Hudson River Rat F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Question) Page - V.3.1
Q: How did you come up with the name "River Rats" for your team?
A: The team name was suggested by a number of different players on the team, notably Brian "Old #7 / Silverback" Rudesill, and Rob Barabe, after I had asked around. Ex-River Rat and current Plum City Blues player Shaun Miley and I had mulled over the idea of naming the team the "Greyhounds" in reference to the now defunct racing track in Hudson, but since we had minimal team speed or base running ability (minus John McGinley and Andy Koehler), the name didn't stick. Also thrown out was the idea of the St. Croix "Shipwrecks", which was a very crass and tasteless reference to recent boating accidents on the St. Croix river around 1999-2000. From time to time we still sickly believe the "Shipwrecks" might've worked out better for merchandise sales, but we didn't want to set up links to websites showing autopsy and car accident photos. We do possess a little bit of class after all, even if it isn't normally apparent.
Q: Where do the River Rats play baseball?
A: The River Rats play their home games at the Hudson High School Varsity baseball field, located on Carmichael Road in Hudson, Wisconsin. (Across from the St. Croix County Government Center.) The River Rats also play throughout western Wisconsin and occasionally venture into Minnesota and other parts of the Badger state for games. If you have a team looking for a game between April and early August in those areas, feel free to call us for a game, we might put you on the schedule. We should also note and thank all of the teams who contacted us this season for a game, whether or not we were able to fit you in-- you know who you are, so thank you!
Q: Do the River Rats play adult baseball, and if so, how "adult" are the games played?
A: Alright, this is a question that some people in the Hudson area have misinterpreted recently-- and we can't blame them for this I suppose... The term "adult" baseball refers to the age of the players, which is to say 18 and older. Beyond that, there are no other connotations, implied or otherwise. We do not require players to use alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, nor do we encourage anybody to use those substances. We do, however, compete in an amateur sport where fans, team members (over 21), and other associated guests will drink a beer, use tobacco, and occasionally use foul language during and after games. If this behavior offends you, I'm quite certain that there are a number of church sponsored softball leagues in the area that offer clean, fun baseball-like entertainment for you and your children.
Q. Your team seems as though it only has alcoholics on it-- is it safe for my son to join your team while maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
A. As mentioned previously, the River Rats have no interest in promoting alcoholism, tobacco addiction, or drug addiction. We also, to the best of our knowledge, have no alcoholics on the team. We have, however, had a number of players who have strictly abstained from alcohol and tobacco use while playing on the team, notably Tim Lau, Paul Johnson, Ken Corbett, and Jordan Krause, to name a few.
Q: Why do you play baseball in Western Wisconsin?
A: The River Rats are largely comprised of former Hudson High school players, with the exception of a number of people who grew up elsewhere and now live in or near Hudson. The St. Croix Valley Baseball League is one of the most competitive and well-organized leagues in the state, with little of the animosity and hostility that other leagues in the region seem to possess. Simply stated, the other options for playing are limited-- you would either need to play amateur baseball in the Twin Cities metro area, or head east to Eau Claire to play in another league. The Rats also enjoy playing in Hudson, as the facilities are decent, the fans are respectful, and the distance to games is surprisingly minimal...
Q: When will the River Rats start the 2007 season?
A: (Updated, V.3.1) Practices will begin when weather permits, in early April or late March. Games should begin in mid to late April, depending on scheduling.
Q: Are the River Rats holding tryouts, and if so, when will they be held?
A: Typically, the Rats always keep roster spots available for high-caliber (or sometime medium-caliber) players. Former college players looking to return to the game after time off can contact us at the website to find out when we'll hold our pre-season practices. If you're decent enough to land a spot (or look as though you can play without embarrassing yourself and your teammates), we'll give you a schedule and an invite to play. If you don't fit that description, we may still have a spot for you on the bench...
Q: What is the team's stance on alcohol and tobacco use?
A: This is a controversial issue, not only in professional baseball, but at the amateur level as well. Since the majority of Rats are not over the age of 21, there are rules barring alcohol use. We do, however, dissuade youngsters from using illegal substances or those which they cannot legally purchase. (We had previously joked around about this issue, but we have subsequently discovered that people in the Hudson area have been offended by this stance. For the record, we whole-heartedly endorse drug and alcohol free living, especially for people under the age of 21.)
Q: How often do you update the website and why isn't it as funny as it was in the past? (from Kelly, Hudson, Wisconsin)
A: (Updated, V.3.1) Updates to the website require considerable time, and they also require inclusion of new information or satirical content. In the off-season, there isn't much to pass along regarding new information. Satirical content, however, depends on the creative process (some days you have it, most days you don't), and the input of other team members. The upshot is that we'll try to make the website as entertaining and informative as we can for our old fans, while trying to portray ourselves a bit more professionally for new visitors.
Q: Boxers or briefs?
A: River Rat players are encouraged to dress at home, so I can't answer that realistically. Web MD suggests loose fitting cotton underwear for proper hygiene and testicular care, so boxers are preferable. Don't forget to wear a cup, however... See you at the yard!