It’s not often that a rising star calls Randolph home. It’s even less often that they still live the quaint lifestyle there, pursuing many Minnesotan passions. Caleb Thielbar, one of the newly acquired pitchers for the Twins, embodies this dual lifestyle

Since he was signed by the Twins, hometown spirit shot up. Facebook blew up with “congrats Caleb!” status’s. He’s very grateful for the support and hometown excitement. When asked about his life at home now that he’s famous, he responded by asking if anyone even knew he was here.

Regarding the whole experience, Caleb admitted that the hardest part is probably over, making it. Then again, it could be staying healthy. It only takes a few injuries to be on the disabled list and out of the game. On the other hand, he said that his ability to stay healthy had probably been one of his best assets.

Growing up in a rural area never discouraged Caleb from pursuing his dreams. With his father playing local baseball, he learned to break out of “good enough.” When asked what made him decide to pursue professional baseball, Caleb said, “I never really thought about playing anything else.” It wasn’t just a game; it was part of his life growing up.

Even now, baseball takes up to seven months out of the year for Caleb, plus the time spent training, working out, and keeping healthy that is spent year round. Caleb shared that local Bomber baseball coach, Bucky Lindow, and the manager of the Cannon Falls Bears baseball team, Keith Meyers, often help him out during the on/off seasons, opening up the CFHS field house for him and, from time to time, throwing with him as well. Sure, he says he’s lost lots of sleep and drank too much Red Bull, but he’s living the dream.

Finally, I asked him if he had any advice regarding other aspiring athletes. He made it clear to always just do your best. “If I would’ve never made it, I would’ve known that I gave it everything I [had], and that’s all you can do.” I also asked him for something inspirational. Caleb continued on, “If you’re there and someone thinks you can do the job, you will be found somehow.…Don’t let the small-town mentality get to you… that you’re never going to make it out.”

Caleb Thielbar’s story was long, starting from when he was a youth watching his father’s baseball team up to his own successes in the minor and major leagues, such as his first major league win, where, in the excitement, he didn’t even realize it was his. As a local success, we all wish Caleb luck.