Jay Skalecki

Class of 2016

Outfielder

Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1989-92; Tilden Tigers 1993-99

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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 6^th in batting average, 7^th in slugging percentage, and (tied for) 18^th in home runs.