Category: News

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

All-Star Game Recap

Results

Video

Details

Date Time
July 1, 2022 7:00 pm

Field

Carson Park
Cannery District, Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, 54703, United States


Game:
65th Annual All-Star Game

Date: Friday, July 1st, 7:00 pm

Location: Carson Park in Eau Claire


Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E

South 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 4 9 0

North 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 2


Pitching Summary IP H R ER BB K

(WP) Chevy Tollefson 1 0 0 0 1 1

(SV) Alex Byom 1 0 0 0 0 1

(LP) Leo Burmeister 1 1 1 0 0 1


Leading Hitters

(South) Ryan Freitag 1-2 (R, HR, RBI), Austin Lemay 1-3 (2B, RBI), Todd Lasher 1-3 (2B, RBI), Jesse Brockman 1-2 (2B), Alex St. John 1-1

(North) Jon Schoch 1-3 (2 R, HR, 2 RBI), Caden Erickson 1-2 (SB), Connor O’Reilly 1-2 (RBI)


Game Notes

  • Ryan Freitag was named game MVP. He hit the first itch of the game for a home run in the top of the first inning. Ryan was also named the All-Star game MVP in 2018.
  • This was the first CRBL All-Star game ever played at Carson Park.
  • This was the 65th CRBL All-Star game. The first was played in 1909 when the Eau Claire Giants beat the Chippewa Valley League All-Stars 1 to 0 at Driving Park in Eau Claire.
  • The South now leads the series 33-16 over the North.



Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) All-Stars Selected

The managers of the Chippewa River Baseball League (CRBL) have selected the 2022 all-star’s. Even with the elimination of the North and South divisions, the All-Star game will be played with the old division format. The CRBL all-star game will be hosted by the Eau Claire Cavaliers on July 1st at Carson Park in Eau Claire with a 7:00 pm start time.


North All-Stars

Position Player Team
C Tyler Plitzner Bloomer Fightin’ Woodticks
1B Cooper Kapanke Eau Claire Cavaliers
2B Matt Martineau Chippewa Fall LumberJacks
3B Caden Erickson Eau Claire Cavaliers
SS Drew Steinmetz Tilden Tigers
OF Jordan Steinmetz Tilden Tigers
OF Ben Steinmentz Tilden Tigers
OF Connor O’Reilly Eau Claire Cavaliers
DH Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers
EH Bob Mauer Jim Falls Sturgeons
P PJ Lequia Tilden Tigers
P Ethan Kjelberg Eau Claire Cavaliers
P Leo Burmeister Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
P Will Jacobson Jim Falls Sturgeons
P Michael Maurer Jim Falls Sturgeons
P Curtis Dachel Bloomer Woodticks
P/EH Noah Hanson Tilden Tigers
P Lucas Costley Eau Claire Cavaliers
C Caleb Gardow Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
IF Nolan Hutzler Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
OF Campbell Kapaenke Eau Claire Cavaliers
1B Justin Toman Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
OF Dawson Mattwig Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
OF Tristan Hable Jim Falls Sturgeons
IF Nolan Baier Tilden Tigers
IF/OF Jimmy Schemenauer Chippewa Falls LumberJacks


South All-Stars

Position Player Team
C Todd Wienkes Osseo Merchants
1B Joe Zawacki Osseo Merchants
2B Taylor Rathke Beef River Bullfrogs
3B Zac Merritt Cadott Red Sox
SS Chad Kron Cadott Red Sox
OF James Davis Eau Claire Rivermen
OF Alex St John Eau Claire Rivermen
OF Logan Burzynski Cadott Red Sox
DH Andy Niese Eau Claire Rivermen
EH Ryan Gray Beef River Bullfrogs
P Tyler Gray Eau Claire Rivermen
P Luke Eide Osseo Merchants
P Zach Thiesse Osseo Merchants
P Alex Byom Osseo Merchants
P Wes Boyarwski Beef River Bullfrogs
P Ethan Bartels Beef River Bullfrogs
P Joel Zacho Eau Claire Bears
P Chevy Tollefson Eau Claire Bears
P Tim Prince Beef River Bullfrogs
1B Austin LeMay Eau Claire Bears
2B Matt Miller Eau Claire Bears
SS Jesse Brockman Osseo Merchants
3B Jim Thill Eau Claire Bears
C Brendon McCabe Beef River Bullfrogs
OF Shawn Sedlacek Cadott Red Sox
OF Ryan Freitag Osseo Merchants
OF Todd Lasher Eau Claire Bears
EH Blake Johnson Eau Claire Bears
OF Lance Letter Eau Claire Rivermen

The North team will be managed by Pete Thaler and Pete Bartingale. The south team will be managed by Luke Anderson and Rick Danielson. Starting lineups to be determined at game time.

*NOTE: Rosters Subject to Change*


  • 65th All-Star game in CRBL History
  • The South leads the series 32 to 16
  • The South won the last meeting 2-1 on July 3rd, 2001 in Bloomer
  • This is the first CRBL all-star team hosted by the Eau Claire Cavaliers

2022 Team Previews / Rosters

The Beef River Bullfrogs look to bounce back from a disappointing 2021 season under the guidance of new coach and Bullfrogs legend Taylor Rathke.

The Bullfrogs will be sporting a young lineup that shows a lot of promise and potential. We have an offense led by Taylor Rathke, Wesley Boyarski, Kyle Maug, and Ryan Grey; and the pitching staff led by Ethan Bartles and Tim Prince as well as many new and returning players.

The Bullfrogs would like to thank Jesse VenRooy for his hard work and for creating a great atmosphere for baseball in Strum! He has handed over head coaching duties but will still be an active member of the team.

There is a good foundation for an improved season by the Frogs! We can’t wait to see you at Spangberg Field to cheer on your hometown Bullfrogs!


The 2021 season was a typical season for the Fightin’ Woodticks. A grueling schedule in the always challenging CRBL where, for us, wins and losses are sprinkled together. Every team has a chance to win every weekend and this season, we finished league play at 9-11. Along with our regular season league action, Stuckert Field (home of the Ticks) saw the CRBL’s best gather for the league All-Star game where we got to honor Tick legend Scott Stuckert by inducting him into the league Hall-of-Fame.

In 2022, we are sad to report this will be the final season at historic Stuckert Field. Come up to Bloomer and celebrate with us as we remember all of the wins and losses on the field and our undefeated record of having a great time after the game. Whether the Liar’s Dice box comes out, the second beer run happens, or Scrub finally gets to the bottom of the fish fry pan Stucket Field has been the place to be.

As actual ticks come out of the woodwork, that is how the Woodtick roster will be this year as we invite some old and new faces to suit up this year.

Thank you to our major sponsors: Brian Simmons, Catalytic Combustion, The Badger Hole, Billy’s Grill, and Shadick’s Price Rite. We would also like to thank many other local sponsors and Bloomer community members with special mention for the Trixie and Ann Lane family for all of their help and support. Thank you to our families and fans for your support. The season is not done yet! Go Ticks!


The Red Sox are excited to be back for another year of CRBL baseball in 2022! The Red Sox roster will have many familiar faces as well as some new faces this season. Former all star Jake Arneson has decided to retire after being the team’s primary catcher for the last ten seasons. His veteran leadership and consistent play will be missed. 2021 all star Zac Merritt will be returning for his 2nd season with the Sox. Last season he brought some much needed stability to the shortstop position while batting .328 and leading the Red Sox in runs scored and stolen bases.

Other returning veterans include Mike Danielson, Tony Riley, Ben Poppe, Austin Goettl, Bennett Bowe, Casey Schara, Nate Stone, and CRBL Gold Glover Shawn Sedlacek. 2021 high school graduates Dylan Davis, Carter Vait, and Kaden Thurmond bring some young talent to the team as do offseason pickups Ely Johnson and Parker Lemanski.

The team would like to thank all of their fans and their outstanding sponsors. (Take a second and scroll through our sponsors below). Without you guys we wouldn’t exist! Lets play ball!


The Chippewa Falls LumberJacks (latest version established in 2020) are now entering their third year of play and the second official season in the CRBL.  Our home games are played at beautiful Gannon Field/Casper Park and the Jack’s proudly field a roster of mostly homegrown players from the Chippewa Falls area who showed in their first full year in the storied CRBL that they can compete at a very high level.

The Jack’s made the 2021 CRBL playoffs and promptly beat the Eau Claire Cavaliers 3-2 in an instant classic at Casper Park and a game that will be talked about around town by the “old boys” for a long time.  We then lost 10-3 to Tilden in the CRBL Championship game which again was held at Casper Park and was the 12th overall such appearance for the Jack’s which is 2nd all-time in the history of the CRBL.

Also, the Jack’s also made the prestigious WBA (Wisconsin Baseball Association) playoffs at the end of the regular season which was the second year in a row that we accomplished this feat.  Our 24 wins in 2021 rank highly in the history of the Jack’s and it is a fact that we are very proud of.

Of note five LumberJack players received CRBL Awards recognition and they include: Nolan Hutzler (All-CRBL Catcher) Nate Hayes (All-CRBL 1st Baseman) Levi Schaller (All-CRBL Pitcher) Chip Blair (Honorable Mention Designated Hitter) Jake Varsho (CRBL Golden Glove Award)

We would like to thank our 2021-22 sponsors, fans, and support staff and hope that the excitement around our team will continue to grow and others in the community will find their way to Gannon Field this season to cheer on the Jack’s and enjoy the fun activities and events on game day!


The Eau Claire Bears look to continue their success in 2022 following 4 straight state finals appearances. Bears are looking to reley on their long list of veterans this year that will carry their normal success with addition to exciting additions of Austin Lemay, Dane Helnore, Jack Shirpke, Levi Wilson, Vinnie Fonti and many others. Bears are hoping to take a leap from state finalists to 4 time state champions this year. Hope to see you all out there to support your EC Bears this season!

ROSTER: Chevy Tollefson, Todd Lasher, Jim Thill, Blake Johnson, Sam Janni, Ty Fadness, Matt Miller, Alex Jinkins, J.R. Lukes, Nathan Kent, Logan Berg, J.D. Preacher, Jeremy Nicolai, Austin Lemay, Tyler Oestrich, Joel Zachow, Will Mallett-Brown, Levi Wilson, Jack Shirpke, Vinnie Fonti, Joe Halling, Dane Helnore, Zach Lasher


The Eau Claire Cavalier amateur baseball organization returns to the diamond for their 52nd year in the Chippewa Valley. Playing out of beautiful Carson Park, this year’s squad is thrilled to welcome Field Manager Pete Bartingale. With years of experience and a strong base in the Chippewa Valley, Bartingale will be the 10th skipper in the Cavs storied history.

The 2021 edition of the Cavaliers returned to the Chippewa River Baseball League and finished with an 18-2 league record bringing home hardware as the North Division Champions. After competing in their 3rd Wisconsin Baseball Association State Finals, this year’s squad looks to build upon that success and go even further in 2022.

Along with many promotional nights and double headers this season the Cavaliers have the honor of hosting the CRBL All Star Game on Friday, July 1st. This along with a variety of home games will lead to an incredibly exciting year, one that you will not want to miss! We welcome everyone to come enjoy historic Carson Park and watch some of the most family friendly, best quality baseball in the Chippewa Valley this season.


2021 marked the fifth season of play for the Eau Claire Rivermen, a noteworthy milestone for any fledgling amateur baseball franchise. Unfortunately, 2021 also marked the least successful (worst) effort on the diamond for the ‘Men, as the Crew in Navy Blue and Grey staggered to a 7 and 13 record in the CRBL within a dismal 13 and 24 overall showing. At one point of ineptitude, the Rivermen gang lost 12 games in a row and 19 out of 21………yikes.

There were, however, several bright spots amidst the 2021 darkness. Specifically, CRBL legend Tyler Gray captured his sixth All-CRBL award, with the nod coming as a utility player for his standout performances as both a pitcher and hitter. Additionally, James Davis was given his first Honorable Mention All-CRBL award for his congruent work as a utility player for the Rivermen. Also of note, Sawyer Sturz was recognized with a CRBL Gold Glove trophy for his play at shortstop in what was the inaugural year of the CRBL recognizing it’s best defenders.

Alas, hope always springs eternal when a new season begins. With the addition of several promising new players to compliment the established core of grizzled veterans, the Men of the River are looking forward to quickly reversing their baseball fortunes in 2022.

Regardless of the final results, the Eau Claire Rivermen are proud to be part of the storied Chippewa River Baseball League. We look forward to seeing you at Fairfax Field, our plush home park with ample seating and convenient parking.


The Jim Falls Sturgeons enter 2022 with an ever-maturing core of young veterans (and a couple of old ones), bolstered by a smattering of fresh hopefuls. The team bases its hope for improving on a 5-15 record on a deep pitching staff and an expected rebound from some hitters who fell off from previous production in ’21.

Ryan Krumenauer certainly did not fall off as he led the way offensively, batting .377 with a .410 slugging percentage, leading the team in hits at 23-61, tying for the lead in Runs and RBI with 8 each, and flashing a web gem worthy infield glove. Tristin Hable cruised to .300 at 12-40 while slugging .425, and Nick Pitsch stroked .333 in limited action. Wyatt Keyeski led the team in On Base Percentage at .444. The Sturgeons also stepped up their long ball action, getting dingers from Hable, Austin Sykora, Bob Maurer, and Jake Eslinger.

On the mound, Manager Pete Thaler led in ERA at 4.46 with 24 Ks in 40.1 innings. Meanwhile, Isaac Lindstrom struck out 30 in 31.2 innings. Each of them picked up 2 wins, with Dylan Waters securing the fifth.

Two highlights of the 2021 season were the dedications of the new dugouts at Grudem Field in honor of erstwhile stars and CRBL Hall-of-Famers Roger Bergeron and Dave Hepfler. The team and everyone involved want to thank Joe Luther who conceived of and oversaw the production of the dugouts as his Eagle Scout project. Look for more heroes from Jim Falls’ past to be recognized this year and in the years to come.

The Sturgeons invite you to partake of the pleasures of the ballpark in ‘22. Their fervent hope is that after the Covid-altering trials of the last two seasons, maybe only catchers and umpires will need to wear masks this time around.


2021 was another successful season for the Merchants. The boys won the CRBL South division, and advanced to the state finals for an unprecedented 6th straight year. Luke Eide was a beast on the mound being named league MVP and winning the pitching triple crown. There is reason to be optimistic with a few new faces joining the squad this season to bolster a veteran roster.

This season also brings a first as Josh Anderson is being inducted into the CRBL hall of fame. It is fitting that Josh is the first from this crew to get the call. I’m sure he won’t be the last. As always, I’d like to thank the businesses and fans in Osseo for their continued support. The best fans in the state. #WWMD


After a deep WBA Playoff and State Tournament run, the Tilden Tigers are set to reload for the 2022 season. The 2021 CRBL Champions are looking to repeat in the newly formatted league and are excited to get back to a more traditional schedule.

The Tigers will retain all of their key veteran players from 2021. The All-Star and All-CRBL outfield combination of Cole Zwiefelhofer, Jon Schoch and Nolan Baier will be returning, fresh off of a combined .405 batting average and league leading 83 RBIs in 2021.

The brotherly quartet of Drew Steinmetz, Jordan Steinmetz, Lucas Steinmetz and Ben Steinmetz will also be returning to elevate several key position groups and serve as the table setters in the Tilden lineup. Their versatility and knowledge of the game will be on full display this year.

Cornerstone infielder Alex Ruf will be returning to round out the lineup. Ruf brings a must needed coaching mentality to the clubhouse, along with his speed and solid defense.

Atop the pitching rotation are perennial All-Stars PJ Lequia and Carl Krumenauer. The starting combo had a sub 3.00 ERA last season. They will be joined by battery mate Dane Weiland, who will call the shots behind home plate.

The Tilden Tigers would like to thank all of our sponsors and forever loyal fan base. We look forward to seeing everyone out at Casper Park this season and being a part of this historic franchise and league.

2022 League Preview

Baseball greetings to all of our fans, followers, alumni, and friends. It is with sincerity that we would like to welcome you to another year of competitive amateur baseball within the storied Chippewa River Baseball League. Incredibly, 2022 marks the 94th season of play over 114 years, dating back to the CRBL’s first season of play in 1908. Very few baseball leagues across the USA – amateur or professional – can substantiate such an existence of length and success. Plainly stated, this is something that anyone associated with the CRBL should take great pride in.

2021 saw the full-fledge return of the Chippewa River Baseball League after the regrettable “Lost Season of 2020”. Playing entirely doubleheaders for the first time since the early 1980s, the CRBL was able to enjoy a full, 20-game slate for all eleven of its member teams.

Emerging from the four-month fracas to be crowned league champion was the Tilden Tigers, as they beat their North Division rival the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks, 10-3 at Casper Park on August 8th. The championship was the league record 18th for Tilden, unequivocally the flagship franchise of the CRBL.

The Tigers continued their hot play the following weekend in the 73rd annual WBA Tournament. Of the seven CRBL squads that qualified for the WBA’s new “pool play” (minimum two game) format, Tilden was the only one to survive to the WBA Finals before losing to the Spooner Cardinals in the semis.

Looking ahead to 2022, the CRBL will be operating without divisions for the first time since 1972. With the departure of the Whitehall Wolves from the league’s landscape as well as the recent losses of Augusta, Hallie and Stanley, the CRBL managers voted to do away with the traditional North and South divisions and instead compete in one division.

2022 CRBL Schedule Released

The Chippewa Rivers Baseball League (CRBL) has released the 2022 season schedule. With the Whitehall Wolves withdrawing from league play for the 2022 season, the managers voted to eliminate the South & North divisions. The 90-game season will see each CRBL team will play an 18-game schedule starting May 1st, 2022. The 2022 season will mark the 93rd season of league play.

Notable Schedule Dates:

  • Sunday, May 1st – Opening Day
  • Friday, July 1st – CRBL All-Star Game hosted by the Eau Claire Cavaliers at Carson Park, 7 pm (Hall of Fame Classes of 2022 to be honored)
  • Wednesday, August 3rd – Wildcard Wednesday
  • Saturday, August 6th – Championship Saturday

All weekday games begin at 7 pm (unless otherwise noted). All weekend games begin at 12:30 pm (unless otherwise noted). Follow www.crblbaseball.com all season long for scores, standings and schedule changes.

Each team individual 2022 schedule can be found at their team page:

Whitehall Wolves Withdraw from CRBL

The Whitehall Wolves have withdrawn from the Chippewa Rivers Baseball League (CRBL) for the 2022 season. Their inaugrual season was 2005 and have played all 17 seasons in the south division of the CRBL.

During their 17 years of play they accomplished the following:

  • South Division Champs – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • CRBL Champions – 2012, 2013
  • WBA Qualifyer – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

The Whitehall Wolves are the fourth team to fold in the CRBL since 2016. The Hallie Eagles folded in 2016 and the Stanley Slammers and Augusta Athletics followed suit in 2019. Just one expansion team has been added since 2016, when Wayne Franz returned the Chippewa Falls LumberJacks into CRBL play in 2021 after they were transitioned to Eau Claire and became the Eau Claire Rivermen in 2017.

CRBL Season Wrap-Up

Final 2021 CRBL Standings

North Division

PosTeamWLPctGBRSRADiffHomeRoadL10Strk
11820.9000141499212-0-06-2-08-2-0L1
21550.7503162501129-2-06-3-07-3-0W3
31460.700411372414-0-010-6-06-4-0W4
49110.450980128-480-4-09-7-06-4-0L1
55150.2501366138-725-13-00-2-04-6-0W3
61190.0501761175-1141-10-00-9-00-10-0L18

South Division

PosTeamWLPctGBRSRADiffHomeRoadL10Strk
11730.850013246867-1-010-2-08-2-0W3
21190.5506125101248-4-03-5-05-5-0L2
310100.500711199123-3-07-7-04-6-0W1
47130.3501076118-427-9-00-4-01-9-0L3
53170.1501457148-911-7-02-10-02-8-0L2


2021 Noteworthy Performances & Milestones

Hitting

  • There were ten .400+ hitters this year in league play.
  • In his 20th season, the Eau Claire Bears’ Todd Lasher had 12 hits, 3 doubles and notched 15 total bases, moving into 3rd place all time in total bases (733), 6th place all-time in doubles (82), and 7th place all-time in hits (430).
  • Nathan Kent, the unanimous All-CRBL 2nd baseman of the Eau Claire Bears, led the circuit in hitting with a robust .558 average (29/52) as well as in steals with 13 swipes. The last person to lead the CRBL in both those categories in the same season was current league officer and Eau Claire Rivemen Chad Zutter. “Zut” accomplished the feat back in 2001 when he was with the Hallie Eagles, hitting .467 (21/45) with 10 stolen bases.
  • In his 29th season, Eau Claire Rivermen’s Andy Niese became the CRBL’s all-time leader in games played with 522, breaking the previous record of 506 held by Jim Falls legend Keith Pitsch.
  • Niese made his 21st CRBL All-Star game appearance, breaking the all-time mark of 20 All-Star games, held by Bloomer legend and CRBL Hall of Famer Scott Stuckert.
  • Niese also became the first player to cross the 600-hit barrier. With 16 hits this year, the CRBL’s all-time hit leader now has 607 for his career.
  • The league wide batting average dropped from .311 in 2019 to .285 in 2021, a decrease of 8.4%.

Pitching

  • Osseo’s Luke Eide became the first pitcher since 2002 to capture the pitching triple crown, leading the CRBL in wins (10), strikeouts (99) and ERA (0.95).
  • Eide’s strikeout total is the highest since 2012 when Jim Falls’ Cody Bunkelman struck out 107 CRBL batters.
  • Luke’s 10 wins are the most since Tyler Gray had 10 victories while pitching for the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in 2010.
  • The last pitcher to win the pitching triple crown was CRBL Hall of Famer Kurt Stellplug, accomplishing his trifecta (7 wins, 81 K’s, 1.36 ERA) in 2002 while also pitching for the Osseo Merchants.
  • Eide also twirled one of this season’s two no-hitters, a 5-inning blitz of Cadott in a 13-0 victory on June 13th. It was the CRBL’s 65th no-hitter in history.
  • Luke’s Osseo teammate, lefty Logan Boettcher went 4 and 0 off the mound, strengthening his grip as the CRBL’s all-time winningest pitcher with an .860 win clip thanks to a sterling career record of 37 and 6.
  • Levi Schaller of the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks threw the CRBL’s lone-no hitter this year, doing so in a 1-0 gem vs. the Tilden Tigers on April 28th. It was the 64 no-hitter in CRBL history.
  • In his 14th CRBL season, Bloomer’s Curtis Dachel led the league with 85.2 innings pitched. Dachel’s herculean total vaulted him in to 11th place all-time in that category with 732. The leader is iron man and CRBL Hall of Famer Russ Nelson with an incredible 1,720.1 innings pitched in CRBL play over his 35 year career.
  • With a 4 and 3 record off the mound in 2021, Eau Claire Bears’ player/manager Chevy Tollefson now has 56 wins in his CRBL career, good for 11th place all-time at the completion of his 13th league season.
  • The Eau Claire Rivermen’s Tyler Gray continues to ascend the CRBL’s all-time pitching rankings. With 2021 marking his 16th CRBL season.
  • Hurling 63.2 innings in 2021, “Tgray” now ranks 3rd all-time in innings pitched with 995.1.
  • Notching 1 shutout, Gray also ranks 3rd all-time with 14 shutouts. The leader is Chippewa Falls great and CRBL Hall of Famer Jim Hoepner with 19.
  • With his 4 wins in 2021, Gray moves in 3rd place in that category as well with 86 career victories. The all-time leader is the aforementioned Jim Hoepner with 109 W’s.
  • The league wide earned run average dropped from 5.13 in 2019 to 5.00 in 2021, a decrease of 2.5%.

Managerial

  • With 2021 marking his 17th season serving as a player/manager, the Eau Claire Rivermen’s skipper Andy Niese now ranks on the following all-time charts.
  • 2nd all-time in seasons managed – the leader is Scott Stuckert with 27 seasons
  • 2nd all-time in managerial wins with 180. The all-time leader is also Scott Stuckert with 186 victories.

Hitting Statistical Leaders

Player Team Hits At-Bats Avg. (minimum 40 at-bats)
Nathan Kent Eau Claire Bears 29 52 .558
Mitch Voller Eau Claire Cavaliers 25 53 .475
Jordan Steinmetz Tilden Tigers 20 43 .465
Nolan Baier Tilden Tigers 29 68 .426
Nolan Hutzler Chippewa LumberJacks 23 54 .425
Nate Hayes Chippewa LumberJacks 24 57 .421
Nolan Matson Osseo Merchants 29 68 .413
Anthony Pogodzinski Eau Claire Cavaliers 21 51 .412
Blake Johnson Eau Claire Bears 22 54 .407
Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers 24 59 .406
Player Team At-Bats
Nolan Baier Tilden Tigers 68
Sawyer Sturz Eau Claire Rivermen 68
Cole Zwiefelhofer Tilden Tigers 68
Trent Vodrasek Whitehall Wolves 67
Scott Hovell Whitehall Wolves 63
Player Team Hits
Nolan Baier Tilden Tigers 29
Nathan Kent Eau Claire Bears 29
Nolan Matson Osseo Merchants 26
Nate Hayes Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 24
Corey Poirier Bloomer Woodticks 24
Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers 24
Cole Zwiefelhofer Tilden Tigers 24
Player Team Doubles
Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers 9
Matt Martineau Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 7
Jordan Steinmetz Tilden Tigers 7
Tyler Gray Eau Claire Rivermen 6
Nolan Matson Osseo Merchants 6
Storm Standiford Osseo Merchants 6
Player Team Triples
Josh Halling Eau Claire Bears 3
Tanner Halverson Eau Claire Cavaliers 3
Lucas Steinmetz Tilden Tigers 3
Jesse Brockman Osseo Merchants 2
James Davis Eau Claire Rivermen 2
Player Team Homeruns
Nolan Baier Tilden Tigers 3
Scott Hovell Whitehall Wolves 3
Seven players tied with 2
Player Team RBI’s
Nolan Baier Tilden Tigers 30
Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers 29
Cole Zwiefelhofer Tilden Tigers 24
Mitch Voller Eau Claire Cavaliers 18
Anthony Pogodzinski Eau Claire Cavaliers 17
Player Team Runs Scored
Jordan Steinmetz Tilden Tigers 32
Alex Ruf Tilden Tigers 25
Ryan Freitag Osseo Merchants 20
Nolan Matson Osseo Merchants 20
Mitch Voller Eau Claire Cavaliers 18
Nathan Kent Eau Claire Bears 18
Player Team Stolen Bases
Nathan Kent Eau Claire Bears 13
Dawson Mathwig Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 9
Jimmy Schemenuer Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 9
Jaxon Vance Eau Claire Cavaliers 9
Kole Lekvin Eau Claire Cavaliers 8
Connor Stoik Bloomer Woodticks 8
Mitch Voller Eau Claire Cavaliers 8
Player Team Walks
Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers 19
Jordan Steinmetz Tilden Tigers 18
Ryan Freitag Osseo Merchants 16
Jesse Brockman Osseo Merchants 14
Nolan Hutzler Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 14
Nate Pronschinske Whitehall Wolves 14
Team Hits At-Bats Team Avg.
Eau Claire Bears 163 580 .340
Tilden Tigers 182 543 .335
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 168 520 .323
Eau Claire Cavaliers 176 561 .314
Osseo Merchants 176 569 .309
Eau Claire Rivermen 151 539 .280
Whitehall Wolves 124 460 .270
Bloomer Woodticks 139 516 .269
Beef River Bullfrogs 133 523 .254
Cadott Red Sox 126 508 .248
Jim Falls Sturgeons 129 537 .240

Pitching Statistical Leaders

Player Team ER IP ERA (Minimum 20 IP)
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants 7 66.1 0.95
Logan Boettcher Osseo Merchants 3 22 1.27
Levi Schaller Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 9 43.1 1.87
Paul Petit Eau Claire Cavaliers 10 46 1.96
PJ LeQuia Tilden Tigers 9 34 2.38
Carter Hesselman Eau Claire Cavaliers 8 27.2 2.60
Zack Thiesse Eau Claire Bears 14 42 3.00
Carl Krumenauer Tilden Tigers 7 21 3.00
Scott Hovell Whitehall Woilves 15 39 3.46
Chevy Tollefson Eau Claire Bears 16 41 3.51
Player Team IP
Curtis Dachel Bloomer Woodticks 85.2
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants 66.1
Tyler Gray Eau Claire Rivermen 63.2
James Davis Eau Claire Rivermen 52.2
Paul Petit Eau Claire Cavaliers 46
Player Team W
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants 10
Curtis Dachel Bloomer Woodticks 9
Scott Hovell Whitehall Wolves 6
Paul Petit Eau Claire Cavaliers 6
Levi Schaller Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 5
Zack Thiesse Eau Claire Bears 5
Player Team Win % (Minimum 5 decisions)
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants .909 (10-1)
Paul Petit Eau Claire Cavaliers .857 (6-1)
Scott Hovell Whitehall Wolves .750 (6-2)
Levi Schaller Chippewa Falls LumberJacks .714 (5-2)
Zack Thiesse Eau Claire Bears .714 (5-2)
Player Team Strikeouts
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants 99
Levi Schaller Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 83
Curtis Dachel Bloomer Woodticks 78
Tyler Gray Eau Claire Rivermen 66
Paul Petit Eau Claire Cavaliers 59
Player Team Saves
Chase Bredl Eau Claire Cavaliers 2
Todd Lasher Eau Claire Bears 2
Ryan Krumenauer Jim Falls Sturgeons 2
Joel Zachow Eau Claire Bears 2
Player Team Shutouts
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants 4
Paul Petit Eau Claire Cavaliers 4
Player Team K’s/9 IP (Minimum 20 innings pitched)
Blake Thiesse Eau Claire Bears 18.15 (41K / 20.1 IP)
Levi Schaller Chippewa Falls LumberJacks 17.24 (83 K / 43.1 IP)
Luke Eide Osseo Merchants 13.43 (99 K / 66.1 IP)
Logan Boettcher Osseo Merchants 12.27 (30 K / 22 IP)
Scott Hovell Whitehall Wolves 12.23 (53 K / 39 IP)
Beef River Bullfrogs Team Earned Runs Innings Pitched Team ERA
Osseo Merchants 30 139.2 1.93
Eau Claire Cavaliers 37 141.1 2.36
Tilden Tigers 37 124 2.69
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 51 125.1 3.66
Eau Claire Bears 59 135.1 3.92
Whitehall Wolves 73 129.2 5.07
Eau Claire Rivermen 83 138 5.41
Bloomer Woodticks 88 135.1 5.85
Jim Falls Sturgeons 102 131.2 6.97
Cadott Red Sox 114 121.1 8.46
Beef River Bullfrogs 118 125.1 8.47

CRBL All-League Awards

The CRBL managers have voted and selected the 2021 CRBL All-League awards. The Osseo Merchants were awarded the most All-League selections with five.

Position Player Team
Pitcher Levi Schaller Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
Pitcher Curtis Dachel Bloomer Woodticks
Pitcher Luke Eide* Osseo Merchants
Catcher Nolan Hutzler Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
1st Base Nate Hayes Chippewa Falls LumberJacks
2nd Base Nathan Kent* Eau Claire Bears
3rd Base Nolan Baier* Tilden Tigers
Shortstop Jesse Brockman Osseo Merchants
Outfield Jon Schoch Tilden Tigers
Outfield Jordan Steinmetz Tilden Tigers
Outfield Mitch Voller Eau Claire Cavaliers
Utility Tyler Gray Eau Claire Rivermen
DH Nolan Matson* Osseo Merchants
MVP Luke Eide Osseo Merchants
ROY Mitch Voller Eau Claire Cavaliers
Sportmanship Award Cadott Red Sox
Manager of the Year Luke Anderson Osseo Merchants
*Unanimous Selection
  • Within the thirteen individuals selected for 2021 All-CRBL awards, there were eight first year winners, three repeat winners from 2019, and five individuals who had previously won an All-CRBL award.
  • With his 6th All-CRBL award, the Eau Claire Rivermen’s Tyler Gray is now tied for 15th all-time in that category.
  • The all-time leader in All-CRBL selections is the Eau Claire Rivermen’s Andy Niese with 12.

Honorable Mention All-CRBL

Team Player Position
Beef River Bullfrogs Brandon Jaenke Pitcher
Bloomer Woodticks Connor Stoik Shortstop
Cadott Red Sox Zac Merritt Shortstop
Chippewa Falls LumberJacks Chip Blair DH
Eau Claire Bears Blake Johnson DH
Eau Claire Cavaliers Anthony Pogodzinski 1st Base
Eau Claire Rivermen James Davis Utility
Jim Falls Sturgeons Ryan Krumenauer Utility
Osseo Merchants Joe Zawacki 1st Base
Tilden Tigers Cole Zwiefelhofer Utility
Whitehall Wolves Jordan Hauser Catcher
  • Of the eleven individuals recognized with an Honorable Mention All-CRBL award, eight were first time winners and three were previous winners.
  • Tyler Gray’s six Honorable Mention Awards are a CRBL record.

CRBL Gold Glove Awards

For the first time in CRBL history, the league officers and managers have selected Gold Gloves. This represents each teams best defensive player, regardless of position.

Team Player Position
Beef River Bullfrogs Taylor Rathke 2nd Base
Bloomer Woodticks Jake Malinowski Center Field
Cadott Red Sox Shawn Sedlacek Left Field
Chippewa Falls LumberJacks Jake Varsho Shortstop
Eau Claire Bears Alex Jenkins Catcher
Eau Claire Cavaliers Jaxon Vance Shortstop
Eau Claire Rivermen Sawyer Sturz Shortstop
Jim Falls Sturgeons Tristin Hable Center Field
Osseo Merchants Todd Wienkes Catcher
Tilden Tigers Jordan Steinmetz Center Field
Whitehall Wolves Jordan Hauser Catcher

2021 Season Highlights

  • May 2nd – Levi Schaller (Chippewa Falls LumberJacks) tossed a 7-inning no-hitter in 1-0 victory over the Tilden Tigers. (Last Time it Happened – Alex Byom in 2019 versus the Cadott Red Sox in a 10-0, five inning win)
  • May 16th – Levi Schaller (Chippewa Falls LumberJacks) strikes out 18 in 3-2 win over Bloomer Woodticks
  • May 19th – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Casper Park for the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce for the Chippewa Falls LumberJacks in a non-league game against Sparta.
  • June 6th – Carter Hesselman (Eau Claire Cavaliers) tossed a 7-inning one-hitter in a 10-0 win over Beef River Bullfrogs.
  • June 6th – Levi Schaller (Chippewa Falls LumberJacks) threw a 7-inning one-hitter and struck out 21 in a 3-0 win over Jim Falls Sturgeons.
  • June 13th – Paul Petit (Eau Claire Cavaliers) tossed a complete game, shutout in 4-0 win over Chippewa Falls LumbjerJacks.
  • June 13th – Luke Eide (Osseo Merchants) threw a 5-inning no-hitter in 13-0 win over Cadott Red Sox.
  • June 20th – Paul Petit (Eau Claire Cavaliers) tossed a one-hitter and struck out 15 in against Jim Falls Sturgeons.

CRBL League Championship Set

The 2021 CRBL League Championship is set to start with Wildcard Wednesday, August 4th. The #1 seed Eau Claire Cavaliers will play #4 seed Chippewa Falls LumberJacks at Casper Park, while the #2 seed Osseo Merchants will host #3 Tilden Tigers. Both games first pitch is set for 7 pm.

The winners of Wildcard Wednesday will play on Saturday, August 7th at 12:30 pm with the higher seed hosting.

2021 CRBL Championship Game Facts

  • It is the first time these storied franchises have faced each other in the CRBL title bout.
  • The wildcard format was instituted into the CRBL in 2014. Coincidently, this is the first time since 2014 that two wildcard teams will meet in the championship game.
  • Osseo was trying to become the first team since the 1969-73 Tilden Tigers to win five CRBL titles in a row.
  • Osseo has won five division titles in a row (2016-2019, 2021). The Tilden Tigers hold the longest such streak, winning 9 division titles in row from 1974 to 1982.
  • Tilden holds the CRBL record for most league titles with 17 as well as most league championship game appearances with 37.
  • The Lumberjacks are second all-time in league titles with 7 as well as league championship appearances with 11.
  • The Eau Claire Bears have claimed the most wildcard spots with a current total of 6.
  • The first league championship “game” was actually a best out-of-three series that took place in 1928, the second year the CRBL functioned after an unexplained18-year hiatus (there was league play in 1908 and 1909 and then it was absent until 1927). In the 1928 series, the Eagleton Eageltons swept Eau Claire Union, 2 games to 0 games.
  • In the most recent CRBL championship, Osseo prevailed over Tilden, 12 to 6 at Osseo in 2019. Catcher Todd Wienkes of Osseo was named game MVP.
  • The last time the Lumberjacks’ franchise was in the CRBL championship was in 2013 when they lost 1-0 to the Whitehall Wolves at Casper Park.