Robert G. Fritz
2024 Glenn Carlson Distinguished Service Inductee
Cologne, MN
Cologne, MN
Robert G. Fritz was born in 1930 and lived his entire life in Cologne, most of those years across the street from the ballpark. The youngest of nine children, he left school at age 12 to help support his family. Robert worked various jobs until 1947 when at 16, his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit became evident as he started his own milk hauling business. This required him to work seven days a week which limited his participation in baseball.
Robert and his first wife, Teresa, had four children. As his children grew, so did his community involvement. He coached little league for many years, leading his sons' teams to multiple league titles and encouraged Teresa to start a girls softball team for his daughter to participate.
In 1967, Robert became the manager of the Cologne Hollanders, rescuing it from the brink of collapse. He spearheaded fundraising and renovation efforts, transforming the team's field and facilities. His efforts included constructing dugouts, a grandstand, a new concession stand, and a scoreboard, significantly boosting community engagement and game attendance. Robert was often seen working on the baseball field late into the evening after his milk hauling was complete.
In 1972, Robert helped found the Carver Central League and served as its first vice president. That same year, he led the Hollanders to their first state tournament appearance, a significant achievement for a team that a few years prior was on the verge of folding. The 1972 team included Robert's three sons: two as players and the youngest as batboy. He retired from managing in 1974 but remained an influential board member and fundraiser, organizing events such as the annual fish fry.
Robert’s dedication to Cologne extended beyond baseball. He joined the Cologne Volunteer Fire Department in 1957, serving for nearly 30 years, including 12 years as Fire Chief. Robert was also a founding member of the Cologne Lions Club and a lifelong member of St. Bernard Catholic Church.
Robert's business, Bob Fritz & Sons, grew significantly over the years, serving over 300 patrons with multiple processing plants. In 1996, he received the Carver County Milk Pitcher Award for his contributions to the dairy industry and volunteerism.
Robert passed away in 1997. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, his second wife, Doris, and five stepchildren.
In 1998, the Cologne Hollanders baseball park was dedicated as the Robert G. Fritz Memorial Field, honoring his enduring legacy and support of the Hollanders that spanned more than three decades.
Robert and his first wife, Teresa, had four children. As his children grew, so did his community involvement. He coached little league for many years, leading his sons' teams to multiple league titles and encouraged Teresa to start a girls softball team for his daughter to participate.
In 1967, Robert became the manager of the Cologne Hollanders, rescuing it from the brink of collapse. He spearheaded fundraising and renovation efforts, transforming the team's field and facilities. His efforts included constructing dugouts, a grandstand, a new concession stand, and a scoreboard, significantly boosting community engagement and game attendance. Robert was often seen working on the baseball field late into the evening after his milk hauling was complete.
In 1972, Robert helped found the Carver Central League and served as its first vice president. That same year, he led the Hollanders to their first state tournament appearance, a significant achievement for a team that a few years prior was on the verge of folding. The 1972 team included Robert's three sons: two as players and the youngest as batboy. He retired from managing in 1974 but remained an influential board member and fundraiser, organizing events such as the annual fish fry.
Robert’s dedication to Cologne extended beyond baseball. He joined the Cologne Volunteer Fire Department in 1957, serving for nearly 30 years, including 12 years as Fire Chief. Robert was also a founding member of the Cologne Lions Club and a lifelong member of St. Bernard Catholic Church.
Robert's business, Bob Fritz & Sons, grew significantly over the years, serving over 300 patrons with multiple processing plants. In 1996, he received the Carver County Milk Pitcher Award for his contributions to the dairy industry and volunteerism.
Robert passed away in 1997. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, his second wife, Doris, and five stepchildren.
In 1998, the Cologne Hollanders baseball park was dedicated as the Robert G. Fritz Memorial Field, honoring his enduring legacy and support of the Hollanders that spanned more than three decades.