Minnesota Townball Fields Review

  HISTORY There is very little information available on Sechler Park's history. Initially, the area consisted of sawmills, grist mills, and other industrial facilities along the Cannon River. The milling industry declined 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 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 t...

HISTORY Prior Lake was a Village from 1891 to June 1, 1921, when the City was formally incorporated.   For over 60 years, the Prior Lake community has supported amateur baseball, the Prior Lake Lakers.  The Lakers comprised older members.  In the 1960s, a new team (The J’s) was created for younger members.  It was named J’s as it was primarily juniors from the local high school team.  Home Juice Company sponsored them.  The J’s growth included a greater variety of ages, and the name was changed to the “Jays.” They were highly successful yet disbanded in 1976. Eleven years later, a small group of baseball enthusiasts and several local businesspeople partnered to sponsor amateur baseball.  The “new” Prior Lake Jays were supported by over 70 initial sponsors.  The formation resulted in the “Jay” bird logo.  They were a Class B team.  In 1991, the Prior Lake Mudcats were created to provide a Class C team and provide playing opportunities for...

  HISTORY There was no history on the field or for the team online, and little history is available at the field, either.    So, I went to the City of Hampton and drove the streets to get a feel for the town.  I have driven past many times but have yet to go into the City.  I found an  emblem that the Hampton Cardinals were established in 1936.  I unsuccessfully tried looking for something on Harold Doffing, but I assume he must be a descendant of M. Doffing, whose name is on the existing building below. M. Doffing building - 1897 The first settler to claim land in the area now known as Hampton was John M.  Bell in the fall of 1854.  The Bell family quickly made a home for themselves in Hampton Township.  Later on, in 1854, Stephen D. Bell, brother of John Bell, toured the area and later moved his family to the Township.   Other area settlers included German immigrants such as Conrad, Peter, Nicholas Doffing, John J. Fox, Joseph S...

  HISTORY Shattuck Baseball Team 1886 Faribault, MN, has a long baseball tradition, with the popularity of the Shattuck High School team.  After the Great Depression, townball excitement commenced. Hadley P.  Bell was Faribault’s mayor, and he and the city council voted to purchase 40 acres of the George Caron Farm located just south of the Rice County Fairgrounds for a public park.  The public, however, was none too pleased.  Still battling through the Great Depression, the citizenry took affront to the purchase, and in the next election, every council member except Maypor Bell and one council member was defeated.  But Alexander Faribault Park survived and was constructed.  Driveways were constructed, picnic benches and tables were installed, and playground equipment was purchased.  Bell Field State Tournament 1969 The city was funding the field—to be constructed in the Northwest corner of the park—with liquor and cigarette taxes.  The ligh...

HISTORY Park Entrance Statue Memorial Park is on the Cannon River in Dundas, Minnesota.  The ballpark hosts over 60 games annually, including the Dukes ( Class B team with the Minnesota Baseball Association) , Northfield Legion, Northfield High School, Dukes over-35 team, the Milltown Outlaws  with the Federal League Class A, and the Minnesota State High School League Section Playoffs.   The Dundas Baseball Association, the Dukes' parent organization, maintains and funds the ballpark.  The Dukes rely on a network of dedicated volunteers and a small seasonal staff to manicure the four-acre complex.  The 2024 season was challenging as the Cannon River experienced significant flooding.  Once the flood receded , the volunteers quickly cleaned the field for play. The park underwent a roughly $100,000 renovation in 2021, which included updating the main grandstand, a 500-square-foot press box, and a new audio system.  Memorial Park co-hosted the 2022 ...