The Havre Youth Baseball Association (HYBA) announced on Saturday morning that head coach Patch Wirtzberger and assistant coach Jake Eldridge would be stepping away from their positions, effective immediately. Assistant coach Ben Mader will serve as the interim coach for the time being while the process of hiring a new head coach and several assistants takes place.
Through a press release, the HYBA said, “The board extends its deepest gratitude to Patch Wirtzberger and Jake Eldridge for their years of dedicated service and the positive influence they have had on the team and the community. Their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players…Their passion for baseball and local kids will remain strong with their contributions to the HYBA Board.”
Wirtzberger was with the Northstars organization for seven seasons in a coaching capacity, starting out as an assistant before taking over the program before the spring of 2019. A 2005 graduate of Havre High School and a former player on the Northstars, he oversaw the resurgence of the Hi-Line’s summertime baseball team, guiding them through many successful seasons, which included viral moments from players and a State ‘A’ Legion Tournament hosting job in 2020.
In particular, the 2023 Northstars won 44 games, achieving a third-straight Legion ‘A’ state tournament appearance while also the Northwest Class ‘A’ Regional American Legion Baseball Tournament.
Eldridge, who also coaches Havre High football and has been a physical education instructor, was Wirtzberger’s first mate on the ship for the past few summers. Whenever the manager had to miss time due to work or family, Eldridge was there to fill in seamlessly. Like Wirtzberger, he will continue to serve on the HYBA board.
Mader was added to the coaching staff before the start of last season. He will guide the transition between the current establishment and the new guard that will take over next spring.
To join the next coaching staff for the 2025 Havre Northstars, HYBA says to email havrebaseball@gmail.com with a letter of interest, listing relevant coaching and baseball experience. The deadline to submit is coming up on Sep. 9.
