Rat Links
(No, they're not a breakfast meat. Just a few hyperlinks to check out once you're bored or bothered with the Rat's Nest.)
They're cute, they're funny, and for the most part, they're housetrained. This is no surprise, since team manager Luke "Qui Gon" Welch, is not only a Jedi Master in his spare time, but an award winning dog trainer and hunting dog competitor... Besides that, his Eagles team has been a dominant force in the St. Croix Valley Baseball League since its inception. Be sure to bring your "A" game against this squad, and don't forget to stick around for a few refreshments after the game. Good people and good baseball...
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 3
Gay/Straight Ratio:
95% Straight
Spawned, or rather moved, from the town of Spring Valley last year, the Fish are one of the SCVBL's up and coming forces. With a lineup of solid young talent, a sprinkling of crafty veterans, and wily player/manager in Josh Eidem, the Fighting Fish will most certainly make another run for the WBA playoffs and the division title in 2009. Another team that will enjoy the occasional post-game beverage, be sure to clear your calendar on the day or night you schedule the Fish... Don't be surprised if you end up in downtown River Falls all night either-- some feel it's tradition...
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 5
Gay/Straight Ratio:
50% (They're wild!)
Another mostly young team from the North Division of the SCVBL, the New Richmond Millers have made strides in recent years to return to the WBA playoffs. Led by player / manager Ryan Stephens, the Millers feature solid starting pitching and good defense. If the team can find its stride at the plate, they could surprise a number of competitors in 2009... Be sure to stop downtown after the game for a cold one...
Info Rating: 4
Fun Rating: 3
Gay/Straight Ratio:
99% Straight
The SCF River Bandits joined the SCVBL in 2008, playing in a highly competitive league and division in their inaugural season. Compiling a disappointing 2-13 record, the team still managed to defeat the always dangerous Prescott Pirates and nearly defeated the eventual division champion Menomonie Eagles in their last game. The Bandits main weapon is starter Jay Gagner, a Cumberland native and all-American baseball talent who pitched for the University of Minnesota in the earlier part of the decade. While they may have a way to go, they are still very capable of winning on any given day-- this year will be the first that the River Rats will travel to play in St. Croix Falls...
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 3
Gay/Straight Ratio:
99% Straight
The definition of SCVBL town team baseball, the Plum City Blues are still in a league of their own. After suffering through a surprisingly dismal 2008 season, the Blues have retooled for the 2009 campaign, putting longtime catcher/DH Aaron Peterson in charge and adding some new young talent to the mix. If you look close enough at the website, you will find a few Easter eggs, some of which aren't really intended for viewers under the age of 18. Of course, that goes with the territory in PC!
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 5 XXX
Gay/Straight Ratio:
50% (Don't ask!)
If the Plum City Blues are the definition of SCVBL town team baseball, then the Prescott Pirates are the definition of amateur baseball excellence. WBA state runners-up in 2007, and perennial South division champions, the Prescott 9 is chock full of pitching, hitting, and strong defense. A solid group of guys and a well-disciplined team-- a lethal combination to face on any day -- be it a game at Firehall Field, or on your home turf. Just like the Eagles, you'll need your "A" game against these kids...
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 4
Gay/Straight Ratio:
85% Straight
The Ellsworth Hubbers also define amateur baseball in the SCVBL with a nice little park, a solid team, and an always enthusiastic fan base at their games-- whether it's at Bob Young Park, or your place. The Cheese Curd capital of the world, the squad's annual tournament held in late June is always one I look forward to attending... The 2009 season, however, will be sadly remembered as the final one of longtime Hubber Nick Bayer, who passed away on May 8th. Keep Nick's memory alive and keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they and the Hubbers deal with this tragic loss...
Another young team in transition will be the 2009 Elmwood Expos. The team will need to contend with the loss of at least two key players from their 2008 roster, but has enthusiastically soldiered on in the effort to try and make their first WBA playoff appearance since 2001. We wish the boys much luck and success in their efforts this year...
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 4
Gay/Straight Ratio:
75% Straight
The Skeeters will play their first season in the SCVBL this year, having spent last year as an independent team working their way up. Comprised largely of former Ellsworth and Bay City players, the Skeeters should prove to be a competitive and scrappy team. The main obstacle facing the squad in 2009 will be the installation of lights on their home field-- a process we all hope will be accomplished sooner than later! Good luck to the Skeeters this season...
Info Rating: 5
Fun Rating: 5
Gay/Straight Ratio:
PENDING
Wisconsin Baseball Association
Run by WBA secretary and former SCVBL president Mark Helmer, this is the place for official stats and rosters for teams competing in the WBA. It's all business here, the way it's meant to be.
Wisconsin Amateur Baseball - League Lineup Website
Run by Jack Sprecher, a.k.a. Jack O' Diamonds, this site provides information and rankings of teams throughout the state of Wisconsin, and also includes Upper Michigan teams... While it is somewhat focused on the eastern part of the state, Jack has done an outstanding job in working with our league and others in the WBA to get stats and information out those people interested in Wisconsin amateur baseball -- thus the name. Keep up the excellent work!