League: Chippewa River Baseball League

Primary League

Dennis Whiteside

Umpire

CRBL (ca. 1980-Present)
Pitcher
Twin City Sports 1968, Cadott 1969-’70, Bloomer 1973

Dennis Whiteside has been a fixture in the CRBL galaxy since its inception (and even before). Starting as a pitcher for the Sports of the old Chippewa Valley League, he moved on to Cadott where he had his best years, including his no-hitter (1970) and one stretch in which he went four straight games without giving up a run, including a league leading 2 complete game shutouts. Had Denny continued on the mound, he may well have entered the Hall-of-Fame primarily as a pitcher, but a diversion into fast pitch softball derailed his baseball career at an early age.

Inevitably, the lure of hardball brought him back, this time as an umpire. Currently serving something like his 46th year as an arbiter, Denny is the dean of CRBL officials. His post-playing career has seen him expand to high school and Legion games for 40-odd years. One Legion highlight was umping an all-star game at Miller Park in Milwaukee ten or so years ago. He has also been seen making calls in softball, basketball, and football games, although he admits that he is limited to JV contests in the latter, not having a strong desire to be run over by varsity football behemoths at his age. All in all, he estimates that he has worked thousands of games over the last 50+ years.

In all that time, he has never had a call overturned by ABS (partly because the CRBL can’t afford that technology), but he can hold his own in a BS contest with the best of them. That is, he is among the most affable and gregarious people you would ever want to meet.

Scott Sorensen

1st Base/DH/Manager

Hallie 1979-99, Augusta 2000-04, 2006-10, Beef River 2015-19

Scott Sorenson gave more years to the CRBL than almost anyone. His 36 years (tied for second most) and 363 games (15th) spanned parts of five decades. In his 21 seasons with the Hallie Eagles, he helped the team to a combined 201-158 record with five divisional pennants (1984, ’86-’88, and ’96) and two CRBL championships in ’84 and ’96. Additionally, the team went to the WBAs ten times, five of them as manager, compiling a 14-10 record.

Augusta went 102-77 during his time with seven WBAs, one under his guidance, and Beef River was 49-61 in his playing days and 78-76 when he managed. In the end, as a manager he ranked high in several categories, including seasons, games, wins (all 3rd), and winning percentage (20th). As to the WBAs, he ranks tied for 5th in appearances, 10th in games, and 14th in wins.

As a player, Sarge ranks among the leaders in a multitude of categories. Among them are at bats (26th), hits (33rd), singles (31st), home runs (43rd), RBI (39th), runs (50th), walks (15th), and total bases (40th).

A six-time all-star, he was always a hitter to be reckoned with. He even flashed some speed to go with his power in the younger days as he led the league in triples with three in 1988.

Sarge’s numbers might have been even better, but he took some time off to serve in Afghanistan later in his career. And so, we not only honor him for his contributions to the CRBL, but also thank him for his service.

Matt Korger

Outfield/3rd Base

Augusta Athletics 1996-2006

If you happened to catch one of the Augusta Athletics’ many rallies during the years from ’96 to ’06, you would likely find Matt Korger in the middle of it.

Matt was a key contributor during an 11 year stretch in which the team went 133-60, winning South Divisional titles in ’97, ’98, and ’99 and taking the CRBL crown in the latter two seasons. At the same time, the As earned the right to play in the WBA tournament in each of his years, topped off by a 3-1 run in 1998 before succumbing to the champion Sparta team and a 4-1 charge, falling short in the championship game to a Hudson powerhouse.

Matt’s prowess at the plate shows up in his appearance among all-time CRBL leaders in three different categories. His .904 OPS ranks 47th, partially boosted by his 31st ranked slugging percentage of .502. He gained his highest ranking in home runs as the 30 he belted place him in a tie for 24th among all sluggers over the years.

In 1999, he led the league with 30 RBI as he surged to All-CRBL honors at third base. Matt was a three time South Division all-star along the way, but he was all star throughout his career.

Always one of the good guys, Matt is still passing on his baseball knowledge and great attitude at Osseo High where he serves as head coach.

Mike Gilbertson

2nd Base/Manager

Augusta Athletics 1989-’93,’96-’98, 2000-’04, ’07-’08, ’10-’15

Whitehall Manager 2005, Augusta Manager 2008, ’10-’16, ’19

Mike Gilbertson did his best to disprove the adage, “You can never go home again.” He spent 21 years playing for the As, seven of them as player/manager, plus two more as manager, all in five different stints with one year at Whitehall in their midst.

Over the ups and downs of the years, Gilby was a solid presence at second base. Through his playing days, he helped the team to a 201-182 record with three divisional titles and CRBL championships in 1993 and 1998. He also accompanied the team to 13 WBA tournaments, one as manager.

A four-time all-star for the South, he was honored as the All-CRBL second baseman in both 1991 and 1993. His 22 seasons played rank 24th in the league history, and his 229 games played come in 49th.

Ever active in league affairs, Gilby served as president from 2017 through 2019. During those times and others, he made a huge impact on the direction of the CRBL.

And anyone who heard it will never forget his “Weenie, weenie, weenie” song as he presided over the Augusta concession stand. Gilby, we miss you.

Duane Ives

First Base, Second Base/Pitcher

Augusta Athletics, 1994, ’96-2006, ’10

Duane Ives was a potent two-way weapon for the Augusta Athletics through his 13 year career. His resilient right arm and menacing bat helped carry the team through one of its best eras. During his time, the As won the Southern Division crown four times (1994, ’97, ’98, and ’99) while capturing the CRBL championship in both ’98 and ’99. In all, the team went 155-22 during his tenure, while making the WBA tournament ten times and winning it all in his rookie season.

Dewey’s fame as a two-way threat has led to rumors in recent years that word of his exploits spread across the sea and inspired a youngster named Shohei Ohtani. Whether or not this is true, the fact is that he was a force both on the mound and at the plate.

In his 117 games, his .331 would qualify as top 50 in league history but fell short of the 500 at bat minimum. But minimums were no limit in home runs, as he sits at 41st with his 22.

Meanwhile, as a hurler, his .724 winning percentage fell just one short of the number of decisions needed to make the all-time list, but that would put him at 26th in CRBL annals. His 3.92 ERA is particularly impressive considering that half his career was in the metal bat era.

A five time all star, Ives owns two All-CRBL trophies: as second baseman in1998 and as a utility player in 2006.

Dewey’s legacy goes on as he was instrumental in resuscitating the Athletics from a three year hiatus after Covid closed them down.

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