Just a month before the first game of the season, a familiar message came through from a former Grays player—asking if he could humbly come hang out with the team again this summer and maybe get a few at-bats. That player was Jon Widerski. Debated as probably the best ever to suit up for the Grays, and the only player whose number has been retired at Castle Field, Widerski was an all-around good guy and a great teammate. He hadn't swung a bat in two or three years, but with his first hit, he smashed a right-center double in River Falls for a big Opening Day win. Welcome back, Jon Widerski.

Welcome back Minnoka Grays, who are off to a hot start at 6-0 with an insane 74-5 run differential. Pitching has been sharp. Grays pitching already has thrown one no-hitter by Taylor Nelson and one hitter and one two hitter. Jack Nelson leads the league in wins with 3. Both Nelsons, Mark Von Ruden, Bub Lovas and Ben Schroeder are all combining for a 1.00 ERA this season, 44 strikeouts and only 9 walks in 35 innings of work. 

Welcome back big offense. Joey Olson has been a force early on, leading the Federal League in hits (14) runs (11) stolen bases (9) and total bases with 19.  Nick Larson, fully back healthy this season, is leading the league in RBIs with 12. Olson is hitting .737, Ryan Bruns .571, Mark Von Ruden .545, Matt Johnson .538, Nick Larson .529 and Jack Nelson and Jon Widerski round out the 500 Club hitting .500. The team overall is hitting .439. The Grays offense is certainly clicking early this season. 

Things will get tougher going forward with some big games on the calendar including matchups against St Louis Park, New Market and two games versus the improved Metro Loons all before the All Star break at the end of June. But the scary thing is that in six games the Grays have dominated they have yet to bat at their full potential lineup and field their best potential defense. 

Welcome back.