League: Chippewa River Baseball League

Primary League

Dan Pearson

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

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

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

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).

Kurt Stellpflug

Pitcher, Utility

Augusta Athletics 1989-96; Osseo Merchants 1999-2004; Whitehall Wolves 2005, 07

Kurt “Plugger” Stellpflug was an extremely tough and highly respected competitor during his 16 seasons of play in the CRBL.  The dominance and humility that he exhibited throughout his outstanding amateur baseball career makes Stellpflug an overwhelming selection to the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame.

A big right-hander with a rocking, high kicking delivery, Plug’s hard fastball and knee buckling curve were let loose from a deceptive three-quarter release point.  Collectively, these components became synonymous with his lengthy success from the mound.  Averaging over nine strikeouts per nine innings, Kurt led the CRBL in K’s four seasons (60 in 1993, 59 in 1996, 81 in 2002, and 73 in 2003).  In total, the right-handed ace led or tied for the CRBL lead 15 times in six different pitching categories.  In addition to his strikeout belts, Stellpflug led the CRBL once in innings pitched (73 in 2002), twice in ERA (1.36 in 2002 and 0.56 in 2004), twice in wins (8 in 1993 and 7 in 2002), twice in saves (1 in 1995 and 3 in 1996), and four times in shutouts (1 in 1991, 1 in 1993, 2 in 1995, 1 in 2001).

Shining among these league leading totals was Stellpflug’s historical 2002 season.  Pitching for the Osseo Merchants at the age of 40, Kurt became the sixth pitcher in CRBL history to win the CRBL’s Triple Crown of pitching.  His 7 wins, 81 punch-outs, and 1.36 ERA were all pace setting marks, as was his 73 innings pitched.

Plugger’s game altering abilities from the mound often overshadowed the prowess he possessed from the right-handed side of the plate.  In his 11 seasons as a full-time player, Kurt hit over .300 five times (1990, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2003), over .400 four times (1992, 1993, 1999, 2000), and a lofty .525 (31 for 59) in 1994.  His 31 safeties in 1994 tied for the CRBL lead in that category.  In the same season, Kurt also became one of 13 hitters to garner 6 hits in a game, doing so vs. the Hallie Eagles in a 13 to 9 Augusta win.  Offensively, Kurt’s other league leading offensive total came later in 2003 when he banged 10 doubles for Osseo.

A member of the Augusta Athletics from 1989 through 1996, the classy Stellpflug’s presence on the young franchise helped jump start amateur baseball in an area where it had been dormant for over 30 years.  After a two-year sabbatical from the CRBL in 1997 and 1998, Kurt returned with the fledgling Merchants of Osseo, playing from 1999 to 2004 before finishing as a part-timer with another new franchise, the Whitehall Wolves in 2005 and again in 2007.

A game changing winner wherever he played, Plug was part of four division winners, three CRBL champions, 12 WBA qualifiers, six WBA Final 8 teams, and one WBA champion with the Augusta Athletics in 1994.  His individual contributions were clearly recognized in his eight All-CRBL awards (1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002), two Honorable Mention All-CRBL awards (1999 and 2003), and Most Valuable Pitcher Award of the 1994 WBA Finals.

Upon induction, Kurt’s highest all-time ranking can be found in pitching wins where he is 6th.  Other top marks from the slab include winning percentage (12th), innings pitched (12th), strikeouts (13th), ERA (17th), saves (tied for 15th), shutouts (tied for 13th), and K/9 IP (19th).

As a hitter, Stellplug is highly ranked in batting average (17th), slugging percentage (22nd), homeruns (tied for 35th), runs scored (36th), doubles (tied for 38th), total bases (39th), RBI’s (tied for 39th), hits (tied for 40th), and singles (tied for 42nd).

Jeremiah Paulson

1st Baseman

Augusta Athletics 1993-2006

Jeremiah Paulson’s 14 season tear through the CRBL was marked by booming homeruns, searing line drives, shell shocked opponents, and skittish pitchers.  Historically, the Augusta legend can unequivocally be viewed as one of the greatest players the Chippewa River Baseball League will ever have.

The 1993 addition of “Miah” to Augusta’s roster elevated the A’s line-up to a combustible level.  Hitting .406 with 4 doubles and 1 home run in 10 games, Paulson helped propel Augusta to their second straight South Division title and CRBL crown before losing 9-5 to Abbotsford in the WBA championship game.

In 1994, Paulson became a CRBL immortal when he won the hitter’s Triple Crown, batting .527 (29/59) with 11 homers and 30 RBI’s.  In doing so, Jeremiah became only the 6th player in CRBL history to accomplish the feat.  His 11 long balls also set a single-season record in that category that has since been equaled twice (Dusty Freitag in 1996 and Todd Lasher in 2012).  The Ruthian performance was the pillar of Augusta’s march to another South Division title and capturing of the WBA championship with an 8-4 victory vs. the Whittlesey Reds in the title bout.  It was the CRBL’s first WBA crown for a CRBL team since the 1953 Thorp Cardinals.

Paulson came back in 1995 to win another batting title with a .483 average while tying for the CRBL lead in hits with 28 in 58 at-bats.  Accentuated by his 8 long balls and 23 RBI’s, Miah’s presence again played an irreplaceable role in the A’s winning a fourth consecutive South Division title and the franchise’s third CRBL title belt.

One of only three players in league history to hit 4 home runs in a game, Paulson accomplished the feat on July 17, 1994 in Augusta’s 37 to 9 thumping of the Cadott Red Sox at Cadott.  In the same game, Jeremiah also had 6 hits, putting him in another exclusive club numbering only 13 CRBL hitters.

1995 was also the year Jeremiah gained national acclaim when as a junior at Northwest Missouri State he was featured in “Faces in the Crowd” of Sports Illustrated.  In the May 8, 1995 issue, Paulson was highlighted for his homerun barrage in a doubleheader vs. Southwest Baptist.  In the two games, he was 4 for 8 with 4 homeruns and 11 RBI’s.  In game number two, Paulson hit a homer in three consecutive at-bats, including a grand slam and 3-run home run in one inning.

From 1996 to 1998, the Big Lefty played intermittently for the Athletics as he became a full-timer for the Eau Claire Cavaliers.  Yet, in playing only 12 CRBL games in 1998 Paulson still managed to lead the league with 9 big flies.

In 2000, Miah returned to the CRBL full force, hitting .415 (27 for 65) while tying for the circuit lead with 10 home runs and pacing the circuit outright with 34 runs scored in 18 games.

The CRBL’s switch to wood bats in 2001 had little effect on Paulson’s offensive propensity.  Over his last six season’s in the CRBL, Miah averaged 5 home runs, 24 hits, 18 RBI’s, 16 runs scored, and an accumulative batting average of .414 (146 for 353).  For his entire 193 game CRBL career, he finished with per game averages of 1.19 RBI’s and 1.45 hits.

During his 14 league campaigns, Miah tied or led the league in offensive categories 17 times: once in runs scored (34 in 2000), twice in hits (28 in 1995 and 23 in 2001), twice in RBI’s (30 in 1994 and 20 in 2002), twice in walks (19 in 2003 and 19 in 2005), three times in batting average (.527 in 1994, .483 in 1995, and .468 in 2002), as well as a league record seven times in home runs (11 in 1994, 9 in 1998, 10 in 2000, 4 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 8 in 2004, and 5 in 2005).

A participant in five All-Star games, Paulson was named the game’s MVP in the 2000 contest hosted by Jim Falls.  In his standout performance, he was 3 for 4 with 5 RBI’s and hit a go ahead grand slam in the seventh inning that was the deciding margin in the South’s 8-4 win over the North.

Accordingly, the left-handed smasher was named All-CRBL seven times (1994, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006), good for 7th all-time in the award’s existence.  Moreover, in two seasons (2001 and 2003) Jeremiah was named Honorable Mention All-CRBL.

Paulson departed from the CRBL gallery after the 2006 season, moving to the western part of the WBA map.  Starting in 2007, Miah began playing for the Ellsworth Hubbers of the St. Croix Valley League where he still continues to mercilessly destroy the offerings of opposing pitchers.

Upon induction, Paulson’s embedded all-time CRBL rankings include the prestigious top spots in both batting average and slugging percentage.  His additional high ranks can be found in home runs (2nd), total bases (8th), RBI’s (tied for 13th), runs scored (19th), doubles (20th), walks (tied for 25th), and hits (30th).

Dennis Lee

1st Baseman

Augusta Athletics 1989-96

The Augusta Athletics of the 1990’s had a memorable array of talented and fearsome players that collectively dominated the CRBL.  Amidst this accomplished and winning crew was 1st baseman Dennis “Denny” Lee, who is readily acknowledged by his Augusta brethren as the leader of the A’s rise to CRBL prominence.

Hitting from a simplistic upright stance, the right-handed swinging Lee brought immediate respect and awareness to the potency of Augusta’s line-up.  In the Athletics’ first CRBL season, Denny hit .321 (18 for 56) with 4 home runs and 17 RBI’s as the team went 9 and 7 while qualifying for the WBA gala from the South Division.  This would be the first of five consecutive seasons of hitting .300 or better, capped by his career best .446 average (29 for 65) in 1993.  His 65 at-bats and 29 runs scored that year both led the nine-team CRBL.  Denny also set personal highs in 1993 with 6 doubles and 6 home runs as he was deservedly recognized with an All-CRBL award.  Lee’s other league leading total came the previous year when his 26 RBI’s were tops in 1992. Despite his relatively short playing career in the CRBL, Denny is still tied for 35th all-time in long balls with 24.

The run production and leadership that Denny provided became crucial factors in the A’s noteworthy run of success in the CRBL and the WBA.  During the 1st baseman’s seven seasons of CRBL conflicts, Augusta won four South Division titles, three CRBL championships, qualified for seven WBA tournaments, played in four Final 8’s, and made it to two WBA  championship games, and winning the prized WBA championship in 1994.

With his time on Augusta dating back to the organization’s independent beginnings of the early 1980’s, Lee will forever be viewed as one of the town’s baseball giants.  Through his induction in to the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame, Dennis Lee rightfully takes his place as one the greats in the storied history of the CRBL.

Scott Hughes

Utility

Augusta Athletics 1989-99, 2001-06

The Augusta Athletics built their dynasty of the 1990’s on the double barreled formula of power hitting and power pitching.  Exemplifying these game altering traits better than anyone was Augusta legend, Scott Hughes.

An imposing presence both from the mound and in the batter’s box, no player in CRBL history led or tied for the league lead in single-season statistical categories more than Hughes.  In total, the big righty paced the CRBL 35 times in 14 out of a possible 18 individual areas.

As a pitcher, “Hughey” was a league leader 23 times.  Specifically, he led the CRBL in innings pitched twice (80.1 in 1999 and 64 in 2004), ERA twice (3.06 in 1995 and 0.75 in 2001), wins in five seasons (9 in 1994, 7 in 1997, 7 in 1998, 11 in 1999, and 7 in 2003), winning percentage six times (1.000 in 1994, .875 in 1997, .875 in 1998, 1.000 in 1999, .833 in 2002, and .875 in 2003), strikeouts once (67 in 1997), saves once (2 in 1993), and shutouts six times (2 in 1993, 1 in 1996, 1 in 2001, 3 in 2002, 2 in 2003, and 2 in 2006).

As a hitter, Big Scott was a pace setter 12 times.  In two seasons, he was a CRBL batting champion (.493 in 1989 and .510 in 1990), once in at-bats (71 in 1994), four times in hits (33 in 1989, 31 in 1994, 33 in 1997, and 34 in 1999), once in doubles (9 in 1994), once in home runs (7 in 1993), once in RBI’s (26 in 1993), and twice in runs scored (29 in 1995 and 30 in 1997).

Scott’s ascension to a top flight, multi-threat player came in 1994 when he went an undisputed 9 an 0, tying for the league lead in wins (9) and shutouts (2) while pacing the CRBL outright in K’s with 67 and winning percentage (1.000).  During this breakout season, the Augusta ace also spun the 28th no-hitter in CRBL history with a 12 to 0, 9-inning gem vs. the Bloomer Fightin’ Woodticks.  That same season, Hughes also led the league in at-bats (71), hits (31), doubles (9), runs scored (29), and became one of only 13 hitters in league history to have 6 hits in a game, doing so against the Cadott Red Sox.

Hughes’ full arsenal of historical talent was no more evident than in 1999 when he had arguably the greatest pitching and hitting season ever in league play.  Hitting .459 with a league leading 34 hits in 74 at-bats, Scott drove in 23 runs and scored 17 while banging 8 doubles and 5 home runs all while drawing just 6 walks.  Concertedly from the slab, the high-kicking righty with the windmill wind-up also set a still standing season record for winning percentage at 1.000, claiming a clean slate of 11 wins without a defeat.  The win total paced the 10-team CRBL as did his 80.1 innings pitched.

Accordingly, Scott was named All-CRBL a total of eight times (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002) while participating in 15 All-Star games (1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006).  In three All-Star exhibitions, Hughes was the best of the best, getting named the contest’s MVP in 1989 (retroactively in 2017) 1994, 1996, and 2003.

The game changing skills that Hughey forcefully imparted on the CRBL became one of the pillars upon which Augusta rose to be a preeminent league power.  In the Big Righty’s 17 seasons of CRBL play, Augusta captured seven South Division titles, five CRBL crowns, qualified for 16 WBA tournaments, survived to play in six Final 8’s, and played in three WBA championship games.  Perhaps the flash point of success amidst this excess of winning came in 1994, when Hughes and the Athletics won the elusive WBA championship, triumphing over the Abbotsford Merchants 8 to 4 in the title game.  It represented the first time a CRBL team had won the WBA tournament since the Thorp Cardinals in 1953.

Off the hill, Hughes’ highest ranking upon induction can be found in shutouts where he is 3rd.  He can also be found ranked among the greats in winning percentage (4th), wins (5th), innings pitched (14th), strikeouts (16th), saves (tied for 21st), ERA (28th),  and K/9 IP (47th).

As a hitter, Scott’s best rank is in batting average where he is 2nd.  His other high marks in batsmanship are in home runs (3rd), slugging percentage (3rd), RBI’s (5th), runs scored (5th), total bases (6th), doubles (7th), hits (9th), singles (15th), at-bats (24th), games played (25th), and base on balls (42nd).

(Biographical information amended, 2018)

Marcelino Alonso

Outfielder

Augusta Athletics 1996-2001; Eau Claire Bears 2002

A native of Panama, Marcelino Alonso was a baseball hitting savant during his memorable seven-season tear through CRBL history.

The likable and affable Alonso settled in Augusta after playing two seasons of Rookie Ball for the Baltimore Orioles organization in 1992 and 1993.  In his rookie CRBL campaign of 1996, Marcelino used his quick-wristed stroke to hit .365 (19 for 52) with 2 home runs and 10 RBI’s for the 11 and 7 Augusta crew.  The explosiveness of Alonso’s bat made him a seamless addition to Augusta’s notorious high octane offense.

Marcelino’s sophomore season of 16 games in 1997 was a resounding display of his batting talents.  Walloping a league leading 10 homers and 31 RBI’s, the outfielder also had 30 hits in 68 at-bats (.441 average) with 7 doubles and 29 runs scored.  Accordingly, Alonso was awarded with his first All-CRBL award.

A two-time batting champion, Marcelino captured his first such distinction in 1998 as he roped a .550 average (22 for 40) to go along with 4 doubles, 5 home runs, and 20 RBI’s in only 10 league games for the 12 and 4 CRBL champion Athletics of Augusta.

Alonso’s second batting title came in 2000 when he produced one of the greatest individual seasons in CRBL history.  In 18 games, the Athletic led the CRBL with 39 hits and a .557 average in 70 at-bats.  He also led the league in doubles with 11 while collecting 27 RBI’s and scoring 22 runs.  His 39 knocks stood as a CRBL single-season record until 2012 when the Eau Claire Bears’ Jeremy Nicolai slashed 41 hits in 22 games.

2001 will forever stand as the CRBL’s return to wood bats after nearly a 30-year absence.  Marcelino adjusted nicely by hitting .354 (23 for 65) and tying for the league lead in hits with 23 to go along with 2 long balls, 10 RBI’s, and 15 runs scored.

In 2002 the former Oriole farmhand took his bat to Eau Claire where he played one year for the Bears.  Hitting .364  (24 for 66) with 5 doubles, 2 homers, 13 RBI’s, and 15 runs, Marcelino played an integral role in helping the Bears capture their first South Division title as well as their first appearance in the WBA’s Final 8.

After 2002, Alonso moved to the southern part of Wisconsin, thus shortening his time in the CRBL to seven extremely productive seasons.  Marcelino’s abbreviated stay prevented his sterling career batting average (.424) and slugging percentage (.721) from qualifying for all-time marks within those categories.  Upon induction, the hard-hitting righty can be found, however, tied for 32nd all-time in home runs with 26.

A participant in four All-Star games (1996, 1997, 2001, 2002), Alonso was rightfully selected for All-CRBL honors three times (1997, 2000, 2001).  These individual accolades were of course major ingredients in the success of his teams, as Marcelino was a member of four Southern Division champions, two CRBL champions, seven WBA qualifiers, and two Final 8 squads.

It should be noted that Alonso’s departure from the CRBL did not end his amateur baseball career.  2013 represented his ninth season of baseball in the Home Talent Leagues of southern Wisconsin, with his first two post-CRBL campaigns being with the Baraboo River Dogs and his last eight belonging to the Reedsburg Pirates.