Waconia, Minnesota - Baseball Day Minnesota 2025 officially has a date and a home.

After careful deliberation following the exciting launch at Minnetonka's Veterans Field in May 2024, the Baseball Day Minnesota committee identified Waconia's Lions Field as the site for this year's event.

A short 30-minute drive from the Twin Cities, the growing lake town community nestled in rolling farmland acreage, with its scenic Lake Waconia, charming downtown, and die-hard commitment to the game of baseball, was the perfect setting for year two of Baseball Day Minnesota. 

Chris Ohm, the board president of the Waconia Baseball Association, says the baseball community was thrilled to be selected as the host for the upcoming event. 

"The ability to be considered to host an event like Baseball Day Minnesota is an honor. We are humbled that our city was chosen for the 2025 event," says Ohm. "Baseball is a way of life in Waconia, and Waconia Lions Field is one of the premier baseball experiences in the region, and we look forward to hosting some of Minnesota's best players from some of the best communities."

Prep Baseball Minnesota state director Andy Judkins echoed that sentiment.

"Waconia has a rich tradition as a baseball community," said Judkins. "The city of Waconia and its community greatly support an event like this and are as excited as we are to see Baseball Day grow. Lions Field is arguably one of the nicest stadiums and fields in the area. The location, setup, and playing surface make Lions Field ideal for hosting an event like this."

What Waconia brings to the table is just about the total package. In 2017, the community raised money to construct a $1.4 million grandstand, and the beautiful upgrades were showcased as a host site for the 2021 Minnesota State Amateur Baseball tournament. Waconia continued to improve its crown jewel, installing top-of-the-line Musco Lighting ahead of the 2024 season, bringing a big-time atmosphere to the hometown field.

“I’ve been blown away so far by the overall commitment and organization that Waconia has offered to support Baseball Day Minnesota,” says Rob Allison, Prep Baseball Upper Midwest Supervisor. “Parker Hageman and Andy Judkins have been tireless in their pursuit of developing and growing this event to promote high school baseball in Minnesota. I believe we knocked it out of the park at last year’s event, and I am excited that this year will be even bigger and better.”

The Waconia Wildcats' head coach, Erik Olson, is happy to have his team involved. As an ambassador for the game and the community, he knows what having this celebration of high school baseball means for the city. 

"Being selected to play Baseball Day Minnesota is exciting, but being chosen as the host is truly an honor," says Coach Olson. "When the grandstand was built in 2017, the vision was to make Waconia a destination baseball town. We have showcased the stadium during state amateur tournaments, Strikeout Cancer events, and the Gopher Classic. Now, we can also show the state how amazing high school baseball can be."

Baseball Day Minnesota 2024 featured six schools, three of which (Minnetonka, Wayzata, and East Ridge) went on to participate in the Minnesota High School League State Tournament, with one, East Ridge, winning the 4AAAA state title. The 2025 edition will include eight schools, bringing multiple communities from outside the Twin Cities area into the fold. 

"Year two will bring more excitement and anticipation this spring," says Judkins. "Last year, the event's launch in Minnetonka at Veterans Field could not have worked out better because of the teams, games, venue, and outstanding weather. We are hosting eight new teams and are excited to highlight more programs, coaches, players, and communities. High school baseball in Minnesota continues to get stronger every year, and having a day to celebrate the sport is exciting." 

Mark your calendar for May 17, 2025, and plan to be in Waconia for Baseball Day Minnesota 2025.

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