The Earth Pigz: Nearly 50 Years of Softball, Brotherhood, and Fond du Lac Tradition

If you grew up in Fond du Lac like I did, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the name The Earth Pigz at some point. For me, it goes a little further than that. My brother and I grew up watching our dad, Mike Kunz, take the field with the Pigz. Those summer nights at the ballpark were just part of life. It wasn’t just about softball, it was about the people, the laughs, and the fun!

The Earth Pigz go way back, with roots starting in the mid-1970s. Team captain Steven James told me the group originally formed beneath what used to be the Street Bar before officially becoming tied to The Press Box in 1981. Since then, they’ve called that spot home. That kind of consistency says a lot. In a world where teams come and go, the Pigz have stayed planted right here in Fond du Lac for decades.

When I asked about this year’s team, Steven mentioned a mix of strong veterans who continue to carry the tradition forward. Names like Steven Galligan, Cody Emerich, Evan Olson, Jose Ruvalcaba, Jeff Schmidt, and Gary “Mr. Pig” Bartlet highlight a roster built on experience and loyalty. It’s the kind of group that shows up ready to compete but also understands what the team stands for beyond the scoreboard.

And make no mistake, they still compete. The Earth Pigz have had their share of success over the years, including winning both the league and playoff championships in 2022 and another playoff title in 2024. Steven made it clear that the goal has always been to keep a high level of talent on the team so they can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in Fond du Lac. That competitive edge is part of what’s kept them relevant for so long.

But what really stands out isn’t just the wins, it’s the longevity. Steven said the team has had players spanning five different decades, which is something you don’t see very often. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from people who genuinely enjoy being part of something and continue to come back year after year. And yes, as he put it, “head beers are still a thing,” which tells you everything you need to know about the culture.

At the end of the day, the Earth Pigz are more than just a softball team. They’re a piece of Fond du Lac history. For me, they’ll always be tied to those nights watching my dad play alongside a group of guys who felt like family. And now, years later, it’s pretty cool to see that same team still out there, still competing, and still carrying on a tradition that started nearly 50 years ago.