SPORTS FEEVER by Chris Fee of KROX Radio – chrisjfee@yahoo.com
The Minnesota Twins have had a pretty solid first half of the season and are currently 48-49 at the all star break. The crazy thing is they don’t have Pablo Lopez and have missed Bailey Ober, who was injured and now back in the lineup.
The Twins are three games back of Chicago and Cleveland and are currently tied with Seattle for the final Wild Card spot.
To make things even better, the Twins have a favorable second half of the schedule with teams having a .491 winning percentage which is 23rd in MLB. In other words, the Twins have a lot going for them in the second half. They have Taj Bradly who has been outstanding, Zebby Matthews has been solid and of course, Joe Ryan has been outstanding. Mix in Bailey Ober in the starting rotation and they have four solid pitchers right now.
Offensively, Minnesota has scored the second-most runs in the American League in the first half of the season. Byron Buxton is doing Byron Buxton things, including getting injured. But he has .271 batting average with 25 home runs and 45 RBI. Josh Bell has 13 home runs and 21 doubles while knocking in 60 runs and is a solid DH, Kody Klemens has been good with 16 HR, 18 doubles and three triples along with 46 rbi. Brooks Lee has been solid with 51 rbi, 14 HR, 15 doubles and 2 triples.
It should be a fun second half.
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The seeds and schedule for the 2026 Northwest Sub-State North Division American Legion Baseball Tournament have been announced. The tournament play-in games are on Thursday, with the first round played on Friday and Saturday, and the tournament wraps up on Sunday at Jim Karn Field in Crookston.
TOURNAMENT SEEDS –
NORTH –
1. Warroad
2. Roseau
3. Red Lake County
4. Stephen-Argyle
5. Middle River
6. Thief River Falls
SOUTH –
1. Crookston
2. Fosston
3. Fertile
4. Win-E-Mac
PLAY-IN GAMES – at higher seed
6:00 PM – Middle River at Stephen-Argyle – ON KROX
6:00 PM – Thief River Falls at Win-E-Mac
FIRST ROUND – Friday, July 17 at Jim Karn Field in Crookston
11:00 AM – N3 Red Lake Falls vs S2 Fosston – on KROX 10:55
1:30 PM – N1 Warroad vs TRF/Win-E-Mac winner
4:00 PM – Losers of first two games (loser out) on KROX if Red Lake Falls
6:30 PM – Winners of first two games – on KROX if Red Lake Falls
FIRST ROUND – Saturday, July 18 at Jim Karn Field in Crookston
11:00 AM – S1 Crookston vs Middle River/Stephen-Argyle winner – on KROX at 10:30 AM
1:30 PM – S3 Fertile vs N2 Roseau – on KROX
4:00 PM – Losers of first two games (Loser out) on KROX if Crookston or Fertile
6:30 PM – Winners of first two games – on KROX if Crookston or Fertile
FINAL ROUND – Sunday, July 19 at Jim Karn Field
11:00 AM – loser out game
1:30 PM – Loser out game
4:00 PM – 3rd place game (both advance to sub-state in Fosston)
6:30 PM – Championship (both advance to sub-state in Fosston)
In the SOUTH Division, the seeds look like this.
WEST POD –
1. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton
2. Barnesville
3. Hawley
4. Twin Valley/UH
EAST POD –
1. Wadena
2. Ada
3. New York Mills
4. Park Rapids
FIRST ROUND – Friday, July 17 at Ulen
10:00 AM – Ada vs Hawley
12:30 PM – Park Rapids vs DGF
3:00 PM – TV/UH vs Wadena
5:30 PM – Barnesville vs New York Mills
SECOND ROUND – Saturday, July 18 at Ulen
10:00 AM – Ada/Hawley loser vs Park Rapids/DGF Loser
12:30 PM – TVUH/Wadena Loser vs Barnesville/NYM loser
3:00 PM – Ada/Hawley winner vs Park Rapids/DGF winner
12:30 PM – TVUH/Wadena winner vs Barnesville/NYM winner
FINALS – Sunday, July 19 at Ulen
10:00 AM – Loser out game
12:30 PM – Loser out game
3:00 PM – Third place game (both teams advance)
5:30 PM – Championship game (both teams advance)
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Former UND Women’s Hockey Coach Brian Idalski has been named the head coach of the Syracuse Women’s Hockey team.
Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Men’s Basketball Coach Tubby Smith will be inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
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High School Baseball will see some rule changes in 2027.
Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027.
The larger first base option was one of seven rules changes recommended by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee at its meeting last month in Indianapolis and which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS Board of Directors.
In conjunction with the double first base, allowing a larger first base has proven to be effective in reducing player collisions and enhancing player safety.
“The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee believes that providing schools with the option of using either an 18-inch first base or a double first base gives administrators the flexibility to enhance player safety while recognizing the varying needs and resources of member schools,” said Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. “Both options are designed to reduce the potential for collisions at first base and support a reduced risk playing environment without changing the fundamental nature of the game.”
One-way electronic communication will now be allowed from the coach to the pitcher and/or the catcher for the purposes of calling pitches. Prior, the catcher was the only defensive player allowed to receive communication from the coach. While the coach must still be located in the dugout/bench area, the committee believes this change responsibly integrates electronic communication that enhances game management.
Bat certification was addressed with USA Baseball assuming bat-testing standards. Effective in 2028, there will be an additional class of permitted non-wood bats. Bats that are not made of a single piece of wood shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (USA Baseball BBCOR) of .50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard (-4, -5, -6). Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.
“In addition, the NFHS remains committed to fostering the growth and development of high school baseball players,” Hopkins said. “As the game continues to evolve with the adoption of the USA Baseball BBCOR standard, expanding the available drop-weight options provides younger and developing players with additional opportunities to build proper mechanics, confidence and skills while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected in education-based athletics.”
Additional rules changes include:
- Eye shade must be a solid stroke and not include words, numbers, logos or other symbols within the eye shade.
- Use of electronic communication devices by players on the field is prohibited (except as outlined with one-way coach to player communication). This includes amplifying devices, wireless communication devices, headphones, etc., for the purposes of recording, streaming or transmitting audio or video. The prohibition does not include medical devices.
- Coaches will be allowed to use a handheld electronic scoring device or other scoring material while in the coach’s box.
- When using a tiebreaker to end a regulation game, an option is now available to start each half-inning with a runner on second base. The runner would be the last scheduled batter in that respective half-inning.
A complete listing of the baseball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Baseball” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2027 Baseball Rules Book will be available for purchase in October at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in September via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org.
According to the 2024-25 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, baseball is the fifth-most popular sport for boys with a total of 472,598 boys participating at 16,110 schools across the country. In addition, 1,381 girls played high school baseball.
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High School Softball will see a change in who can get electronic communication next season.
Pitchers will now join catchers as the only players in high school softball permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout, effective with the 2027 season.
This change was one of four recommendations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee during its June 14-16 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommendations were later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“Deliberations by the NFHS Softball Rules Committee were spirited and robust,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “Approval of these four rules proposals was the result of data collected form the membership, and specifically state association administrators. The committee is to be commended for its attention to detail, and thorough analysis of information available.”
Updated language now includes pitchers among the players permitted to receive one-way electronic communication from the dugout during games, allowing for faster delivery of information. The use of all other electronic devices to transmit or record information remains prohibited on the field of play, and players are still prohibited from transmitting or recording audio or video from the playing surface.
The committee also simplified language regarding whether a pitcher and catcher must face the first batter on defense in relation to courtesy runners. In its comments, the committee said the change eliminates the requirement — or perceived requirement — that the pitcher and catcher listed on the starting lineup card must face the first batter on defense.
“Previously, there was a misconception that the pitcher and catcher listed on the lineup card were always required to face the first batter (one pitch), which was never the intent of the rule,” the committee noted. “This change simplifies the administration of the courtesy runner rule and eliminates a provision that applied only during the transition between the top and bottom halves of the first inning. By removing a unique scenario that applied only to the bottom of the first inning, the rule becomes easier for umpires, coaches, scorekeepers and players to administer and understand.”
Additional changes allow state associations to determine umpire uniforms and clarify the definition of an initial play to better align with other areas of the rules book.
“The committee was intentional in adopting changes that solve real issues encountered on high school softball fields,” said Andi Osters, chair of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and assistant director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. “Whether it’s improving communication between coaches and players, clarifying how interference should be judged after a deflected batted ball, streamlining the courtesy runner rule, or allowing states greater flexibility with umpire uniforms, each change reflects feedback from the coaches and officials who administer our game every day. Our objective is always to make the rules as clear, consistent and practical as possible.”
A complete listing of the softball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Softball” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2027 Softball Rules Book will be available for purchase in October at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in October via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org.
According to the 2024-25 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, a total of 338,315 girls participated in fast-pitch softball at 15,726 schools across the country, making it the fifth-most popular girls sport.
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Track and Field will see two rule changes this coming spring.
Two revisions in field events rules focused on reducing risk of injury highlight changes in high school track and field rules for the 2027 outdoor season.
The two field events rules were among four revisions recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee at its meeting last month in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS Board of Directors.
In an effort to reduce risk of injury during warmups in the shot put and discus, all attempts now must be made from inside the circle and facing the sector. No backward, over-the-head attempts will be allowed.
The committee noted that warm-up attempts by athletes standing on the toe board with their backs to the sector are dangerous because competitors cannot see if the area is clear before throwing the implement. With the rule change next year, a clear line of sight will be available to make sure the landing area is safe prior to an attempt.
Another safety-related change approved by the committee addresses the growing use of foreign substances on shoes in the throwing events. Language has been revised to provide coaches and officials with clearer guidance.
“Overall, the top priority for the rules committee is always the safety and well-being of the student-athletes, and this year’s committee meeting reflected that continued commitment,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and middle schools and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee. “The rules committee continues to focus on minimizing risk in throws events and warm-ups to ensure a safer competitive environment. Overall, this was a highly productive meeting where the committee successfully balanced safety with practical rules revisions.”
The Track and Field Rules Committee also approved a revision in a rule change made last year in the vertical jumps, as well as a revision that provides games committees more flexibility in reporting for field events.
A complete listing of the track and field rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Track & Field” and then “Rules.” The print version of the 2027 Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Book will be available for purchase in October at www.NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in October via NFHS Digital at www.NFHS.org.
According to the 2024-25 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, outdoor track and field is the most popular sport for girls with a total of 513,808 participants in 17,373 schools, and it is the second-most popular sport for boys with a total of 644,235 participants in 17,390 schools across the country.
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The 45th Annual Crookston Lions and Get Kids Outdoors Youth Golf Tournament will be held on August 3 and 4 at Minakwa Golf Course in Crookston (901 Fisher Avenue).
August 3 –
Ages 13-17 (18-year-olds can golf if they are going to be a senior in high school) – Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.
Ages 9-12 – start at 9:00 a.m.
August 4 – 8-year-olds and younger start at 9:00 a.m.
AGES – HOLES
Ages 8 and under – 4 holes
9-10 – 9 holes
11-12 – 9 holes
13-14 – 18 holes
15-17 – 18 holes
ENTRY FEE – $20 – lunch included
PARK AND REC GOLFGERS or under 8 years old – $10 – lunch included
Pre-registration is encouraged by July 31, however no golfer will be turned away.
NEW REGISTRATION PROCEDURE – Call 218-281-1970 to speak with Ann or Bailey, or stop by Longtin Agency at 202 South Main Street in Crookston. All Payments will be made by either cash or check. (Make checks payable to – Crookston Lions Club)
Register early for your chance to win a 100 Scheels Gift Card! Every golfer who registers by July 24 will automatically be entered into the drawing.
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdG93nwVZ33YDUQrI4fuSvZ2zw2rKQ3C_nPp3bRFP9lcJEMyw/viewform
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The Holy Family Knights of Columbus Chapter of Red Lake County will host its annual Junior Golf Tournament at Oak Knolls Golf Course in Red Lake Falls on Wednesday, August 5.
The entry fee is $10 for ages 11 to 17 with all-you-can-eat lunch included.
The entry fee is $5 for ages 10 and under, with all-you-can-eat lunch included.
The tournament will start at 9:00 a.m. with a shotgun start.
AGE GROUPS –
GIRLS (Number of entrants will determine the age brackets)
BOYS (5 age groups)
15-17 – 18 holes
13-14 – 18 holes
11-12 – 18 holes
9-10 – 9 holes
8 and under- 9 holes
Medal play in all age groups with prizes and trophies awarded, along with numerous door prizes. There will be a putting contest and other contests throughout the course.
The entry deadline is preferred by Noon on Sunday, August 2, but you may register the morning of the tournament before 8:45 a.m.
Send entries to:
Steve Philion
518 Champagne Ave.
Red Lake Falls, MN 56750
(Phone – 218-686-3608)
Email – sphilion@rlfedu.org
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The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer program will host an ID Camp August 16 for students entering grades nine through college seniors. The campers will get a chance to experience life as a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
The campers will be instructed by Minnesota Crookston Soccer Head Coach Danny Burstein and Assistant Coach Breezie Davis. They will get a glimpse of campus. They will be led through drills and observed by the coaches at Minnesota Crookston, and nearby universities. The camp will include technical training, possession drills, small-sided and 11v11 games. The campers and their families will get a tour of campus and have Q&A sessions with current Minnesota Crookston players and staff. Lunch is provided. The camp will be held August 16 at the Minnesota Crookston Soccer Field from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $130 with camp being $125 plus $5 in fees. T-shirt and lunch are included.
“I am very excited to have prospective student-athletes on campus for our ID Camp,” said Head Coach Danny Burstein. It will be a great opportunity for interested players to interact with the whole team during our preseason. They will get a real feel for what it would be like to come and play soccer at UMC. This camp can be a real tool for both us and recruits to find future Golden Eagles.”
For more information on the camp and to register visit soccer.umcsportscamps.com or reach out to Head Coach Danny Burstein at burstein@umn.edu or 218-281-8420.
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JOKES
Me: I taught my dog to play chess.
Friend: He must be very smart?
Me: Not really, I beat him two games out of three!
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A teacher at a polytechnic college reminded her pupils of tomorrow’s final exam.
“Now listen to me, I won’t tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow.
I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that’s it, no other excuses whatsoever!”
A smart-arsed chappie at the back of the room raised his hand and asked, “What would happen if I came in tomorrow suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?”
The entire class was reduced to laughter and sniggering.
When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, “Well, I suppose you’d have to write the exam with your other hand”.
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Sam had proposed to young Lisa and was being interviewed by his prospective father-in-law.
“Do you think you are earning enough to support a family?” the older man asked the suitor.
“Yes, sir,” replied Sam, “I am.”
“Well,” said Lisa’s father, “think carefully now. There are six of us.”
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Three drunks hailed a taxi. The taxi driver seeing that they were so wasted when they got in, he just switched on the engine and switched it off, and said we are here. The 1st guy gave him money, 2nd guy said thanks, but the 3rd guy slapped him. The taxi driver was stunned because he was hoping that none of them would have realized the car didn’t move an inch. So what was that for, he asked. Control your speed next time, you almost killed us.
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How are former Crookston Pirates athletes doing in college or elsewhere?
****LET ME KNOW OF OTHERS TO ADD TO THE LIST. Email me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com
Matt Contreras is a freshman playing baseball at Concordia College in Moorhead.
Teagen Lubinski is playing Junior Hockey for the Badlands Sabers in the NA3HL.
Parker Kelly is playing Junior Hockey for the Badlands Sabers in the NA3HL.
Addie Fee is a freshman playing tennis and hockey at Wisconsin-Superior.
Kambelle Freije is a freshman playing hockey at Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Riley Helgeson is a freshman playing football at Northern State.
Emily Bowman is a freshman playing Softball at North Dakota State College of Science.
Halle Winjum is a sophomore playing basketball at Minnesota Crookston.
Blake Melsa is a sophomore playing soccer and baseball at Alexandria Tech
Jackson Reese is a sophomore playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Matt Contreras is a freshman playing baseball at Concordia College.
Naomi Johnson is a freshman playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Paul Bittner is an assistant coach on the University of Wisconsin-Superior Men’s Hockey team.
Reese Swanson is a sophomore playing hockey at St. Olaf.
Carter Coauette is a sophomore playing football at Minot State.
Isaac Thomforde is a sophomore playing Tennis at Northwestern College in St. Paul.
Halle Bruggeman is a Junior on the University of Wisconsin-Stout Women’s Rugby team.
Ethan Boll is a Sophomore on the University of North Dakota Football team.
Breanna Kressin is a Junior on the Hockey Cheer Team for THE University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey team.
Jacey Larson is a Junior playing hockey at Dakota College at Bottineau.
Aleah Bienek is a Senior playing hockey at Trine University in Indiana.
Seth Heppner – Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Golf at Jessup University
Brady Heppner – Head Coach of Women’s Golf at UMC and Assistant Hockey Coach
Crookston School District Coaches
Blake Bergeron is the head Pirate Wrestling Coach.
Colton Weiland is an assistant Pirate Wrestling Coach
Jason Cassavant is a Jr. High Baseball Coach and Head American Legion Baseball coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Marley Melbye is an assistant girls golf coach
Connor Morgan is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Ben Trostad is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Ethan Magsam is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Non-Crookston High School coaching/Admin/etc
Elise Tangquist is the Head Girls Golf Coach at Horace High School in Fargo, ND.
Carmen (Kreibich) Johnson is the head Little Falls Volleyball coach.
Tim Desrosier is an Assistant Coach for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Pony Boys Basketball
Pat Wolfe is the head wrestling coach for Fosston/Bagley.
Austin Sommerfeld is an Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communication at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Collin Reynolds is the head baseball coach for the University of Colorado Buffalo Club Baseball team.
Trent Stahlecker is a School Security Specialist & he works for the Brevard Public Schools, Florida.
Cody Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach at Proctor/Hermantown.
Josh Edlund is the head football coach and phy ed teacher at Flandreau, South Dakota.
Allison Lindsey Axness is Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach at Champlin Park
Jeff Olson is the Head Wrestling Coach and Head Baseball coach at Delano.
Jake Olson is an Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Delano.
Matt Harris is an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marty Bratrud is the Superintendent and High School Principal at Westhope High School.
Gordie Haug is an assistant football coach at the University of North Dakota.
Mike Hastings is the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s head Hockey coach.
Mike Biermaier is the Athletic Director at Grand Forks Schools.
Stephanie (Lindsay) Perreault works with the North Dakota State stats crew for Bison football, volleyball, and basketball in the winter. Stephanie’s husband, Ryan, is the assistant director for Bison media relations.
Jason Bushie is the hockey athletic trainer at Colorado College.
Chris Myrold is the Director and Fitness at Mission Ranch and Fitness in Camel, California.
Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis
Jaren Bailey is serving our country and is Lance Corporal in the Marines.
Ben Andringa is serving our country in the Army and is now a Ranger.
Philip Kujawa class of 2004, from Crookston High School. He is an Army recruiter in Rochester.
Rob Sobolik is the General Manager of the Fargodome
That’s it for this week. Thanks for the comments, and if you have anything to add or share, please e-mail chrisjfee@yahoo.com or call. Thanks for reading and listening to KROX RADIO and kroxam.com..
