Grand Prairie Park - Lakeville Loonitics

HISTORY

Lakeville’s amateur baseball scene boasts a rich history, from early teams like the Lobos to the legendary 1959 DRS Championship team. Starting in 2026, the Loonatics bring a fresh, exciting, and contemporary twist to Minnesota town ball. The name, inspired by general manager James Hathaway and his family, honors Minnesota’s state bird—the loon—while embodying a lively, energetic, and community-oriented spirit.

The team competes at the recently constructed Belzer Stadium, a striking new venue nestled within the picturesque Grand Prairie Park, near Cedar Avenue and 185th Street. This modern, state-of-the-art facility boasts a permanent, brightly illuminated stadium that enhances the game-day experience. The project has been in development for nearly a decade. The Lakeview Baseball Association was established and successfully raised $1.6 million to fund the construction of the ballpark, which features upgraded amenities and advanced lighting. Previously, the city lacked lighting at any of its baseball fields.

Concession area off the third base line

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking - The parking appears plentiful with a 181-space lot adjacent to the field. Yet when I attended the game, arriving 30 minutes early, the main and secondary 167-space lot was full, and I had to park in a third 120-space lot about 0.5 miles away.

Spectator Options - When I finally arrived, after the long walk from the parking lot, it was 15 minutes before the game. There was no seating in the grandstand (220-seat capacity) and very limited standing options. The area off first base had the walls all occupied. They say the site could hold over 500 people, and I think that was the case when I attended. It really took the allure of townball away!

Yes, that is a VIDEO board!

Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - The standard A&W Root Beer was given. The hot dog was thick and plump. They handed out catsup, mustard, and relish in packets. The first bite was terrible. It felt like eating a piece of tofu with no texture or flavor. Very disappointed!

SUMMARY COMMENTS

The field offers the highest quality experience I have encountered in the townball environment. It is bordered on the north by a charming retention pond and on the east by a spectator hill. Once the trees mature, the setting will become even more picturesque. 

I doubt I will be attending many games at this location, as I find the townball experience disappointing. It competes unfavorably with many minor league games I have seen. The coach had to signal extensively before each pitch, and the first inning dragged on for 35 minutes. The game lasted three hours, whereas most townball games, which are simply played without fuss, rarely last that long.

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

Wilkommen Memorial Park - Norwood Young America

HISTORY - Wilkommen Memorial Park is a 3.9-acre community park located in Norwood Young America, MN. It serves as a central hub for the hometown amateur baseball team, outdoor recreation, and local gatherings, and is well known for hosting Stiftungsfest, the state's oldest-running community festival.

Park entrance

Old Town was built in the early 1990s and has since become a vibrant part of the community landscape. It served as a charming backdrop to the community park and the bustling ballpark where the Young America Cardinals thrill fans with their baseball games. In October 2023, the old, dilapidated facade was replaced, unveiling a newly revitalized Old Town. 

Designed to evoke scenes from historic downtown Young America’s Main Street, the area features a variety of engaging sections: a dug-out for the Cardinals, a press box, and a bell tower housing the original bell from the 1909 City Hall, and the Mankenberg Hotel from 1879, once a key fixture on Main Street. Visitors can also explore a replica of the original State Bank of Young America, built in 1900 and still standing proudly today, as well as a unique concession-and-baseball-storage space resembling a historic livery barn where horses were once kept. The final highlight is the open-air Biergarten, an inviting space perfect for summer picnics and lively gatherings during Stiftungsfest.

It has a painted monument by artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II honoring local veterans.

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking - Limited to street parking located a block away. Additionally, there is a church within a few blocks. I observed a considerable amount of parking in a grassy area near the park. The street parking next to the ballfield, which has potential for foul ball damage, was mostly empty.

Spectator Options - The covered grandstand provides ample seating; I estimate a comfortable capacity of 150. Additional seating is provided in a pavilion along the first-base side, just beyond first base. There are also tables along the side of the concession stand, although viewing is not optimal. The larger structure along first base blocks the late-evening sun that can interfere with viewing from the southwest-facing center field. The field is in the city, flanked by streets and homes.

The sound system is high-quality, with no distortion. Very clear and at the right volume. The field lighting is old, yet it provides light for play. The new LED systems are nearly twice the light level and much more uniform. I observed the Hamburg Hawks lose to the Norwood Young America Cardinals, 14-10, in a slugfest.  

Pavilion near first base

Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - The root beer is classic A&W Root Beer in the can, delivering that iconic, refreshing taste. The hot dog was absolutely Fantastic—large, with a crispy skin and bursting with flavor. The popcorn, however, wasn’t quite as fresh and was noticeably salted, but still a satisfying snack.

 

SUMMARY COMMENTS
I would gladly attend another game here. The atmosphere is very inviting, and it offers a perfect balance by setting the park right in the middle of the charming old town. Not the same feel for the rural location in farm fields, but it provides a nice alternative for some good baseball.

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

Don Gieseb Field - Union Hill

Upon entering the town of Union Hill from the east via Calvill Memorial Highway, travelers are greeted by a ballpark to the north and a farm to the south. The rest of the town comprises six charming dwellings, the historic St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a quiet cemetery, the Union Hill garage—likely used for storage—and the welcoming Union Hill Bar and Grill. This quaint community encapsulates the entirety of Union Hill, Minnesota.

The baseball field is named Don Giesen Field in honor of Don Giesen, a dedicated lifelong player, groundskeeper, and inductee into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. Don Giesen was raised in Union Hill and developed his love for baseball as a child, playing in his backyard. At age 16, he helped establish the first local team. Reflecting on those times, he remarked, “It seems we’ve always had a big baseball tradition. The kids used to play ball in cow pastures and backyards.” His uncle and father took the initiative to build a baseball field that was beautifully designed, meticulously maintained, and in pristine condition. In 1956, Union Hill proudly fielded its first team in the Dakota-Rice-Scott baseball league. This team, known as The Indians, played their home games in a newly constructed ballpark located west of County Road 7, just across from the local bar.

Don played baseball for New Prague High School from 1954 to 1956 and in Legion baseball during those years. He passionately competed in amateur ball for Union Hill from 1956 to 1970. From 1964 to 1972, Don boldly managed the Union Hill team. In 1983, Don formed the Union Hill over-35 baseball team, playing and managing it until 2006, when he retired from his lifelong dedication to the team.

Don has played a key role in enhancing and maintaining the Union Hill Baseball Field. He contributed to the installation of the new fencing and to the construction of the dugouts, concession stand, and grandstand. His efforts were particularly significant in installing the lighting on the field, improving visibility and safety for players and spectators.

Don worked as a finish carpenter for Busch/KA Witt Construction for 44 years, retiring in 2000. He passed away on July 24, 2024, at age 84. 

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking - Parking is on a grassy field to the east of the ballfield. There is sufficient depth to protect most vehicles from foul-ball damage. You pay the $5 per spectator entry at the parking lot.

Spectator Options - There are five sets of 3- to 5-tier bleachers along the backstop behind home plate. There are three 3-tier bleachers north of the visiting team dugout, near first base. The concession stand is under the second-level press box and has a covered patio. A few high-top tables are also available behind the bleachers. 

The field’s positioning places the setting sun in front of spectators, except along third base. The sun impacted my view for the first 90 minutes. I also appeared to affect left-handed batters when the sky was clear.

The scoreboard and sound system are of high quality. The field is sufficiently lit, but upgrading to newer LED technology could significantly enhance nighttime games. It was nice that all the advertising banners were placed by the third base foul pole. To me, the ads along the entire backfield fence are annoying, and I make a point to patronize those businesses. I get slapped in the face with advertising everywhere I go, and it is nice to enjoy a game without it.

Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - They have more beer options that non-alchoholic beverages. There was no root beer. The $3.00 hot dog, $2 Dr. Pepper, and $1 popcorn were my choices. The popcorn was very salty. The hot dog was average, juicy, and exceeded typical grocery store dogs.  Only catsup and mustard were provided. No relish or other condiments

SUMMARY COMMENTS

There is a single-family home off third base. During the game, the home was hit twice. I am not sure how any damage is corrected. Records show the home was purchased by Christopher Dohmen in 1987.  Much like many parks, it has an intimate, cozy, chain-link-fence-adorned "field of dreams" vibe.

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

Mini Met - Jordan Brewers - Jordan, MN

In Jordan, Minnesota, you can discover a historic baseball park with unique, nostalgic features and a lively community spirit. In 1969, when a visiting sportswriter compared it to the Minnesota Twins' Metropolitan Stadium ("The Met”), the name “The Mini Met” was born and remains in use today.  

The Mini Met was originally part of the Scott County Fairgrounds, with the grandstand facing a horse racing track. The old wooden grandstand was initially built for Scott County Fairground musical acts and livestock reviews as a WPA project. The fair was held after the baseball season, but the carnival rides and food trucks were set up on the field, causing significant damage. The fair moved in 1973, allowing the field to stay in good condition.

1940 ballpark outfield - home base to the right, not shown

It has been an amateur baseball venue since the 1930s, hosting the Jordan Brewers, Jordan High School, and Legion teams.

The Mini Met has undergone several changes, including enlarging the field, moving the home plate from the left field corner to the right field corner after WWII, adding lights in 1955, and installing a manual scoreboard in the 1980s. Over the past decade, city officials considered the wooden grandstand structurally unsafe, and more than $83,000 was approved for repairs. New wood supports were added, and a fresh coat of “Met Green” paint was applied. 

In 2022, a raised platform and additional bleacher seating were installed along the first baseline to improve viewing options. In 2023, a new backstop was installed. In 2024, new LED lighting was added, and it was discovered that the scoreboard is aging and cannot be repaired. Therefore, the estimated replacement cost for the scoreboard was $65,000, and a request to the City for $8,000 was approved on May 12, 2025. 

Parking

Parking is primarily available in a lot south of the field, which can accommodate over 150 vehicles. About 10 percent (15) of the spaces are at risk of foul ball damage. Due to high attendance, the parking is not sufficient, but there is ample parking along the main street to the north or at Mill Pond Park to the west. Both options are less than a quarter mile from the park entrance.

Spectator Options

The seating options are significant. As you enter the park, there is a large hill along the first baseline, flanked by blankets and chairs. A larger patio area is also available, approximately 8 feet above the field, in front of and west of the concession stand. The larger covered grandstand and open concrete area flank the third baseline. A concrete bleacher section is located behind home plate, with the press box at the top. There is a larger raised platform, about 12 feet above the field, over the first base dugout, with additional bleacher seating along the first base side of the field.

The atmosphere at The Mini Met is full of local support and pride! Fans and volunteers have kept this historic baseball field running for over 80 years. The manual scoreboard is operated by volunteers. Volunteers perch behind the right field wall to keep score the old-fashioned way: moving tiles and posting innings. I've been told the area is tight, making it a one-person job.

The sound system is high-quality. The recently installed LED lighting system provides outstanding light without any glare for spectators.  

The platform along first base	Grandstand
Seating / Press Box behind Home Plate	View from the entrance

Concessions (hot dog/root beer)

The concession stand is conveniently located along first base. There is a covered area where you can enjoy food and beverages. They have hot dogs ($3), hamburgers ($5), candy, peanuts, chips, popcorn, and Klondike bars, all priced reasonably. Pepsi products (MUG Root Beer) are served in cans and cost a dollar. Gatorade is $1.50. Hard Seltzer and Beer are $3, and Ale Jordan (local brew) $5.

The hot dog has a crisp skin and solid flavor.  They only provide ketchup and mustard, no onions or relish, which is a shame.  They also serve hamburgers, and they will add fried onions and cheese if desired.  Bother are slightly above average; I have had much better in LaCenter and Delano.

Summary

The Mini Met in Jordan, Minnesota, is one of the best town ballparks in the state and one of the most distinctive-looking baseball facilities in the country. The home of the Jordan Brewers (Class C for most of the years, recently moving to Class B) team of the River Valley League has been a staple in the city since 1935.

The ballpark’s layout fits snugly into the surrounding area. Interestingly, it wasn’t originally intended to be a ballpark but developed quite naturally between a creek, a row of trees, train tracks, and a rocky cliff. There’s even a steeple from St. John the Baptist church that peeks out from the trees beyond the outfield walls.

A highlight of other parks is the large hand-operated scoreboard in right field. This dramatically enhances the nostalgia of the townball roots. I am glad there is no desire to replace the scoreboard with an electronic version! Additionally, sometimes, a train whistle and the rumble of a train can be heard as it passes by. Overall, the Mini Met creates a wonderful experience when attending the game.

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

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!

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

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.