- Name
- Art Zwiefelhofer
- Nationality
- United States
- Position
- Shortstop, Coach
- Past Teams
- Tilden Tigers
- Leagues
- Chippewa River Baseball League
Class of 2019
Player: Howard Braves 1961-64; Tilden Tigers 1965-83
Player/Manager: Tilden Tigers 1980, 82-83
CRBL Umpire: 1984-2018
Recalled as an accomplished player and well known as a highly respected umpire, few people have done more for the betterment and stability of the Chippewa River Baseball League than one Art Zwiefelhofer.
Breaking in to the Chippewa Valley League in 1961, Art became known as a slick fielding and ultra-competitive shortstop for the Howard Braves. In 1965, Zwiefelhofer joined the Tigers of Tilden, where he became synonymous with the Tigers’ hard driving, winning style of baseball built on clutch hitting, outstanding pitching, and consistent defensive play.
In his 19 seasons in Tilden, Art was part of 9 division titles, 9 league championships, 14 WBA tournaments, and 5 WBA Final 8’s. A consistent and dedicated player, Zwiefelhofer led or tied for the league lead in walks four times (1973, 1974, 1980, 1981), with a career high of 23 in 1981. His other league pacing total came in runs scored (18 in 1970) and home runs (tied for the lead with 3 in 1976).
Toeing the rubber early in his playing career, the righty notched 46.1 innings for Howard in 1963. For the Tigers, he had 3 saves in 1968, a year after leading the league in saves with 1 in 1967.
Art also dutifully managed Tilden for three seasons (1980, 1982-83), winning two North Division titles and gaining entry to two WBA tournaments.
From his 23 seasons of league play, Art is ranked all-time in stolen bases (7th), walks (9th), at-bats (14th), seasons played (16th), runs scored (tied for 17th), games played (19th), singles (tied for 22nd), hits (28th), RBI’s (tied for 29th), total bases (33rd), and home runs (tied for 43rd). From his days as a pitcher, he is still ranked in saves (tied for 38th).
Beyond his enduring and successful playing career, Art is best known for his time as an umpire in the CRBL and the WBA. Sincere, knowledgeable, relatable and fair, Zwiefelhofer umpired over 800 CRBL and WBA games from 1984 to 2018, a span of 35 years. Exhibiting a unique “player’s perspective” as an umpire, Art was instrumental in formulating the CRBL Umpire Association in 1993, adding much needed stability and structure to the assignment and oversight of umpires across the league. Naturally, Art became the Head Umpire within the Association, a position he still proudly holds in to his Hall of Fame induction.
The Chippewa River Baseball League owes an immense debt of gratitude and thanks to Mr. Art Zwiefelhofer. It is with heartfelt respect that we proudly recognize him as one of the largest and most influential people the CRBL will ever know. Thank you Art!
Batting
Season | Team | TB | 1B | SLG | AB | R | H | RBI | 2B | 3B | HR | SB | BB | SO | LOB | G | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | - | 231 | .333 | 1187 | 234 | 292 | 181 | 39 | 2 | 20 | 108 | 238 | 321 | .246 |
Pitching
Season | Team | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | HR | W | L | ERA | SV | NOH | G | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | - | 321 | .246 |