By Micah Friez
Published 4:03 pm on June 11, 2025
The Whitecaps were all about business on Tuesday evening.
At Bemidji State University’s second annual Bucky’s Celebrity Softball Game on June 10, the Whitecaps avenged last year’s loss to the Green Sox with a mostly new cast of characters. They swung their way to a 20-8 win at the BSU softball field in front of a packed house that enjoyed the hijinks just as much as the gameplay itself.
Runs ran aplenty, rules were fluid and fun was the most important part of the game. Now two years strong, the free event is part of Bemidji State’s Community Appreciation Day series and is becoming an anticipated — and even important — summer tradition in town. Angela Schmidt, the Alumni & Foundation’s director of alumni and career advancement, is happy that she and BSU can put it on for Bemidji.
“It was exactly what we hoped it would be: a perfect mix of fun and community spirit,” she said. “The entire evening feels like one big summer reunion where everyone — alumni, students, staff and community members — can come together and simply enjoy being part of something special. It reminds us all why these moments of joy and connection are so important.”
The scoreboard operator certainly stayed busy. The Whitecaps scored five quick runs in the first inning — highlighted by a towering home run from eventual MVP Tyler Ogron, a 2014 and 2022 BSU alumnus who’s now a biologist for the Red Lake Department of Natural Resources Water Resources Division. The Green Sox clawed back within 6-3 after two innings, but the Whitecaps racked on another 14 runs by the fifth inning to steamroll ahead.
Not to be outdone, the Green Sox deployed some “creative” tactics in an effort to catch up quickly. Throwing the rule book out the window, players snuck out of the dugout and straight onto the bases. They scored by taking shortcuts through the middle of the infield (it’s quicker to home plate that way), and Bucky even assisted by lassoing opposing batters and blocking opposing fielders. The umpire, naturally, turned a blind eye to it all.
Even so, while faced with unprecedented adversity, the Whitecaps were steadfast in their pursuit of victory. Coach Linda Newby’s strategy prevailed in the end, and it was her squad that lifted up the coveted traveling trophy.
“Our local celebrities put their own flair on the game, and the crowd loved every minute — cheering, smiling and connecting with neighbors and friends,” Schmidt said. “This event is such an important way for the Alumni & Foundation to build authentic relationships with the community because it’s about inviting people in and giving them opportunities to engage with BSU.”
The Alumni & Foundation has already set a date for next year’s game, with the event returning on June 9, 2026. If you’re interested in playing or know a local celebrity who should, contact Schmidt at angela.schmidt@bemidjistate.edu or 218-755-2599.
And for those who show up for the rubber match in 2026, they’re sure to witness the university and Alumni & Foundation making more memories with all Beavers.
“Events like this make the foundation’s work feel approachable and welcoming, and they create new touchpoints with the community that can grow into future involvement and support at BSU,” Schmidt said. “Plus, let’s be honest, it’s just plain fun. And joy is contagious.”
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