Position: First base

Jeff Zwiefelhofer

1st Basemen

Cooks Val Hayshakers 1977, Tilden Tigers 1979-87

After breaking in with the Hayshakers in 1977, Jeff Zwiefelhofer returned in 1979 for a power-packed nine years with Tilden.

During his years as a Tiger, the team went 105-52, leading the North six times and winning two CRBL championships. It also made the WBA playoffs eight times, finishing as runner-up in 1984. And Jeff was a big part of that success.

A slick fielder at either third or first base, Zwief was chosen All-CRBL at each, first in 1980 (3rd) and then in 1985 (1st). Additionally, he made four all-star games for the North.

But it was Jeff’s power that brought him into the Hall of Fame. One of a handful of hitters who cleared the houses in left field at the old Jim Falls field, Jeff hit similar moonshots at various parks around the league where the reverberations may still be heard. In his best season, 1985, he led the league in homers with seven and RBIs with 23.

He took All-Star Game MVP honors in 1980 on the basis of a 3-4 outing in which he scored one run and drove in four, highlighted be a three-run blast in the fifth inning that tied the game launching the CRBL All-Stars to an 8-6 victory over the St. Paul Merchants.

Upon induction, Jeff’s bat has landed him on several spots in the top 50 in league history. He stands 45th in RBI, 29th in OPS, tied for 24th in HR, 21st in slugging percentage, and tied for fourth in grand slams with three.

2 All CRBL Awards, 4 Allstar Games

Note top 50 in HR, RBI, SLG, OPS

Justin Boiteau

1st Baseman, Outfielder – Jim Falls Sturgeons 1997-2014, 18
Player/Manager – Jim Falls Sturgeons 2007-12

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A left-handed batter with a strong and fluid swing, Justin Boiteau played his entire 19-season career in Jim Falls, using his hitting prowess to become one of the best Sturgeon players in CRBL history.

A stout defender, the left-handed throwing Boiteau was a difference maker when either roaming the outfield or securing 1st base for the Big Fish.  At the plate, Justin was incredibly consistent, posting eight seasons in which he had 20 or more hits, with a high of 27 in 2007.  Moreover, he had 13 seasons in which he had a batting average of .300 or better.  Within those campaigns, from 2001 through 2011, he had an 11-season run of hitting .300 or higher, with his career high of .424 (25 for 59) occurring in 2011.

Beyond his shining play on the diamond, Boiteau admirably guided the Sturgeons for six seasons (2007 to 2012) as a player/manager, providing dedicated leadership and stability to the Jim Falls’ franchise.

A participant in 10 CRBL All-Star games (1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), the smooth-swinging lefty was named Honorable Mention All-CRBL as an outfielder in 2007, in addition to being named All-CRBL at 1st base in four seasons (2003, 2008, 2009, 2011).  

Upon induction, Boiteau is ranked 18th all-time in doubles, 31st in hits, 33rd in batting average, 34th in singles, 34th in games played, 39th in at-bats, and 39th in total bases.    

Bubba Stolt

Outfielder, 1st Base

Bloomer Blackhawks 1976-77; Bloomer Merchants 1979,1986-92; Bloomer Fighting Woodticks 1993-2018

  • Two-time all-star.
  • Honorable Mention All-CRBL selection in 1988 at 1st base and 2009 as a designated hitter.
  • Upon induction, ranks 8th all-time in games played and 14th all-time in at-bats.
  • A dedicated, devoted, and well-liked player throughout his 26 seasons of play in the CRBL.

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.

Randy Baier

1st Basemen, Pitcher

Cadott Red Sox 1986; Tilden Tigers 1988-2006, 2008-12

The most prolific homerun hitter in the CRBL’s long and storied history, Randy Baier was a middle of the order, run-producing force throughout two decades of play on the Tilden Tigers incredibly successful teams of the 1990s and 2000s.

A right-handed hitter, the slugging first baseman deployed a powerful swing from an upright, slightly closed stance during his 25-year career to amass an incredible cache of offensive accomplishments. In 21 separate seasons, Baier hit over. 300, exceeding .400 in six of those campaigns. Twice the righty eclipsed the .500 mark, leading the CRBL with a .509 (29 for 57) tally in 1992 and a .527 (29 for 55) ledger in 1997.

The heavy hitting Tiger also led the CRBL three times in home runs (9 in 1991, 9 in 1995, 7 [tied] in 1999), twice in RBI’s (29 in 1991 and 19 [tied] in 2008) twice in walks (23 in 1992 and 18 in 1993), and once in hits (29 in 1991).

The CRBL’s all-time home run king, Baier was incredibly consistent with the long ball, averaging over 5 bombs a season from 1990 to 2003. Throughout that 14-season tear, there were countless standout performances. Perhaps Randy’s most memorable day came in game one of a doubleheader vs. Augusta on July 16, 2000. In Tilden’s 15-14 loss, Baier mashed four homeruns while driving in 7 runs. As of 2020, the Tilden legend is still one of only four CRBL players to hit four homeruns in one contest.

Yet another historically noteworthy day came on May 10th, 1992 when Randy became one of only seven CRBL players on record to hit for the cycle, doing so against the Hallie Eagles in Tilden’s 31-8 victory.

One of the key components in Tilden’s long lasting core of veteran and outstanding players – a core that included brother and fellow CRBL Hall of Fame catcher Rick – Randy and the Tigers enjoyed an extensive amount of hardball success. In total, the home run leader played on 16 North Division winners, six CRBL champions, 22 WBA qualifiers, 10 Final 8 teams, and two WBA championship squads (1995 and 2004). True to form, Randy was named the WBA tournaments co-Most Valuable Offensive player in 1995 and then stood alone as such after the 2004 WBA tourney.

The ace pitcher for Tilden early in his career, Randy led the CRBL in innings pitched (83.2), wins (7), and K’s (77) in 1989. The right-handed thrower also led the CRBL in innings pitched (77.1 in 1990) as well as tying for the lead in saves (1) and shutouts (2) in 1995.

A participant in eight All-Star games (1989, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002), Baier was named MVP of the CRBL classic in 1992 and co-MVP of the mid-season exhibition in 1995.

During his quarter century of standout play, Randy was a two-time Honorable Mention All-CRBL pick (1995 and 2002). Moreover, he was deservedly chosen All-CRBL seven times, first as a pitcher in 1989, and the last six selections as a 1st baseman (1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004).

Upon induction, the Tilden Slugger’s highest rankings can be found in homeruns (1st), RBI’s (2nd), total bases (2nd), hits (tied for 4th), runs scored (5th), OPS (5th), slugging percentage (6th), at-bats (8th), doubles (8th), walks (10th), singles (10th), games played (11th), seasons played (tied for 13th), batting average (15th), on base percentage (16th) and triples (35th).

Ron Rubenzer

1st Baseman, Outfielder

Jim Falls Sturgeons 1986-90, 93-03; Cadott Red Sox 1991-92

A left-handed slugger, Ron Rubenzer’s large stature and monstrous swing cut an imposing presence for Chippewa River Baseball League pitchers during his 18 seasons of league play.

As a young player, Ron entered the CRBL in a part-time role with the talented, successful, and veteran laden Jim Falls Sturgeons of the late 1990s.

Moving to the Cadott Red Sox in 1991, Rubenzer had a breakout campaign, getting named All-CRBL as an outfielder on the merits of his .397 average (23 for 58) to go along with 4 doubles, 3  home runs, and 11 RBI’s.

After one more season in Cadott, the Big Lefty returned to his hometown Sturgeons in 1993, which began an eight season run (1993-2000) in which he averaged over 4 home runs and 14 RBI’s while hitting a accumulative .325 (145 for 446).  Within that stretch, Ron had perhaps his finest season in 1994, when he hit .500 (26 for 52) with 4 doubles, 5 home runs, and 16 RBI’s in route to his second All-CRBL award as an outfielder.

Rubenzer’s performance in his last two seasons as a full-time CRBL player in 1999 and 2000 validates his reputation as a true masher.  In 1999, the Big Sturgeon tied for the CRBL lead in home runs with 7 while knocking in 26 run in 18 league games.  He followed that up in 2000 by hitting .411 (23 for 56) with 6 long balls and 22 RBI’s in another 18 game CRBL season.  In both years, Ron was named Honorable Mention All-CRBL.

Rubenzer was also a very durable and valuable pitcher for both Cadott and Jim Falls.  Logging 422 innings over his CRBL career, the left-handed thrower posted a league leading ERA of 2.66 in 1990 (7 ER in 22.2 IP) for the Sturgeons.  In six seasons, Rubenzer pitched over 40 league innings (1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999) and surpassed 50 innings twice – 54.1 in 1992 and 54 in 1997.

From 2001 to 2003, Ron circled back to a part-time player role with the Sturgeons before going on to finish his amateur baseball career with the Weyerhaeuser Black Hens of the Dairyland League, playing in to the late 2000s.

A participant in ten All-Star games (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000), the thunderous power and towering home runs that Rubenzer regularly displayed make him one of the most prodigious power hitters in CRBL history.  Upon induction, Ron’s highest all-time rankings can be found in home runs (9th), slugging percentage (14th), RBI’s (33rd), and innings pitched (39th).

Andy Abrahamson

1st Baseman

Bloomer Merchants 1980-86, 88-92; Bloomer Fightin’ Woodticks 1993-2007

A left-handed stick with a compact swing, Andy Abrahamson embodied the elements of all great home town baseball players – skill, dedication, humility, and an intense want to play the game.

Competing for the Bloomer Merchants from 1980 to 1992 and then for the Bloomer Fightin’ Woodticks from 1995 to 2007, Andy began as a catcher before finishing the latter portion of his CRBL career as a first baseman.

Abrahamson’s 27 seasons of CRBL games were a picture of consistency brightly illuminated by the sheer quantity of his hitting accomplishments.  In nine seasons, Andy hit over .300 (1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2005).  Amidst those .300 efforts, the sure-handed 1st baseman tied the single-game CRBL record for doubles with 4, a mark he reached on June 13, 1992 in a 15 to 8 win vs. the Cadott Red Sox.  In two additional campaigns, the portside swinger eclipsed .400 twice in league play (.421 in 1990 and .435 in 1998).  The apex came in 1996 when Andy’s quick, contact geared stroke vaulted him above the rarified .500 barrier when he led the CRBL in hitting with a .531 average (26 for 49).  Included in those 26 hits was a league pacing 8 doubles to go along with two home runs and 19 RBI’s.  Abrahamson’s shining performance resulted in his recognition as an All-CRBL 1st baseman in that memorable 1996 season.

Over the course of his nearly three decades of CRBL competition, Andy was part of 12 WBA qualifiers in Bloomer – five times with the Merchants (1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987) and seven times with the Fightin’ Woodticks (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007).  In two of those appearances, (1987 and 2007), Andy’s productive bat and veteran leadership helped the Bloomer gang make it to the Final 8, where on both occasions they suffered tough, opening game losses.

A participant in seven CRBL All-Star games (1986, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003), the impressive scope of Abrahamson’s CRBL career has him ranking among the elite in numerous offensive categories.  Upon induction, the Bloomer stalwart is ranked 5th in games

played, 5th in at-bats, 5th in singles, 6th in walks, (tied for) 8th in RBI’s, 8th in hits, 12th in runs scored, and 16th in total bases.

Jeremiah Paulson

1st Baseman

Augusta Athletics 1993-2006

Jeremiah Paulson’s 14 season tear through the CRBL was marked by booming homeruns, searing line drives, shell shocked opponents, and skittish pitchers.  Historically, the Augusta legend can unequivocally be viewed as one of the greatest players the Chippewa River Baseball League will ever have.

The 1993 addition of “Miah” to Augusta’s roster elevated the A’s line-up to a combustible level.  Hitting .406 with 4 doubles and 1 home run in 10 games, Paulson helped propel Augusta to their second straight South Division title and CRBL crown before losing 9-5 to Abbotsford in the WBA championship game.

In 1994, Paulson became a CRBL immortal when he won the hitter’s Triple Crown, batting .527 (29/59) with 11 homers and 30 RBI’s.  In doing so, Jeremiah became only the 6th player in CRBL history to accomplish the feat.  His 11 long balls also set a single-season record in that category that has since been equaled twice (Dusty Freitag in 1996 and Todd Lasher in 2012).  The Ruthian performance was the pillar of Augusta’s march to another South Division title and capturing of the WBA championship with an 8-4 victory vs. the Whittlesey Reds in the title bout.  It was the CRBL’s first WBA crown for a CRBL team since the 1953 Thorp Cardinals.

Paulson came back in 1995 to win another batting title with a .483 average while tying for the CRBL lead in hits with 28 in 58 at-bats.  Accentuated by his 8 long balls and 23 RBI’s, Miah’s presence again played an irreplaceable role in the A’s winning a fourth consecutive South Division title and the franchise’s third CRBL title belt.

One of only three players in league history to hit 4 home runs in a game, Paulson accomplished the feat on July 17, 1994 in Augusta’s 37 to 9 thumping of the Cadott Red Sox at Cadott.  In the same game, Jeremiah also had 6 hits, putting him in another exclusive club numbering only 13 CRBL hitters.

1995 was also the year Jeremiah gained national acclaim when as a junior at Northwest Missouri State he was featured in “Faces in the Crowd” of Sports Illustrated.  In the May 8, 1995 issue, Paulson was highlighted for his homerun barrage in a doubleheader vs. Southwest Baptist.  In the two games, he was 4 for 8 with 4 homeruns and 11 RBI’s.  In game number two, Paulson hit a homer in three consecutive at-bats, including a grand slam and 3-run home run in one inning.

From 1996 to 1998, the Big Lefty played intermittently for the Athletics as he became a full-timer for the Eau Claire Cavaliers.  Yet, in playing only 12 CRBL games in 1998 Paulson still managed to lead the league with 9 big flies.

In 2000, Miah returned to the CRBL full force, hitting .415 (27 for 65) while tying for the circuit lead with 10 home runs and pacing the circuit outright with 34 runs scored in 18 games.

The CRBL’s switch to wood bats in 2001 had little effect on Paulson’s offensive propensity.  Over his last six season’s in the CRBL, Miah averaged 5 home runs, 24 hits, 18 RBI’s, 16 runs scored, and an accumulative batting average of .414 (146 for 353).  For his entire 193 game CRBL career, he finished with per game averages of 1.19 RBI’s and 1.45 hits.

During his 14 league campaigns, Miah tied or led the league in offensive categories 17 times: once in runs scored (34 in 2000), twice in hits (28 in 1995 and 23 in 2001), twice in RBI’s (30 in 1994 and 20 in 2002), twice in walks (19 in 2003 and 19 in 2005), three times in batting average (.527 in 1994, .483 in 1995, and .468 in 2002), as well as a league record seven times in home runs (11 in 1994, 9 in 1998, 10 in 2000, 4 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 8 in 2004, and 5 in 2005).

A participant in five All-Star games, Paulson was named the game’s MVP in the 2000 contest hosted by Jim Falls.  In his standout performance, he was 3 for 4 with 5 RBI’s and hit a go ahead grand slam in the seventh inning that was the deciding margin in the South’s 8-4 win over the North.

Accordingly, the left-handed smasher was named All-CRBL seven times (1994, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006), good for 7th all-time in the award’s existence.  Moreover, in two seasons (2001 and 2003) Jeremiah was named Honorable Mention All-CRBL.

Paulson departed from the CRBL gallery after the 2006 season, moving to the western part of the WBA map.  Starting in 2007, Miah began playing for the Ellsworth Hubbers of the St. Croix Valley League where he still continues to mercilessly destroy the offerings of opposing pitchers.

Upon induction, Paulson’s embedded all-time CRBL rankings include the prestigious top spots in both batting average and slugging percentage.  His additional high ranks can be found in home runs (2nd), total bases (8th), RBI’s (tied for 13th), runs scored (19th), doubles (20th), walks (tied for 25th), and hits (30th).

Dennis Lee

1st Baseman

Augusta Athletics 1989-96

The Augusta Athletics of the 1990’s had a memorable array of talented and fearsome players that collectively dominated the CRBL.  Amidst this accomplished and winning crew was 1st baseman Dennis “Denny” Lee, who is readily acknowledged by his Augusta brethren as the leader of the A’s rise to CRBL prominence.

Hitting from a simplistic upright stance, the right-handed swinging Lee brought immediate respect and awareness to the potency of Augusta’s line-up.  In the Athletics’ first CRBL season, Denny hit .321 (18 for 56) with 4 home runs and 17 RBI’s as the team went 9 and 7 while qualifying for the WBA gala from the South Division.  This would be the first of five consecutive seasons of hitting .300 or better, capped by his career best .446 average (29 for 65) in 1993.  His 65 at-bats and 29 runs scored that year both led the nine-team CRBL.  Denny also set personal highs in 1993 with 6 doubles and 6 home runs as he was deservedly recognized with an All-CRBL award.  Lee’s other league leading total came the previous year when his 26 RBI’s were tops in 1992. Despite his relatively short playing career in the CRBL, Denny is still tied for 35th all-time in long balls with 24.

The run production and leadership that Denny provided became crucial factors in the A’s noteworthy run of success in the CRBL and the WBA.  During the 1st baseman’s seven seasons of CRBL conflicts, Augusta won four South Division titles, three CRBL championships, qualified for seven WBA tournaments, played in four Final 8’s, and made it to two WBA  championship games, and winning the prized WBA championship in 1994.

With his time on Augusta dating back to the organization’s independent beginnings of the early 1980’s, Lee will forever be viewed as one of the town’s baseball giants.  Through his induction in to the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame, Dennis Lee rightfully takes his place as one the greats in the storied history of the CRBL.

Rich Woodford

Pitcher, 1st Baseman

Cadott Red Sox 1969-74; Lafayette Indians 1969, 83-88; Lafayette Lakers 1976-83

Difference makers from the mound and the plate are rare but sought after commodities in CRBL play.  Through 82 seasons of league history, roughly 25 players have excelled within these parameters.  Rich “Butch” Woodford was one of those players.

After getting his start as a part-time player for the Lafayette Indians and Cadott Red Sox in 1969, the wiry lefty led the CRBL with 3 triples in 1970 during his first year as a full-timer for Cadott.  Rich tied for the high mark in triples with 2 during a 1973 season in which he hit .310, his first .300+ effort.  Offensively, his other pace setting total came in 1976 with 4 doubles and in 1987 when he scorched a career best .519 (28 for 54) average to lead the CRBL for the 12 and 5 Lafayette Indians.  Woodford’s .331 career average was sculpted through eight seasons hitting over .300 (1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1983-1986), two seasons over .400 (1979, 1980) and the previously mentioned .519 in 1987.

In 1971, he also was a league leader, but this time from the mound with a 2.10 ERA (7 ER/30 IP) while winning 3 and losing 1 for the 11 and 6 Red Sox. 10 years later, Butch’s suffocating 0.58 ERA (2 ER/31 IP) in 1981 was also tops in the CRBL.  Had a career high 6 wins in 1982, helping the Lakers of Lafayette cap off three straight Final 8’s (1980-82).  Notched five sub-3.00 ERA seasons (1969, 1971, 1977, 1981, 1983).

Used primarily as a reliever and spot starter throughout his CRBL career, Butch logged a personal best 63 innings in 1976 during his first season with the Lakers.  In collecting 14 career saves, the southpaw tied for the league lead in this area with 1 in 1980 and led outright with 3 lockdowns in 1983 and 1986.

A competitive winner during his time in the CRBL, Woodford played on 16 winning squads (1970-1971, 1973-1974, 1976-1985, 1987, 1988), two .500 teams (1972, 1986), and only one losing squad (1977).  He was a member of one league champion (1973 Cadott Red Sox), three division champions (1973, 1985, 1988) 14 WBA qualifiers (1970-1974, 1977, 1979-1983, 1985, 1987, 1988), and four Final 8 clubs (1974, 1977, 1980, 1981).

A participant in six All-Star games (1973, 1980, 1981, 1983-1985), Butch was voted All-CRBL in 1974 for the Cadott Red Sox, 1979 as a Lafayette Laker, and 1987 as a Lafayette Indian.

Upon induction, the Lefty’s best all-time rankings can be found in saves (4th place), triples (4th place), and stolen bases (10th place).