Posted on Dec 07, 2017
 
Pat Arling, Todd Mueller
 
Greg LaMere introduced our speaker Author Todd Mueller. Todd spoke about his book, Town Ball Parks of Minnesota. Town Ball Parks of Minnesota, explores the heritage of the state's unique, historic and most-beloved ballparks. The book features 27 ballparks, ranging from a multi-million dollar sports complex to a rural park miles from any city and at the end of a dirt road.
 
Todd started by sharing the history of the Town Parks, which by the way started in Hinkley, MN and the Hinckley Fire of 1894.
Some Facts:
  • The state of Minnesota has 296 town ball (amateur) teams.
  • 5000 Active players
  • Tournaments every Labor Day Weekend
  • Three Classes
Class A – 35 Teams
Class B – 48 Teams
Class C – 219 Teams (Mostly in the smaller towns)
 
"Minnesota baseball officials claim there are more amateur baseball teams here than in any other state in the country,"Todd said. He shared some of the stories about these treasured ball parks including Dassel and Miesville, which fields owe a lot to their dedicated grounds crews.
 
Over the course of several years Todd traveled over 2,500 miles and visited over 130 ballparks. While signing books after our program he had a few minutes to visit with Tony Steel’s guest ,Carson Jones, from the Dundas Dukes. Todd discussed the day he photographed the Duke’s ,which is featured on page 76 of his book and pointed to Carson who was pictured throwing a pitch from the mound.  
 
More information, is available online at www.TownBallParksofMN.com.