Jeff Hoen was named field manager of the Belle Plaine Tigers on December 21, 2023. He succeeds Jason Ladd, who compiled a 33-25 (.569) record across the 2022 and 2023 seasons – including a 7-6 (.539) mark in the playoffs.

Q1: What is your background in baseball as a player, coach, and fan, and what are some of your highlights and favorite memories? 

I played high school ball in Norwood and played for the Cologne Hollanders town team for a few years. I have coached both of my boys at different times during their careers. I have been a fan forever, with my earliest memories of watching my older brothers play for their teams. Favorite memories: I got to watch my brothers and my boys play in the (high school) state tournament in St. Cloud.

Q2: Who are some of the most impactful baseball coaches you have had in your life – whether playing for them or coaching with them – and what did you learn? 

All of them were impactful! From my dad, to Gary Lembke, Tom Doysher and Craig Pexa. I have also learned a lot from watching Pat Schultz and coaching with Dave Kreft. I have learned preparation (players and coaches) is the key to success, umps don’t decide the game, and you need everyone contributing to win games.

Q3: Under your leadership, what traits do you expect Tiger Baseball to be known for? 

I want the guys to play hard, to support each other, and come ready to play! 

Q4: What's something you have agreed with regarding how the Tigers have played in recent seasons and what's something you might take a different approach on? 

I think that as a team they played well the last couple years! I’m not sure if it will be a different approach, we will be as good as the guys who show up to the games. My biggest goal is to try and keep all the guys involved and wanting to be there!

Q5: What's your outlook for the 2024 Town-Team Tigers? 

I think we should continue building on a 16-11 season from last year. But that means we have to prepare; the players have to use the offseason to get ready! We can’t rely on some players being ready, everyone has to be!

Q6: Anything else you'd like to add? 

I am looking forward to this summer of baseball, as I feel this team could have a state run in them! My goal is to try and not screw it up …

Henderson Independent News - Dec 8, 2023

Former Belle Plaine High School teacher and coach Jerry Miller is being nominated for the Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Miller graduated from Minneapolis North High School in 1944, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a staff sergeant in the 63rd Infantry. After his service, he attended and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1950.

The following year, he was hired as a biology, health and physical education teacher, along with Belle Plaine Athletic Director, in the Belle Plaine School District. Miller worked in all of those capacities for 38 years, retiring in 1989.

He also made a big impact on the lives of countless Belle Plaine youth as a coach. He coached Belle Plaine baseball for 20 years, from 1951-1971, and ended with an 83-76 record. He also served as a varsity football coach from 1951-1959, and basketball coach from 1952-53.

He was the Belle Plaine Summer Recreation Director for 10 years and started community youth baseball and the community Babe Ruth program, as well as served as an American Legion baseball coach.

His coaching and teaching styles were based on respect for yourself and the game, while always emphasizing discipline. His firm, but fair approached served his many student-athletes well as they entered the workforce and faced the rigors of their personal and professional lives.

Some of those former students are behind the current effort to have Miller inducted into the Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. They include Gerald “Mize” Meyer, Pat Miller, Collin Moriarty, Dennis Moriarty, Tom Redman, Pat Spellacy and Dave “Greek” Wagner.

They believe recognition for Miller’s effort and impact is long overdue, and are asking former students, athletes and friends to write brief letters of support that reflect on Miller’s many positive attributes to be included with the nomination form.

Anyone who would like to submit a letter should do the following:

1) Address them to Mr. Tink Larson – Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association; and

2) MAIL THEM to Tom Redman, 1088 Roselyn Drive, Victoria, MN, 55386 by no later than Feb. 16, 2024.