– The St Patrick Irish have purchased a new Daktronics Scoreboard similar to the one in Prior Lake with inning by inning scoring. There is a pledge drive underway to help finance the project. Contact Pat Goggins at 952-758-4161 or Jeff Bjerke at 612-685-1336 if interested. A pledge of $100 or more gets your name on the plaque.
– The Elko Express are constructing a grandstand at their park. Upon completion, the grandstand will be dedicated to Donna Fredrickson. Donna was a very active supporter of baseball in Elko and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. The Grandstand is said to have a 300 person capacity. For more information visit their website or contact the team at Elko Baseball Club, Inc. PO Box 24, Elko, MN 55020 or visit their website at www.elkoexpressbaseball.com.
– Shakopee Coyote Manager Dave Pass is hanging up the coaching cap but will still be involved in the organization in some capacity. Dave was an important part of the early success of their organization, best wishes to him in the future. Rumor has it he may be the voice of the 'Yotes next season or in another capacity. No word on a successor at this time…..stay tuned.
– Rob Tschimperle, Mudcat pitcher and 2003 Lions High School All Star changed his post graduate plans following PL High and enrolled at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College and should be in the Norsemen pitching rotation this spring. Fall workouts have reportedly added some velocity to his fastball.
– Mudcat outfielder Tony Doherty, PLHS '04, had a successful senior campaign on the gridiron for the PL Lakers and has been getting some solid interest from colleges in the upper Midwest and looks to continue his career at the collegiate level. He posted some impressive numbers as a kick returner, receiver and in the Laker backfield despite an ankle injury that diminished his effectiveness and limited his 2 way ability as a defensive back for a large part of the season. His final decision may hinge on playing both baseball an football in college. Tony will be spending his winter as a member of the PL Laker basketball team and should be getting plenty of looks this spring in his senior season for the Laker nine.
Drop us a line if you have any notable items for Mudcats Hotstove at mudcats@3.14.36.174!