Tiger Park, Belle Plaine Tigers - Belle Plaine, MN

HISTORY

Since the early 1880s, amateur baseball has played a significant role in the Belle Plaine community, with organized teams forming around 1885. Today, the Belle Plaine Tigers are recognized statewide as a distinguished amateur baseball team, reflecting the community’s deep pride in its sporting heritage.

Before 1923, when the current mascot, the Tiger, was adopted, Belle Plaine teams were known by a variety of lively names, including the White Lilies, Red Caps, Red Stockings, Governors, Juniors, and Giants, which energized local fans. During that period, all games in Belle Plaine were played at the field now called Tiger Park, originally named Union Park, which underwent several configurations over the years. The park’s current layout, featuring the famous grandstand, was redesigned in 1991, marking a significant development in the park's history.

For about the first 62 years, Belle Plaine Baseball largely relied on support from local flour mills, cigar factories, and other merchants in the community. During this period, teams thrived, and uniforms and equipment were consistently available to early players.

After World War II, public interest in baseball surged. The current Baseball Association was established in 1947 to organize and promote the sport in the Belle Plaine area. During this period, Class "A" baseball gained popularity throughout the Minnesota River Valley. The organization sought to develop baseball in Belle Plaine and was actively involved in guiding the sport from 1947 until the late 1950s, when the first version of the Belle Plaine Baseball Association was dissolved.

Over the next 21 years, support for baseball came primarily from individuals and community clubs, including the Veterans’ Club and the Jaycees. This model remained dominant until 1986, when a group of boosters recognized the need to formalize their efforts by establishing an organized association. Consequently, in November 1986, the Belle Plaine Baseball Association was reestablished, laying the foundation for the highly successful organization we see today.

The Belle Plaine Tigers have a long history in Minnesota's town-team and high school sports. Their amateur town ball baseball team, the most well-known version, has played at Tiger Park since 1885. Currently, they compete in the River Valley League at the Class C level.

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking - Located next to an elementary school and a high school, the area offers numerous parking options that are safe from foul-ball damage. During my visit, which coincided with a tournament weekend, attendance was very low, with fewer than 20 people present, yet about half of the parking spaces were occupied. There may have been other events or activities at the schools contributing to the occupancy.  

Spectator Options - Game-enjoyment options are plentiful.  A ten-tier, three-section covered grandstand has bench seating. With low attendance sliding back and the next tier used as a backrest, the game was much more enjoyable. There are also large benches immediately adjacent to the grandstand, benches along first base, and chairs along third base.

The lights are upgraded to the newer LED system. The sound system was clear and of high quality.

Concessions - (I prefer a hot dog with a root beer) - They served Mug root beer, offering a departure from the more common A&W varieties typically found at townball games. The hot dog featured a crispy skin, a coarse filling, and a distinctive flavor, supplied by Rick’s Meats, a local meat market. Its high quality and delicious taste often encourage a second order. The popcorn was traditional, with a high salt content. Prices were slightly higher than usual, with entry costing $4 instead of the usual $5.

Other treats include popcorn, nachos, and hamburgers. Interestingly, beer is served in cans, six-packs, or 12-packs. If not a beer drinker, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, O’Doul’s, and Coca-Cola products are available.

SUMMARY COMMENTS

This venue is a true baseball gem, where it takes a mighty hit to clear the 435-foot centerfield wall. Stepping into this park, fans are transported through baseball history dating back to 1885. Inside the centerfield wall, three flagpoles stand proudly. Tiger Stadium boasts two ivy-covered, straight-out fences that run parallel to the streets behind them, with no curvature. Behind home plate, a covered grandstand offers a classic viewing experience.

I enjoyed the Macstrength Grizzlies VS the Minneapolis MudCats, a solid game in an enjoyable setting. Mudcays won 5 to 4. 

4 Seasons Park - Arlington A's - Arlington, MN

 HISTORY

The Arlington Athletics, also known as the Arlington A’s, are a dynamic and highly successful amateur town ball baseball team with a storied history. They have claimed five state amateur championships and have dazzled fans by appearing in the state tournament more than twelve times.

The A’s have legendary status in the area, especially during their golden era, with local icons like Jim "J.O.B." O'Brien leading the charge. They claim an impressive tally of five state titles from the late 1960s through 1985, igniting passion in their fans. The Ballpark: Arlington Baseball Park stands as a top-tier venue, hosting countless sectional and state tournament games that draw crowds from far and wide. Baseball runs deep in the town's veins, symbolized by the iconic water tower, proudly decked out to resemble a giant baseball, a testament to its rich sporting heritage.

MY EXPERIENCE

Parking is plentiful and secure, mostly protected from foul balls. The main lot is conveniently located to the north of the ballpark, sharing space with the tennis courts and the track. When I visited, the southern overflow parking area was not in use.

Spectator Options - There is a $5 ticket price. The Grandstand is covered, with two rows of bench seats at the bottom and four rows of back-backed seats behind them. The concession stand and restrooms are located behind the bleacher seating. A press box is located above the concessions and restrooms. There is a 12-tier bleacher on each side of the Grandstand. Off third base is a raised patio area with tables.

The lighting is older-style (I was at a day game and did not see the performance). The announcement was clear, with a slightly scratchy tone. 

Looking east atthe entrance

From the grandstand

Looking left and right from the grandstand center

Concessions - I prefer a hot dog with a refreshing root beer. The concession stand offers more variety than the usual park fare. They served canned 1919 Root Beer, a pleasant departure from the typical A&W Root Beer, though it’s not my favorite. They also have a hamburger that many people compliment. The hot dog was modest—small, with decent flavor and a satisfying snap in each bite. The popcorn was unexpectedly light on salt, a refreshing change from the overly salty varieties common in most parks. The hot dog, popcorn, and soda are $1 more each than at the typical ballpark.

SUMMARY COMMENTS

The field sits in the heart of the community, bordered by quiet streets, just inside farmland, and clusters of old trees. A weathered wooden sign marks the entrance. The grandstand is modest, with peeling paint. The park is an enjoyable setting for a baseball game. It was an exciting game, with the score tied 1 to 1 going into the 13th inning, when Courtland scored 4 runs to beat Prior Lake Mudcats 5 to 1.

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.