NEXT REGULAR LEAGUE MEETING:
Next Scheduled Meeting – Fall Meeting
Dates: September 20, 2026 @ Junction Bowl - Isanti 5pm
Thank you Steve Allen for your years of leadership and involvement in the Eastern Minnesota League
Steve announced his retirement as coach of the Isanti Redbirds after the completion of the 2026 season.
Congratulations to the Princeton Panthers, Sauk Rapids Cyclones, Cold Spring Springers, Sartell Muskies, Hibbing Miners, Quamba Cubs and the Clearwater River Cats in qualifying for the 2026 MBA State Tournament!
Class A Bracket - Link
Class B Bracket - Link
Class C Bracket - Link
2026 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.
Reed Marquardt Selected Class B All Tournament Team
Congratulations to Chisago Lakes Bulldog's Reed Marquardt in being selected for the 2026 Class B All Tournament in this years state tournament. Reed was drafted by the Cold Spring Springers and contributed to their success in the tournament.
Hinckley 2026 Team Hall of Fame Additions
The Knights inducted Tim Burkhardt and Joe Mikyska into their team Hall of Fame this summer. The Photo above is from the HOF Induction ceremony.
Jim Jarvis East Central Umpires Hall of Fame Induction
A ceremony will be held prior to the Hinckley vs Quamba "Town Ball Tour" game on July 1st to honor the impact Jim Jarvis has had on baseball in Minnesota through his many years as an umpire coordinator and umpire. The ceremony will be held at Brennan Field in Hinckley and Jim will be the inaugural member of the East Central Umpires Hall of Fame.
"The Eastern Minnesota League would like to acknowledge Jim Jarvis and his induction into the East Central Umpires Hall of Fame. Jim has inspired many in his years of service and dedication to the umpires of East Central Umpires, the teams, players and coaches of the Eastern Minnesota League. Jim has served in many different capacities in the Eastern Minnesota League over the years, but his commitment to the individual stands above it all. He has been a source of strength and guidance to those hes come in contact with. We appreciate being able to call Jim a friend of our league. Congratulations Jim!"
-The Eastern Minnesota League
"For more than 40 years, Jim Jarvis served the Metro and Eastern Minny Leagues as an umpire and assignor. Not only is Jim well-respected for his on field work as a top-tier official, but his best known for his demeanor, honesty, and mentorship to countless umpires that have worked games for and with him. To induct Jim as the inaugural member of the East Central Umpires Hall of Fame is a no-brainer, and we could not be more proud of Jim's service and dedication, as well as thankful for his hard work and friendship."
- East Central Umpires
East Bethel Bandits Expand Hall of Fame on Fan Appreciation Night & Name Honorary Member
Photos (left to right): East Bethel Bandits long time center fielder Warren Bauman & East Bethel Bandits veteran player Tyler Rousu as they accept their Hall of Fame Award; Dallas Jelmberg presents Ken Ott (Manager of the Pioneers franchise - Nowthen, St. Francis & Elk River) with a team hat and designation of Honorary East Bethel Bandit. (Photos taken by Forrest Barclay Photography)
Warren Bauman: Warren joined the Bandits in 2015 and played nine seasons through 2023. He was a fixture atop the lineup, hitting first or second for much of his career, he was consistently among the team leaders in hits and batting average; he led the Bandits in both categories in the 2018 season. He was equally outstanding in the field, Warren patrolled center with Gold Glove-caliber defense, elite speed, and exceptional range. Even more important than his on-field talent was his leadership off the field: War Dog was an unwavering, supportive teammate who led by example. The Bandits were proud to announce Warren Bauman as a 2026 Team Hall of Fame Inductee.
Tyler Rousu: Tyler Rousu joined the Bandits in 2013 and remains a member of the East Bethel Bandits. From day one he showed remarkable commitment, rarely missing a game, and a relentless work ethic that produced steady, impressive improvement. It was impressive to see the results of Tyler’s efforts in becoming a better player from the early years with the team to his prime years with the team. Over the years he led the team in numerous batting categories and still holds the record for most Bandits Most Improved Player awards (3). Tyler ranks 2nd all-time in career RBIs, 5th in hits, 2nd in doubles, and is tied for 4th in home runs. An outstanding leader, he’s been a reliable, encouraging presence in the clubhouse and also spearheaded the design and ordering of the Bandits jerseys worn today. The Bandits proudly announce Tyler Rousu as a 2026 Team Hall of Fame Inductee.
Ken Ott: The East Bethel Bandits recognized an ambassador of amateur baseball whose dedication helped shape the game throughout our local communities. For decades, Ken Ott devoted countless hours to amateur baseball in Nowthen, St. Francis, and Elk River. As manager of the Nowthen team in the 1970s, Ken guided his club to four Minnesota State Tournament appearances. He later helped establish the St. Francis Pioneers, who earned a State Tournament berth during the 1980s. In the early 1990s, Ken and the Pioneers relocated to Nowthen, where his vision and leadership helped make possible the construction of a beautiful ballpark that served as the home of amateur baseball for many years. Ken later moved the franchise to Elk River, where he continued managing the Pioneers through the 2015 season. In recognition of his many years of service and contributions to amateur baseball in our region, the East Bethel Bandits recognized Ken Ott as an Honorary East Bethel Bandit during their team Hall of Fame game on 7/22/26.
Mora Blue Devils Celebrate 30 Years of Amateur Baseball with a Pair of Hall of Fame Inductees
Photos (left to right): Blue Devils Manager Jayson Pautzke presents Cory Schuh with his Mora Blue Devils Hall of Fame plaque; Mora Hall of Fame banners; and Jayson presents Asa Patterson with his Hall of Fame plaque.
Cory Schuh: Cory Schuh and I met when I first moved to Mora - I was looking for a team to play for - Mora didn't have a team at that time - so I played for the Quamba Cubs - Cory was part of that team in 1995 when I joined. I quickly realized how good of a player and athlete he was. He could hit for power and play a real good shortstop. After the 1996 season, he was one of the instrumental people in helping us start a team in Mora - the Blue Devils first season was 1997 - we struggled in those early years, but Cory was at every game - helping to keep the team going and continuing to play at a high level. We finally started getting pretty good in the early 2000's and started qualifying for region tournaments - which at that time was a huge thing for us - there were many gut wrenching losses in some of those region tournaments - in that era we couldn't quite make the jump to the state tournament - but because of Cory's leadership and play it helped set the stage for what was to come years later. Cory helped start the team and build it to a team that has had sustained success for many years. He was another no-brainer to put in the inaugural hall of fame class. (Written by Jayson Pautzke)
Asa Patterson: Asa was a longtime pitcher in the Eastern Minny League - he started with the Quamba Cubs, but then not too long after came over to the Blue Devils. In the early 2000's he started to establish himself as one of the best pitchers in the league and he sustained that for a very long period of time. In 2013 as a draftee for the Sartell Muskies, he pitched a 1-0 shutout in the state semifinals against the Jordan Brewers. The Muskies would win the state title the next day. Asa always dreamed of leading Mora to the state tournament - that dream finally came true in 2014. Pitching against the Muskies in the region tournament, he went 12 innings and led Mora to a 3-2 win qualifying the Blue Devils for their 1st ever state amateur tournament. He had many legendary games like that in his career - Asa went 15 innings in a league championship game against the Hinckley Knights matched up against Truett Kroschel - both pitchers went the distance and Mora prevailed in the bottom of the 15th. Asa would say during that game "if Truett keeps going out there I'm going out there". That's the type of competitor he was. His last full year pitching for the Blue Devils was 2019. Asa pitched over 1,000 innings - had well over 1,000 career strikeouts and well over 100 career wins. It was a no brainer to have him in our inaugural class. (Written by Jayson Pautzke)
*The banners included a tribute to Mark Antonson who had a profound impact on baseball in the Mora community.
Eastern Minnesota League Digital Museum
The Eastern Minnesota League is looking to grow our Digital Museum. If you have any photos, historical documents, stories that could enhance our content please contact our webmaster at [email protected]. Even if you do not have a full team history, we are accepting pictures for a collage that would represent our league's history.
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End of Season Awards
Pitching Awards: (League Games Only)
Most Wins - Ben Sickler - 5 W (Hinckley Knights)
Most Wins - Jacob Mickelson - 5 W (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs)
Most Wins - Jay Krieger - 5 W (St. Francis Silverbacks)
Lowest ERA - Phil Bray - .20 (Isanti Redbirds)
Most Strikeouts - Nathan Nelson - 96 K (Mora Blue Devils)
Batting Awards: (League Games Only)
Batting Average Leader - Andrew Orf - .569 Avg (North Branch Nighthawks)
Most Hits - Andrew Orf - 29 H (North Branch Nighthawks)
Home Run Leader - Ethan Wallin - 4 HR (Cambridge Bandits)
RBI Leader - Reed Marquardt - 19 RBI (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs)
Eastern Minnesota League - All Tournament Team Selections:
| Region 1C | District 1B | Section 5A |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter Engen - St. Francis | Noah Jensen - Sauk Rapids | David Ernst - Moorhead Brewers |
| Ryan Groskreutz - Becker | Eli Gibbs - Princeton | Caleb Gunderson - Hibbing Miners |
| Nathan Nelson - Mora | Drew VanLoy - Cold Spring | Carson Zimmel - Dilworth Raildogs |
| Joaquin Majano - East Bethel | Ethan Knutson - Albertville | Dan Clusiau - Bemidji Bucks |
| Jaxon Kenning - Clearwater | James Green - Isanti | Jalen Vorpah - Sartell Stone Poneys |
| Carter Gmahl - Quamba | Tanner Blommer - St. Joseph | John Schumer - Sartell Muskies |
| Dylan Hogan - Ogilvie | Noah Thorsen - North Branch | Ben Sickler - Hinckley Knights |
| Seth Plohasz - Cambridge | Jacob Mickelson - Chisago Lakes | Brayden Wolfgrar - Moorhead Mudcats |
EASTERN MINNESOTA LEAGUE
2026 STATE TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES
Representing District 1B - Princeton Panthers (District 1B Runner-up)
Representing Region 1C - Quamba Cubs (Region 1C Champion)
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Congratulations to the Princeton Panthers and the Quamba Cubs in qualifying for the 2026 Minnesota Baseball Association State Tournament!
Tune in for the MBA Bracket Reveal Show
Goes live evening of 8/16
https://www.youtube.com/@MinnesotaBaseballAssociation
WATCH ON
2026 State Tournament Draftees
| Region 1C | District 1B |
|
Quamba: 1. Nathan Nelson - Mora 2. Ryan Groskreutz - Becker 3. Bryce Norby - Mora |
Sauk Rapids: 1. Phil Brey - Isanti 2. Beau Fandel - Chisago Lakes |
|
Clearwater: 1. Seth Plohasz - Cambridge 2. Matt Krenz - Becker 3. Sawyer Anderson - Becker |
Princeton: 1. James Green - Isanti 2. Tommy Meyer - Chisago Lakes |
|
Cold Spring: 1. Reed Marquartdt - Chisago Lakes 2. Ethan Knutson - Albertville |
EASTERN MINNESOTA LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK 2026
Week 1 - May 3rd - 9th
Pitcher: Kyle Bookey (Nowthen Knights) 5 IP, 7 K, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 H, .20 WHIP
Batter: Ian Keen (Ogilvie Orioles) - 3-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, R
Week 2 - May 10th - 16th
Pitcher: Joaquin Majano (East Bethel Bandits) 7 IP, 18 K, 1 BB, 1 ER, W
Batter: Beau Fandel (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 2-4, HR, 5 RBI, 2 R
Week 3 - May 17th - 23rd
Pitcher: Joaquin Majano (East Bethel Bandits) 8 IP, 14 K, 0 ER, W
Batter: Reed Marquardt (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 5-9, 2 2B, 8 RBI, 4 R, Sac F
Week 4 - May 24th - 30th
Pitcher: Nathan Nelson (Mora Blue Devils) 9 IP, 20 K, 0 H, 0 ER, CG, SHO, W
Batter: Co Batter of the Week (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs)
Reed Marquardt 5-8, 2B, 5 RBI, 2 BB, R
Brendan Hemr 4-8, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 4 R
Week 5 - May 31st - June 6th
Pitcher: Phil Bray (Isanti Redbirds) 9 IP, 14 K, 3 H, 0 ER, CG, SHO, W
Batter: Parker Seaman (East Bethel Bandits) 7-9, 3 2B, 5 RBI, 5 R, HBP, SB
Week 6 - June 7th - June 13th
Pitcher: Nathan Nelson (Mora Blue Devils) 9 IP, 20 K, 3 H, 0 ER, W, SV
Batter: Mason Voshell (Hinckley Knights) 4-9, 3 2B, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 2 R
Week 7 - June 14th - June 20th
Pitcher: Nathan Nelson (Mora Blue Devils) 9 IP, 18 K, 5 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, CG, SHO, W
Batter: Ryan Hulke (Ham Lake Hornets) 4-4, HR, 2 3B, 2 RBI, 3 R, BB (Walk off HR)
Week 8 - June 21st - June 27th
Pitcher: Joaquin Majano (East Bethel Bandits) 8 IP, 16 K, 2 H, 0 BB, SHO, W
Batter: Jagger Steiner (Quamba Cubs) 9-13, 2 2B, 7 RBI, 5 R, 3 SB
Week 9 - June 28th - July 4th
Pitcher: Seth Plohasz (Cambridge Bandits) 9 IP, 8 K, 0 H, SHO, CG, W (No Hitter)
Batter: Jacob Johnson (Braham Snappers) 5-8, HR, RBI, 2 R
Week 10 - July 5th - July 11th
Pitcher: Phil Bray (Isanti Redbirds) 11 IP, 19 K, 0 R (vs 1st in North - Hinckley)
Batter: Eli Gibbs (Princeton Panthers) 7-13, 2 HR, 2 3B, 5 RBI, 7 R, HBP, 2 SB
Week 11 - July 12th - July 18th
Pitcher: James Green (Isanti Redbirds) 6 IP, 12 K, 0 ER, 3 H, W
Batter: Andrew Orf (North Branch Nighthawks) 9-14, 3 2B, 3B, 5 RBI, 4 R, BB, SB
Week 12 - July 19th - July 25th
Co-Pitcher: Jacob Mickelson (Chisago Lakes Bulldogs) 6 IP, 4 H, 3 K, CG, SHO, W
Co-Pitcher: Ben Sickler (Hinckley Knights) 7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K, R, CG, W
Batter: Max Sickler (Hinckley Knights) 8-11, 2 HR, 2B, 7 RBI, 7 R, BB
Week 13 - July 26 - Aug 1st
Pitcher: Cale Haugen (Hinckley Knights) 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 K, 0 R
Batter: Nolan Spence (Princeton Panthers) 5-7, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 2 HBP, BB, SB
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The Eastern Minnesota League has order options through locally owned Pennant Bat Company. Pennant offers handmade maple bats shaped in Minneosta. Pennant only uses the highest grade of hard maple to bring you the best feel and balance when swinging for the gaps. Custom designs and team orders are available.
See the Eastern Minnesota League exclusive order form for details.
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NSPN will be broadcasting multiple Eastern Minnesota League games throughout the season. The tentative schedule has been released below. Annual or monthly subscriptions are available for purchase at https://nspn.tv/Townball/Subscription.
NSPN Broadcast Schedule:
Will be covering tournament games
** Eastern Minny Game of the Week
Event Recap: 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness Townball Game
On a cool breezy afternoon the Mora Blue Devils and the Sartell Stone Poneys came together to for a very important cause. To raise awareness and support for suicide prevention and mental health. This is the 3rd Annual meeting between the teams. The Stone Poneys were able to win the game 3-1, but the most important part of the day was the impact both teams are having in the community and the support they have buit for organizations that provide important resources. There were some great silent auction items donated to help raise money. Over $2300 was raised throughout the event for suicide prevention and mental health organizations Sophie's Squad and H.O.P.E Community. Organizations that provide free resources and information include LifeSource, Sophie's Squad, Central Minnesota Suicide Coalition, 2B Continued and I'm Glad You Stayed Project.
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 [email protected]
Previously Featured: The Pioneers of Nowthen, St. Francis & Elk River
Content Available via this Link: The Pioneers of Nowthen, St. Francis & Elk River
MBA 2026 Proposed Classification
The process is outlined in full on the MBA site. The Eastern Minnesota League is projected to have representation in each class during the 2026 season. Outlined below are the projected classifications for the upcoming season:
Class A - Section 5 (2 Tournament Bids)
Hinckley Knights
Class B - District 1 (3 Tournament Bids and combined with Sauk Valley Class B)
Chisago Lakes Bulldogs
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
St. Francis Silverbacks
@SFSilverbacks
Nowthen Knights
@NowthenKnights
More Baseball Links
East Central Umpires
Metro Minny League
Minnesota Baseball Association
Major League Baseball
Minnesota Twins
St. Paul Saints
Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame
NSPN - Neighborhood Sports Network
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
