2019 represented a turning point for the Sturgeons, as Manager Nick Pitsch sought to stabilize an unsettled roster. After an 0-14 start, he led Jim Falls on an upswing, winning 5 of its last 8 to finish 5-17. Pitsch so impressed the National Guard that it decided to send him to Kuwait for this season in hopes of straightening out the turmoil in the Mideast.
In his place, Peter Thaler has taken the reigns with a steady 2020 vision. He inherits a young but promising squad. Nelson Crumbaker returns from an injury-plagued season after compiling a .429 batting average. Tristan Hable led Jim Falls in hits with 18 and stole 4 bases on the way to a .400 BA. Veteran Bob Maurer chipped in at .345 while Ryan Krumenauer, Justin Toman, Avery Elliot, Kole Smith, Kole Ploeckelman, and Thaler all hit in the upper 200s. Meanwhile, Ploeckelman, Thaler, and AJ Kammeyer shared the team RBI lead. Several other young players made their marks as well.
On the mound, the Sturgeons hope for future growth from a staff that includes Crumbaker (17Ks in 21 IP), Thaler (5.85 ERA), Beau Sweitzer (30 Ks in 26.1 IP), and Hable (7 Ks in 7.1),
The development of these and other members of this (mostly) youthful group plus the addition of new talent augurs better days and a rising enthusiasm at Sturgeon Stadium. Come out, grab a hot dog and a cold beverage, and enjoy baseball at its purest level.
And take note. Our garbage cans are made of plastic and are not that loud when we bang on them.
ROSTER: Isaiah Anderson, Nelson Crumbaker, Avery Elliot, Jake Eslinger, Noah Gillingham, Kendren Gullo, Tristan Hable, AJ Kammeyer, Ryan Krumenauer, Wyatt Kyeski, Bob Maurer, Nick Pitsch (Military Leave), Kole Ploeckelman, Kole Smith, Cal Smithberg, Beau Sweitzer, Peter Thaler (Manager), Justin Toman, Brandon Wright.
Sturgeon Field – Jim Falls, WI
Coach Pete Thaler
- Current Team
- Jim Falls Sturgeons
