Spring Hill Chargers

04/11/2011 - 2011 Season Preview

"Circle us Randy" The Charger's left a lasting impression on the Region 15C Tournament and made a hefty donation to the Greenwald Cubs via beverage sales.  Even though the Chargers were a few wind-blown homeruns short during regions, they kept it close.  Charger fans are looking for another memorable run during the 2011 season. 

 

During the off season it has been apparent that all of the Chargers have been working hard.  Some have been bulking up in the weight room and others in the cafeteria.  This added power and explosiveness should prove useful at the plate this summer.  "Goin Deep" which has been the motto for the Chargers in the off season, a little different from the toast 'em made popular by Brad Toaster Strudel Terres in past years, will be highlighted from every member of the Charger Squad.   

 

The Chargers have parted ways with a few valuable veteran players during the offseason.  Jonathan Nietfeld who led the team with his wisdom and ability to foresee bad decisions will be greatly missed especially by the youth of the team.  Jeff Schoenberg's ability to continually bail infielders out from their errant throws will be missed by them and by every bartender in the county.  His natural instinct to get one more, abiding by the No Shoes, No Shirt, but always receive service can never be replaced.  Aaron Welle will likely now spend most of his time hunting the elusive turkeys of Stearns County and the one who got away at the Freeport Tournament.  Chad Spanier's absence will prove a relief for opposing teams.  He had the canny ability to quietly and discretely get into the mind of opponents at the plate and on the mound to throw them off of their game.  Each of the players has specific talents brought to the Chargers year in and year out and we thank them for their combined half century of service.   

 

As for the 2011 Chargers returning to the Diamond: 

 

Pitching has proven a priority to the Chargers since the days of Steve Welle and Conrad Gruber.  Returning to the hill for the Chargers is team leader Shawn Schoenberg who posted 5 wins and a 1.51 era striking out 60 hitters in 83 and 2/3 innings of work.  He has proven the workhorse of the team and his stats don't lie especially because he enters them.  Other pitchers making their way to the hill for the Chargers will be Eric Schoenberg, Shoeless Chris Spanier, Brad Toaster Strudel Terres and Cody Eichers combining for nearly 80 innings.  Terres has earned his time with his ability to throw strikes even when asked not to.  The Chargers will also be filling innings with Brent Terres, and Corey Schoenberg who have reported in great shape from their time working out in the Stearns County Penal League.

 

At the plate for the Chargers fans will see many familiar faces.  Jamie Terres will return to the lineup for the lightning bolts after hiting .344 and scoring 20 runs over the 2010 season. Shawn Schoenberg led nearly every offensive category including creepiest mustache over "Mustache (Memorial) Weekend."  Other contributions will come from Eric and Nathan Terres, Eric and Corey Schoenberg, Brad and Brent Terres, Joe and Jordan Welle; which goes to prove that this team is such a closely knit group they decided to become brothers. 

 

Great on the field and off the field decisions have made the versatile Ryan Spanier an asset to the Chargers in past seasons.  He has a rigorous Friday-Sunday speed training program that keeps him in great shape year-round. Dave Stalboerger will find a spot on the field for his league renowned baseball hat tan line and great defensive play.  Brandon Welle an all around hustler will also get the nod from the managers from time to time to lead the infield.  He has yet to showcase his closing abilities but never count him out as an option for Co-Managers Randy Schoenberg and Gordon BartenRyan Barten another utility player for the Chargers who is known for his intensity on the field will be battling for a spot on the field this summer. The determination shown by Joe Welle has gained respect around the league pushing through the puke and rally incident during regions, a true asset to any team.  Baseline Bowling enthusiast Kyle Bertram will use size and strength to impact the charger lineup this season.   

 

Looking to make an impact on and off the field this year will be Grant Schoenberg, who is already making contributions to the kitty.  Jordan Welle has made his way down the stairs of the press box and Travis Welle is "fresh from the farm" as Sammy Kershaw would say.  Both have climbed the ranks in the Charger Farm System into a spot on the Charger Roster for the 2011 season. 

 

The 2011 Charger squad will be deep on the field and you can usually find them a couple deep downtown, where Stiggy always makes sure you get some pickles with his meals.  You can find your favorite Charger on the diamond this spring or at a watering hole of your choice.  A great group of role models these men are, and the SH Boys of Summer will be coming to a ballpark near you. 

 

AP Hancock