About
The Thomson Area Merchants Fast Pitch team plays at the Men's Major level. In 2005 after several years of not having a men's fast pitch team, Thomson natives Bruce Bielema and Scott Glazier put together a group of players from northwest Illinois and eastern Iowa. Talent ranged from first time players to 30 year veterans. The team competed in local tournaments and participated in the NAFA AA National Tournament.
In 2006 the team took a giant leap forward by brining in pitcher Jonas Mach from the Czech Republic and catcher Casey Eden from New Zealand. The team participated in many top tournaments facing some of the best teams in North America. The highlight was a victory over Dolan and Murphy of Aurora, IL to capture the Northern Illinois Travel League title. The season concluded by playing in the ISC II Tournament of Champions in Kitchener, Ontario.
In 2007 the team brought back Casey Eden along with fellow countryman Steve Manson to pitch. In midseason they added Argentinean Roberto Bahler to help with the pitching duties. The highlight of the season was a victory at the AFSA Tournament over Circle Tap of Denmark, Wisconsin, the defending ASA National Champions. The season was wrapped up in Kitchener, Ontario once again as they played in the ISC World Tournament.