Shortstop, 3^rd Baseman, Closer

Augusta Athletics 1999; Eau Claire Bears 2000-10

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Often referenced but rarely seen, a “five tool” player is the unique ball player that can hit for power, bat for a high average, run with speed, throw with velocity, and play defense with accuracy and flare.  In the world of amateur baseball in the CRBL and the state of Wisconsin, few individuals exhibited those skills better than the Eau Claire Bears’ Scott Wolfe.

After spending his rookie CRBL season of 1999 as a part-time player for the Augusta Athletics, the lanky infielder came back to his hometown of Eau Claire to play for the Bears in 2000.  After hitting .319 (14 for 44) that season, “Wolfie” emerged as a standout all-around player the next season for Eau Claire.  In the CRBL’s return to wood bats in 2001, Scott hit .362 (21 for 56) while leading the league in runs scored with 16.  He also appeared in his first All-Star game and was recognized as an All-CRBL third baseman, his first such award.

In total, the right-handed stick hit over .300 in nine of his twelve CRBL seasons, including .400+ marks in 2003 (.412, 28 for 68) and 2004 (.489, 22 for 45).  In addition to his leading 16 runs scored in 2001, Scott also paced the CRBL with 73 at-bats in 2006, 8 home runs in 2007, 6 doubles (tied) in 2010, and tied for the circuit lead in saves with 1 in 2002 and 2 in 2004.

Beyond the obvious quantifiable numbers, Wolfe had the immeasurable intangible of excelling in the clutch within all facets of the game.  Used primarily as a closer, Scott received a rare start in the 2002 South Division tie-breaker vs. the Augusta Athletics.  At Augusta, the righty twirled a 3-hit, 7 inning shutout while striking out 8 and walking just 1 in the Bears’ 11-0 win.  Two weeks later, Wolfie’s bottom of the 10^th two-run homer put Eau Claire past Ellsworth 6-4 in the first game of the WBA tournament as the Bears were on their way to their first Final 8 appearance.

Earlier in the 2002 campaign, Scott had been named the MVP of the CRBL All-Star game at Hallie in the South’s 7-4 win over the North as he had the go ahead single in the bottom of the 7^th inning to put the South ahead 3-2 in addition to being the winning pitcher in relief (4 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 HA, 0 BB, 2 K).

Further evidence of Scott’s clutch DNA are numerous.  In the 2006 CRBL championship at Carson Park, Wolfe was named game MVP by going 2-for-4 with 1 run, 2 RBI’s and a double.  Moreover, Wolfe was remarkably named the Most Valuable Defensive Player of the WBA tournament three times (2005, 2008, 2009) with each recognition coming for his play at the shortstop position.  As of 2016, Scott is one of only three players to have ever won the WBA Defensive MVP award more than once.

Of course, Scott shined in the regular CRBL season as well.  Perhaps his brightest day occurred on Sunday, July 15^th, 2007 in the Bears’ doubleheader sweep vs. the Whitehall Wolves.  In the Bears game two, 11-0 six inning win, Wolfe drilled 3 home runs and drove in 5.  In the game one’s 9-1 victory, Scott hit one home run and drove in 2.  On the day, the big Wolfe was 5-for-6 with 4 home runs, 7 RBI’s, 5 runs scored, and a double.

The string of success that the Bears enjoyed throughout the 2000’s was unquestionably tied to the presence of Wolfe in their line-up.  In Scott’s eleven seasons playing for the Bears, Eau Claire won eight South Division titles (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), five league titles (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009), made it to seven Final 8’s (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) and captured three WBA state crowns (2005, 2008, 2009).

Individually, Wolfe played in five All-Star games (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010) and received six All-CRBL awards (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010), with his first three at third base and his last three coming at shortstop.

Upon induction, Scott can be found amidst the all-time CRBL leaders in saves (tied for 8^th), batting average (26^th), slugging percentage (tied for 32^nd), and doubles (32^nd).