Compiled by Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – On Tuesday Night (October 17), 2010 West Fargo High graduate Matt Strahm appeared as a relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the 2023 National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia. Strahm faced four batters in the eighth inning, walking one and striking out one to help the Phillies to a 10-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Strahm joined some exclusive company making his appearance in Game 2 of the NLCS as he became just the fifth known former North Dakota High School baseball player/graduate to make an appearance in a Major League Baseball League Championship Series. Strahm joins Travis Hafner, Darin Erstad, Chris Coste, and Rick Helling as former North Dakota high school graduates to have played in a League Championship Series in the MLB.

MLB League Championship Series began in 1969, the season after 1952 Fargo Shanley High School graduate Roger Maris retired from professional baseball.

Below is an unofficial list of notable Major League Baseball players and coaches who played high school baseball in North Dakota and later played in a League Championship Series in the MLB.

NOTABLE NORTH DAKOTA HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS/GRADUATES & THEIR APPEARANCES AS A PLAYER IN AN MLB LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

• 2023 National League Championship Series (w/ Philadelphia Phillies) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Summary: Strahm, a left-handed relief pitcher has pitched one inning (one walk, one strikeout) thus far. Phillies lead the series 2-0

• 2008 National League Championship Series (w/ Philadelphia Phillies) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Summary: Coste, a catcher, played in one game making one plate appearance (Game 3 at Dodgers Stadium) and had one hit. The Phillies won the NLCS Series 4-1 against the Dodgers and advanced to the 2008 World Series.

• 2007 American League Championship Series (w/ Cleveland Indians) vs. Boston Red Sox

Summary: Hafner, a designated hitter, batted .148 in the 2007 ALCS with four hits (including one home run), two runs scored, a double, two RBI, and two walks. Hafner’s home run in the series came in Game 1 at Fenway Park in a 10-3 losing effort. The Indians lost the 2007 ALCS Series 4-3 against the Red Sox. 

• 2005 American League Championship Series (w/ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) vs. Chicago White Sox

Summary: Erstad, a first baseman, batted .235 in the 2005 ALCS with four hits, one run scored, one double, one stolen base, and one walk. The Angels lost the 2005 ALCS Series 4-1 against the White Sox. 

• 2002 American League Championship Series (w/ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) vs. Minnesota Twins

Summary: Erstad, a outfielder, batted .364 in the 2002 ALCS with eight hits, four runs scored, a home run, a stolen base, and two RBI. Erstad’s home run in the series came in Game 2 at the Metrodome in a 6-3 victory. The Angels won the 2002 ALCS Series 4-1 against the Twins and advanced to the 2002 World Series. 

• 2003 National League Championship Series (w/ Florida Marlins) vs. Chicago Cubs

Summary: Helling, a relief pitcher, made two appearances in the 2003 NLCS striking out five batters, walking four batters, giving up four earned runs on 5 ⅔ innings pitched with a 6.35 ERA. The Marlins won the 2003 NLCS Series 4-3 against the Cubs and advanced to the 2003 World Series.

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