Category: News

Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) news, highlights and everything associated with the CRBL.

2025 CRBL Website Info

How Ballplayers and Fans Used the CRBL Website

  • Total Visitors – 16,410 (up 49.28% from 2024)
  • Total Page Views – 150,750 (up 27.83% from 2024)
  • Most Users in One Day – Sunday, June 1st – 260
  • Most Page Views in One Day – Sunday, June 1st – 2,233

Most Popular Pages in 2025 (Excludes Homepage)

League Leaders for 2025 Season

View all the hitting and pitching Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) statistical league leaders for the 2025 season.

CRBL Hitting Leaders

PlayerTeamHABAVG (min 42 AB’s)
Jordan SteinmetzTilden Tigers2443.558
Luke EricksonCadott Red Sox 2757.474
Jack GormanTilden Tigers2553.472
Sam FeckCadott Red Sox2043.465
Sam KnickerbockerEau Claire Cavaliers2963.460
Xavier BembnisterEau Claire Cavaliers2759.458
Logan BurzynskiCadott Red Sox3475.453
Nolan MatsonOsseo Merchants3070.429
Sawyer SteinChippewa Falls LumberJacks1842.429
Blake JohnsonEau Claire Bears2152.404
PlayerTeamAB
Logan BurzynskiCadott Red Sox75
Jace CotaJim Falls Sturgeons74
Cole BakkumCadott Red Sox73
Nolan MatsonOsseo Merchants70
Jake VarshoChipppewa Falls LumberJacks68
PlayerTeamHits
Logan BurzynskiCadott Red Sox34
Nolan MatsonOsseo Merchants30
Sam KnickerbockerEau Claire Cavaliers29
Jace CotaJim Falls Sturgeons28
Xavier BembnisterEau Claire Cavaliers27
Luke EricksonCadott Red Sox27
PlayerTeam2B
Liam BrennanJim Falls Sturgeons7
Nolan MatsonOsseo Merchants6
Jace CotaJim Falls Sturgeons6
Luke EricksonCadott Red Sox6
Jack RedwineCadott Red Sox6
PlayerTeam3B
Brayton ThillmanEau Claire Cavaliers3
Josh HallingEau Claire Bears2
Jim ThillEau Claire Bears2
Jordan SteinmetzTilden Tigers2
PlayerTeamHR
Sam FeckCadott Red Sox4
Luke EricksonCadott Red Sox3
Ryan FreitagOsseo Merchants3
Jonah HansonCadott Red Sox3
Caleb GardowChippewa Falls LumberJacks3
AJ SchemenauerJim Falls Sturgeons3
PlayerTeamRBI’s
Logan BurzynskiCadott Red Sox25
Luke EricksonCadott Red Sox24
Sam FeckCadott Red Sox21
Carter StelterJim Falls Sturgeons21
Jack RedwineCadott Red Sox20
Jack GormanTilden Tigers20
PlayerTeamR
Luke EricksonCadott Red Sox25
Ryan FreitagOsseo Merchants24
Jordan SteinmetzTilden Tigers23
Jack RedwineCadott Red Sox22
Cole BakkumCadott Red Sox22
PlayerTeamSB
Xavier BembnisterEau Claire Cavaliers14
Ryan CasimierEau Claire Bears11
Vinnie FontiEau Claire Bears10
Trenton DahnertAugusta Athletics9
Josh HallingEau Claire Bears8
PlayerTeamGP
Liam BrennanJim Falls Sturgeons20
Logan BurzynskiCadott Red Sox20
Mason TesterJim Falls Sturgeons20
Nolan MatsonOsseo Merchants20
Carter HesselmanCadott Red Sox20
Devon McCuneWhitehall Whitetails20
Connor HicksBloomer Woodticks20
Jake VarshoChippewa Falls LumberJacks20
Brennan KingAugusta Athletics20
There were 260 recorded players in CRBL play for 2025. From that group, only the nine players listed above played in all 20 league games this season.
TeamHitsAB’sAVG
Cadott Red Sox225626.359
Eau Claire Cavaliers211669.315
Eau Claire Bears188632.297
Tilden Tigers180609.296
Chippewa Falls LumberJacks173597.290
Jim Falls Sturgeons174601.290
Osseo Merchants175605.289
Augusta Athletics138561.246
Beef River Bullfrogs134549.244
Bloomer Woodticks127549.231
Whitehall Whitetails115582.198

CRBL Pitching Leaders

PlayerTeamERIPERA (min 20 IP)
Luke EideOsseo Merchants448.00.58
Andrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers853.21.34
Will JacobsonJim Falls Sturgeons842.11.70
Gio BasileCadott Red Sox631.21.71
Alex ByomOsseo Merchants9361.75
Tyler WebbWhitehall Whitetails1045.11.99
Jack GablerCadott Red Sox5212.14
Aiden EckerEau Claire Cavaliers729.12.15
Brandon SyllaWhitehall Whitetails10392.31
Tyler GrayEau Claire Bears7252.52
PlayerTeamIP
Tyson LucasChippewa Falls LumberJacks74.1
Andrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers53.2
Jesse UrbanekBloomer Woodticks50.2
Luke EideOsseo Merchants48.0
Wesley BoyarskiBeef River Bullfrogs45.2
PlayerTeamW
Tyson LucasChippewa Falls LumberJacks7
Andrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers6
Luke EideOsseo Merchants5
Zach ThiesseCadott Red Sox5
four tied with4
PlayerTeamK
Tyler WebbWhitehall Whitetails72
Andrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers67
Luke EideOsseo Merchants65
Tyson LucasChippewa Falls LumberJacks61
Aaron SkrypekEau Claire Bears58
PlayerTeamSaves
Alex ByomOsseo Merchants2
nine tied with 1
PlayerTeamWHIP (min 20 IP)
Luke EideOsseo Merchants0.646
Andrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers0.969
Aiden EckerEau Claire Cavaliers0.989
Tyler WebbWhitehall Whitetails1.037
Devon McCuneWhitehall Whitetails1.050
TeamERIPERA
Osseo Merchants39151.11.80
Cadott Red Sox401442.50
Eau Claire Bears45159.22.54
Eau Claire Cavaliers591633.26
Whitehall Whitetails58152.13.43
Chippewa Falls LumberJacks661444.13
Jim Falls Sturgeons701474.27
Tilden Tigers80146.14.92
Beef River Bullfrogs1311358.73
Bloomer Woodticks158135.210.52
Augusta Athletics170136.211.20

All-League Awards Handed Out

The Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) managers have voted and selected the 2025 all-league awards.

PositionPlayerTeam
OFLuke EricksonCadott Red Sox
OFJordan SteinmetzTilden Tigers
OFRyan FreitagOsseo Merchants
3BWill ThibodeauBeef River Bullfrogs
SSCarter HesselmanCadott Red Sox
2BReilly GapinskiEau Claire Cavaliers
1BSam FeckCadott Red Sox
CSam KnickerbockerEau Claire Cavaliers
UTNolan MatsonOsseo Merchants
DHLiam Brennan Jim Falls Sturgeons
PLuke EideOsseo Merchants
PAndrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers
PGio BasileCadott Red Sox
  • Luke Eide was the only unanimous selection
  • Knickerbocker, Freitag and Eide are repeat winners.
  • The all-time leader in All-CRBL awards is Andy Niese with 13.

Honorable Mention All-CRBL

TeamPlayerPosition
Augusta AthleticsTrenton DahnertOF
Beef River BullfrogsWes BoyarskiP
Bloomer WoodticksPatrick CallaghanOF
Cadott Red SoxLogan BurzynskiOF
Chippewa Falls LumberJacksTyson LucasP
Eau Claire BearsAaron SkrypekUT
Eau Claire CavaliersXavier BembnisterUT
Jim Falls SturgeonsWill JacobsonP
Osseo MerchantsJesse BrockmanSS
Tilden TigersLucas SteinmetzOF
Whitehall WhitetailsTyler WebbP
  • Brockman and Bembnister are repeat winners.

Gold Glove Awards

TeamPlayerPosition
Augusta AthleticsCole Stenson2B
Beef River BullfrogsKyle MaugOF
Bloomer WoodticksThomas StoffelSS
Cadott Red SoxCarter HesselmanSS
Chippewa Falls LumberJacksCJ VarshoOF
Eau Claire BearsJosh HallingOF
Eau Claire CavaliersBrayton ThillmanOF
Jim Falls SturgeonsCarter Stelter3B
Osseo MerchantsJoe Zawacki1B
Tilden TigersBen SteinmetzOF
Whitehall WhitetailsDevon McCuneOF
  • This is the fifth season for the CRBL’s Gold Glove Awards.

Other CRBL Awards

AwardPlayerTeam
Rookie of the YearJack GormanTilden Tigers
MVPLuke EricksonCadott Red Sox
Jim Hoepner – Pitcher of the YearLuke EideOsseo Merchants
Jan Krueger – Manager of the YearRick DanielsonCadott Red Sox
Sportsmanship AwardBloomer Woodticks
  • Luke Eide has won back-to-back Pitcher of the Year awards.
  • The Bloomer Woodticks have the most CRBL Sportsmanship Awards of any team with 12.

League Championship Set

  • #1 Seed – Cadott Red Sox
  • #2 Seed – Eau Claire Bears
  • #3 Seed – Eau Claire Cavaliers
  • #4 Seed – Chippewa Falls LumberJacks

  • Saturday, August 2nd, 12:30 pm – Location TBD.
  • It’s the first time Cadott has qualifed for the league championship since it was instituted in 2014.
  • The CRBL Championship has been won by seven division champs and three wildcards.
  • The Tilden Tigers have won a league record 19 league championships and has made a record 39 appearances in the championship game. The Tigers’ first year of league play was 1946.
  • It’s the first time since 2018 Tilden has not qualified for CRBL Championship.
  • The next closest franchise is the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks with 7 CRBL crowns.
  • CRBL Hall of Famer Shane Dutton is the only player to win multiple championship game MVP awards, doing so for Augusta in 1998 and 1999. The award has been given annually since 1998.
  • The first championship “contest” was a series, taking place in 1928 when the Eagleton Eagletons beat Eau Claire Union 2 games to 0.
  • Including 2025, this is the 97th season of play in CRBL history. Within that time frame, there have been 12 championship series. This Saturday marks the 62nd championship game.

CRBL Managers Select All-Star Teams

The Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) managers voted and selected the 2025 North and South All-Star teams. The CRBL All-Star game will be hosted at Casper Park by the Tilden Tigers on Sunday, July 6th at 2 pm. The 2025 Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during the game.


North All-Stars

PositionPlayerTeam
CJonah HansonCadott Red Sox
1BSam FeckCadott Red Sox
2BJack KeinCadott Red Sox
3BCarter StelterCadott Red Sox
SSJake VarshoChippewa Falls LumbjerJacks
OFJordan SteinmetzTilden Tigers
OFLuke EricksonCadott Red Sox
OFLogan BurzynskiCadott Red Sox
DHCole ZwiefelhoferTilden Tigers
EHCole BakkumCadott Red Sox
PTyson LucasChippewa Falls LumberJacks
PGio BasileCadott Red Sox
PWill JacobsonJim Fall Sturgeons
PZach ThiesseCadott Red Sox
PPJ LequiaTilden Tigers
PJesse UrbanackBloomer Woodticks
CCaleb GardowChippewa Falls LumberJacks
1BJacob LacyTilden Tigers
2BJake NelsonChippewa Falls LumberJacks
SSCarter HesselmanCadott Red Sox
3BMatt MartineauChippewa Falls LumberJacks
OFLiam BrennanJim Falls Sturgeons
OFPatrick CallaghanBloomer Woodticks
OFJack RedwineCadott Red Sox
EHCorey PoirierBloomer Woodticks
The North will be managed by Nolan Hutzler (Chippewa Falls LumberJacks)
*Rosters subject to change*

South All-Stars

PositionPlayerTeam
CSam KnickerbockerEau Claire Cavaliers
1BBlake JohnsonEau Claire Bears
2BWill ThibodeauBeef River Bullfrogs
3BTyler PlitznerEau Claire Bears
SSHunter GuentherEau Claire Bears
OFJosh HallingEau Claire Bears
OFVinne FontiEau Claire Bears
OFAshton CrowellEau Claire Cavaliers
DHSawyer SturzEau Claire Bears
EHRyan FreitagOsseo Merchants
PAndrew MilnerEau Claire Cavaliers
PTy WebbWhitehall Whitetails
PBrandon SyllaWhitehall Whitetails
PAaron SkrypekEau Claire Bears
PLuke EideOsseo Merchants
PTyler GrayEau Claire Bears
CNolan MatsonOsseo Merchants
1BLogan HesselmanEau Claire Cavaliers
2BJim ThillEau Claire Bears
3BXavier BembnisterEau Claire Cavaliers
SSJesse BrockmanOsseo Merchants
OFBrayton ThillmanEau Claire Cavaliers
OFAlex ByomOsseo Merchants
OFDevon McCuneWhitehall Whitetails
The South will be managed by Aaron Hagberg (Osseo Merchants)
*Rosters subject to change*

  • 69th All-Star game
  • The South leads the series 35-16
  • The South won the last meeting 2-0 on July 6th at Grudem Field, hosted by Jim Falls Sturgeons.

2025 Team Previews / Rosters

The Augusta Athletics baseball organization announced today they are entering their third season with renewed optimism and higher aspirations, retaining a strong core of veteran players (Cody & JJ Breaker, Logan Brown, Cole Stensen, Brennan King, Nolan Taylor, Jacob & Aiden Rosemeyer) who have been with the team since its inception.

After two formative seasons establishing their presence in the league, the Athletics have focused on continuity and growth, keeping key talent while incorporating valuable lessons learned during their developmental years.

“What makes this season special is the chemistry we’ve built over the past two years,” said Manager Byron King, who is entering his third season with the club. “Our returning players bring not just talent, but a deep understanding of our system and each other’s playing styles.”

The A’s emphasized that roster stability was a priority during the offseason, allowing the team to focus on refinement rather than rebuilding. Several players who have been with the organization since day one will return to anchor both the batting lineup (JJ Breaker, Logan Brown) and pitching rotation (Chris Komanec, JJ Breaker). The A’s are also welcoming a couple players from the EC Riverman, who folded this off season.

The A’s will continue to play on Jan Krueger Diamond at Memorial Field in Augusta and we look forward to seeing everyone at the field this summer!

ROSTER: Brennan King, Nolan Taylor, JJ Breaker, Cody Breaker, Cole Stensen, Logan Brown , Alec Lyle, Jakob Rosemeyer, Aiden Rosemeyer, Ashton Oliver, Brice Shimon, Chris Komaniac, Hayden Gustifison, Tanner Walker, Joe Myrold, Wyatt Draves, Kaden Alexander

Managers: Duane Ives & Byron King

The 2024 Bullfrogs season was a big step in the right direction despite only winning 5 games. The Frogs earned their first trip to the WBA playoffs since 2018 and secured a victory over the Tri-County Timberjaxx before falling to Rib Lake. The Frogs return about their entire roster from the 2024 season. Taylor Rathke begins his 10th season with the Bullfrogs, and 3rd season as a Manager. Will Thibodeau, Mason Bauer, Ryan Gray and Kyle Maug are among the core that return to the Frogs lineup this season. On the Mound, the arms remain similar to years past. Wes Boyarski, Ethan Bartels, and George Munson will pace the staff. We also welcome and Hank Munson, who will be making their Bullfrogs debut this year. We are excited to get the 2025 season rolling in Strum!

ROSTER: Austin Baker, Mason Bauer, Ethan Bartels, Justin Becker, Wesley Boyarski, Colin Boyarski, Dylan Fox, Ryan Gray, Carter Johnson, Reese Lucas, Kyle Maug, Ethan Maug, George Munson, Hank Munson, Taylor Rathke, Will Seymour, Storm Standiford, Will Thibodeau, Chase Williams, Austin Jaggar, Preston Semling, Ivan Nespil, Eli Hazuga, Preston Benedict (Coach)

The Bloomer Woodticks are gearing up for the 2025 season! Founded in 1927 , the Bloomer Woodticks have become an integral part of the community and are proud to represent the town of Bloomer with teamwork and good sportsmanship! With a mix of veteran players and promising newcomers, the Fightin’ Woodticks are looking forward to hitting the field with fresh energy and determination this season.

ROSTER:  Brent Sarauer, Cole Hansen, Cole Schwab, Connor Hicks, Collin Crane, Connor Crane, Corey Poirier, Curtis Dachel, Curtis Neskar, Jackson Simmons, Jake Malinowski, Jay Ryder, Jeremiah Campbell, Jesse Urbanek, Keagan Yohnk, Matt Schley, Marcus Harelstad, Nolan Wysocki, Patrick Callaghan, Sean Hurt, Thomas Stoffel, Truman Lokken

2024 was a memorable year for the Red Sox. Cadott swept their WBA Regional and made it to the Final 8 for the first time in over 40 years. The eventual State Champion River Falls Fighting Fish knocked the Sox out of the playoffs. Cadott finished 10-10 (18-11 overall) in the always tough CRBL.

In 2025 the Red Sox look to take another step forward. They return the majority of their guys from last season and have a couple exciting new players joining the squad. Expectations are high!

Offensively the Sox hit .309 last year and led the CRBL with 14 home runs. On the infield Cadott will be led by All CRBL second baseman Jack Kein (.327, 18 h, 19 runs, 4 dbl, 20 bb, 5 hbp). Versatile 3-time All Star Chad Kron (.341, 19 r, 3 hr) is set to play a corner infield spot. Slick fielding Carter Hesselman (.308 14 rbi) returns as the team’s shortstop. All Star catcher and team leader Jonah Hanson (3 hr, 13 rbis, 15 bb) will be behind the plate again this season. Rookie Cole Perlberg, Sam Feck, Axel Tegels and Conor O’Reilly will be counted on heavily by Cadott this year as well.

In the outfield All Star and Gold Glove winner Luke Erickson will be roaming centerfield again. Erickson led the team with a .429 batting average. Logan Burzynski (.300, 3 hr) will be back in left field. Erickson and Burzynski each tied for team lead in hits (21) and rbis (15) in 2024. Allstar Jack Redwine (.308, 18 h, 13 rbi) returns to right field for the Sox as well. After a year away Tony Riley will be back with the Sox to provide some veteran leadership and add to the outfield depth.

On the mound All CRBL pitcher Zack Thiesse (2.39 era, 64 k) will be back leading the staff once again. Thiesse was a workhorse for the Sox in 2024, he led the CRBL in wins (8) and innings pitched (82.2). Gio Basile is poised for a breakout season. Down the stretch Basile was tough. He picked up a save and a win in the WBA playoffs last season. Cadott hopes to get some innings from Warren Bowe, Cole Bakkum, Alex Schmidt, and Henry Wilkinson in 2025 as well. Newcomers Christian Schaller, Tyler Iverson, Jack Gabler, and Ryan Zimmerman will add to an already impressive pitching staff.

The field in Cadott is undergoing a major renovation this offseason. We are excited to announce we will have lights, a new scoreboard, and a concession stand/media booth by opening day this season. These new amenities will allow us to have night baseball in Cadott and will give the fans a much better viewing experience! We would like to thank all of our fans and sponsors for their support and donations throughout the years. This support is why we are able to have the Red Sox in Cadott.

And a special thank you to T&J Concrete, Bowe Trucking & Excavating, Rick’s Halfway Bar, the Cadott Lions Club, and Whispering Pines Golf Course for the added work and donations for all of the field upgrades.

ROSTER: Cole Bakkum, Gio Basile, Bennett Bowe, Warren Bowe, Logan Burzynski, Luke Erickson, Sam Feck, Jack Gabler, Jonah Hanson, Carter Hesselman, Tyler Iverson, Jack Kein, Chad Kron, Zac Merritt, Conor O’Reilly, Jalen Pascal, Cole Perlberg, Peyton Platter, Jack Redwine, Tony Riley, Christian Schaller, Alex Schmidt, Axel Tegels, Zack Thiesse, Henry Wilkinson, Ryan Zimmerman

The 2025 version of the Chippewa Falls LumberJacks will be looking to continue their successful tradition in the CRBL. In the past five years the Jacks have played in two CRBL playoffs including a runner up finish in 2021, five straight WBA appearances including qualifying for State in 2024. There were many team and individual highlights in 2024 for the Jacks. Appearing in the All Star game was starter CJ Varsho (CF) as well as Jake Varsho (SS), Tyson Lucas (P), Dawson Rice (P), and Blake Trippler (OF) as substitutes. All of them made significant contributions during the game for the North. Three LumberJacks were honored at the end of the CRBL season with All League awards and they were CJ Varsho (OF & Gold Glove), Tyson Lucas (P), and Jake Varsho (Honorable Mention SS). The Jacks would like to thank all of our sponsors, fans, media, and support staff for all of their efforts in keeping amateur baseball alive and well in Chippewa Falls. Our 2025 season looks to be an exciting one so come on out to Casper Park to watch us in action. Roll Jacks!

ROSTER: Preston Alger, Jack Bowe, Trevor Franz, RJ Freid, Caleb Gardow, Carter Gunderson, Ryan Krumenauer, Leo Lauscher, Blake Loegering, Tyson Lucas, Matt Martineau, Dawson Mathwig, Matt Pomietlo, Dawson Rice, Kellen Smith, Beau Snyder, Griffin Spindler, Sawyer Stein, Bennett Stokke, Blake Trippler, CJ Varsho, Jake Varsho, Dylan Waters

The Bears are back and ready to roll in the 2025 season. After a successful 2024 CRBL campaign that landed us in the CRBL championship game. The Bears took a heartbreaking loss with a trip to state on the line in the WBA regional. The Bears will be back with a majority of the same roster from last year with a few new additions. On top of returning the likes of ace Chevy Tollefson, and long time Bear staples Jim Thill, Todd Lasher, and Nate Kent. The Bears have added to the pitching staff with future CRBL Hall of Famer Tyler Gray. We are excited to get back on the field this summer. And look forward to continuing the Bears winning ways. GO BEARS

ROSTER: Chevy Tollefson, Grant Preston, Joe Halling, Ryan Flock, Vinni Fonti, Hunter Gunther, Tyler Plitzner, JR Lukes, Tyler Gray, Lance Lettner, Sawyer Struz, Tyler Oestreich, Alex Jinkins, Nate Kent, Josh Halling, Ryan Casimier, Jack Sandvik, Cody Urban, Aaron Skrypek, Jim Thill, Todd Lasher, Blake Johnson (manager)

The Eau Claire Cavaliers is an amateur baseball team that started in 1971. The 2025 baseball season will see the Eau Claire Cavaliers starting their 8th season as members of the Chippewa River Baseball League.

The 2024 baseball season saw the Cavaliers play the Osseo Merchants in the Chippewa River Baseball League’s Wild Card Wednesday game and won 6-5. The Cavaliers advanced to play the Eau Claire Bears in the Chippewa River Baseball League’s Championship Game and won 6-4 to claim their first Chippewa River Baseball League’s Championship trophy.

The Cavaliers qualify for the Wisconsin Baseball Association playoffs at the River Falls regionals. We started the playoffs playing the Everest Merchants and lost 6-1. The next day we played the River Falls Fighting Fish and lost 11-1.

CRBL Award Winners were Sam Knickerbocker CRBL Catcher, Xavier Bembnister Honorable Mention and Cade Mueller Golden Glove.

The Cavaliers would like to wish all of the teams of the Chippewa River Baseball League the best of luck in the league in 2025. We invite all baseball fans to come to Carson Park for baseball action at it’s best this summer.

ROSTER: Caden Erickson, Cole Tyman, Sam Knickerbocker, Xavier Bembnister, Andrew Milner, Trenton Palmer, Ashton Crowell, Eli Rathke, Mason Yarrington, Jerome Delikowski, Cooper Dykes, Brayton Thillman, Carter Vieth, Logan Hesselman, Laidel Torres, Aidan Eckert, Cade Mueller, Blake Bembnister, Reilly Gapinski and Ryne Hall.

ASST COACHES: Brian Myhre, Ryan Page

The Sturgeons’ hopes of improving on an 8-12 finish in 2023 took an early hit when ace pitcher Will Jacobson missed the early part of the season with arm problems. That Jim Falls succeeded in matching that mark was a testament to a team effort and the nimble juggling of manager Peter Thaler whose own injury left him somewhat less than nimble.

For one thing, the offense continued to improve as the team batting average soared to a lofty .310 with six .300+ hitters logging significant playing time. Rookie-of-the-Year candidate and CRBL Honorable Mention winner Jace Cota led in average at .429 (18-42 with 14 R, 10 RBI, 10 BB, and a 1.095 OPS while leading the team in triples and stolen bases). Close behind was All-CRBL shortstop Mason Tester (.418, 23-55, 16 R, 18 RBI, and 12 BB). Other leading hitters included Jackson Gugel (.405, 15-37, 10 R, 6 RBI, and 9 BB), AJ Schemenauer (.355, 22-62, 10 R, a team-leading 21 RBI, and 2 HR), Carter Stelter (.313, 10-32), and Bob Maurer (.310, 9-29).

The team’s gloves flashed with more gems than the crown jewels with the above named players supported by five defensive standouts who made their own contributions at the plate. Colton Turner nailed down a gold-glove citation at first base while hitting .277. Bobby Soran proved to be human with the bat (.298 with 15 RBI), as did Tristin Hable (.261, 12 R) as they anchored catcher and center field. Meanwhile, Jake Eslinger (.244, 10 RBI) and Evan Dennis (9 R) admirable manned third base and right field.

On the mound, Jacobson’s midseason comeback led to his leading the team with 45.2 innings while going 3-3 with 16 strikeouts and a 3.07 ERA. Schemenauer picked up much of the slack with a 3-2 mark in 29 IP with 15 K and a 4.83 ERA. In limited roles, Trevor Bowe was 1-0 at 2.33, and Gugel logged a 4.94 ERA. Finally, we can’t forget the contribution of Mike Maurer who, sadly, will be leaving us after graduation and joining the ranks of the employed. Mike’s 6.38 ERA was inflated by two outing he entered in the midst of opponents in mad feeding frenzies. Outside of these two games, his hurling dazzled, and he tossed the team’s lone shutout of the year.

Despite the somewhat disappointing record, the Sturgeons gained the WBA tournament and bested Holmen 8-7 in a thriller in the opener before bowing out the next day.

And no review of the 2024 season would be complete without the mention of our hosting of the All-Star game. The team would like to thank all the fans, volunteer workers, the Town of Anson, and all the teams of the CRBL who helped make it a wonderful success. Not to mention the rain clouds that graciously held off until the game was completed.

With a few comebacks, the lack of the distraction of hosting the All-Star game, and Thaler’s resolution to give up hip bumping, the Sturgeons look forward to a great 2025.

Welcome one and all to Sturgeon Stadium at Grudem Field.

ROSTER: Jace Cota, Jackson Gugel, Mason Tester, AJ Schemenauer, Bobby Soran, Jake Eslinger, Carter Stelter, Colton Turner, Evan Dennis, Noah Duex, Tristin Hable, Ben Westaby, Will Jacobson, Bob Maurer, Jonah Mueller, Karson Bowe, Pete Thaler, James Davis

After a breakthrough 2022 season, the Sturgeons took a step back in ’23 but still made the WBA tournament for the second consecutive year. One setback was the loss for most of the season of 2022 pitching ace and CRBL Rookie of the Year Will Jacobson. His stint on the DL did open the door for the emergence of AJ Schemenauer whose breakout year led to a 4.36 ERA over 41.1 innings. With Jacobson, who returned late to hurl 21.2 innings at a 3.74 clip, Jim Falls has a solid one two punch at the top of the rotation with several others waiting to show their stuff.

The Sturgeons also bring back some offense after finishing third in the league in team average at .306. Led by All-CRBL catcher Bobby Soran (.469, 3 HR, 13 RBI), the team backed him up with strong seasons by Honorable Mention winner Schemenauer (.400, 2 HR, 7 2B, 18 RBI), and Tristin Hable (.313, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 21 R). Jake Eslinger earned his first all-star appearance with a .271 average and 10 RBI. Meanwhile, all-star Bob Maurer and Mason Tester flirted with .300. Although the team loses some top players to the transfer portal and the ever-present job market, hopes are that the farm system will continue to produce–watch for new names among 2024 stars.

Excitement continues to grow in the Sturgeons’ pond over the coming of the CRBL All-Star Game to Sturgeon Stadium at Grudem Field this July 7. As plans go forward for expanded seating, parking, and all manner of creature comforts, the team and its fans anticipate a great celebration of hometown baseball.

Finally, the Sturgeons mourn the passing of two stalwarts from the ’60s who also faithfully led squads in Old Timers’ games over the years: Dick Hinke and Albert “Albie J” Witkus. So long, old friends.

ROSTER: Joe Blum, Tristin Hable, Nick Pitsch, Trevor Bowe, Will Jacobson, AJ Schemenauer, Liam Brennem, Raven Keyeski, Bryce Sykora, Evan Dennis, Wyatt Keyeski, Beau Snyder, Caleb Elkins, Isaac Lindstrom Bobby Soran, Jake Eslinger, Bob Maurer, Austin Sykora, Jackson Gugel, Curtis Neskar, Mason Tester

MANAGER: Pete Thaler

The Merchants are back to redeem themselves in 2025. A strong regular season resulted in a South Division Championship but fell short in postseason play. It’s no surprise the Merchant lineup and pitching staff will remain mostly unchanged. Merchant staples Luke Eide, Alex Byom, and Ryan Freitag will yet again lead this year’s squad along with a few fresh faces, Tyson Allen-Woodcock, Shane Sosinsky, and Hunter Sandberg.

We would like to thank all of our fans and sponsors for their volunteer efforts and donations throughout the years. Hope to see you all at the ballpark!

ROSTER: Alex Byom, Brandt Freitag, Cal Freitag, Ryan Freitag, Chase Watkins, Jaxon Kostka, Jesse Brockman, Joe Zawacki, Logan Boettcher, Luke Eide, Nolan Matson, Neal Matson, Scott Hovell, Todd Wienkes, Trent Vondrasek, Tyson Allen-Woodcock, Hunter Sandberg, Shane Sosinsky, Paxton Bush, Aaron Hagberg  – Manager

2024 Award Winners

CRBL MVP – Luke Eide

All CRBL DH – Ryan Freitag (.312, 8 2b,3 HR, 26 RBI, 23R)

All CRBL Pitcher – Luke Eide (7W-1L, 68 IP, 91K, 1.75 ERA)

Honorable Mention – Jesse Brockman (.361, 9 2b, 24 RBI, 17R)

Gold Glove – Logan Matson

Your 2024 WBA runner-up Tilden Tigers are back again for their 60th season in the CRBL. Coming off a valiant effort for gold last season, the Tigers look to redeem themselves in 2025. The Tigers look to keep up their hitting ways again in 2025 with the core of Steinmetz’s, (Drew, Jordan, Lucas, and Ben) all putting up stellar years last season, Cole Zwiefelhofer, coming off an All CRBL Team nod, and Nolan Baier, tied for the most home runs in the league last year locking up the hot corner. The Tigers will also have a masterful pitching staff led by PJ and Jake Lequia, who threw a combined 72.3 innings last year to a tune of a 7-0 record. Backed up by Stephen Scatassa, Cam Hazelton, and Brendan Bresina, the Tigers look to maintain their prowess on the rubber. Therefore, the Tilden Tigers look forward to having another successful and fulfilling season out on the diamond. And we look forward to seeing you at Casper Park this year to watch your 2025 Tilden Tigers.

ROSTER: Nolan Baier, Brecken Boisvert, Brendan Bresina, Jack Gorman, Cameron Hazelton, Jacob Lacy, Adam LaRock, Jake LeQuia, PJ Lequia, Ben Mettler, Caleb Moss, Stephen Scatassa, Luke Schemenauer, Ben Steinmetz, Drew Steinmetz, Jordan Steinmetz, Lucas Steinmetz, Cole Zwiefelhofer.

CRBL Baseball is returning to Whitehall!

The Whitehall Whitetails are excited about beginning their inaugural season. The Whitetails will play in the South Division of the Chippewa River Baseball League, taking a spot once occupied by the Whitehall Wolves. Our area is rich with baseball tradition, as evidenced by the success of the Wolves, CRBL Champs in 2012, 2013 & 2015.

The team will consist of players predominantly from Arcadia, Blair-Taylor, Eleva-Strum, Independence-Gilmanton and Whitehall. A roster will be finalized soon. Pete Bartingale will serve as our Field Manager. Chad McCune will be the team’s General Manager. Chad played in the league with Beef-River and Osseo.

Be sure to friend our Facebook Page for news and updates. Beautiful Melby Park, located in the heart of Whitehall will serve as our home field. We hope to see you there for a fun Summer of Whitehall Whitetails Baseball

ROSTER: Jake Bjerke, Vince Braun, Keegan Catts, Keegan Dewyre , Carter Gunderson , Chris Killian , Sam Killian , Braydon Lisowski , Devon McCune , Isaac Pape , Mason Pientok , Bryce Schorbahn , Jackson Shramek , Tavian Shramek , Isaac Skoyen , Brock Sluga , Aidan Sonsalla , Kyle Steien , Brandon Sylla , Joe Walgren , Tyler Webb , Colin Weltzien , Connor Weltzien , Parker Windjue

Chippewa River Baseball Season Preview

The 97th season of Chippewa River Baseball is set to open on Saturday April 26, 2025 with a matchup between the Bloomer Woodticks and the Jim Falls Sturgeons at Grudem Field. With 110 games played throughout the season, teams will have a collection of doubleheaders, two, 7-inning games, and single 9-inning games.

Other Notable Schedule Dates

  • Sunday, July 6th – CRBL All-Star Game hosted by the Tilden Tigers at Casper Park, 2 pm (Hall of Fame Classes of 2025 to be honored)
  • Wednesday, July 30th – Wildcard Wednesday
  • Saturday, August 2nd – Championship Saturday

The 2025 season saw the Eau Claire Rivermen fold and were replaced by the Whitehall Whitetails to keep the South Division at six teams.

Both the Tilden Tigers and Osseo Merchants claimed back-to-back titles a season ago, Tigers in the North division and Merchants in the South division. The Merchants hoisted the best league record at 18-2, but lost 6-5 on Wildcard Wednesday to the Eau Claire Cavaliers. The Tigers dropped their wildcard matchup to the Eau Claire Bears 8-4. The Cavs went onto win their first CRBL championship defeating the Eau Claire Bears 6-4 on August 3, 2024 at Cinder City Park.

Tilden and Osseo will continue to be the teams to beat in the North and South Divisions. Both Eau Claire teams, Bears and Cavaliers, should challenge Osseo for the South title while Cadott, Chippewa and Jim Falls may have the firepower to dethrone Tilden. Bloomer looks to improve on their one win season from a year ago. Augusta and Beef River will have a large hill to climb in the ultra competitive South division.

A noteable event took place during the winter meetings of the league. Andy Niese, longtime secretary and treasurer of the CRBL, stepped down after 28 years serving the league. Niese is widely known for his CRBL record book and beginning the CRBL Hall of Fame. He also managed the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks, before moving the team to Eau Claire and renaming them the Eau Claire Rivermen in 2017.

Niese Steps Down, CRBL Elects New Officers

After nearly a three-decade tenure, and one of the largest league contributors to the history of the CRBL, Andy Niese has stepped down as secretary and treasurer of the Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL). Niese, who began as the Vice President in 1997, has been the league secretary and treasurer since 1998. Additionally, Niese began the CRBL Hall of Fame in 2009 recognizing baseball players throughout the league history and completed a CRBL record book the same year. His record book was accepted into National Baseball Hall of Fame library at Cooperstown.

Niese commented, “It is hard to believe that nearly 30 years have gone by, but the never-ending obligations of life and work have necessitated that I reprioritize how and where I am giving my time.  In some manner I will always stay involved with the CRBL, just not quite to the extent I have been since becoming a league officer in 1997.”

Luke Anderson will step in as the secretary and Pete Thaler will accept the role of treasurer. Anderson, who has been a part of the Osseo Merchants for more than a decade, brings a lot of experience to the officer position. Thaler, the current manager of the Jim Falls, has managed the Sturgeons squad since 2020.

League president Rick Danielson said about Niese, “Andy has been a tremendous asset for the CRBL for close to three decades. His fingerprints are all over the league. Without him, we would not have a CRBL Hall of Fame or a CRBL record book. The league would like to thank him for all the hard work he has put in over the years.”

Niese, who is the all-time CRBL hits leader at 660, also managed the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks from 2007 to 2016 before transferring the team to Eau Claire and franchising the Eau Claire Rivermen in 2017. Niese is statistically scattered throughout the CRBL record books as a player and manager. He is the all-time leader in hits, singles, doubles, at-bats and games played as a player. He also holds the record for the most wins as a manager with 209 victories. Only one other manager has coached more CRBL games, Scott Stuckert managed 486 games, while Niese finished his managing career writing out the lineup 370 times.

Longtime Jim Falls Sturgeon and league Vice President Keith Pitsch added, “Since its inception, and even since its roots in the old Chippewa Valley League in the early 20th Century, there have been many people who have given greatly of their time and talents to make this an institution in West-Central Wisconsin, but I don’t think there is anyone who has done more for it than Andy. As I recall, the multitude of leagues that once spotted Wisconsin and are now only memories, the continued existence and flourishing of the CRBL is a testament to dedicated people, and none have been more dedicated than him. It has been an honor and a pleasure to have played against him, played with him, and worked with him over the years. His departure leaves a gaping hole which we will patch but never fill. I know many baseball lovers, like me, send our utmost gratitude to this man, one of a kind.”

Eau Claire Rivermen Fold, Whitehall Re-Enter CRBL

The Eau Claire Rivermen, formerly the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks, have folded and will not return for the 97th year of Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) baseball. The Rivermen moved from Chippewa in 2017. Whitehall has been re-instated into CRBL play after folding in 2021 with a new name. Formerly the Whitehall Wolves, who began CRBL play in 2005, this version will be called the Whitetails.

The Whitehall squad will replace the Eau Claire Rivermen in the south division.

Manager Nick Steig will lead the Whitetails onto the field, while Chad McCune will act as general manager and player personal for Whitehall.