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.