Todd Bresina

Name
Todd Bresina
Nationality
usaUnited States
Position
Pitcher, Second base, Coach
Past Teams
Tilden Tigers
Leagues
Chippewa River Baseball League

Class of 2020

2nd Base, Pitcher, Manager

Tilden Tigers 1989-2014
MGR: 2004-11


Todd Bresina’s 26 seasons of competition in the CRBL were shaped as a sure-handed 2nd baseman and steady contact hitter, as well as manager of Tilden’s veteran teams of the late 2000s. More than any other attribute, however, “Breeze” will be remembered as one of the elite pitchers of his era, dominating opponents with pinpoint control and his signature, wipe out slider.

A valuable contributor in Tilden’s deep and accomplished line-up, the right-handed swinging Bresina sported a .300+ batting average in nine of his 24 full-time CRBL seasons on his way to rapping 348 career hits.

In adeptly manning the keystone position, Breeze teamed with fellow CRBL Hall of Famer Mitch Steinmetz for 24 seasons to form the longest running, most accomplished double play combo within the prism of CRBL history.

From the mound, Todd was a highly respected closer and spot starter for the Tilden dynasty. With a smothering arsenal of velocity, command and a jackknife slider, Breeze locked down game after game in becoming the CRBL’s all-time leader in saves with 27. Leading or tying for the CRBL lead in saves a record eight seasons (1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2010, 2012), Bresina diversely won 4 or more games seven times, with a high of 6 wins twice (2003 and 2004). The righty’s pitching superiority also enabled him to tie or lead the CRBL in shutouts three times (2000, 2003, 2004) and claim the ERA crown twice (1998 and 2008). His league leading mark of 0.58 (2 ER/30.2 IP) in 1998 is even more impressive when framed within that era’s fabric of “-5” aluminum bats wielded in many a cozy, hitter friendly parks.

Dutifully taking the reigns as manager of the Tilden Tigers in 2004, Todd led the Bengal crew through 2011. During those eight seasons, Bresina guided his veteran squad to five North Division titles (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011), two CRBL championships (2007, 2011), eight straight WBA appearances, three Final 8’s (2004, 2005, 2008), and a WBA crown in 2004. In winning the WBA tourney in 2004, it marked the storied franchise’s 2nd WBA title, with the first coming in 1995.

Recognition and awards were plentiful for Breeze throughout his stellar career. A participant in four All-Star games (1989, 1991, 2004, 2009), he was named Honorable Mention All-CRBL at 2nd base in 2012 and bestowed All-CRBL accolades in seven seasons: 1991 (2B), 1998 (P), 2003 (P), 2004 (P), 2005 (P), 2006 (P), and 2010 (utility). At the WBA level, Todd was named Most Valuable Pitcher of the Final 8 in 2002 after being drafted by the Augusta Athletics.

Upon induction, Bresina’s all-time rankings can be found across numerous categories. Offensively, Todd is (tied for) 9th in at-bats, 11th in singles, 12th in games played, (tied for) 19th in runs scored, 21st in hits, 23rd in walks, 31st in total bases, (tied for) 37th in RBI’s, (tied for) 42nd in doubles, and (tied for) 42nd in stolen bases.

Managerially, his tour as Tilden skipper finds him ranked all-time in division titles (tied for 3rd), Final 8 appearances (tied for 5th), WBA wins (6th), winning percentage (6th), WBA appearances (8th), CRBL titles (tied for 8th), and wins (tied for 12th). Moreover, Todd is one of only eight CRBL managers to win a WBA title.

Accordingly, the memorable righty’s excellence from the mound is illuminated in his lofty, all-time rankings. Categorially, Breeze ranks 1st in saves 7th in shutouts, 12th in wins, 17th in strikeouts, 19th in innings pitched, 20th in ERA, 22nd in decisions, 24th in winning percentage, and 44th in strikeouts per innings pitched.

Batting

SeasonTeamTB1BSLGABRHRBI2B3BHRSBBBSOLOBGAVG
Total-423292.3371257234348173445752174368.277

Pitching

SeasonTeamIPHRERBBSOHRWLERASVNOHGAVG
Total-615.257153193.16270368.277