2011 St. Croix River Bandits

The Bandits began their 5th season of play this April. It seems not so long ago that the Bandits traveled up to Quamba for their first taste of men's amateur baseball. Of the original roster, only five players remain active for the Bandits. The 2011 season brings the first season in which young players Matt Vold, Gus Koecher, and Cory Gebhard can compete from start to finish as they are all now in college. The Bandits also have added IF Brock Luehmann (formerly of the Hager City Skeeters) from Amery, SCF high schoolers: Nick Johnson, Marcus Campbell, Blake Klopfer, Nathan Graveson, Unity high schooler Luke Nelson, and Drew Walker (Centuria) and Blake Yunker (SCF).

The Bandits will be losing longtime friends and everyday players Michael Chelberg and Curtis Roebuck. Chelberg moved out to Denver to get a real job. He played in 75 games over 4 seasons, batting .240 with 38 runs, 22RBI, 4 2B, and 13 SBs. Chelberg was the most improved player last season, batting .333 in 60 plate appearances and posting a .447 OBP. Michael will be remember for his socially borderline behavior and antics. Michael twice tried to steal third base....with a Bandits already occupying the base, and gave up a double when intentionally walking a batter.

Curtis Roebuck played 59 games over 4 years and will be focusing more on the homelife - now with 2 kids to raise. Curtis may have only batted .185 for the bandits, but he was a stalwart in the field, playing whichever position was called upon and never lacked for hustle. We will remember Curtis for his intensely dry sense of humor and his superhuman power of facial hair growth.

The Bandits have 24 games scheduled - 16 of which are conference games. The Bandits strength this season should be speed, youth, and athleticism. Season Prediction: 9-7 conference, 13-11 overall.