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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Randolph, MN

Home Care Randolph, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lost Lake Randolph Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Randolph, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Randolph, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Randolph, MN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Randolph, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Randolph, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Randolph, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Randolph, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting High Bridge Dog Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Randolph, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Luci Ancora or visit Randolph County Historical, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Randolph, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Randolph, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Randolph, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Randolph, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Randolph, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Randolph, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Randolph, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Randolph, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Diamond Willow Assisted Living
  • RiverVillage North
  • Golden Years Senior Living
  • Randolph Health Services
  • Hayes Residence
  • Colonial Manor of Randolph
Home Care Randolph, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Randolph, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Randolph, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Randolph, MN

Latest News in Randolph, MN

Randolph continues to raise the bar when it comes to raising money for cancer research

For 12 years, Randolph was one of the leading national fundraisers for Dig Pink and the Side-Out cancer foundations, and now they're tackling cancer.More VideosRANDOLPH, Minnesota — The Minnesota Football Coaches Association Tackle Cancer campaign has raised over $2.4 million since 2012 for cancer research and patient aid, and just when you think you've seen it all, along comes Randolph High School.Randolph is the home of the Rockets, which is fitting for a community and a football team, shooting for the moon....

For 12 years, Randolph was one of the leading national fundraisers for Dig Pink and the Side-Out cancer foundations, and now they're tackling cancer.

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RANDOLPH, Minnesota — The Minnesota Football Coaches Association Tackle Cancer campaign has raised over $2.4 million since 2012 for cancer research and patient aid, and just when you think you've seen it all, along comes Randolph High School.

Randolph is the home of the Rockets, which is fitting for a community and a football team, shooting for the moon.

“If I could make a guess, $40,000 would be wonderful,” said Katie Esser, Randolph High Tackle Cancer organizer.

Esser, an english teacher, is the organizer of a Tackle Cancer effort never seen before. But she knows what she's doing.

For 12 years, Randolph, Minnesota was one of the leading national fundraisers for Dig Pink and the Side-Out cancer foundations.

But volleyball has now given way to football in Randolph, and the creativity in raising money for cancer research and patient aid in Minnesota is taking flight.

“It's definitely support from the community but also people going out and spending time, energy, fundraising, selling t-shirts doing all the things to bring our community actually together,” said Evan Bennerotte, Randolph quarterback.

Speaking of t-shirts, a room at Randolph High is full of them.

“Even though we're a town of 500, we sold over 1400 shirts this year so I mean there going somewhere and it's not all in this town,” says Esser.

A town of 500 people, and yet, they've already raised over $30,000 for Tackle Cancer. And money is still coming in.

“I'm expecting this place to be packed. I don't know if there's another night be this packed, ever, all-time high. I'm excited to see it,” said Tyson Cooreman, Randolph linebacker.

Some 20 Randolph seniors will shave their heads after the game Friday to raise additional money for a local family going through cancer.

This community, and it's desire to help others, is truly inspirational.

MORE NEWS: 'I want to be that representation I never saw growing up' | Local woman shares experience to help others

MORE NEWS: Tackle Cancer! 2022 game schedule

MORE NEWS: University of St. Thomas unveils new state-of-the-art nursing school

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In Mike Randolph's case, overprotective Minnesota hockey fans got it wrong

DULUTH – Any dispute as to the identity of America's true state of hockey has been settled again this week in Minnesota's favor. The idea that the resignation of a high school hockey coach in Duluth could be a sizable topic of conversation 150 miles to the south in a full-service professional sports market has to make us unique.A fair share of Minnesota's sports fans see hockey as the best game going, and they are very protective of it. We see that when the Wild stretches its streak of not winning a playoff series to six seasons...

DULUTH – Any dispute as to the identity of America's true state of hockey has been settled again this week in Minnesota's favor. The idea that the resignation of a high school hockey coach in Duluth could be a sizable topic of conversation 150 miles to the south in a full-service professional sports market has to make us unique.

A fair share of Minnesota's sports fans see hockey as the best game going, and they are very protective of it. We see that when the Wild stretches its streak of not winning a playoff series to six seasons, and receives praise for taking it to seven games.

The hockey crowd also remains very devoted to the reputation of state high school tournaments — particularly Class 2A, boys.

Mike Randolph became a familiar figure in the tournament during his 32 years as the boys' coach at Duluth East. He led the Greyhounds to 18 state tournaments, six title games and state championships in 1995 and 1998.

He was out for one season for alleged mishandling of funds in 2003-04 — not an offense grievous enough to prevent him from being brought back the next season.

There were also complaints from disgruntled parents in 2003 — basically, an annual event in Minnesota's prominent hockey programs. This time, the disgruntled parents — perhaps as few as two sets — were able to get the Duluth school district to hire a human resources firm to conduct an "investigation" as to whether Randolph treated their sons with proper respect.

It became the emotional end of the line for the coach. That was my conclusion late Friday morning, after Randolph, 69, read an explanatory statement in the lobby of the Heritage Center, a two-rink complex opened in 2009.

Randolph's statement included tributes to all the fine parents and players he's been able to coach with the Greyhounds, while including this key sentence:

"Up until recently, it's been rewarding and fun. But when the negatives started to outweigh the positives, it gets to be exhausting and no longer worth the time I put into it."

He had resigned Wednesday, read his statement Friday and concluded with: "I'm not going to take questions. This is what I have to say."

Randolph is known for his intensity on the bench, and there's a thought that carries over when the coach and the Greyhounds are out of public view.

As Randolph paid his personal tributes to numerous parties, one person cited was "Wild Bill," the Greyhounds' bus driver for most of the past decade.

This is a man with strong knowledge of abusive behavior. That's because Barney William Irwin, 66, spent 33 years in the pro wrestling ring as Wild Bill Irwin, or a Super Destroyer, or a Long Rider, or The Goon, but never as a good guy.

"When I was done, I got a job driving school bus for Minnesota Coaches, and wound up with the hockey assignment," Irwin said. "We drove a lot of miles across northern Minnesota, to the Twin Cities and back, and Mike would talk to his team on the bus after a game.

"He would tell the players they played well, or tell them they played poorly. If it was bad effort, it was always the team that did so. I never once heard him call out a player individually in that situation.

"I had a son for play for Mike, and I'm glad he had that chance."

Lee Smith has been Eden Prairie's boys' hockey coach for 28 years. The Eagles won their third state title with a 2-1 win over Lakeville South in double overtime on April 3.

Three weeks later, South coach Janne Kivilhalme resigned. Randolph mentioned that as another case of parental pressure in his statement.

I talked with Smith earlier on Friday, looking for a memory of his team's second state title: an epic 3-2, three-overtime victory over East and Randolph in 2011.

As it turned out, Smith and Randolph are close friends.

"Mike and I first spent time together at a coaching clinic; we started talking 'drills' we used and didn't pay much attention to the speaker," Smith said. "That turned into scheduling each other every season since 1999.

"Everyone remembers the triple overtime, but we've often had great games in the regular season. Our kids always play in the Duluth bantam tournament. They get to know Mike and the East players from those tournaments.

"Kyle Rau scored one of the great goals you've ever seen in high school hockey to win the triple-overtime game. You celebrate, and then you start thinking about your friend coaching the other team."

Smith paused, choked up slightly and said: "The amazing thing that happened was Mike came into our locker room. He told our players he had been watching them for a long time, that they should be proud of what they had become as players, and also thanked them for sacrificing to stay in high school hockey rather than go to juniors.

"I think it's terrible for high school hockey to be losing a coach like Mike Randolph."

Randolph Graduate Is Twins Hero

Caleb Thielbar, less than a week after his alma mater Randolph won the MSHSL Class A State Baseball Tournament got a save today in a much needed win for the Minnesota Twins.According to Baseball Reference.com it was Thielbar's first career Major League Save. Evidently the statistics were not updated when I checked them out after the game but the official box score did list a save for Thielbar.The victory avoided a sweep by...

Caleb Thielbar, less than a week after his alma mater Randolph won the MSHSL Class A State Baseball Tournament got a save today in a much needed win for the Minnesota Twins.

According to Baseball Reference.com it was Thielbar's first career Major League Save. Evidently the statistics were not updated when I checked them out after the game but the official box score did list a save for Thielbar.

The victory avoided a sweep by the Cleveland Guardians and pulled Minnesota back into a tie for first place in the American League Central Division.

A Randolph jersey inside a large glassed frame is located in the hallway near the cafeteria leading into the gym at Randolph High School touting arguably their most famous graduate. He graduated from Randolph in 2005.

Thielbar went on to have an impressive baseball career at South Dakota State University. When his career there was over he was the All-Time leader in starts with 44. Innings pitched with 274 and was second in strikeouts with 196.

In 2009 Thielbar became the first player in South Dakota State history to make it to the Majors. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

His degree is in Wildlife and Fisheries Management. Caleb is an avid outdoorsman.

I had the privilege of calling a game on the Gophers internet service when his Jackrabbits came to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome to play the University of Minnesota when he was the starting pitcher of the game.

It was an awesome experience to say the least because I broadcast a few of his high school and Legion baseball games as well as some basketball contests.

Caleb and his parents were always great people to visit with whenever I got the chance.

Caleb provided me with an autographed South Dakota State hat which I have displayed in my garage but I never wear. I don't remember if I got the hat at the dome that day or later.

As you can see the writing inside the bill of the cap is fading.

Thielbar was an outstanding basketball player at Randolph. A 1,000 points scorer in addition to his baseball talents.

In 2013 he received the Twins Rookie of the Year award from the team. That year Thielbar had some impressive statistics.

Started MLB career with 19.2 consecutive scoreless innings May 20-July 6, setting a Twins record tying him for sixth with the Mets' Joe Smith (April 1-May 5, 2007) for longest streak in baseball history to begin a career...allowed just five hits during the streak and struck out 17. Retired 31 consecutive batters faced without allowing a hit; according to Elias it tied Joe Nathan (2006) for the fifth longest in club history; had streak snapped by a Ben Zobrist home run July 8 at Tampa Bay...the streak was the second longest in club history for a rookie, short of Jerry Arrigo's 33 straight in 1964. Earned first major league win June 1 vs. Seattle, tossing 1.0 scoreless inning of relief. Allowed just two earned runs in first 28 appearances (28.2 IP), posting a 0.63 ERA in that span (until August 5). 41 of 49 appearances were scoreless, including 32 of first 36 May 20-August 25. Posted a .154 opponent batting average, the lowest in Twins history and second lowest in Twins/Senators franchise history (since 1901) behind Johnny Niggeling's 1943 average of .153. Posted a 1.76 ERA (46.0 IP, 9 ER), the sixth lowest in Twins history...his 49 games tied for eighth most for a rookie in Twins history. Ranked sixth in AL in ERA (minimum 40.0 IP), second among rookies...tied for fifth among AL rookies in appearances. Was given the Bill Boni Award as Twins Most Outstanding Rookie, voted on by the Twin Cities Chapter of the BBWAA.

I know he was excited to learn of his Rockets team winning a state title at Target Field in a 2-1 pitcher's duel with the 2021 State Champions Hayfield Vikings.

Thielbar had a very good 2021 season which led to a doubling of his salary to 1.3 million dollars this year.

Wife Carissa is an Assistant Coach with the South Dakota State Women's Basketball team which won the WNIT Championship. They have a young son (Joshua).

As long as we are featuring Major League Baseball.

Randolph Softball Takes Home Hardware

The Randolph Rockets ended their 2022 season with a 6-3 victory over the Edgerton/SW Mn Christian Flying Dutchmen.The Rockets received individual medals to go along with their third place trophy in the MSHSL Class A State Softball Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato.The defending State Champions Replaced 7 of 9 starters from last year's team with a lot of young players who doubled down on their work and got better as the season progressed according to Head Coach Dennis Trom.Freshman pitcher Carter Raymond struck ...

The Randolph Rockets ended their 2022 season with a 6-3 victory over the Edgerton/SW Mn Christian Flying Dutchmen.

The Rockets received individual medals to go along with their third place trophy in the MSHSL Class A State Softball Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato.

The defending State Champions Replaced 7 of 9 starters from last year's team with a lot of young players who doubled down on their work and got better as the season progressed according to Head Coach Dennis Trom.

Freshman pitcher Carter Raymond struck out 11 with 87 total pitches while surrendering 4 hits including two home runs in the game to earn one of our Cashwise Foods and Pharmacy of Owatonna Performance Deliveries of the Game.

Raymond also had two hits including a triple in the game. Seniors Lindsay Sundby and Kilyn Fredrickson also were named Deliverers for their senior leadership all season along with Carly Kimmes and Allie Gillette who each had 2 RBI in the victory.

The Rockets had 7 hits in the game. The official scorer gave Edgerton/SW Mn Christian 4 errors in the contest while I had 2 in my book. I always try to keep in mind when doing my judgments these are high school and not professional players.

Randolph started 5 freshman and a 8th grader this season in most of the games. Coach Trom credited the move to the Gopher Conference for helping make his team better. He was named Section 4A Coach of the Year and assistant Mike Silk is entering the Minnesota Softball Coaches Hall of Fame Sunday.

Coach Trom also gets to coach one of the Class A All-Star teams Sunday in North Mankato. He will introduce Silk at the awards banquet Sunday.

Randolph finished their season with a 22-5 record and #2 ranking in the final Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association rankings at the end of May.

Edgerton/SW Mn Christian had a 18-8 record and #3 ranking.

State Champion Nicollet edged Moose Lake/WIllow River 3-2 for the first state title in any sport since the Raiders opened their school in 1916.

The Consolation Championship in Class A was earned by the Red Lake Falls Eagles who flew by Wabasha-Kellogg Falcons 9-4.

Class 2A State Champions are Section One representatives Chatfield. The Gophers tallieded 2 hits and allowed 8 hits against the Proctor Rails but it's the runs that count and Chatfield had 3, Proctor 2.

The Maple Lake Irish defeated the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Rebels in the third place game 9-0. Top seed, top ranked LeSueur-Henderson edged Pipestone Area 6-5 in the Consolation Championship.

Class 3A State title went to another Big Nine school when Mankato West downed top ranked, top seed Winona 5-1. It is the Scarlets third state title.

Pitchers in this game were under duress with Winona leaving 11 runners on base and Mankato West 10.

The Winhawks finish second for the second consecutive season and third time since 2016. They did win a title in 2017. The year before the Faribault Falcons title followed by the Northfield Raiders in 2019.

The Big Nine has thorougly dominated Class 3A, since the move to four classes, there has only been one season (last year) when a Big 9 Conference team did not win the title.

Mankato West finished their season 23-4 while Winona is 23-2.

The Chisago Lakes Area Wildcats defeated the Simley Spartans 8-2 in the third place game and St. Anthony Village Huskies blanked Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights 10-0 for the Consolation title.

Class 4A Champions are the Forest Lake Rangers who defeated the Brainerd Warriors 6-0. The final Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association rankings had Rosemount on top, Brainerd #2 and Forest Lake #7. It was the first softball state title for Forest Lake.

White Bear Lake received the top seed and lost the third place game 6-0 to the Hopkins Royals.

The Centennial Cougars roared to a 4-2 win over the East Ridge Raptors in the Consolation Championship.

Take a trip down memory lane.

Mighty 920 brings state tournament baseball 'game for the ages' to life on the radio

Gordy Kosfeld's ancient tape recorder remains as well-known in gyms, ballparks and on gridirons within a 50-mile radius of Faribault as Sid Hartman's was in the locker rooms of Twin Cities pro teams and profit-making Gophers entities.Kosfeld has been the play-by-play voice for decades at KDHL, the Mighty 920, still an energetic AM outlet dedicated to bringing attention to hometown sports in its regional wheelhouse.Gordy was at Target Field on Friday morning to broadcast Hayfield, located 44 miles south of Faribault, as it took ...

Gordy Kosfeld's ancient tape recorder remains as well-known in gyms, ballparks and on gridirons within a 50-mile radius of Faribault as Sid Hartman's was in the locker rooms of Twin Cities pro teams and profit-making Gophers entities.

Kosfeld has been the play-by-play voice for decades at KDHL, the Mighty 920, still an energetic AM outlet dedicated to bringing attention to hometown sports in its regional wheelhouse.

Gordy was at Target Field on Friday morning to broadcast Hayfield, located 44 miles south of Faribault, as it took on New York Mills for the Class A title.

The Hayfield Vikings rallied from a four-run deficit for a 7-4 victory, adding a state baseball title to the Class A boys' basketball championship they won early in the spring.

This did nothing to lessen Kosfeld's admiration for the fighting spirit of the Eagles from "the Mills," for he also broadcast their semifinal contest vs. Randolph on Wednesday in St. Cloud.

New York Mills 9, Randolph 8, in 15 innings. It was the longest game by innings in state tournament history, which dates to 1947.

For Kosfeld, it was more than that.

"It was a game for the ages," he said. "I've been calling games for about 40 years and have seen some great comebacks, great finishes … but this game was an amazing roller coaster.

"The grit and determination both teams displayed was amazing. The game for those who participated and witnessed will be talked about for years to come."

That's quite an endorsement, since Gordy's home team was Randolph, located 23 miles to Faribault's northeast, and the previously unbeaten Rockets had a grasp on victory twice in extra innings only to lose in excruciating fashion.

The teams were tied 1-1 after the regulation seven innings. It stayed that way until Randolph's Nathan Weckop, twin to Jacob, lifted a three-run homer over the left field fence in the top of the 12th.

"We were down three runs in the bottom of the 12th, two outs, nobody on, with two strikes on Drey Roberts," said Dustin Geiser, the New York Mills coach. "The odds for winning the game right then were not too good.

"Drey hit a ball to third … I guess it was called an error but it took a wicked hop. Then Brayden Ehnert bounced a single up the middle.

"Cody Barthel then had his firsthit of the season, after missing most of the year because of knee surgery. Cale Rudolph, our 8-hitter, singled to right to make it 4-2."

A Randolph error followed, and then a bases-loaded walk. Four-all, and let's keep playing.

High school pitchers are allowed 115 pitches over a three-day period. Derin Gaudette, the Mills' ace, reached his limit with two outs in the seventh. Jonah Johnson ran out of pitches with one out in the 14th.

This was the point when Randolph was scoring four runs to take an 8-4 lead. Kaven Blonigen's triple was the main blow.

Nathan Weckop had reached 115 after eight, and then brother Jacob ran out of pitches after five innings, as he walked six and struck out seven.

New York Mills, now down four, loaded the bases to start the bottom of the 14th against Joel Gehrke, second baseman, and seldomly used previously as a Randolph pitcher.

Then came Jace Rudolph, New York Mills' No. 9 hitter, and he doubled into the left field corner. Cale Rudolph, running off first, stumbled and fell 15 feet from the plate.

"Cale said his legs cramped," Geiser said. "He popped up and was going to be out, but the relay throw hit him in the back and bounced away. Unbelievable."

Jace Rudolph wound up at third, and he scored the tying run — 8-8 — on a wild pitch. And one inning later, Jace Rudolph singled to drive in Brayden Ehnert and beat the Rockets.

"Our girls' softball team already had won the state title earlier Wednesday," Randolph coach Chris Stanton said. "The boys were fired up to join their classmates and keep winning. There were some tears, yes, at the finish, but I think every player and coach in that game felt great to be part of it."

How great? "This game is a testament as to why you should never die," said Kosfeld, the man at the mike.

How do these well-established Saints fans judge the entertainment value of their favorite team as a Twins' affiliate in comparison to the 28 previous seasons with no affiliation?

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