Position: Pitcher

Brad Barneson

1st Baseman, Pitcher

Beef River Bullfrogs 1997-2015

An excellent right-handed hitter and durable left-handed pitcher, Brad Barneson was a vital part of Beef River’s high-scoring and successful teams throughout his standout, 19-season career in the CRBL. Hitting from a slightly closed stance, Barneson used a powerful and compact swing to generate the booming doubles and soaring home runs that were trademarks of the Bullfrogs’ notoriously strong offensive attack. Exceeding the .300 mark in 13 of his 19 seasons, “Barney” captured a batting crown in 2003 when he hit an astonishing .521 (37 for 71) while also leading the CRBL in hits with 37 and RBI’s with 28. Averaging 2.06 hits per game for the 13 and 5 Bullfrogs, Brad’s awesome season helped propel Beef River to a South Division title as well the 2003 CRBL championship game where they vanquished the Tilden Tigers at Tilden 14 to 8 to win the ‘Frogs first CRBL crown. Barneson’s hitting abilities also helped him capture several other league pacing totals, including 2001 when he led the CRBL in RBI’s (17) while tying for the lead in hits (23) and doubles (6). Moreover, in 2005 he led the CRBL in at-bats with 78 in and tied for the lead in doubles with 7. A slick-fielding 1st baseman, Barneson was also a dependable workhorse pitcher for the Bullfrogs. Logging over 40 innings in five different seasons, the lefty had a career best 56.1 innings in 2002 while winning 4 games, the first of four seasons when he won 4 or more contests. His career high in wins came in 2007 when he tied for the CRBL lead with 6 victories. In addition to the 2003 CRBL championship, Barney and the Bullfrogs also won the South Division in 2001 and qualified for nine WBA tournaments, the culmination of which came in 2011 when Beef River lost 9-8 to River Falls in the WBA title game at Coon Valley. A decorated player, Brad played in six CRBL All-Star games (1998, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009) and was selected All-CRBL four times: 2001 (UT), 2002 (UT), 2003 (1B) and 2007 (UT). In five other seasons, the Beef River legend was an Honorable Mention All-CRBL choice: 1998 (1B), 2000 (1B), 2004 (UT), 2005 (1B) and 2013 (1B/P). Upon induction, Barneson’s all-time rankings are numerous. From the mound, Brad is ranked 29th in decisions, [tied] for 40th in wins and 43rd for innings pitched. At the plate, the slugger is [tied] for 8th in triples, [tied] for 13th in total bases, 15th in hits, 15th in RBI’S, [tied] for 17th in singles, [tied] for 18th in doubles, [tied] for 18th in home runs, 22nd in at-bats, 25th in runs scored, 34th in slugging percentage, 35th in batting average and 44th in OPS.

Jon Huth

Pitcher
Eau Claire Bears 2005-13

During a highly accomplished amateur baseball career that encompassed over 30 seasons across five decades, Jon Huth spent nine of those seasons with the Eau Claire Bears, securing his place as one of the truly elite power pitchers in CRBL history.

A former professional pitcher, Huth was a 31st round draft pick of the Texas Rangers, spending a season in rookie ball with the Rangers in his draft year of 1988 and then a season at the mid-A level with the Kansas City Royals in 1989.

The flame throwing righty’s professional experience was bookended by an 11-season career (1987-1997) for the Eau Claire Cavaliers within an era of national prominence for that respected organization. While toeing the slab for the Cavaliers, Jon notched a won-loss record of 44 and 13 (.772 win pct.) while also securing 13 saves.

After pitching for several amateur teams around the upper Midwest in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Huth debuted with the Eau Claire Bears in 2005 at the age of 37. With the addition of the Big Righty, Eau Claire quickly rose to an unmatched levels of competiveness and success. Over the duration of Jon’s nine CRBL seasons, the Bears won six consecutive South Divisions (2005 to 2010), four CRBL crowns (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009), and two WBA titles (2005 and 2009).

In Eau Claire’s 17 to 2 dispatching of Tilden in the 2005 CRBL championship, Huth was named game MVP. In his 7 innings as the starting and winning pitcher, Jon allowed just one unearned run while striking out 8, scattering 8 hits, and walking not one batter.

As of 2021, Jon is one of only eight pitchers to twirl multiple no-hitters, with his “no-no’s” occurring in back-to-back seasons: 2007 vs. the Whitehall Wolves in an 11-0, 6-inning Bear’s victory and then again in 2008 during a 10-0, 5-inning win vs. the Jim Falls Sturgeons.

The dominant stuff possessed by the Bears’ righty is further exhibited in his CRBL season leading totals. In three campaigns, Jon was the league’s ERA leader, pacing the circuit in 2005 (2.20 ERA, 11 ER/45 IP), 2009 (0.45 ERA, 1 ER/20 IP), and 2012 (0.73 ERA, 2 ER/24.2 IP). He also had two seasons with the highest winning percentage of 1.000 (5 and 0 in both 2006 and 2008), as well as two years with the most shutouts – 2006 (tied for the league lead with 2) and 2007 (alone in the top spot with 2).

A participant in two All-Star games (2007 and 2009), Huth was named All-CRBL pitcher in four consecutive campaigns: 2005 (unanimously), 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Upon induction, The Great Bear reigns as the CRBL’s all-time ERA king. Huth is also ranked highly in shutouts (tied for 9th), winning percentage (10th), K/9 IP (19th), and wins (45th).

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Todd Bresina

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.

Nick Blair

Pitcher, Designated Hitter

Tilden Tigers 1998-2011

A hard throwing right-hander and tough right-handed hitter, Nick Blair was a respected and winning player throughout his 14 seasons of play in the CRBL, all with the tradition rich Tigers of Tilden.

The righty’s 1998 arrival gave Tilden a power arm that fortified the Tigers’ established strengths of excellent pitching and rock solid defense. Blaire shined in his first full-time campaign in 1999, going 6 and 1 from the hill with 52 strikeouts in 64.2 innings and an ERA of 2.92 while leading the CRBL in saves with 2 and shutouts with 2. Accordingly, Nick was voted All-CRBL as a pitcher.

Blair came backin 2000 with perhaps his best all-around season. In shouldering a career high 70.2 innings, Nick led the CRBL with 7 wins (against 2 losses), while punching out 45 and holding a 3.31 ERA. The stalwart performance coincided with his first full-time season as a hitter, one in which he hit .370 (17 for 46) for Tilden. Rightfully, Nick was voted All-CRBL at pitcher for the second year in a row.

Blair’s .370 average in 2000 was the first of five consecutive seasons (2000-2004), in which he went above .300. He also surpassed .300 in 2007 when he hit .341 (15 for 44). A consistent run producer, Nick drove in more than 10 runs five times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007) with a high of 16 RBI’s twice (2003 and 2006).

Despite his productivity at the plate, it is indeed as a pitcher where Blaire will be most remembered. Never one to shy away from taking the ball, the right-hander hurler averaged 55 innings per season from 1999 to 2005, notching his tow other league leading totals in that stretch when in 2004, he paced the CRBL in wins (7) and winning percentage (.875, 7 wins and 1 loss).

Nick’s willingness to take the ball was evident in that he pitched in one CRBL championship series (1999, appearing in both games) and six CRBL championship contests (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) for the Tigers. Capturing MVP honors in the 2002 title match, he was the winning pitcher (8.1 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 5 BB, 4 K) in Tilden’s 4-2 victory over the Bears at Carson Park.

Blair and the Tigers enjoyed a plethora of success during their 14 seasons together, including three CRBL championships (2002, 2007, 2011), ten North Division crowns, 14 WBA appearances, two WBA championship games (2000 and 2004) and one WBA crown (2004).

In addtion to 1999 and 2000, Nick also was bestowed All-CRBL awards in 2001 (pitcher), 2003 (pitcher), 2004 (pitcher), 2006 (designated hitter, retroactively given in 2017) and 2007 (designated hitter, retroactively given in 2017). In total, Blair garnered seven All-CRBL awards in his 14 seasons, a telling sign of how the Big Tiger was viewed by his CRBL contemporaries.

In conjuction with those seven All-CRBL awards, Blair was given honorable mention All-CRBL awards in 2001 (utility) and 2005 (pitcher). For good measure, he participated in four all-star games (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004).

Upon induction, Nick Blair’s highest all-time rankings are from the mound where he is tied for 19th in winning percentage, tied for 20th in wins, tied for 24th in saves, tied for 33rd in decisions, and soley at 33rd for innings pitched.

Steve Fetterly

Utility

Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1995-2004; Beef River Bullfrogs 2005-06; Augusta Athletics 2006

Country strong from both the batter’s box and the pitcher’s mound, Steve Fetterly was a fearless competitor who played baseball with enthusiasm and intensity throughout his 12 seasons in the CRBL.

Debuting with the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in 1995, “Fetters” hit .318 (7 for 22) and went 2 and 0 in 16 innings within a part-time capacity, gaining Honorable Mention All-CRBL honors at utility for the North Division champions.

Seeing a larger role in 1996, the right/right Fetterly posted a .359 campaign (23 for 64), with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 RBI’s and 20 runs scored while chucking 49.1 innings, striking out 49 and staking a 3 and 2 record from the slab. His excellent dual performance resulted in his rightly deserved recognition as All-CRBL Utility.

Steve’s best offensive season came in 2000, when in 19 CRBL games, he pounded out a .434 batting average (33 for 76), with 6 doubles, 4 home runs, and 26 RBI’s. He also went 5 and 2 for the ‘Jacks in 41.2 innings of work as he was acknowledged with Honorable Mention All-CRBL in the outfield.

Fetterly’s most impactful showing came in 2001, the year that also coincided with the CRBL exclusively using wood bats for the first time since the mid-1970s. Steve’s aggressive, power approach to pitching was ideally suited for the league’s stark transition back to lumber. In 67 innings, Fetters was 8 and 2 with a 1.21 ERA, 69 K’s, and 1 shutout. He tied or led the CRBL outright in each of those categories except ERA, where he finished fifth. With the stick, he was minimally affected by the change away from metal, hitting .333 (17 for 51) with 4 doubles, 1 homerun, and 11 RBI’s.

The 2001 Lumberjacks rode the Big Country Horse to a 13 and 5 record, a North Division title, and a 4-0 CRBL championship game win over the Beef River Bullfrogs. In the ‘Jacks CRBL title game win, Fetterly had perhaps the finest performance of his career, as he hurled a complete game, 5-hit shutout, striking out 11 and walking just 1 batter.

In addition to his 2001 league leading totals, Steve also led the CRBL with both 76 innings pitched and 7 wins (tied) in 1998. Offensively, Fetters hit .300 or better in eight of his twelve seasons, notching 20 or more hits five years and 33 hits in 2000.

Playing through the 2006 season, Steve remained a productive hitter, knocking in 18 runs in 19 league games for the Bullfrogs of Beef River (Strum) in 2005, his last full-time season in the CRBL.

In addition to his two Honorable Mention All-CRBL awards and two All-CRBL selections, Steve was a participant in eight all-star games (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004).

Upon election, Fetterly’s all-time rankings can be found in pitching decisions (29th), innings pitched (31st), wins (31st), slugging percentage (36th), K’s (40th), home runs (40th), batting average (41st), innings pitched per year (46th), and RBI’s (46th).

George Jackson

Pitcher, Outfield & Manager

Player: Lafeyette 1946; Rainbow Gardens Gardeners 1947, 53-54; Cadott Lions 1950-52, 56; Cadott Red Sox 1960, 67-68

Manager: Cadott Lions 1956; Cadott Red Sox 1957-60, 62-64, 68-70, 79

A baseball lifer and longtime supporter of baseball in the Cadott area, George Jackson’s league career stretched across 33 years, four different teams, and the roles of both player and manager.

Getting his start for Rainbow Gardens in 1946, George was the featured thrower for the Gardeners in the first two years of post-World War II baseball in the Chippewa Valley. His career year came in 1947 when he led the then “Chippewa Valley League” with the healthy totals of 109.1 innings pitched and 104 strikeouts while going 9 and 3 from the mound with a 3.29 ERA for the 10 and 4 Gardeners.

After a three-year hiatus, George returned to C.V.L. play in 1950 for the 1st year Cadott Lions, settling in to a role as a consistent hitter and reliable innings eater from the mound. Over a broadly spaced, 11-year league playing career, Jackson gathered 112 hits while logging 308.1 innings, averaging 8.09 K’s per nine innings pitched with a career record of 19 wins and 14 losses.

Beyond his time as a player, Jackson’s greater impact came as both a manager of Cadott teams and ardent supporter of baseball in the Cadott area. Managing a total of twelve seasons over 23 years, George’s first campaign as skipper came in 1956 with the Cadott Lions.

In 1957, Jackson managed and helped organize the inaugural year of play for the Cadott Red Sox. Going 15 and 3, the first year Sox captured the Chippewa Valley League championship and qualified for the WBA.

In 1958, George led Cadott to a perfect 10 and 0 season, a South Division title (there was no league championship that year), and a spot in the WBA. As of 2019, the 1958 Sox are still one of only seven teams in CRBL history to finish a league season undefeated.

Fast forward to 1962, Mr. Jackson’s Red Sox captured another South Division crown and survived to play in the franchise’s first WBA Final 8, where the Sox lost their second game in the Finals to Brill at Cushing.

After guiding Cadott to their fourth WBA appearance in 1970, George had seemingly completed his managerial duties. After an eight year absence, he returned in 1979 for one more season at the helm. Leading the Red Sox to one of their finest seasons ever, the South Division winning Sox went 16 and 1 before losing 8-5 to Tilden in the CRBL championship bout and going 1 and 1 in the WBA tournament.

In total, Mr. Jackson’s twelve seasons at the controls yielded three South Division titles, one league championship, five WBA appearances, and one spot in the WBA’s Final 8.

Upon induction in to the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame, George Jackson’s all-time managerial ranks can be found in division titles (tied for 8th), wins (tied for 12th), games managed (14th), winning percentage (14th), and WBA appearances (tied for 14th).

Rick Goettl

Pitcher

Jim Falls Sturgeons 1975-76; Cadott Red Sox 1977-84

A right-handed pitcher, Rick Goettl was the ace of the memorable and dominant Cadott Red Sox teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

After spending his first two CRBL seasons pitching a total of 30.1 innings with the Jim Falls Sturgeons, Goettl went to Cadott in 1977, where he would remain until the conclusion of his career in 1984. In his first season with the Sox, the righty went 5 and 1 with a 2.72 ERA and 43 K’s in 56.1 frames. His breakout campaign aligned with Cadott’s 17 and 1, South Division championship flag.

After going 2 and 2 in 1978, Rick’s 1979 season was stellar as he notched a perfect 4 and 0 mark with an ERA of 1.84 ERA and 70 K’s in 53.2 innings as the Red Sox went 16 and 1, capturing another South Division title.

Goettl’s unblemished 1979 season began one of the winningest six-season runs of any pitcher in CRBL history. From 1979 to his final season of 1984, Cadott’s ace compiled a sterling record of 36 and 5 (.878 winning percentage). Within this elite stretch of success, the Red Stocking led the league in wins three consecutive seasons – 1981 (7 wins), 1982 (6 wins), and 1983 (9 wins) – innings pitched with 77.2 in 1983, saves with 2 in both 1979 (two) and 1982, as well as winning percentage in 1981 (.875, 7 and 1) and 1982 (1.000, 6 and 0).

Pitching in a time of metal bats and hitter friendly parks, Rick posted sub-2.00 ERA’s in 1979 (1.84), 1981 (1.27 – a career low), and 1982 (1.61).

From 1979 to 1984, Cadott won five consecutive South Division titles (1979 to 1983), three CRBL Championships (1980 to 1982), played in five CRBL title games (1979 to 1983), and four deciding CRBL playoff games. During that era of split season formats, Goettl was called upon frequently to help the Red Sox survive the tiers of playoffs and related elimination games. In total, the righty twirled in three South division playoff games, capturing a win in each contest with a sparkling ERA of 0.42 in 21.2 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts. In five CRBL championship games (all starts), he went 3 and 2, with each of his wins in the Sox 1980-82 championship run. In the 1982 title game, Rick had one of his brightest moments, twirling an 8-0, complete game shutout vs. the Tilden Tigers, scattering 7 hits and walking five while being backed by errorless defense from his Cadott brethren.

The author of the CRBL’s 25th no-hitter in 1984, (5 inning, 17-0 win vs. the Cornell Oilers), Goettl appeared in two all-star contests (1981 and 1984), and was also named All-CRBL pitcher in 1981 and 1984. Upon induction, the Red Sox great’s all-time rankings can be found in winning percentage (11th), wins (25th), saves (tied for 24th), shutouts (tied for 28th), innings pitched per year (37th), strikeouts (tied for 41st), strikeouts per nine innings (41st), innings pitched (43rd), ERA (44th), and decisions (tied for 45th).

Scott Wolfe

Shortstop, 3rd Baseman, Closer

Augusta Athletics 1999; Eau Claire Bears 2000-10

Often referenced but rarely seen, a “five tool” player is the unique ball player that can hit for power, bat for a high average, run with speed, throw with velocity, and play defense with accuracy and flare.  In the world of amateur baseball in the CRBL and the state of Wisconsin, few individuals exhibited those skills better than the Eau Claire Bears’ Scott Wolfe.

After spending his rookie CRBL season of 1999 as a part-time player for the Augusta Athletics, the lanky infielder came back to his hometown of Eau Claire to play for the Bears in 2000.  After hitting .319 (14 for 44) that season, “Wolfie” emerged as a standout all-around player the next season for Eau Claire.  In the CRBL’s return to wood bats in 2001, Scott hit .362 (21 for 56) while leading the league in runs scored with 16.  He also appeared in his first All-Star game and was recognized as an All-CRBL third baseman, his first such award.

In total, the right-handed stick hit over .300 in nine of his twelve CRBL seasons, including .400+ marks in 2003 (.412, 28 for 68) and 2004 (.489, 22 for 45).  In addition to his leading 16 runs scored in 2001, Scott also paced the CRBL with 73 at-bats in 2006, 8 home runs in 2007, 6 doubles (tied) in 2010, and tied for the circuit lead in saves with 1 in 2002 and 2 in 2004.

Beyond the obvious quantifiable numbers, Wolfe had the immeasurable intangible of excelling in the clutch within all facets of the game.  Used primarily as a closer, Scott received a rare start in the 2002 South Division tie-breaker vs. the Augusta Athletics.  At Augusta, the righty twirled a 3-hit, 7 inning shutout while striking out 8 and walking just 1 in the Bears’ 11-0 win.  Two weeks later, Wolfie’s bottom of the 10th two-run homer put Eau Claire past Ellsworth 6-4 in the first game of the WBA tournament as the Bears were on their way to their first Final 8 appearance.

Earlier in the 2002 campaign, Scott had been named the MVP of the CRBL All-Star game at Hallie in the South’s 7-4 win over the North as he had the go ahead single in the bottom of the 7th inning to put the South ahead 3-2 in addition to being the winning pitcher in relief (4 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 HA, 0 BB, 2 K).

Further evidence of Scott’s clutch DNA are numerous.  In the 2006 CRBL championship at Carson Park, Wolfe was named game MVP by going 2-for-4 with 1 run, 2 RBI’s and a double.  Moreover, Wolfe was remarkably named the Most Valuable Defensive Player of the WBA tournament three times (2005, 2008, 2009) with each recognition coming for his play at the shortstop position.  As of 2016, Scott is one of only three players to have ever won the WBA Defensive MVP award more than once.

Of course, Scott shined in the regular CRBL season as well.  Perhaps his brightest day occurred on Sunday, July 15th, 2007 in the Bears’ doubleheader sweep vs. the Whitehall Wolves.  In the Bears game two, 11-0 six inning win, Wolfe drilled 3 home runs and drove in 5.  In the game one’s 9-1 victory, Scott hit one home run and drove in 2.  On the day, the big Wolfe was 5-for-6 with 4 home runs, 7 RBI’s, 5 runs scored, and a double.

The string of success that the Bears enjoyed throughout the 2000’s was unquestionably tied to the presence of Wolfe in their line-up.  In Scott’s eleven seasons playing for the Bears, Eau Claire won eight South Division titles (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), five league titles (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009), made it to seven Final 8’s (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) and captured three WBA state crowns (2005, 2008, 2009).

Individually, Wolfe played in five All-Star games (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010) and received six All-CRBL awards (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010), with his first three at third base and his last three coming at shortstop.

Upon induction, Scott can be found amidst the all-time CRBL leaders in saves (tied for 8th), batting average (26th), slugging percentage (tied for 32nd), and doubles (32nd).

Denny O’Melia

Pitcher

CRBL:  Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1952-53

ECCBL:  Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-62

With his induction in to the CRBL Hall of Fame, lefty Denny O’Melia should be remembered as one of the most overwhelmingly dominant and superbly talented amateur pitchers to ever toe the rubber in Northwest Wisconsin.

Denny’s rookie year of amateur baseball came in 1952 when he logged a modest 3.1 innings in Chippewa Valley League play for the Leif’s Conoco Oilers of Eau Claire.  Denny’s incredible talent began to shine in 1953 when he led the CVL with 100 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched while tying for the circuit lead in the categories of wins (7), winning percentage (1.000), and shutouts (1).  In compiling a 2.04 ERA that season, O’Melia was also part of the league’s 10th no-hitter as he and teammate Jim Rogneby combined to no-hit Fall Creek 11-2.  The slender lefty’s sizzling fastball and big breaking curve quickly caught the attention of professional scouts.  Before the summer of 1953 was over, Denny had signed and debuted with the hometown Eau Claire Bears, who at the time were affiliated with Milwaukee Braves.

After serving in the military from 1954 to 1956, Denny was signed by the Kansas City Athletics. Rising quickly through the A’s ranks, O’Melia received an invite to the Athletics major league spring camp in 1957.  In playing for three organizations (Milwaukee Braves, Kansas City Athletics, Cincinnati Reds) across three levels (Single A, Double A, Triple A) within six seasons as a professional (1953, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960), O’Melia’s pro numbers include 114 appearances, 35 wins, 31 losses, a .530 winning percentage, 512 innings pitched, 506 strikeouts, and a 4.82 ERA.  Denny is also on record as having multiple 20 strikeout games as a pro and also throwing a no-hitter for the Missoula Timberjacks (Double A, Cincinnati Reds) in 1960.

After throwing 3.1 innings for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers of the Eau Claire Classic League in 1960, Denny returned full-time to the amateur ranks in 1961 with terrific dominance.  As player/pitcher/manager for the Millers, the smooth lefty posted a 1.96 ERA and led the ECCBL in innings pitched with 119.1, strikeouts with 186, wins with 12, a winning percentage of .800, and shutouts with 4.  O’Melia’s overall totals from 1961 – ECCBL games and non-league games combined – were astounding.  In 152.1 innings, he struck out 231 batters while posting a 16 and 3 record with 5 shutouts, a 1-hitter, and a no-hitter all while walking just 47 batters.  Unofficially, the 231 K’s are an Eau Claire baseball record for a single-season of pitching.

Fueled by O’Melia’s dynamic left arm, the 1961 Tommy Millers went a ECCBL best 13 and 5 and swept the Eau Claire Twin City Sports 2 games to 0 in the ECCBL championship series.  In the game one 6-0 victory, O’Melia threw a 5-inning, 1-hit shutout with 12 K’s.  In the game two clincher, O’Melia mowed down 20 Sports in the nine-inning, 5-2 victory.  The Millers would go on to win the 1961 WBA championship with a 5 and 1 tournament record, beating Pepin at New Richmond to clinch the title.  True to form, O’Melia went 2 and 0 with two complete game WBA victories, striking out 24 in 18 innings while giving up 3 earned runs (1.50 ERA) and allowing 8 hits.

1962 was O’Melia’s last year playing baseball full-time in the Chippewa Valley, and he did nothing but fortify his place as one of the largest baseball giants to ever come out of this area.  Again acting as player/pitcher/manager for the Tommy Millers, Denny continued to own the ECCBL.  In 58.1 league innings, the standout southpaw had an ERA of 1.08, struck out 87, led the ECCBL with 7 wins and a .875 winning percentage (7 wind and 1 loss) while also tying for the lead in saves and shutouts with 1 apiece.  In staking the outright ECCBL championship with a 9 and 2 record, O’Melia and the Millers rolled in to the WBA only to lose in the title game 6-5 to Pepin at Cushing.  Despite being the losing pitcher in the championship, O’Melia was named to the 1962 All-WBA team after earlier hurling a 2-0 shutout, logging 18 tournament innings, striking out 31, and giving up 4 earned runs (2.00 ERA) while allowing 12 hits.

Denny would go on to pursue teaching and baseball coaching jobs at Winter (1962-65) and Chetek (1966-68) high schools before taking a position in Inver Heights, MN at Inver Hills Community College where he started the baseball program in 1970 and remained the head coach for the next nine seasons.

O’Melia’s playing days were far from over, however.  Pitching for the Barron town team out of the Barron County League, Lefty propelled the Barron team to their lone WBA championship in 1965 when they captured the Class B crown.  Denny was named the outstanding pitcher for Class B as he threw a no-hitter, had 2 complete game wins, made 3 appearances, pitched 21 innings, and gave up only 3 knocks.

The connection O’Melia made in the minors brought him back to the pro ranks in 1975 when Minnesota Twins manager Gene Mauch called upon him to act as a batting practice pitcher, specifically when the Twins were to face a left-handed hurler.  For the next five years, Denny toed the rubber at old Met Stadium to fill the role of “Scout Team Lefty” for Minnesota.

In a strong testament to the type of enduring skill and devotion O’Melia possessed, the great lefty pitched in to his mid-60’s for the highly competitive Exeland Braves semi-pro squad, thus crafting a pitching career that qualitatively stretched across five decades, beginning in the 1950’s and finishing in the 1990’s.

In just two full-time seasons of play in the ECCBL, Denny stands as the league’s all-time leader in shutouts (5), winning percentage (.826, 19 wins vs. 4 losses), and K/9 IP (13.82).

Although his stop in CRBL history amounted to only five seasons, the brevity of his existence should not minimize the certainty that O’Melia was a super nova pitching talent rarely seen at any amateur baseball level.  Upon induction, the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame officially acknowledges Denny O’Melia as one of the greatest baseball individuals the league will ever know.

Harv Tomter

Pitcher, Utility

CRBL: Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1952; Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports 1959; Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960

ECCBL: Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-63; Strum Merchants 1964

Throughout the Chippewa Valley, Harv Tomter is known as the legendary manager of the Eau Claire Cavaliers.  It should never be forgotten, however, that Harv Tomter the baseball player was a clutch performer, professional prospect, and game changing talent from both the mound and the batter’s box.

A right-handed thrower and left-handed hitter, Tomter broke in to amateur baseball in 1952 with Leif’s Conoco Oilers of Eau Claire.  In just two appearances, he tied for the league lead in shutouts with 1, going 1 and 1 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings.

Signed by the New York Giants organization in 1953, he split time that season between their Class D (Single A) affiliates Oshkosh, WI Giants and Mayfield, KY Clothiers.  In total, the righty went 6 and 8 with a 5.52 ERA in 137 innings through 12 starts and 33 appearances.

In 1954, Harv switched to the Baltimore Orioles organization where he again pitched at the Class D level, this time for the Americus-Cordele, GA Orioles.  Making 26 starts and 34 appearances, Tomter commendably logged 205.1 innings with a 5.00 ERA and a 6 and 17 won/loss record.

Playing in surrounding amateur circuits from 1955 to 1958, Tomter returned to the CRBL in 1959 with the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports.  On the hill, Tomter went 4 and 3 in 46 innings with a 4.70 ERA and tied for the CVL lead in saves with 1.  With the stick, the Sport hit 2 homers and drove in 8 RBI’s in 9 games.

In 1960, Tomter emerged as one of the Chippewa Valley’s dominant amateur players, competing in both the CVL and ECCBL for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers.  Going 3 and 0 in the CVL and 7 and 0 in the ECCBL, he led both circuits in winning percentage  at 1.000.  Harv’s 1960 pitching totals were a sterling 10 and 0 in 79.1 innings with 84 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.72.  As a hitter; Tomter bombed 2 long balls and had 5 doubles in 19 games.

Tomter rose to legendary status in 1961.  During the regular season, Harv was named All-ECCBL at utility for hitting .377 (20 for 53) with 5 doubles while going 1 and 0 in 15 innings of pitching for the Tommy Millers.  In the WBA, the righty’s ironman heroics from the mound led the Eau Claire squad to a state title in New Richmond.  In the double-elimination Final 8 format, Tomter hurled back-to-back nine inning complete games in the same day, beating Pepin 4-1 in the first game and Pepin again in the championship match, this time by a 9-3 ledger.  Accordingly, Tomter was named the tournament’s most valuable pitcher.

Hitting .372 (16 for 43) in 1962, Harv tied for the ECCBL lead in doubles with 3 while posting a 2 and 1 record with a 1.52 ERA in 23.2 innings for the league champion Millers.  Continuing his stellar play in the WBA, he was named to the 1962 All-Tournament Team as a pitcher/1st baseman for the Eau Claire squad that lost in the WBA championship, 6-5 in a rematch with Pepin at Cushing.

In no uncertain terms, Harv was a one man gang in 1963.  With his Millers going 10 and 5 and winning their fourth ECCBL championship in a row, the curve balling righty claimed all 10 of his team’s victories, going 10 and 2 in 103 ECCBL innings with a 2.53 ERA, 83 strikeouts and 1 shutout.  His 10 wins paced the ECCBL during the season in which he made his lone ECCBL All-Star appearance.  In WBA play, Harv and the Millers were bumped before making the finals.

Fittingly, Tomter’s last full year of amateur baseball was his best.  Playing with the Strum Merchants in 1964, Harv led ECCBL pitchers with 93.1 innings and tied for the lead in wins with 5 while posting a 2.53 ERA augmented by 75 strikeouts.  From the plate, the portside swinger cracked a league leading 3 homers and 21 RBI’s while tying for the lead in hits with 25 within a healthy.385 average in 62 at-bats.

Drafted by the ECCBL champ Eau Claire Twin City Sports from Strum in 1964, Tomter incredibly shined in the post-season again.  In the double-elimination WBA semi-finals, Harv crafted a 6 to 2 victory with 10 K’s and 4 walks verse a familiar foe, the Pepin Lakers.  In the next game, again vs. Pepin, the curve ball specialist threw 7.1 innings of relief with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks in the 9 to 3 title bout victory.  Winning the WBA’s most valuable pitcher award for the second time, Harv still remains one of only seven individuals to be bestowed the prestigious honor multiple times.

With the closure of the ECCBL in 1965, Harv finished as the all-time leader in pitching wins (21), and is second in winning percentage (.778, 21 wins and 6 losses) and base hits (83).

Of course, Tomter went on to legendary accomplishments with the powerhouse Eau Claire Cavaliers baseball teams.  From 1979 to 2005, Coach Tomter compiled a striking 1,595 and 437 won-loss record (.785 winning pct.), including 5 Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series titles.  Upon induction, Harv Tomter takes his rightful place as one of the largest baseball giants to ever be a part of the Chippewa River Baseball League.