2009 Yearbook V0.3

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Wilhelmi Leads Springfield Over Brewers 5/10/09 Springfield opened the 2009 Tomahawk East League season by traveling to New Ulm's Johnson Park to take on a Brewer team with many new faces. Brandon Wilhelmi led the Tigers on the mound, at the plate, and in the field as they pulled out a one-run victory. The visitors wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the top of the first. Brent Haseleu worked a walk and stole second. Brandon Wilhelmi moved Haseleu to third with an infield single. An errant pick-off throw to first allowed Haseleu to come in to score, putting the Tigers in the lead, 1-0. Haseleu walked to lead-off the top of the third. Wilhelmi got another infield single and Haseleu came around to score on a wild throw giving the Tigers a two run lead. Springfield's patience at the plate paid off in the fourth. Al Wilhelmi, Jason Nachreiner, and Ken Sather worked three straight walks to load the bases. Haseleu was hit by a pitch to drive in a run. Brandon Wilhelmi walked to force in the second run in the inning, before a wild pitch allowed Haseleu to score from third. Without the aid of a hit, the Tigers increased their lead to five. Brandon Wilhelmi was excellent on the mound, allowing just two hits during his first five innings of work. He was touched for a run in the home half of the fourth giving up a lead-off double. Two straight ground outs brought the runner around to score, making it 5-1. New Ulm cut their deficit to three in the bottom of the sixth by putting together three singles to bring the tally to 5-2. The Tigers were held off the scoreboard during the final five innings, getting two runners on twice, but they were unable to increase their lead. Jake Miesen came on in the bottom of the eighth and surrendered a run in each of the final two innings. Key double plays ended Brewer threats in both the eighth and ninth and secured the Springfield victory, 5-4. Brandon Wilhelmi accounted for half of the Springfield hits with three. Brent Haseleu, Marty Brandl, and Jason Nachreiner each added singles. Wilhelmi picked up the victory on the mound, striking out nine during seven innings of work. Jake Miesen earned a save working the final two innings. The Tigers return home on Saturday for a 2pm exhibition match-up with the Mountain Lake Lakers. They'll continue league play on Sunday when they travel to Essig to take on the Bluejays. We hope to see you there! Linescore

Springfield New Ulm

1 1 0

2 0 0

3 1 0

4 3 1

5 0 0

6 0 1

7 0 0

8 0 1

9 0 1

R 5 4

H 6 8

E LOB 1 10 2 9

Springfield Box

Sather, CF Haseleu, 2B Baier, SS/3B B. Wilhelmi, P/SS Moritz, C Brandl, RF Miesen, 3B/P A. Wilhelmi, LF Nachreiner, 1B

Wilhelmi (W, 1-0) Miesen (SV, 1)

AB 4 2 5 4 5 4 4 2 3 33

R 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5

H RBI 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 2

BB 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 7

SO 4 1 1 0 4 1 3 0 2 16

IP 7 2

H 5 3

R 2 2

BB 4 2

SO 9 0

ER 2 1

HP 2B HP

Lakers Use Big Eighth to Defeat Tigers 5/16/09 The Tigers were back at home on a brisk May afternoon to take on the Mountain Lake Lakers. Neither team's defense performed at peak levels as all twelve of the runs scored in the ballgame were unearned. The game was scheduled as a seven inning match-up, but it required one extra inning to determine the winner. Springfield jumped out to a three run lead in the bottom of the first, taking advantage of three Mt. Lake errors and a big two-out double by Matt Tews. Jason Nachreiner made his second start of the young season on the mound and held the Lakers off the scoreboard until the fourth when they put together two hits and took advantage of a Tiger error to cut the Springfield lead to two. The score remained 3-1 until the sixth when Mt. Lake scored three runs with the big hit being a triple to right-center field. The Tigers tied the game at four in the home half of the sixth with another hit by Tews and the help of a Laker error. Both teams stranded a runner in the seventh inning and the game entered extra frames knotted at four. Bryant Krebs came on for Springfield. A lead-off walk along with a couple Tiger errors and two hits yielded four runs for the visitors and an 8-4 victory. Matt Tews led the Springfield offense with three hits in his '09 debut. Marty Brandl and Matt Baier added hits to the Tiger total. Jason Nachreiner pitched an excellent seven innings, giving up just five hits while striking out nine. Bryant Krebs got the loss, going one inning and striking out two. The Tigers are back in action on Sunday when they travel to Essig to battle the Bluejays. Linescore

Mountain Lake Springfield

1 0 3

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 1 0

5 0 0

6 3 1

7 0 0

8 4 0

R 8 4

H 7 5

E LOB 4 12 5 7

Springfield Box

Sather, 2B/CF Brandl, RF Baier, SS Beers, LF Tews, 1B/2B Krebs, CF/P Helget, PH Miesen, C A. Wilhelmi, 3B Nachreiner, P/1B

Nachreiner Krebs (L, 0-1)

AB 4 4 4 3 4 3 1 3 4 3 33

R 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4

H RBI 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

SO 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 7

IP 7 1

H 5 2

R 4 4

BB 6 1

SO 9 2

ER 0 0

2B HP 2B

Tiger Bats Come Alive to Down Bluejays 5/17/09 Springfield continued Tomahawk East League play on Sunday, traveling to Essig to take on the Bluejays. The offense was present and accounted for as the Tigers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back enroute to a 10-2 victory. Matt Baier led off the game with a base hit. After two were retired, Ryan Sturm and Matt Tews were both hit by pitches to load the bases. Dave Groebner legged out a single that scored two runs. Marty Brandl followed with a hit driving in a run and increasing the Springfield tally to three. The Tigers put another run on the board in the top of the second when Ken Sather singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball. Brady Schwab drove in Springfield's fourth run of the day with a sacrifice fly. Matt Tews made his first start on the mound in the '09 season. He worked through two walks to start things in the bottom of the first, aided by a double play. He scattered three hits during five innings of work. Sather started things again in the top of the fifth with a bunt single. Schwab moved him up with a sacrifice bunt. Sturm followed with a single and Sather scored from third when Tews reached on a Bluejay error. Jake Miesen came on for the visitors in the bottom of the sixth. The Bluejays took advantage of a walk, hit batter and double by Dusty Fleck to make the score 5-2. Surrendering the runs in the bottom of the seventh awoke the Tiger offense as they batted around scoring five runs and pushing their lead to eight in the eighth. Jake Miesen finished things on the mound, retiring eight of the last ten batters he faced. Matt Baier paced the Springfield offense with three hits. Ken Sather added two singles as all but one of the starters contributed a hit to the Tiger attack. Matt Tews picked up the win tossing five scoreless innings. Jake Miesen earned his second save of the season, going the final four frames. With the win, Springfield improves their league record to 2-0 and 2-2 overall. The Tigers will have a busy Memorial Day weekend with three games, starting on Friday night in Sleepy Eye at 8pm. We'll see you there! Linescore

Springfield Essig

1 3 0

2 1 0

3 0 0

4 0 0

5 1 0

6 0 0

7 0 2

8 5 0

9 R H 0 10 11 0 2 7

E LOB 0 10 2 12

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B/C Sather, CF Schwab, SS R. Sturm, 1B Tews, P/3B Groebner, RF Brandl, DH Miesen, C/P Krebs, LF Haseleu, 2B

Tews (W, 1-0) Miesen (SV, 2) Pictures

AB 6 5 1 4 3 5 4 3 5 36

R 2 3 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 10

IP 5 4

H 3 4

H RBI 3 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 11 9 R 0 2

ER 0 2

BB 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 5

SO 1 3 0 SAC(3) 0 HP 0 HP 4 2 2 HP 2 14

BB 4 2

SO 4 1

Four Run First Too Much For Springfield 5/22/09 The Tigers traveled to Sleepy Eye for their first night game of the young season, looking to keep their league record perfect. However, it wasn't to be as the Indians jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back cruising to a 7-1 victory. Jason Nachreiner took the ball for his third start of the year. In the bottom of the first, Sleepy Eye started things with a bunt single. After two were out, they put together two walks and two hits, including a triple, to build an early 4-0 lead. Nachreiner settled in to scatter five hits over the next six innings and hold the home team at four. Springfield's offense was held in check by Sleepy Eye starter Alan Woitas, as they managed only two hits and a total of three base runners during the first six innings. In the top of the seventh, Brandon Wilhelmi started things with a single and advanced to second on an error. Jesse Berg followed with an RBI base hit to plate the Tigers' lone run. Springfield stranded two runners in each of the final three innings, but were unable to cut any further into the Sleepy Eye lead. The Indians added three unearned runs to their total in the bottom of the eighth to put the game on ice, securing a six run victory. Jason Nachreiner pitched the first seven and two-thirds innings and took the loss. Jesse Berg came on to throw the final 1/3 of an inning. Bryant Krebs and Jake Miesen lead the Springfield offense with two hits each. Brandon Wilhelmi, Jesse Berg, and Marty Brand each added a single to the Tiger total. The loss drops the Tigers to 2-1 in the Tomahawk East and 2-3 overall. They'll return to action on Sunday at Riverside Park when the division rival Stark Longhorns come to town. The game is scheduled for a 2pm start. Come on down and cheer on your Tigers! Linescore

Springfield Sleepy Eye

1 0 4

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 0 0

5 0 0

6 0 0

7 1 0

8 0 3

9 0 x

R H 1 7 7 12

E LOB 4 9 3 11

Springfield Box

Sather, CF Haseleu, 2B Baier, 3B B. Wilhelmi, SS Berg, 1B/P Brandl, RF Krebs, LF Miesen, C A. Wilhelmi, PR Nachreiner, P/1B

Nachreiner (L, 0-2) Berg

AB 5 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 0 4 35

R 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

IP 7 2/3 1/3

H 12 0

H RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 R 7 0

ER 3 0

BB 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

SO 2 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 11

BB 3 1

SO 4 1

Tigers Run Out of Gas in the 12th 5/24/09 The weather was definitely nice enough to play two and the Longhorns and Tigers were 1/3 of the way to a second game before Stark took a two run lead that Springfield was unable to overcome. The Tigers battled, coming back from being down 6-1 and 9-7 during the game. Ultimately, the Longhorns came away with a two-run twelve inning win. Brandon Wilhelmi made his second start of the season on the mound for the home team. The Longhorns were able to bunch hits together to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the third. Springfield cut the lead in half in the bottom of the fourth, taking advantage of three Stark errors. The Longhorns batted around in the top of the fifth, scoring four runs on three hits and taking advantage of two walks and a hit batter. In the bottom of the inning, Matt Baier led off with a base hit. He moved around to third on two wild pitches before Brady Schwab drove him in to make the score 6-2. Stark maintained their four run lead until the bottom of the seventh. Jake Miesen started things with a walk. Brent Haseleu reached base after being hit by a pitch. Baier loaded the bases when he recorded on an infield single. Bryant Krebs reached on an error that scored two runs. Schwab followed with a double pushing across the Tigers' fifth run. Jesse Berg drew a walk to load the bases, before Marty Brandl singled to tie the game. Schwab came in to score on a wild pitch, but pinch runner, Al Wilhelmi, was thrown out at the plate as the Longhorns threw the ball around. After 7 innings, Springfield had a 7-6 lead. Berg came on in relief in the eighth and allowed three unearned runs putting Stark back on top 9-7. Berg settled in to retire the side in order in the ninth and the Tigers needed two runs in the bottom of the inning to continue playing. Schwab worked a one-out walk and Brandon Wilhelmi was hit by a pitch. They moved up to second and third via a wild pitch. Schwab scored on a ground out by Berg and Chris Sturm smashed a long double to score Wilhelmi and tie the game at nine. Berg held the Longhorns in check in the tenth and eleventh innings. Springfield was able to get a runner in scoring position in the bottom of both innings, but were unable to push across the winning run. Finally in the twelfth, the Longhorns put together three hits along with a walk to score two runs, taking a 11-9 lead. The Tigers weren't able to battle back from the deficit and the Longhorns were victorious. Jesse Berg was tagged with the loss, pitching the final five innings. Matt Baier led the Tiger bats with three hits. Brady Schwab and Chris Sturm added two hits each. While Marty Brandl and Brent Haseleu each added a single to the Springfield total. Springfield won't have much time to recover from the marathon contest as they'll travel to Gibbon to take on the Reds for a Memorial Day matinee. Come on over and enjoy the game starting at 2pm! Linescore

Stark Springfield

1 2 0 0 0 0

3 4 5 6 2 0 4 0 0 1 1 0

7 0 5

8 9 10 11 12 R H E LOB 3 0 0 0 2 11 15 6 17 0 2 0 0 0 9 9 4 10

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B Krebs, CF/LF Schwab, SS B. Wilhelmi, P/CF Berg, 1B/P A. Wilhelmi, PR C. Sturm, LF/CF/1B Brandl, RF Miesen, C Haseleu, 2B

Wilhelmi Berg (L, 0-1)

AB 7 5 4

R 2 1 2

H RBI 3 0 0 1 2 2

BB 0 0 2

SO 1 3 2

4

1

0

0

0

2

4 0 5 5 4 5 43

1 0 0 0 1 1 9

0 0 2 1 0 1 9

1 0 1 1 0 0 7

2 0 1 1 1 0 7

2 0 1 2 2 2 17

IP 7 5

H 8 7

R 6 5

ER 5 2

BB 4 2

SO 7 5

SAC 2B SAC, HP

2B

HP

Reds Hand Tigers Third Straight Loss 5/25/09 Springfield traveled to Gibbon on a beautiful Memorial Day afternoon to take on the Reds. There have been many battles between the two teams since the Reds entered the league in 2005. Springfield was 60, including the playoffs, in Gibbon entering the '09 season. Though five of the the games had been one run victories for the Tigers. The Tigers good fortunes at McGowan Field came to an end on Monday as the Reds out hit them 14-3, and won 6-4. Matt Tews took the hill for the visitors. Gibbon got on scoreboard in the bottom of the second when they put together three hits to score twice and take an early 2-0 lead. Springfield battled back in the following half inning. Marty Brandl led off and was hit by a pitch. Bryant Krebs reached base on an error while attempting a sacrifice bunt. Matt Baier moved the runners up with a sac bunt. Brandon Wilhelmi was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Brady Schwab drove in the Tigers' first run of the day with a fly out to right field. Krebs came in to score on a double steal, tying the game at two. Tews held the Reds off the scoreboard until the bottom of the fifth when Gibbon come through with three straight two-out hits to take a 3-2 lead. In the top of the eighth, Wilhelmi went to first after being hit by another pitch. Schwab moved him up with a sac bunt. Then Bob Fink came through, launching a two-run home run over the right field fence, putting Springfield in front 4-3. Jake Miesen came on in relief in the bottom of the eighth and was hit hard, giving up two hits before recording an out. The Reds put together four hits in their half of the eighth and pulled out to a 6-4 lead. Springfield was able to load the bases in the top of the ninth, but were unable to cut into the two-run Gibbon lead. Matt Tews pitched the first seven innings for Springfield giving up three runs on ten hits, eight of which came after there were two outs. Jake Miesen picked up the loss, allowing three runs in one inning of work. The Springfield bats were very quiet, with the only offense coming in the form of the homer from Bob Fink, a double by Marty Brandl, and a ninth inning single from Matt Baier. The Tigers return to Riverside Park on Friday night and will look to notch their first home win of the young season when the Long Sox swing in for an 8pm contest. Come on down and cheer on the Tigers to victory! Linescore

Springfield Gibbon

1 0 0

2 0 2

3 2 0

4 0 0

5 0 1

6 0 0

7 0 0

8 2 3

9 0 x

R H 4 3 6 14

E LOB 0 8 3 8

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B B. Wilhelmi, C Schwab, SS C. Sturm, 1B Fink, RF Tews, P/2B Sather, CF Brandl, DH Haseleu, 2B Miesen, P Krebs, LF

Tews Miesen (L, 0-1)

AB 4 2

R 0 1

H RBI 1 0 0 0

BB 0 1

2

0

0

1

1

4 3 3 4 3 1 26

0 1 0 0 1 1 4

0 1 0 0 1 0 3

0 2 0 0 0 0 3

0 1 1 0 0 2 6

IP 7 1

H 10 4

R 3 3

ER 3 3

BB 1 0

SO 0 SAC 2 HP(2) SAC 0 (2) 1 1 HR 1 3 02B, HP 0 SAC 8 SO 8 1

Tigers Top Long Sox, 6-5 5/29/09 The Tigers returned to Springfield on Friday night to take on their nemesis the Lamberton Long Sox. Entering the game, Lamberton held a 15-3 advantage in contests since 2002. Marc Salazar made an instant impact in the heart of the Springfield order, going 3 for 4 while driving in three runs, leading the Tiger offense. Jake Miesen and Brandon Wilhelmi combined to handle the mound duties in the win. Lamberton jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning, as two-out base runners continued to give the Tigers trouble. A two-out walk followed by back-to-back singles plated the first run of the evening for the Long Sox. Springfield's defense helped Lamberton increase their lead in the top of the third. After working a one-out walk and following it with a base hit, the Tigers committed three errors allowing Lamberton to open up a 4-0 lead. Springfield's offense kicked into gear in the bottom of the fourth. Brandon Wilhelmi started things with a single. Brady Schwab followed with a walk. A double-play erased Schwab, but moved Wilhelmi to third base. Marc Salazar picked up his second hit and first RBI with a base hit. Jim Eckstein drove in the second run for the home team when he smashed a double down the right field line, making the score 4-2. Miesen needed just four pitches to retire the Long Sox in the top of the fifth and the Tiger bats went right back to work. Matt Baier ripped a one-out single. Wilhelmi and Schwab followed with walks, knocking out Lamberton starter, Tyler Reiner. Colby Pack come on in relief and got the second out before Salazar came through again, tying the game with a two-run single. The Tigers got things going again in the bottom of the sixth with back-to-back one-out base hits from Marty Brandl and Chris Sturm. Baier reached base on a fielder's choice before Wilhelmi crushed a two-run double giving Springfield a 6-4 lead. Lamberton cut into the Springfield lead in the top of the seventh with a lead-off single, sacrifice bunt and a two-out double down the left field line by Matt Samyn. Pack kept the Tiger bats quiet during the seventh and eighth innings. In the top of the ninth, Miesen hit the first batter. The Long Sox wasted no time moving him up with a sacrifice bunt. Springfield intentionally walked Colby Pack before Wilhelmi and Miesen switched battery positions. Brandon worked out of the jam by inducing a fielder's choice with the tying run being thrown out at the plate. He retired the final batter on a foul pop-up to first base. The win is the Tiger's first victory over the Long Sox since the 2006 season when they swept the season series. Marc Salazar led the offense in his first game for the Tigers getting three big hits. Matt Baier and Brandon Wilhelmi each added two hits to the Springfield total, while Jim Eckstein, Ken Sather, Marty Brandl, and Chris Sturm contributed one hit each. Jake Miesen picked up the win in his first start of the season, going 8 1/3 innings. Wilhelmi secured the victory to earn a save. Springfield will travel to Hanska to take on the National Division leading Lakers on Sunday at 4:30pm. Come on over and enjoy some exciting Tiger baseball! Linescore

Lamberton Springfield

1 1 0

2 0 0

3 3 0

4 0 2

5 0 2

6 0 2

7 1 0

8 0 0

9 0 x

R H 5 9 6 11

E LOB 1 9 3 7

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B B. Wilhelmi, C/P Schwab, SS Fink, RF Salazar, 1B Eckstein, 2B Sather, CF Brandl, DH Haseleu, PR Miesen, P/C Krebs, LF C. Sturm, LF

Miesen (W, 1-1) Wilhelmi (SV, 1)

AB 5 2 1 4 4 4 4 4 0 2 2 32

R 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 6

IP 8 1/3 2/3

H 9 0

H RBI 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 11 6 R 5 0

ER 2 0

BB 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

SO 2 02B, SAC 1 HP 1 0 2 2B 3 1 0 2 1 13

BB 3 0

SO 6 0

Despite Five Run Ninth, Tigers Fall in Hanska 5/31/09 Springfield traveled to Hanska on Sunday afternoon to take on the Lakers in a rare 4:30pm start. The Lakers built a 7-2 lead, but Springfield battled back to tie it in the ninth, before Hanska got a run to win it in their final at-bat. A highlight for the visitors was a home run from Jordan Milbrath on the first pitch he saw in his amateur baseball career, sparking the Springfield rally. Brandon Wilhelmi made his third start of the year on the mound. The Laker offense was relentless, never being retired in order all day. Hanska got on the board early with two hits and a run in the bottom of the first. They added to their lead in the second with a triple and another run. With Hanska on top 2-0, Springfield got a one-out single from Brady Schwab in the top of the fourth. Chris Sturm followed with a walk. Marc Salazar continued his hot hitting with a run scoring single, cutting the Laker lead in half. A fielder's choice left the Tigers with runners at first and third and two outs. Then Springfield executed a double-steal to tie the game at two. The scored stayed knotted at two until the bottom of the fifth, when Chris Peters hit a solo home run to right field. Peters had a big day at the plate with 3 RBIs and coming just a triple short of the cycle. Hanska extended their lead in the sixth, getting two more runs with RBI hits from Dusty Wilfahrt and Peters. The Lakers pushed the score to 7-2 in the seventh with two unearned runs on an RBI double by Wilfahrt. Springfield was able to get at least one runner on base in every inning from the fifth through the eighth, but were unable to cut into the Laker lead. Finally, in the top of the ninth, Jordan Milbrath took the first pitch he saw and hit it over the left field fence, igniting the Tiger bats. Ryan Sturm was hit by a pitch before Springfield got singles from Matt Baier, Wilhelmi, Chris Sturm, Salazar and Ryan Cook to tie the game at seven all. Milbrath also made his mound debut, but struggled with his control in the bottom of the ninth. Three walks and a Springfield error moved around the running run for Hanska, as they pulled out an 8-7 victory. Brandon Wilhelmi worked the first seven innings giving up seven runs on ten hits. Jordan Milbrath was tagged with the loss working one inning and allowing five walks. The Tigers' 13 hit offensive attack was led again by Marc Salazar with three hits. Matt Baier, Brady Schwab, and Chris Sturm added two hits each. While Wilhelmi, Ryan Cook, Milbrath, and Ryan Sturm rounded out the Springfield offense contributing one hit each. The Tigers travel to Leavenworth on Wednesday night for a big match-up against the Patriot Division leading Orioles. Game time is scheduled for 8pm. We hope to see you there! Linescore

Springfield Hanska

1 0 1

2 0 1

3 0 0

4 2 0

5 0 1

6 0 2

7 0 2

8 0 0

9 5 1

R H 7 13 8 10

E LOB 4 9 1 17

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B/2B B. Wilhelmi, P/RF Schwab, SS Haseleu, PR C. Sturm, LF Salazar, 1B Cook, C Krebs, RF Milbrath, P Brandl, DH Sather, CF Christensen, 2B R. Sturm, 3B

Wilhelmi Milbrath (L, 0-1)

AB 4 5 5 0 3 5 4 3 2 3 1 1 2 38

R 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 7

IP 7 1

H 10 0

H RBI 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 13 5 R 7 1

ER 5 0

BB 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

SO 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 1 0 8

BB 5 5

SO 8 1

SAC

2B

HR

HP

Oriole Pitchers Baffle Tigers 6/3/09 The Tigers were back in action on Wednesday night in Leavenworth. Gabe Hirsch and Andy Cook combined to fan Springfield batters twenty times en route to a 5-1 victory. Jason Nachreiner took the hill against his former team. The Orioles jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second, taking advantage of two walks, a double and a Tiger error. In the top of the fourth, Brady Schwab started things with a walk. Marc Salazar was hit by a pitch to get runners on first and second. With two outs, Jordan Milbrath came through with a double, scoring Schwab, making the score 3-1. That was as close as the Tigers would get before Leavenworth added two more runs in their half of the fifth. The Orioles put together two hits along with two walks to run to score to 5-1. Springfield greeted Andy Cook with singles from Schwab and Salazar in the top of the sixth, but he settled in to retire twelve of the final fourteen Springfield batters, including ten strikeouts. Milbrath came on to pitch in the sixth, going two innings allowing just one hit, while walking two and striking out two. Bryant Krebs pitched the bottom of the eighth giving up one hit, a walk, and getting one strikeout. Jason Nachreiner took the loss going the first five innings. The Tigers tallied five hits in the game with one each by Matt Baier, Brady Schwab, Marc Salazar, Jordan Milbrath, and Ken Sather. The loss drops Springfield's record to 3-5 in the Tomahawk East. They'll take a break from league play this weekend when they travel to St. Stephen and Sartell for the Omann Insurance Invitational Tournament. Linescore

Springfield Leavenworth

1 0 0

2 0 3

3 0 0

4 1 0

5 0 2

6 0 0

7 0 0

8 0 0

9 0 x

R 1 5

H 5 7

E LOB 4 7 0 12

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B Schwab, C Salazar, 1B C. Sturm, LF Eckstein, 2B Fink, RF Milbrath, CF/P Krebs, P Brandl, DH Nachreiner, P Haseleu, 2B Christensen, SS Sather, RF/CF

Nachreiner (L, 0-3) Milbrath Krebs

AB 4 3 3 4 3 1 3 0 4 4 3 32

R 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

H RBI 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 1

BB 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2

SO 2 1 2 2 3 1 2 0 3 2 2 20

IP 5 2 1

H 5 1 1

R 5 0 0

BB 5 2 1

SO 2 2 1

ER 3 0 0

HP

2B

Springfield Falls in Opening Round of Tournament 6/6/09 The Tigers traveled to St. Stephen to take on Isanti in the opening round of the 2009 Omann Insurance Invitational Tournament on a cold and moist Saturday morning. The Redbirds jumped out to a 7-0 lead and would not look back as they beat Springfield 12-5. Matt Tews took the ball for the Tigers. He kept Isanti off the scoreboard until the top of the third, when the Redbirds' bats caught fire. They put together six hits, including two two-run home runs, to plate six runs in the inning. Isanti started the fourth with a base hit. The runner stole second and was moved around on two ground outs to increase the Redbirds' lead to seven. The Tigers' offense came alive in the bottom of the fourth. Matt Baier and Marc Salazar started things with back-to-back singles. Baier moved to third when Chris Sturm grounded into a double-play that erased Salazar. Tews drew a two-out walk and Jordan Milbrath came through with an RBI single, scoring Baier. Brent Weber and Marty Brandl reached on back-to-back Redbird errors, adding two runs to the Tiger total, getting Springfield within four at 7-3. Tews' day on the mound was over after he gave up two hits to start the top of the fifth. Milbrath came on in relief. He induced a double-play and struck out a batter the strand the runners and keep the Redbird lead at four. The Redbirds' offense wouldn't be held down for long as they added three runs to their lead in the sixth and two more in the seventh off of Milbrath. Springfield started with back-to-back walks from Jason Nachreiner and Jake Miesen in their final at-bat. Baier and Chris Sturm came through with RBI base hits to bring them around to score and make the final 12-5 in the seven inning game. Matt Tews was tagged with the loss, allowing eleven hits in four innings of work to a very good hitting Isanti team. Matt Baier led the Springfield offense with two hits. Brandon Wilhelmi, Marc Salazar, Chris Sturm, Tews, and Jordan Milbrath each added a hit to the total. The loss put the Tigers in the losers' bracket of the tournament and set-up a match-up with St. Martin scheduled to start at 5:00pm. Linescore

Isanti Springfield

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 6 0

4 1 3

5 0 0

6 3 0

7 2 2

R H 12 17 5 7

E LOB 2 6 3 6

Springfield Box

Wilhelmi, C Baier, SS Salazar, 1B C. Sturm, CF Tews, P/2B Milbrath, LF/P Weber, RF Brandl, DH Nachreiner, 2B/LF Miesen, 3B

Tews (L, 1-1) Milbrath

AB 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 0 2 28

R 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 5

IP

H 11 6

4 3

H RBI 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 R 7 5

ER 4 5

BB 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 4

SO 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 6

BB 0 3

SO 1 2

Tigers Defeat Martins in Rain-Delayed Battle 6/7/09 Springfield's second game in the Omann Insurance Invitational had them matched up against their 2008 second round opponent, St. Martin. A much needed steady rain was coming down at game time causing a half-hour delay of the game's start. Field conditions deteriorated quickly and the game was suspended with no one out in the bottom of the first. Play continued on Sunday morning at 10am. It was a see-saw battle that finally saw the Tigers explode for seven runs in the first extra inning to come away with a 14-7 victory. Brandon Wilhelmi led the game off with a walk. Matt Baier followed getting on base via an error on an attempted sacrifice bunt. Ryan Sturm got the Tigers on the board driving in Wilhelmi with a ground out. Marc Salazar drove in Springfield's second run when he smashed a double. St. Martin went right to work in the bottom of the first off Springfield starter Brandon Wilhelmi. The Martins put together a double, walk and a single, plating one run before the game was suspended. When the game resumed on Sunday morning, St. Martin got a sacrifice fly and an RBI base hit to take a 3-2 lead. St. Martin put together two doubles and a single to score two more runs in the bottom of the third, pushing their lead to three at 5-2. The fourth saw the Martins get a single followed by a double to push the score to 62. The Tiger bats were kept quiet in the second through the fifth innings with the Martins stater facing just two batters over the minimum. In the top of the sixth, the Springfield offense came alive as they batted around putting together six hits and taking advantage of a walk and St. Martin error to take a 7-6 lead. After giving up the run in the fourth, Wilhelmi settled in to retire eight straight Martins going into the bottom of the seventh. The streak was broken as the Martins' lead-off hitter deposited a 3-1 pitch over the right-center field fence to tie the game at seven. Brent Weber drew a lead-off base on balls in the top of the eighth. A sacrifice bunt moved him up to second. After a strike-out, the Tigers were down to their last out, but they would bat nine before the Martins were able to get the final out of the inning. Springfield took advantage of three straight walks, followed by RBI hits from Chris Sturm, Marc Salazar, and Weber to score seven runs and put the game out of reach. Brandon Wilhelmi picked up the complete game victory, settling in after a rough start. Marc Salazar led the Tiger offense with three hits and five runs batted in. Ryan Sturm and Chris Sturm each added two hits, while Wilhelmi, Matt Baier, Brent Weber, Marty Brandl, and Matt Tews contributed one hit each to the Tigers' twelve hit attack. The win put Springfield in the fifth place game and a match-up against Lastrup in Sartell. Linescore

Springfield St. Martin

1 2 3

2 0 0

3 0 2

4 0 1

5 0 0

6 5 0

7 0 1

8 R H 7 14 12 0 7 11

E LOB 0 7 3 5

Springfield Box AB 3

R 2

H RBI 1 1

Baier, SS

3

2

1

1

1

R. Sturm, 3B C. Sturm, CF

4 5

2 2

2 2

1 1

1 0

Salazar, 1B

4

1

3

5

0

Milbrath, LF A. Wilhelmi, LF Nachreiner, LF Weber, RF

1 4 3

0 1 2

0 0 1

0 0 1

0 0 2

Brandl, DH

3

1

1

1

1

5 35

1 14

1 12

1 12

0 7

IP 8

H 11

R 7

ER 7

BB 2

B. Wilhelmi, P

Miesen, C Tews, 2B

Wilhelmi (W, 2-0)

BB 2

SO 0 2B, SAC 1 2B 0 2B 2B(2), 0 HP 0 0 1 2B 2B, 1 SAC 1 4 0

SO 9

Tigers Finish Sixth in Tournament 6/7/09 After wrapping up their big extra inning win over St. Martin in St. Stephen, the Tigers headed down the road to take on the Lastrup Lakers in Sartell. The winner would be the fifth place finisher in the 2009 Omann Insurance Invitational. Springfield has made a habit of battling back in games, but in this one the tables would be turned as the Lakers would battle back for a walk-off win in the bottom of the seventh. Jake Miesen made the start for the Tigers on the mound. He was touched for two runs in the bottom of the second when Lastrup took advantage of two walks along with two singles to pull out to a 2-0 lead. Springfield broke the egg on their side of the scoreboard in the top of the fourth when Ryan Sturm reached on an error. Chris Sturm crushed a double to get the Tigers within one run. Lastrup got two doubles in the bottom of the fourth to stretch their lead back to two at 3-1. Springfield had another big two-out rally in the top of the fifth. After two were retired, Brandon Wilhelmi hit a two bagger. Matt Baier drove him in with a single. Ryan Sturm got the second double of the inning, driving in Baier to tie the game at three. Springfield took the lead in the sixth as Marc Salazar worked a one-out walk. Brent Weber followed with a double. With runners on second and third, Marty Brandl lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Salazar and putting the Tigers up, 4-3. Miesen battled through the bottom of the sixth, leaving the bases loaded. After retiring the first batter in the bottom of the seventh, he surrendered two singles and a walk to load the bases. Then the Lakers came through with a two-run single to right to win the game, 5-4. Jake Miesen was the losing pitcher, dropping his record to 1-2 on the year. Offensively, Brandon Wilhelmi and Ryan Sturm paced the Tigers with two hits each. Matt Baier, Chris Sturm, and Brent Weber rounded out the Springfield total with one hit each. The Tigers will rest up after the chilly, busy weekend and return to Tomahawk East League action on Friday night when they travel to Redwood Falls to take on the Redbirds in an 8:30pm game. We'll see you there! Linescore

Springfield Lastrup

1 0 0

2 0 2

3 0 0

4 1 1

5 2 0

6 1 0

7 0 2

R H 4 7 5 10

E LOB 2 5 2 10

Springfield Box

Wilhelmi, C Baier, SS R. Sturm, 3B C. Sturm, CF Salazar, 1B Weber, RF Brandl, DH Nachreiner, 2B Miesen, P Tews, LF

Miesen (L, 1-2)

AB 4 2 4 3 1

R 1 1 1 0 1

H RBI 2 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 0 0

BB 0 1 0 0 1

SO 1 1 0 0 1

2

0

1

0

0

1

2 3 3 24

0 0 0 4

0 0 0 7

1 0 0 4

0 0 0 2

1 2 0 7

IP 6 1/3

H 10

R 5

ER 5

BB 4

SO 3

2B SAC 2B 2B HP 2B, SAC SAC

Springfield Makes It Interesting, But Redbirds Win 6/12/09 The Tigers resumed Tomahawk East League play when they traveled to Redwood Falls for a match-up with the Redbirds on Friday night. Jesse Berg took the hill for Springfield and was very efficient on the mound facing four or less batters in six of his eight innings of work. Springfield jumped out to an early lead, but Redwood Falls scored five runs to take a lead that the Tigers weren't able to overcome. Springfield started the game with Matt Baier reaching on a Redbird error. A passed ball and a Ken Sather sacrifice bunt moved him over to third, before Brady Schwab ripped an RBI single to give the Tigers an early 1-0 lead. The top of the fourth saw the Tigers start with three straight singles to load the bases. A fielder's choice off the bat of Byant Krebs scored Springfield's second run of the night. Berg hit a little tough spot in the bottom of the fourth, after giving up just one hit in the first three innings, he walked two batters and allowed two singles. That along with three wild pitches allowed Redwood Falls to tie the game at two. Springfield got three more hits to load the bases with one out in the top of the fifth, but a double-play ended that threat. The Redbirds had two runners on in the bottom of the sixth with two outs when a wild pitch and a Tiger error allowed two runs to score, giving Redwood Falls a 4-2 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, a double, followed by a single plated the Redbirds fifth run of the night. The inning came to an end on a rare caught stealing at second and home double-play. The Tigers trailed 5-2 going into the eighth, but two Redbird errors allowed then to score a run, making it 5-3. After a 1, 2, 3 bottom of the eighth, Springfield looked posed for a ninth inning rally. Marty Brandl and Baier started things with singles. Sather was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no one out. Marc Salazar was hit by a pitch to get the Tigers within one, but that would be all, as the Redbirds worked their way out of the jam with a 5-4 win. Jesse Berg took the loss for the Tigers, going the distance, giving up eight hits and five runs. The Springfield offense was clicking as four players, Matt Baier, Brady Schwab, Chris Sturm, and Berg, led the Tiger bats with two hits each. Ken Sather, Marc Salazar, and Marty Brandl all added a hit to the Springfield total. The loss drops the Tigers to 4-10 overall, and 3-6 in league play. Next up, they'll travel to Searles to take on the Grizzlies at 2pm on Sunday. Go Tigers! Linescore

Springfield Redwood Falls

1 1 0

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 1 2

5 0 0

6 0 2

7 0 1

8 1 0

9 1 x

R H 4 11 5 8

E LOB 2 11 3 4

Springfield Box

Baier, C Sather, CF Schwab, SS C. Sturm, 1B Salazar, 3B Berg, P Christensen, 2B Krebs, LF Brandl, DH Frank, RF

Berg (L, 0-2)

AB 5 3 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 0 38

R 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4

IP 8

H 8

H RBI 2 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 11 4 R 5

ER 4

BB 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

SO 0 0 SAC, HP 1 1 1 HP 1 2 1 0 0 7

BB 3

SO 1

Grizzlies Score Five in First, Defeat Tigers 6/14/09 Springfield traveled to Searles on Sunday for a 2:00 match-up with the Grizzlies. A rough first inning put the Tigers behind and they would trail all game, falling by a score of 8-6. Matt Tews took the ball on the mound for Springfield. After a Tiger error, the Grizzlies put together five hits along with a walk to take a 5-0 lead during their first at-bat. The Springfield offense went to work in the top of the second when Chris Sturm led off with a single. Tews followed with a one-out base hit. Ken Sather got the Tigers on the board with a double, making the score 5-1. Tews settled down for a solid second and third inning, allowing just one hit. The Springfield bats kept rolling in the top of the third. Brandon Wilhelmi sparked things with a double. Matt Baier was hit by a pitch and Brady Schwab reached base via a Searles error on an attempted sacrifice bunt to load the bases. Sturm came through with a huge single to score Wilhelmi and Baier and get the Tigers within two. Schwab came in to score on a wild pitch to cut the Searles lead to one at 5-4. In the fourth, the Tigers had a chance to tie the game, but the inning came to an end on a controversial call as Wilhelmi attempted to advance to third on a sacrifice fly. The Grizzlies put together three singles in the bottom of the fourth to increase their lead to three at 7-4. The bottom of the sixth saw Searles plate their final run as Tews gave up two hits to start the inning. Wilhelmi came on in relief and retired the side, but the first out was a sacrifice fly running the score to 8-4. The top of the seventh saw Springfield claw closer with Baier reaching on a base hit. Sturm worked a two-out walk and Marc Salazar reached on a Grizzly error to load the bases. Tews stepped up and ripped a single to drive in two runs, cutting the Searles lead to two at 8-6. Wilhelmi faced just two batters over the minimum during his three innings of work. Springfield was able to load the bases in the top of the ninth, but three outs came before the required two runs to keep playing as Searles came away with the two run win. Matt Tews went the first five innings for the Tigers. He allowed twelve hits and eight runs being charged with the loss. Brandon Wilhelmi allowed just two hits in the final three innings. Offensively, Chris Sturm was the pace-setter smashing three hits. Matt Baier and Matt Tews each had two hits and Wilhelmi and Ken Sather rounded out the Springfield offense with one hit each. Springfield will return home on Friday night to begin a six-game home stand. The Tigers will host the Lakers from Hanska in a 7:30pm game. Friday is Youth Night and all kids are invited to Riverside Park to participate in contests between innings, enjoy a free hot dog, sign-up to win prizes, and more! We'll see you there! Linescore

Springfield Searles

1 0 5

2 1 0

3 3 0

4 0 2

5 0 0

6 0 1

7 2 0

8 0 0

9 0 x

R H 6 9 8 14

E LOB 1 10 3 7

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, C/P Baier, 3B Schwab, SS Christensen, PR C. Sturm, LF Salazar, 1B Tews, P/2B Sather, CF Milbrath, RF Cook, DH/C Nachreiner, 2B

Tews (L, 1-2) Wilhelmi

AB 5 4 3 0 4 5 4 5 4 3 37

R 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 6

IP 5 3

H 12 2

H RBI 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 9 5

BB 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3

SO 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3

R 8 0

BB 2 0

SO 1 1

ER 6 0

2B HP SAC

2B HP

Tigers Lose Heartbreaker in Ninth 6/19/09 Friday night was Youth Night at Riverside Park as the Tigers began a six game homestand with the Hanska Lakers coming to town. The nice crowd saw a well played game that was tied at two going into the ninth. Both teams scored in the final frame, with the Lakers plating one more and coming away with a one-run victory, 4-3. Jake Miesen took the hill for the home team. He surrendered an unearned run in the top of the third when the Lakers got a lead-off single, followed by a Tiger error and a wild pitch. Springfield didn't stay down long as Alex Frank began the bottom of the inning with a base hit. Matt Baier followed with an infield single and the runners advanced to second and third on a Laker misplay. Ken Sather drove in the Tiger's first run with a long fly ball to centerfield, tying the game at one. After surrendering the run in the third, Miesen settled in to retire twelve of the next thirteen batters he faced. Chris Sturm worked a lead-off walk in the Tiger's half of the fourth. Ryan Cook moved him up with a sacrifice bunt. Andy Moritz came through with a single and some aggressive base running that forced a bad throw from Hanska and scored Sturm to give Springfield a 2-1 lead. Miesen ran into some trouble in the top of the seventh when the Lakers started the inning with four straight hits. After allowing the run, Jake dug deep and retired the next three hitters to keep the game tied at two. Miesen's night came to an end in the eighth when he allowed two straight one-out hits. Jesse Berg came on in relief and induced a double-play to keep the score knotted at two. In the top of the ninth, the Laker offense bunched three hits together, along with a lead-off walk to plate two runs and take a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Marty Brandl led off with a single to center and was lifted for a pinch runner, Dan Christensen. Baier reached on a one-out error before Marc Salazar came through with a two-out single to drive in Christensen and get the Tigers within one, but that would be all, as the Tigers dropped their fourth straight game. Jake Miesen worked the first seven and one-third innings, allowing nine hits and two runs. Jesse Berg worked the final inning and two-thirds and was charged with the loss. Springfield's offense stroked out eleven total hits compared to twelve for the Lakers, but the difference was that all but one of the Hanska hits came in bunches, as compared to the Tigers who were able to put together two straight hits only once in the ballgame. Matt Baier, Berg, and Alex Frank paced the Springfield bats with two hits each. Ken Sather, Marc Salazar, Ryan Cook, Andy Moritz, and Marty Brandl all added one hit each to the home team's total. The Tigers return to action on Sunday night when the Essig Bluejays visit Riverside Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30pm. Linescore

Hanska Springfield

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 1 1

4 0 1

5 0 0

6 0 0

7 1 0

8 0 0

9 2 1

R H 4 12 3 11

E LOB 3 10 2 10

Springfield Box

Baier, SS Sather, CF Salazar, 1B C. Sturm, LF Cook, 2B Berg, 3B/P Moritz, C Brandl, DH Christensen, PR Miesen, P/3B Frank, RF

Miesen Berg (L, 0-3)

AB 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 0 4 35

R 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3

IP 7 1/3 1 2/3

H 9 3

H RBI 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 11 2 R 2 2

ER 1 2

BB 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SO 0 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 1 9

BB 2 1

SO 2 1

SAC SAC HP SAC

Tigers Soak Bluejays 6/21/09 The Tigers continued their homestand on Sunday night under dark skies when Essig came to town. In spite of delays caused by rain and lightening, the Springfield offense rallied for ten runs and behind strong pitching by Brandon Wilhelmi, topped the Bluejays 10-0 in a contest shortened to seven innings by the ten run rule. Springfield got on the board in the bottom of the first when Ken Sather got a one-out base hit. He stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Matt Baier followed with a single, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. The home team took advantage of a Bluejay error and hits by Sather, Matt Tews, and Jordan Milbrath to plate three runs in the bottom of the third, increasing their lead to 4-0. Heavy rain delayed the game with one out in the bottom of the fourth. When play resumed, Springfield capitalized on two Essig errors and base hits by Brent Haseleu and Wilhelmi to push the score to 5-0. The fifth saw the Tigers add five more runs with a key hit by Andy Moritz, who drove in two runs with a single. Wilhelmi and Sather also added RBI base hits. After five innings, the Tigers led by ten. Wilhelmi pitched an excellent game allowing just six Bluejay hits. More impressive was his ability to work out of jams by bearing down to strand Essig base runners. The Bluejays left thirteen on base in seven innings, thanks largely to Wilhelmi striking out the final batter in five of seven innings. Brandon Wilhelmi moved his record to 3-0 on the season, throwing a complete game shutout. Ken Sather led the Springfield offense with three big hits. Wilhelmi and Jordan Milbrath each contributed two singles, while Matt Baier, Matt Tews, Alex Frank, Andy Moritz, and Brent Haseleu added one hit each. The win improves the Tigers' record to 5-12 overall and 4-8 in the Tomahawk East. Springfield will look to start a winning streak when the Redwood Falls Redbirds come to town for a Wednesday night ballgame at 8pm. Come on down and cheer on the Tigers! Linescore

Essig Springfield

1 0 1

2 0 0

3 0 3

4 0 1

5 0 5

6 0 0

7 0 x

8 x x

9 R H x 0 6 x 10 12

E LOB 5 13 4 6

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, P Sather, CF Baier, SS C. Sturm, 1B Nachreiner, 1B Tews, 3B A. Wilhelmi, 3B Milbrath, LF Helget, PH Frank, RF Christensen, RF Moritz, C Haseleu, 2B

Wilhelmi (W, 3-0)

AB 3 4

R 0 2

H RBI 2 1 3 1

BB 0 0

SO 0 1

2

0

1

2

0

0

3 2 1 3 1 3 1 3 2 28

1 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 10

0 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 12

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 7

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

IP 7

H 6

R 0

ER 0

BB 4

SAC

SAC, HP 1 HP 1 HP 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 7 SO 7

Wilhelmi Ignites Tigers, Slams Door on 6-3 Win 6/24/09 Brandon Wilhelmi had a busy Wednesday night. He started out coaching a VFW game in Marshall before cruising over to Springfield to enter the game behind the plate in the top of the fifth. Jason Nachreiner pitched a solid six innings allowing just one run as Springfield defeated Redwood Falls, 6-3. Jordan Milbrath started on the mound for the Tigers. He went the first two innings, allowing one hit and four walks. Jason Nachreiner came on in relief to start the top of the third. He gave up a lead-off single and the runner moved up to second on a wild pitch. After a hit batter, the Redbirds took the lead with a base hit. Redwood Falls starter Adam Heiling retired the first fourteen batters he faced. With two out in the bottom of the fifth, Wilhelmi drew a walk. He moved from first to third on a wild pitch, before Jordan Milbrath came through with a solid single to drive him in and tie the score at one. Nachreiner kept the Redbirds off the board after allowing the single run in the third. In the bottom of the seventh, Chris Sturm led-off with a base on balls. Marc Salazar moved him up with a sacrifice bunt. Sturm moved to third on a Wilhelmi ground out, before Milbrath came up big again with another two-out RBI single, giving Springfield a 2-1 lead. The Tigers knocked Heiling out of the game in the bottom of the eighth, getting hits from Brent Haseleu, Matt Baier, Sturm, and a third two-out RBI single from Milbrath to plate four runs and push the score to 6-1. Bryant Krebs came on to start the top of the ninth. After allowing a base hit and notching a strike out, Krebs struggled with his control and left the game after three straight walks. With thunder and lightening signaling a storm on the way, Wilhelmi came on to record the final two outs and pick up the save. Jason Nachreiner earned his first victory of the season, working six good innings while striking out nine. Brandon Wilhelmi earned his second save pitching the final two-thirds of an inning. Jordan Milbrath led the Springfield bats, getting three big two-out RBI base hits. Matt Baier contributed two hits to the Tiger total, while Chris Sturm, and Brent Haseleu added one hit each. The win is the Tigers second straight and it moves their record to 5-8 in the Tomahawk East and 6-12 overall. The homestand continues on Friday night when Sleepy Eye visits Riverside Park for an 8pm battle. We'll see you at the ballpark! Linescore

Redwood Falls Springfield

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 1 0

4 0 0

5 0 1

6 0 0

7 0 1

8 0 4

9 2 x

R H 3 10 6 7

E LOB 1 17 1 5

Springfield Box

Baier, C/3B Sather, CF Schwab, SS C. Sturm, LF/1B Salazar, 1B/3B Christensen, 3B B. Wilhelmi, C/P Milbrath, P/RF Krebs, RF/P Nachreiner, P Frank, LF Haseleu, 2B

Milbrath Nachreiner (W, 1-3) Krebs Wilhelmi (SV, 2)

AB 4 3 3 3

R 1 0 1 2

H RBI 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

BB 0 0 1 1

SO 0 0 0 1

SAC

2

0

0

1

0

1

SAC, HP

1 1 4 1 3 2 27

0 1 0 0 0 1 6

0 0 3 0 0 1 7

0 1 3 0 0 0 6

0 1 0 0 0 1 4

0 0 1 1 1 0 5

IP 2 6 1/3 2/3

H 1 8 1 0

R 0 1 2 0

ER 0 1 0 0

BB 4 2 3 0

SO 1 9 1 1

SAC

Sleepy Eye Wins Slugfest 6/26/09 The Sleepy Eye Indians came to town on Friday night to visit the Tigers at Riverside Park. Early on it was clear that the big crowd was not going to see a pitcher's duel, as the teams combined for sixteen runs and twenty-five hits, with Sleepy Eye ending up on top, 9-7. Jake Miesen made the start on the mound for the home team. He allowed two hits in the top of the first, yielding one run and giving the Indians and 1-0 lead. The Tiger bats went to work in the bottom of the inning, getting base hits from Brady Schwab and Chris Sturm, along with a sacrifice fly from Jordan Milbrath to plate two runs and take a one run lead, 2-1. Neither team scored in the second, something that would only happen in three of the game's frames. The third inning saw Sleepy Eye get three straight hits to start things, including a two-run triple by Alan Woitas, who had a huge night with five hits. The Indians extended their lead in the top of the fourth taking advantage of a lead-off walk and two hits, including another triple to make the tally 5-2. As usual, Springfield battled back in the bottom of the inning. Andy Moritz drew a out-out walk. Marty Brandl followed with a base hit and Brent Haseleu walked to load the bases. Matt Baier smashed a two-run double and Alex Frank followed with a squeeze bunt scoring Haseleu to tie the game. A Sleepy Eye error allowed Baier to score giving the Tigers a one-run lead, 6-5. Sleepy Eye didn't stay down long as they put together two hits and took advantage of a Tiger error to tie the game at six in the fifth. The top of the fifth came to an end on a fly out, thrown out at home doubleplay, the second of the night for Springfield's defense. The sixth saw the Indians take the lead, getting a single followed by a double, plating their seventh run of the evening. Matt Tews came on to pitch in the seventh and kept Sleepy Eye off the board for his first two innings. In the ninth, they picked up some insurance, getting three singles and taking advantage of a Springfield error to score two runs and increase their lead to three, 9-6. Schwab started the bottom of the ninth with a long triple. He scored on a ground out, but that was all the Tigers could muster, falling 9-7. Jake Miesen was tagged with the loss, allowing seven runs on twelve hits over six innings of work. The Springfield offense with led by Matt Baier with three hits. Brady Schwab added two hits and Chris Sturm, Andy Moritz, Marty Brandl, and Brent Haseleu contributed one hit each. The loss drops the Tigers to 613 overall and 5-9 in the Tomahawk East. They'll continue their homestand on Sunday night, wrapping up Riverside Days weekend with a 7pm matchup against the New Ulm Brewers. Linescore

Sleepy Eye Springfield

1 1 2

2 0 0

3 2 0

4 2 4

5 1 0

6 1 0

7 0 0

8 0 0

9 2 1

R H 9 16 7 9

E LOB 2 13 4 8

Springfield Box

Baier, 3B Frank, CF Cook, PH Schwab, SS C. Sturm, LF Milbrath, RF Tews, 1B/P Moritz, C Brandl, DH Miesen, P/1B Haseleu, 2B

Miesen (L, 1-3) Tews

AB 5 3 1 4 3 4 5 2 4 3 34

R 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 7

IP 6 3

H 12 4

H RBI 3 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 9 6

BB 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 5

SO 0 2B 1 SAC 0 03B, HP 1 2 SAC 1 0 2B 1 1 7

R 7 2

BB 5 0

SO 3 1

ER 6 1

Springfield Blasts New Ulm 6/28/09 The Tigers wrapped up the Riverside Days weekend in Springfield with a contest against the New Ulm Brewers. Springfield's bats came out blazing as they ripped seventeen hits and put up ten runs, cruising to a 10-5 win. The Tigers opened scoring in the second when Marc Salazar, Matt Tews, and Andy Moritz combined to get three straight hits, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. Brandon Wilhelmi took the hill for Springfield. He allowed two hits in the third. Combined with a Springfield error, the Brewers pushed across two runs to take a 2-1 lead. That lead wouldn't last long as Matt Bauer smashed a out-out double in the bottom of the inning. Brady Schwab tied the game, driving in Baier with a single. Ryan Sturm was hit by a pitch and Chris Sturm singled, loading the bases. Salazar came through with a double, scoring two, making the score 4-2. Wilhelmi helped his cause with a base hit in the bottom of the fourth. Baier followed with a walk before Ryan Sturm crushed a triple to deep center field, driving in two runs and pushed the lead to four, 6-2. In the bottom of the sixth, Baier singled, stole second and moved to third on an error. Schwab drove him in with a single giving the Tigers a five run lead. Wilhelmi didn't allow a hit after the Brewers scored in the third, until the top of the seventh. In that inning, New Ulm put together three singles. Combined with a costly Springfield error, they scored three runs, getting within two at 7-5. Ryan Cook drew a oneout walk in the bottom of the eighth. Baier singled to get runners on first and second. Then Schwab came through again, this time with a two-run double. He promptly stole third and scored when the catcher's throw went into left field getting the Springfield lead back to five, 10-5. Wilhelmi finished things up in the ninth, snuffing out a potential two-out rally, after allowing two straight singles. Brandon Wilhelmi went the distance, allowing just two earned runs. He picked up his fourth win of the year, keeping his record perfect at 4-0. Every batter in the Tiger starting lineup had at least one hit with Matt Baier, Brady Schwab, and Andy Moritz leading the way with three hits each. For Baier, it was his second straight three-hit game. Marc Salazar and Matt Tews both added a couple hits to the Tiger total. The win moves Springfield's overall record to 7-13 on the year and 6-9 in the Tomahawk East League. The Tigers will be back in action on Wednesday night when the Gibbon Reds come to town. Springfield will be looking to avenge a tough loss in Gibbon earlier this season. Come on down for what promises to be a good ballgame! Linescore

New Ulm Springfield

1 0 0

2 0 1

3 2 3

4 0 2

5 0 0

6 0 1

7 3 0

8 0 3

9 R H 0 5 9 x 10 17

E LOB 2 7 4 6

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, P Baier, 2B Schwab, SS R. Sturm, 3B C. Sturm, CF Salazar, 1B Tews, LF Christensen, PR/LF Moritz, C Cook, RF

AB 5 4 5 4 4 4 4

R 1 4 2 1 0 1 0

H RBI 1 0 3 0 3 4 1 2 1 0 2 2 2 0

BB 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

SO 1 0 2B 0 2B 03B, HP 0 0 2B 0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4 3 37

0 1 10

3 1 17

1 0 9

0 1 2

0 1 2

IP

H

R

ER

BB

SO

2B

Tigers Down Reds 7/1/09 On Wednesday night the Gibbon Reds visited Riverside Park as the Tigers wrapped up a six game homestand. Gibbon gave Springfield a battle, but ultimately the Tigers came out on top, 7-5. Alex Frank made his debut on the mound for the home team. He did a nice job, not allowing a hit through the first three innings. The Tigers gave Frank a lead in the bottom of the third. Brandon Wilhelmi led off with a single. Matt Baier took his place when he reached on a fielder's choice. Then Brady Schwab launched a double, driving in Baier. Schwab came in to score on a Gibbon error to give Springfield a 2-0 lead. The Reds battled back in the top of the fourth when they got a run on two base hits and a Tiger error. A lead-off double in the fifth, along with another Springfield error, allowed the Reds to tie the game at two. The Tigers went to work in the bottom of the inning when Baier started things with a single. Schwab followed with a walk and Baier advanced to third on a wild pitch. When Schwab attempted to steal second the catcher's throw went into centerfield and Baier scored with Schwab moving to third. Schwab scored on a sacrifice fly by Chris Sturm. Ken Sather singled with two outs and Bob Fink crushed a double driving him in and giving Springfield a three run lead, 5-2. Gibbon kept battling in the sixth when they put together three straight hits, including back-to-back doubles, and a sac fly to plate three runs and tie the game at five. Springfield regained the lead in the bottom of the inning, when Wilhelmi worked a one-out walk, and Baier followed with a two-bagger driving him in. The Tigers added an additional run in the bottom of the seventh when pinch runner Brent Haseleu came in to score after Baier was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Jason Nachreiner came on in the top of the seventh. After allowing a one-out single, he mowed down eight Reds in a row to finish things up for the home team. Alex Frank earned his first win in his first start, going six innings and allowing five runs, three of which were earned. Jason Nachreiner earned his first save of the year, working the final three innings, while allowing just one hit. Matt Baier led the Springfield offense with two hits. Brandon Wilhelmi, Brady Schwab, Marc Salazar, Ken Sather, and Bob Fink all added one hit each to the Tiger total. The win is Springfield's second straight and improves their overall record to 8-13 and 7-9 in the Tomahawk East. Springfield finished their six game homestand with a 4-2 record. Most of the team is off until Friday, July 10th when they'll travel to Lamberton to battle the Long Sox. Matt Baier, Marc Salazar, Brandon Wilhelmi, and Chris Sturm have been selected to the All-Star team for the annual Tomahawk East League All-Star game to be played on Sunday, July 5th in Gibbon. We'll see you at the ballpark! Linescore

Gibbon Springfield

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 0 2

4 1 0

5 1 3

6 3 1

7 0 1

8 0 0

9 0 x

R 5 7

H 8 7

E LOB 6 8 3 13

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, SS/C Baier, 3B Schwab, 2B/SS C. Sturm, LF Salazar, 1B Sather, CF Fink, RF Haseleu, PR/2B Brandl, DH Frank, P Nachreiner, P Cook, C Christensen, 2B/RF

Frank (W, 1-0) Nachreiner (SV, 1)

AB 2 4 4 2 4 3

R 1 2 2 0 0 1

H RBI 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0

BB 3 0 1 2 0 1

2

0

1

1

1

1 4 1 3 1 31

1 0 0 0 0 7

0 0 0 0 0 7

0 0 0 0 0 5

0 0 0 0 0 8

IP 6 3

H 7 1

R 5 0

ER 3 0

BB 1 0

SO 0 12B, HP 0 2B 0 SAC 0 SAC 0 HP 2B, 0 SAC 1 2 1 1 0 6 SO 6 4

Long Sox Prevail in 12 Inning Pitcher's Duel 7/10/09 The Tigers returned to action on Friday night after the All-Star and Fourth of July break. They kicked off a busy weekend with a trip to Lamberton to take on the Long Sox. Each team plated a single run in the fifth and it stayed knotted at one a piece until the bottom of the twelfth. Starters Jake Miesen and Derrick Jenniges both went the distance for their teams, as the pitchers put zero after zero on the scoreboard in an epic battle. Springfield was able to get a runner in scoring position during three of the first four innings. In the fifth, Alex Frank ripped a one-out double. Brent Haseleu followed with a bunt single, moving Frank to third. With two down, Matt Baier squeaked a single through between the first and second basemen to drive in Frank and give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Jenniges helped himself leading off with a triple to deep right-center field. A walk put runners on first and third and the Long Sox executed a double steal to tie the game at one. After allowing the run in the bottom of the fifth, Miesen settled in and retired fifteen of the next sixteen batters he faced. Springfield was again able to get a runner into scoring position in the sixth and eighth innings, but were unable to score. The Tigers had a great opportunity in the top of the tenth when the Long Sox started the inning with two straight errors. An intentional walk after a sacrifice bunt loaded the bases with one out. Once the bases were loaded, Jenniges kicked it into another gear and retired the next eight batters he faced, never giving the Tigers another chance. Lamberton got two runners on in the bottom of the tenth, but Miesen was able to work out of the jam. In the home half of the twelfth, a Tiger error put a runner on first with one out. A stolen base followed by a balk moved the runner to third. With the infield in, Brandon Salfer got his third straight hit, driving in the winning run, as the Long Sox pulled out a 2-1 victory. Jake Miesen took the hard luck loss, pitching a great game, allowing just one earned run in 11 1/3 innings. Matt Baier, Jordan Milbrath, and Alex Frank led the Springfield offense with two hits each. Brandon Wilhelmi, Brady Schwab, and Brent Haseleu added one hit each to the Tiger total. The loss drops the Tigers' overall record to 8-14 and 7-10 in the Tomahawk East. They'll get right back to work on Saturday night when the St. James A's come to town for an 8pm match-up. The teams will play backto-back games on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The Tigers hope to pick up some ground on the Patriot Division leading A's in the match-ups. We'll see you at Riverside Park! Linescore

Springfield Lamberton

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 R H E LOB 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 3 11 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 7 3 8

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, C Baier, 3B Schwab, SS Salazar, 1B Milbrath, LF Fink, DH Christensen, DH Miesen, P Sather, CF Frank, RF Haseleu, 2B Brandl, PH

Miesen (L, 1-4)

AB 6 5

R 0 0

H RBI 1 0 2 1

BB 0 0

SO 0 1

4

0

1

0

0

2

4 5 4 1 5 5 4 1 44

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 9

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 12

IP 11 1/3

H 7

R 2

ER 1

BB 2

SO 7

SAC 2B, SAC (2)

2B

Tigers Plate Four in Bottom of Ninth to Top A's 7/11/09 Less than 24 hours after wrapping up a tough loss in Lamberton, the Tigers were back in action against St. James at the friendly confines of Riverside Park. The A's were in control most of the game, but Springfield kept battling, even beyond what could have been the final strike, to pull out a 7-6 win. Jason Nachreiner made the start on the mound for the home team. He held the A's off the board until the top of the third when they started the inning with four straight hits, including two bunt singles. A bases loaded double by Brandon Olson plated two runs. A bases loaded walk and a passed ball allowed two additional runs to score giving St. James a 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Andy Moritz led off with a walk and Jake Miesen was hit by a pitch. Brandon Wilhelmi took Miesen's place at first when he reached on a fielder's choice. He stole second and Alex Frank came through with a big two-out single scoring Moritz and Wilhelmi and cutting the A's lead to two. Moritz started the fifth inning with a long double to left field. A ground out moved him up to second and he came in to score on a St. James error, making the score 4-3. Nachreiner's night came to an end in the top of the sixth when he gave up a lead-off single, followed by back-to-back walks. Matt Tews came on in relief with the bases loaded. He got the first out on a fielder's choice as Wilhelmi cut down the runner at the plate. A run scored when he hit the next batter and the A's extended their lead to three on a wild pitch. Tews retired ten of the next eleven batters he faced after hitting the batter which drove in the A's final run. Springfield was able to get just one base runner in the sixth through eighth innings when Wilhelmi singled in the eighth, but he was stranded at second, one of just three runners the Tigers left on base all night. Trailing 6-3 going into the bottom of the ninth, Marc Salazar reached on a St. James error. Ryan Cook drove a one-out single to right field to get two on base. Pinch hitter Brady Schwab came through with a clutch base hit to left, scoring Salazar and making the score 6-4. Brent Haseleu battled with two outs, but struck out. However, the catcher wasn't able to cleanly handle the third strike. His throw to first base was high and went into right field. The right fielder in turn over-threw the ball into the Springfield dugout allowing Cook and pinch runner Jason Nachreiner to come around to score and tie the game. The throw into the dugout placed Haseleu at third base. With Wilhelmi at the plate, the second pitch went to the backstop, and Haseleu came in to score giving Springfield a thrilling 7-6 victory. Matt Tews picked up the win, evening his record at 2-2 on the season. He worked the final four innings and allowed just one hit. The Tigers had just five hits on the evening with one each from Brandon Wilhelmi, Alex Frank, Ryan Cook, Andy Moritz, and Brady Schwab. The win improves Springfield's league record to 8-10 on the season. They'll look to continue moving closer to .500 as they're back in action on Sunday afternoon in St. James at 2pm. Go Tigers! Linescore

St. James Springfield

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 4 2

4 0 0

5 0 1

6 2 0

7 0 0

8 0 0

9 0 4

R 6 7

H 8 5

E LOB 4 12 3 3

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, SS Frank, CF Baier, 3B Salazar, 1B Tews, LF/P Christensen, LF Cook, RF Moritz, C Miesen, DH Schwab, PH Nachreiner, P/LF/PR Haseleu, 2B

Nachreiner Tews (W, 2-2)

AB 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 1 0 4 34

R 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 7

H RBI 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 5 3

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

SO 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4

IP 5 4

H 7 1

R 6 0

BB 5 2

SO 4 2

ER 6 0

2B HP

Springfield Blanks St. James 7/12/09 In a scheduling quirk, the Tigers traveled to St. James on Sunday afternoon for a rematch after pulling out a win in the bottom of the ninth in Springfield on Saturday night. This time the teams tangled in a pitcher's duel with the Tigers coming out on top, 2-0. St. James starter Ty Kaus retired the Tigers in order through the first four innings. Finally in the top of the fifth, Ryan Sturm got the first Springfield hit with a hot shot down the left field line. Marc Salazar followed with a single to right, moving Sturm to third. Unfortunately, Sturm was cut down at the plate attempting to score on a fly out to right and suddenly there were two outs. A two-out hit was needed and Jordan Milbrath came through with just that, driving in Salazar and giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. One run was all Springfield hurler Brandon Wilhelmi would need, as he allowed just four hits during his complete game effort. The A's got two hits in the third and two hits in the sixth amounting to their biggest threats. The Tigers added an insurance run in the eighth when Wilhelmi was hit by a pitch and stole second. Matt Baier drove in Wilhelmi to make the score 2-0. Wilhelmi mowed down the final nine batters he faced, securing the win for the visitors. Brandon Wilhelmi pitched an outstanding ballgame, throwing a complete game shutout, striking out eight and allowing just four hits. The win improved his perfect record to 5-0 on the year. Marc Salazar led the Springfield bats with two hits. Alex Frank, Matt Baier, Ryan Sturm, Jordan Milbrath, and Andy Moritz all contributed one hit a piece to the Tiger cause. The win improves Springfield to 10-14 overall and 9-10 in the Tomahawk East. The exhibition game scheduled for Thursday against the Milroy Yankees has been canceled due to Legion and VFW playoffs. The Tigers will return to action a week from today when they host the Leavenworth Orioles at 7:30pm. It'll also be Merchant's Night as the Tigers show their appreciation to local businesses for their support. Come on down and support the Tigers as they play their second-to-last regular season home game! Linescore

Springfield St. James

1 0 0

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 0 0

5 1 0

6 0 0

7 0 0

8 1 0

9 0 0

R 2 0

H 7 4

E LOB 1 5 0 6

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, P Frank, CF Baier, SS R. Sturm, 3B Salazar, 1B Tews, DH Christensen, 2B Milbrath, LF Brandl, PH Moritz, C Cook, RF

Wilhelmi (W, 5-0)

AB 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 1 3 2 32

R 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

H RBI 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 2

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SO 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 4

IP 9

H 4

R 0

BB 1

SO 8

ER 0

HP

HP

Tigers Win One For the Amsdens 7/19/09 A huge crowd was on hand Sunday night at Riverside Park, as the Tigers hosted Leavenworth. Long-time supporters of Springfield baseball Stan and Loretta Amsden were honored in a pre-game ceremony. The teams didn't disappoint, playing an excellent ball game with the Tigers coming out on top, 3-2. The Tigers jumped out to a lead in the bottom of the first, when Brandon Wilhelmi reached base on an error and Matt Baier drew a walk off of Leavenworth starter, Andy Cook. Brady Schwab moved the runners over to second and third with a sacrifice bunt before Ryan Sturm crushed a double, giving Springfield a 2-0 lead. Matt Tews was on the hill for the Tigers. After wiggling his way out of a jam in the top of the first, Tews allowed just one hit during the second through seventh innings. Both hurlers exchanged zeros until the bottom of the fifth when Schwab started a two-out rally by being hit by a pitch. Back-to-back base hits by Ryan Sturm and Marc Salazar pushed in the Tigers' third run of the evening. Tews was the model of efficiency on the mound, throwing just 72 pitches through the first seven innings. In the eighth, he ran into some trouble. After a Tiger error, two Oriole hits, and a sacrifice fly pulled Leavenworth within one, but Tews was able to work his way out of the inning while his team still in the lead, 3-2. Orioles pitchers Andy and John Cook combined to retire the final seven Springfield batters. With a onerun lead going into the ninth the home team handed the ball to Wilhelmi in a save situation. Brandon came through getting the final three outs and securing the Tiger victory. The win capped off a great weekend in Springfield. Another huge Thank You to Stan and Loretta for all their work for Springfield baseball during the past fifty plus years! They have worked tirelessly for years making sure that everyone is well-fed, including many excellent burgers and the world's greatest potato salad. It was also Merchant's Night, as the Tigers thanked local businesses for their support in 2009. In addition, congratulations to Brandon Wilhelmi and Katie Baier who were married on Saturday! Matt Tews earned his third win of the season, working a solid eight innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. Brandon Wilhelmi picked up his third save, working a scoreless ninth. Ryan Sturm picked up three of Springfield's seven hits, while Wilhelmi, Marc Salazar, Jordan Milbrath, and Andy Moritz added one hit each. The victory evens the Tigers' league record at 10-10. Things are tight in the Patriot Division of the Tomahawk East and next up for the Tigers is another division game against Stark on Wednesday night. So swing on over for a Stark Burger and what should be a good ball game! Linescore

Leavenworth Springfield

1 0 2

2 0 0

3 0 0

4 0 0

5 0 1

6 0 0

7 0 0

8 2 0

9 0 x

R 2 3

H 7 7

E LOB 1 8 2 8

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, SS/P Baier, 2B/SS Schwab, DH Frank, CF R. Sturm, 3B Salazar, 1B C. Sturm, LF Milbrath, RF Moritz, C Christensen, PR Tews, P Haseleu, 2B

Tews (W, 3-2) Wilhelmi (SV, 3)

AB 4 3

R 1 1

H RBI 1 0 0 0

BB 0 1

SO 1 1

2B

2

1

0

0

0

0

SAC, HP

4 4 4 4 3 0 3 31

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

3 1 0 1 1 0 0 7

2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

1 0 2 3 0 0 0 8

IP 8 1

H 7 0

R 2 0

ER 1 0

BB 2 0

SO 1 2

2B

Mathiowetz Takes No-Hitter Into 9th As Longhorns Roll 7/22/09 On Wednesday night the Tigers headed to Stark for a big division match-up. With just two regular season games remaining, St. James, Stark, and Springfield were all tied in the Patriot Division at 10-10 and Leavenworth was close behind at 9-10 with three games to play. Stark started veteran Brad Mathiowetz on the mound and he held the Springfield offense in check, not allowing a hit until the top of the ninth inning, as Stark cruised to a 7-2 victory. Brandon Wilhelmi took the hill for Springfield and had a bit of a rough night. In the bottom of the first, the first two Stark batters reached on base hits. A wild pitch moved them up to second and third before a sacrifice fly gave the Longhorns a 1-0 lead. In the third, a Tiger error extended the inning and Josh Hadley hit a two-out, two-run homer to push the Stark's lead to three. In the home half of the fourth, Stark put together four hits, along with a walk and a hit batter to plate three runs and make the score 6-0. After the rough fourth, Wilhelmi retired eight straight batters, including four straight strike-outs, before he allowed a solo home run with two down in the seventh. Jason Nachreiner worked the bottom of the eighth in relief, striking out two while allowing one hit and one walk. Mathiowetz was effectively wild on the mound, as he walked six and hit two Tiger batters, but didn't allow a base hit until the top of the ninth. In their last at-bat, Brady Schwab got the first Springfield hit with a single up the middle. Marc Salazar traded places with Schwab as he reached on a fielder's choice. Chris Sturm worked a walk and a wild pitch moved the runners to second and third. Another wild pitch scored Salazar and got the Tigers on the board. With two outs, Ken Sather hit an infield single, driving in Sturm and making the score 7-2, which would be the final. Brandon Wilhelmi took the loss, his first of the season, as he worked seven innings, allowing five earned runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts. At the plate, Springfield had just two hits, one each by Brady Schwab and Ken Sather. Sather reached base in every plate appearance, also working three walks. The loss gives Stark a one game lead over the Tigers in the Patriot Division of the Tomahawk East League. Springfield will look to finish the regular season with a win as they host Searles on Sunday night at 7:30pm. The game is sure to be important in the determining the final division standings and playoffs match-ups. Go Tigers! Linescore

Springfield Stark

1 0 1

2 0 0

3 0 2

4 0 3

5 0 0

6 0 0

7 0 1

8 0 0

9 2 x

R 2 7

H 2 9

E LOB 2 8 1 6

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, P/C Frank, RF Nachreiner, P Baier, C/3B Schwab, SS Salazar, 3B/1B C. Sturm, 1B/RF Milbrath, LF Brandl, PH Sather, CF Christensen, 2B

Wilhelmi (L, 5-1) Nachreiner

AB 5 3 4 4 2 2 3 1 1 3 28

R 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2

H RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 1

BB 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 6

SO 1 3 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 11

IP 7 1

H 8 1

R 7 0

BB 1 1

SO 7 2

ER 5 0

HP SAC

HP

Springfield Finishes Regular Season With Win Over Searles 7/26/09 As the Tigers took the field on Sunday night at Riverside Park, their first round playoff opponent was yet to be decided. The Springfield bats helped make things clear as they slugged their way to a 9-5 win over the Searles Grizzlies. The win meant a third place finish in the Patriot Division and a best-of-three match-up against the Stark Longhorns. Brandon Wilhelmi led off with a double in the bottom of the first. After Matt Tews reached on a Searles error, Ryan Sturm came through with a single, driving in the Tiger's first run. Marc Salazar followed with an RBI base hit of his own to give Springfield a 2-0 lead. Jake Miesen made the start on the hill for the home team. He allowed three hits and a run in the top of the third as the Grizzlies pulled within one, 2-1. Springfield broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth. Salazar started with a double. Chris Sturm followed with a single and Jordan Milbrath picked up an RBI with a base hit. Andy Moritz walked to load the bases. Ken Sather kept things going with an RBI single. Wilhelmi continued the inning's theme with a single driving in two runs. Matt Baier picked up an RBI with a sacrifice fly. Tews followed with a single. Finally, Ryan Sturm drove in Springfield's sixth run of the inning with a single and the Tigers took an 8-1 lead into the top of the fifth. The Grizzlies picked up two runs on three hits in the top of the sixth to get within five, 8-3. In the bottom of the inning, Baier led off with a single. A sacrifice moved him up to second and an RBI single by Ryan Sturm, his third of the night, made the score 9-3. Jordan Milbrath worked the eighth inning, allowing one run on one hit, two walks, and a wild pitch. Jason Nachreiner finished things up in the top of the ninth. It wasn't easy, however, as Searles put together two hits, which along with two walks accounted for one run and the bases loaded. Nachreiner's third strikeout of the inning, ended the Searles threat and the game. Jake Miesen worked seven strong innings, allowing 3 runs and earning his second win of the season. Springfield's seventeen hit barrage was paced by Ryan Sturm and Marc Salazar with three hits each. Brandon Wilhelmi, Matt Baier, Jordan Milbrath, and Ken Sather contributed two hits each to the Tiger attack. Matt Tews, Chris Sturm, and Marty Brandl each added a hit to the Tiger total. The win evens the Tigers' league record at 11-11, good for a third place finish in the Patriot Division of the Tomahawk East League. Everyone's record will be back at 0-0 on Friday when Springfield travels to Stark to open a best-of-three game divisional playoff series. The Tigers will look to pick up their first win against Longhorns on the season. Come on over and cheer on the Tigers as they look to make a playoff run! Linescore

Searles Springfield

1 0 2

2 0 0

3 1 0

4 0 6

5 0 0

6 2 1

7 0 0

8 1 0

9 1 x

R H 5 11 9 17

E LOB 1 10 1 7

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, SS Christensen, SS Baier, 2B Tews, RF Cook, RF R. Sturm, 3B Salazar, 1B C. Sturm, LF Milbrath, DH/P Brandl, PH Nachreiner, P Miesen, P Moritz, C Sather, CF

Miesen (W, 2-4) Milbrath Nachreiner

AB 5 4 3 1 5 4 4 3 1 3 4 37

R 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 9

IP 7 1 1

H 8 1 2

H RBI 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 3 3 3 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 17 9 R 3 1 1

ER 2 1 1

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

SO 0 2B 0 SAC 0 SAC 0 0 0 2B(2) 0 0 0 0 0 0

BB 1 2 2

SO 3 1 3

Tigers Have Long Night in Stark 7/31/09 Solid pitching and a rain delay combined for a long night for the Tigers in Stark on Friday night in game one of the Tomahawk East playoffs. Springfield was able to muster just four hits off Longhorn hurler, Josh Hadley, while striking out sixteen times as they fell behind 0-1 in the best-of-three series. Jake Miesen took the hill for Springfield and was touched for two runs in the bottom of the first, as Stark put together three straight hits to take an early 2-0 lead. In the top of the second, Marc Salazar ripped a one-out single up the middle. Jordan Milbrath reached on an error and with runners at first and second, Jesse Berg came through with a clutch single, driving in Salazar and getting Springfield within one. That would be all for the Springfield offense, as Hadley sailed through the Tiger lineup, facing just two batters over the minimum during the final seven innings of the ballgame. The Longhorns extended their lead in the bottom of the third, taking advantage of Springfield miscues and extending their lead to three at 4-1. Rain delayed the game one hour and twenty-three minutes going into the top of the fourth. Both starters remained in the game after the delay and seemed to benefit from the rest. Miesen rolled through the fourth and fifth before running into trouble in the bottom of the sixth. After two were out, a Tiger error extended the inning and Stark capitalized with two singles pushing their lead to 6-1. Berg came on to pitch in the bottom of the seventh, but left the game with an injury after slipping on the rain-soaked mound. Milbrath came on and faced just six batters as he worked the final two innings of the ballgame. Jake Miesen picked up the loss, going six innings and allowing nine hits, but just two earned runs. Offensively, Matt Tews, Marc Salazar, Jesse Berg, and Brent Haseleu accounted for the Springfield hits with one single each. The loss means the Tigers will have their backs against the wall on Sunday night at Riverside Park. It's win or go home for the blue team. The situation is very similar to the 2007 playoffs when the Tigers faced Stark in a best of three series with the winner advancing to the Region 2C Tournament. Two years ago, the Tigers were ten-runned in Stark to start the series, but returned home to win a thriller 4-3, after which Springfield defeated Stark in game three to move on to the region and eventually the State Tournament. Will history repeat itself? Find out Sunday night as the first pitch is scheduled for 8pm. We'll see you at the ballpark! Linescore

Springfield Stark

1 0 2

2 1 0

3 0 2

4 0 0

5 0 0

6 0 2

7 0 0

8 0 0

9 0 x

R 1 6

H 4 9

E LOB 4 4 3 10

Springfield Box

B. Wilhelmi, C Baier, SS Tews, 2B/3B C. Sturm, LF Salazar, 1B Sather, CF Milbrath, DH/P Miesen, P/3B Berg, 3B/P Haseleu, 2B Frank, RF Brandl, PH

Miesen (L, 2-5) Berg Milbrath

AB 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 1 2 1 32

R 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

IP 6 0 2

H 9 0 0

H RBI 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 R 6 0 0

ER 2 0 0

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SO 3 2 0 3 1 3 0 1 0 2 1 16

BB 1 1 0

SO 5 0 1

Tigers Battle, Even Series Winning Thriller 8/2/09 Springfield returned home to Riverside Park on Sunday night for game two of their best-of-three series against Stark. They had to battle the Longhorns and Mother Nature to pull out a victory in the bottom of the ninth, evening the series at one game a piece and forcing game three on Tuesday back in Stark. Brandon Wilhelmi took the ball for the Tigers and the Longhorns were able to find the gaps with regularity which helped them build an early lead. A lead-off triple in the top of the second, followed by a ground-out put Stark on the board. They got three hits in the top of the third, including a lead-off double and an RBI triple to plate two runs and take a 3-0 lead. Andy Moritz was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the third. After two were out, Matt Baier ripped on RBI single to score Moritz. Brady Schwab followed with a base hit before Ryan Sturm crushed a double to deep right field, driving in two runs and tying the game at three. The Longhorns didn't stay down long as they started the fourth with another extra base hit, followed by a sacrifice bunt. An RBI ground out gave them back the lead, 4-3. Springfield left a total of five runners on base in the fourth and fifth innings, but were unable to push any across the plate. After Wilhelmi recorded the first out and gave up a double in the top of the seventh, Matt Tews came on in relief and recorded the final two outs of the inning. In the top of the eighth, Stark extended their lead, getting a lead-off single and taking advantage of a Springfield error. Thunder and lightening were in the air as the Tigers came to bat in the bottom of the eighth, trailing 5-3. Ryan Sturm was hit by a pitch to start things. Marc Salazar worked a walk and Tews loaded the bases with a bunt single. With rain coming to come down, Chris Sturm drew a walk, pushing across Ryan Sturm and getting the Tigers within one, 5-4. The game was suspended with the bases loaded and no one out. It rained heavily including some hail and about twenty minutes later when things cleared up there was significant water on the field. It was questionable whether the game would be able to be finished. When the Tigers learned the game would be called a final if it could not be finished that night, the team went to work clearing water from the field and doing all they could to make it playable. One hour and nineteen minutes after the game was delayed, play resumed with Moritz at the plate. He proceeded to drive in the tying run with a single on a squeeze bunt. That was all the Tigers could manage as the Longhorns worked their way out of the inning, leaving the bases loaded. In the top of the ninth, Stark got a lead-off walk and moved the runner over to third with a sacrifice and a ground out. Tews dug deep and got a strikeout to strand the runner at third. In the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Sturm worked a oneout walk. Marc Salazar followed with a single before Tews came through with a huge base hit, driving in Sturm to give the Tigers a 6-5 victory. Matt Tews earned the win, pitching the final two and two-thirds innings, giving up just one hit. At the plate Springfield was led by Ryan Sturm who reached base in all five of his plate appearances, including three hits and two RBIs. Brady Schwab, Marc Salazar, and Tews each added two hits to the Tiger total, while Matt Baier and Andy Moritz added one hit apiece. The win for Springfield means a return trip to Stark on Tuesday night for the deciding game three of the series. The winner will move on to the division championship game on Wednesday night and the Region 2C Tournament starting on Saturday, while the loser goes home. We'll see you at the Stark Ballpark for the first pitch scheduled for 8pm! Linescore

Stark Springfield

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B. Wilhelmi, P/SS Baier, 2B Schwab, SS/RF Christensen, PR R. Sturm, 3B Salazar, 1B Tews, RF/P Frank, RF C. Sturm, LF Moritz, C Haseleu, PR Milbrath, DH Sather, CF

Wilhelmi Tews (W, 4-2)

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Longhorns Use Big Inning to Advance and Eliminate Tigers 8/4/09 The third time was not the charm for Springfield as they made their third trip to the Stark Ballpark this season on Tuesday night. After jumping out to an early 5-0 lead, the Tigers saw the Longhorns battle back to snatch a win and a trip to the Region 2C Tournament. Brandon Wilhelmi made sure Stark starter Brad Mathiowetz wouldn't repeat his no-hit bid from the last time he faced the Tigers, when he started the game with a base hit up the middle. With two down in the inning, Ryan Sturm put Springfield on the board when he launched a home run to left-center field. The Tigers left runners at second and third in the second and were unable to extend their lead. In the top of the third, Brady Schwab drew a lead-off walk. Ryan Sturm followed with an RBI double. After two were retired, Chris Sturm was hit by a pitch. Andy Moritz picked up two runs-batted-in when he singled, giving Springfield a 5-0 lead. Springfield handed the ball to Jason Nachreiner for this third and deciding game of the series. He worked through some early walks and held the Longhorns scoreless and to just two hits through the first five innings. The bottom of the sixth saw the Longhorn bats catch fire. Nachreiner allowed four hits before being lifted for Matt Tews. Tews allowed a hit which drove in the tying run before getting the final out of the inning. In the bottom of the seventh, a lead-off double along with a defensive lapse by Springfield allowed Stark to take the lead, 6-5. The Longhorns went to the bullpen in the top of the third, bringing on Josh Hadley in relief. Hadley kept Springfield off the scoreboard scattering five hits during the final six and one-third innings. The Tigers final threat came in the top of the ninth when Marc Salazar laced a single up the middle. Tews followed with a hit down the right field line. The throw to the plate got away momentarily, but Stark recovered in time to tag Salazar as he attempted to score. Chris Sturm hit a long fly to left, but it was run down to end the ballgame and Springfield's season. Matt Tews was tagged with the hard-luck loss, allowing one unearned run on two hits. Ryan Sturm and Andy Moritz paced the Tiger offense with two hits each. Brandon Wilhelmi, Matt Baier, Brady Schwab, Marc Salazar, Tews, and Ken Sather contributed one hit each to the Springfield total. The loss gives Stark the series win, two games to one, and ends Springfield's season with an overall record of 13-17. The Tigers wish the Longhorns the best of luck as they'll continue play on Wednesday night in the division championship game and begin region play on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who supported the Tigers along the way during the 2009 season! We'll see you in 2010! Linescore

Springfield Stark

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B. Wilhelmi, SS Baier, 2B Schwab, RF Frank, PR/RF R. Sturm, 3B Salazar, 1B Tews, DH/P Haseleu, PR Nachreiner, P C. Sturm, LF Moritz, C Sather, CF

Nachreiner Tews (L, 4-3)

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#1 Brent Haseleu Nickname: Hazzie Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 12/20 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2006 - present Position(s): IF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2006 College: SDSU, South Central College Family: parents: Randy & Rose, siblings: Ashley and Derek Job: Carpenter Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: The things one can learn in the dugout Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): High School Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Comeback win over Wabasso in the playoffs Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: No DH Favorite MLB Team: Atlanta Braves Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Ozzie Smith, Chipper Jones Parting Thoughts: How valuable is the penny you found laying on the ground? If it takes just a second to pick it up, a person could make $36.00 per hour just picking up pennies.

#3 Andy Moritz Nickname: Mo Bat/Throw: B/R Birthday: 10/3 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2004 - present Position(s): C/OF High School/Graduation Year: THEE Springfield High School - THEE Class of '05 College: Gustavus Adolphus College Family: parents: John & Judy siblings: Katy and brother in-law Graeme, Becky, and Chris Job: Student, but hopefully Athletic Trainer this fall Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: The feel and sound of a wood bat connecting solidly with the baseball...when it happens. Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Coached summer rec, played summer baseball from t-ball through Legion, High School, College Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Taking a baseball in the throat attempting to block it and continuing to play in a comeback victory against Wabasso my senior year Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: negative Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Dustin Pedroia Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: That's too high...it's just too high... Parting Thoughts: Farting thoughts? Oh parting thoughts...Nah, thinking gets you in trouble when it comes to baseball

#4 Ryan Sturm Nickname: Sturmy Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 7/17 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2001-present Position(s): 1B/3B High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2002 College: THE St. Cloud State University - '08 Graduate Family: Best parents in the world: Robert and Sharon Sturm. Proud brother to Mary, Karie, Randy, Ann and Shauna. My favorite sister-in-law Paula. Brothers-in-law Todd, Dan and Scott. 14 Rugrats(nieces and nephews). Job: Rochester Honkers - Game Operations Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Playing with and in front of my best friends and family. Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): 4 great years at THE St. Cloud State University Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Any series against UND, and calling my game winning HR at Mankato in front of many great fans...told you Beautiful Bobby. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Slide rules, take a stance and stick with it. Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins, Altanta Braves Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Kirby Puckett Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: I've played a lot of ball against some guys that can swing it...with a metal bat. You know you've seen something special when you have fighter jets circling the field because of an apparent "threat to national security". Mr. President...that was no terrorist attack or heat seeking missile, just another chapter in the storybook life of the man, myth, legend Chris Sturm. Parting Thoughts: The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building. Strangely enough, the same engineers are trying figure out why Jesse Berg keeps shrinking...my theory...his massive head. It's a sad day when you have to paint a 5 gallon pail to replicate our hats.

#5 Brandon Wilhelmi Nickname: Willie, Chuck, Willdog Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 11/16 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2002-present Position(s): P/C/SS/OF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2004 College: Southwest Minnesota State University Family: fiance: Katie, parents: Al & Betty, sister: Tiffany Job: Future Elementary School Teacher & Coach, in the summers I work construction and throw people chairs! Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Playing with the guys and playing in front of GREAT Fans! Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Four years playing at SMSU & one year coaching, also coached Springfield Legion Baseball Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : The final game of my Mustang career in the NSIC tournament. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: I'd have to agree to change the slide rule...Let us sort through the real men! Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: #12 THE Robert John Fink........ A man among men..... Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing like putting the ball on a tee for the guy! Hope it didn't kill any squirrels! Parting Thoughts: Davis did a great job at not scheduling a game that interferes with my wedding! Good Work! And we don't play until 7:30 at home the night after! He deserves a pat on the back! So fellas, party on!

#6 Matt Baier Nickname: Matty B Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 10/19 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2005 - present Position(s): IF/OF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2006 College: SDSU and Rochester CTC Family: parents: Randy & Amy, siblings: Katie and Sam Job: Product design for Straightline Inc. Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: The atmosphere of playing with the greatest guys you've grown up with playing the game. Playing for your hometown. Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Played two years with RCTC, Helped Coach Legion Baseball Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : '07 playoff run Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: If any, possibly the intentional walk rule. It is part of the game now where it can benefit both sides but, why in a clutch game when a pitcher is facing a team's good hitter do they get the option to get around him. It could be that moment that everyone dreams of, getting that clutch hit, and you get pitched around. Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Cal Ripken Jr., George Brett, Rickey Henderson Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: I'm going to go ahead and say it was all pitcher generated power after speaking with Chris later in the day. I quote, "Baier, you got to admit, I throw pretty f'ing hard!" Parting Thoughts: "Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success, or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." P.S. Another reason why Ryan Sturm yet amazes us all...He's the only guy I know that doesn't workout like a maniac and can get an arm the size of Hulk Hogan's!

#7 Jason Nachreiner Nickname: Nocky Bat/Throw: B/R Birthday: 10/31 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2009 - present Position(s): P/Last Resort Utility Player High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 1999 College: MN West - Worthington, U of MN - Twin Cities Family: wife: Nikki, children: Jakob, Kade, and Kali Job: Manager at Pro Cellular in Springfield Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: I don't care what kind of baseball it is, I just love baseball. Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Leavenworth Orioles, St. Louis Park Atomic Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Beating Tracy-Milroy in playoffs, and then losing to Wabasso the next game in which I threw 49 pitches in 7 innings of a 1-0 loss. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Everyone go to wood bats at every level. I hate metal bats. Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Kirby of course. Favorite pitcher is Greg Maddox Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: I was not there but I have known Chris for a long time and he should have never been allowed anywhere near a pitching mound. Parting Thoughts: Reason why baseball is the best sport - It is the only sport where the Defense holds the ball.

#8 Brady Schwab Nickname: Schwabie/Coach Bat/Throw: L/R Birthday: 4/22 (Earth Day) Years Playing With The Tigers: 6 Position(s): IF/OF High School/Graduation Year: Devils Lake High School Devils Lake, ND - Class of 1996 College: Mayville State University, Waubonsee Community College, Lake Region State College Family: wife: Lyndsey, children: Dru & Andie Job: Teacher, Coach Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: competition Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): A LOT, currently head coach of Springfield HS and Springfield VFW teams Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : 2000 vs Bellevue Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Eliminate the DH in the bigs Favorite MLB Team: Atlanta Braves Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Dale Murphy Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: the homerun itself...WOW; but the circumstances surrounding 'IT' may be even better. #1...Sturm pitching and in his words "...feeling good." #2...the fact that still, to this very day, Sturm thinks he was throwing hard that day...sorry Sturmy! Quick recap, pitch, contact, Chris Moritz running after it (no one is sure why), clutter of a tree falling and almost killing a sleeping bear in the next county, Sturm still waiting for the ball from the umpire, the baserunner now touching 3B as the ball is just landing, Sturm still pitching...WOW Parting Thoughts: "There's always some kid who may be watching me play for the first time, I owe him my best." - Joe DiMaggio

#9 Alex Frank Nickname: Frank Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 11/24 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2009 - present Position(s): OF, P High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2009 College: Iowa Lakes Family: dad: Ken, brother: Taylor, mom & step-dad: Stacy & Doug Walton Job: Runnings Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: playing with OLD men of Springfield Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Legion baseball, Playstation Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : beating #1 St. Mary's in '08 season Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: none Favorite MLB Team: New York Mets Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Travis Hafner Parting Thoughts: Don't worry 'bout it.

#10 Ken Sather Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 9/24 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2009 - present Position(s): OF High School/Graduation Year: Dawson-Boyd High School Class of 1998 College: Southwest Minnesota State University Family: wife: Jami, children: Kaitlin and Kameron Job: Contractor Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: being able to play baseball again Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): high school, Appleton A's Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : 2006 national championship (although it was in fastpitch softball) Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Rickey Henderson Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Wasn't there, but, I have heard the ball was hit well... Parting Thoughts: Should be a fun '09 season

#11 Marty Brandl Nickname: Marty B., Marty Baseball Bat/Throw: L/L Birthday: 10/17 Years Playing With The Tigers: 1998-2001, 2003-present Position(s): OF/DH High School/Graduation Year: Comfrey High School - Class of 1997 College: Southwest Minnesota State University Family: wife: Tara, children: Brady & Ben, parents: Richard & Karen, brother: John, sisters: Christina and Liz Job: math teacher at BlueSky School Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: playing the greatest game in the world with great people, kids on the field after games Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): 1998-2001: Student Assistant SMSU, 19992000: Springfield Junior Bi-County Coach, 2001 Manager Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Clutch Kraska win over Stark in '07 playoffs, Leavenworth Bi-County - two triples and a single in one inning, '98 State Tournament games at Chaska Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: first and third base coaches wearing helmets, the pitcher is closer and more likely to get hit, so help me if they put a helmet on the pitcher! Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Ken Griffey, Jr., Willie Mays, Lou Gehrig Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: It was classic, but the best part is hearing Schwab tell about it! "Fence...tree...bear...Sartell!" Parting Thoughts: Here's to lots of great baseball in 2009!

#12 Bob Fink Nickname: Robert John Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 4/25 Years Playing With The Tigers: 1992 - present ~ 28th year of playing amateur baseball Position(s): OF/DH High School/Graduation Year: Melrose High School - Class of 1984 College: North Dakota State School of Science, Fergus Falls Community College, St. Cloud State University Family: wife: Heidi, children: Alex, Taylor and Isaac Job: Teacher/Coach/Owner of Educational Resources of MN Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Impossible to narrow it down to one thing...competing, playing with players that I have coached, dugout talk, after the game social gatherings, listening to stories told by Kyle and Brady, it's a game that keeps me feeling young, playing playoff baseball, having my family in the stands watching, friendships developed over the years, and finally, watching Davis go off on umpires. Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Many years ago, young phenom golfer Johnny Larson was our bat boy. On the way to a ball game at Courtland the young sixth grade lad asked me if I would hit a homerun in this game. In shock and disbelief for being asked such an ignorant question, I immediately looked at the young, inspiring golfer and said, "Just tell me which at bat and which pitch you would like me to hit one." With Johnny's face turning red he replied, "I would like you to hit a homerun in your third at bat on the third pitch." I looked at this future golfer and said consider it done and then added the following: I will also do a Babe Ruth before the pitch and point to where I will hit the homerun. It is now the top of the seventh in a tight one to one ballgame and I have a 0-2 count. I look into the dugout at young, smiling Johnny and then raise my bat slowly pointing it toward leftcenter field. He along with others began laughing. The high and tight fastball that I anticipated came and I ripped it exactly where I said I would for a homerun. As I was trotting around the bases, I looked into the dugout and saw that my teammates were literally on the ground laughing and young Johnny was already off in a full sprint retrieving the homerun ball. I still have this baseball and Johnny Larson's signature is on it. Unfortunately, this story does not have a happy ending. The next time up, I got plunked in the head on the very first pitch for doing my Babe Ruth imitation...and by the way Willie and Sturmy...I did not scream! The other game I will always remember is one I was not apart of. Ryan Sturm texted me to get my butt down to his game to watch St. Cloud State play Mankato State. He told me if I came, he would go yard the second game and take over the game by himself. Well, gosh darn it, reluctantly I went and sure enough Ryan did exactly what he said...Bottom line....Ryan Sturm is a stud! Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: I believe that Gold Bond should be outlawed at all levels of baseball...that stuff can hurt you. Favorite MLB Team: Marty's Team... the Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: I would have to say my favorite baseball player of all time is a seed salesman by the name of Christopher Sturm. His ability to articulate his thoughts and feelings about baseball, farming, and women put him in a league of his own. A close second would be my man, Brandon Wilhelmi. He never backs down from a challenge, loves to compete, he loves pressure situations and perhaps most importantly, he voted for me as his favorite baseball player of all time! Who can argue with that??? Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Unfortunately, I was not at this game and was not his catcher, but that does not mean I cannot share my thoughts. Young Chris called me hours after he gave up the long ball. He reached me by cell at approximately 3:30 in the morning. He told me he needed to talk and as a teammate, future farmer and friend, I was there for him. In a emotional, quivering voice, he told me it was just another routine fly ball that happened to get caught up in a jet-stream of wind and carried just barely over the 315 foot sign. According to Chris, if the left fielder at the time would have had any vertical at all the ball would have been easily caught. I was also informed that the batter was using an aluminium bat which unfortunately the umpire did not notice. Hey brothers....I believe that we need to run Chris Sturm back onto the mound so he can prove he is more than just a preacher, farmer, ladies man and seed salesman....he is a legitimate pitcher who Tomahawk baseball teams will fear for years to come. Parting Thoughts: 1. Institute the DH rule in the National League. 2. Take the time to read the parting thoughts written by Ryan Sturm...you got to be kidding me! 3. See you at the fire!!!!

#13 Jordan Milbrath Nickname: Milly Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 8/1 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2009 - present Position(s): P, OF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2010 Family: parents: David & Lori, siblings: Cody, Cole, Taylor, Lucas, and Olivia Job: Red Rock Quarry Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Playing baseball with all of the guys Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): High School baseball, Springfield American Legion Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Beating Tracy to win the tournament Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Wood bats used in college ball Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: "The Ryan Express" aka Nolan Ryan Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: I never got to see it, but have heard the story many times over. I played in St. Stephen's ballpark and saw how tall the Redwood trees on steroids were. Ever since I joined the team I have also noticed that Chris doesn't pitch anymore. I wish he would for at least one inning so we would have something to talk about next year. Parting Thoughts: I'd like to thank the good Lord for making me a Tiger!

#14 Steve Helget Nickname: Davis Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 9/25 Years Playing With The Tigers: 26 years Position(s): Manager/DH High School/Graduation Year: Comfrey High School - Class of 1983 College: Worthington Community College Family: wife: Chris, children: Kalley & Tori Job: Car Salesman for Kohls-Weelborg Chevrolet, Springfield Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: never have to quit, no age limit Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Coach of Springfield Legion team 1999 to 2007. Helping coach Town Team for the past 18 years. Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : 1998 State Tournament games, 1999 District Legion Tournament beating Windom in extra innings Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: go back to aluminum bats Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Kirby Puckett, Randy Johnson Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Just got an email from the St. Stephen coach, "Please do not damage any trees this year with flying baseballs by allowing #23 to pitch" Parting Thoughts: Please stay healthy in '09!

#15 Dan Christensen Nickname: Poncho Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 12/13 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2009 - present Position(s): IF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2010 Family: parents: Jeff & Doreen, sister: Emily, brother: Cole Job: farm work Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: taking my game to the next level Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): high school ball, Legion, VFW Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : beating No. 1 ranked Cathedral in '09 season Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: must slide rule Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Jose Reyes Parting Thoughts: Baseball is 90% mental and 10% physical

#18 Bryant Krebs Nickname: BK Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 9/1 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2008 - present Position(s): P/OF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2006 College: North Hennepin Community College Family: parents: Butch & Melissa, siblings: Elizabeth, Derek, and Trevor Job: Construction Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Playing baseball with the guys in God's country Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): High School Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Comeback win over Wabasso in Adrian to continue in the playoffs of '05. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Everyone use wood bats Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Kirby Puckett Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Honestly, I don't remember much from that weekend, however that pitch would be extremely hard to forget!! Parting Thoughts: A human head remains conscious for about 15 to 20 seconds after it has been decapitated. Also, around 2,000 left-handed people die annually due to improper use of equipment designed only for right handed people.

#21 Jake Miesen Nickname: Jake "the snake" Miesen, Marv, Rob Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 7/19 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2007-present Position(s): P/C/IF (anywhere Davis puts me) High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2006 College: Bemidji State University (Home of Paul Bunyan and all you can eat wings for $7 at Bar 209) Family: parents: John & Ann, sister: Andrea Job: State Farm Insurance Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Stark Burgers, cold beer, and Andrew Moritz's Beard Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Bemidji State Baseball Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Pitching against the 4th ranked team in the nation, Ouchita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Arkansas my freshmen year. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: The "Bean Ball" as a pitcher, if a batter gets beaned he shouldn't be allowed first base. I don't even throw that hard, I know it doesn't hurt, besides it slipped! Favorite MLB Team: Two time World Series Champions, The Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: "Puck" Kirby Puckett Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Moonshot! Different Zip Code! Not Coming Back! Off The Reservation! Parting Thoughts: It saddens me to inform you that I will no longer be able to serve you as Brown County's leader in residential painting, however those of you who are looking to purchase any type of insurance policies please let me know!

#22 Matt Tews Nickname: Tews(er) Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 7/8 Years Playing With The Tigers: 5 Position(s): P/IF High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2004 College: University of Saint Thomas, University of Minnesota Law School Family: parents: Charles & Janelle, brother: Michael Job: Student Attorney, Ramsey County Public Defender Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: The drive back, past New Ulm, Sigel, Stark, and Leavenworth on a Friday afternoon; Marty's mix tapes during warm ups; taking ground balls before the game; getting the 'nod'; walking back from the bullpen and letting Midge give me advice; keeping it low and on the outside corner or dropping the deuce; the last out of a win; the campfires at Fink's after the game; doing it all over again on Sunday; and the late night drive home, still in uniform, at the end of the weekend. Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Springfield Baseball teams my whole life, University of Saint Thomas (2005-2007) Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : The 3rd game of the Essig series that sent us to state in 2007. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Metal bats in college; it is a joke and a deathtrap for pitchers. Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: The greatest hitter of all time: Ted Williams; and a guy who pitched his last game without the benefit of a rotator cuff: Brad Radke. Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: It was the first home run I have ever laughed out loud about while playing. Needless to say, it wasn't a just a bomb, it was a long range, jet propelled, nuclear device that luckily, didn't cause any lasting damage to China because it broke through Earth's atmosphere, and was last seen by the Hubble telescope, somewhere near Uranus. Parting Thoughts: Let's have a great season guys.

#23 Chris Sturm Nickname: Vaughn Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 6/27 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2006-present Position(s): OF/1B/P High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 1998 College: SDSU Family: parents: Pat & Beth, brothers: Nick and Zach Job: seed sales Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: team camaraderie Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Parker, SD; Spicer, MN; Leavenworth Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of: beating Essig to go to State in '07 Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: It's not a rule, but I think pitch count is ridiculous Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Derek Jeter Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: I got a bad spot from Willie. Usually when a catcher sets up and you hit the spot good things happen, I guess that's what happens when your personal catcher, Bob Fink, isn't behind the plate.

#25 Marc Salazar Nickname: Marcy Marc Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 5/24 Years Playing With The Tigers: 2009 - present Position(s): 1B High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School Class of 2009 College: undecided Family: parents: Noemi & Marco Valencia, brothers: Michael & Max, sisters: Amanda & Marissa Job: none Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: swinging with a wooden bat Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): playing high school and summer baseball Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : 4/23/09 vs BLH Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: let high school use wooden bats Favorite MLB Team: New York Yankees Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Alex Rodriguez Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: I wish I saw it because everyone said that it was a bomb and that it was gone, so I wish I would of seen it Parting Thoughts: Have fun when you're playing baseball

#33 Jesse Berg Nickname: Bergie Bat/Throw: L/R Birthday: 10/25 Years Playing With The Tigers: 13 years Position(s): P/3B/1B High School/Graduation Year: Red Rock Central - Class of 1997 College: Rochester Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College, Minnesota West Community College, and finally...THE St. Cloud State University Family: Married to Emily (Van Hee) for over 4 years, son Elway (2), daughter Finnley (11 months) Job: Seed Quality Supervisor - Monsanto Company, Waco Corn Production (DeKalb Corn), Waco, NE Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Playing with a bunch of guys who love the game of baseball and "dugout talk" Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Played college ball at Iowa Lakes CC, and MW West Community College, I made the team at St. Cloud State and coach told me two weeks later that I couldn't play because my college eligibility was up (yeah imagine that seeing my long list of colleges above!!!) Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : State tourney games in 1998, the romping we gave Carlos in '07, the home game against Essig we won to clinch a state berth in '07, playing at the Metrodome for the first time as a freshman in high school. Here's my interesting story to share. It's not nearly as god-like as Bob Fink's, but it involves arguably the best team he ever coached. The last week of the baseball season my freshmen year my team (Red Rock Central) was at the top of the conference standings and looking to continue playing well going into the playoffs. The last game on the schedule was at Springfield. Both teams had been very dominant the whole year and with tournament seeds all wrapped up the game seemed to be a tune up game for the playoffs. With that said my high school coach told me that he was planning on resting our #1 and #2 starters (Chris Pack and Pete Lyle) and starting me. As we showed up in rival Springfield's ball park I notice that there's a big left hander warming up in the outfield for Springfield, it was there senior stud hitter/pitcher/Mr. everything, Phil Clennon. Phil had thrown numerous no hitters throughout his career and also held many pitching and hitting records. So here it was... what a pitching matchup, Phil Clennon for Springfield against Jesse Berg of Red Rock Central, who no one had really even heard of...yet anyway... At the time I was 6 feet tall and weighed about 160 pounds soaking wet. Springfield ended up beating us 5-2. Phil Clennon and "Super Dave" Groebner both went 2-5 with a double and a home run each. Besides the damage provided by Clennon and Groebner I threw a pretty good ballgame. The only positives I pulled from that game was that I at least got Phil and Dave out 6 of the 10 times I faced them, and speedster centerfielder Jimmy Bauer was thrown out trying to steal for the first time all season. It was on a pitchout when he was trying to steal third base. We (RRC) ended up getting beat in the region tournament that year and Springfield got no-hit in the state tournament that ended a very successful year for the Tigers. The real ironic part of the story is that little did I know that 3 years later Dale "Lumber" Lindmeier and Steve "Davis" Helget would sign me to a contract to play amateur ball in Springfield. I since then have become lifelong friends with many of those Tiger players I faced as a freshman, and have had the honor to play with many of them on the field during my amateur baseball career. Baseball Rule, At Any Level, You'd Like To See Changed: Have the DH rule for MLB either thrown out completely or have the rule in effect for both the AL and NL. I feel that pitchers who have spent their whole career in the NL have skewed strikeout numbers when comparing them to pitchers who pitched their whole careers in the AL. AL pitchers don't have the opportunity to throw against hitting pitchers with career .100 BAs. The sad thing is I don't see that rule change coming any time soon. Not necessarily a rule change, but for cripes sake put Bert Blyleven in the Hall of Fame!!! Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins and believe it or not the New York Yankees (I can explain). No I am not a bandwagon Yankees fan that started liking the team back in the mid 90's when they started winning titles. People fail to remember that the Yankees had some awful teams in the mid 80's to early 90's...do the names Alvaro Espinoza, Steve Howe, Claudell Washington, and Cecilio Guante ring a bell? No, probably not, since the Yankees really sucked during the time period I previously stated!!! Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Darryl Strawberry Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Wow Sturmy seriously...yeah we know that you say you can "throw" and your arm "feels fine", but just like the end of a Bud Light commercial "you need to know when to say when". The best part of that traumatic experience was after the game when Sturmy, Schwabie, Davis and I went to Brent Weber's house in Sartell and Schwabie explained the atmospheric change that took place when Sturmy gave up the bomb to Brent, who mind you played minor league ball for the Atlanta Braves. For some reason, Weber told his kids to get into the house in fear that ball that was hit didn't hit the ground yet and it might kill one of his kids on impact when it lands!!! All BS aside, it's good to see Sturmy take the bull by the horns and actually want to go on the mound and throw, unlike another Sturm I know (it's getting better though)... Oh yeah, I'll get to you Ryan... Parting Thoughts: I've got to know a lot of great people over my years of playing baseball. Marty Brandl, Steve Helget, Bob Fink just to name a few... Then there are a few that stick out above and beyond the rest of them...one of those people being Ryan Sturm... Here's a guy that I've groomed over the years and who has finally started to become man. Year after year, he's soaked in my BS stories, one liners in the dugout, and drunken stories at the Bob Fink fire pit. After all of this he chooses to repay me for aiding in his personal development by reverting to a Laffy Taffy type joke he read last week about wearing a five gallon pail for a hat?? Well I of course, once again being the more mature person, I will not stoop to those levels and make attacks based on looks, but all I have to say is one thing...some day, if you continue listening to what I say and acting like I do, you will someday possibly become have as cool as me. One more thing, you cannot make fun of the master, and if you do it has to be something better than the hat joke. It was actually kind of funny but you still have a long ways to go. Something to shoot for that will get you a long ways in life. Remember I have the ultimate slam on you to pull out of my back pocket whenever I need to, or whenever someone asks me to tell the story again!!! All BS aside I look forward to playing with you again this summer Sturmy and you have been one the best friends I've had over all of my years with the Tigers... After all, you were on the 7 year college plan like I was, so you did follow my footsteps as far as that goes, and at the same school even. It's not a question if I can lead, it's if you can follow...

#40 Al Wilhelmi Nickname: Willie Bat/Throw: R/R Birthday: 8/26 Years Playing With The Tigers: 7 Position(s): IF/OF High School/Graduation Year: Morgan High School - Class of 1974 Family: wife: Betty, children: Brandon and Tiffany Job: Feed Mill Manager at Watje Feed Service in Clements Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Getting to know players and their personalities (plus the stories some can tell) Other baseball experience (coaching, other teams): Coached Midgets in Clements, helped high school and Legion baseball, played and coached first and third in amateur ball Most Memorable Game, At Any Level, You've Been A Part Of : Clements Midgets at Sanborn took 2nd place, Clements vs Redwood Favorite MLB Team: Minnesota Twins Favorite Baseball Player Of All Time: Don't really have one, guys that work their butt off Thoughts On The Home Run Chris Sturm Gave Up At St. Stephen: Wasn't there