Bolson knows the game, his role
Outfielder a sage for league-leading Five O's
Bob Bolson's dedication to the Oconomowoc Five O's is unmatched, at least in terms of mileage. While many players drive 5 or 10 minutes to get to the games, Bolson has to drive three hours one way. He works and lives in Naperville, Ill.
"That tells you how much he likes the team," Cooney player-manager Jeff Rhoads said. "How many guys would drive that far every weekend to play a baseball game? He even comes up once in a while on Thursday or Friday if we have a tournament game or a Nite League game. He just loves baseball. We're lucky to have him."
With the most wins in the past 10 years of any Land O'Lakes Western Division baseball team, the Oconomowoc Five O's have been the league's most successful franchise.
The biggest reason for that success has been a nucleus of standout players that includes Jeff Rhoads, Luke Nelson, Derek Nelson, Mike Bolson, Steve Rhoads and Mike Mitchell.
Those guys have been outstanding players ever since joining the team either right out of high school or after college baseball. But one key guy who seldom merits the same mention is Bob Bolson.
No, he doesn't lead the team in batting average or home runs - not even close -and he's not the team's No. 1 or No. 2 pitcher. More often than not, he doesn't even make the starting lineup.
Bolson is the short guy coaching third base, always smiling, assisting playing-manager Jeff Rhoads with game-day decisions and helping the Five O's win game after game with any contributions he can provide.
"Having Bob around is really a big help to me, but also to the entire team," Rhoads said. "He knows the game as well as anybody. The biggest thing he probably does for us is he's able to spend time with the young pitchers, making sure they understand what we're trying to do. From the bench, he can see things that I can't from the field. He's a valuable asset to us."
However, don't think Bolson can't play. Last year, playing more than ever before, he batted a hefty .365 for the season. He's also a very good defensive outfielder, arguably the best on the team. He's often a late inning defensive replacement at any of the three outfield spots, mostly in center field.
"Last year, we needed Bobby to fill in a lot when Mike Bolson went down with an injury," Rhoads said. "He had a very good year at the plate and did a great job in the outfield. He became an everyday player for us. We can always count on Bob to do something good for us."
Bolson is the best bunter on the team. When the situation calls for it, Bolson always lays it down perfectly.
"He loves to drag bunt," Rhoads said. "That's something you don't see very often any more."
Bolson learned to bunt when he played high school baseball at Oconomowoc High School for coach Pat Neary.
"Coach Neary always told us how important it was to learn to bunt," Bolson said. "I listened to him and learned how to bunt. Bunting is a big part of the game. A lot of times getting a bunt down and moving runners can be the difference between winning and losing."
Maybe he's more apt to deliver a long drive off the field than on it, but the little things Bolson provides have been a major component of the team's success.
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MANY HATS - Kathy LaShelle from the Town of Merton tries on a handmade hat from Jo's Feltz at the Delafield Winter Market on Sunday, Jan 15. The market is an indoor farmers market and craft fair located at the Delafield Fish Hatchery on the third Sunday of each month through April.
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