League: Chippewa River Baseball League
Primary League
Jon Soiney
Class of 2016
Field & Facilities Manager
Osseo Merchants 1999 through induction
Formed in 1999, the Osseo Merchants enjoy the privilege of playing at one of the nicest amateur baseball parks and facilities in the state of Wisconsin. Talk to any Merchant player and Merchant supporter about their top-notch field, and credit will quickly and unabashedly be given to Mr. Jon Soiney, Field and Facilities Manager for the Osseo Merchants baseball organization. In honor of his tireless efforts and incredible work, the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame proudly recognizes Mr. Soiney as a worthy member of its exclusive Hall of Fame.
An accomplished athlete in his formative years, Jon played high school and amateur baseball in Lanesboro, MN. After garnering attention from professional Independent League teams out of the St. Paul, MN area, Soiney moved to Eau Claire in 1967 to pursue a job at Presto Industries. Still the competitor, Jon began a fastpitch softball career that would last over 20 years. In progressing to Masters Division softball, Mr. Soiney played 10 years at that level, enjoying an immense amount of success as his teams won 9 state titles and one national championship.
Never far away from baseball, Jon was instrumental in the formation of the Osseo Merchants amateur team. When the Merchants made their CRBL debut in 1999, it ended almost a 40-year absence of men’s amateur baseball teams from the town of Osseo.
Serving as an assistant manager for six years (1999-2005), Jon stepped forward to be part of a small group of individuals who purchased the land where beautiful Merchant Park would eventually be built.
In a historically significant date for both Osseo and the CRBL, the first game at the newly built field was played on April 21st, 2001. That summer, Jon took over as head groundskeeper and became the backbone for developing and maintaining a playing surface that is considered to be second to none.
To say the least, Mr. Soiney has taken the craft of field care to a level of expertise rarely – if ever – seen in the world of amateur baseball. Attending numerous seminars and conferring with professional baseball groundskeepers to hone his skills, Jon has traveled with the Milwaukee Brewers head groundskeeper Michael Boettcher, putting on seminars for area groups interested in improving their fields and playing surfaces.
Each season, from April through September, Mr. Soiney uses his knowledge and energy at Merchant Park, working more than 40 hours a week entirely on a volunteer basis. In a lasting testament of respect and appreciation for his contributions, the Merchants renamed their playing field “Jon Soiney Field” in 2015.
While players and managers receive many of the accolades and attention from their on the field accomplishments, it is the selfless efforts of people such as Jon Soiney that enable amateur baseball to flourish in small communities. Thank you Mr. Soiney for everything you have contributed, and enjoy your deserved place as a Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Famer.
Jay Skalecki
Class of 2016
Outfielder
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1989-92; Tilden Tigers 1993-99
An athletic, powerful, and explosive baseball player, Jay Skalecki was truly a game changer both at the plate and in the outfield during his 11 seasons of supremely productive play in the CRBL.
Beginning as a part-time player with the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in 1989, Skalecki was a welcome addition to the successful and veteran filled team. In his first year as a full-timer in 1990, Jay began a streak of 10 consecutive seasons of hitting .300 or better (1990 to 1999) by posting a .306 average for the ‘Jacks. During this prolific stretch, the hustling and hard-hitting outfielder had three .400+ seasons (1992, 1996, 1998) as well as setting his career high of .540 (34 hits in 63 at-bats) in 1993.
In Skalecki’s third season as a ‘Jack in 1991, he established himself as one of the CRBL’s most dangerous and formidable offensive threats. During 16 league games in 1991, the right-handed hitter roped 5 doubles, bombed 6 home runs, knocked in 21 RBI’s, and scored 20 times, all while hitting .397 (25 for 63). For his efforts, he was bestowed with his first All-CRBL award as an outfielder. Jay concluded his four seasons in Chippewa Falls by hitting .413 (19 for 46) in 1992 with 3 home runs, 17 RBI’s, and 17 runs scored.
Skalecki went to the North Division rival Tilden Tigers in 1993 during which he hit the aforementioned .540. In blistering 34 hits in 63 at-bats, Jay led the CRBL in batting average and hits. He also rapped 8 doubles, 4 home runs, 23 RBI’s, and scored 15 runs in deservedly being recognized with his second All-CRBL award as an outfielder.
Jay’s third and final All-CRBL nod came in 1996 when he hit .408 (20 for 49) with 5 home runs, 18 RBI’s, and 13 runs scored for the perennial North Division champion Big Cats from Tilden.
Clearly a major element in maintaining the winning traditions of both the Tigers and the Lumberjacks, Skalecki’s 11 CRBL seasons glowed with the success of those franchises. Remarkably, he was a part of eight North Division winners (1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999), three CRBL championships (1990, 1994, 1997), 10 WBA qualifiers (1989 to 1991, 1993 to 1999), three Final 8’s (1989, 1994, 1995), and one WBA champion with the Tilden Tigers in 1995.
A big game performer, Jay contributed mightily in seven CRBL championship contests, hitting .433 (13 for 30) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, 9 RBI’s, and 9 runs scored.
In addition to his three All-CRBL awards, the Tiger and Lumberjack participated in six All-Star games (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997). The tenacious bat that Skalecki wielded throughout his CRBL career is on display in his all-time rankings. Upon induction, the right-handed slugger ranks 6th in batting average, 7th in slugging percentage, and (tied for) 18th in home runs.
Denny O’Melia
Class of 2016
Pitcher
CRBL: Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1952-53
ECCBL: Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-62
With his induction in to the CRBL Hall of Fame, lefty Denny O’Melia should be remembered as one of the most overwhelmingly dominant and superbly talented amateur pitchers to ever toe the rubber in Northwest Wisconsin.
Denny’s rookie year of amateur baseball came in 1952 when he logged a modest 3.1 innings in Chippewa Valley League play for the Leif’s Conoco Oilers of Eau Claire. Denny’s incredible talent began to shine in 1953 when he led the CVL with 100 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched while tying for the circuit lead in the categories of wins (7), winning percentage (1.000), and shutouts (1). In compiling a 2.04 ERA that season, O’Melia was also part of the league’s 10th no-hitter as he and teammate Jim Rogneby combined to no-hit Fall Creek 11-2. The slender lefty’s sizzling fastball and big breaking curve quickly caught the attention of professional scouts. Before the summer of 1953 was over, Denny had signed and debuted with the hometown Eau Claire Bears, who at the time were affiliated with Milwaukee Braves.
After serving in the military from 1954 to 1956, Denny was signed by the Kansas City Athletics. Rising quickly through the A’s ranks, O’Melia received an invite to the Athletics major league spring camp in 1957. In playing for three organizations (Milwaukee Braves, Kansas City Athletics, Cincinnati Reds) across three levels (Single A, Double A, Triple A) within six seasons as a professional (1953, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960), O’Melia’s pro numbers include 114 appearances, 35 wins, 31 losses, a .530 winning percentage, 512 innings pitched, 506 strikeouts, and a 4.82 ERA. Denny is also on record as having multiple 20 strikeout games as a pro and also throwing a no-hitter for the Missoula Timberjacks (Double A, Cincinnati Reds) in 1960.
After throwing 3.1 innings for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers of the Eau Claire Classic League in 1960, Denny returned full-time to the amateur ranks in 1961 with terrific dominance. As player/pitcher/manager for the Millers, the smooth lefty posted a 1.96 ERA and led the ECCBL in innings pitched with 119.1, strikeouts with 186, wins with 12, a winning percentage of .800, and shutouts with 4. O’Melia’s overall totals from 1961 – ECCBL games and non-league games combined – were astounding. In 152.1 innings, he struck out 231 batters while posting a 16 and 3 record with 5 shutouts, a 1-hitter, and a no-hitter all while walking just 47 batters. Unofficially, the 231 K’s are an Eau Claire baseball record for a single-season of pitching.
Fueled by O’Melia’s dynamic left arm, the 1961 Tommy Millers went a ECCBL best 13 and 5 and swept the Eau Claire Twin City Sports 2 games to 0 in the ECCBL championship series. In the game one 6-0 victory, O’Melia threw a 5-inning, 1-hit shutout with 12 K’s. In the game two clincher, O’Melia mowed down 20 Sports in the nine-inning, 5-2 victory. The Millers would go on to win the 1961 WBA championship with a 5 and 1 tournament record, beating Pepin at New Richmond to clinch the title. True to form, O’Melia went 2 and 0 with two complete game WBA victories, striking out 24 in 18 innings while giving up 3 earned runs (1.50 ERA) and allowing 8 hits.
1962 was O’Melia’s last year playing baseball full-time in the Chippewa Valley, and he did nothing but fortify his place as one of the largest baseball giants to ever come out of this area. Again acting as player/pitcher/manager for the Tommy Millers, Denny continued to own the ECCBL. In 58.1 league innings, the standout southpaw had an ERA of 1.08, struck out 87, led the ECCBL with 7 wins and a .875 winning percentage (7 wind and 1 loss) while also tying for the lead in saves and shutouts with 1 apiece. In staking the outright ECCBL championship with a 9 and 2 record, O’Melia and the Millers rolled in to the WBA only to lose in the title game 6-5 to Pepin at Cushing. Despite being the losing pitcher in the championship, O’Melia was named to the 1962 All-WBA team after earlier hurling a 2-0 shutout, logging 18 tournament innings, striking out 31, and giving up 4 earned runs (2.00 ERA) while allowing 12 hits.
Denny would go on to pursue teaching and baseball coaching jobs at Winter (1962-65) and Chetek (1966-68) high schools before taking a position in Inver Heights, MN at Inver Hills Community College where he started the baseball program in 1970 and remained the head coach for the next nine seasons.
O’Melia’s playing days were far from over, however. Pitching for the Barron town team out of the Barron County League, Lefty propelled the Barron team to their lone WBA championship in 1965 when they captured the Class B crown. Denny was named the outstanding pitcher for Class B as he threw a no-hitter, had 2 complete game wins, made 3 appearances, pitched 21 innings, and gave up only 3 knocks.
The connection O’Melia made in the minors brought him back to the pro ranks in 1975 when Minnesota Twins manager Gene Mauch called upon him to act as a batting practice pitcher, specifically when the Twins were to face a left-handed hurler. For the next five years, Denny toed the rubber at old Met Stadium to fill the role of “Scout Team Lefty” for Minnesota.
In a strong testament to the type of enduring skill and devotion O’Melia possessed, the great lefty pitched in to his mid-60’s for the highly competitive Exeland Braves semi-pro squad, thus crafting a pitching career that qualitatively stretched across five decades, beginning in the 1950’s and finishing in the 1990’s.
In just two full-time seasons of play in the ECCBL, Denny stands as the league’s all-time leader in shutouts (5), winning percentage (.826, 19 wins vs. 4 losses), and K/9 IP (13.82).
Although his stop in CRBL history amounted to only five seasons, the brevity of his existence should not minimize the certainty that O’Melia was a super nova pitching talent rarely seen at any amateur baseball level. Upon induction, the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame officially acknowledges Denny O’Melia as one of the greatest baseball individuals the league will ever know.
Mike “Scoop” Lucas
Class of 2016
Media
Chippewa Herald-Telegram 1967-77; Cadott Sentinel 1978
A sports writer and sports editor for the Chippewa Herald-Telegram from 1967 to 1977 as well as the Cadott Sentinel in 1978, Mike Lucas is the first member of the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame to be elected solely for contributions as a member of the media.
During his first year at the Chippewa-Herald Telegram in 1967, Mike unveiled what would become a frequently running feature known as the “A.M. Report”. Within the lines of that column, readers of the Chippewa Herald-Telegram were given their first behind the scenes look in to the teams of the Chippewa Valley League, the forerunner to the CRBL. The dugout vantage point offered by Lucas supplied insightful details on team happenings, opinions of players and managers, as well as league organizational decisions and rules.
“Scoop” also should be credited with being the first sports reporter in the area to consistently provide readers with illustrated photos of team rosters, game action, and individual players. Moreover, Lucas had a knack for capturing poignant post-game shots of the elated and celebratory winners side by side with the vanquished and emotionally crushed losing squad.
Through his “A.M. Report”, Lucas also compiled and presented league statistics for both team and individual accomplishments. Hitting, pitching, and even defensive stats were offered in a professional and engaging manner. In doing so, Mike unknowingly laid the foundation for the statistical records, structure, and accountability that have become synonymous with the historically rich existence of the CRBL.
Decades after his last newspaper story was printed, Mike’s ideas and professional approach to reporting on amateur baseball can still vividly be seen and felt in how the CRBL operates today.
Also known as “A.M. Lucas”, Mike’s induction in to the CRBL Hall of Fame rightfully honors the pioneering coverage of one of the most influential figures in league history. Thank you Scoop!!!
Scott Biederman
Class of 2016
Player/Manager
Eau Claire Bears 1998-2007
Player
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1993
From 1998 to 2007, Scott Biederman’s dedicated and stand-up brand of leadership was a visible part of the Eau Claire Bears’ immense success. On and off the field, his strong managerial presence undoubtedly helped transform the Bears from a beginning CRBL organization in to a resounding amateur baseball dynasty.
Biederman’s time in the CRBL began as a part-time player for the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in 1993. Then, after fulfilling a similar playing role for the unaffiliated Eau Claire Bears over the next several seasons, Scott claimed their managerial spot in 1998. That year coincided with the Bears’ first season in the CRBL, one in which they admirably finished 9 and 7 and qualified for the WBA before losing their first round game to the eventual 1998 WBA champions, the Sparta Millers.
After failing to play .500 baseball over the next two years within the unforgiving competition and structure of the CRBL, Biederman’s 2001 Eau Claire squad began turning the corner with a 9 and 9 league mark while narrowly missing a WBA berth. With a growing core of excellent young players, Scott’s 2002 team went 13 and 6 in winning the franchise’s first South Division title by beating the established Augusta Athletics 11-0 at Augusta in a divisional tiebreaker game. After losing 4-2 to Tilden in the 2002 CRBL championship bout, Biederman led the black and white clad crew to their first Final 8 appearance where they lost the opening quarterfinal game 2-1 to the Spring Valley Hawks in Augusta.
With another strong showing in 2003, one that saw Eau Claire go 12 and 6 and qualify again for the WBA, Biederman and the Bears were on the verge of embarking on one of the greatest runs of success the CRBL will ever see.
From 2004 to 2007, the Bears used the baseball pillars of dominant pitching, good defense, and clutch hitting to win four consecutive South Division titles, three CRBL crowns (2004, 2005, 2006), as well as clawing their way to the WBA’s Final 8 each year. When including the 2002 and 2003 seasons, the Bears went a CRBL best 86 and 22 (.796 winning percentage) during Scott’s last seven seasons as the skipper, including a sterling 17-1 record in 2006. The pinnacle of this remarkable run came in 2005 when the Biederman guided Eau Claire nine beat the Everest Merchants 10-7 at Chaseburg-Coon Valley to win the coveted WBA championship. At that time, it was only the fifth WBA title ever captured by a CRBL team.
The CRBL co-manager of the year in 2006, Biederman’s accumulative managerial totals during his 10 seasons at the helm of the Bears are historically significant. Upon induction, Scott ranks (tied for) 2nd in WBA titles, 3rd in WBA wins, 3rd in WBA Final 8’s, (tied for) 3rd in divisional crowns, (tied for) 5th in CRBL titles, (tied for) 9th in WBA appearances, 10th in CRBL wins, 10th in CRBL winning percentage, and 11th in CRBL games managed.
Andy Abrahamson
1st Baseman
Bloomer Merchants 1980-86, 88-92; Bloomer Fightin’ Woodticks 1993-2007
A left-handed stick with a compact swing, Andy Abrahamson embodied the elements of all great home town baseball players – skill, dedication, humility, and an intense want to play the game.
Competing for the Bloomer Merchants from 1980 to 1992 and then for the Bloomer Fightin’ Woodticks from 1995 to 2007, Andy began as a catcher before finishing the latter portion of his CRBL career as a first baseman.
Abrahamson’s 27 seasons of CRBL games were a picture of consistency brightly illuminated by the sheer quantity of his hitting accomplishments. In nine seasons, Andy hit over .300 (1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2005). Amidst those .300 efforts, the sure-handed 1st baseman tied the single-game CRBL record for doubles with 4, a mark he reached on June 13, 1992 in a 15 to 8 win vs. the Cadott Red Sox. In two additional campaigns, the portside swinger eclipsed .400 twice in league play (.421 in 1990 and .435 in 1998). The apex came in 1996 when Andy’s quick, contact geared stroke vaulted him above the rarified .500 barrier when he led the CRBL in hitting with a .531 average (26 for 49). Included in those 26 hits was a league pacing 8 doubles to go along with two home runs and 19 RBI’s. Abrahamson’s shining performance resulted in his recognition as an All-CRBL 1st baseman in that memorable 1996 season.
Over the course of his nearly three decades of CRBL competition, Andy was part of 12 WBA qualifiers in Bloomer – five times with the Merchants (1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987) and seven times with the Fightin’ Woodticks (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007). In two of those appearances, (1987 and 2007), Andy’s productive bat and veteran leadership helped the Bloomer gang make it to the Final 8, where on both occasions they suffered tough, opening game losses.
A participant in seven CRBL All-Star games (1986, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003), the impressive scope of Abrahamson’s CRBL career has him ranking among the elite in numerous offensive categories. Upon induction, the Bloomer stalwart is ranked 5th in games
played, 5th in at-bats, 5th in singles, 6th in walks, (tied for) 8th in RBI’s, 8th in hits, 12th in runs scored, and 16th in total bases.
Harv Tomter
Class of 2015
Pitcher, Utility
CRBL: Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1952; Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports 1959; Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960
ECCBL: Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-63; Strum Merchants 1964
Throughout the Chippewa Valley, Harv Tomter is known as the legendary manager of the Eau Claire Cavaliers. It should never be forgotten, however, that Harv Tomter the baseball player was a clutch performer, professional prospect, and game changing talent from both the mound and the batter’s box.
A right-handed thrower and left-handed hitter, Tomter broke in to amateur baseball in 1952 with Leif’s Conoco Oilers of Eau Claire. In just two appearances, he tied for the league lead in shutouts with 1, going 1 and 1 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings.
Signed by the New York Giants organization in 1953, he split time that season between their Class D (Single A) affiliates Oshkosh, WI Giants and Mayfield, KY Clothiers. In total, the righty went 6 and 8 with a 5.52 ERA in 137 innings through 12 starts and 33 appearances.
In 1954, Harv switched to the Baltimore Orioles organization where he again pitched at the Class D level, this time for the Americus-Cordele, GA Orioles. Making 26 starts and 34 appearances, Tomter commendably logged 205.1 innings with a 5.00 ERA and a 6 and 17 won/loss record.
Playing in surrounding amateur circuits from 1955 to 1958, Tomter returned to the CRBL in 1959 with the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports. On the hill, Tomter went 4 and 3 in 46 innings with a 4.70 ERA and tied for the CVL lead in saves with 1. With the stick, the Sport hit 2 homers and drove in 8 RBI’s in 9 games.
In 1960, Tomter emerged as one of the Chippewa Valley’s dominant amateur players, competing in both the CVL and ECCBL for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers. Going 3 and 0 in the CVL and 7 and 0 in the ECCBL, he led both circuits in winning percentage at 1.000. Harv’s 1960 pitching totals were a sterling 10 and 0 in 79.1 innings with 84 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.72. As a hitter; Tomter bombed 2 long balls and had 5 doubles in 19 games.
Tomter rose to legendary status in 1961. During the regular season, Harv was named All-ECCBL at utility for hitting .377 (20 for 53) with 5 doubles while going 1 and 0 in 15 innings of pitching for the Tommy Millers. In the WBA, the righty’s ironman heroics from the mound led the Eau Claire squad to a state title in New Richmond. In the double-elimination Final 8 format, Tomter hurled back-to-back nine inning complete games in the same day, beating Pepin 4-1 in the first game and Pepin again in the championship match, this time by a 9-3 ledger. Accordingly, Tomter was named the tournament’s most valuable pitcher.
Hitting .372 (16 for 43) in 1962, Harv tied for the ECCBL lead in doubles with 3 while posting a 2 and 1 record with a 1.52 ERA in 23.2 innings for the league champion Millers. Continuing his stellar play in the WBA, he was named to the 1962 All-Tournament Team as a pitcher/1st baseman for the Eau Claire squad that lost in the WBA championship, 6-5 in a rematch with Pepin at Cushing.
In no uncertain terms, Harv was a one man gang in 1963. With his Millers going 10 and 5 and winning their fourth ECCBL championship in a row, the curve balling righty claimed all 10 of his team’s victories, going 10 and 2 in 103 ECCBL innings with a 2.53 ERA, 83 strikeouts and 1 shutout. His 10 wins paced the ECCBL during the season in which he made his lone ECCBL All-Star appearance. In WBA play, Harv and the Millers were bumped before making the finals.
Fittingly, Tomter’s last full year of amateur baseball was his best. Playing with the Strum Merchants in 1964, Harv led ECCBL pitchers with 93.1 innings and tied for the lead in wins with 5 while posting a 2.53 ERA augmented by 75 strikeouts. From the plate, the portside swinger cracked a league leading 3 homers and 21 RBI’s while tying for the lead in hits with 25 within a healthy.385 average in 62 at-bats.
Drafted by the ECCBL champ Eau Claire Twin City Sports from Strum in 1964, Tomter incredibly shined in the post-season again. In the double-elimination WBA semi-finals, Harv crafted a 6 to 2 victory with 10 K’s and 4 walks verse a familiar foe, the Pepin Lakers. In the next game, again vs. Pepin, the curve ball specialist threw 7.1 innings of relief with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks in the 9 to 3 title bout victory. Winning the WBA’s most valuable pitcher award for the second time, Harv still remains one of only seven individuals to be bestowed the prestigious honor multiple times.
With the closure of the ECCBL in 1965, Harv finished as the all-time leader in pitching wins (21), and is second in winning percentage (.778, 21 wins and 6 losses) and base hits (83).
Of course, Tomter went on to legendary accomplishments with the powerhouse Eau Claire Cavaliers baseball teams. From 1979 to 2005, Coach Tomter compiled a striking 1,595 and 437 won-loss record (.785 winning pct.), including 5 Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series titles. Upon induction, Harv Tomter takes his rightful place as one of the largest baseball giants to ever be a part of the Chippewa River Baseball League.
Dan Pearson
Class of 2015
Outfielder
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1985-92
If ever there was a template for a lead-off hitter in amateur baseball, Dan Pearson would have fulfilled the requirements. A quick and slashing left-handed hitter, Pearson was a menace for both catchers and pitchers alike during his eight seasons of competition for the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in the Chippewa River Baseball League.
Never hitting below .333 in any of his seasons, Dan was a frequently deployed weapon by the ‘Jacks, evident in that he led the CRBL in at-bats on three occasions – 1986 (81), 1988 (63), and 1990 (67). His highest mark as a hitter came in 1988 when he hit .429 (27 for 63) and also set career highs in home runs (3) and RBI’s (17) for a wild-card Chippewa Falls squad that went 12 and 4. After dispensing of the Northern Division champion Jim Falls Sturgeons in a playoff game, Pearson and the Lumberjacks beat the Lafayette Indians 13 to 10 for the CRBL title before chopping their way to a WBA Final 8 appearance in Hayward.
Pearson had the second .400+ campaign of his career in 1989 when he K’d just once in batting .413 (26 for 63). His personal best 25 runs scored that season helped jettison the Chippewa Falls squad to an 11 and 5 league record and their first appearance in the WBA title game, where they lost 13 to 7 to the Menomonie Eagles in Abbotsford. Within the Final 8, the fleet-footed outfielder was named the most valuable defensive player, becoming the first CRBL player to win the defensive stalwart trophy.
A line-drive hitter, Pearson’s season best mark of 3 long balls came in both 1988 and 1992. Interestingly, Dan’s 1992 total was reached in one game vs. the Jim Falls Sturgeons. In the June 7th contest, the lefty laced 3 solo shots in the ‘Jacks 6 to 4 victory in the 1st game of a doubleheader at Cardinal Field.
As the igniter of an explosive Lumberjack offense, Dan efficiently piled up the offensive numbers during his eight-year CRBL run. In six consecutive seasons (1986 to 1991) he had 20 or more hits, eclipsing the exclusive 30 hit barrier in 1986 with 31 knocks in 81 at-bats for a .383 average. Fulfilling his responsibility from the top of the order, Pearson earned 10 or more walks in seven seasons with a high of 16 in 1989. Reaching home plate at a frequent clip, he scored 20 or more runs four times with a high of 25 in 1989.
Utilizing his speed and quickness, Dan swiped 10 or more bases in five seasons with a personal best of 16 in 1989. Despite hitting primarily out of the lead-off spot, Pearson still managed to drive in 10 or more runs in six seasons with his personal best of 17 RBI’s coming in 1988.
Pearson’s outstanding play was a major factor in the early success of the Lumberjack’s existence. During his time on the Woodcutters, the ‘Jacks won three North Division championships (1985, 1987, 1990), four CRBL crowns (1985, 1987, 1988, 1990), qualified for the WBA seven seasons in a row (1985 to 1991), and played in two WBA Final 8’s (1988 and 1989). In those four CRBL championship games, Dan stayed true to form, going 8 for 21 (.381) with 5 runs, 4 RBI’s, and 2 stolen bases.
The respect bestowed on the Lumberjacks outfielder was evident in that Dan played in five CRBL All-Star games (1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991), was named All-CRBL in five seasons (1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990), and recognized as Honorable Mention All-CRBL in one season (1991).
Upon induction, Pearson’s offensive potency is on display in his all-time rankings, where he can be found in 9th place for batting average, tied for 10th in stolen bases, and alone in 31st for slugging percentage.