The Sturgeons return in 2026 as one of only two teams that have competed in the CRBL every year since its inception in 1968. Manager Peter Thaler who finished a strong second in last year’s balloting for Manager Of the Year, leads a hungry club coming off a 9-11 campaign.
Along the way, several players enjoyed outstanding seasons. All-CRBL DH Liam Brennan led the teaming average at .387 (24-62), slugging (.597), OPS (1.064), and walks with 13 while contributing 2 HR (one a 9th inning, first pitch walk off), 12 R, and 13 RBI.
At 28-74 (.378), Jace Cota led in hits as well as runs (18) and steals (5). He also added 6 doubles, 2 homers, and 11 RBI while slugging .541 with OPS .958.
Carter Stelter plated a team high 21 RBI while hitting .351 (20-57) with 5 2B, 2 HR, 12 R, slugging .544, and having a 1.030 OPS. He also nabbed a Gold Glove at third base.
AJ Schemenauer led the Sturgeons in taters with 3, batting .311 (19-61) with 11 runs and 16 RBI.
Rounding out a quintet of 300 hitters, Mayson Tester went 20-62 (.323) with 4 2B and an .812 OPS.
Many other hitters chipped in with timely contributions, including Bobby Soran whose average slipped but who logged a .729 OPS with one key home run, Colton Turner who amassed a .728 OPS, and Tristin Hable who overcame an early-season slump to score 12 runs.
All-CRBL Honorable Mention Pitcher Will Jacobson led the way on the mound with 41.1 IP, a 1.70 ERA, a 1.205 WHIP, and a 4-3 record. He also tied for the team lead in triples with 0.
Other major contributors to the staff included Karson Bowe who led Jim Falls in Ks with 25 while going 2-1 in 25 IP, Brady Johnson 3-2 with 29.2 IP, 20 K, and a 2.73 ERA, Jackson Kugel who logged 18.1 IP without a decision, and Thaler who tallied the team’s only save.
The Sturgeons had three players represented at the 2025 All-Star game: Jacobson, Brennan, and Stelter.
As I said at the outset, this team is hungry. Fortunately, Sturgeon Stadium at Grudem Field features an extensive concession stand with top flight hot dogs, an assortment of side delights, and a variety of libations. Which leads to a long overdue expression of gratitude to the couple who have so ably manned the stand for several years. Jeff and Vanette Sherman, thank you from the bottom of our hearts and the top of our stomachs.
We hope to see you at the ball games this year. And be sure to check out our great sponsors whose logos grace the space on our website.
ROSTER: Noah Duex, Joe Blum, Bobby Soran, Jace Cota, AJ Schemenauer, Mayson Tester, Will Jacobson, Liam Brennan, Jacob Danielson, Jackson Gugel, Colton Turner, Karson Bowe, Bob Maurer, Evan Dennis, Noah Hanson, Ben Westaby, Peter Thaler (Mgr), Brady Johnson, Jake Eslinger, Tristin Hable, James Davis, Carter Stelter, Landon Atkinson, Brady Smith, Gavin Thompson
Sponsors
Grudem Field – Jim Falls, WI
Jim Falls Sturgeons 2026 Season Schedule
Coach/Treasurer Pete Thaler
- Current Team
- Jim Falls Sturgeons
Jim Falls Sturgeons – Hall of Fame List
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Frank Atkinson | Pitcher, Shortstop |
| Roger Bergeron | Third base, Coach, Outfield |
| Dave Hepfler | Pitcher, Third base |
| Randy Rubenzer | Third base, Outfield |
| Paul McIlquham | Catcher, Second base, Outfield |
| Russ Nelson | Pitcher, Utility |
| Ben Pitsch | Coach, Utility |
| Rick Rubenzer | Coach, Utility |
| Butch Pitsch | Shortstop, Outfield |
| Ron Rubenzer | First base, Outfield |
| Rick Goettl | Pitcher |
| Eddie Atkinson | Scorekeeper |
| Justin Boiteau | First base, Coach, Outfield |
| Steve Nelson | Pitcher, Utility |
| Roger Nosal | Pitcher |
| Keith Pitsch | Coach, League Officer, Outfield |