Riley Gruetzmacher will go from Memorial Field in Oconto Falls to the mound of Miller Park in Milwaukee.
The 2015 Oconto Falls High School graduate was recently selected as one of 54 players to play at the state American Legion All-Star game Aug. 9.
“I go to a lot of Brewer games and I always have told myself I wanted to pitch on that mound,” Gruetzmacher said. “I might get a chance to now. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
He also will get an inside look at the stadium built in 2001. He has never been in the stadium’s locker rooms or on the field.
“I guess I am going to be given a whole tour of the entire stadium when I get there,” he said.
In eight Legion games this summer, Gruetzmacher has allowed three earned runs through 43 2/3 innings, giving him a meager 0.48 earned run average. Additionally, he has amassed 68 strikeouts compared to nine walks.
“Riley has pitched extremely well for us this summer,” Falls coach Chris Hillberg said. “He gives us the opportunity to win when he is on the mound. He has anchored our pitching staff this summer.”
In addition to a 10-strikeout, no-hit performance in the season opener at Shawano, Gruetzmacher has produced three double-digit strikeout games this season.
On June 17, he fanned 12 Shawano hitters, walked none and allowed a hit and a walk. A week later, he struck out 11, walked one and allowed two hits in a complete game shutout against the Appleton Doubledays. His most recent double-digit appearance came July 12 against Menominee, where he struck out 12, walked two and allowed one earned run on two hits.
Gruetzmacher cited multiple people for his recent success, including Hillberg and OFHS varsity baseball coach Charlie Rochon.
“I have had a lot of people that have helped me a lot, coaches, family and friends,” Gruetzmacher said.
While he is grateful for the support, he hopes for bigger things in the future. He will attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the fall and plans to continue playing baseball, hopefully someday as a pro.
“It feels great to finally be able to realize my potential and get better at (the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater),” Gruetzmacher said. “But I hope the Miller Park thing is more than a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
