FARGO — In a season filled with memorable moments, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have captured the hearts of fans with the addition of a new character at Newman Outdoor Field. Mateo Fernandez, the son of RedHawks catcher Juan Fernandez, made a significant impact as “MiniFan,” the sidekick to the beloved “SuperFan” during several home games. Their performances were recognized by the American Association, earning the duo the “Best Ballpark Character Award” alongside the “Rally Pickle” from the Chicago Dogs.
Mateo’s mother, Karina Fernandez, expressed her delight in seeing her son take part in the team’s festivities. “I think it’s so cute,” she remarked in late August. “Now, he’s like practicing his autographs. We go to stores and people stop us and are like, ‘Hey, MiniFan.’ I’m like ‘Oh my God,’ this is something huge.” This enthusiasm reflects the close-knit atmosphere that Chris Coste, the RedHawks manager, promotes, emphasizing the importance of family within the team culture.
Mateo often participates in pregame activities and interacts with players, including his father. “It’s special,” Juan shared. “He helps me a lot. … When he sees me hitting bad, ‘Easy dad, take it easy.’ That’s special, too.” This dynamic not only strengthens their bond but also allows fans to connect with the personal lives of the players.
As the season progressed, the RedHawks continued to draw attention, with notable performances from other local athletes. Among them was Gage Florence, a senior wide receiver at Minnesota State Moorhead, who concluded his career with a record-setting 402 receptions in NCAA Division II football. His journey has been deeply influenced by his mother, Kristin Florence-Bodine, and the memory of his late father, Jon Florence, who passed away unexpectedly in 2008.
Reflecting on his childhood, Gage recalled a moment of worry after accidentally breaking a lamp at home. “I remember sitting there thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s the end of the world,’” he laughed. “I didn’t want to upset my mom in any way.” Such anecdotes highlight the emotional connections that shape athletes’ lives beyond the field.
As Gage navigates his final season, McHale Korf, a senior safety at Concordia College, also embraces a new chapter in his life with fatherhood. Korf balanced the demands of starting his last season while cherishing time spent with his daughter. “It’s been crazy,” he stated prior to a home game against Mayville State. “It’s been some of the best days of my life.”
The community spirit within the region was further exemplified by the final Wiffle Ball World Series held in July at the backyard of Bob and Joni Bergan. The event, which began as a summer gathering for Valley City High School graduates, evolved over 13 years into a charitable initiative that raised significant funds for local causes. “Each year we grew it more,” said Chad Bergan, one of the original organizers. “It just continued to blossom.”
As the series concluded, Bergan expressed a mix of nostalgia and pride, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the final event. “I didn’t want it to limp to the finish line. I wanted to declare that it was the final one so we can make it a big deal,” he said.
In a poignant intersection of personal loss and sporting spirit, the memory of Marge Clark shone through during a RedHawks game in May. Marge, the mother of RedHawks radio voice Jack Michaels, passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the team’s history. Dillon Thomas, a RedHawks slugger, honored her memory with a home run, pointing to Michaels in the broadcast booth and then to the sky.
“I just wanted to make sure I got the call out,” Michaels recounted. “A special one tonight in Wisconsin,” he said on air as Thomas crossed home plate, capturing the emotional weight of the moment.
These stories of personal triumph, community bonding, and remembrance have defined the RedHawks’ season, resonating deeply with fans and players alike. The Fernandez family’s contributions as “MiniFan” are just one of many examples of how sports can foster connections and create lasting memories within a community.