Mudhens’ season/home opener set for April 30
The Minneota Mudhens will have a diamond full of familiarity as they are expected to field nearly the identical team of a year ago.
The Mudhens will have one new player, infielder Josh Schuelke, while Mudhen veteran pitcher Zach Nuy returns to the team after taking last year off.
"Coming off last season, I feel our confidence should be a strength," said Mudhens player/manager Tyson Sonnenburg. "We had a great season last year finishing at the top of the league for the regular season for the first time in Mudhens history. We have finished second a few times, but never first until last year. I think that was a big step for us to achieve that."
The Mudhens will have one big change, however, with the introduction of a new logo depicting a fiercer version of its waterfowl.
"Austin Buysse brought up the idea of getting a new logo, so we have been talking about it ever since, and we were proactive this year in getting it done," Sonnenburg said.
The logo was created by Borch's Sporting Goods in Marshall, and inspired by the minor league Toledo Mudhens' logo. "They created a few options and we had the players on the team vote for their favorite," said Sonnenburg. "Everyone voted for this logo."
Mudhens apparel will be available through Borch's. The team will also sell hats at home games and plan on selling hats with the former logo at a discounted price.
Because of wintry conditions and busy work schedules, the Mudhens haven't had many opportunities to get together for practices or even to hit in the batting cage at school.
The season/home opener is scheduled for Sunday, April 30 at home against the Pipestone A's.
The Mudhens' pitching staff will look similar to last year with siblings Danny Hennen and Jacob Hennen sharing the bulk of the starting duties. Zach Nuy will serve as the team's main reliever and closer. A.J. Myhre and Austin DeVlaeminck will likely also spend some time on the mound.
"Ryan Dalager (a high school junior) is someone we would love to use when he is available," said Sonnenburg. "But his priority will be pitching for the high school and Legion team. Depending on the Legion schedule this summer, we may be able to use him an inning or two if there is a gap in their schedule."
The Mudhens, who play in the Land O' Ducks League, expect another strong season once they get the season underway.
"The ultimate goal is still to get to the state tournament," said Sonnenburg. "We hope to accomplish that this year."
2023 Roster
Austin Buysse, Infield
Brock Buysse, Outfield
Ryan Dalager, Pitcher/Utility
Austin DeVlaeminck, Catcher
Peyton Gillund, Infield
Jonah Gruenes, Outfield
Danny Hennen, Pitcher/1st base
Jacob Hennen, Pitcher/Utility
Jackson Lacek, Infield
AJ Myhre, Utility/Pitcher
Zach Nuy, Pitcher
Alex Pohlen, 1st base/Outfield
Isaac Pohlen, Utility
Josh Schuelke, Infield
Ben Skorczewski, Infield
Tyson Sonnenburg, Outfield
Everett VanHecke, Outfield
Cooper VanOverbeke, Outfield
Tate Walerius, Catcher/Utility
2023 Schedule
April 30 - Pipestone A's, 2 p.m.
May 5 - at Milroy Yankees, 7:30 p.m.
May 7 - at Clinton Cardinals, 2 p.m.
May 10 - at Milroy Irish, 7:30 p.m.
May 14 - Morris Eagles, 2 p.m.
May 17 - Milroy Yankees, 7:30 p.m.
May 21 - Rosen Express, 2 p.m.
May 24 - at Marshall A's, 7:30 p.m.
May 29 - Hadley Buttermakers, 2 p.m.
June 2 - at Madison Mallards, 7:30 p.m.
June 4 - Dumont Saints, 2 p.m.
June 9 - Hancock Orphans, 8 p.m.
June 16 - at Ortonville Rox, 8 p.m.
June 23 - at Chokio Coyotes, 8 p.m.
June 25 - at Hadley Buttermakers, 4 p.m.
June 28 - Cottonwood Cardinals, 7:30 p.m.
July 5 - Dawson Drakes, 7:30 p.m.
July 9 - at Benson Plowboys, 2 p.m.
July 16 - at Appleton A's, 2 p.m.
July 19 - Marshall A's, 7:30 p.m.
(Promotional dates)
Free admission to all home games.
May 14 - Root Beer Float Day
May 29 - Military Appreciation Day
June 4 - Paul Larson Day
June 9 - Dollar Dog Night