Position: Outfield

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).

Rob Olson

Class of 2013

Outfielder

Hallie Eagles 1992-2001

A .376 lifetime hitter in CRBL play, Rob Olson’s line-drive stroke unleashed from a simple stance coupled with his hard-charging approach to playing the outfield made him a standout during his 10 seasons of competition for the Eageles of Hallie.

In his rookie CRBL season of 1992, Olson seared the ball at a .500 clip (29 for 58) and topped the league with 3 triples.  Rob’s half-full average in that year would initiate a streak of six consecutive seasons in which he hit .330 or better, including three seasons of .400 or better – 1994 (.453, 24 for 53), 1995 (.475, 28 for 59), and 1999 (.400, 24 for 60).

In each of these .400+ seasons, Rob was an offensive pace setter in the CRBL.  In 1994, he tied for the lead in triples with 2.  In 1995, he tied for the lead in hits with 28 while autonomously claiming the lead in runs scored with 25.  In 1999, Olson’s .400 ledger coincided with a league high 19 walks, one of eight seasons during which the right-handed hitter earned 10 or more base on balls in league play.

During Rob’s time in the Eagle’s nest, Hallie qualified for six WBA tournaments (1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000), one Final 8 (1995), two South Division championships (1996 and 2001), and two CRBL title belts (1996 and 2000).  In the 11 to 7 championship win verse the Tilden Tigers in 1996 at Hallie’s spacious Sipple Field – Hallie’s first league crown since 1984 – Olson scored 2 runs and knocked 2 hits in 4 at-bats.  Four seasons later in 2000, Hallie prevailed again over the Tigers at Sipple Field for the CRBL title, this time by a more comfortable 15 to 6 score.  The consistent hitting outfielder had another difference making day, going 1 for 2 at the plate with a double, 3 RBI’s, 3 base on balls, and 1 run scored.

An All-Star participant in six seasons (1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999), Rob was selected as an All-CRBL outfielder in four campaigns (1992, 1994, 1995, 1999).

Joe Prince

Class of 2012
Catcher, Outfielder
Bloomer Pines 1964-65; Tilden Tigers 1966-67, 70; Cooks Valley Hayshakers 1971-80

A powerful right-handed hitter for three teams during his 15 seasons of competition, Joe Prince’s induction to the CRBL Hall of Fame solidifies his place as one of the most potent offensive players to ever dig in to a Chippewa River Baseball League batter’s box.
Joe’s 1964 rookie season was as a part-time player for the Bloomer Pines. Prince became a perennial standout in 1965 when he hit .383 (18 for 47) with a Chippewa Valley League best 6 doubles for the Pines.
Moving south to Tilden in 1966, Joe hit .333 (14 for 42) and appeared in his second consecutive all-star game. It became apparent in 1967 that Prince was a figure to be reckoned with in league play. In year number two as a Tiger, Joe hit .397 (23 for 59) with 5 home runs and a C.V.L. leading 24 RBI’s in 14 league games. On Sunday, May 21st of that year, the wood bat swinging Joe had one of the best single games in league history when he went 5 for 5 with a grand slam, 8 RBI’s, and 6 runs scored in Tilden’s 23 to 11 thrashing of the Cadott Red Sox at Cadott.
After taking two years off from league play, Joe returned to Tilden and the rigors of the CRBL in 1970 by leading the nine-team circuit in base on balls with 14 and tying for the league lead in triples with 3.
With the Prince family forming the Hayshakers, Joe took his talents to Cooks Valley in 1971, gathering his 5th consecutive .300+ effort (.304, 17 for 56). Joe snagged his first home run belt in 1972 with the co-leading total of 3. In 1973, the Hayshaker Masher impressively led the CRBL with a .432 average (19 for 44) while simultaneously banging 4 home runs to lead the league again in that area as well.
Prince would cross the .400 barrier in two other seasons, doing it again in 1975 (.425, 20 for 47) and in his final season of 1980 (.405, 17 for 42).
Including the three seasons over .400, Joe was a .300 or better hitter in 13 of his 14 seasons as a regular. Additionally, Prince had 20 or more hits in five seasons, with a career high of 24 in 1977. In cracking 31 long balls, Joe hit 3 or more homers in six different seasons, reaching a peak of 5 in 1967 and 1977.
A participant in six all-star games, Joe was named MVP of the 1966 classic, when his 3-run bomb gave the West Division a 4-2 lead on their way to beating the East Division 5-3 at Jim Falls.
In joining brothers Pat and Stan as CRBL Hall of Famers, Productive Joe’s highest spots on the all-time ladder can be found in slugging percentage (12th), batting average (15th), and home runs (17th).

Dale Prince

Class of 2012
Pitcher, Outfielder
Tilden Terrors 1962-64; Tilden Tigers 1965-73, 75-76

The possessor of marksman like control, a barreling fastball, and a razor sharp slider, Dale Prince toed the rubber in Tilden for over 10 seasons to become one of the most successful left-handed pitchers in CRBL history.
In his first year of league play in 1962, Dale was an immediate winner, leading the Chippewa Valley League with an .857 winning percentage due to winning 6 of 7 decisions for the 9 and 3 North Division champion and WBA qualifying Tilden Terrors.
A reliable and durable pitcher, Dale logged over 60 innings in each of his first six seasons, with a league leading total of 90 in 1964. His workhorse effort of 1964 enabled him to tie for the Chippewa Valley League lead in wins (8), winning percentage (.800, 8 and 2) and shutouts (1) while posting a 2.60 ERA with 89 strikeouts. His 8 wins that year accounted for each of the 8 and 3 Tilden Terrors’ victories as they won a Western Division title and again made it to the WBA tourney.
With the return of the Tigers moniker in 1965, Prince had his most dominant season pitching for Tilden. Slinging a career best 90.1 innings that year, the lefty led the C.V.L. in wins with 7, strikeouts with 140, and became only the 14th pitcher in league history to throw a no-hitter when he blanked the Elk Mound Mounders 14-0 in a 15 K, 1 walk performance on August 15th, 1965. This 1 shutout also tied for the league lead in that category for that year.
Dale’s other league leading efforts were 117 strikeouts in 1966, 3 saves in 1969, 1 save in 1970 (co-leader), and 2 saves in 1971. Prince’s emergence as an effective relief pitcher helped the Tigers claim C.R.B.L. titles in 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971. Throwing a handful of innings in 1972, Dale remained a regular in the line-up for a Tilden team that won its league record-tying fifth consecutive title that season.
When he wasn’t pitching, Prince could typically be found patrolling the outfield for the Terrors and the Tigers. Offensively, Dale collected 181 hits, 113 RBI’s, hit 14 homeruns, and scored 139 runs.
A participant in four all-star games, Prince competed in the era prior to All-CRBL awards becoming an annual right. Fittingly, Dale’s highest all-time rankings can be found off the mound. Upon induction, he shares a spot in the categories of saves (10th place) and wins (13th place), while standing alone in strikeouts per nine innings (11th place), strikeouts (12th place), and innings pitched (15th place).

Paul McIlquham

Class of 2011

Catcher, Outfielder, 2nd Baseman

Jim Falls Sturgeons 1981-96

A versatile run-producing utility man, Paul McIlquham used a strong right-handed stroke to pound his way through 16 productive seasons of competition in the Chippewa River Baseball League.

In molding a balanced offensive and defensive career, McIlquham was named ALL-CRBL twice at 2nd base (1985, 1992) and three times as a catcher (1987, 1988, 1989).  In 1990, he was recognized as a catcher again, this time as an honorable mention pick.  In all-star game play, he appeared in eight contests through three different positions – 2nd base, catcher, and outfield.

In 12 of McIlquham’s 16 seasons he hit over .300 with his career high coming in 1988 when he stung the ball to the tune of .533 (24 for 45).  His 24 hits that year matched a career high, while his 6 doubles, 26 RBI’s, and 19 walks were also career peaks while batting for the high scoring, 14 and 2 Sturgeons.

The diversity of Paul’s offensive skills is evident in both his career and yearly outputs.  In five seasons, he notched 20 or more hits.  He drove in 20 or more runs in four seasons, doing so consecutively from 1988 to 1991.  Five seasons saw him hit 4 or more home runs, with his 1987 total of 7 dingers being a personal best.  His league leading 13 stolen bases in 1983 was the best of nine years in which he swiped 5 or more bags.  Showing a discerning eye at the plate, McIlquham gathered 10 or more walks in a season 13 times, doing so nine seasons in a row (1988 to 1996) after pacing the league with 15 free passes in 1985.  Paul also led the “River League” in runs scored in 1985 with 24. His other league leading mark came in 1983 when he tied for the CRBL lead in at-bats with 72.

McIlquham’s potent contributions were a major factor in Jim Falls’ emergence as an offensively explosive and tough league foe during the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  This was evident in the Big Fish claiming a North Division crown in 1989, qualifying for the WBA eight times (1983, 1986-1992), and surviving to a Final 8 in 1991.

Upon becoming a CRBL Hall of Famer, Paul is tied for 7th all-time in stolen bases, 8th in homeruns, 9th in RBI’s, 15th in runs scored, and 10th in slugging percentage.

Mike Meindel

Class of 2010

Pitcher, Outfielder

Bloomer Blackhawks 1968-78; Bloomer Merchants 1980

The path of Mike Meindel’s 12 seasons in league play saw him roar on to the amateur baseball landscape as an iron-armed strikeout machine before developing into an efficient part-time starter.  At the plate, he remained an extra base threat and run producer throughout his career.

In his rookie summer of 1968, Meindel went 3 and 4 while striking out 54 batters in 57 innings to go along with a 3.00 ERA.  These solid but uneventful numbers gave little indication of what was soon to follow.  In 1969, the right-handed Meindel would log a league high 145 innings with a 9 and 6 record, a 3.10 ERA, and the mammoth, still unbroken season record of 180 strikeouts.  In accumulating this staggering total,  Meindel pitched in 18 of the Bloomer Blackhawks’ 19 games that season, notching 9 games of double digit strikeouts with a game high of 19 punch-outs verse the Wheaton Warhawks in an 11-inning, 4-3 Bloomer win.

This began a prodigious four year period in which Mike would lead the league in innings pitched (145 IP in 1969, 87 IP in 1970, 125.1 IP in 1971, and 130 IP in 1972) and strikeouts (180 K’s in 1969, 99 K’s in 1970, 141 K’s in 1971, and 137 K’s in 1972).  During this time frame, Mike would also lead the league in wins with 9 in 1970, winning percentage at .900 in 1972, shutouts with 2 in 1971, and tie for the league lead in wins with 10 in 1971.  A summative look at 1969 to 1972 shows Meindel averaging 121.2 innings pitched, 9 wins, and 139 strikeouts with an accumulative ERA of 3.12.  The righty would then win 10 games in 1972, coinciding with his first sub-3.00 ERA mark of a 2.77.

For the remainder of Meindel’s career, his workload would be diminished but not his effectiveness.  A 4 and 2 mark in 1973 came with a career low 2.28 ERA during 47.1 innings pitched with 68 strikeouts and 2 saves.  In weaving a streak of five consecutive seasons with a sub 3.00 ERA, Meindel capped it off with a 2.91 ERA in 21.1 IP in 1974, a 2.83 ERA during 28.2 innings in 1975, and a 2.79 ERA in 42 innings worked in 1976.

Meindel’s dominance during those years coincided with the Blackhawks lone WBA appearance, as Bloomer made the tourney in 1970.  In 1971, Meindel’s 10 and 4 season and 141 whiffs launched the Bloomer Blackhawks to their lone championship game bout, where they lost a tough 2-0 decision to Tilden despite Mike’s complete game effort in which he allowed 5 hits and K’d 5 Tigers.

As a regular in the Bloomer line-up, Meindel was a consistent threat to reach a gap or hit a long ball, as shown by his career total of 10 triples which is currently tied for 4th all-time.  Offensively, his best year came in 1971 when he hit on career highs of 3 triples, 3 home runs, and 13 RBI’s.

An All-Star game participant in 1970, 1971, and 1972, Meindel was named All-CRBL as a pitcher in 1972, one of just two years the league gave such an honor before it became a yearly tradition in 1978.

Upon induction, Mike ranks 7th in ERA, 8th in strikeouts, 9th in innings pitched, 13th in K’s per 9 innings pitched, and tied for 11th in wins.

Jeff Lawler

Class of 2010

Outfielder, Pitcher

Lafayette Indians 1975-88; Bloomer Merchants 1989-91

            An extremely potent hitter, solid fielder, and serviceable pitcher, Jeff Lawler was a dedicated and respected ballplayer whose family name was synonymous with league events and winning baseball throughout the righty’s 17-season CRBL career.

A participant in eight All-Star games (1981, 1983-87, 1989, 1990) he was also a member of five All-CRBL teams (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984).  The lanky, right-handed swinging Lawler hit over .300 in 12 seasons, with a career high of .455 (30 of 66) in 1984.  In total, Lawler registered five .400 campaigns, as he also hit .449 in 1978 (31 for 69), .415 in 1979 (27 for 65), .437 in 1983 (31 for 71), and .411 in 1987 (23 for 56).

With this productivity came several league-leading marks, the first of which came in 1978 when Jeff’s 31 hits tied for the league high while leading hitters outright with 8 doubles.  In 1979, he trumped the CRBL in two-baggers again, this time with 7.  Fast forward to 1983, his effort of .437 yielded league leading totals of 31 hits, 8 homeruns, and 20 runs scored while driving in a career high 22 runs.  For a follow up in 1984, Lawler’s totals of 30 hits and 66 at-bats set the pace for CRBL hitters.

Of course, Lawler’s accomplishments at the dish became one of the main ingredients in the Indians’ recipe for winning play.  Playing primarily out of family run Lawler’s Field, the Tribe from Lafayette won a league championship in 1976, four Southern titles (1976, 1978, 1985, 1988), qualified for 10 WBA tournaments (1976-78, 1980-83, 1985, 1987-88), and battled to two Final 8’s (1977 and 1978).

Once the Indians departed from league play after 1988, Jeff concluded his career with the  Bloomer Merchants.  In Bloomer, Lawler capped off a run of 10 straight .300+ seasons by hitting .333 in 1989 (14 for 42) and .358 in 1990 (19 for 53).

Throughout his time in the CRBL, Lawler doubled as a spot pitcher who exceeded 30 innings in a season 7 times and 40 innings twice, with a high of 49 in 1986.  In the 1984 season that saw him hit a career high .455, he also went a personal best 4 and 2 from the mound in 39 innings pitched.

Upon induction, his all-time rankings include being tied for 12th in doubles, tied for 16th in RBI’s, alone at 14th in batting average, 15th for hits, total bases at 17th, and slugging percentage at 14th. (Biographical information amended, 2018)