Amateur baseball: Regal man gets the call to the hall

Aug. 18—REGAL — When Tim Beier learned he had been inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, it was an emotional moment. "I teared up a little bit," Beier admitted. Beier was at his grandson Theo's Stearns County Little Dipper League game in Lake Henry when the word came. "I had no idea," Beier said. "I just said, 'Wow,' probably knowing I didn't deserve it. I honestly know it doesn't take just one guy to do all this. It takes everybody. And that's really true." Beier was in the midst of the Region 8C tournament that was played at Beier Field. It's annually one of — if not the — top-attended regionals in the state. This year's tournament drew 3,207 in paid attendance, sending four teams to this weekend's state tournament in Jordan, New Prague, Chaska and Shakopee. The regional, which features top teams from the Stearns County and County Line Leagues, featured a host of well-played, one-run games. The Richmond Royals, Atwater Chuckers, Elrosa Saints and Starbuck Stars all earned state berths. It was a proud moment for Beier and all of Regal baseball, which has pumped hundreds of thousands of dollars into Beier Field with new dugouts, party decks, lights and a scoreboard, among other things, over the past few years. Included is a state-of-the-art youth baseball field right behind Beier Field. And it hasn't been easy. There were years when Regal could barely field a team. The sign driving into town says Regal's population is 43. And it's divided into two school districts, Paynesville and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa. Paynesville has the Pirates, plus Roscoe and Lake Henry are almost all Paynesville High School graduates. BBE's players largely end up with Elrosa in amateur ball. Regal gets players where it can, getting a boost from New London-Spicer players recently. Willmar and Albany also have alums on the team. Beier's been a part of it since he was a teenager, playing for the Eagles while he was still in high school. Beier's parents needed him and his nine siblings to help on the family farm, so Beier couldn't play in high school. He and most of his family's outlet was the town team. Tim, Tom, Buddy, O.B., Ron and Steve all played ball. Only brother Joe didn't, though he's a supporter, as are sisters Gloria and Karen. There have been some tough moments for the family. Tim's parents, Ormond and Lucille, died in a car accident in 1995. Brother Steve also was killed in a car crash at age 17. Brother Ron died of cancer in 2004. Through it all, there has been Regal baseball. The team's peak was reached in 1991, when Regal won the Class C state title, beating Belle Plaine 7-3. That team was managed by Buddy Beier, Tim's older brother. Buddy, 83, is a 1992 amateur baseball hall of fame inductee. Tim's 64 years old. Regal also finished runner-up in the state tournament in 1997, losing to St. Michael 13-0. The Eagles made state last year, but were eliminated this season. They have a young team and Beier believes the future is good. After his playing days, he has coached Regal and takes care of the field, no small task. He's been doing it since 1984 when he was 22. "Tell me another 22-year-old that would take all this over," he said, knowing the answer. Beier will be honored at the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. He's one of six inductees. Also being inducted are Al 'Fritz' Drexler of Searles, Dale Mackedanz of Roscoe, Greg 'Ode' Odegaard of Arlington, Gary Schleper of Shakopee and Butch Steen of Raymond. Tickets are available through and must be purchased by Sept. 1. The River's Edge Convention Center has been home to the hall of fame museum on the second floor since 1992. Beier will have his picture added to the wall, which includes pictures of inductees dating back to 1963. It also includes historical literature, records, photos, equipment, trophies and plaques, as well as uniforms and numerous displays. It also honors state team champions and Minnesotans who have played Major League Baseball. Beier is thankful and truly honored. He said he's also already working on his speech. "Oh yeah," he said with a smile. "I hope it'll be a good one."