Sartell vs Mora - Inaugural Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Game:
On Saturday, May 11th the Mora Blue Devils joined with the Sartell Stone Poneys to pay tribute and raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. This is the first annual event between the teams and was dedicated to Jaydan Pautzke and Reece Johnson. Jaydan and Reece were remembered with their initials painted onto the infield grass and their names in place of each team on the scoreboard. Each team's attire was in tribute and to raise awareness. Mora wore shirts enscripted with "peace, love, cure" for suicide prevention awareness. Sartell played the game wearing bucket hats which were a favorite of Reece. The game began after Jaydan and Reece's mothers threw out the first pitch and a pregame ceremony with players from each team alternating together by the pitchers mound. Mora won the game 3-0, but the important part of the day was coming together to raise support and awareness. The teams joined together for a post game ceremony and photograph in front of the scoreboard. As a result of the event more than $1300 was raised and will be donated to charities that support suicide prevention and mental health.
(Featured in photos below)
Mora HOPE Community Organization was chosen as a receipient of donations raised by the event. They are an organization focused around spreading awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. More information about the organization and ways to donate can be found via the image below:
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The Eastern Minnesota League Honors Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Jim Brennan & Jim Jarvis:
The Eastern Minnesota League proudly recognizes two of its leaders who retired from their posts after the 2023 baseball season. Both Jim Brennan and Jim Jarvis were honored with the leagues Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jim Brennan – Jim Brennan has been a driving force in the Eastern Minnesota League since he began as a player for the Hinckley Knights in 1959. Jim spent 35 seasons playing for the Knights and contributed to 13 state tournament appearances along with his team. This included the memorable 1989 season when Hinckley took 3rd place in the state tournament. Following his years as a player, Jim went on to become a member of the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He was later inducted as a member of the Hinckley Knights Hall of Fame in their inaugural Hall of Fame class. Jim also added the Mike Downs award to his many accomplishments for his outstanding service to baseball across the state of Minnesota.
Through his involvement, Jim awarded the Brennan family sportsmanship award to numerous teams during the State Tournaments. For many years, Jim served the Eastern Minnesota League as secretary and treasurer and supported our league in many decision-making processes that have molded the Eastern Minnesota League into what it is today. Thank you, Jim, for all your instrumental contributions to the Eastern Minnesota League and to baseball!
Jim Jarvis – Jim Jarvis has been a staple to the Eastern Minnesota League for his contributions and leadership over the years. Jim began umpiring for the league in 1989 and shortly after he became the umpire coordinator. As umpire coordinator, Jim was responsible for ensuring every game was appropriately staffed along with recruiting and training umpires for the league. Jim had an outstanding track record for being a fair and consistent umpire and for his ability to navigate the many challenges that come with the territory of the role. Jim’s responsibilities as umpire coordinator expanded over the years. After a few years of coordinating for the Eastern Minny, he became the regional umpire coordinator for both high school and legion baseball. He later expanded his responsibilities by becoming the umpire coordinator for the Metro Minny as well.
Jim also served as Vice President of the North League of the Eastern Minny for multiple years and has served as Secretary Treasurer. Thank you, Jim, for all your hard work and everything you’ve contributed to the numerous leagues of baseball in Minnesota!
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The Eastern Minnesota League Remembers Jim Brennan:
A few weeks ago we published a story acknowledging the contributions Jim Brennan made to amateur baseball and the Eastern Minnesota League. The story is included below. Sadly, Jim passed away the morning of June 25th. The Eastern Minnesota League expresses its deepest sympathies to the Brennan family and to the many individuals who considered Jim a dear friend. Jim wore the number 14 for the Hinckley Knights for many years. In honor of the impact Jim Brennan had on our baseball community, and his years of service to the Eastern Minnesota League, we will display the image above in our banner logo on our home page. A visitation for Jim Brennan will be held Tuesday, July 2nd from 5-7pm at 402 Lawler Ave in Hinckley. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 3rd at St. Patrick's Church 203 Lawler Ave in Hinckley. Wednesday's visitation begins at 10am and the funeral service will begin at 11am.
Jim Brennan – Jim Brennan has been a driving force in the Eastern Minnesota League since he began as a player for the Hinckley Knights in 1959. Jim spent 35 seasons playing for the Knights and contributed to 13 state tournament appearances along with his team. This included the memorable 1989 season when Hinckley took 3rd place in the state tournament. Following his years as a player, Jim went on to become a member of the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He was later inducted as a member of the Hinckley Knights Hall of Fame in their inaugural Hall of Fame class. Jim also added the Mike Downs award to his many accomplishments for his outstanding service to baseball across the state of Minnesota.
Through his involvement, Jim awarded the Brennan family sportsmanship award to numerous teams during the State Tournaments. For many years, Jim served the Eastern Minnesota League as secretary and treasurer and supported our league in many decision-making processes that have molded the Eastern Minnesota League into what it is today. Thank you, Jim, for all your instrumental contributions to the Eastern Minnesota League and to baseball!
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2024 Team Hall of Fame Inductions & Awards
Beginning 2024 we are creating a space to recognize 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 2024 Season:
East Bethel Bandits:
Legacy Award - The East Bethel Bandits celebrated their 20th season. As part of their 20 year celebration they honored Founder and Manager Dallas Jelmberg with the team's Legacy Award. The award celebrated the accomplishments and dedication Dallas has shown to the East Bethel Bandits as well as the community over his 20 year tenure with the team.
Team Hall of Fame Inductions - The East Bethel Bandits held their inaugural Team Hall of Fame inductions on July 8th. Three individuals were selected as members of the inaugural class including Founder/Manager Dallas Jelmberg, Original Member Steve Jelmberg & 19 Year Veteran/Assistant Manager Tyler Marcio. The three were recognized for their significant contributions to the team, both on and off the field, throughout the teams 20 year history.
Hinckley Knights:
Team Hall of Fame Inductions - The Hinckley Knights added four members to their prestigious Hall of Fame in the 2024 Season. The new inductees included Former Player Jackie Dunkley, Former Player Jim Jarvis, Former Player and Bat Boy Kenny Ausmus & Former Player/Manager Jim Marudus. All were recognized for their tenure and significant contributions to the Hinckley Knights organization throughout the years.
Congratulations to all of this years award receipients around the league!
