The Prior Lake Mudcats begin their 15th season on Sunday 4/24 2:00PM at Webster Park vs. the Webster Sox. The home opener will be May 1 at 2:00PM when the Mudcats host the Montgomery Mallards at Veterans Field of Memorial Park in PL. The Mudcats were 10-12 (tied 7th) in the 12 team Dakota Rice Scott and were able to advance from the DRS League with victories over Webster and St Benedict to Regional Playoffs before elimination by losses to the Hampton Cardinals 2-1 and Veseli Warriors 3-0. The Elko Express and St Patrick Irish advanced to the annual state tournament with Elko finishing 5th. The Blue Earth Pirates were the Class C Champion for 2004. Changes to the 2005 lineup include losing 1B Corey Callahan, 3B Jon Schussler, C/DH Jason Ernst, 3B/Coach Kevin Haferman and Pitcher/1B Steve Higgens but returning to the 'Cats are 1B/OF Noah Rezac from injury and infielder Derek Bredesen as well as the addition of infielder Andy Koehler from the PL Jays. The Mudcats manager once again is Greg Faue (10th Season). The DRS vs. Classic Cannon Valley All Star game will be hosted by Elko Friday July 8. Players will be selected based on standings by the Managers leading the division at selection time.
The Mudcats have a 22 game DRS League schedule and are in the White Division with: Union Hill Bulldogs, Veseli Warriors and New Prague Orioles. The total regular season schedule is guaranteed 34 games with 37 possible with good showings in the 8 team PL Hardball Invitational (4th in 2004) and prestigious 16 team Arlington Green Isle Miller Lite Invitational (2ND in 2004). Schedule highlights include PLABA doubleheaders at Austin 5/14 and New Ulm 7/16 which will have the 'Cats & Jays facing teams back to back and the return of the intra city rivalry of the Jays and Mudcats 7/1. The playoff format for the division is double elimination bracket with the top 2 advancing to regional play. Since 1991 the Mudcats have advanced to Regional Finals twice (1998, 2003) along with last years Regional Playoff run. The 'Cats have not advanced to the State Tourney in the teams history. The 2005 State Tournament will be hosted by Dassel Cokato and Hutchinson in August and concluding Labor Day.
Season Passes are available from players for $15. They are valid for all regular season Mudcat and Jays home games ($100+ Value) including the Friday July 1st Fan Appreciation Game between the PL Jays & Mudcats. Additional information available at www.priorlakebaseball.com or the PL Hardball Hotline 952-985-3800.