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Sartell Muskies Amateur Baseball Team |
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| 2005 Season Recap The Sartell Muskies amateur baseball team entered 2005 trying to build on the improvement they showed last season, when they had a 16-14 record. The club finished a disappointing 10-19 this season, but did make an improved showing in post-season play. After losing their playoff opener to the Freeport Black Sox, 8-4, the Muskies beat the Sauk Centre Titans 4-3. It was the first time in 4 years the Muskies had won a playoff game, and it put the team just one win away from regional playoffs. That win didn't come, as the Litchfield Blues eliminated the Muskies with a 7-3 victory. An improved playoff showing, combined with the success of the Sartell High School team, gives the Muskies confidence that better seasons are ahead. The Sartell Sabres advanced to their second straight state tournament in the spring, and several players from that team will join the Muskies next season. Outfielder Tim Burns had a monster year at the plate this season. He led the team in almost every offensive statistic, including batting average (.427), runs batted in (18), home runs (3), total hits (35), and extra-base hits (13). In the spring, Burns was named a First-Team junior college All-American for his outstanding season at Itasca Community College. Next spring he will play for the University of North Dakota. Centerfielder Adam Schellinger hit .313 this season. He led the team in runs scored (21) and tied for the team lead in hits (35). He was a defensive standout and played in all 29 games this season. Second baseman Mike Doeden hit .330 and led the team in stolen bases (10). First baseman Chris Feneis hit 2 home runs and was second on the team in RBIs (16). Brian Kampa found time to play 12 games for the Muskies despite also playing for the Sartell High School and American Legion teams. He made a big impact when he played, batting .410 and driving in 14 runs. 17-year veteran Randy Beckstrom led the pitching staff with 2 wins, 2 saves, and 17 appearances. He worked mostly as a reliever and was also the starting left fielder. Shawn Schoen led the team with 52 innings pitched. Mike Omann pitched 44 innings and also had 2 wins on the year. Other members of the team are pitchers Casey Allar and Travis Weaver, catcher Chad Yarmon, outfielders Ryan Czarnetski, Dan Gaughan, and Josh Rathbun, and infielders Brian Schellinger, Bob Omann, Eric Oscarson, and Mickey Knettel. The team is managed by Pete Johnson. 2004 Season Recap The Sartell Muskies amateur baseball team entered 2004 in rebuilding mode. The club added a number of young players hoping to improve on an 8-14 record and rejuvenate a team that won the 1992 class 'C' State tournament. The results from the 2004 season are encouraging. The team improved its record, and many of the new players proved they will contribute to the rebuilding in coming years. The success of other Sartell baseball teams also showed there are talented players who can help the Muskies down the road. In particular, the Sartell-St. Stephen High School team qualified for the class 3A state tournament, while the Sartell American Legion team had a 28-9 record. The Muskies finished the 2004 season 16-14, but had a Jekyll and Hyde season. The team was 13-2 in exhibition games, but a frustrating 3-10 in Lakewood League regular season play. Although they were more competitive in league play this season, the league record did not reflect their rebuilding progress due to a number of close losses. The Muskies were eliminated from the Lakewood League playoffs with a 3-1 loss to the Sauk Centre Titans on July 24, and a 9-7 loss to the Melrose Black Sox on July 25. Veteran third baseman Mickey Knettel was the clear MVP for the Muskies this season. He led the team in most offensive categories, including batting average (.389), doubles (10), RBI (18), on-base percentage (.460), and slugging percentage (.513). Second baseman Mike Doeden was a defensive standout and an offensive leader. Batting leadoff all season, he led the team in runs scored (33) and stolen bases (13). He was second on the team in batting average (.316), on-base percentage (.435), and doubles (7). A first-year Muskie, he also pitched his way to a 1-1 record, with one save and a 3.81 ERA. Rookie Adam Schellinger batted .299 and drove in 15 runs, second best on the team. He lead the team in stolen bases (13) and showed excellent range in centerfield. He also threw out eight base runners with his strong throwing arm. First baseman Chris Feneis batted .272 and led the team in home runs (2). His 14 RBI were tied for third best on the team. Shortstop/outfielder Ben Slagle also had 14 RBI and batted .276. Bob Omann batted .238 in his first year with the Muskies, and proved to be a true utility player. He played eight different positions during the season, filling in wherever needed. Just for fun, he played the ninth and final position (catcher) for one inning. He hit five doubles and earned a save while pitching. The pitching staff was led by veterans Randy Beckstrom, Shawn Schoen, and newcomer Travis Weaver. In his 17th season with the Muskies, Beckstrom had a 4-2 record with one save and a 4.03 ERA. He was also the starting left fielder. Schoen led the team in innings pitched (54) and compiled a 2-6 record with a 4.80 ERA. Weaver is a 2003 Sartell-St. Stephen High School graduate who played this spring at Itasca Community College. He pitched better than his 2-5 record indicates, compiling a 3.19 ERA. He also had one save and led the team in strikeouts (44). 16 year-old rookie Josh Rathbun led the team with five wins, all earned in the first half of the season. He also played for Sartell's American Legion team, and played sparingly for the Muskies once that season began. He batted .262 for the Muskies with four doubles and one home run. Other members of the team are outfielders Ryan Czarnetski and Dan Gaughan, catchers Brandon Knettel and Chad Yarmon, first baseman Jef Reichstadt, and shortstop Eric Oscarson. The team is managed by Pete Johnson. |
| Muskies contact: Pete Johnson, GM phone: 230-5952 email: click here |
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