The talk in the offseason was that the Federal League is getting a little too “top heavy” and hey, some guys are into that - kidding - but I think this past post season could make a case that from top down that the Federal League is competitive at all levels, okay, we had too classes repeat with Apple Valley and St Michael, but Rosemount knocked off Minnoka and down on their luck Lonsdale won their last game of the year. I All brackets gave us some great baseball. 

The debate will continue and talk of relegation will make its annual appearance at the upcoming Town Hall Talk and Winter Meeting in February, but whatever happens next season we are here to celebrate the Champions of 2026 - the year of green and gold. 

We reminisce back to July with managers Ken Fry (Rosemount), Josh Stoll (Apple Valley), Mark Worms (St Michael) and Brett Westerman (Lonsdale) about finishing the season on top.


What was it like to win a Championship? (For Apple Valley and St Michael - to win it again...)

Ken Fry - It was great!  We've won several championships in past leagues, including the AA State (top bracket) back in the day, but with as competitive as this league has become, this one takes the cake!! 

Josh Stoll - Each of our last three championship runs has been unique, and there’s something to appreciate about every one of them. In 2024, we had to battle all the way back through the bracket after dropping our first game. This year, we never trailed. Getting to share those experiences with the same core group of guys, while bringing some new faces into the mix, makes it special.

I think you remember the moments along the way even more than the celebration at the end. But there’s certainly something special about finishing your season on a winning streak—and having a championship to show for it.

Mark Worms - It's a good feeling to validate the work the team puts in, and a goal to strive for further progress.

Brett Westerman - The guys were a little bummed to be in the B league, but we were thankful to get more weekends of baseball. No bronze busts planned in Lonsdale for this yet...we'll see. 

Looking back at the final out, what was the very first thought or emotion that flashed through your head?

Ken Fry - Thank god! With only a 2-run lead against the top team in the league the past 2 or 3 seasons, I did not want to give the Grays an inch.

Josh Stoll - The final out was actually a hot shot hit right at me down the third-base line by Jake Skovbroten of the Tonka Bay Lakers, so my first emotion was relief that I made the play! After that, it was just pride in our guys and their ability to come together as a team and accomplish a common goal.

Mark Worms - Honestly, relief! We had a couple guys missing for the Championship Game, and then during the game had 3 guys go down with injuries, against a team that kept clawing back. Relief, to not have to face an additional game.

Brett Westerman - Let's get a picture and crack some beers! 


3. What was the turning point during the season or playoffs that gave your team confidence you could win it all?

Ken Fry - After a few tough losses, the second win vs Mammoth was a good confidence boost. In the play-in game, we came out on top against Lakeville, then caught fire the rest of the way. After the Hastings game and the way we were playing, our confidence really took hold.

Josh Stoll - We’ve always had AAA confidence. With the pitching we have, we feel like we can beat anybody on any given day. So if we’re talking about when we started thinking about a AA championship run, I’d have to say it was immediately after Elko spanked us in the play-in game!

Mark Worms - The way our playoff format is, any team can really win their bracket, as long as you get your core group of players, some timely hitting, decent defense, and pitching.  But if you drop into the loser's bracket, pitching depth is absolutely key! Both the last two years we've been relatively lucky to have our core show up for the playoffs, and not fall into the loser's bracket.

Brett Westerman - Probably a "damn...we're in the B division. Welp...Let's go win this fucker!" 

4. What player really stepped up in the postseason for your team?

Ken Fry - Ryan Walker, Matt Tschida, Rick Tossey and Derek Jacobson all hit over .500. Tossey hits bombs! Cliff Christopherson was absolutely dominate on the mound.

Josh Stoll - Pat DeLaHunt had six hits in four games and threw a complete game in the championship. Tim Scott earned wins against two really good teams with strong outings despite not being at 100 percent.

It went well beyond those two, though. Chris Reese, Reggie Stevens, Tony Schaefer, and Aaron Baumgartner helped anchor our defense. Bob Stefani and Brian Slipka swung hot bats, and Scott Pitzenberger delivered a clutch pinch-hit extra-base hit in the championship. A lot of guys had their fingerprints on this run.

Mark Worms - Will Hervin was voted our team playoff MVP.  After starting the year 1-20, he nearly had as many hits in the playoffs as he did the entire season going 10-15, and 4-5 in the Championship Game alone.

Brett Westerman - Drake Otto was a great addition. As well as Dave Germar. Both first year Jokers and made meaningful contributions as players and good dudes. 

5. Any unsung heroes you want to also give credit too?



Ken Fry - Derek Jacobson was brought on to primarily pitch for us, but he caught fire at the plate and despite having a full roster during state, we couldn't justify not having him in the lineup those final games. The reality is that everyone contributed, big or small, during state. Total team wins with great chemistry.  

Josh Stoll - Our bat boy and lucky charm, Nolan, deserves some credit—we were undefeated in games he joined us for! I also want to recognize guys like Brian Stangl, Tyler Nawrocki, Sean Lindquist, Bryan Cogswell, Nate Bren and so many others who show up with a great attitude and give their best in whatever role the team needs that day. That willingness to contribute, whatever it looks like, is a big part of what makes this group successful.

Mark Worms - I wouldnt say unsung, but Bryan McCallum and Shawn Motl both deserve a lot of credit. They were our workhorses. Because we were able to stay on the Winners side of the bracket, we only needed to use these two arms.  Both not only had strong performances on the mound, but contributed with their bats as well, all season.  

Brett Westerman - Mitch Migler - he's "the straw that stirs the drink" - lots of laughs, on-the field contributions, and positivity from him. 
 

6. What sticks out or what is different about this team that is different from other squads you had?

Ken Fry - Commitment. We've had very strong rosters in the past but struggled to get numbers at state. We had 17 or 18 guys and that made all the difference in the world.

Josh Stoll - Our culture is strong, and we expect to win every game we play. Those things have been part of this team for a while, but when we have our guys together, the belief in ourselves and one another is stronger than it’s ever been.

Mark Worms - We really have a good group of guys, and that's nothing against prior teams. Guys want to be here, want to improve, and get along.  We may not win many parking lots, with some guys' work schedules, but it's a nice change from a few years where we would struggle to field enough for a game, and then immediately scatter after the game. Guys wanting to help with the field work also doesn't go unnoticed.

Brett Westerman - Our regular season kind of sucked...so that was newer to us. But we still had a blast! 


7. The Champagne has been popped, it's going into Fall now - what's your team's goal for next season?

Ken Fry - Biggest goal is to REPEAT! Also to be a little more consistent during league play. Aside from maybe adding some pitching, we will roll with the same guys in 2027. 

Josh Stoll - Win the division and dethrone the Pipers! Winning AAA has been our goal for a few years now, but we haven’t consistently played the baseball we need to play from May through July to put ourselves in that position.

We’re adding a few pieces for 2027, and some of our guys are reaching a point where they’ll have fewer demands competing for their time. We’re proud of three straight AA championships, but we’re ready to set the bar higher and take that next step.

Mark Worms - We were a bubble AA team this season and due to tie breakers we were seeded into the A bracket. I'd say that contending in the AA Bracket is definitely a goal of ours next season.

Brett Westerman - Replenish with some 30-somethings. Our recruiting efforts are bearing fruit - expect some new faces to replace us older guys. 

8. Anything else you want to add, shoutout a player, share some stats, tell a small story, anything you wish to share. 



Ken Fry - The Pipers are appreciative of all the hard work the board (including Cliff, I guess) puts into making this the best league in the state. Also, shout out to Josh Stoll and Kris Minor with the Fed Up Podcast. Looking forward to 2027! League MVP.....Mike Fritz w/ the Tap Wagon and Tap Society!  

Josh Stoll - I’m grateful for this league and everyone who makes it what it is. It’s a great community, and I love having the opportunity to keep playing competitive baseball.

I also want to thank you, Lars. Your work was a big part of what drew us to the Fed in the first place. Features like this are fun to read and help us get to know the players and teams around the league. Congratulations to all the other champions—we’re already counting down to April!

Brett Westerman - JOKERS 4 LIFE!!!

\\\
 

FEDERAL LEAGUE TOWN HALL

The new Commissioner Cliff Christopherson is hosting a Federal League Town Hall at the new Federal League Hall of Fame at Tap Society on Monday November 2nd. He will be taking questions from Federal Leaguers in attendance, go over the season, all while drinking from the taps and eating cheese curds. All managers, players and fans are welcome to attend.

Hopefully - Cliff? - that the new Federal League Hall of Fame will be up and running in time for its debut at the Town Hall. 

If you want to submit a question for the Town Hall please do so HERE

Federal League Town Hall with Cliff Christopherson
Monday November 2nd, 2026
Doors: 6:30 PM
Start: 7:00 PM

Federal League Hall of Fame at Tap Society
4555 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419

\\\
 

TRAVEL TIME



It’s that time of year when lucky Minnesotans pack up their bat bags and head south for a destination tournament and a week or weekend of baseball. We’re not even into the heart of travel baseball season yet, and Minnesota can already claim a title! The Minnesota Web Gems won the NABA 45+ World Series in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Web Gems got off to a sluggish start, finishing pool play at 2-3. But once the playoffs began, they turned things around. As the No. 4 seed, they knocked off the top-seeded So Cal Yaquis 5-3 in the semifinals before upsetting the No. 2 seed, NW Tribe, 15-8 in the championship game to take home the title. Congratulations to the Web Gems, who had a handful of Federal Leaguers on the roster!

The rest of the tournaments get underway this week and next. Staying in Arizona, the Minnesota Lumberjacks will compete in the 40+ World Series, a tournament they won last season. The Lumberjacks feature several East Metro Mammoth players, along with former Federal League Lumberjacks from a previous era. No doubt they’ll be among the favorites to repeat in the desert.

The following week, the Minnoka Grays will head to Phoenix for their sixth appearance in the 35+ World Series. The Grays won it all in 2023, finished as runners-up in 2024 and reached the Final Four last year. We wish both teams the best of luck as they look to bring home more hardware from the Southwest!

Meanwhile, Florida appears to be the popular destination for Minnesota teams this fall as the Roy Hobbs Baseball Tournament kicks off this week with the 35+ Veterans division. The Minnesota Web Gems will take their winning ways to Fort Myers, while the Minnesota Brewers—a mashup of Federal League, Park National and TCMABL players—will make their Roy Hobbs debut. The Web Gems previously won the Roy Hobbs AAAA Veterans title in 2023.

Next up are the 45+ divisions, featuring three Minnesota clubs: the Minnesota Catfish, Minnesota Diamonds and Minnesota Bandits. The Catfish and Diamonds have rosters loaded with Federal Leaguers, making them a couple of teams worth keeping an eye on.

Last but not least, the 53+ division features four Minnesota teams: the Minneapolis Millers, Minnesota Bandits, Minnesota Angels and HPK Oilers. Best of luck to all the teams competing in Fort Myers. Enjoy the sunshine, the beaches and, of course, the baseball!

There’s no mention this fall of the Minnesota Blenders, and the rumor mill suggests Dan Tupper once again took a team to the Legends of Baseball Tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Tupper has won the LOB Tournament twice, but we’re not sure how his team fared this past September.

Finally, if you’re reading this and thinking you’d like to get in on some warm-weather baseball yourself, Casey Conner is looking for 40+ players to join him in Rocky Point, Mexico, for the Minne-Sonara Cup Baseball Tournament, scheduled for January 15–17, 2027.

This small tournament features Minnesota players taking on teams from Mexico at the legendary Francisco Leon Garcia Stadium. And if baseball isn’t enough to convince you, the event also includes a music festival and a golf tournament. What more could you want in a vacation?

Interested in playing or looking for more information? Contact Casey Conner at cconner24@gmail.com.

\\\


BASEBALL WEEKLY 2026 MVP GOES TO JOEY OLSON
 

I know I can already hear the cries of “favoritism” from the Federal mob, but hear me out. Joey Olson put together one of the most impressive offensive seasons in Federal League history while leading the Minnoka Grays to an 18-1 record and their sixth division title. Let’s geek out over the numbers for a second.

Olson led the league in seven categories: batting average (.685, a new Federal League single-season record), runs (37), hits (37), stolen bases (18), on-base percentage (.750), slugging percentage (1.000) and OPS (1.750). He finished second in RBIs with 26, trailing his teammate Matt Johnson, who had 31. Olson also ranked second in doubles (8), triples (3) and walks (15), and added a home run for good measure.

What makes these numbers even crazier? Joey did most of this damage batting leadoff for the Grays. And thanks to the Grays’ lopsided wins throughout much of the season, he put up those numbers in fewer innings played. Not impressed yet? Let’s add a few more items to the report card.

And when he wasn’t busy flying around the bases at Castle Field, he was busy making life miserable for opposing hitters. Joey is a hard working blue collar infielder, and between him and his brother-in-law, Dan Skog, at shortstop, the Grays might just have the highest baseball IQ infield in the league.

Need more? This past offseason, Olson was elected to the Federal League Board and took over as Treasurer. Usually, being the league’s tax man doesn’t win you many popularity contests, but Joey remains a favorite among managers and players alike. He also helped bring the Fed into the 21st century by introducing a simpler way to pay league fees and make donations online. No more checks in the mail or cash stuffed into envelopes!

Still need convincing? When Lars Larson stepped aside as Grays manager this past season for personal reasons, Joey took over full-time and handled the daily headaches of running a competitive Federal League team. That meant contacting players, updating rosters, policing text chains, debating lineups, throwing batting practice, dragging a mean infield and all while trying to focus on his own game.

Finally, whether it was a stroke of genius or simply offseason boredom, Joey also spearheaded the introduction of a new league-wide baseball from Diamond featuring the Federal League logo. Hopefully, that settles the great Rawlings-versus-Diamond debate once and for all.

So, congratulations to Joey Olson, the 2026 Federal League MVP!

(MVP based on Regular Season stats and results, past winners include Tom Corcoran in 2025.)

Writing & Photos by Lars Larson