In a subdued press conference, almost beyond notice, one of the OTBA’s all-time greats quickly announced his retirement on this dark, autumn afternoon. James Ridinger bid the baseball world adieu adieu from his hometown of Montreal. No tears, no pomp, no circumstance. Like the man, it was plain spoken, right to the [...]

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by I. R. Pizzd, staff writer

This was a trade that no one saw coming.
And I’m the beat writer for this team.
The Nashville Apostles send stud pitching prospect Jorge Delgado and two second round draft picks to Minneapolis for star pitcher Antonio De La Cruz and cash.  Cruz, 26, won 19 games last year for the [...]

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“This One’s For Nashville”
Bloomington management admit part of new deal isn’t for current city
By I.P. Offen, sports columnist
I guess it was a matter of time.
The Bloomington Beavers made a trade today with Springfield.  No, the matter of time was not because the new Bloomington ownership made a deal with their old team…it’s because this trade [...]

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BEAVERS TRY TO GO OUT WINNERS
New ownership’s changes show immediate impact
by I.P. Freely, staff writer
“At least they’re not mailing it in since they’re moving,” Andy McQueef said as he and his family were leaving Bloomington Park following the team’s 10-5 win over Maryville.  “I was really afraid they wouldn’t even try to win since they [...]

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Report Card for Beermen
by Fergus McGee
Minneapolis Star Tribune
October 29, 2026

Well, it wasn’t a good year for the Minneapolis Beermen and their fans.  After twenty odd years out of the playoffs, the fans have enjoyed being back in the playoff picture in 2024 and 2025.  They expected to be there in 2026.  But sub-par play in [...]

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The Price Of Humility
OTBA Vet Albert Thornley Gets 10% Of His Asking Price But Finds The Love Of The Game Again

by I. M. Ahore, staff writer
At the end of last season, Albert Thornley had his swagger back.
The fifteen year veteran third baseman had been picked up by the Springfield Puzzle Pieces after an injury to [...]

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Puzzle Pieces Owner Mum On Relocation Rumors

Front Office Personnel won’t release team plans past this season
by I.N. Apanic, sports editor
The Nazareth Carpenters won three league championships in their ten years of existence.  The Springfield Puzzle Pieces won three titles in their twelve years since the move from Nazareth.  Has the front office of the team [...]

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“A Gigantic Pile Of Suck”
Springfield management disappointed in 2025 season and down on 2026

By I.P. Inmypantz, staff writer
Another season without a championship in Springfield brings continued frustration from the clubhouse to the owner’s box.  Winning 95 games and making the postseason for the thirteenth time didn’t provide any comfort when the season ended.
“We were a [...]

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Hot Stove Happenings in Minneapolis
by Fergus McGee
Minneapolis Star Tribune
January 26, 2026
A team never likes to sit on its laurels and always looks for ways to improve.  Last year Minneapolis added talent via the trade route, picking up all-star Sang Higgins and youngsters Gerry Hoffman and Dan Robinson.  But the team was not active in the [...]

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Beermen Year End Report Card
by Fergus McGee
Minneapolis Star Tribune
October 30, 2025

In a repeat of last season’s playoff performance, the Beermen beat their wild card opponent in the opening round only to lose to the tough Brooklyn Atlantics in the Banned League Championship Series.  And once again the Atlantics went on to capture the World Series.
2025 [...]

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