Season: 2020

Eau Claire Bears

The Eau Claire Bears enter the 2024 season looking to continue their long time success in CRBL and WBA play. The biggest change for the Bears this year will be at the manager position as Chevy Tollefson hands the reins over to Blake Johnson. Johnson will look to continue the winning tradition that Tollefson and past managers have provided for years. The veteran-led Bears will be returning All League pitcher Quintin Gonzalez, and honorable mention recipient Joe Halling. The Bears will also be returning the likes of Nate Kent, Chevy Tollefson, Todd Lasher, and Jim Thill. The Bears are looking forward to another great summer of baseball.

ROSTER: Blake Johnson, Chevy Tollefson, Todd Lasher, Quintin Gonzalez, Ryan Flock, Josh Halling, Hunter Guenther, Grant Preston, Tyler Oestreich, Joe Halling, Nate Kent, Jack Sandvick, Tyler Plitzner, Aaron Skrypek, Cody Urban, Vinny Fonti, Mitch Bendickson, J.R. Lukes, Jim Thill, Wes Fleischer, Chris Budd, Alex Jinkins
COACH: Dave Strauch

Sponsors

Buy your Eau Claire Bears gear from SquadLocker. A wide variety of apparel options to support the Eau Claire Bears baseball squad.

Cinder City Baseball Field – Altoona, WI

Eau Claire Bears 2024 Season Schedule

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Jim Falls Sturgeons

After a breakthrough 2022 season, the Sturgeons took a step back in ’23 but still made the WBA tournament for the second consecutive year. One setback was the loss for most of the season of 2022 pitching ace and CRBL Rookie of the Year Will Jacobson. His stint on the DL did open the door for the emergence of AJ Schemenauer whose breakout year led to a 4.36 ERA over 41.1 innings. With Jacobson, who returned late to hurl 21.2 innings at a 3.74 clip, Jim Falls has a solid one two punch at the top of the rotation with several others waiting to show their stuff.

The Sturgeons also bring back some offense after finishing third in the league in team average at .306. Led by All-CRBL catcher Bobby Soran (.469, 3 HR, 13 RBI), the team backed him up with strong seasons by Honorable Mention winner Schemenauer (.400, 2 HR, 7 2B, 18 RBI), and Tristin Hable (.313, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 21 R). Jake Eslinger earned his first all-star appearance with a .271 average and 10 RBI. Meanwhile, all-star Bob Maurer and Mason Tester flirted with .300. Although the team loses some top players to the transfer portal and the ever-present job market, hopes are that the farm system will continue to produce–watch for new names among 2024 stars.

Excitement continues to grow in the Sturgeons’ pond over the coming of the CRBL All-Star Game to Sturgeon Stadium at Grudem Field this July 7. As plans go forward for expanded seating, parking, and all manner of creature comforts, the team and its fans anticipate a great celebration of hometown baseball.

Finally, the Sturgeons mourn the passing of two stalwarts from the ’60s who also faithfully led squads in Old Timers’ games over the years: Dick Hinke and Albert “Albie J” Witkus. So long, old friends.

ROSTER: Joe Blum, Tristin Hable, Nick Pitsch, Trevor Bowe, Will Jacobson, AJ Schemenauer, Liam Brennem, Raven Keyeski, Bryce Sykora, Evan Dennis, Wyatt Keyeski, Beau Snyder, Caleb Elkins, Isaac Lindstrom Bobby Soran, Jake Eslinger, Bob Maurer, Austin Sykora, Jackson Gugel, Curtis Neskar, Mason Tester

Sponsors

Grudem Field – Jim Falls, WI

Jim Falls Sturgeons 2024 Season Schedule

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Eau Claire Rivermen

Proudly stated, 2024 will stand as the 8th season of play for the Eau Claire Rivermen in the historical Chippewa River Baseball League.

The 2023 campaign was the most successful campaign to date for the Rivermen franchise. With a 12 and 8 mark out of the South Division and an 18 and 15 overall record, the ‘Men set franchise season records for CRBL winning percentage (.600) and overall wins (18), all while remaining in the CRBL playoff hunt to the final pitch of their last league game vs. the Eau Claire Cavaliers. It should be noted that the Rivermen’s winning year was propelled by four extra-inning wins in the CRBL, three of which they trailed going into their last at-bat only to emerge victorious.

2023 CRBL award winners for the Crew in Navy Blue and Grey included centerfielder and speed mercheen Lance Lettner winning his second consecutive CRBL Gold Glove Award, as well as slugging first baseman Blake Loegering garnering his first All-CRBL Honorable Mention Award. Congrats to both on being recognized for their big seasons and the impactful contributions they made to the Rivermen’s memorable year.

Alas, with a new season comes new challenges and new opportunities, as the process of building a competitive roster never stops. With the return of 6 to 7 starters and the addition of several talented players from Eau Claire area, the Men of the River are excited to take the diamond in 2024.

Regardless of wins and losses, the Eau Claire Rivermen are proud to be part of the storied Chippewa River Baseball League. We look forward to seeing you at Fairfax Field, our plush home park with ample seating and convenient parking.

ROSTER: Nathan Ash, Jake Becker, Alan Champion, James Davis, Joe Davis, Wyatt Draves, Joel Effertz, Tyler Gray, Brett Jensen, Jake Lawrence, Lance Lettner, Blake Loegering, Jonah Mueller, Andy Niese, Carson Soukup, Sawyer Sturz, Jesse Urbanek, Luke Rooney

Sponsors

Fairfax Field – Eau Claire, WI

Eau Claire Rivermen 2024 Season Schedule

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