Veteran standout adds to Braves' 'All in the Family' feel
AMATEUR BASEBALL
In 10 previous seasons with the Brainerd Braves, Derek Owen has been a member of the 2000 Class C state championship team and has served as the team's manager.
The latter is the reason he was always on the lookout to recruit players, although he has relinquished the manager's role.
For the last two years Owen has been trying to convince his father-in-law, John Riewer, a Staples High School graduate who moved back to his hometown in 2006 after teaching, coaching and playing at Dassel-Cokato, to play for the Braves. Riewer resisted the temptation - until this year.
John Riewer (middle) is playing his 30th season of amateur baseball, his first with the Brainerd Braves. He is flanked by other Braves, including his son, Jordan (left), and his son-in-law, Derek Owen.
Riewer, 44, owner of the record for most consecutive state tournament appearances (29), had driven back and forth to D-C the last two years to play for the Saints. Several factors convinced him it was time to play closer to home - a change in the Minnesota Baseball Association radius rules, high gas prices and the opportunity to play with son, Jordan, and his son-in-law.
In recent years the radius rule was changed to 30 miles from a player's residence to the ballpark's address. Previously the rule was 25 miles from city limits to city limits.
"We weren't going to make it that way," Owen said of the previous rule. "Then the state came out with a new rule and he makes it. It's like 28 miles from John's house (to Adamson Field). The rule change worked out and I talked him into doing it."
Riewer, head baseball coach at Staples-Motley and a physical education teacher at Pine River-Backus, estimated he spent more than $1,000 on gas last summer driving to D-C baseball games as gas skyrocketed to $4 a gallon.
"Basically, it was a family decision," Riewer said. "With the economy the way it was, and gasoline prices, I figured I spent about $1,500 on gas. But the biggest reason was to play with my son and the opportunity to play with my son in law.
"It was tough to leave that group of guys. We had a very good team. We play on a beautiful field in a good league, but change is good. This has been a great opportunity to meet new teammates, play on new fields, and rekindle some old friendships with players I played against in high school and college."
Jordan Riewer, in his first year of amateur ball, plays second base and right field. Because he's a basketball standout, and will be a senior at Staples-Motley High School this fall, Jordan has missed several Braves games to play AAU basketball all over the country.
The 17-year-old doesn't expect to play many more games for the Braves this summer due to basketball conflicts but he has enjoyed playing with his dad and brother-in-law.
"At first it kind of was different," Jordan said. "After a while you realize it's just another baseball game. You just go out and play, try to win and have fun."
Owen, who plays first and third base and DH, has savored the opportunity to play with an accomplished player like his father-in-law.
"It's a lot of fun, being on the field together, especially for me because of the kind of ballplayer (John) is and his background," Owen said. "It's great to play with him. It's been a great experience for me."
Owen joked that he has to watch what he says around the elder Riewer.
"We have a chance to joke around with each other," he said. "In the dugout I've got to watch my mouth, what I'm talking about. I've got to be careful.
"Jordan's a great ballplayer. He's done well for us when he's gotten the opportunity to play. I've had a good time playing with him too. When all three of us are at games it's a lot of fun."
Owen's personality has made the elder Riewer's transition smoother, from the Class B North Star League to the Class C Victory League.
"Derek is one of the funniest people I've ever met," John said. "I'm a very outgoing person but he's even more outgoing. He keeps things pretty loose in the dugout, off and on the field.
"It means a lot to be able to play with my son, but he's so busy playing AAU basketball I don't know how much he's going to be around in the playoffs.
"It was pretty funny. The first game of the year, after I made the move, neither one of them was at the game."
John has pitched, played first base and been the DH for the Braves, who were 6-5 in league play heading into the holiday weekend.
"When you add new people to a team everyone sort of takes a while to feel comfortable with one another," he said. "Personally, I don't think I've contributed like I'm capable. At the same time I think I'm trying to do too much. We've played good baseball the last 4-5 games. Hopefully, we'll come together at the right time."
Riewer is in his 30th season of amateur ball. The Braves are the fifth team for which he has played.
"I'd like to thank my wife, Kim, for allowing me to do this over the years," he said. "Without her support this would never have been possible."
Owen, 28, believes it has been adjustment for Riewer, playing in the Victory League compared to Dassel-Cokato.
"I'm not saying this isn't quite the caliber he's used to," Owen said, "but he's definitely played in some competitive games with Dassel-Cokato. It's been an adjustment at the plate because he kind of has to sit back on pitching he's not used to seeing, as far as guys maybe not throwing as hard.
"John brings respect and presence to a team. He gets along with people. Right away he communicated with a lot of the guys, shared his knowledge of the game. He probably hasn't pitched as much as he anticipated because we have so many pitchers.
"He got his first Victory League win against Fort Ripley at a time they had only one loss. It was cool for him to get his first win against a rival team like Fort Ripley."
Owen's parents, Bill and Pat, complete the Braves' family. Bill announces and Pat runs the scoreboard.
"I appreciate they do that, as does the team," Owen said.
MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.