Local team Orange Crush measures success in teamwork

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Orange Crush 3It’s baseball season, and if you’ve driven by Toni Stone Stadium (1221 Marshall Ave.), it’s likely you’ll see the bright orange jerseys of the Orange Crush baseball team.

Photo left: Tommy Freberg gets a “hi-five” from Coach Matt Dehne after a successful inning.

Orange Crush is a 14-Under baseball team playing for the St. Paul RBI program and also participating in various baseball tournaments. Coached by Matt Dehne, Todd Johnson, and Jim King, the team has been together for several years, and often enjoys success in their tournaments.

Orange Crush 1The boys developed their love of baseball by playing for the Midway Ball program in St Paul. They love playing together, particularly when the focus is more about developing the player and ensuring all the members play every game, instead of the number of wins on record.

Photo right: Photo right: Tommy Freberg, Midway resident and Como Park High School student receives coaching advice from Head Coach Matt Dehne.

“When the coaches focus on the subs on the bench, then we know the team will be successful,” commented Maureen Freberg, mother of player Tommy Freberg. “A team can only be as strong as the back-up players. I love when this team makes every player feel they are an integral part of the success of the team.”

Orange Crush 2Photo left: Midway resident, Tommy Freberg and the Orange Crush team, receiving last-minute advice from Billy Peterson, before traveling to Omaha for a tournament.

The team has received support over the years from Billy Peterson, loyal baseball enthusiast and volunteer for the St. Paul Municipal Athletics. Peterson maintains the Midway baseball field and Dunning Toni Stone Stadium. The team met with Peterson for encouragement just before traveling to Omaha for the Battle of Omaha baseball tournament. The team placed fourth in the tournament, and recently placed first in the PHDbaseball University Classic wood bat tournament.

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