Ace starter Jimmy Bartsch led Hermantown to an 18-3 victory over Duluth Denfeld in both team's 2024 prep baseball season openers Wednesday afternoon at historic Wade Stadium in West Duluth. He scattered three hits in two innings of work, and helped his cause with three hits and three RBIs. The Hawks are also led by junior catcher River Freeman, one of the state's top prospects.
Rather than simply documenting a pregame entrance, photog Oliver Tran captures the excitement, focus and anticipation that define one of the game's most emotional moments. The photograph invites viewers onto the field alongside the players as they prepare to compete in front of their home crowd.
Stella Maris Academy pitcher Caroline Anderson led her young and talented team against Carlton-Wrenshall today.
Abby Skelly of Grand Rapids is mobbed by teammates at home plate after clubbing a long home run over the left field fence against Duluth Denfeld on Wednesday afternoon in a Lake Superior Conference game at Dick Swanson Fields outside Wade Stadium.
Another photo (above) snapped by Howie has been selected as Photo of the Month by Editor & Publisher. More photos taken by Howie of West Duluth activities:
Plante has already given UMD a great season, another Hobey and a place back among the country’s serious programs. What he has not yet delivered is the one thing that would separate his Bulldogs career from nearly every other individual masterpiece.
The Bulldogs’ championship window is open because they have Max Plante, high-end talent and unusual roster continuity. It is believable because Sandelin is still standing behind the bench.
Championship opportunities are temporary, particularly now. Max Plante will not remain at UMD forever. Neither will Zam Plante, Shaugabay or Hanson. Professional hockey will come calling, and the roster eventually will be pulled apart by the realities of the sport.
Through his first two varsity seasons, Swanson has amassed 49 goals, 68 assists and 117 points. He will enter his junior season as a centerpiece of a Bluejackets program expected to contend for another deep postseason run.
