Entering the 2010 season, the Sartell Muskies returned a deep and power-laden lineup which also excelled defensively during a successful 2009 season. Pitching was a concern, however, due to the retirement of ace starter Dave Schlangen.
The concern was unfounded, however, as the team produced a number of accomplishments, including…
- a .706 winning percentage (24-10), best of the wood bat era
- champions of the 8-team Omann Insurance Invite tournament
- 1st place in the National Division with a 12-6 record
- 1st place in the National Division playoffs
- champions of the Region 10C tournament, going 3-0 and outscoring opponents 19 to 1
- qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 2006
The Muskies had high hopes for the 2010 state tournament, but lost 6-3 to the Big Lake White Caps in their opening game.
Travis Weaver and Adam Wenker led the pitching staff, together working 60% of the total innings. Weaver tossed 85 2/3 innings while compiling a 2.42 ERA. Wenker worked 86 innings with a 2.09 ERA. Both pitchers won 8 games and both tossed 2 complete game shutouts. Wenker, a pitcher at St. John’s University, also played regularly in the infield, contributing excellent defense and a .387 on-base percentage.
The offense had a number of strong performers. Cleanup hitter Jake Sweeter led the team with 6 homers and 38 RBI, while posting a .922 OPS. Infielder Brian Schellinger hit for a .390 batting average. Josh Rathbun (.323 average, 5 HR, .871 OPS) and Adam Schellinger (.297 average, 4 HR, .846 OPS) also had strong seasons.
Outfielder Tim Burns had a modest season by his high standards, but still led the team in runs scored (36) and stolen bases (21). He hit 4 homers with .368 average and a .971 OPS. Shortstop Michael Carlson (Concordia College) had a phenomenal season while playing part-time. He hit for .447 batting average and 1.118 OPS in 12 games.
Other members of the team were catcher Luke Sweeter, outfielders Dan Gaughan, Dan O'Connell, and Nate Strenge, utility player Ryan Czarnetski, and pitchers Randy Beckstrom, Cole Jenkins (2 wins), Pete Johnson, and Shawn Schoen.
The Muskies also received 2 appearances from pitcher David Deminsky before he was drafted in the 44th round by the Minnesota Twins. Deminsky made 10 starts in the minors this year, posting a 3-3 record and a 3.36 ERA.
Complete 2010 stats, individual player information, and the team record book can be found on this website.
The Muskies were managed by Randy Beckstrom for the 5th consecutive season. Beckstrom has compiled a 120-63 record in his 2nd stint as Muskies Manager.
