Position: Second base

Mike Gilbertson

2nd Base/Manager

Augusta Athletics 1989-’93,’96-’98, 2000-’04, ’07-’08, ’10-’15

Whitehall Manager 2005, Augusta Manager 2008, ’10-’16, ’19

Mike Gilbertson did his best to disprove the adage, “You can never go home again.” He spent 21 years playing for the As, seven of them as player/manager, plus two more as manager, all in five different stints with one year at Whitehall in their midst.

Over the ups and downs of the years, Gilby was a solid presence at second base. Through his playing days, he helped the team to a 201-182 record with three divisional titles and CRBL championships in 1993 and 1998. He also accompanied the team to 13 WBA tournaments, one as manager.

A four-time all-star for the South, he was honored as the All-CRBL second baseman in both 1991 and 1993. His 22 seasons played rank 24th in the league history, and his 229 games played come in 49th.

Ever active in league affairs, Gilby served as president from 2017 through 2019. During those times and others, he made a huge impact on the direction of the CRBL.

And anyone who heard it will never forget his “Weenie, weenie, weenie” song as he presided over the Augusta concession stand. Gilby, we miss you.

Duane Ives

First Base, Second Base/Pitcher

Augusta Athletics, 1994, ’96-2006, ’10

Duane Ives was a potent two-way weapon for the Augusta Athletics through his 13 year career. His resilient right arm and menacing bat helped carry the team through one of its best eras. During his time, the As won the Southern Division crown four times (1994, ’97, ’98, and ’99) while capturing the CRBL championship in both ’98 and ’99. In all, the team went 155-22 during his tenure, while making the WBA tournament ten times and winning it all in his rookie season.

Dewey’s fame as a two-way threat has led to rumors in recent years that word of his exploits spread across the sea and inspired a youngster named Shohei Ohtani. Whether or not this is true, the fact is that he was a force both on the mound and at the plate.

In his 117 games, his .331 would qualify as top 50 in league history but fell short of the 500 at bat minimum. But minimums were no limit in home runs, as he sits at 41st with his 22.

Meanwhile, as a hurler, his .724 winning percentage fell just one short of the number of decisions needed to make the all-time list, but that would put him at 26th in CRBL annals. His 3.92 ERA is particularly impressive considering that half his career was in the metal bat era.

A five time all star, Ives owns two All-CRBL trophies: as second baseman in1998 and as a utility player in 2006.

Dewey’s legacy goes on as he was instrumental in resuscitating the Athletics from a three year hiatus after Covid closed them down.

Scott Stuckert

Infielder / Manager

Bloomer Merchants 1982-92; Bloomer Woodticks 1993-2016

Throughout his 35 seasons in the CRBL, Scott Stuckert approached the game of baseball with an observably high level of dedication, respect and enjoyment. His likable and personable nature often overshadowed the fact that “Stuck” was an awesome baseball player, definitively one of the best to ever take the diamond in CRBL history.

An incredibly productive and consistent performer, Stuckert’s career marks were attained through an annually elite level of play that was entirely remarkable. Within 1,534 at-bats over 505 CRBL games, the Bloomer great holds a .359 batting average, a .456 slugging percentage, an on base percentage of .477, and an OPS. of .933.

During 29 seasons (!), Scott hit over .300, eclipsing the .400 mark in nine of those campaigns, with a career best mark of.462 (24 for 52) in 1990. Additionally, Stuck had 20 or more hits in ten seasons (high of 30 in 1986), 10 or more RBI’s in 21 campaigns (high of 27 in 1986), walked 10 or more times in 19 seasons (high of 18 in 2002) and had 16 campaigns of 3 or more doubles (career high of 8 in 1991, leading the CRBL).

Beginning with his stellar 1990 season in which he was named All-CRBL at shortstop, Scott took over managerial duties from his dad and fellow CRBL Hall of Famer, Jim Stuckert. Initially running the Bloomer Merchants from 1990 to 1992, Stuck oversaw the team rebranding itself to the Fighting Woodticks moniker in 1993. Selflessly guiding the Bloomer squad for 27 seasons, Scott and the ‘Ticks qualified for seven WBA tournaments, with six of them occurring consecutively from 2000 to 2005. WBA tournament seven came in 2007, when the Woodticks made it to the Final 8 for only the third time in franchise history, joining the Bloomer Pines of 1958 and the Bloomer Merchants of 1987.

In total, Stuck managed an astounding 486 CRBL games. Historically, Scott’s all-time managerial rankings are found in games managed (1st), wins (3rd) and WBA appearances (tied for 9th).

Stuckert’s individual excellence and dedication is highlighted by his league record 20 appearances in CRBL All-Star games, with (yet another) CRBL record 14 in a row from 1989 to 2002. In the 1993 contest, Stuck was named the All-Star game MVP when he hit a walk-off solo homerun in the bottom of the 10th inning giving the North Division an 8-7 win over the South Division at Augusta.

A tough defender with sure hands and an accurate arm, the utility infielder was named All-CRBL in three seasons (1986-shortstop, 1987-utility, 1991-shortstop). Moreover, Scott was recognized in five seasons as an Honorable Mention choice (1989-shortstop, 1990-shortstop, 1992-shortstop, 1993-shortstop, 2006-2nd base).

As a right-handed hitter, Scott deployed a short, quick and level swing from a compact and slightly crouched stance to amass a treasure trove of all-time rankings. Upon induction, the Woodtick and CRBL legend is ranked 1st in RBI’s, 2nd in hits, 2nd in games played, 2nd in singles, tied for 2nd in seasons played, 3rd in at-bats, 3rd in walks, tied for 4th in doubles, 5th in total bases, 7th in runs scored, 10th in on base percentage, and 20th in batting average.

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.

Hans Lyberg

Infielder

Lafayette Indians 1985; Hallie Eagles 1986-99

Described by his peers as “your best teammate’s best teammate”, Hans Lyberg was the consummate amateur baseball player – versatile and sure-handed on defense, consistent and clutch with the bat, all while being a dedicated and respected competitor for his team.

Breaking in to the CRBL in 1985, Lyberg hit .316 (12 for 38) for the South Division champion Lafayette Indians. When he became a Hallie Eagle in 1986, Hans again hit above .300 (.309, 25 for 81), marking the second of 12 seasons (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998) in which he hit north of .300. His career high ledger occurred in 1997 when he topped .400 for the Eagles (.404, 21 for 52).

A cornerstone of Hallie’s formidable teams of the 1980s and 1990s, Hans and the Eagles soared to play in eight WBA tournaments (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) and survived to the Final 8 three times (1986, 1988, 1995). Within that era of success, the Eagles captured the CRBL title in 1996, vanquishing the mighty Tilden Tigers 11 to 7 at Hallie’s own Sippel Field.

A right-handed bat, Hans regularly hit from the lead-off spot or the two hole, leading the league in runs scored with 25 in 1991. Performing to the responsibilities of that role, Lyberg would have ten seasons of effectively drawing 10 or more walks with a career high of 18 in 1992 and 1997. In another nod to his consistency, the Eagle rapped 20 hits in six seasons (1986, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) and had 10 RBI’s in eight campaigns (1986, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998).

An All-CRBL pick at utility in 1994, the sure-handed defender was also named Honorable Mention All-CRBL in 1987 (second base), 1990 (second base), and 1996 (infield). A participant in three All-Star games (1987, 1996, 1998), Lyberg’s highest all-time rankings can be found in walks (29th), runs scored (34th), singles (38th) and hits (40th).

Pat Prince

Infielder
Cooks Valley Hayshakers 1971-82; Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1983-86

A strong right-handed hitter with prodigious power, Pat Prince tore up league pitching for 16 seasons as a member of Coon Valley Hayshakers and Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks.
With the baseball rich Prince family jump-starting the Hayshakers in 1971, brothers and fellow CRBL Hall of Famers Pat, Joe, and Stan provided plenty of offensive force for Cooks Valley’s line-up during the organizations 13 seasons of existence.
Beginning in 1974, Pat had a string of 12 consecutive campaigns in which he hit better than .300. The bright spot for this streak occurred when he hit over .400 in consecutive years, doing so in 1979 (.407, 24 for 59) and 1980 (.423, 22 for 52).
With his plenteous for power, the long-ball hitting Prince tied for the league lead in that category in 1975 with 2. He hit a career best of 6 homers in 1980 and 1984, while also driving in a personal best 22 runs during those seasons as well.
The firepower of the Prince family and the Hayshakers line-up never quite reached the .500 mark or the WBA tournament. That changed for Pat and brother Stan when they joined the fledgling Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in 1983 after the Hayshakers disbanded. Pat’s big bat (.380 avg., 3 homers, 17 RBI’s) and veteran play helped the ‘Jacks to a 14 and 6 record, a North Division title, a 13-7 win over Cadott in the CRBL title game, and a spot in the WBA tournament. In the league championship vs. Cadott, Pat stayed true to form by knocking a solo homer in a 1 for 4 day with 3 runs scored.
Prince followed up with another power packed year in 1984 (.333 avg., 6 homers, 22 RBI’s) helping Chippewa Falls to another winning record of 13 and 5 and a second consecutive WBA birth. 1985 was Pat’s last full-time effort, checking in with a .300 ledger, 3 homeruns and 10 RBI’s for the Woodcutter’s 11 and 2 crew that won the North Division for the second time, made their third consecutive WBA tourney, and tamed the Lafayette Indians 8-7 in the CRBL title game. In that victory vs. the Tribe, Pat hit a pivotal 5th inning 3-run homer, knotting the game at 6 runs a piece.
Along his road to 286 career hits, Pat topped the 20 hit barrier seven times, with his 1983 total of 27 being a personal best. Joining brothers Joe and Stan as CRBL Hall of Famers, Pat is ranked all-time between 20th and 29th place in nearly every hitting category.
During his league career, the slugging Prince participated in four all-star games (1971, 1972, 1983, 1985), and was recognized as an All-CRBL pick twice (1974 and 1980).

Howie Prince

2nd Baseman, Shortstop

Chippewa Falls Centralites 1949-50; Hamilton Chevrolets 1951-55

The premier league slugger of his day, Howie Prince was a hard-hitting middle infielder whose prowess with a wood bat enabled him to become one of only seven hitters in CRBL history to win a triple crown.

In his rookie season of 1949, Howie slammed 3 home runs in just 12 games for the Chippewa Falls Centralites.  His powerful stick helped fuel the Centralites to a 10 and 4 record and the Chippewa Valley League championship game, where they whipped Tilden 9 to 1 for the title.

1950 was Prince’s breakout year, as he banged league high totals of 23 hits and 19 RBI’s to accentuate a .371 average for the 9 and 5 Centralites.  The aforementioned triple crown was accomplished in 1951.  At that time, Prince was only the third hitter in league play to lay claim to such a distinction.  In 18 games during the 1951 season, Howie pounded out a Chippewa Valley League topping .371 average (29 for 50) to go along with other CVL bests of 4 homeruns, 23 RBI’s, 29 hits, and 7 doubles.  With Howie’s hammer in the middle of the line-up, the first-year Hamilton Chevrolets rolled to a 13 and 5 record and a 4-3 championship game victory over the Tigers of Tilden.

In 1952, Prince laced a .471 average and a league best 5 doubles, but lost out in the batting race to Rick Jaenstch of Leif’s Conoco Oilers and his .524 (22 for 42) tally.

The Hamilton Chevrolets captured another CVL crown in 1954, with Howie’s .304 (17 for 56) average and league pacing 5 doubles contributing on a path to beating the Lake Hallie Lakers 9 to 4 in the title bout.

1955 saw Prince and Hamilton in even better form.  In his last year of league battles, Howie hit .349 with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 21 RBI’s, and 21 runs scored as the powerful Chevs shined with an 11 and 1 league record and a repeat championship game victory over the same Lake Hallie Lakers, this time by an 11 to 1 score

Clearly, Prince’s time in CRBL history was one thick with individual and team success.  In addition to the triple crown and other statistical high points, the slugging middle infielder played in five All-Star games, nearly two decades before the advent of the annual All-CRBL team.  The two organizations he suited up for won a total of four league championships and posted a .610 regular season winning percentage by winning 61 games and losing only 30.

With the CRBL finishing its 31st year of play in 1955, Howie stepped away as the circuit’s all-time home run king.  Although no longer found on any Top 50 list, Prince’s seven year career shines on a comparative level with today’s wood bat wielding hitters of the CRBL.

In being elected to the CRBL Hall of Fame, Howie joins his father and league pitching great Jim Prince who was inducted in the Inaugural Class of 2009.

Paul McIlquham

Catcher, Outfielder, 2nd Baseman

Jim Falls Sturgeons 1981-96

A versatile run-producing utility man, Paul McIlquham used a strong right-handed stroke to pound his way through 16 productive seasons of competition in the Chippewa River Baseball League.

In molding a balanced offensive and defensive career, McIlquham was named ALL-CRBL twice at 2nd base (1985, 1992) and three times as a catcher (1987, 1988, 1989).  In 1990, he was recognized as a catcher again, this time as an honorable mention pick.  In all-star game play, he appeared in eight contests through three different positions – 2nd base, catcher, and outfield.

In 12 of McIlquham’s 16 seasons he hit over .300 with his career high coming in 1988 when he stung the ball to the tune of .533 (24 for 45).  His 24 hits that year matched a career high, while his 6 doubles, 26 RBI’s, and 19 walks were also career peaks while batting for the high scoring, 14 and 2 Sturgeons.

The diversity of Paul’s offensive skills is evident in both his career and yearly outputs.  In five seasons, he notched 20 or more hits.  He drove in 20 or more runs in four seasons, doing so consecutively from 1988 to 1991.  Five seasons saw him hit 4 or more home runs, with his 1987 total of 7 dingers being a personal best.  His league leading 13 stolen bases in 1983 was the best of nine years in which he swiped 5 or more bags.  Showing a discerning eye at the plate, McIlquham gathered 10 or more walks in a season 13 times, doing so nine seasons in a row (1988 to 1996) after pacing the league with 15 free passes in 1985.  Paul also led the “River League” in runs scored in 1985 with 24. His other league leading mark came in 1983 when he tied for the CRBL lead in at-bats with 72.

McIlquham’s potent contributions were a major factor in Jim Falls’ emergence as an offensively explosive and tough league foe during the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  This was evident in the Big Fish claiming a North Division crown in 1989, qualifying for the WBA eight times (1983, 1986-1992), and surviving to a Final 8 in 1991.

Upon becoming a CRBL Hall of Famer, Paul is tied for 7th all-time in stolen bases, 8th in homeruns, 9th in RBI’s, 15th in runs scored, and 10th in slugging percentage.