St. Joseph-Ogden's baseball program has been defined for years by the steady hand of Josh Haley, whose dedication on the bench has now been marked by a historic milestone. After decades of mentorship and countless victories, Haley recorded his 500th career win, a testament to his enduring influence on the program and the players who have passed through it.
A Partnership Forged in Baseball
Haley's longtime assistant, Mitch Pruemer, has been an integral part of that success. The two have worked side by side at both St. Joseph-Ogden and Hoopeston Area, building a coaching duo whose chemistry is as familiar to the team as the sound of a well‑thrown fastball. Their collaboration extends beyond the field, rooted in a shared history that began when they first met playing collegiate baseball in the Central Illinois Collegiate Baseball League.
The bond between the coaches is mirrored in the players they guide. Will Haley, a senior and the team's starting catcher, brings a steady presence behind the plate, while Asher Pruemer, also a senior, anchors the pitching rotation with a 6‑0 record, a 1.58 earned run average and 54 strikeouts this season. Their contributions have helped the Spartans maintain a competitive edge throughout the year.
Numbers That Tell a Story
Will Haley's bat has been equally potent. He is hitting .273 with an on‑base plus slugging percentage of .816, driving in 19 runs and stealing 20 bases while adding six doubles, three triples and a handful of clutch hits. The statistical line reflects a player who understands how to blend contact with aggression, a combination that has kept opposing pitchers on their heels.
Asher Pruemer's dominance on the mound is equally striking. With a 6‑0 record, a single save and an ERA of 1.58, he has become the ace of a staff that has turned the team's pitching outlook into one of the most feared in the region. His ability to limit walks — just six issued all season — has been a key factor in keeping runners off base and preserving leads.
Family Ties and a Shared Passion
The connection between the Haley and Pruemer families goes beyond the dugout. Both fathers have watched their sons grow up playing summer ball on the same fields, sharing dugout talks, post‑game meals and the kind of camaraderie that only a shared love of the game can forge. Memories of the only two St. Joseph-Ogden teams to reach the state tournament remain vivid, serving as a reminder of how far the program has come and how much farther it can go.
As the season progresses, the focus remains on building on the foundation laid by decades of coaching, the emergence of two talented seniors, and the unbreakable bond that ties their families together. The next chapter promises more milestones, more hard‑fought victories and the continued celebration of a sport that has shaped lives on and off the field.