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As the spring season approaches, anticipation builds for the Federal League's newest additions: the Tonka Bay Lakers, Waconia Islanders, Eden Prairie Flyers, and the Hastings Hurricanes. The official induction is set to take place next Saturday at the 2024 Federal League Winter Meeting.
The Minnoka Grays, last season's AAA champions, have navigated a rollercoaster off-season. After clinching the 35+ MSBL World Series in Arizona, key players faced setbacks. Bub Lovas sustained a knee sprain during the Quarterfinal game in Phoenix, Nick Larson tore his ACL in a pickup basketball game, and Mike Weyrauch is battling throat cancer. Despite these challenges, Bub and Weyrauch aim for an Opening Day comeback, while Larson’s comeback won’t be until late July.
In contrast, the Minnetonka Saints are optimistic about their prospects. Adding four promising newcomers to last year's AA Championship squad, they are eyeing a AAA title for 2024. Notably, veteran slugger Steve Kleppen has joined the Saints, bringing experience and power to their lineup. The Cannons, facing Kleppen's departure, have enlisted Kevin Chaves and Eric Johnson to fill the void. Chaves, with a .384 batting average from five seasons with the West Metro Mavericks, and Johnson, a seasoned fifteen-year hitter with the TC Dodgers, add depth to the team. The Minneapolis Diablos, undergoing a complete rebuild, have relocated to New Hope and secured a major upgrade with the refurbished Lighted Field. With new management led by Jesse Waaraniemi, the team aims for a fresh start and potential name change.
Elko experiences a managerial shift as Robert Brick steps down, making way for Ryan VanDusen. Since 2010 Elko has been a Top Five team in the league with a .813 winning percentage and won three AAA Championships in a row from 2017-2019. Despite a winning legacy, Elko had a challenging 2023 season but made a playoff run, finishing as A Championship runner-up. New Market faces changes in leadership, with Matt Germar taking over from Nick Noback and Steve LeBens. The big fish in recent years have been a juggernaut winning the AA Championship in 2022 and finishing runner up in the AAA title game in 2018,2020,21 and 23. Germar has previously managed the Minneapolis Cobras in the Park National League and looks to continue that success south of 494.
St. Paul JTs might see the end of an era as Jim Block considers this his last season in the Federal League. With two B Championships and an AA title under his belt, Block looks forward to playing 50+ ball, while the JTs aim for a younger roster in 2025.
Randy Schmidt remains tight-lipped about roster changes for the Mammoth but expresses the team's focus on securing a fourth consecutive East Division title and returning to the AAA postseason. Apple Valley welcomes Lakeville veteran Tony Schaefer, enhancing their offense. Lakeville, losing Schaefer but gaining notable hitters like Brett Larson, Rick AuBuchon, and Trevor Stolhanske from the Snappers, the Lobos remain a formidable force in the South. Snappers picked up longtime veteran bomber Ryan Feyereisn. Ryan has 29 all-time homeruns while batting .390 with the Knights in the TCMABL.
Finally, a handful of Chaska Voyageurs and Minnoka Grays are currently in Puerto Rico playing in the Caribbean Winter Baseball Championships. They will play five games in three days with the playoffs on Saturday and Championship on Sunday. We wish them luck on their journey.
