Profile coming soon
Position: Outfield
Paul Pehler
Class of 2021
Outfielder / Player Manager
Whitehall Wolves 2005-13
A hustling, high energy ball player during his nine seasons in the CBRL, Paul Pehler was also a dedicated manager and relentless advocate for the Wolves of Whitehall. Under his guidance, Whitehall was transformed from an organization struggling to survive into one of the most vaunted and highly successful amateur teams in the CRBL and across northwest Wisconsin.
Pehler’s rookie year also coincided with Whitehall’s first year of play in the storied Chippewa River Baseball League. After two seasons as a part-time player, Paul took over as player/manager in 2007. That season also marked his first full-time ledger, as Pehler played in all 18 league games, hitting .362 (21 for 58) with a homerun, 13 RBI’s and a league leading 13 stolen bases.
2008 was the Wolf Pack leader’s best season. The right-handed batter hit a career high .379 (25 for 66), tying for the CRBL lead in doubles with 7 and leading the circuit again in steals with 10 while hitting 1 homerun and knocking in a career high 18 RBI’s.
It was in 2010 that the Wolves evolved, becoming a team to be reckoned with under Pehler’s leadership. Deploying a fearlessly aggressive offensive approach, accentuated by a team philosophy of stealing bases at any time in any count against any opponent, Whitehall howled their way to a 12 and 6 finish. In enjoying their first winning season, the Wolves narrowly missed a South Division title while qualifying for their first WBA tournament.
The Pehler-led Wolves continued their ascension in 2011, hunting down and finally winning the South Division with a 14 and 6 mark. While directing the Wolfpack that season, Pehler hit .300 (18 for 60) with 6 doubles and 12 RBI’s. In the 2011 CRBL championship game at Tilden, Whitehall dropped a tough, 4-3 game to the Tigers in 10 innings.
2012 saw Pehler and the Wolves permanently brand their place in CRBL history and legitimately establish themselves as an amateur baseball power. In his last year as player/manager, Pehler hit a healthy .350 (21 for 60) with 5 doubles, 2 home runs (a career high), 14 RBI’s and 12 runs (also a career high). His production contributed mightily to the Wolves’ incredible season, one in which they set a then CRBL record for regular season wins by going 19 and 3 and winning a second consecutive South Division title. In the 2012 CRBL title bout, Whitehall blanked the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 6-0, becoming CRBL champs for the first time in franchise history.
Pehler stepped away from his managerial duties in 2013 but played that year – his last – for the Wolves. In his final season, Paul drove in 12 runs in 17 games, enjoying the Whitehall Pack’s dominant 19 and 3 season, one in which they won their third consecutive South Division title, beat the Lumberjacks again in the CRBL title bout (this time 1-0) and were victorious in their first round WBA game.
A .317 hitter in 144 CRBL games, Paul staked a .535 winning percentage in 114 contests as a manager, including 45 and 15 (.750 win pct.) over his last three seasons. In addition to an All-CRBL award in 2008 and Honorable Mention All-CRBL nod in 2007, Pehler participated in four All-Star games (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011). As a manager, he became the second skipper to win back-to-back CRBL Manager of the Year awards, doing so in 2010 and 2011.
Through his productive contributions as a player and winning guidance as a manager, Pehler made a lasting, competitive impact on the Whitehall Wolves franchise. With his induction, Paul Pehler takes his place as one of the legends in Chippewa River Baseball League history.
George Jackson
Class of 2019
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).
Ron Rubenzer
Class of 2017
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).
Shane Dutton
Class of 2017
Outfielder
Augusta Athletics 1997-2010
One of the most consistent and explosive hitters to ever play in the Chippewa River Baseball League, Shane Dutton was truly an offensive force during his 14 seasons of competition for the Augusta Athletics.
A highly regarded and respected player, Dutton’s vicious right-handed swing resulted in season after season of elite production accentuated by an array of laser-like doubles and booming home runs.
Hitting in the middle of Augusta’s volcanic 1990s line-up, Dutton hit an incredible .380 for his CRBL career. Shane captured a batting title in 2006 when he paced the circuit with an unearthly .508 mark (30 for 59) while also leading all hitters that year in hits with 30 and doubles with 9.
The hard swinging righty’s other league leading outputs cam in 2000 (34 hits), 2001 (4 doubles, tied), and 2009 (28 hits and 5 doubles).
A member of three South Division Champions (1997, 1998, 1999) and two CRBL champions (1998, 1999), Dutton was the championship game MVP in back to back years of 1998 and 1999. In Augusta’s 1998 5 to 4 CRBL title game win over Tilden at Augusta, Shane was the difference maker, going 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, a solo homer, 3 runs scored, 2 walks, and 1 RBI. His performance in the 1999 championship series – in which Augusta swept Tilden, 2 games to 0 – was truly awesome. In the two game set, Dutton went a combined 7-for-10 with 3 home runs, 7 runs scored, 4 RBI’s, and 3 walks.
The league success of Shane and the Athletics carried over to the WBA, where together they qualified for the tournament 11 times (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008) as well as two Final 8’s in 1999 and 2002. In the 2002 Finals held at Augusta, the Athletics lost to the Hudson River Rats 19 to 9 in the WBA Championship, marking the third time the A’s had appeared in the WBA title bout (1993, 1994 champions, 2002).
A participant in six All-Star games (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007), Dutton was a bestowed All-CRBL in eight campaigns (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009), as well as Honorable Mention All-CRBL in 2007.
Upon induction, the right-handed slugger’s all-time rankings show him 4th all-time in batting average, 9th in slugging percentage, tied for 13th in doubles, tied for 14th in home runs, 18th in total bases, 20th in hits, 22nd in runs scored, and 24th in RBI’s.
Jay Skalecki
Class of 2016
Outfielder
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1989-92; Tilden Tigers 1993-99
An athletic, powerful, and explosive baseball player, Jay Skalecki was truly a game changer both at the plate and in the outfield during his 11 seasons of supremely productive play in the CRBL.
Beginning as a part-time player with the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in 1989, Skalecki was a welcome addition to the successful and veteran filled team. In his first year as a full-timer in 1990, Jay began a streak of 10 consecutive seasons of hitting .300 or better (1990 to 1999) by posting a .306 average for the ‘Jacks. During this prolific stretch, the hustling and hard-hitting outfielder had three .400+ seasons (1992, 1996, 1998) as well as setting his career high of .540 (34 hits in 63 at-bats) in 1993.
In Skalecki’s third season as a ‘Jack in 1991, he established himself as one of the CRBL’s most dangerous and formidable offensive threats. During 16 league games in 1991, the right-handed hitter roped 5 doubles, bombed 6 home runs, knocked in 21 RBI’s, and scored 20 times, all while hitting .397 (25 for 63). For his efforts, he was bestowed with his first All-CRBL award as an outfielder. Jay concluded his four seasons in Chippewa Falls by hitting .413 (19 for 46) in 1992 with 3 home runs, 17 RBI’s, and 17 runs scored.
Skalecki went to the North Division rival Tilden Tigers in 1993 during which he hit the aforementioned .540. In blistering 34 hits in 63 at-bats, Jay led the CRBL in batting average and hits. He also rapped 8 doubles, 4 home runs, 23 RBI’s, and scored 15 runs in deservedly being recognized with his second All-CRBL award as an outfielder.
Jay’s third and final All-CRBL nod came in 1996 when he hit .408 (20 for 49) with 5 home runs, 18 RBI’s, and 13 runs scored for the perennial North Division champion Big Cats from Tilden.
Clearly a major element in maintaining the winning traditions of both the Tigers and the Lumberjacks, Skalecki’s 11 CRBL seasons glowed with the success of those franchises. Remarkably, he was a part of eight North Division winners (1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999), three CRBL championships (1990, 1994, 1997), 10 WBA qualifiers (1989 to 1991, 1993 to 1999), three Final 8’s (1989, 1994, 1995), and one WBA champion with the Tilden Tigers in 1995.
A big game performer, Jay contributed mightily in seven CRBL championship contests, hitting .433 (13 for 30) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, 9 RBI’s, and 9 runs scored.
In addition to his three All-CRBL awards, the Tiger and Lumberjack participated in six All-Star games (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997). The tenacious bat that Skalecki wielded throughout his CRBL career is on display in his all-time rankings. Upon induction, the right-handed slugger ranks 6th in batting average, 7th in slugging percentage, and (tied for) 18th in home runs.
Dan Pearson
Class of 2015
Outfielder
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1985-92
If ever there was a template for a lead-off hitter in amateur baseball, Dan Pearson would have fulfilled the requirements. A quick and slashing left-handed hitter, Pearson was a menace for both catchers and pitchers alike during his eight seasons of competition for the Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks in the Chippewa River Baseball League.
Never hitting below .333 in any of his seasons, Dan was a frequently deployed weapon by the ‘Jacks, evident in that he led the CRBL in at-bats on three occasions – 1986 (81), 1988 (63), and 1990 (67). His highest mark as a hitter came in 1988 when he hit .429 (27 for 63) and also set career highs in home runs (3) and RBI’s (17) for a wild-card Chippewa Falls squad that went 12 and 4. After dispensing of the Northern Division champion Jim Falls Sturgeons in a playoff game, Pearson and the Lumberjacks beat the Lafayette Indians 13 to 10 for the CRBL title before chopping their way to a WBA Final 8 appearance in Hayward.
Pearson had the second .400+ campaign of his career in 1989 when he K’d just once in batting .413 (26 for 63). His personal best 25 runs scored that season helped jettison the Chippewa Falls squad to an 11 and 5 league record and their first appearance in the WBA title game, where they lost 13 to 7 to the Menomonie Eagles in Abbotsford. Within the Final 8, the fleet-footed outfielder was named the most valuable defensive player, becoming the first CRBL player to win the defensive stalwart trophy.
A line-drive hitter, Pearson’s season best mark of 3 long balls came in both 1988 and 1992. Interestingly, Dan’s 1992 total was reached in one game vs. the Jim Falls Sturgeons. In the June 7th contest, the lefty laced 3 solo shots in the ‘Jacks 6 to 4 victory in the 1st game of a doubleheader at Cardinal Field.
As the igniter of an explosive Lumberjack offense, Dan efficiently piled up the offensive numbers during his eight-year CRBL run. In six consecutive seasons (1986 to 1991) he had 20 or more hits, eclipsing the exclusive 30 hit barrier in 1986 with 31 knocks in 81 at-bats for a .383 average. Fulfilling his responsibility from the top of the order, Pearson earned 10 or more walks in seven seasons with a high of 16 in 1989. Reaching home plate at a frequent clip, he scored 20 or more runs four times with a high of 25 in 1989.
Utilizing his speed and quickness, Dan swiped 10 or more bases in five seasons with a personal best of 16 in 1989. Despite hitting primarily out of the lead-off spot, Pearson still managed to drive in 10 or more runs in six seasons with his personal best of 17 RBI’s coming in 1988.
Pearson’s outstanding play was a major factor in the early success of the Lumberjack’s existence. During his time on the Woodcutters, the ‘Jacks won three North Division championships (1985, 1987, 1990), four CRBL crowns (1985, 1987, 1988, 1990), qualified for the WBA seven seasons in a row (1985 to 1991), and played in two WBA Final 8’s (1988 and 1989). In those four CRBL championship games, Dan stayed true to form, going 8 for 21 (.381) with 5 runs, 4 RBI’s, and 2 stolen bases.
The respect bestowed on the Lumberjacks outfielder was evident in that Dan played in five CRBL All-Star games (1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991), was named All-CRBL in five seasons (1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990), and recognized as Honorable Mention All-CRBL in one season (1991).
Upon induction, Pearson’s offensive potency is on display in his all-time rankings, where he can be found in 9th place for batting average, tied for 10th in stolen bases, and alone in 31st for slugging percentage.
Ron Buckli
Class of 2015
Outfielder & Media
CRBL: Leif’s Conoco Oilers 1952-53; Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports 1959-60
ECCBL: Eau Claire Tommy Millers 1960-63; Strum Merchants 1964
Media: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram 1956 through induction
Ron Buckli’s long and illustrious career as both an all-around athlete and acclaimed sports journalist indisputably define him as one of the most respected and accomplished individuals in the storied existence of the Chippewa River Baseball League.
Buckli’s first full season in the Chippewa Valley League came in 1953 with the Leif’s Conoco Oilers out of Eau Claire. In 13 league games, Ron hit .339 (19 for 56) and tied for the league lead in doubles with 6.
The left-handed hitting outfielder’s athleticism and hitting prowess landed him a pro contract with the St. Louis Browns in 1954. Assigned to the Class D (Single A) affiliate in Wytheville, VA, Ron played in 31 games for the Statesmen, hitting .252 (29 for 115) with 8 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs in what would prove to be his lone season of professional baseball.
After playing for area baseball teams from 1955 to 1958, “Buck” returned to the CVL in 1959 with the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports. In only 9 league games, Buckli efficiently slammed a league leading 3 triples to go along with 4 doubles and 2 home runs while hitting .385 (15 for 31).
In 1960, Ron excelled in both the CVL for the Sports and for the Eau Claire Tommy Millers in the first year Eau Claire Classic Baseball League. In the CVL, Buckli led the way in at-bats with 59 while rapping 20 hits for a .339 average. For the Millers of the ECCBL, the Eau Claire native paced the four-team circuit with 25 hits and 3 home runs while tying for the lead in RBI’s with 18 all while hitting a robust .379 in 66 at-bats. Rightfully, Buckli was a unanimous All-ECCBL pick as an outfielder for the ECCBL champion Millers.
In 1961, Ron was simply outstanding for the Tommy Millers. Playing exclusively in the ECCBL, the slugging lefty hit .414 (30 for 68) in 18 games while leading the league in hits with 30, doubles with 10, home runs with 5, RBI’s with 27, and runs scored with 23 all on his way to a second unanimous All-ECCBL award. Accordingly, Buckli and the Millers pounded their way to a second ECCBL title in a row as well as another spot in the WBA tourney. Going 5 and 1 in the double elimination tournament format, the Eau Claire squad decisively captured the WBA title, beating Pepin 9 to 3 in the championship game at New Richmond. In the 6 tournament games, Ron went 8 for 25 (.320 average) with 5 home runs, 12 RBI’s, and 6 runs scored. In the title tilt, Ron slammed 2 home runs and drove in 3 runs to clinch his selection as the MVP of the 1961 WBA Finals.
Winning their third straight ECCBL title in 1962, Buckli and the Millers made it to the WBA championship game again before losing 6-5 in a rematch with Pepin at Cushing.
After hitting 2 homeruns in 1962, Ron hit 2 more for the Millers in 1963 as they won their fourth straight ECCBL title and qualified once again for the WBA tourney in what was their last season of existence.
Buckli’s final year of amateur baseball in the Chippewa Valley came in 1964 for the Strum Merchants of the ECCBL. In a part-time role, the outfielder hit .385 (5 for 13) with 6 runs scored in 4 games.
At the completion of the ECCBL’s six-season existence (1960-65), Ron finished second in doubles (16), homeruns (9), RBI’s (63), runs scored (61), total bases (131), slugging percentage (.541), and third in hits (82).
Of course, Ron Bucki’s contributions to the local sports scene go well beyond any field of competition. Since July of 1956, he has reported on area sports with sincerity, fairness, enthusiasm, respect, and humility for the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram. Renowned and revered as a top notch sports journalist, Ron also has had a major impact on Special Olympics in the Chippewa Valley through his immensely popular Buckshot Run event. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in the regional promotion, development, and success of the international sport of ski jumping.
With his induction, the Chippewa River Baseball League Hall of Fame is able to permanently welcome a selfless sportsman, dynamite baseball player, and true gentlemen in Mr. Ron Buckli.
Marcelino Alonso
Class of 2014
Outfielder
Augusta Athletics 1996-2001; Eau Claire Bears 2002
A native of Panama, Marcelino Alonso was a baseball hitting savant during his memorable seven-season tear through CRBL history.
The likable and affable Alonso settled in Augusta after playing two seasons of Rookie Ball for the Baltimore Orioles organization in 1992 and 1993. In his rookie CRBL campaign of 1996, Marcelino used his quick-wristed stroke to hit .365 (19 for 52) with 2 home runs and 10 RBI’s for the 11 and 7 Augusta crew. The explosiveness of Alonso’s bat made him a seamless addition to Augusta’s notorious high octane offense.
Marcelino’s sophomore season of 16 games in 1997 was a resounding display of his batting talents. Walloping a league leading 10 homers and 31 RBI’s, the outfielder also had 30 hits in 68 at-bats (.441 average) with 7 doubles and 29 runs scored. Accordingly, Alonso was awarded with his first All-CRBL award.
A two-time batting champion, Marcelino captured his first such distinction in 1998 as he roped a .550 average (22 for 40) to go along with 4 doubles, 5 home runs, and 20 RBI’s in only 10 league games for the 12 and 4 CRBL champion Athletics of Augusta.
Alonso’s second batting title came in 2000 when he produced one of the greatest individual seasons in CRBL history. In 18 games, the Athletic led the CRBL with 39 hits and a .557 average in 70 at-bats. He also led the league in doubles with 11 while collecting 27 RBI’s and scoring 22 runs. His 39 knocks stood as a CRBL single-season record until 2012 when the Eau Claire Bears’ Jeremy Nicolai slashed 41 hits in 22 games.
2001 will forever stand as the CRBL’s return to wood bats after nearly a 30-year absence. Marcelino adjusted nicely by hitting .354 (23 for 65) and tying for the league lead in hits with 23 to go along with 2 long balls, 10 RBI’s, and 15 runs scored.
In 2002 the former Oriole farmhand took his bat to Eau Claire where he played one year for the Bears. Hitting .364 (24 for 66) with 5 doubles, 2 homers, 13 RBI’s, and 15 runs, Marcelino played an integral role in helping the Bears capture their first South Division title as well as their first appearance in the WBA’s Final 8.
After 2002, Alonso moved to the southern part of Wisconsin, thus shortening his time in the CRBL to seven extremely productive seasons. Marcelino’s abbreviated stay prevented his sterling career batting average (.424) and slugging percentage (.721) from qualifying for all-time marks within those categories. Upon induction, the hard-hitting righty can be found, however, tied for 32nd all-time in home runs with 26.
A participant in four All-Star games (1996, 1997, 2001, 2002), Alonso was rightfully selected for All-CRBL honors three times (1997, 2000, 2001). These individual accolades were of course major ingredients in the success of his teams, as Marcelino was a member of four Southern Division champions, two CRBL champions, seven WBA qualifiers, and two Final 8 squads.
It should be noted that Alonso’s departure from the CRBL did not end his amateur baseball career. 2013 represented his ninth season of baseball in the Home Talent Leagues of southern Wisconsin, with his first two post-CRBL campaigns being with the Baraboo River Dogs and his last eight belonging to the Reedsburg Pirates.
Butch Pitsch
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).