in visiting and reviewing MBA ballparks across Minnesota to celebrate the great town baseball tradition. He loves his baseball, making trips to Southeast Asia with donated baseball equipment from across our MBA teams and Minnesota community baseball groups/associations.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
I’ve loved baseball since I was a kid. There’s an aesthetic magic to baseball that can’t be replicated by other sports. The fact that the ballpark dimensions and features are all largely unique, the gentle pace of play and the subtlety of strategy, the beautiful sound of a wood bat … all the cliches.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
The first time I got my name in the paper as a part of a little summary of a freshman baseball team game. My dad had clipped it out and pinned it up in his little office. I acted embarrassed, of course, but it felt really good.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
Playing outfield behind Jim Brower the last couple summers has been a treat, even if I don’t get much action. I played some fall ball with Steve Edlefsen (Chaska), too. To see how casually dominant those guys are that made The Show is incredible. I’ve been playing with Trevor Jaunich (Delano), who’s still pretty close to his prime, and what that guy does on both sides of the ball is mind-blowing.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Scott Marquardt’s walk-off homer to win the MBA 2017 Class C championship for Kimball versus Lake Henry in Green Isle was an incredible moment.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
Town ball is thriving in Minnesota in a way that you can’t appreciate unless you’ve lived elsewhere. What’s important about this leadership group is that they’re willing to examine and adjust when things aren’t working as intended. I think there have been some good arguments made about the harshness of consequences for roster violations that can still be tweaked. Seeing how the new three-tiered system comes together will be interesting.
Mike Bialka, Baxter. Played at Brainerd High School 1971-73 along with American Legion baseball and at St. Cloud State University from 1974-76. Played town ball for the Brainerd Braves and Bees, Palmer, Clear Lake Lakers, St. Cloud Rec and Crookston Reds. Was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League HOF Class of 2024 (Contributor category/sports journalism). A respected sports reporter and editor of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch in a career that spanned five decades. At age 10, he moved with his family from Maple Lake to Brainerd in 1965. At Brainerd High School, he participated in football, basketball and hockey; but baseball held the most promising future. He received a $300 scholarship to play baseball at SCSU. He hurt his arm in the winter of 1977; which basically ended his pitching prowess. He continued playing baseball, but at positions that didn’t require constant throwing. He was a mass communications major and started his newspaper career in Crookston as a sports reporter and editor. He received a phone call eight months into that job in September of 1978 when he was asked to come back home to oversee sports coverage in the Brainerd Lakes Area. He is five years into retirement, but remains active. He received the National Girls and Women in Sports Media Award presented at the Minnesota state capitol in 2009. He was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association HOF Citation Division in 2018 and the Brainerd High School Warriors HOF in 2011. He was a recipient of the MSHSL Outstanding Media Service Award for excellence and commitment in coverage of high school activities in 2017. He has been an assistant in the Brainerd High School baseball program since 2019.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Baseball was the sport that just clicked for me. I became possessed with the game. I was fortunate to experience a measure of success at the youth, high school, legion, collegiate and amateur levels. It was the one sport that came naturally to me.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
Probably when my Moose Lodge Red Sox team was runner-up in the Pony League state tournament at Richfield. I pitched the championship game and will always remember turning around on the mound and seeing Met Stadium in the background. That was a pretty cool sight.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I would have to say Wayne Caughey was probably the best I ever played with. He went on to reach Class AAA with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a great left-handed hitter, shortstop and pitcher. Paul Molitor was the best player I ever pitched against at SCSU. Let’s just say my outing against Molitor didn’t go too well.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
Probably in 1977 when our St. Cloud Rec team beat Maple Lake 3-1 before losing to St. Augusta 5-2 in the quarterfinals. St. Augusta went on to beat Deer Creek before losing to Bemidji for the title.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
I believe amateur baseball in Minnesota may have more quality teams and individual talent today than ever before. I understand the board is considering possible changes to the current two-class format. I hope the board leaves it structured as is. I hope they don’t mess with a good thing.
Mark Forsman, Dassel. MBA Board President. Dassel-Cokato High School graduate. Played (1982-10) and managed (1983-2016) the MBA D-C Saints. 14 state tournament appearances with more than 600 wins. Minnesota State Amateur Baseball HOF member (2014). He began playing for the D-C Saints as an 18 year old in 1982 and the following year he became manager. A high school third baseman who was “always on-task and mentally and physically prepared for games and practices” according to his high school coach, Mick Hoien. He was inducted into the North Star League HOF in 2010.
Why do you love the game of baseball?
Baseball is an activity that has stood the test of time. It’s not only the competition, but it’s all the great people you interact with. Watching the Saints as a youth was a treat.
What is your best baseball memory growing up?
We had a Babe Ruth league team that I played on that went onto state. We sold food at an auction to raise money for jerseys and wore sweatpants. The city teams laughed at us; but not after we played them as we got third place. Mick Hoien was my inspiration for the game. He taught us the fundamentals, but also the love of the game. Mick was the long-time D-C varsity baseball coach and played shortstop for the D-C Saints many years. He played for the Minnesota Twins organization in their minor league system three years following his college days at Concordia-Moorhead.
Who was/is your best teammate/player you ever played with/against?
I played with and coached a lot of players, but one could control the game on the mound and at the plate. John Riewer did that playing for us. John appeared in 30 consecutive MBA state tournaments from 1980-2009 and made six MBA state tournament all-tournament teams.
What is your best MBA state tourney memory?
My MBA state tournament best memories are the 1992 second-place finish; along with the worst memory also being in 1992. Our small town played in Class B for 18 years with all local talent. Those years were some of the best teams we had.
What does the MBA leadership need to do moving forward to maintain and enhance our great game?
As a board member, I’m proud of the direction we are going. The criteria that I developed is finally doing what it originally was designed to do. We have made some big changes that, in my opinion, will enhance all teams and grow our association. Teams will build their teams how they want to and determine what class they play in.
