NEXT REGULAR LEAGUE MEETING:

Next Scheduled Meeting – Organizational/Scheduling Meeting

Dates: February 1, 2026 @ Junction Bowl - Isanti 4pm

 

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Tournament Recap

 

Eastern Minnesota League State Tournament Representation:

Congratulations to the teams who represented the Eastern Minnesota League!

 

State Tournament Games were Broadcast on NSPN!

 

 

District 1B:

 

The Hinckley Knights, of the Eastern Minnesota League North, are the 2025 District 1B Champions and have hold of the top seed coming out of District 1B going into the Class B State Tournament.  Hinckley held victories over St. Joseph (11-8), Princeton (6-5) and Cold Spring (4-2).  Hinckley had finished the regular season with a 12-3 record in league play.  Hinckley's strong season came to an end on 8/23 after losing to Delano 7-2 in Round 2 of the Class B State Tournament.  Congratulations to the Knights on a great season!

 

North Pine County News: Hinckley Knights are District 1B Champions

 

The Princeton Panthers, of the Eastern Minnesota League North, were able to secure the 3rd seed in the District 1B Tournament to qualify for the Class B State Tournament.  Princeton won their opening game of the tournament vs. the Sartell Stone Poneys (15-1), then lost a close game to the Hinckley Knights (5-6), then defeated the North Branch Nighthawks (8-3) and defeated the Isanti Redbirds (2-1).  Princeton was the Eastern Minnesota League Regular Season Champion with a 14-1 record.  Princeton had a strong showing in the opening round of the Class B State Tournament having defeated the Plato Blue Jays 7-4.  Princeton participated in a very exciting state tournament matchup with New Ulm on 8/24 in Hutchinson.  The game went 18 innings as Princeton was defeated 3-2 on a solo home run in the bottom of the 18th inning.  Congratulations to the Panthers on another great run this year!

 

Union Times: Princeton Panthers headed to state

 

Region 1C:

 

The Quamba Cubs, of the Eastern Minnesota League North, are the 2025 Region 1C Tournament champions.  They earned the top seed to qualify for the Class C State Tournament.  Quamba began the tournament as the top seed having finished the regular season as top seed in Class C (11-4).  Quamba's path to state included victories over Braham (5-0), East Bethel (4-0) and Mora (7-0).  Quamba's first State Tournament bid came to an end on 8/17 vs the Cologne Hollanders as they fell to the Hollanders 13-1.  The Cubs had a fantastic season this year.  Congratulations on making the State Tournament and a great season!

 

Star Tribune: Reusse: Those never-say-die Quamba Cubs are finally in the town ball state tournament

Kanabec County Times: Quamba Cubs make first state appearance

 

 

The Mora Blue Devils, of the Eastern Minnesota League North, took 2nd place in the Region 1C Tournament and earned the 2nd seed for the State Tournament out of Region 1C.  They had a regular season record of 10-5 which was 2nd of the Eastern Minnesot League's Class C teams.  Their path to state included victories over Cambridge (8-0), Clearwater (4-3), a loss to Quamba (0-7) and victory over Clearwater (5-3). Mora played a very tight ball game with the Pierz Lakers, but lost the game 2-1.  Congratulations to the Mora Blue Devils on another strong season and State Tournament bid in 2025!

 

Kanabec County Times: Blue Devils make state with elimination bracket win

 

 

2025 State Tournament Draftees:

Class B:	Class C:
Hinckley Knights: Beau Fandel - Chisago Lakes Bulldogs Chris Olean - Isanti Redbirds	Quamba Cubs Jackson Phillip - Clear Lake Lakers Stetson Burkman - Clearwater River Cats Cameron Fischer - Becker Bandits
Cold Spring Springers: Phil Bray - Isanti Redbirds Noah Jensen - Sauk Rapids Cyclones	Mora Blue Devils Ryan Groskreutz - Becker Bandits Jake Carper - Clearwater River Cats Jesse Johnson - Braham Snappers
Princeton Panthers: Reed Marquart - Chisago Lakes Bulldogs Ethan Smith - Isanti Redbirds	Congratulations to all of the draftees!

 

2025 All Tournament Team Selections

Class A:

Andrew Palm - Elk River Lumberjacks

Jason Axelberg - Monticello Polecats

Zach Reierson - Wilmar Rails

Cole Mammenga - Hibbing Miners

Marcus Wohl - Moorhead Brewers

Andrew Deters - Sartell Muskies

Brock Lerfald - Alexandria Black Sox

Jacoby Nold - Moorhead Mudcats

Will Zellman - Bemidji Bucks

Tony Zajac - Sabin Mets

 

Class B: 

Dylan Marciulionis - Hinckley Knights

Beau Fandel - Chisago Lakes Bulldogs

Ethan Knutson - Albertville Anglers

Brady Klehr - Cold Spring Springers

Phil Bray - Isanti Redbirds

Ben Alvord - St. Joseph Joes

Cayden Behrmann - Sartell Stone Poneys

Luke Pakkala - Sauk Rapids Cyclones

Lucas Goggin - North Branch Nighthawks

Damon Rademacher - Princeton Panthers

Jamis Halverson - Moose Lake Buzz

 

Class C:

Joaquin Majano - East Bethel Bandits

James Oslin - Quamba Cubs

Jake Miller - Nowthen Knights

Ryan Groskreutz - Becker Bandits

Derek Graves - Mora Blue Devils

Matthew Schwartz - Ham Lake Hornets

Seth Plohasz - Cambridge Bandits

Hunter Engen - St. Francis Silverbacks

Nathan Pace - Braham Snappers

Carter Magaard - Ogilvie Orioles

Jackson Philipp - Clear Lake Lakers

Andy Nefs - Clearwater River Cats

 

 

2025 MBA Bracket Reveal Show Sunday 8/10/25 @ 7pm

 

 

 

Reveal Page Link

 

 

Check out NSPN.TV Streaming - Covering Numerous Eastern Minnesota League Games in 2025

 

Week 1 - May 10th - 17th

Pitcher: Cole Hentges (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 8.2 IP, 9K, 2 ER, .097 OBA, .081 WHIP

Batter: Nathan Nelson (Mora Blue Devils) - 3-3, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, BB, 3 R, SB

 

Week 2 - May 18th - 24th

Pitcher: Lucas Athey Jr. (Quamba Cubs) 7 IP, 5 K, W, 0 H, 0 R, 0.00 ERA

Batter: Cory Schmidt (Hinckley Knights) 5-10, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R

 

Week 3 - May 25th - 31st

Pitcher: Ben Sickler (Hinckley Knights) 9 IP, 6 K, CG, SHO, W, 3 H

Batter: Brendan Hemr (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 3-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB

 

Week 4 - June 1st - 7th

Pitcher: Phil Bray (Isanti Redbirds) 15 IP, 2 CG, SHO, 2 W, 31 K, 2 BB, 1 ER, .058 OBA

Batter: Reed Marquardt (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 5-8, 2B, 3B, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 4 R, 2 SB

 

Week 5 - June 8th - 14th

Pitcher: James Green (Isanti Redbirds) GS, W, 6 IP, 11 K, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB

Batter: Sam Haugen (Hinckley Knights) 9-12, 2 2B, 3B, HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, BB, SB

 

Week 6 - June 15th - 21st

Pitcher: Beau Fandel (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) CG, W, 7 IP, 13 K, 3 H, 1 R

Batter: Brendan Hemr (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 10-18, 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 3 HBP, 2 BB, 3 SB

*Two other players hit 2 HR this week.  Kevin Auth - Cambridge (5-12, 2 HR, 7 RBI) & Reed Olson - Elk River (2-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

 

Week 7 - June 22nd - 28th

Pitcher: Cedric Moreno (Princeton Panthers) 11 IP, CG, SHO, W, 14 K, 1 BB

Batter: Carter Gmahl (Quamba Cubs) 9-12, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 7 R, 4 BB, HBP, 7 SB

 

Week 8 - June 29th - July 5th

Pitcher: Derek Graves (Mora Blue Devils) 7 IP, CG, SHO, W, 10 K, 3 H

Batter: Drew Peterson (St. Francis Silverbacks) 3-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

 

Week 9 - July 6th - July 12th

Pitcher: Joaquin Majano (East Bethel Bandits) 10 IP, CG, SHO, W, 17 K, 5 H, 1 BB

Batter: Nolan Spence (Princeton Panthers) 6-12, HR, 3B, 7 RBI, 5 R, 2 BB, HBP, 2 SB

 

Week 10 - July 13th - July 19th

Pitcher: Jacob Mickelson (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 2 GS 16 IP, 1-1, CG, SHO, 15 K, 1 ER

Batter: Jeff Brooks (Elk River Lumberjacks) 5-9, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 HBP, SacF

*Numerous Players with two HR this week.  Tyler Peters - Ogilvie (4-12, 2 HR, 2 2B, 7 RBI), Isaiah Hasz - Hinckley (3-7, 2 HR, 2B, 7 RBI)

 

 

 

Player of the Week Running List

Local Umpire Coordinator Joe Rydel Featured in StribVarsity Article:

 

Side hustles on the sidelines: How high school sports power a thriving gig economy

 

2024 Team Hall of Fame Inductions & Awards

This space recognizes significant awards and accomplishments throughout the league.  This includes significant team awards, Hall of Fame inductions, etc.  This information will be showcased on the league webpage each year and then will be archived on our page as we continue to expand capturing league history within the league website.

 

Below are the awards highlighted for the 2025 Season:

 

East Bethel Bandits:

 

Team Hall of Fame Inductee - Josh Kosel:

 

Josh Kosel joined the East Bethel Bandits in 2010 after playing many years for the Soderville Outlaws. Recognizing both his talent and character, the Bandits quickly recruited Josh after Soderville disbanded, drawn not only by his strong on-field performance but also by his intangible qualities—outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and being an exceptional teammate. Josh played nine seasons with the Bandits, from 2010 to 2022. Josh ranked among the franchise’s all-time leaders in several statistical categories.  This includes when Josh set the team record for hits in a game (6) during the 2019 Eastern Minnesota League Regional Tournament.

 

The Bandits were honored to welcome Josh Kosel as the newest member of the East Bethel Bandits Hall of Fame this summer!

 

Amateur Baseball of Fame Inductee - Dallas Jelmberg:

Dallas was inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame during the September 20, 2025 ceremony at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.  Dallas was one of the five new inductees for the 2025 season.  He was honored for his many years of outstanding service to baseball and the community.  Photoed with Dallas is Jayson Pautske and his wife Michelle who attended the event.  There is a display honoring all of this year's nominees at the convention center.  Dallas Hall of Fame Bio is available on the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Website at https://www.mnbaseballhof.com/dallas-jelmberg-2025.html

 

Congratulations Dallas and thank you for all you have done to support baseball and our community!

 

Hinckley Knights:

 

Team Hall of Fame Inductees - Gail Brennan, Bette Jarvis & Rod Sycks

The Hinckley Knights welcomed 3 new inductees to the Knights Hall of Fame on June 14, 2025 prior to their game with the Cambridge Bandits.  Gail Brennan, Bette Jarvis, and Rod Sycks were inducted in front of a huge crowd of family and friends.  They were recognized for their contributions to the Hinckley Knights organization.  It was another very special night at Brennan Field.

 

Jersey Retirement of Shawn Ausmus #16

On May 31, 2025 the Hinckley Knights retired #16 in recognition of Shawn Ausmus for all of his contributions on and off the field over the past 3 decates. It was a special night for the Knights as Shawn was honored in front of many friends, family members, communitity members and sponsors.  Shawn is the 2nd player in Knights history to have a jersey retired.

Congratulations Shawn!

 

Isanti Redbirds:

Phil Bray - 2025 Class B All Tournament Team

Phil Bray, of the Isanti Redbirds, was drafted by the Cold Spring Springers from Region 1B to play in the Class B 2025 State Tournament.  Phil pitched many quality innings for the Springers throughout the tournament and was selected as a member of the 2025 Class B All Tournament Team. Congratulations Phil!

https://minnesotabaseballassociation.org/class-b-all-tournament-team-and-award-winners/

 

 

 

Eastern Minnesota League Digital Museum

Teams who participated in the Eastern Minnesota League's history will be spotlighted and recognized throughout the league off-season.  We will take a look back at team history in the Eastern Minnesota league as well as the MBA.  Pictures, Articles & Documents will be used to capture the great history of amateur baseball in our region.

 

Featured Team: The Princeton Panthers

*Special thank you to Brian Dorr for sharing this content with the Eastern Minnesota League.  This site features a detailed history of Princeton's involvement in the Minnesota Baseball Association as well as many moments throughout their history in the Eastern Minnesota League.  Included are articles, box scores, photographs, stories and more!

Photograph from the Princeton Union Eagle paper capturing Princeton's 2nd place State Tournament finish in 2000

 

We hope to add more history throughout the off-season.  If anyone has any information, documents, articles, pictures to share regarding teams who have participated in the Eastern Minnesota League please contact easternminnywebmaster@yahoo.com

 

Previously Featured: The Pioneers of Nowthen, St. Francis & Elk River

Content Available via this Link: The Pioneers of Nowthen, St. Francis & Elk River

 

MBA 2025 Proposed Classification

2025 will bring change significant change to the Eastern Minnesota League as the state is undergoing new classification under the new criteria points system.  The new criteria points system will classify teams as A (36 points or higher), B (20 to 35 points) or C (19 points or fewer) depending on the amount of criteria points assigned based on population and player points.  The process is outlined in full on the MBA site.  The Eastern Minnesota League is projected to have representation in each class during the 2025 season.  Outlined below are the projected classifications for next season:

 

Class A - Section 8 (2 Tournament Bids)

Elk River Lumberjacks

 

Class B - District 1 (3 Tournament Bids and combined with Sauk Valley Class B)

Chisago Lakes Bulldogs

Hinckley Knights

Princeton Panthers

Isanti Redbirds

Moose Lake Buzz

North Branch Nighthawks

 

Class C - Region 1 (2 Tournament Bids and combined with Sauk Valley Class C)

Braham Snappers

Cambridge Bandits

East Bethel Bandits

Ham Lake Hornets

Mora Blue Devils

Nowthen Knights

Ogilvie Orioles

Quamba Cubs

St. Francis Silverbacks

 

*Classification is subject to change depending on in season roster maintenance.

 

 

 

Pennant Bat Company Founder Visits St. Francis High School, Showcases Custom Bats

On Thursday, July 17th, the East Bethel Bandits welcomed a special guest just ahead of the matchup between the East Bethel Bandits and the Becker Bandits. Joe Barrett, local founder of Pennant Bat Company, stopped by to share his passion for craftsmanship and baseball, bringing with him a wide selection of custom bats for players from both teams to try out in the batting cages before the game.

 

 

 

Pennant Bat Company is known for its high-quality custom bats crafted from the highest grade of hard maple. The result is a lineup of bats that deliver excellent feel, balance, and performance. Joe's inventory features a range of options, including standard models, half-inch interval sizes, torpedo-style barrels, and multiple knob styles. With attention to detail and a strong focus on customization, Pennant Bat Company has become a go-to for players looking for a bat tailored to their unique swing.

 

Joe's journey into bat making is a story rooted in both passion and resilience. A former baseball player himself, Joe saw his playing days come to an end after a labrum injury sidelined his pitching career. However, his love for the game lived on. When his son began playing organized baseball, Joe decided to handcraft a fungo bat and a game bat for his son. The results quickly caught the attention of other players and coaches, leading to a flood of requests for his custom made bats.

 

With a background in graphic design, Joe combines artistic creativity with precision craftsmanship in each of his bat designs. His attention to aesthetics and function has helped the brand stand out.  Both East Bethel and Becker players really enjoyed how the bats performed in the cages!

 

Players and fans interested in exploring Pennant Bat Company's custom bat options can place orders and learn more at https://pennantbat.com.

 

 

The Eastern Minnesota League, is part of the Minnesota Baseball Association, the governing body of amateur baseball in Minnesota. It is the oldes active amateur baseball league in the state of Minnesota. The league has sixteen teams, which play in two divisions. Each summer, after the regular season, the league playoffs determine which teams will advance to the Region 1C tournament and have a chance to go to the state Class C tournament.

 

Follow the league on Twitter for news, scores and more: @EasternMinny

 

Hinckley Knights
@HinckleyKnights


Quamba Cubs
@QuambaCubs


Mora Blue Devils
@MoraBlueDevils
 

Braham Snappers
@BrahamSnappers

 

Cambridge Bandits
@RumRiverBandits

  Princeton Panthers
  @PrincetonPanth1

 

 

Chisago Lakes Bulldogs
@ChisagoBulldogs

East Bethel Bandits

@BaseballBandits

St. Francis Silverbacks
@SFSilverbacks

Nowthen Knights
@NowthenKnights

 

  Moose Lake Buzz 

 

 

 

 Ham Lake Hornets

 @HamLakeHornets

 

 Elk River Lumberjacks

 

 

 Ogilvie Orioles

 

 

 

 

 

    

                

 

 

     

 @MinnBaseball  

 

 

More Baseball Links
Metro Minny League
Minnesota Baseball Association
Major League Baseball
Minnesota Twins
St. Paul Saints
Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame
NSPN - Neighborhood Sports Network

Pennant Bat Company

 

 

Minnesota Weather Radar

Current Weather Conditions / Hourly Forecast

Hinckley | Quamba | Mora | Braham | Moose Lake | Ogilvie
Cambridge | Isanti | North Branch | Chisago Lakes | Princeton

Ham Lake | East Bethel/St. Francis | Nowthen | Elk River

 

 

 

If you have any questions or comments, contact the webmaster
 

This is the official website of the Eastern Minnesota League since 2005

 

Click the link above for League Contacts & Scheduling Information