Class of 2023
Shortstop
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1983-94
Class of 2021
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.
Class of 2020
Shortstop
Bloomer Merchants 1988; Tilden Tigers 1989-2012
One of the all-time greatest ballplayers to ever compete in the CRBL, Mitch Steinmetz was an athletically dynamic shortstop and lead-off hitter extraordinaire for the outstanding Tilden Tigers teams of the 1990s and 2000s.
After beginning his CRBL career with the Bloomer Merchants in 1988, the left-handed hitting shortstop became a Tiger in 1989. Combining agile feet with quick, soft hands, Steinmetz was a defensive wizard, lauded for his superior range, arm strength, and sure-handedness. From the middle of the Tilden diamond, Mitch teamed with fellow Tiger and CRBL Hall of Famer Todd Bresina to form the longest tenured and most productive double play combo in CRBL history.
Jump starting the Tigers’ attack, Steinmetz was the epitome of what a lead-off hitter should be – an on base dynamo possessing both speed and power. Hitting from the top of Tilden’s relentless line-up of the ‘90s and ‘00s, Mitch fueled the Tigers with a robust career on base percentage of .505, forged over 1,300 career at-bats. Adept at drawing a walk and controlling the strike zone, Steinmetz had 23 seasons of 10 or more walks and three seasons of 20 or more walks (1995, 2000, 2006), leading the league in free passes seven different seasons (1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2006). With his proficiency for getting on the bases, Mitch also led the league in runs scored three times (1992, 1996, 2006) with a career high of 35 runs in 1992.
Retiring as the CRBL’s all-time leader in stolen bases, the lead-off man led the league in swipes twice (1994 and 1997) and stole 10 or more bases in six seasons with a high of 20 in 1992. Steinmetz’s other season leading totals came in homeruns (9 in 1992), triples (tied with 2 in 1990) and doubles (10 in 1993).
In becoming only the fifth player to notch over 400 hits, Mitch had 20 or more knocks in 12 seasons, hit over .300 in 18 seasons, crossed the .400 barrier in seven seasons, and batted an even .500 once (25 for 50) in 1996.
During his 24 seasons wearing the marron and yellow, Steinmetz and the Tigers enjoyed incredible, unparalleled levels of success. Winning 16 North Division titles, six CRBL championships, securing 22 WBA appearances, and 10 Final 8’s, together they also captured two elusive WBA crowns (1995 and 2004).
Further validating what an elite defender Mitch was at shortstop, he was named the WBA tournament’s Most Valuable Defensive Player in 1995, 2000 and 2004, becoming the first player in WBA history to be given the prestigious honor three times.
A participant in 15 CRBL All-Star games (1988 to 1998 [11 in a row], 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009), Steinmetz was recognized with Honorable Mention All-CRBL in five seasons (1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2006) and named All-CRBL in five other seasons (1992, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2009).
Upon induction, the Tilden Legend’s numerous all-time rankings can be found in walks (1st), doubles (2nd), runs scored (2nd), total bases (3rd), on base percentage (4th), hits (tied for 4th), at-bats (6th), stolen bases (6th), home runs (tied for 6th), singles (7th), games played (9th), OPS (9th), RBI’s (9th), slugging percentage (12th), triples (tied for 20th) and batting average (21st).
Class of 2018
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).
Player: Howard Braves 1961-64; Tilden Tigers 1965-83
Player/Manager: Tilden Tigers 1980, 82-83
CRBL Umpire: 1984-2018
Recalled as an accomplished player and well known as a highly respected umpire, few people have done more for the betterment and stability of the Chippewa River Baseball League than one Art Zwiefelhofer.
Breaking in to the Chippewa Valley League in 1961, Art became known as a slick fielding and ultra-competitive shortstop for the Howard Braves. In 1965, Zwiefelhofer joined the Tigers of Tilden, where he became synonymous with the Tigers’ hard driving, winning style of baseball built on clutch hitting, outstanding pitching, and consistent defensive play.
In his 19 seasons in Tilden, Art was part of 9 division titles, 9 league championships, 14 WBA tournaments, and 5 WBA Final 8’s. A consistent and dedicated player, Zwiefelhofer led or tied for the league lead in walks four times (1973, 1974, 1980, 1981), with a career high of 23 in 1981. His other league pacing total came in runs scored (18 in 1970) and home runs (tied for the lead with 3 in 1976).
Toeing the rubber early in his playing career, the righty notched 46.1 innings for Howard in 1963. For the Tigers, he had 3 saves in 1968, a year after leading the league in saves with 1 in 1967.
Art also dutifully managed Tilden for three seasons (1980, 1982-83), winning two North Division titles and gaining entry to two WBA tournaments.
From his 23 seasons of league play, Art is ranked all-time in stolen bases (7th), walks (9th), at-bats (14th), seasons played (16th), runs scored (tied for 17th), games played (19th), singles (tied for 22nd), hits (28th), RBI’s (tied for 29th), total bases (33rd), and home runs (tied for 43rd). From his days as a pitcher, he is still ranked in saves (tied for 38th).
Beyond his enduring and successful playing career, Art is best known for his time as an umpire in the CRBL and the WBA. Sincere, knowledgeable, relatable and fair, Zwiefelhofer umpired over 800 CRBL and WBA games from 1984 to 2018, a span of 35 years. Exhibiting a unique “player’s perspective” as an umpire, Art was instrumental in formulating the CRBL Umpire Association in 1993, adding much needed stability and structure to the assignment and oversight of umpires across the league. Naturally, Art became the Head Umpire within the Association, a position he still proudly holds in to his Hall of Fame induction.
The Chippewa River Baseball League owes an immense debt of gratitude and thanks to Mr. Art Zwiefelhofer. It is with heartfelt respect that we proudly recognize him as one of the largest and most influential people the CRBL will ever know. Thank you Art!
Class of 2017
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).
Class of 2013
Outfielder, Shortstop
Jim Falls Sturgeons 1981-96, 98-2000
Left-handed power hitters as well as Pitsch family members are synonymous with Jim Falls baseball. One of the best from this group to ever play for the small hamlet along the Chippewa River was shortstop and outfielder, Dale “Butch” Pitsch.
Butch’s .315 average (17 for 54) in his first CRBL season of 1981 signaled the addition of another tough, hard-hitting lefty to the Sturgeons improved school of hitters, evident in the organization’s first WBA appearance that year since 1975. Hitting .321 (18 for 56) two years later, Pitsch and the Crew of Big Fish in 1983 enjoyed their first winning record since the 1975 squad in addition to securing another birth in the WBA.
The quick wristed lefty had his first CRBL leading total in 1985 when he was in front of the 10-team circuit with 3 triples. Butch’s other league leading total came in long balls when he and the Eau Claire Pioneers’ Jon Bowe tied for the CRBL lead with 7 clouts in 1989. Along with a .395 average (17 for 43) and 23 RBI’s in that season of 1989, Pitsch and the power-laden line-up of the Sturgeons captured their first North Division since 1973 with a won/loss mark of 12 and 4 and qualified for their fourth WBA tournament in a row.
Returning to the WBA in 1991 with an 11 and 5 league record, Jim Falls swam to their first Final 8 appearance since the memorable 1975 team. Pitch did his part by hurdling the .400 mark for the first time, hitting .413 (19 for 46) with 2 homers and 11 RBI’s in CRBL conflicts. Butch’s second consecutive .400 season in 1992 (.417, 25 for 60) also came with 6 home runs, 19 ribbies, and a personal best 22 runs scored as the Prehistoric Fish made it back to the WBA dance.
In completing a seven season run of hitting .300 or better (1987 to 1993) Pitsch’s .509 effort in 1993 was a career best, thanks to a personal high of 28 hits coming in 55 at-bats. In total, Butch’s .338 lifetime average was bolted on 10 campaigns of hitting .300 or better in 14 years as a regular for the Fish in Jim Town.
Starting his career at Jim Falls’ famous school yard diamond and concluding his playing days at plush Sturgeon Stadium at Gruden Field, Butch lashed out 267 CRBL hits from the left side of the plate. A selective batter, Pitsch also walked 164 times on the strength of 10+ base on balls in nine CRBL seasons.
Considered to be an underrated player, Mr. Pitsch participated in two All-Star games (1985 and 1989), was named All-CRBL outfielder twice (1992 and 1993), and was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-CRBL pick as an outfielder three times (1987, 1989, and 1991).
Class of 2013
Shortstop
Lake Hallie Lakers 1952-55, 57; Eau Claire Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1953; Hamilton Chevrolets 1956; Seymour 1958-59;
Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports 1958
One of only seven hitters in league history to win a triple crown, Don Ash was a remarkably productive shortstop who tore up Chippewa Valley League pitching during his eight seasons of competition for five circuit teams.
In his rookie campaign of 1952, Don hit .381 (16 for 42) for the up and coming Lake Hallie Lakers of the Northern Division. In 1954, Lake Hallie began one of the most dominant stretches of team play in CRBL lore. Riding a high octane offense, the Lakers rolled to a perfect 10 and 0 record, an American Division championship, and a spot in the WBA tournament. Priming the offense was Don’s .413 average ( 19 for 46) and his league leading totals of 19 hits, 16 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases.
Riding the high tide into 1955, Don and the Lakers surged to another 10 and 0 record, a Southern Division title, and a second straight trip to the WBA. Ash again contributed mightily, hitting .377 (20 for 53) and tying for the CVL lead in triples with 2 and runs scored with 23 while leading outright in stolen bases with 11.
After losing in the CVL championship to the Hamilton Chevrolets of Chippewa Falls in 1954 and 1955, Ash joined the Chevs in 1956. Playing in 10 games that season, Don posted gaudy numbers in spearing the Chippewa Valley League’s triple crown. With a league tops .431 batting average (22 for 51), Ash tied the Lafayette Braves’ Bob Wolfe for the lead in homers with 3 and led outright with 21 RBI’s. He also was the best in 1956 within the categories of hits (22), triples (2), runs scored (23), and stolen bases (9).
After returning to Lake Hallie for one season in 1957, Don moved to the fledgling Seymour squad in 1958 where he had another stellar effort, hitting .351 (20 for 57) while also serving spot duty with the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports.
Don concluded his run through CVL/CRBL history in 1959 as player/manager for the 10 and 2, South Division champion and WBA qualifying Seymour club. Smoking the ball at a career best .458 average (24 for 54), the agile shortstop led the Chippewa Valley League in at-bats with 54, hits with 24, runs scored with 18, and walks with 12.
In playing nearly 30 years before the institution of All-CRBL awards, Don’s stature in the Chippewa Valley League was illuminated through his participation in six all-star games during his eight season career. The most noteworthy of Ash’s all-star game performances came on June 27th, 1954. Playing shortstop for the American Division, Don was described in the next day’s edition of the Chippewa-Herald as the “brightest star”. In recounting his defensive play, the Herald articulated that Ash “played ball as though he were paid for it.” At the plate that day, Don was 4 for 7 with a home run, a double, 3 runs scored, and 4 RBI’s as the American Division prevailed 18 to 17 verse the National Division in a contest that still stands as containing the most runs scored in a CRBL all-star game exhibition. Although no game MVP was officially named on that Sunday afternoon, Ash’s shining day would have made him the clear choice.
With his league at-bats unavoidably limited by the short regular seasons of that era (the 18 games he played in 1957 was the only time he was part of a CVL schedule consisting of more than 12 games), Don’s best all-time rankings can be found in triples where he is tied for 27th and stolen bases where he shares a spot at 28th.
Class of 2012
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).
Class of 2011
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.
