Hoffmann adjusting to new roles in minors

By JIM BASTIAN

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- Jamie Hoffmann now knows where he will be starting out his professional baseball career.

After an extended spring training, Hoffmann has been assigned to the Gulf Coast Dodgers, an "A" farm club with the Dodgers.

"I expected the rookie ball -- I am going to a low rookie ball -- there is a higher rookie ball in Ogden (Utah)," he said. "I am happy. I can't be disappointed. I am here and having a good time playing baseball. I am still young."

Hoffmann has been hitting either first or second in the batting order in extended spring training but does not know if he will hit in those spots with the Gulf Coast Dodgers.

He added that hitting in the first or second spot "involves more base running. You need to get on base so the players after you can drive you in."

When Hoffmann does get on base, he is a good bet to steal and succeed being successful on 10-of-11 steal attempts in extended spring training.

On defense, Hoffmann has been playing exclusively third base

"They really did not worry about numbers," Hoffmann said, who is 6-foot 3 and now weighs 220 pounds. "They just want you to go out and improve yourself. They said that they will worry about numbers later on."

Power is also not a concern right now. "As you progress, power is what shows up the latest. I have extra base hits but I have not hit a home run yet."

Early in extended spring training, Hoffmann was having some arm trouble so he went to the pitching coach there and asked him for help.

"My arm was getting sore early so I played catch with him one day. He showed me what I was doing wrong. He said that your natural arm motion is a circle, so if you can get your arm going in a circle the whole time, get on top of the ball, it is easier on your arm. He also told me that I should use my legs more when I throw."

He added that movement up and down in the minors is an every day happening. "They made 90 player moves in two months on our team. You can go up or down anytime."

GANSKE STARTS AT DARTMOUTH: The Friends of Dartmouth Football Newsletter said that Charles Ganske, a junior from New Ulm, has earned the starting fullback spot for the Big Green team this fall.

NEW ULM EAGLE GOLF TOURNAMENT TUESDAY: If you want to play golf for a good cause, Tuesday is the New Ulm Eagle Golf Tournament at the New Ulm Country Club. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. with a shot gun start at noon. Cost is $80 which includes green and golf cart fees, a dinner and eligibilty to win prizes. Proceeds will go to buy equipment for activities and fine arts. For more info, call Mark Woodbury.

MATHIOWETZ TO PLAY IN LION'S ALL-STAR GAME: Matt Mathiowetz of Sleepy Eye St. Mary's has been chosen to play in the Lion's All-Star baseball game as a member of the Southern All-Stars. Games will be played on Friday and Saturday, June 25th and 26th at Chaska.

The Southern team will play at 4:30 on Friday against the Metro East, at 10 a.m. on Saturday against the Metro West before playing again on Saturday at 4:30 against the North All-Stars. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children with the proceeds going to the Lion's Children's Eye Clinic at the Universiy of Minnesota.

CHARGERS HAVE GREAT SEASON: MVL baseball coach Jeff Schoenherr went into Thursday's Class 2A state tournament with an attitude that "I was going to come here and enjoy the state tournament. And I did -- I really enjoyed it."

It was MVL's first-ever trip to the state tournament.

"I think that our team played awesome defense and our pitching was there. We just did not get the hits when we needed them."

MVL will lose only two seniors in center fielder Andy Beilke and left fielder Dusty Lendt for next year, which means that the Chargers will be looking for a second straight trip to the state.

"This experience will carry over into next year," Schoenherr said. "I don't see how this cannot. This was an awesome experience for these kids. I know that they will want to come back here. I look up in the stands and I see all the young kids here -- they will also want to play in a state baseball tournament for MVL. This will only benefit the program."

KNUJ NIGHT WEDNESDAY: Wednesday, June 23 is "KNUJ Night" at Johnson Park when the New Ulm Brewers host Essig at 8 p.m. Prizes courtesy of KNUJ Radio and Schells Brewery will be drawn for each inning. You can also have your picture taken with Jess Roiger by bringing your camera. And KNUJ Sports Director Tom Wheeler has said that he will take on all comers in a hot dog eating contest. One "surprise" entrant has accepted Wheeler's challenge.

Also, KSTP's Jason Davis will have his "On The Road Show" at the park that night and will be in attendance at the game.