League: Chippewa River Baseball League

Primary League

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

Class of 2016

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.

Stan Lokken

Class of 2015

Utility

CRBL: Foster 1957-58; Bracket Orioles 1960; Beef River Bullfrogs 2000, 07

ECCBL: Strum Merchants 1961-63

Manager

Beef River Bullfrogs 1996-2008

Stan Lokken’s energetic and competitive persona enabled him to enjoy a career in amateur baseball that spanned over 50 years.  It was during his reign, however, as organizer and manager of the hard-hitting Beef River Bullfrogs that Lokken indelibly made a historical mark on the existence of the CRBL.

A native of the Strum area, Stan was a fixture as a utility player for the Foster, Bracket, and Strum teams of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.  He then finished the first stage of his amateur career by playing for the Strum Merchants of the Eau Claire Classic Baseball League from 1961 to 1963.

33 years later, Lokken was instrumental in reconnecting the Strum community with the CRBL, as the Beef River Bullfrogs debuted in 1996.  Success came quickly for the Frogs when in 1997, they finished 9 and 7 from the South Division and qualified for the WBA tourney, winning their first round game 11 to 9 vs. Ashland in Ashland.

After three sub-.500 campaigns, Stan and the Bullfrogs leaped to a South Division crown in 2001 with a 12 and 6 record.  In the CRBL championship game, they lost a well-played 4 to 0 contest vs. the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks at first-year Casper Park.

Two years later in 2003, the amphibious crew from Beef River was back in the CRBL title bout.  Facing the veteran Tilden Tigers at Tilden, the explosive line-up that Stan had assembled piled on the runs in a 14 to 8 victory.  It was the first amateur baseball championship for a Strum region team in over 50 years.

2003 also marked the beginning of an impressive five season run (2003-2007) where the Strum based squad won 11 or more league games and qualified for the WBA tournament in each year, stamping their place as a marquee foe in CRBL competition.

Playing on as needed basis for Beef River, Stan set the unique record for the longest time between league games played at a sizeable gap of 37 years.  Having played for the Strum Merchants in 1963, Lokken did not play again until 2000.  Impressively, Stan’s last CRBL game came in 2007, when he again set another record, this one for being the most senior statesman to appear in a league game at the age of 77.

Known as a selfless promoter of his Bullfrogs players as well as the Eleva and Strum communities, Lokken single-handedly organized countless promotional nights and events during his 13 seasons at the helm of Beef River.  Additionally, Lokken commendably assisted several of his players in receiving scholarships to play college baseball across the country.

Upon induction, Stan ranks 6th in games managed with 227, 7th in managerial wins with 121, and 8th in WBA appearances with 7.

Ron Buckli

Class of 2015

Outfielder & Media

CRBL: Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1952-53; Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports 1959-60

ECCBL: Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-63; Strum Merchants 1964

Media: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram 1956 through induction

Ron Buckli’s long and illustrious career as both an all-around athlete and acclaimed sports journalist indisputably define him as one of the most respected and accomplished individuals in the storied existence of the Chippewa River Baseball League.

Buckli’s first full season in the Chippewa Valley League came in 1953 with the Leif’s Conoco Oilers out of Eau Claire.  In 13 league games, Ron hit .339 (19 for 56) and tied for the league lead in doubles with 6.

The left-handed hitting outfielder’s athleticism and hitting prowess landed him a pro contract with the St. Louis Browns in 1954.  Assigned to the Class D (Single A) affiliate in Wytheville, VA, Ron played in 31 games for the Statesmen, hitting .252 (29 for 115) with 8 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs in what would prove to be his lone season of professional baseball.

After playing for area baseball teams from 1955 to 1958, “Buck” returned to the CVL in 1959 with the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports.  In only 9 league games, Buckli efficiently slammed a league leading 3 triples to go along with 4 doubles and 2 home runs while hitting .385 (15 for 31).

In 1960, Ron excelled in both the CVL for the Sports and for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers in the first year Eau Claire Classic Baseball League.  In the CVL, Buckli led the way in at-bats with 59 while rapping 20 hits for a .339 average.  For the Millers of the ECCBL, the Eau Claire native paced the four-team circuit with 25 hits and 3 home runs while tying for the lead in RBI’s with 18 all while hitting a robust .379 in 66 at-bats.  Rightfully, Buckli was a unanimous All-ECCBL pick as an outfielder for the ECCBL champion Millers.

In 1961, Ron was simply outstanding for the Tommy Millers.  Playing exclusively in the ECCBL, the slugging lefty hit .414 (30 for 68) in 18 games while leading the league in hits with 30, doubles with 10, home runs with 5, RBI’s with 27, and runs scored with 23 all on his way to a second unanimous All-ECCBL award.  Accordingly, Buckli and the Millers pounded their way to a second ECCBL title in a row as well as another spot in the WBA tourney.  Going 5 and 1 in the double elimination tournament format, the Eau Claire squad decisively captured the WBA title, beating Pepin 9 to 3 in the championship game at New Richmond.  In the 6 tournament games, Ron went 8 for 25 (.320 average) with 5 home runs, 12 RBI’s, and 6 runs scored.  In the title tilt, Ron slammed 2 home runs and drove in 3 runs to clinch his selection as the MVP of the 1961 WBA Finals.

Winning their third straight ECCBL title in 1962, Buckli and the Millers made it to the WBA championship game again before losing 6-5 in a rematch with Pepin at Cushing.

After hitting 2 homeruns in 1962, Ron hit 2 more for the Millers in 1963 as they won their fourth straight ECCBL title and qualified once again for the WBA tourney in what was their last season of existence.

Buckli’s final year of amateur baseball in the Chippewa Valley came in 1964 for the Strum Merchants of the ECCBL. In a part-time role, the outfielder hit .385 (5 for 13) with 6 runs scored in 4 games.

At the completion of the ECCBL’s six-season existence (1960-65), Ron finished second in doubles (16), homeruns (9), RBI’s (63), runs scored (61), total bases (131), slugging percentage (.541), and third in hits (82).

Of course, Ron Bucki’s contributions to the local sports scene go well beyond any field of competition.  Since July of 1956, he has reported on area sports with sincerity, fairness, enthusiasm, respect, and humility for the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram.  Renowned and revered as a top notch sports journalist, Ron also has had a major impact on Special Olympics in the Chippewa Valley through his immensely popular Buckshot Run event.  Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in the regional promotion, development, and success of the international sport of ski jumping.

With his induction, the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame is able to permanently welcome a selfless sportsman, dynamite baseball player, and true gentlemen in Mr. Ron Buckli.

Don Amundson

Class of 2015

Catcher

CRBL: Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports 1959; Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960; Howard Braves 1966-68

ECCBL: Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-63; Eau Claire Twin City Sports 1965

The best hitter in the six-season run of the Eau Claire Classic Baseball League (1960-65), Don Amundson should eternally be viewed as one of the best offensive and defensive catchers to ever be associated with the Chippewa River Baseball League.

In his first season of amateur baseball in 1959, Amundson won a Chippewa Valley League batting title with a .469 average (15 for 32) for the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports.  In 1960, Don played for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers.  For that season only, the Millers competed in both the CVL and ECCBL, enjoying considerable success across both circuits.  In CVL play, Amundson clouted a league leading total of 3 home runs while scoring a league high total of 17 runs.  In the ECCBL, Don won the league’s inaugural batting crown with a .403 mark (25 for 62), tied for the lead in RBI’s with 18, and notched the unusual feat of leading the league in stolen bases with 8 while excelling at the demanding position of catcher.  His composite totals from both leagues in 1960 are impressive in both quality and quantity: 26 games played, 120 at-bats, 41 hits, 6 doubles, 5 home runs, 31 RBI’s 36 runs scored, 12 stolen bases, 11 walks, and a .342 average.

Competing exclusively in the ECCBL in 1961, Amundson captured his third consecutive batting title, pacing the Eau Claire centered league with a .482 ledger (27 for 56) to go along with 8 doubles, 3 long balls, 17 RBI’s, and 20 runs scored all in just 14 games.

Don’s performance in 1962 permanently etched his spot as one of the best offensive catchers to ever strap on the gear for a Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire area baseball team.  In 11 games for the Tommy Millers, the prolific hitting catcher remarkably won his fourth batting title in a row with a scathing .500 average (19 for 38) to go along with ECCBL high marks in hits (19), home runs (4), RBI’s (12), stolen bases (6), and walks (12).

Amundson’s last full season of play in the ECCBL came in 1963.  Continuing with his heavy hitting ways, Don tied for the league lead in doubles with 4 and homeruns with 5 while leading outright in runs batted in with 19, all during a 15 game league season.

The right-handed slugger returned to the CRBL landscape in 1966 as a Howard Brave, where he hit .324 (22 for 68) with a home run and 16 RBI’s in 16 league games.  Playing two more seasons on a part-time basis, Amundson concluded his run in CRBL history in 1968 with Howard, hitting .333 (8 for 24).

The exemplarily outstanding level of Amundson’s play coincided directly with the great success his teams experienced.  During Don’s five seasons in the Chippewa Valley League, he was part of four division winners, three WBA qualifiers, and one CVL champion.  In five Eau Claire Classic Baseball League campaigns, Amundson notably played on the ECCBL champ each year in addition to five WBA tournament teams, and one WBA champion in the 1961 Eau Claire Tommy Millers.

Individually, the accolades were plentiful for the slugging catcher.  In total, Amundson was a participant in four ECCBL All-Star games, three CVL All-Star contests, was a unanimous selection twice as an All-ECCBL catcher  in the only two years the award was given (1960 and 1961), and was also one of 22 players selected to the 1963 WBA All-Tournament Team as a member of the Millers.  Additionally, Don was named as a catcher to the 1962 Wisconsin Semi-Pro Baseball All-Tournament Team.

Upon induction, Don will forever be the Eau Claire Classic Baseball League’s leader in batting average (.414, 87 for 210), hits (87), doubles (18), home runs (14), RBI’s (68), runs scored (65), stolen bases (19), total bases (151), and slugging percentage (.719).