So a big change happened this winter, for the first time in years the President role in the Federal League switched hands. Former Commissioner Dan Tupper was having issues with his own team the last few seasons - Legends - and questions were brought up if Tupper would have a team in 2026 and if not, should he lead a league he is not officially a part of? After a last ditch effort to save the Red West Legends, Tupper folded the team hours before the Winter Meeting in February. 

But last year Tupper, maybe sensing his own role winding down soon, brought on Cliff Christopherson as Vice President for a "Commissioner-in-Training" role. The board didn't know the transition would happen so fast. By the end of the Winter Meeting, the league had a new President and we entered a new era in the Federal League. I sat down with the new man in charge and peek at his “To Do List” and see how he plans to settle current issues and talk about bridges to the future without upsetting the past.
 

What were some of the reasons or factors that led you to take on the role of FED commissioner? 

Anyone that plays with or against me knows I like to chat in the post-game or even from the mound with a 2-0 count. Ken Fry and Greg Sell gave me the nickname of "The Mayor" a couple years ago because I would spend more time with the opposing team in the parking lot than with my own. I enjoy the dynamic each team brings and seeing the personalities on and off the field.  Someone mentioned a couple years ago that maybe I would make a good Commissioner for the league someday. That prophecy came true a little sooner than I or my wife was expecting, but I feel lucky to have the opportunity to facilitate a great experience for the players in our league. We are all lucky to still have enough skill and energy to play this game at such a competitive level.

 

What are some things you want to continue from the past commissioner?

Over the last year, I have had some amazing conversations with Dan Tupper about where the Federal League started, how we got to where it is now and some ideas for the future. Dan is an absolute wealth of knowledge for our league, and I am glad I can still call on him to get his perspective as I step into this new role. The Hall of Fame is the number one thing I would like to push and incentivize moving forward. There are so many people in the Federal League that have an incredible history and baseball story. Every time I join a post-game (hopefully I can join one from every team this year), I feel like I hear stories about the great work someone does for their community, the youth programs in the area or just how devoted someone is to the game of baseball. I really want to promote those people in our league and give them a reason to tell people, "I am a Federal League Hall of Famer."

 

What is your vision for the future of the Federal League?

I'll be the first one to tell you I don't have all the answers. I want to make sure the league as a whole knows I am listening. There is a push and pull from every angle and I want to find that sweet spot whenever I can. I won't be able to please everyone, but I will make sure you have my ear. More directly, I would like to provide the best playing experience for the most people. If that means there is an appetite to change the league format, I will look into it. If that means we lengthen the season, I'll see what that looks like on paper. If we want to switch to a 13 inch softball and start using ghost runners.... Nah, I'm out on that one. All that being said, I don't intend to make quick or rash changes because of a vocal minority, but if there is merit to some interesting ideas, I will show it the light of day and see if it grows. 

 

One of the biggest complaints with the FED is the lack of competitive balance. How do you plan to address competitive balance across teams?

This is probably the number one comment about the Federal League right now.  I am reminded of a line in my favorite book called "The Wise Man's Fear" and in it, there's a conversation: “Look at that. Why would I ever want to win a game such as this?” I looked down at the board. “The point isn’t to win?” I asked. “The point,” Bredon said grandly, “is to play a beautiful game.” He lifted his hands and shrugged, his face breaking into a beatific smile. “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” I don't believe teams in our league want to win by 20 runs. I know teams don't want to lose by 20 runs. My question to teams, did you win that game the right way? Are you stealing when up 8 runs? Are you bunting to break up a no hitter? Are you playing your A squad into the 5^th inning of a blowout game? I think generally everyone is trying to play a beautiful game. I hope that is true at least. 

The Federal League is a slow moving machine. Each team has their core. Each team will lose a player or 2 each year. Each team picks up a few players. Mostly, it's word of mouth on the skill of a new player. "I know a guy from work..." "He hit .450 back in high school and wants to pick it back up..." "I saw him throw a tennis ball for his dog and he is a natural!" There is no feeder program for most teams. We have a great free agent list, and hopefully teams are pulling from that. I think it is the responsibility of the managers and players to put together and recruit a team that can compete. The next Randy Johnson isn't going to show up at your door!  I think this will lead us into the next question...

There is talk of other league formats that could help with the balance of the league.  These ideas are in the executive board conversations and are being explored. More on this later in the year. 

 

How will you handle issues related to sportsmanship, below standard ballparks, poaching players from other FED teams and the "Sunday" conflict?

Let's go down that list and I'll give my gut reaction:

1. Sportsmanship - We are unpaid, 35+ adults playing a children's game, with injuries only seconds away, and jobs or commitments far more pressing outside of the diamond. Please have some perspective about what is important. 
2. Fields - I want every team to step on their home (and away) field and ask if I am proud to spend the next 2 hours on this field. There will be some gray area here, but if the answer is no or kinda not really... it's time to find a new field. I know scheduling fields can be hard. I know we all fall into the path of least resistance. Reach out and maybe there are resources in the league to get you access to that premier field or maybe you need fundraising opportunities to afford that better field. Either way, nobody wants to show up to a field that is sub-standard. 
3. Poaching - I don't have a great answer here. I honestly need more actual stories with all the gory details to better form a mindset on it. But what I will say is that I want to play on a team with people I like being around, on a field I take pride in playing on, and playing a game the way I am proud to play it. Players, find that team and clutch it as tight as you can because some of the best moments in my life are around those teammates. Managers, BE that team. Give your players a great field to play on. Give them teammates that support and mesh with each other. Make those post games something everyone wants to stick around for. Cut loose the bad apples if need be. You may not have the "best" players, but if you form a team around a great group of people, talent will find its way to that group. 
4. Sunday's - The Federal League is an "all week" league. It is up to the managers of each team to figure out a time and a place to play their prescribed games. That being said, I have seen the lack of flexibility from teams, and it is frustrating to say the least. I can't speak for everyone and all the combinations of activities, vacations, or other various life events that affect us during the summer. Sunday evenings are generally when most games are scheduled. That is why we have 25/30 roster spots. If you or your team has guys that play in other leagues, then you need more people on the roster that aren't occupied during those times. I might point you to our ever-growing list of free agents located on our website.

 

You seem to be motivated to visit multiple games/fields throughout the season, is that to help foster positive relationships with team owners, players?

As I said above, being around all the personalities of the Fed has been quite fun for me. I like seeing the on field dynamic of teams.  Are they serious? Are they joking and laughing at each other? How do they react to pressure or mistakes? Baseball is a drama just waiting to unfold!  

 

How do you envision the league evolving in terms of expansion? 

Expansion can be good and bad. It has to enhance the experience of the league. We play 18 games a year and scheduling that many games can be hard for some teams. Expansion to get more games is probably not what we are looking for. Expansion to lock in divisions could be a good thing. Expansion to fill geographic voids could be good. It really is a case-by-case basis and in the end, it needs to be a net benefit for the league. 

 

What are some issues or projects you are personally excited about for the Federal League?

1. Fundraising - Supplementing league fees with income from fundraising opportunities, we can potentially open up quite a few doors such as...
2. Playoff Fields - I would love to get the championship games on more premier fields.  CHS field or Sebert or you name it for our season finale. We need money to do it. See above. 
3. Hall of Fame - I want the Federal league to showcase and honor those who have been inducted in the Hall of Fame. Something you can take your family to and show them it's not just a game, it's a community. 
4. Formalized tournament teams - Cooperstown, AZ, Roy Hobbs Etc. Not sure how this would impact those teams that already go, but it could be fun to open it to a wider variety of players from the league. 
5. Off Season Activities - Hittrax League, Pitching League (think axe throwing type league), open cage sessions, group events like a Twins game (I like Saints games better because I can heckle the other team from anywhere), brewery meetups, Etc. 

 

What strategies do you have for growing the Federal League amongst the Minnesota baseball audience?

Now that Townball seems to have more and more of a following, it would be great to piggyback on some of their outreach. The podcasts and other online resources would be great things to get some of our personalities on. The FedUp! Podcast obviously has been incredible for our league and I hope to see more and more come from that! I'll get out there and start shaking more hands as The Mayor. 

 

Between you and your "four?" baseball teams, how will you find the time to be a steady presence for the league?

The Federal League is my home for the majority of my baseball needs! The competition and structure of the Fed is perfect for my phase of life. I love pitching but hitting honestly has been my interest these days. I never was a very good hitter in town ball and now I am looking at it as a challenge that I can work on. As a coach, I always told my players that you have to earn the title "Pitcher". Until then, you're just a thrower. I am looking at hitting that way now. Maybe someday I can be called a "Batter".

All that being said, I wore eight different jerseys on the field last year. I really hope to beat that this year! Don't tell my family.

Thank you to everyone in the Federal League that is making it a great place to play baseball. I am excited to see all of you out on the field. Good luck this season!

Interview by Lars Larson

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NO HITTERS (ALMOST)

It's usually common from Little Leagues all the way to the MLB for Pitchers to be out ahead of batters this time of the season. Most guys are still shaking cobwebs off their bat bags, and that was evident on Opening Day when the league saw one five inning no-hitter and two “almost" no-hitters. 

Derek Pfeffer on Opening Day in the cold sounds tough, add in a rebuilt Veseli roster and yikes - Pfeffer went five innings giving up no hits, no runs and struck out six in five innings. You can debate on Twitter if five innings should be counted as a “real” no-hitter. But it wasn’t Pfeffer’s fault the Hurricanes offense put up ten runs on the Vulcans to end the game before the sun went down. Pffeffer also helped his own cause going 2-2 with a double and two runs batted in.

The new Bulldogs squad with a combination of former Lakeville Lobos and Burnsville Bulldogs were a pre-season favorite for the Class AAA title, and the strength of the pitching staff showed up on Opening Day in a tilt at Lonsdale. Ye olde Federal League faithful Jamie Steinberg got the start going three innings giving up one hit and striking out three, “new” recruit Nate Cousins took over for two innings also giving up one hit and fanning three led the Bulldogs to a five inning 13-0 win over the Jokers. If it wasn’t for Lonsdale’s Nate Anderson who went 2-2 on the day, the Bulldogs could have had a no-no to announce their presence with authority in their first franchise game.

As if the Grays need more to celebrate but the Minnoka pitching was stellar as they were two outs away from an Opening Day seven inning no hitter. Jack Nelson got the start striking out six in four innings, giving up no hits to start the year out firing flames. Mark Von Ruden came in just as effective striking out four in three innings, but in the bottom of the seventh with one out, a hot grounder in between third and short from Andy Bertram broke up the no-no in River Falls. Great effort from Minnoka pitching who finished the game with only one hit allowed in a 15-0 win. 

A common theme in all these games is the offenses provided support while the pitchers can relax and just go to work. Even though we are almost a month in now - some Fed teams have yet to play a game and wouldn’t be surprised if more of these pitching performances pop up around the league before June.

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NOTES & SCRIBBLES

• Lots of early surprises; St Michael taking down St Louis Park, Eden Prairie almost beating the Minnetonka Saints, Saint Paul JTs are 3-0, South Metro is finally living up to expectations are also 3-0. Great start to the season for lots of teams looking to move up this summer. Love it for competitive balance and fresh looks. Hopefully the trend can continue. 
• Not only did Dan Tupper step down as President, CT Harris stepped down as treasurer. The position was filled by Joey Olson of the Minnoka Grays. 
• We hope to have an exit interview published with Dan Tupper next issue.
• For the record Joe Perzel of the Minnetonka Saints is still alive and active in baseball.
• Congratulations to Cannon Valley on getting their first win beating Milltown 5-1. 
• The new Bulldog uniforms for Lakeville are great - much improved.
• I have no idea when Fed Up! will broadcast again, hopefully soon.
• D&J Glove Repair will have a table at the All Star Game and during the first round of the playoffs. Other baseball businesses interested in working with the Federal League, please contact us.

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FREE AGENT CHECKUP

Lets check up on the organic Free Agents that were picked up this season in the FED and see how they are doing.


Dan Vievering (St Croix) 3 Games - .333, 2 Hits, Run, RBI, BB
Joe Halvarson (Capital City) 2 Games - .500
Cody Stebbins (St Michael) 2 Games - .500, Run, RBI, 2 SB, BB
Zach Kunesh (Veseli) 3 Games - .500, Run, 2 RBI, BB
Bryan Hendricks (Veseli) 3 Games - 1-1, 5 IP, 1 GS, 9.00 ERA, 2K, 2BB
James Gerbino (St Paul) 1 Game - .100, Run, 3 BB / 0-0, 3IP, 1 GS, 3.00 ERA, 3K, 3BB
Kyle Kemble (St Anthony) 1 Game - .667, 2 Hits