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Photo by Chris Smith Photo by Chris Smith
©2016 Eau Claire Express Baseball ©2016 Eau Claire Express Baseball
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Table of Contents Welcome Letters
3-4
Game Preview
7
Players
8-16
Coaches
17
Carson Park Info.
18
Front Office Staff
19
Express Intern Staff
21
Promotional Schedule
22
Seasonal Staff
24
Feature Story
26
Team Stats
27
Schedule
Ticket Information
28 29
Team Rosters
32-33
Career Records
36-37
Single Season Records Host Families
Express MVP’s
Northwoods League Standings Northwoods League Leaders Today’s NWL Schedule This Day in Baseball Partners Index
34-35 38
40-41
42 43 43 44 44
When Economy Furniture first opened Hank Aaron was a member of the Eau Claire Bears!
t 10
Virtual Program by Patrick Malin Š2016 Eau Claire Express Baseball
3
Welcome Letters D
888-811-2020 AwardsAndMore.com 2425 Seymour Rd. Eau Claire Next to Pizza Del Re
ear Northwoods League Fans:
On behalf of everyone associated with the Eau Claire Express, I want to welcome you to historic Carson Park for another year of Northwoods League baseball. As we begin our twelfth year of operation, I’d like to reflect on some of the changes that have taken place with the Express. First, we’ve expanded our ownership group to include Dale Varsho and Andy Neborak. This was due in large part to the “sweat equity” that both had accumulated in the team over the years, plus it insures that the Express will continue to operate in the community for many years to come. Second, and most importantly, we have made a financial commitment to the Carson Park renovation project that will guarantee everyone, nothing but the best for your future visits to Carson Park. In collaboration with the city of Eau Claire, we have pledged to improve the stadium experience, starting with the construction of permanent bleachers on both the first and third base sides of the stadium. With this expansion will come stadium seating, climate-controlled restrooms, and new concession areas. In addition, we are creating an apparel area for our fans to shop for concessions in a more comfortable and expanded environment. Also planned in the construction project is the installation of artificial turf, which will guarantee that more games can be scheduled at Carson Park with less maintenance charges incurred by the City and users. Also, when completed, the stadium will have an expanded concourse area outside of the stadium that will provide our fans with an additional area to “socialize” before, during, and after games The City will be releasing more information on these projects during the upcoming months. In the meantime, if you care to contribute to this project we will be announcing fundraising goals and pledge opportunities during the season. When approved by the City, this project will commence following the 2017 season. And, as always, I want to extend a special “thank you” to our many game-day sponsors who have provided our fans with the very best in entertainment over the years. This year is no exception! From the Friday night firework shows, bobble-head doll and t-shirt giveaways, dueling piano and human canonball entertainment, our season-long promotion schedule will be greater than ever. So sit back, have some great food and beverage, and enjoy the fun and excitement of Eau Claire Express baseball. Bill Rowlett & the entire staff of the Eau Claire Express
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Good Luck This Season!
One Location.....One Thousand Possibilities!
On behalf of Visit Eau Claire and the entire hospitality industry of the area, we extend to you a sincere welcome to Eau Claire’s Carson Park! As the proud hometown of the Eau Claire Express, we are anxious to show off the many exciting activities and attractions our area has to offer. Visit the Hank Aaron Tribute dedicated to “Hammerin’ Hank” as he made his debut in Carson Park with the Eau Claire Bears back in 1952! Our majestic Carson Park saw the golden era of baseball including such talents as Andy Pafko, Joe Torre, and Bob Uecker to name a few. While in Carson Park, be sure to visit our renowned Chippewa Valley Museum and the historic Paul Bunyan Logging Camp. Each attraction offers rich history of the Eau Claire area from its earliest inhabitants to the present day, and promises to be fun for the whole family. We thank you for visiting our area and supporting the Eau Claire Express, and sincerely hope you will enjoy all the fun and beauty that surrounds Eau Claire. For information on other great events and attractions, go to www.visiteauclaire.com. Enjoy the game! Linda John, Executive Director Visit Eau Claire
The city of Eau Claire is proud to welcome you to the historic Carson Park Baseball Stadium. Our staff is excited to begin the 79th season of baseball in this stadium. This old stadium was built in 1937 with help from the Works Progress Administration at a cost of $60,000. Each year over 100 ball games are played on this field by area high schools, American Legion, the Cavaliers and the Express. Our ball diamond maintenance crews strive to make Carson the best place to play ball in Northwoods League. This season for the Eau Claire Express promises to be even more exciting for Eau Claire families. We invite you to tour the stadium and the Eau Claire baseball Hall of Fame at the Hank Aaron Plaza. Hammerin’ Hank finally has some company in the plaza, with inductions of: Herman White; Dick “Ran” Bezanson; Tom Poquette; Victor “Vic” Johnson; Harvey Tomter; “Handy” Andy Pafko, Glen St. Arnault and Eau Claire Little League Founders Andy Green, Harold “Diz” Kronenberg, Howie Bullock and the 41 Eau Claire natives that made into the minor leagues by signing professional baseball contracts. Carson Park is surrounded by an ancient ox-bow lake formed by the mighty Chippewa River and offers many opportunities for recreation enjoyment including canoeing and fishing. Good luck to all Northwoods League players and we hope the fans enjoy your time at Carson Park and in Eau Claire! Phil Fieber, Director Eau Claire Parks Recreation and Forestry Department
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visiteauclaire.com
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Game Preview T
he Express defeated the likely playoffbound Willmar Stingers last night 4-0 at Carson Park behind a dominant pitching performance from starter Caleb Boushley. Boushley displayed elite control and effeciency, using 97 pitches to hold the Stingers without a run in eight innings on the mound. The UW-La Crosse product now sits in a tie for the most pitching victories in the Northwoods League. Boushley limited Willmar to just four hits in the game, fanning four opposing batters on his way to being named Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night. Mickey McDonald kick started the scoring for Eau Claire in the bottom of the second, ripping an RBI double down the first base line to score Rudy Rott, who reached on a lead off double. Daulton Varsho and Alex McKenna each tallied an RBI each in the shut out win over the surging Stingers squad.
Smith has acted primarily as the
set up and closer for Eau Claire this summer, baffling hitters across the Northwoods League with his sidearm delivery. The right-hander has made 21 appearances in relief for the Express but will get the start in tonight’s North Division match-up.
Smith holds a 4.20 ERA to pair with
2-1 record and four recorded saves. Smith has struck out 32 batters in just 25.2 innings of work for the North Division First Half Champions, and has been a key member of the strong late inning bullpen for Eau Claire.
Thanks for coming out to Carson Park and as always ...
GO EXPRESS! Tonight’s probable starter: Dylan Smith
Eau Claire will hope to complete the home series sweep against the WIllmar Stingers with a win at 6:35 p.m. tonight.
Tonight’s Game: On the mound for Eau Claire tonight is Dylan Smith.
7
Express Roster SAM
KENT STATE
HURT|
INF
|
R/R
Hurt, a native of Eau Claire, is in his first season at Kent State, after playing two seasons for Madison College. This will be Hurt’s third stint with the Express.
BEN
MEZZENGA
MINNESOTA
#1 ZACH
ASHFORD
FRESNO STATE
|
OF
8
CF
|
L/R
Mezzenga will join the Express after his freshman season with the Gophers concludes. The Minnesota native had an impressive high school career at Totino-Grace, finishing with a .508 batting average as a senior.
#3 |
L/R JOE
Ashford has appeared in 45 games for the Bulldogs in his freshman season, batting .316. The California native was named first-team all-state for his performance in his senior year at Buchanan High School.
#4
|
GONROWSKI|
ST. SCHOLASTICA
LHP
|
L/L
Gonrowski was dominant out of the pen for St. Scholastica this spring, earning a spectacular 0.76 ERA in 12 appearances. The left-handed reliever went 3-2 with one save.
#5
Express Roster AUSTIN IOWA
GUZZO|
C/3B
|
L/R
MICKEY MCDONALD| INF | S/R
Guzzo is in his second season behind the plate for the Hawkeyes. He hit .264 this season, driving in 25 RBI’s and three home runs.
McDonald did not play this season after having offseason surgery. He earned an AllHorizon League First Team selection after batting .305 during his sophomore season in 2015
UIC
#7
#6 JARED
NEW MEXICO
MANG
|
UTIL
|
R/R
Mang was a two-time Gatorade New Mexico Player of the Year at Los Alamos HS where he batted .559 and had 7-1 record as a pitcher. He hit .260 as a freshman at New Mexico.
#8
KYLE
CAL POLY
MARINCONZ
|
2B
|
L/R
Marinconz played with the Express last summer just after finishing high school. His first season in Eau Claire saw him rank second on the team with a .299 batting average and tied for third with 56 hits and 26 RBI’s.
#9
9
Express Roster RYAN ZIMMERMAN| RHP | R/R ST. THOMAS
REAGAN MACDONALD| LHP | L/L WEATHERFORD
MacDonald started 12 games on a pitching staff including #28 Dylan Smith. The lefty held a 5-6 overall record with a 6.16 ERA in his freshman season.
Zimmerman appeared in seven games out of the bullpen for St. Thomas in 2015, logging seven innings pitched for the Division III Tommies.
#10 SEAN
MAHER|
NEW MEXICO JC
RHP
|
R/R
RUDY
ROTT
OHIO UNIVERSITY
Maher was red-shirted his freshman season at New Mexico Junior College, where he plays alongside catcher Daniel Herrera.
#12 CONNOR
OLSON
CONCORDIA-ST. PAUL
|
C
10
|
1B/C
|
L/R
The Holmen, Wis. native will play primarily 1st base, but can also play catcher, providing the Express roster with important flexibility. Rott missed only one of 115 games for Aquinas High School in his four-year career.
#14 |
R/R
Olson, a native of Plymouth Minnesota, is in his third season at Concordia University in St. Paul.In 2016, Olson held an impressive .371 batting average and led his team to an NSIC championship this spring.
#17
#11
BRODY
RODNING
MINNESOTA STATE
|
LHP|
L/L
Rodning has had an impressive 2016 season, holding a 5-2 record this spring. Rodning played for the Express in 2015, earning a 2-2 overall record and a 3.30 ERA.
#18
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Express Roster CODY UIC
BOHANEK|
SS
|
R/R
Bohanek has gotten regular playing time in each of his previous seasons for the Flames. He was named to the All-Horizon League Freshman Team in 2014 and has continued a strong career at UIC.
ALEX
CAL POLY
MCKENNA|
AUGUSTANA
Hamilton had an impressive junior season at Augustana in 2016, holding an overall record of 8-2, the most single-season wins in program history.
#20 CALEB
WILLEMS|
UW-LA CROSSE
#21 KENNY
OGG|
OHIO UNIVERSITY
12
RHP
|
R/R
McKenna will arrive in Eau Claire for his first summer of Northwoods League baseball after his freshman season at Cal Poly. He is originally from Canyon Country, Calif. and attended Alemany HS.
#19
RYAN HAMILTON | RHP | R/R
OF|
RHP
|
R/R
Willems will join two members of his collegiate pitching staff on the Express for the last month of the season. Willems held a 1-0 overall record for La Crosse this season with a 3.75 ERA in 9.2 innings out of the bullpen.
#22 R/R
AUSTIN SCHULFER| RHP | R/R
Ogg appeared in just one game for the Bobcats in his freshman season. He hails from Indianapolis, IN where he earned conference honors for Lawerence Central, leading the team to a conference championship.
Schulfer holds a 2-4 record in his second season for the Milwaukee Panthers. Last summer, Schulfer made 10 starts for the Express, where he struck out 27 batters.
#23
UW-MILWAUKEE
#24
Express Roster DAULTON
VARSHO|
UW-MILWAUKEE
NICK
DAVITO|
LEWIS UNIVERSITY
RHP
C
|
L/R
Varsho returns after a good first year in the Express orange and black. He led Eau Claire in several offensive categories, including runs (37), doubles (11), triples (7), RBIs (32) and stolen bases (21). He was selected to the Northwoods League All-Star Team last season.
|
#25 R/R
DYLAN
SMITH|
WEATHERFORD
Nick Davito was undefeated in his 2016 campaign, posting a 4-0 record in 19 appearances for LU. Davito added two saves in his impressive performance as a set up man.
SOMMERS
UW-MILWAUKEE
|
R/R
Smith is a native of Southlake, TX and attended Carroll High School. The right-hander is a sophomore this season for Weatherford College, where he appeared in 16 games out of the bullpen this spring.
#28
#27 JAKE
RHP
|
RHP
|
R/R
Sommers has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this spring, appearing in ten games covering 16 innings. He has a 2-1 record, two saves and has struck out 16 in that time.
#29
13
Express Roster CHRISTIAN NEW MEXICO
TRIPP|
RHP
|
R/R
Tripp pitched in relief for the Lobos, making 22 appearances this spring. In 28 innings pitched, he had 23 strikeouts to go with a 2-1 record and three saves.
JAMESON LAVERY | RHP | R/R UW-LA CROSSE
Lavery had an excellent junior season at La Crosse, earning a 7-1 record in 10 starts. He has held opposing batters to just a .237 average.
#32 JON
ROBLEZ|
ALABAMA STATE
RHP
|
#34
R/R CALEB BOUSHLEY | RHP | R/R
Roblez had a 1-1 overall record out of the bullpen this year for Alabama State, his first as a pitcher for the Hornets. In 9.2 innings of relief, Roblez has 13 strikeouts, holding opposing batters to a .200 average.
UW-LA CROSSE
Boushley, a Hortonville, Wis. native, has been dominant in the 2016 season, posting an 9-0 record in 11 starts this year. Boushley leads the UWLa Crosse Eagles with 73 strikeouts and has a 1.69 ERA.
#40 MICHAEL CAL POLY
GOMEZ|
#42 RHP
R/R
This is Gomez’s second season as a starting pitcher for the Eau Claire Express. In the 2015 season for the Express, Gomez started eight games, earning a 3-2 record while posting a 4.32 ERA.
#47 14
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Coaching Staff Dale Varsho - Field Manager/ Owner In 2013, Varsho became the Northwoods League all-time winning manager by recording his 301st victory on July 25. He has been the only Field Manager in Express history, and he has helped two Major League Baseball players, Jordan Zimmermann and Kole Calhoun, get to the next level. He won the Northwoods League in 2010 en route to being named the league’s Manager of the Year. He lives in Altoona with his wife, Jennifer, and three kids, Jake, Averie and C.J.
Vic Cable - Pitching Coach
Like Varsho, Cable has been with the Express since their inaugural 2005 season, serving as the pitching coach. After an outstanding career on the mound for the Eau Claire Cavaliers, Cable has been an assistant coach at Eau Claire Memorial and Chippewa Falls High School. He is a high school teacher and lives in Eau Claire with his wife Pam and daughters Katie and Emma.ďżź
Drew Pearson-3rd Base Coach Pearson, a former player for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, enters his first year on the Express coaching staff. Pearson spent the 2015-2016 season as a Graduate Assistant on the coaching staff for the Minnesota State baseball team. The Racine, WI native appeared in 104 games during his four year career at UWMilwaukee, highlighted by a .294 on base percentage his senior season.
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Carson Park Stadium Facts:
Home of:
Year Built: 1937 Stadium Capacity: 2,856 Playing Dimensions: Left Field - 326 Feet
Center Field - 388 Feet Right Field - 302 Feet
Address: 702 Carson Park Drive
History:
Carson Park, home to the Eau Claire Express since 2005, is one of the more historical parks in the Upper Midwest. Home to the minor league baseball Eau Claire Bears, and later the Eau Claire Braves of the original class C Northern League, Carson Park served as the home field for many future major league stars, including future Hall of Fame players Andy Pafko, Henry Aaron, and Joe Torre. A statue honoring Aaron sits outside of the entrance to the stadium. Historic Carson Park is one of the more picturesque parks in the Northwoods League, located in the middle of the City’s largest park that includes an adjacent football stadium, softball fields, logging museum, the Chippewa Valley Museum, horseshoe pits, and numerous hiking and biking trails. The Stadium has served as the host site for many WIAA state baseball tournaments, along with many national amateur baseball tournaments over the years.
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Recent Improvements:
The City of Eau Claire, along with the Eau Claire Express have made significant improvements to the Carson Park baseball stadium since the creation of the Express in 2005. The City has greatly improved the lighting at the stadium by replacing and relocating four poles that provide lighting to the infield areas at Carson Park. And recently, (2012) the scoreboard was replaced. Since 2005, the Express have made approximately $750,000 worth of improvements within the stadium, mostly fan-friendly. Included among them are the following: The multi-level fan deck, the message display board, a new stadium and fan deck sound system, concession grill and fryers plus a beer garden, a secondary scoreboard for fan deck patrons, expanded grandstand bench seating, bullpen benches, portable toilets and hand wash stations, expanded food service areas, the kid’s zone complete with inflatable play areas, expanded press box area, stadium wall padding, serving tables with warming drawers and upright storage freezers, and a combination storage shed and viewing deck.
Front Office Staff Bill Rowlett
Managing Director / Owner The Eau Claire native has been involved with baseball in Eau Claire most of his life, including being part of the Express since its inception. He was the General Manager in 2005 and minority owner for the 2005-2007 seasons. Bill became majority owner in 2008 and has held the title of Managing Director since that time. The father of two adult sons (Ron and Brett), he and his wife Sue reside in neighboring Elk Mound.
Andy Neborak
Dale Varsho
Spencer Larson
Scott Montesano
Chris Thompson
Zach Czubakowski
CFO / Owner Andy begins his tenth season as part of the Express and first as CEO / Owner. He previously spent six years as General Manager and one year as Assistant Director of Operations. Before that, he was the Stadium Operations Intern for two seasons. The Waconia native resides in Eau Claire.
General Manager Spencer returns to the Express for a second season and first as General Manager after a year as Director of Ticket Sales. He previously worked for the Normal CornBelters (Frontier League), Madison Mallards and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. He currently lives in Eau Claire.
Director of Food & Beverage Chris returns for a fourth season and first as Director of Food & Beverage. The Eau Claire native previously was a Stadium Operations Intern and Group Sales Manager. He and his fiancee Amanda live in Cadott and are set to be married in October.
Director of Operations / Owner Dale has been the Field Manager for the Express since the inaugural 2005 season and has been Director of Operations since 2006. He has one NWL Championship under his belt (2010), a year in which he was also named NWL Manager of the Year. He resides in Altoona with his wife Jennifer and children Jake, Averie and CJ.
Assistant General Manager Scott returns to the Express after a five-year absence in 2016. He previously served as the team’s radio broadcaster from 2006-2010. Since, he has had stops with the Des Moines Buccaneers (Junior Hockey) and Traverse City Beach Bums (Frontier League). He resides in Eau Claire with his wife Angela and children Derek and Alexia.
Assistant Director of Operations Zach has filled many roles with the Express and returns for a sixth season. He began as a part-time stadium employee and moved on from there to spend the past two years as a Stadium Operations Intern. The Thorp native currently attends UW-Eau Claire.
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Intern Staff Joanna Gohlke Marketing & Fan Experience
David Hahn Marketing & Ticket Sales
Tanner Follis Stadium Operations
Chiafukam Okoroji Stadium Operations
John Mattison Marketing & Promotions
Emma Sapiro Marketing & Promotions
Devan Finn Public Relations
Linda Krompicha Public Relations
Patrick Malin Media Relations
Alyssa Kozak Video Production
Hogan Metzler Game-Day Photography
Day
Daily Special
Thursday
Thirsty Thursday - $2.00 beer & soda Student Night - $20 Fan Deck Tickets w/ ID
Friday
Buy 1, Get 1 drink coupon exit giveaway
Eau Claire Ale House
Saturday
Haircut coupon exit giveaway
Sport Clips
Sunday Wednesday
Colin Griffith Game-Day Marketing
Kari Kolle Stadium Operations
$1.00 Hog Dogs and Sundaes Wine Wednesday - $4.00 glasses of wine
Sponsor(s)
Ballpark / Kemps Infinity Beverages
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Promotional Schedule May 31 Magnetic schedules from Mid-West Family Broadcasting and Lien and Peterson Architects, Inc. Jun 4
Bowling coupon giveaway- Sponsored by Wagner’s Lanes
Jun 7
Opposite Night
Jun 5 Jun 8 Jun 9
Faith Night - $10 package for all church groups- sponsored by Regis Catholic Schools Wine Wednesday
Express T-shirt and Sunglasses giveaway - Sponsored by Career Development Center
Jun 16 Cancer Awareness/ Jordan Zimmermann Garden Gnome Giveaway - Sponsored by Marshfield Clinic Jun 17 * Fireworks sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System following the game / Strike Out Stroke Jun 18 Veterans Night - Sponsored by VFW Club 305
Jun 19 Father’s Day/ Alumni Poster Giveaway - Sponsored by Satellite Six Jun 21 90’s Millenial Night - Sponsored by Metropolis Resort
Jun 25 Express Logo Baseball Giveaway - Sponsored by Mega Co-Op Jun 26 Wisconsin Theme Night /Hotel and Service Industry Night
Jun 29 (1:05) Kids Day - All kids K-12 receive FREE admission - Sponsored by Marshfield Clinic Jul 1
* Pre-planned Funeral Giveaway - Post game fireworks sponsored by Evergreen Funeral Home
Jul 4
* Hat giveaway/ Miracle League Night and Post Game Fireworks sponsored by Goodwill
Jul 2
Jul 12 Jul 13
Sponsored by WESTconsin Credit Union
All Eau Claire Y members receive FREE admission w/ card - Sponsored by Eau Claire Y
FitBit Raffle - Big Brothers Big Sisters Night - Sponsored by EO Johnson Business Technologies
Jul 15
*Trax’s Birthday - Postgame Fireworks sponsored by Mega Co-Op
Jul 28
Human cannonball performance postgame
Jul 24 Jul 29 Jul 30 Aug 2 Aug 3 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 8
6” Sub coupon giveaway - Sponsored by Subway *Postgame Fireworks sponsored by Bauer Built
Dueling Duo Piano Show/ Star Wars Night/ Trax & Trix Anniversary Sponsored by Cesspool Cleaner Company Mini bat giveaway - Sponsored by Charter Bank Sponsored by Northwestern Bank
Cookie Treat Giveaway - Sponsored by Goodie Sweet Treats Outdoors Night - Sponsored by Gordy’s Market
Carson Park Replica Stadium giveaway/ Turn Back the Clock Night - Sponsored by Royal Credit Union
Aug 10 Tropical Night
Aug 11 Thunder Stick giveaway - Sponsored by Larson Orthodontics Aug 12 *Postgame Fireworks - Sponsored by Thrivent Financial
Aug 13 Princess Trix Mini bobblehead giveaway - Sponsored by Mega Co-Op
Aug 14 Fan Appreciation Night - Jersey Night - Sponsored by Silver Spring Foods
Promotional Schedule subject to change * Detonates Fireworks after the game! - Gates open one hour prior to first pitch-
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Seasonal Staff Phil Tripper Director of In-Game Entertainment
Pete Knutson Radio Broadcaster
Chris Smith Photographer
Joshua Scott Team Trainer
Jane Jaenke Concession Manager
Paul Schommer Public Address Announcer
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GAME R U O Y TO R O L O C ME ADD SO
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Express players and coaches participate in All-Star Festivities By Patrick Malin: The Eau Claire Express sent five representatives to Kenosha, Wisconsin from July 18th through the 20th, on a highly scouted, high entertainment value event that even garnered attention in the National media. Express manager Dale Varsho led the North Division All-Stars to victory in the All-Star Game, while his nephew Daulton (UW-Milwaukee), made a “splash” in the Home Run Derby.
The three-day break kicked off with the heavily anticipated Northwoods League Home Run Derby on Lake Michigan, pitting the North and South Divisions against each other in the team portion of the contest. The set-up was picturesque, on a floating dock with just a pitching screen and a home plate poised before the water in the harbor.
media attention.
“He’s been doing his thing all year and its been working out pretty well for him. I just kind of let him do his thing. He definitely showed up and did a great job, so we were proud of him,” Ben Mezzenga, All-Star outfielder, said of Varsho’s performance.
Caleb Boushley would pitch a scoreless bottom of the first on his way to being credited as the winning pitcher in the game. The right-hander from UW-La Crosse allowed a hit, but forced three straight groundouts to second base to earn the win in the game.
Despite not taking place at Simmons Field, Marty Bechina (Michigan State) used his “home field” advantage with the Kenosha supporters behind him to claim the Home Run Derby individual crown. Bechina blasted six homers over the barricade that represented the outfield fence, playing a key role in the South Division’s 24-19 Home Run Derby team victory. Daulton Varsho, the top home run hitter in the Northwoods League, blasted four home runs, which put him in a tie for third place with Zach Jarrett (UNC-Charlotte) of the Madison Mallards.
The unique setting of the Home Run Derby attracted major media attention, with several of the largest sports personalities and media outlets posting links on Twitter and Facebook to videos of the dingers hit into the lake where spectators collected souvenir balls in kayaks and speed boats. Darren Rovell, sports business reporter for ESPN with over a million followers on Twitter, kick started the buzz by Tweeting a link to a 30 second video clip of the Derby, compiled by Milwaukee Sports reporter Scott Grodsky. The video surfaced on several popular sports media sites, including SBNation.com, MLB.com, and the New England Sports Network’s (NESN) Twitter pages. “I definitely knew it had the potential of being something big because its something the world has never seen. I saw a couple Instagrams and Twitter videos from these massive accounts I’ve followed for the past (few) years and I’m like ‘I was at that event, I know the people in that event’ so it felt pretty surreal to get to take part in that,” Mezzenga commented on the extensive
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The 2016 All-Star Game commenced with a bang on Tuesday night, with two and half thousand fans in attendance. The North Division, led by coach Dale Varsho with his staff (Drew Pearson and Vic Cable), jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first. Daulton Varsho drew two walks in the first inning, including an RBI walk with the bases loaded for the fifth and final run of the first frame. Danny Pardo (Willmar) kicked off the game with an RBI double, and Mason McCoy (La Crosse), the eventual All-Star Game co-MVP added a one-run single in the inning.
Mezzenga faced the impressive South All-Star pitching staff three times, unfortunately failing to reach base in the game. Austin Schulfer rounded out the Express selections with one inning pitched, giving up two runs including a home run to Steve Passatempo (Wisconsin Woodchucks), who would share the MVP trophy with McCoy. The game ended 9-5 for the Dale Varsho led North team.
When asked about his favorite part of the All-Star Break experience, Mezzenga pointed said it was the friendships he made. “It is just great to see these guys I’m playing against for the rest of the year here, and just make good friendships and be able to talk to them before and after the games now and reminisce about memories we made in the All Star Break.”
“The Kenosha interns and everyone that worked did a great job. It was a lot of fun, the fans were great. It was a great experience overall,” Mezzenga said.
Express Statistics
#= Switch Hitter *= Left handed pitcher/batter
PLAYER AVG G GS *Mezzenga, Ben .328 34 33 *Ashford, Zach .324 47 42 #Herrera, Daniel .314 30 29 *Varsho, Daulton .311 53 53 Hurt, Sam .298 39 33 #McDonald, Mickey .289 50 50 *Rott, Rudy .286 47 46 McKenna, Alex .260 32 30 *Marinconz, Kyle .259 36 34 Bohanek, Cody .258 53 52 *Guzzo, Austin .236 28 27 Mang, Jared .173 33 29 PLAYER *Rodning, Brody .000 1 9 Zimmerman, Ryan Sommers, Jake Tripp, Christian Boushley, Caleb Lavery, Jameson Roblez, Jon *Rodning, Brody Smith, Dylan Gomez, Michael Hamilton, Ryan Ogg, Kenny Maher, Sean *MacDonald, Reagan *Gonrowski, Joe
Pitching
Willmar Statistics PLAYER *Pardo, Danny Lambert, Greg *Smith, Tyler #Woods, Dylan Mayer, Danny *Estrada, Eddie *Toerner, Justin #Becker, Luke Cottam, Kole McAfee, Quincy Perez, Brandon Wacker, Travis #Foyle, Devin *Gray, Cole *Tice, Ty
Pitching
AVG .355 .345 .333 .314 .313 .298 .293 .288 .277 .274 .268 .258 .244 .233 .138
G 58 58 20 33 29 38 52 39 39 48 42 40 37 29 14
PLAYER *Stockert, Blake Vranesic, Joe Arbetier, Caleb Tice, Ty *Bailey, Bradley Vancena, Jayce Herndon, Corey Garza, Anthony *Schaenzer, Brad Rothwell, Jake *Green, Max Binger, Corey Collins, Bryce McMahan, Pearson *Reynoso, Ricky
AB R 128 39 170 32 118 13 206 46 131 26 194 36 161 20 123 23 143 18 190 27 89 13 110 14 0ERA1 2.11 2.76 2.84 3.21 3.24 3.34 3.91 4.21 4.82 5.14 5.35 5.91 7.00 13.50
GS 57 58 14 31 28 33 50 37 35 43 40 35 31 22 14
AB 220 232 39 121 112 124 188 139 141 186 142 128 119 86 29
ERA 0.72 1.77 1.80 2.91 2.93 4.33 4.50 4.50 4.62 4.65 4.91 5.22 9.00 11.12 12.41
H 2B 3B HR RBI TB 42 3 2 2 16 55 55 4 0 0 21 59 37 7 0 1 18 47 64 13 2 12 51 117 39 4 3 2 23 55 56 8 1 0 20 66 46 7 0 1 25 56 32 5 2 6 26 59 37 6 1 0 17 45 49 8 1 2 29 65 21 5 0 2 15 32 19 5 1 3 18 35 W-L 0 0 G GS 0 CG 0 SHO 0 SV 0 1-0 5 1 0 0 0 3-3 10 2 0 0 0 1-1 17 0 0 0 8 7-2 9 9 0 0 0 1-1 6 2 0 0 0 2-0 7 4 0 0 0 3-1 9 9 0 0 0 2-1 21 0 0 0 4 1-2 7 7 0 0 0 4-4 10 9 0 0 0 2-1 15 1 0 0 0 0-1 7 0 0 0 0 0-1 4 2 0 0 0 0-2 2 0 0 0 0
R 61 46 16 17 24 20 35 20 25 31 20 16 15 14 4
W-L 5-1 0-1 1-0 3-4 1-1 5-2 0-2 0-0 2-1 1-1 1-0 3-4 0-0 0-3 0-2
H 78 80 13 38 35 37 55 40 39 51 38 33 29 20 4
2B 10 15 5 2 7 10 10 6 5 10 10 2 7 1 1
3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 0
BB IBB HP SO 31 0 0 21 26 0 5 21 13 1 1 20 35 3 2 33 14 0 1 17 30 1 3 33 22 2 18 20 13 0 2 30 15 0 1 23 13 0 18 42 16 2 3 16 13 1 2 27 0 IP 0 H 0 R ER 0 21.1 14 5 5 29.1 29 15 9 19.0 16 7 6 56.0 56 22 20 16.2 21 12 6 32.1 23 13 12 46.0 51 25 20 25.2 24 18 12 28.0 32 15 15 49.0 63 35 28 37.0 42 25 22 10.2 9 7 7 9.0 9 10 7 1.1 2 4 2
HR RBI TB 4 35 100 6 56 113 0 6 18 4 17 52 5 37 57 3 19 56 5 42 84 2 21 54 2 21 52 0 19 61 0 19 50 1 15 38 0 8 40 0 11 21 0 3 5
G GS CG SHO SV 7 7 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 9 9 0 0 0 12 1 0 0 0 11 6 1 1 0 6 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 9 6 1 0 0 15 0 0 0 4 15 0 0 0 3 9 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 7 2 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 1
IP 37.2 20.1 5.0 55.2 27.2 43.2 16.0 6.0 39.0 31.0 29.1 50.0 1.0 11.1 12.1
BB IBB 53 0 27 2 20 0 8 1 15 1 22 0 29 1 24 1 9 0 21 0 14 0 10 0 17 0 12 0 2 0
H 28 11 4 51 35 44 19 6 39 36 26 63 1 13 16
R 6 7 1 28 22 25 12 3 21 19 19 40 1 15 20
HP 7 9 0 0 2 0 13 3 6 3 6 2 3 1 0
ER 3 4 1 18 9 21 8 3 20 16 16 29 1 14 17
SF SH SB CS PA 1 0 22 4 160 1 2 15 5 205 0 2 1 1 134 4 0 25 2 247 4 3 4 3 153 1 2 9 3 230 3 1 4 3 205 2 0 15 0 140 0 0 1 1 159 3 2 8 3 226 4 1 0 0 113 4 1 2 0 130 BB 0 IBB 0 SO 0 HR0 2B 3B 0 9 0 19 1 3 0 21 1 20 1 3 0 6 0 20 0 1 0 6 0 45 2 10 2 4 0 8 2 3 0 14 0 26 1 1 0 19 0 33 2 12 1 15 1 32 2 4 1 13 0 14 3 7 0 15 0 29 5 7 0 16 0 23 2 5 0 5 0 12 2 2 0 3 0 8 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0
Batting
SO 21 26 12 15 27 25 31 32 21 20 14 44 31 12 6
SF 4 6 1 1 1 0 2 1 2 3 0 2 0 1 0
SH 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 2
Batting
SB 22 1 2 7 0 1 5 2 2 10 2 1 2 1 0
BB IBB SO HR 2B 3B 16 0 37 0 2 0 13 0 20 0 1 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 20 0 47 1 12 0 9 0 17 2 10 0 21 1 29 5 7 1 9 0 10 1 4 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 20 0 28 2 5 0 19 0 25 0 8 1 10 0 34 2 3 1 20 0 34 2 9 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 12 0 16 1 2 1 9 0 13 4 4 0
27
C
1
2 1 2
1 1 1 2
2016 Express Schedule Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 7:05 6:35 1 7:05 2 May/June 31ROC @ROC @WIL 5
7:05 7
5:05 6
WIL 12
@LAC
4:05 13
@TB 19
6:35 8
21
5:05 20
MAN 26
5:05 27
7:05 28
7:05 29
6:35 17
1:05 30
6:05 24
12:05 2
7:05 6:35 9
5:05 8
7
WAT 14
DUL
5:05 15
DUL North Division:
WIL
NWL Showcase @MAD
16
7:05 18
6:35
MAN
6:05 25
6:35
STC
7:05
6:35 4
WIL 10
6:35 11
DUL 17
Fri
Sat
@WAT
WAT
7:05 6
6:35 12
TB 18
6:35
7:05 13
19
6:35
DUL
TB 20
NWL Championship
Duluth (DUL) Eau Claire (EC) La Crosse (LAC) Mankato (MAN) Rochester (ROC) St. Cloud (STC) Thunder Bay (TB) Waterloo (WAT) Willmar (WIL)
South Division:
Battle Creek (BC) Green Bay (GB) Kalamazoo (KAZ) Kenosha (KEN) Lakeshore (LAK) Madison (MAD) Rockford (RFD) Wis. Rapids (WIR) Wisconsin (WIS)
28
5:05 4
3
WAT @WAT 17
7:05
5
@LAC
6:05 18 5:05 25 1:05
@ROC
6
7:05 7
@STC
6:35 13
19
20
All-Star Break @ KEN 26
7:05 27
@WIL All Colored Boxes = Home Game Postgame Fireworks
6:35
@DUL
7:05 16
LAC
Thirsty Thursday ($2.00 16 oz. domestic taps and 24 oz. soda)
6:05
@LAC
7:05 30
MAN
6:05
@MAN
7:05 23
@STC
6:35 29
MAN
WAT
6:35 9
@DUL
7:05 22
@STC
6:35
ROC
7:05 15
7:05 28
@WIL
7:05 2
@LAC 21
Sat
Fri 1
7:05 8
@STC
6:35 14
TB
TB
@WAT
@MAN
31
6:05
LAC
3:35 11 7:05 12
10
LAC
7:05 5
@WAT
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu July
24
7:05 @ROC
6:35 3
August @WIR
@MAN
@TB
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 1
7:05 11 6:05
GB
@TB
WIR
6:35
WIL
@MAN
GB
@ROC
@GB
@GB
STC
@DUL
6:35 22 12:05 23
ROC
@WIL
STC
6:35 16
6:35 15
@DUL
7:05 4
6:35 10
STC
LAC
6:05 14
@TB
6:35 9
Sat
Fri 3
6:35
ROC
2016 Ticket Information
29
Equipment Rentals Bounce Rides
Concession Equipment
Small Engine Repair
RENTAL...SALES...SERVICE
Only
Landscape Equipment
Wedding & Event Specialists Serving the Chippewa Valley Since 1961 Celebrating Our 50th Year
Generator Sales & Rental
FILL ANY 20 LB. PROPANE TANK
LP Tank & RV Fill Station
$14.99 Coupon Expires 8/31/2016
10% OFF RENTAL EQUIPMENT OR
2515 Mall Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54701 Lawn & Garden Equipment
30
715-834-2727 a1expressrental.com
Penske Truck Rental
PARTY NEEDS
Maximum coupon value is $100.00 Coupon Expires 8/31/2016
2016 Northwoods League Major League Dreams Showcase August 9th: 4:05 p.m. Warner Park: Madison, WI
31
Eau Claire Express Roster Eau Claire Express Roster No
#5 #10 #11 #12 #18 #21 #22 #23 #24 #27 #28 #29 #32 #34 #40 #42 #47 #6 #16 #25 #1 #7 #9 #14 #19 #3 #4 #8 #20
First Name Pitchers Joe Ryan Reagan Sean Brody Ryan Caleb Kenny Austin Nick Dylan Jake Christian
Last Name
Pos
B/T
Ht
Wt
Yr
Hometown
Gonrowski Zimmerman MacDonald Maher Rodning Hamilton Willems Ogg Schulfer Davito Smith Sommers Tripp
LHP RHP LHP RHP LHP RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP
L/L R/R L/L R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R
5'9 5'10 6'8 5'11 6'1 6'0 6'2 6'1 6'1 6'3 6'3 6'2 6'6
192 170 204 165 170 200 210 175 170 180 185 185 200
So So Fr Fr So Jr Fr Fr So Jr Fr Fr Fr
Elk River, MN Eden Prairie, MN Gunter, TX Albuquerque, NM Gaylord, MN Spearfish, SD Luxemburg, WI Indianapolis, IN Stevens Point, WI Crest Hill, IL Southlake, TX Hortonville, WI Spring, TX
St. Scholastica St. Thomas Weatherford New Mexico JC Mankato Augustana UW-La Crosse Ohio Milwaukee Lewis University Weatherford Milwaukee New Mexico
Jameson Jon Caleb Michael Catchers Austin Connor Daulton Infielders Sam Mickey Kyle Rudy Cody Outfielders Ben Zach Jared Alex
Lavery Roblez Boushley Gomez
RHP RHP RHP RHP
R/R R/R R/R R/R
6'3 6'4 6'3 6'3
205 225 180 210
Jr Jr Jr So
Footville, WI Kansas City, KS Hortonville, WI Upland, CA
UW La Crosse Alabama St UW La Crosse Cal Poly
Guzzo Olson Varsho
C/3B C C
L/R R/R L/R
6'2 5'11 5'9
195 175 195
So Jr So
Brooklin, Ontario Plymouth, MN Chili, WI
Iowa Concordia-St. Paul Milwaukee
Hurt McDonald Marinconz Rott Bohanek
INF CF/IF 2B 1st/C SS
R/R S/R L/R L/R R/R
5'7 6'4 5'10 5'11 6'1
165 190 185 212 190
Jr Jr Fr Fr Jr
Eau Claire, WI San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA Holmen, WI Oak Lawn, IL
Kent St UIC Cal Poly Ohio UIC
Mezzenga Ashford Mang McKenna
OF OF Util OF
L/R L/R R/R R/R
6'0 5'10 5'10 6'1
185 160 190 190
Fr Fr Fr Fr
Shoreview, MN Clovis, CA Los Alamos, NM Canyon Country, CA
Minnesota Fresno St New Mexico Cal Poly
838 WATER ST • EAU CLAIRE, WI 715-832-3991
School
Don‛t f the mu orget stard!
HOMEMADE SOUPS & SANDWICHES SERVED OPEN TO CLOSE - Bushel bags of ice available Good luck Express from your friends at Ray’s Place, located on Water Street between either Carson Park entrance
32
Willmar Stingers Roster Willmar Stingers Roster No
Manager: Matt Passauer
Last Name
Pos
B/T
Ht
Wt
Yr
Hometown
Tice Arbeiter Reynoso Green Garza II Bailey Binger Collins Rothwell Johnson McMahan Stockert Vranesic Schaenzer Hendon Vancena
RHP RHP LHP LHP RHP LHP RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP LHP RHP LHP RHP RHP
L/R R/R L/L L/L R/R L/L R/R R/R R/R R/R L/R R/L R/R R/L R/R R/R
5'9 6'0 6'0 6'2 6'4 6'1 6'3 6'3 6'1 6'1 6'2 6'1 6'2 6'2 6'3 6'5
170 175 185 165 215 190 185 215 175 225 192 215 210 205 200 225
So Jr Fr So So Jr So So Fr So Fr So Fr So Fr So
Prairie Grove, AR Chester, IL Chula Vista, CA Palos Verdes, CA Belleville, IL Haleyville, AL Victoria, MN Brisbane, Australia St. Petersburg, FL Cambridge, MN Middlesburg, FL Alexandria, MN Englewood, OH Oxford, MI Marion, AR Millbury, OH
Central Arkansas Murray State Pacific Pepperdine Missouri S&T North Alabama Nebraska-Omaha Indian Hills CC Daytona State Mary St. Johns River State NDSU Kent State Kentucky Auburn Michigan
Wacker Cottam
C C
R/R R/R
6'1 6'3
190 220
So Fr
Frisco, TX Knoxville, TN
Oklahoma State Kentucky
#1 #2 #4
First Name Pitchers Ty Caleb Ricky Max Anthony Bradley Corey Bryce Jake Jake Pearson Blake Joe Brad Corey Jayce Catchers Travis Kole Infielders Tyler Dylan Brandon
Smith Woods Perez
IF IF IF
L/R S/R R/R
5'11 5'10 6'0
180 175 190
Fr Jr Fr
El Segundo, CA Pepperdine New Symma Beach, FL Nova Southeastern Ladera Ranch, CA Southern California
#7
Brian
Moore
IF
R/R
5'11
180
Fr
Alpharetta, GA
St. Johns River State
#8 #13 #17 #21 #25
Luke Quincy Eddie Greg Kevin Outfielders Justin Danny Devin Cole Danny
Becker McAfee Estrada Lambert Mahala
IF IF IF IF IF
S/R R/R L/R R/R R/R
6'0 5'10 6'1 6'0 6'3
195 180 210 190 200
So Fr Fr So Jr
Fairmont, MN Houston, TX Litchfield, MN Athens, AL Far Hills, NJ
Kentucky Pepperdine Minnesota Southern Illinois George Washington
OF OF OF OF OF
L/L L/R S/L L/R R/R
5'10 5'9 6'3 6'0 6'5
175 190 180 190 245
Jr Jr Fr Jr Jr
Temecula, CA Pembroke Pines, FL Fountain Hills, AZ Ontario, CA Downers Grove, IL
Cal State Northridge Montevallo Kansas Midland Pacific
#6 #7 #10 #11 #15 #16 #24 #25 #26 #27 #28 #29 #30 #32 #33 #48 #23 #42
#3 #9 #18 #20 #44
Toener Pardo Foyle Gray Mayer
School
AD PLACEMENT 33
Express Season Batting Records Batting Average (Min 151 AB) 0.389 Drew Heithoff (2010) 0.338 Ty Forney (2011) 0.333 DeMarcus Tidwell (2010)
Slugging %
(Min 151 AB) 0.536 Casey Gillaspie (2012) 0.500 Daniel Salters (2014) 0.497 Brian Mundell (2014)
On Base %
(Min 151 AB) 0.515 Drew Heithoff (2010) 0.433 Charlie White (2013) 0.432 Casey Gillaspie (2012))
70 68 67
273 263 257
Games Played
Brady Burzynski (2015) Brady Burzynski (2014) Josh Scheffert (2012) Robbie Knight (2008) Tyler Hermann (2014)
At Bats
Josh Scheffert (2012) Kraig Binick (2005) Brady Burzynski (2015)
Hits
82 81 80
Brady Burzynski (2015) Kraig Binick (2005) Tim Zier (2012)
19 17 16
Kole Calhoun (2007) Ty Forney (2010) Tyler Hermann (2014)
Doubles
Triples
7 4 3
Daulton Varsho (2015) Brooks Pinckard (2009) Drew Turbin (2014) Sam Hurt (2016) Kole Calhoun (2009) Lucas Herbst (2010)
12 11
Casey Gillaspie (2012) Daulton Varsho (2016) Nick Addison (2012)
51 45 42
Daulton Varsho (2016) Nick Addison (2012) Joe Bonfe (2008)
Home Runs
RBI’s
40 38 36 35
24 18
Walks
Casey Gillaspie (2012) Peter Van Gansen (2014) Brady Burzynski (2014) Robbie Knight (2008) Daulton Varsho (2016)
Hit By Pitches
Matt Fritz (2009) Cody Bohanek (2016) Rudy Rott (2016)
Strikeouts
67 59 59
Ryan Shober (2012) Kole Calhoun (2007) Nick Addison (2012)
38 30 28
Kraig Binick (2005) Ryan Lee (2008) Nolan Fadness (2009)
57 53 51
Kole Calhoun (2007) Casey Gillaspie (2012) Kraig Binick (2005)
15 13 12
Braden Degamo (2008) Nick Bullington (2012) Kyle Holloway (2008) Dominic Piazza (2007)
Stolen Bases
Runs Scored
Fielding 182 176 165
34
Assists
Blake Schmit (2013) Ty Forney (2012) Andy Leonard (2009)
31 20 19
Errors
Mike LaLuna (2006) Mark Hallberg (2005) Blake Schmit (2013) Ty Forney (2012)
Passed Balls
Express Season Pitching Records Pitching ERA
0.38 1.01 1.36
(Min 24 IP) Kole Calhoun (2007) Jordan Zimmermann (2006) Ian Campbell (2010)
9 7
Tim Huber (2007) Taylor Lehnert (2013) Ian Campbell (2010) Matt McDaniel (2010) Chris Odegaard (2008)
Wins
Losses
7 Austin Schulfer (2015) 6 Nate Schwartz (2005) Tom Eager (2005) 5 10X
14 13 12
29 28
3 2
Saves
Kole Calhoun (2007) Devan Kline (2009) Nick Fellman (2006)
Appearances
Ian Campbell (2009) Nick Fellman (2005) Jon Huber (2005)
Complete Games
49 39
Sean Renzi (2012) Matt Trowbridge (2012) Chris Odegaard (2008) Jon Bjelland (2005)
Shutouts
92 71 69
Jordan Zimmermann (2006) Chris Odegaard (2008) Jon Bjelland (2006)
2 Tim Huber (2006) 1 7X
80.1 78 75.2
Walks Allowed
Rudy Jaramillo (2009) Ian Campbell (2010) D.J. Mauldin (2008) Ryan Hines (2008) Tim Huber (2006, 2007)
Innings Pitched
Jordan Zimmermann (2006) Tim Huber (2007) Tim Huber (2006)
8 7 6
Hits Allowed
74 72 71
CJ Eldred (2015) Nate Schwartz (2005) Travis Kempf (2006)
45 43 42
Louis Head (2009) Zak Shockley (2013) 3x: Ian Doughty (2014) most recent
8 14 13
Runs Allowed
10 9
Strikeouts
Home Runs Allowed
Matt McDaniel (2011) Philip Walby (2012) 7x: Ryan Schlosser (2015) most recent
Wild Pitches
Matt McDaniel (2011) Ian Doughty (2014) Kale Latorre (2015)
Hit Batters
Ryan Tatusko (2005) Kye Winter (2012) Ian Campbell (2009)
35
Express Career Batting Records Batting Average (Min 272 AB) 0.318 Drew Heithoff (2009-10) 0.314 Joe Bonfe (2007-09) 0.309 Ty Forney (2010-11)
Slugging %
(Min 272 AB) 0.452 Joe Bonfe (2007-09) 0.425 Nate Baumann (2009-2010) 0.422 Brooks Pinckard (2008-09)
41 39 37
Kole Calhoun (2007-09) Ty Forney (2010-12) Josh Scheffert (2010-12)
9 7 4
(Min 272 AB) 0.509 Drew Heithoff (2009-10) 0.451 Nolan Fadness (2008-10) 0.401 Brooks Pinckard (2008-09)
671 663 555
Ty Forney (2010-12) Josh Scheffert (2010-12) Nolan Fadness (2008-10) Brady Burzynski (2013-15)
Doubles
Daulton Varsho (2015-16) Brooks Pinckard (2008-09) Kole Calhoun (2007-09) Brady Burzynski (2013-15)
Home Runs
Games Played
18 17 15
Nick Addison (2011-12) Josh Scheffert (2010-12) Daulton Varsho (2015-16)
At Bats
99 77 71 70
Josh Scheffert (2010-12) Daulton Varsho (2015-16) Ty Forney (2010-12) Kole Calhoun (2007-09)
Josh Scheffert (2010-12) Ty Forney (2010-12) Kole Calhoun (2007-09)
Josh Scheffert (2010-12) Ty Forney (2010-12) Kole Calhoun (2007-09)
Walks
89 73 72
Kole Calhoun (2007-09) Ty Forney (2010-12) Nolan Fadness (2008-10) Brady Burzynski (2013-15)
24 19 18
Matt Fritz (2009) Robbie Knight (2008-09) Cody Bohanek (2016) Rudy Rott (2016)
140 124 117
Josh Scheffert (2010-12) Ty Forney (2010-12) Ryan Shober (2011-12)
64 49 45 40
Kraig Binick (2005-06) Nolan Fadness (2008-10) Daulton Varsho (2015-16) Brooks Pinckard (2008-09)
118 114 108
Nolan Fadness (2008-09) Ty Forney (2010-12) Kole Calhoun (2007-09)
Triples
On Base %
179 178 149
Hits
189 170 161
RBI’s
Hit By Pitches
Strikeouts
Stolen Bases
Runs Scored
Fielding 24 15 13
36
Passed Balls
Dominic Piazza (2007-09) Braden Degamo (2008) Nick Bullington (2012) Kyle Holloway (2008)
46 43 29
Errors
Ty Forney (2010-12) Mike LaLuna (2006-07) Andy Leonard (2009-10)
517 307 273
Assists
Ty Forney (2010-12) Andy Leonard (2009-10) Drew Heithoff (2009-10)
Express Career Pitching Records Pitching ERA
1.92 2.21 3.02
(Min 110 IP) Ian Campbell (2009-10) Tim Huber (2006-07) Rudy Jaramillo (2009-10)
14 12 11
Tim Huber (2006-07) Ian Campbell (2009-10) Chris Odegaard (2007-09)
9 8
Tom Eager (2006-07) CJ Eldred (2014-15) Matt McDaniel (2010-11) Jon Bjelland (2005-06)
24 19 13
52 42 40
Wins
4 3 2
2
Losses
Saves
Kole Calhoun (2007-09) Nick Fellman (2005-06) Devan Kline (2009)
Appearances
Nick Fellman (2005-06) Evan Zerff (2010-11) Kole Calhoun (2007-09)
Complete Games
Tim Huber (2006-07) Rudy Jaramillo (2009-10) Ian Campbell (2009-10) Chris Odegaard (2007-09) Ryan Hines (2008) D.J. Mauldin (2008)
Shutouts
Chris Odegaard (2007-08) Tim Huber (2006-07)
Innings Pitched
153.2 Tim Huber (2006-07) 129.1 Matt McDaniel (2010-11) 122.2 Rudy Jaramillo(2009-10)
141 124 119
69 65 58
Hits Allowed
CJ Eldred (2014-15) Tim Huber (2006-07) Rudy Jaramillo (2009-10)
Runs Allowed
Matt McDaniel (2010-11) Jon Bjelland (2005-06) Travis Kempf (2005-06)
Walks Allowed
71 65 59
Jon Bjelland (2005-06) Tim Huber (2006-07) Matt McDaniel (2010-11) Chris Odegaard (2007-09)
123 113
Tim Huber (2006-07) Chris Odegaard (2007-09) Jon Bjelland (2005-06)
14 9 7
17 16 14
14 13
Strikeouts
Home Runs Allowed Matt McDaniel (2010-11) Tim Huber (2006-07) Jon Bjelland (2005-06)
Wild Pitches
Phillip Walby (2012) Matt Trowbridge (2012-13) Shane Dyer (2007-08)
Hit Batters
Matt McDaniel (2010-11) Brad Goldberg (2010-11) Travis Kempf (2005-06)
37
2016 Express Host Families Each year, the Eau Claire Express organization is fortunate to have community members welcome our players with open arms to live in their homes during the summer. This organization would not be complete without the generosity and efforts of our host families. Pete and Karla Emery Brian and Denise Roach Barb and Craig Santolin Brad and Teresa Paulsrud Dennis and Shelly Stein Jarred and Melinda Huth Connie and Terry Klatt Bob and Linda Schmick Sharon and Larry Palmer Matt and Randi Gerber Bill and Rebecca Drath Scott and Tracy Trippler Jim and Darla Lau Dale and Jenn Varsho Marc Anthony and Gail Hanson Brenner
Travis & Megan Hedtke Larry and Tammy Hurt Jeff and Janelle Laube Dan and Joni Gilles Bob and Sue Laymen Marci and Jason Boyarski Laurie Zukaitis Joshua and Julie Miller Andy and Sherri Gibson Jeff and Melissa Pascal Kirsten and Mark Bube Steven & Ashley Hensley Brian and Jodi Kent Scot and Pam Vaver Jason and Mindy Craig
GOOD LUCK EAU CLAIRE EXPRESS!
AD PLACEMENT
As your State Farm Agent, I am proud to support your dedication and commitment. Make this a season to remember. Go Eau Claire Express! Gregg Bohlig, Agent 3131 Stein Blvd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Bus: 715-839-0899 www.greggbohlig.com
P047024
38
statefarm.comŽ State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois
05/05
AD PLACEMENT
39
Express Team MVP’s (2005-2010) KRAIG BINICK
2005 JOE BONFE
2008
40
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN
2006 NOLAN FADNESS
2009
KOLE CALHOUN
2007 DREW HEITOFF
2010
Express Team MVP’s (2011-2015) TY FORNEY
CASEY GILLASPIE
2011
2012
TIM WISE
2013
DANIEL SALTERS
BRADY BURZYNSKI
2014
2015
41
Northwoods League Standings North Division
W
L
PCT
GB
STREAK
St. Cloud Rox Mankato MoonDogs Eau Claire Express Willmar Stingers La Crosse Loggers Waterloo Bucks Duluth Huskies Rochester Honkers Thunder Bay Border Cats
41 39 38 33 32 31 25 18 15
18 21 23 28 28 30 36 43 44
0.695 0.65 0.623 0.541 0.533 0.508 0.41 0.295 0.254
2.5 4 9 9.5 11 17 24 26
2W 4W 1W 2L 7W 4L 1W 3L 1L
South Division
W
L
PCT
GB
STREAK
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Madison Mallards Battle Creek Bombers Kalamazoo Growlers Rockford Rivets Wisconsin Woodchucks Green Bay Bullfrogs Lakeshore Chinooks Kenosha Kingfish
39 37 31 30 29 28 28 28 22
21 24 29 31 32 32 33 33 39
0.65 0.607 0.517 0.492 0.475 0.467 0.459 0.459 0.361
2.5 8 9.5 10.5 11 11.5 11.5 17.5
1L 2W 1L 5L 2L 3W 1W 5W 4L
42
Northwoods League Leaders Batting:
Pitching:
Avg: Triples: 1. .400- Steele Walker (WIS) 1. 4- Owen Miller (LAK) 2. .365- David Metzgar (MAN) 4- Laren Eustace (GB) 3. .361- Jake Shepski (MAN) 4- Matt Bechina (KEN) 4. .355- Danny Pardo (WIL) 5. .353- Cullen Large (LAC) Home Runs: 1. 12- Daulton Varsho (EC) Hits: 12- Griffin Conine (LAC) 1. 80- Greg Lambert (WIL) 3. 10- Jake Shepski (MAN) 2. 78- Danny Pardo (WIL) 10- Adam McGinnis 3. 76- Steve Passatempo (WIS) (WAT) 4. 74- Jake Shepski (MAN) 5. 9- 4x 5. 72- Daniel Jipping (BC) 72- Mason McCoy (LAC) RBI’s: 1. 56- Greg Lambert (WIL) Doubles: 2. 51- Daulton Varsho (EC) 1. 19- Jake Shepski (MAN) 3. 50- Steve Passatempo 2. 16- Ben Fisher (WRP) (WIS) 16- Cullen Large (LAC) 4. 49- Jake Shepski (MAN) 4. 15- Greg Lambert (WIL) 5. 48- Adam McGinnis 15- Grant Fennell (LAC) (WAT)
Wins: 1. 7- John Jaeger (WRP) 7- Caleb Boushley (EC) 7- Scott Parker (WIS) 7- Mike Reitcheck (MAD)
Strikeouts: 1. 81- Marshall Kasowski (LAK) 2. 64- Logan Salow (STC) 3. 58- Devin Pellien (KAZ) 4. 56- Keenan Bartlett ERA: (LAK) 1. 1.30- Chris Cooper (WRP) 56- Derek Hendrixson 2. 1.40- Marshall Kasowski (WAT) (LAK) 3. 1.59- Devin Pellien (KAZ) Saves: 4. 1.70- Collin Strall (STC) 1. 14- Garrett Schilling 5. 1.94- Ricky Digrugilliers (WRP) (MAN) 2. 12- Brandon Guske (BC) 3. 10- Brandon Downey Innings Pitched: (WAT) 1. 63.2- Brett Solano (STC) 10- Gordon Cardenas 2. 62.1- Devin Pelllien (KAZ) (WIS) 3. 58.1- Jared Crescentini 5. 9- Collin Strall (STC) (WAT) 9- Zach Olszewski (RFD) 58.1- Drake Robinson (RFD) 5. 58.0- Gunnar Kay (TB)
Today’s Northwoods League Schedule Willmar Stingers @ EAU CLAIRE EXPRESS- 6:35 p.m. Rochester Honkers @ Duluth Huskies- 6:35 p.m Waterloo Bucks @ St. Cloud Rox- 7:05 p.m. Thunder Bay Border Cats @ La Crosse Loggers- 7:05 p.m. South Division: Wisconsin Rapids Rafters @ Lakeshore Chinooks- 6:35 p.m. Kalamazoo Growlers @ Wisconsin Woodchucks- 6:35 p.m. Madison Mallards @ Kenosha Kingfish- 7:05 p.m. Rockford Rivets @ Green Bay Bullfrogs- 7:05 p.m. Interdivision: Battle Creek Bombers @ Mankato MoonDogs- 7:05 p.m.
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Partner’s Index A-1 Express Rental
Pg. 30
American Ice Company
Pg. 28
Airgas
Pg. 3
Avalon Hotel
Bridgewater Hotel Budweiser
Court ‘n House
Pg. 45 Pg. 45
Back Cover Pg. 5
Eau Claire YMCA
Pg. 31
Evergreen Funeral Home
Pg. 30
Economy Furniture
Pg. 3
Fastenal Company
Pg. 24
Gator Garb Promotions
Pg. 33
Green Oasis
Pg. 15
Hardees
Pg. 9
Hickory Hills Golf Course
Pg. 29
Houligans
Pg. 41
iHeartMedia
Kobussen Busses LTD
Pg. 6
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Marshfield Clinic
Monk’s Bar & Grill
Pg. 40 Pg. 3
In Cover Pg. 24
Northwoods League Showcase
Pg. 31
Rawlings Ad
Pg. 25
Poquette, Donnellan & Schlewitz Law Ray’s Place
Royal Credit Union Roy’s Barber Shop Sammy’s Pizza
Pg. 16 Pg. 32 Pg. 11
Pg. 8 Pg. 6
State Farm - Gregg Bohlig
Pg. 38
Texas Roadhouse
Pg. 16
Taco Johns
Tri-Mart Corporation
Trubilt Collision Center Volume One WIPFLi
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Pg. 7
Pg. 39
Pg. 20 PG. 42
Pg. 23
This Day in Baseball... August 3 2012- In the span of an hour,both Upton brothers go deep to both record their 100th career home run on the same night in different ball parks when Diamondback outfielder Justin goes yard in Philadelphia, and older sibling B.J., hits a Tropicana Field roundtripper for the Ray. On July 20th, the boys from Norfolk, Virginia also hit their 99th homers on same day. 1989- The Reds set a major league record for the most hits in the first inning of a game with 16. The Reds would score 14 runs at Riverfront Stadium off woeful Astro pitching. The half of an inning lasts 38 minutes with the Reds eventually winning the game, 18-2. 1987- After Butch Hobson is ejected in the bottom of the 12th inning for arguing a close call at first base, the Columbia Mets manager yanks the bag out of the ground and brings it into the clubhouse in protest. The skipper is convinced to return the base to the field because the team has only one set of bases, but not before he sprays it bright orange to make the bag easier to see for the umpire.
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