Minnesota may be known for hockey, but town baseball (or town ball) provides an unrivaled opportunity to catch some very good competition on the diamond.
Chaska has had a town ball team since 1928, with a rich history of success as a team and as a cornerstone of the community. The team is made up of athletes from Chaska and the surrounding area. Most have some college experience, but all play for the love of the game and the comradery of their teammates.
“We’ve got brothers. We’ve got second, third and fourth generations of guys that play with us, so it’s a family thing,” said Cubs Manager Bob Poppitz. “Chaska has a great baseball legacy, and this is one way for the guys to play the game and have some fun.”
Town ball teams are organized by the Minnesota Baseball Association, which oversees the three classes of teams throughout the state. The Cubs, Victoria Vics and Chanhassen Red Birds play in Class A (with a total of 61 teams in the state) in the River Valley East League. Carver and Jordan have teams in Class B.
Chaska is scheduled to play 38 games this year (22 at home).
Games have been played at Athletic Park on the west side of downtown since 1950. Current Cub Board President (and former mayor) Bob Roepke pointed out that Athletic Park is not only the home to the Cubs, but the Hawks baseball team, Class 3A high school tournament, youth all stars, and state town ball games.
“This is such a great place to spend an evening” Roepke said. “It’s good baseball, with a wonderful setting, family-friendly and affordable. Every resident needs to catch a game out here. I think if you come once, you’ll be hooked. This is such a wonderful community resource and those who come from out of town always share how lucky we are to have this ballpark.”
Parking at Athletic Park is always free, but remember foul balls can make it to the parking areas. Kids under 17 and adults over 65 are free. Adult tickets are $5.
Young fans always enjoy chasing down foul balls for concession stand incentives. Concession stand prices are affordable, and Sunday home games offer some of the tastiest, juiciest burgers in town.
Seating is open and plentiful. A lawn chair is recommended, and bug spray is helpful as Athletic Park is close to the river.
On May 29, the Cubs (5-1) hosted the Chanhassen Red Birds, who were playing their first game of the year.
Left hander Drake Kilber took the mound for the Cubs and Austin Kemp started for the Red Birds. The game got off with a jump for the Cubs in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, Walker Rogers drew a walk. Alex Twenge singled to straightaway center for the Cubs’ first hit of the night. Maddox Foss reached base due to a throwing error, loading the bases for the Cubs.
Errors would prove costly to the Red Birds throughout the night. Wyatt Rogers connected on a hit to right to score two and get Chaska on the board. Chaska would send 10 batters to the plate in the first and ended up with six runs off of four hits, along with two Chanhassen errors.
Kilber would go on the pitch four full innings and kept the Red Birds off the scoreboard. Before he left the game, Kilber faced 12 batters and gave up no runs, no hits, and struck out seven.
Austin Kemp went two and two third innings for Chanhassen, giving up 11 runs and eight hits. Zach Brown came on in relief in the fifth, and Pete Ohnsorg wrapped things up for the Cubs on the mound.
Chaska scored one run in the second inning, six in the third and three in the fifth, highlighted by a J.T. Canakes home run. The final score: Chaska had 16 runs, 13 hits and no errors. Chanhassen had no runs, two hits and five errors.
The Cubs are now 6-1 and have two games the week of June 1 and four games the week of June 8. Chaska and Chan will face each other again on June 26th in Chanhassen.
Follow the Cubs on: Facebook, Twitter (X), and their webpage. Coming up: The Cubs golf outing at Dahlgren on July 14. Details will be posted soon to their website.
