Rocky Thompson

Class of 2017

Manager

Osseo Merchants 2001-2006

Board Member & Organizer

1999 through induction

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Since their inaugural season of CRBL competition in 1999, the Osseo Merchants have admirably developed in to one of the elite amateur baseball organizations in the state of Wisconsin.  In figuratively and literally laying the groundwork for the Merchants’ existence, Rocky Thompson has remained one of the most dedicated, supportive, and influential members of Osseo’s enthusiastic baseball culture.

Thompson’s most visible role for the Merchants occurred from 2001 to 2006 when he selflessly fulfilled the role of team manager.  Over Rocky’s seven season tenure, Osseo’s CRBL squad qualified for the WBA tournament in four seasons – 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005.  Fueled by a crew of veteran ballplayers, Thompson’s Merchants attained the franchise’s first Final 8 appearance in 2002, losing their opening Finals game 12-10 to the Oulu Blue Jays at Augusta.

Returning the next year to the Final 8, the Merchants met a similar fate, this time in Abbotsford but once again to Oulu, as they were beaten 11-1 by those same Blue Jays.  In returning to the WBA’s Final 8 in 2003, the Osseo Merchants and Rocky became only the sixth team in CRBL history to make consecutive Final 8 appearances.

After stepping away from the managerial reigns in 2006 – a season in which he was given a CRBL Honorable Mention award as a coach — Mr. Thompson remained a vital part of the Merchants and the Osseo baseball community.  Lauded for everything from his book keeping to his willingness to work in the concession stand, Rocky truly has been a man willing to lend his skills and knowledge to the betterment of baseball in Osseo as well as in the CRBL.  An affable gentlemen, the Chippewa River Baseball League appreciatively recognizes Rocky Thompson as a deserved member of its elite Hall of Fame.