Official Guide to Delano 2020 | Page 35

diamond. The veterans on the team include infi elders Adam Schleper, Nate Norman and Matt Carson. The veteran outfi elders re- turning in 2020 are Adam Jaunich, Brady Miller, Jeff Althoff and Toby Hanson. James Otto is the returning catcher. Vet- eran Ryan Hayes is a designated hitter. Steve Eilen is back at the helm in his 37th season as manager. There is a lot of talent in the pool of younger players. Some of those players saw time in 2019. Max Otto and Cade Lommel are two young pitchers who will be called upon to eat up innings. Tucker Hart is a second-year infi elder, and Reno Bredahl is a second-year outfi elder. The rookies are catcher Tanner Kroells, infi elder Robbie Knight, and outfi elder Jack Kvasnicka. State History The A’s have played in the state tournament 23 times, including the 2018 tournament in Shakopee. The A’s lost 2-0 to Lake City in the fi rst round. The most memorable came in 1988, when Delano won the Class C championship. The A’s defeated current North Star League foe Maple Plain in the title game. Delano’s Dave Ditty was the tournament MVP. The state-tournament win in 1988 moved Delano up to Class B, where it played through the 2010 season. The A’s moved back to Class C at the start of the 2011 season. The win in 1988 remains as the A’s only state title, but it was not the only season in which they played in the fi nal game of the season. Delano fi nished second in 1941 (A), 1942 (A), and 1971 (B). A’s History Delano’s town team is known as the Athletics now, but the team has also played under the monikers “Millers” and “Colts”. The Millers went to the state tournament in 1930, 1932, 1935; and the Colts went in 1940, 1941 (2nd place), and 1942 (2nd). Adam Schleper puts the ball in play during the 2019 season. Schleper is a veteran player for the Delano Athletics in the North Star League. With a strong bat, Schleper’s value comes in his ability to play anywhere in the fi eld. PHOTO BY MATT KANE �� � �� � ����� ��������������������� ���������������� ��������� ������ �������������� �������� �������� ������������� �������� ���������� ��������� �������������� ������������ �������� ������ ����� DelanoHeraldJournal.com/guide | 35 |