"So we'll hang around as long as (insert favorite bartender here) will let us, and we nevvaahh minded standing in the rain, whooaaaa..." Yeah just admit it, you missed hearing it. That fun-loving group of positive male role models known as the Spring Hill Chargers is back and better than ever for a much-anticipated 28th season. The team is coming off a stellar 2009 season, posting a franchise best 11-2 record in SCL play. What a season. The playoffs weren't as friendly to the Chargers, as the offense hit their only rut of the season and proceeded to bow out in two games under the new playoff format. Playoff failures are nothing new with Minnesotans'; I mean we're Vikings fans, right? Anyway, dwelling on the past is something this crew will have no part of. The slate is wiped clean and the pieces are in place for another magical run in the summer of 2010.
Randy Schoenberg and Gordon Barten are back at the helm for a 5th season of managing the hometown club. They will be in charge of team record 20 players. The club welcomes four rookies to the squad. Eric and Brent pull the Terres family into a tie with the Schoenberg's for most players in one extended family. Cody Eichers and Ryan Spanier turned down tryouts from a well qualified California Penal league to join the squad as well. All together, we're one big happy family.
Pitching
The same pitching staff that posted a team ERA of 3.28 last season will be back in full force once again. Mix in rookies Cody Eichers and Brent Terres and Chargers boast some valuable depth on the mound as they head into 2010. Shawn Schoenberg returns as the staff ace, coming off a season in which he posted a phenomenal 1.48 ERA in 50+ innings of work. He also recorded a team-high 45 strikeouts. Shawn posted two very good postseason outings as well, but was the victim of some poor run support by the Charger offense. Younger brother Eric is also back after posting 5 wins to go along with two saves last season. Just as versatile are Chris Spanier, Brad Terres, and Aaron Welle. Aaron's 12-to-6 curveball is still effective as ever, always keeping opposing batters off-balance. He should have added force behind his fastball this year as well since his offseason diet of C.C. Seven's turned him into C.C. Sabathia. We love you Welle.
Offense
The offense is coming off a notable season in which half of the teams' lineup batted .300 or better. Combine that with 49 extra base hits and it's no wonder the Chargers posted almost nine runs a game last season. [Jaime Terres] spearheaded the offensive surge, leading the team in batting average (.413), runs (25), and hits (33). But let's face it, his real value this season will be decided by how long open bar goes at his wedding in two weeks. Shawn Schoenberg also produced another typical solid season, hitting .366 with three homers and 17 RBI. Brother Corey also fueled the power surge, belting three round-trippers of his own. Dave Stalboerger also brought a solid .306 average to the table while driving in 11 runs. Eric Schoenberg chipped in with a team leading 7 doubles out of the leadoff spot as well. As anyone can tell you though, this Charger offense is all about a team effort. With this many guys on the team, each player can step up at anytime. Remember how the Twins won Game 163? A base hit by Alexi Casilla to score Carlos Gomez. A couple of unsung heroes. That's why the whole team matters. Just win, baby.
Defense
Every team will run into their struggles at the plate or on the mound but one aspect of the game the Chargers can always rely on is defense. Nathan Terres will once again call the shots behind the plate. His veteran presence and leadership behind the plate are a calming influence on the rest of the team. Eric Schoenberg will shake off the paintball wounds from his bachelor party and man the hot corner again this season, with[ Brad Terres] providing a solid back-up. The middle infield will once again flow smooth with the double-play combo of [Jaime Terre]s and Aaron Welle leading the way. Joe Welle, Eric Terres, and Ryan Barten provide solid play as well in the middle infield. The most physically demanding position in all of baseball will be taken care of by Jeff Schoenberg and Brandon Welle, who need to balance out their lack of talent with good looks and personality.
The outfield will once again boast a freakish combination of size and speed to chase down flyballs in the friendly confines of Charger Field. Dave Stalboerger brings veteran leadership to right field, with Cody Eichers and recent mono-survivor Brent Terres backing him up. A crowded centerfield features Jonathan Nietfeld, ]Chris Spanier[,...and I'm pretty sure [Kyle Bertram]? Has he made a practice yet? If so, "didn't even see ‘em. (Ok that's getting old). Shawn and Corey Schoenberg take their turns in left field, with rookie Ryan Spanier looming in case Cindi poisons the family oatmeal on Sunday morning.
With the help of unseasonably warm temperatures, the field is ready to go and the season will begin in just 1 week. Team Bonding 2010 provided the players a chance to catch up on old times and share a few laughs. It's an annual social gathering that just helps us get to know each other a little better. The Chargers will be taking the home field this season knowing the last teams to play on their own field were local teams playing in the Region tournament. Though it was a great weekend all around, the players couldn't help but wish they were on the other side of the fence. Hopefully the team will turn those memories into motivation as they head into the dog days of June, July, and August. Got a feeling it's gonna be a Premium kind of summer.
(AP Sartell)