John Burch Park - Cannon Falls Bears - Cannon Falls, MN

John Burch was a World War II (WWII) veteran who made Cannon Falls his home. After WWII ended, he taught "Veterans' On-Farming-Training" in Cannon Falls until 1955 and served as Cannon Falls Postmaster from 1955 to 1981. After retiring from the Post Office, he and his partners built three condominium buildings in Cannon Falls. John was a sports enthusiast. He learned to play baseball from his older brother, Lawton, when he was a young boy. 

He played baseball at Hamline University, in the Army, and for the town teams of Randolph, Stanton, Goodhue, and Cannon Falls. John Burch began his town ball career in 1946 and retired after the 1961 season. In 1948, it was reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he knocked the cover off a baseball during a game. The humble Burch would later say that the ball must have been manufactured incorrectly.

After retiring from baseball in 1961, he played softball, umpired games, and managed the local concession stand. He was actively involved, often in leadership roles, in numerous organizations, including the American Legion, Rotary, City Planning Commission, Commercial Club, Industrial Development Organization, and served on the hospital board. He was honored with the "Hometown Spirit Award" in 1994. His many years of service led Cannon Falls to name the premier ballpark after him. It was said that at age 95, someone asked John Burch if he had any regrets. He replied, "That I can't hit a fastball one last time." 

The park was established in 1938 and has remained a popular tourist spot ever since. Originally a swampland, construction started in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which added fill and built the limestone wall. The project was completed in 1938. Home plates once sat in front of the current bandshell. The Cannon Falls Bears have played baseball on this site since 1938, although the current grandstand was built in 1984.

The Cannon River runs behind left field, only 293 feet from home plate, with a 20-foot-high fence restricting home run opportunities.

Cannon Falls Bears made their first tournament appearance in 1949. A few seasons later, the team won 42 consecutive games, including both regular season and playoffs. The highlight was capturing the Class A tournament championship over the Belle Plaine Tigers in 1952, which remains their only state title to date. John Burch Stadium hosted the Amateur State Baseball Tournaments in 1985 and 1991 and is scheduled to host again in 2028.

Field in the 1950s

Parking

Minimal parking is provided at the field.  A majority of the parking provided is at risk from foul balls.  Alternatively, park in the Cannon Valley Trail parking lot to the east of the river or throughout the adjoining neighborhoods.  The sidewalk network is minimal, and people must walk in the street.  This is particularly difficult when little kids are trying to be herded.  The game I attended there was a mom (of a player I saw later) who was trying to keep the about 2, 4, and 6-year-olds safe walking in the street with crazy drivers trying to find a parking spot.

Spectator Options

Outlining the first base side and over the away team's dugout is the rock wall. At the top of the rock wall, a favorite spectator location, the concrete is stepped, allowing an array of lawn chairs to be set up for enjoying the game.  There are four rows of rock wall seating, and above that are picnic tables to sit on. Further down the line, fans will line up the side with lawn chairs. It's a great place to watch a baseball game, but be cautious and pay attention to foul balls during the games!  This area was packed, with the grandstand operating at about 20 percent capacity.

Located behind home plate is the larger grandstand, which is elevated about ten feet.  A majority of the seating throughout the park is elevated to that height.  At the top of the grandstand is a press box, a table with signatures of past players, coaches, and fans. You are allowed to sneak underneath the grandstand and place a chair behind home plate. Off the third base line is another raised platform with tables and an area for chairs.  There is no shortage of great viewing locations at the park.  

The sound system is high quality with clear vocals and music playing at the correct times. One thing I love about the park is that there are no noticeable advertising banners, which makes it look less like a commercial mess, unlike some other parks. It’s a clean and pristine ballpark!

Electronic Scoreboard and 20-foot high left field fence

Concessions and Grandstand

Raised platform over the third base dugout

Wall and tiered patio along the first baseline

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

Cannon Falls recognizes that a quality concession stand is vital for a whole baseball experience. It offers hot dogs ($3), burgers ($5), brats ($4), popcorn, candy, water ($1), and 20 oz Mug Root Beer ($2), as well as beer! Bears apparel is also available for purchase at the concession stand.

The hot dog has a crisp casing and a slight snap. It is juicy and lightly flavored. The Mug root beer is similar to Barq's and A&W at most fields. The popcorn is the typical popped onsite you get at most townball parks.

Summary

John Burch Field offers a high-level townball experience. Outstanding spectator options make the ballpark a popular gathering spot among the locals. The majority of the fans sit on the first base side, which is shaded with trees and provides an area to spread out a blanket or two.

The field has a unique design that keeps all of the seating areas well above the playing field and provides a nice view of the lush forestry that is behind the outfield walls near downtown. A simple, but lovely sign spells out the ballpark above the grandstand.  Look forward to additional games at this field!

Delano Municipal - Delano Athletics - Delano, MN

The first documented instance of organized baseball in Delano dates back to May 1875, when a baseball club was established. The city built Delano Municipal Ballpark in 1896, making it one of Minnesota's oldest and most celebrated town ball stadiums. It features iconic ivy on the outfield fence, planted in the 1980s, and a grandstand rebuilt in 1995 with seating for 750 spectators.

This stadium is a centerpiece of Delano's baseball history. It's known for its pristine field, mature trees, ivy-covered fences, and historic light towers. The park has undergone upgrades, including a new grandstand in 1995 and LED lighting retrofits to preserve its historic charm.

The earliest written record of baseball in Delano dates back nearly 150 years! In May of 1875, The Eagle (local newspaper) reported:

“at a meeting held at the office of Fish and Van Eman, on Saturday evening, a base ball club was organized, consisting of the following officers and members: Pat McNaughton, Captain, Jerry Emerson, W. L. Van Eman, T. S. Kerr, Henery La Clare, Daniel Fish, George Schaffer, Billy Mitchell, Albert Eppel, C. O. Teas. Teas was chosen as the Umpire.  The club will first fit up their grounds, and then will go into active training.”

Baseball is a core part of Delano's community. Veteran Delano Athletics player Paul Jaunich is from a family with a strong baseball tradition in town.  So much so that at one point, a Jaunich family member was playing first, second, and third base at the same time for the team.

Some historical images:

The Delano baseball team from 1901

1916 field flood - Original grandstand in the background

The 1940 Delano team that stopped Maple Lake's win streak

The Delano Athletics are a prominent town team that plays at the Municipal Ballpark and is a significant part of the town's baseball lore.  Delano has been a host for the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament, including in 1975, 1984, and 1997. The city also co-hosted the tournament in 2013 and 2023.

Parking

A large parking lot offers over 220 parking spaces on the west side of the road from the stadium. All parking is protected from foul ball damage. As the parking runs in a line moving north away from the park, the most distant spot is about a quarter of a mile away. 

Spectator Options

There is a $5.00 entrance fee, which is becoming typical.  I had a friend meet me at the park, and he parked in the residential streets along the outfield and walked through the third base access, where there was no fee collector.  

The City of Delano (or some private donors) invested in creating a high-quality complex. With ample, comfortable seating in the large grandstand (rebuilt in 1995 providing 750 seats) and down both baselines, picnic table areas, ivy-covered fences surrounding the park with platforms for spectators, high quality light standards, a big concession booth, and nice bathrooms, it feels a lot like some of the minor league ballparks I’ve visited.

 

Raised outfield platform

 

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

The concession options are more significant than most parks.  Hot Dogs are $3.00 or a meal for $5.00.  Hamburgers and cheeseburgers are also provided.  They don't typically serve root beer, but they did make a root beer float. I bought a Solo cup (without ice) of the generic Best Foods root beer for $3.00.  The beverages are more expensive than in most fields I have visited.

Since the root beer was generic, it was no better than the usual A&W Root Beer. The hot dog was above store-bought quality, with a slight snap to the skin and a blend of flavors. It was average for the ball fields I have visited so far.

Summary

This is an outstanding baseball facility with a long history. The hedge in the outfield, along with seating options, the grandstand, and many other viewing opportunities, make this park unique and one of the best in the State of Minnesota (based on my limited experience to date).

They do a great job with the amenities and advertising.  The subtle actions provide a significant amount of advertising without being gaudy, filled with banners like many fields. Even though it's an over an hour's drive for me, the trip is worth the townball experience provided.

Signs like the ones below are posted throughout the park.  The first three are baseball terms, and the last two are advertising.

 

 Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

 

Joe Schleper Stadium - Shakopee Coyotes - Shakopee, MN

Located in Tahpah Park in Shakopee, MN, the stadium is named after Joe Schleper.  Joe became the high school's athletic director in 1966 while continuing to teach sophomore history and coach varsity baseball. He served as president of the Minnesota State Baseball Coaches Association from 1972 to 1973. Joe retired as the Shakopee High School baseball coach in 1976 and as a teacher in 1989. Joe’s son, Tom, coached Shakopee baseball for 30 years and retired in 2023.

The Shakopee Indians amateur baseball team was established in 1938 and has proudly represented the Shakopee community in amateur baseball for 75 years. At the ballpark, the grandstand is filled with hundreds of seats recycled from the late Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, where the Minnesota Twins (installed in 2015) played from 1982 until 2009. Amateur teams that play at Schleper Field include:

• Shakopee Coyotes
• Shakopee Indians
• Shakopee Chiefs (35 and over)
• Shakopee Sabers (High School)

Parking

There is a parking lot immediately south with over 250 spaces. An additional lot to the west provides more than 150 spaces. The parking area serves nine other baseball and softball fields as well as a playground. About 30 spaces are at risk of foul ball damage from Schleper Field.

Spectator Options

Aside from the grandstand, the area offers many seating options for fans, including bleachers and picnic tables in the concourse area, bench seating along the backstop, and a lovely raised deck past the third-base dugout. The scoreboard is visible from all parts of the park, and the concession area is accessible and well-stocked with cold beers and hot food. There is a $5.00 admission fee collected at the entrance gate.

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

The typical A&W Root Beer and hot dog are served. Additionally, there are occasionally other grilled items for certain games. Prices are reasonable. Popcorn, peanuts, and candy are also available. The hot dog is better than standard store-bought ones, but cannot match some other locations like LaCenter, Jordan, or Delano.

Summary

The field is well-maintained, with excellent seating options throughout the park. The teams are well-supported by the community. The sound system is average but could be improved for clarity. Restrooms are conveniently located next to the concessions stands, which are near the home plate backstop. This is a field I would not hesitate to visit for a baseball game when the opportunity arises.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

Fort Ripley Park - Fort Ripley Rebels - Fort Ripley, MN

Fort Ripley is approximately 130 miles northwest of Minneapolis. It was a United States military installation from 1849 to 1877, when it was vacated after 28 years. The fort, now part of Camp Ripley, was located on the opposite side of the Mississippi River from Morrison County, where the current city in Crow Wing County is situated. The town of Fort Ripley was incorporated in 1927 and took its name from the fort, which was named for Eleazer Wheelock Ripley, an American soldier and politician.

I was unable to find any information on the team's history. 

Parking

The Town of Forest Ripley is small. Once off the main highway, you travel three blocks on gravel roads to Fort Ripley Park. There is a large grass field next to the park that I assumed would provide plenty of parking. However, the teams were well-supported, with nearly 100 people, but no parking was available. I parked beside the access road. 

Spectator Options 

There are three sets of bleachers. The main bleacher behind home plate has over 120 seats, with an additional 40-seat bleachers on each side of the concession stand. There's also plenty of space for lawn chairs if that's preferred seating.

Concessions (I prefer a hot dog with root beer) 

Unfortunately, no root beer was available. They offered Von Hanson’s hot dogs for $3.00. While better than typical store-bought hot dogs, they are average at best. Soda, which I had as a Dr Pepper, was $2.00. There were no popcorn or other hot concession options. Limited candy and small snack bags were available.

Summary

This was a game! The Buckman Billygoats beat the Fort Ripley Rebels 7-6 in 16 innings! Even though it was a warm day, there were shaded seating options. The field had an average sound system and, when appropriate, played uplifting music. The field has no lights, so evening games are not possible.  There was a small electronic scoreboard in right field that provided the basic information. 

I enjoyed the setting and the welcoming atmosphere for the game. While the field was simple, that small-town feel and team support made the trip worthwhile.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

Ray Plut Field - La Center Braves - Le Center, MN

Who is Ray Plut?  Ray and his wife, Phyllis Hamann, owned the "LeCenter Leader" newspaper and partnered to start the "Little Dandy Supper Club”, which still exists today.  He was often referred to as Mr. Community because of his involvement in community activities, whether through his participation or the compelling stories he published in the Leader. 

He was a commander of the American Legion Post 108 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1803 and served in the U.S. Army from September 28, 1950, to September 8, 1952, during the Korean conflict.  He was a member of the German-Jefferson Sportsmen Club and the Izaak Walton League of America, a lifetime member of the Le Sueur County Fair Association, and the FFA Foundation.

It is stated that his membership in the LeCenter Baseball Association and the Quarterback Club were likely Ray's favorite. Often, after a game, he would return to the office to write about it, ensuring it would be included in the next issue of the Leader. He was loved and admired by the athletes and the coaches. It has been said that there was no other paper in the area that provided as good coverage of local athletes.

Ray Plut died on Thursday, December 3, 1987, at the age of 62.  I am unable to find when the field was dedicated to Ray, yet nearly 40 years after his passing, the field still displays his name.

Parking

The parking lot, with a capacity of nearly 100 spaces, is conveniently located off the highway and well protected from foul balls.  The lot also served the adjacent public pools and park. This location also served as the LaSueur County Fair.  Overflow parking is available in several places near the park.

Spectator Options

There are metal bleachers for spectator seating.  There is capacity for over 100 spectators behind home plate.  Along each baseline, just beyond first and third base, are additional bleachers for approximately 50 spectators each.  For the evening game, the home plate bleachers are shaded by the adjacent building.  The scoreboard was large and displayed the typical information.  There is no sound system for announcing the players or the games. 

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

They served O’Keefe’s Meat Market hot dogs.  O’Keefe’s, located just north of he field, opened in September 1996 by Donie O’Keefe.  If the rest of the meats are as great as the hot dog, this should be the palce to go for meats.  The Hot dog was perfectly flavored, slightly extended on each end, and had a skin that snapped perfectly with every bite.  It was so GREAT, I had two!  The root beer was A&W, typical of ballparks.  There was no popcorn, yet bagged chips, beers, and candy were provided for sale. The hot dog was a reasonable $3.00. 

Summary

This was an hour's drive away, and the drive is pleasant through several farming communities.  This is my first time in La Center.  Surprised at the size and apparent quality of life provided. The quality of the field and amenities make the trip well worth it for an enjoyable game. The field has limited community support, unless the use of the income sponsor banner is not allowed.  This can be a distraction at times, and it was enjoyable to watch a game without billboards in my face.  I would return, if not for the ballgame, definitely the hot dog!

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

Veterans Park - Hastings Hawks - Hastings, MN

Like most teams and fields, there is minimal history to share.  The Hastings Hawks were established in 1982, coinciding with the construction of Veterans Park, replacing the Hastings Spirals.  The park was surrounded by trees and parkland to minimize the awareness that this was in a larger city.

Parking

There is a small gravel parking lot near the field, and 90-degree parking is available on the grass off Soccer Field Road.  The parking is safe from foul balls for the Hawks game.  If the east field is used, there would be a chance of vehicle damage from a home run.  On the day I attended, the Hastings Hawks vs Baseball 365 was the only field in use.

Spectator Options

Behind home plate is a 9-level bleacher.  On each side of the field are grass areas designated for seating.  The bleacher seating was acceptable; however, the number of crossbars on the backstop reduces visibility of half the ball, making each seat less than desirable.  Additionally, some large, empty utility spools are used as makeshift tables and picnic tables just outside the concessions.  The restrooms attached to the concessions needed updating, or at the very least, a thorough cleaning. 

The sound system was of high quality, and the announcer did a great job with all the announcements.  There were approximately 70 spectators at the game, and the mix of supporters appears to be evenly divided, with 50 percent supporting each team.

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

There was no restriction on bringing in your own food and beverages.  One individual carried a case of Coors and enjoyed them throughout the game. 

The concession stand was well stocked.  As I typically find, since there was no entry fee, the concession prices were higher.  They sold hamburgers, bratwursts, and hot dogs. I had a hot dog ($5) and an A&W Root Beer ($2.50).  The hot dog was a Nathan's Hot Dog with a typical bun.  They provided fresh chopped onions, jalapeños, and pickles.  There was bottle relish, mustard, and a catsup.

Summary

The facility is well-maintained and offers a range of adequate amenities.  Unlike many games, there was no entry fee for attending the game.  Unlike the larger and more prominent fields, there were minimal advertising banners.  Only 10 were located on the outfield fence, and some looked very old and worn.  Surprised by the size of Hastings, no higher level of local support was found.

This is a field I would seek out to enjoy a game. However, I would bring a lawn chair for better viewing and comfort.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

The Ben - St. Benidict Saints - St. Benedict MN

access road and parking

I was unable to find any history about the St. Benedict Saints.  Maybe cause it is really in the middle of nowhere.  St. Benedict is an unincorporated community in Helena Township, Scott County, Minnesota, United States, located along 250th Street West and St. Benedict Road.  The West Branch of Raven Stream and the East Branch of Raven Stream meet at St. Benedict.  There are five houses (seven if you drive up the gravel road), a cemetery, and a baseball field.  There are no paved roads leading into Saint Benedict; only a 500-foot portion of St. Benedict Road where it crosses the streams.

Parking

There is no parking lot for the field.  Parking was along the gravel roads leading to the park.  This narrowed the road and was not the ideal parking situation, yet I assume 95 percent of the traffic was game-generated.

Spectator Options

There are three wooden bleachers and several old empty cable rolls that are used as standing tables.  Along each dugout are four-level bleachers and a five-level bleacher behind home plate.  

The scoreboard is very small and located outside the field, directly off 3rd base (see the upper right image below, where the scoreboard is in the upper left corner of the image).  It only displayed the score, and it was updated only after each full inning.  There is no announcer or sound system of any kind.  There are no lights, so only daytime games would be played.

The game between the St. Benedict's Saints vs Prior Lake Mudcats was close, with the Mudcats winning 6-5.

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

The concessions area was minimal.  I had an A&W Root Beer and a hot dog, which totaled $4.00 ($2.50 for the hot dog and $1.50 for the soda).  I skipped the popcorn, as it was ACT II popcorn that would be popped in a microwave.

Summary

There was no cost to attend the game.  It appears that close friends and family members participated in the game.  I counted 36 people enjoying the game, with a notable age range, including many over 50 years old and some under 25.  Reminds me of Pee-Wee League, where parents and girlfriends attend (in this case), but with a much higher skill level.  Much like many small-town fields, if you want to watch a low-key game on a nice day, attend.  Otherwise, there are many more games within a short distance that offer significantly better amenities.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

Webster Community Park - Webster Sox - Webster, MN

Webster Township was established in 1855 and named after Ferris Webster, a local store owner. The township is 35.7 miles in size, and within it is the unincorporated town of Webster. Webster has approximately 40 homes, a post office, a supper club, an elevator, and a few repair shops. Just west of Webster is a gravel road that leads north 1/4 mile to the local park and ball field.  There was no history available for the Webster Sox team or information about the field.

Parking

A large gravel lot is off the main entrance road.  The parking is situated at an adequate distance to eliminate issues with vehicle damage and foul balls.  There were several spaces when I arrived 10 minutes before the game, but overflow parking was needed by the end of the first inning.  There was no indication of the attendance cost until the 5th inning, when a team representative walked the crowd to collect $5.

Spectator options 

There are two small bleachers, one on the first and third baselines. Immediately behind home plate is the concession with a large patio and a second-level observation deck. The setting is the ballfield, situated among open areas and farmland. There is no other structure in the vicinity, except for the park. The sound system is of high quality, and a large digital scoreboard keeps spectators updated.

Concessions (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) 

The concessions were very low-cost: a $2 hot dog, $1 A&W root beer, and $0.75 for popcorn.  They also provided hamburgers and bratwursts!  The hot dog was obviously from a meat market instead of a grocery store.  The casing was slightly crisp and had a solid flavor palate that I enjoyed.  The popcorn had more salt than any popcorn I have ever consumed.

Summary

Overall, it is obvious that the community supports the team. The field was very well maintained, although there are no lights, so nighttime games are not possible.  I estimate nearly 100 people attended the game. The outfield fence was filled with banners advertising over 45 businesses. I found it odd that the local Ettlin's Ranchero supper club was not one of the supporters. Bring a lawn chair instead of the small bleachers for the best viewing option if you attend.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.

Sechler Park - Northfield Knights - Northfield, MN

There is very little information available on the history of Sechler Park. Initially, the area consisted of sawmills, grist mills, and other industrial facilities along the Cannon River. The milling industry experienced a decline in the late 1800s. Nevertheless, Northfield continued to be an essential hub of economic, educational, and recreational activity, with dairy farming and development along the banks of the Cannon River. As industrial development along the Cannon River slowed, interest in opportunities for parks, trails, and open spaces on public land increased, leading to the creation of Sechler Park and several other public spaces in the city. 

Sechler Park's prime location along the Cannon River has been a cherished community space since the mid-1900s. Today, Sechler Park serves as a successful example of transforming a former industrial riverfront area into an inviting public park, reflecting the city’s historic ties to the river and its commitment to outdoor recreation. Beyond being the home field for the Northfield Knights, there are trails for mountain biking, three small baseball fields, two softball fields, and a batting cage.

The Northfield City Council adopted a long-range plan for the park in 2024. It included additional parking, another softball field, a playground, pickleball courts, a kayak/canoe launch site, a pedestrian bridge over the river to access the south park area, and a 9-hole disc golf course.

Parking

Although a parking lot with approximately 125 spaces is adjacent to the park, many spaces are at risk of damage from foul balls due to the two fields bordering the lot. Overflow parking is about a quarter mile away at the softball fields. This was not an issue as there were fewer than 35 spectators and fewer than 40 cars. There is no fee for parking; however, they pass the helmet and suggest a $2 donation.

Spectator options 

The main bleacher features rows with back support, and there are two smaller bleachers on each side. I assume the peak capacity is well over 250 spectators. While seated, we kept smelling breakfast cereal! After an inning, we realized that across the railroad tracks was Malt-O-Meal, and on this night, we were downwind. The scoreboard is basic, and the announcing system was inferior. There was so much static that you could hardly hear what the announcer said. A bullhorn might be a better option?

Concessions (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) 

Initially, we had no idea there were any concessions at the field. It was only after I saw someone walk in with a bag of popcorn that I decided to take a closer look. Walking behind the bleachers, I noticed a building with two locked doors. However, after walking to the other side, I discovered a small concession window, about 5 feet wide. There was no root beer, and the $3 hot dog was average. You would find the $3 popcorn at the local hardware store, where they often offer a free bag.

Summary

The field is nice, with outstanding views. The teams were competitive. Unfortunately, there appears to be little community support. There were fewer than 35 spectators, and over half appeared to be with the visiting team. With strong community backing, this venue could create a lively town ball entertainment atmosphere.  As it is, a high school baseball game may be more vibrant.

Review criteria and list of fields - including links for those reviewed.