Town Ball
ts past is loaded with tens of thousands of stories. Its present is nothing short of spectacular. It is amateur baseball in Minnesota, or Town Ball. Town Ball in Minnesota has a history that dates back nearly 100 years, tracing its roots to the 1920s, and continues to thrive today. There are 300 teams in Minnesota, making it easily the most prolific state in the country in terms of participation. Fox Sports North will air eight 30-minute episodes featuring Town Ball in Minnesota. Shot border-to-border across the state, "Town Ball, Uniquely Minnesota" looks at Town Ball's past and present, including exclusive player interviews, profiles of teams, their ballparks, and the communities they represent.
- 2019-2019
- 1 season
- Fox Sports Net North
- Documentary
ts past is loaded with tens of thousands of stories. Its present is nothing short of spectacular. It is amateur baseball in Minnesota, or Town Ball. Town Ball in Minnesota has a history that dates back nearly 100 years, tracing its roots to the 1920s, and continues to thrive today. There are 300 teams in Minnesota, making it easily the most prolific state in the country in terms of participation. Fox Sports North will air eight 30-minute episodes featuring Town Ball in Minnesota. Shot border-to-border across the state, "Town Ball, Uniquely Minnesota" looks at Town Ball's past and present, including exclusive player interviews, profiles of teams, their ballparks, and the communities they represent.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2019
Episode 1
Minnesota's Best Kept Secret
Thu, May 16, 2019 23 mins
Amateur baseball , or Town Ball, has thrived in Minnesota for more than 100 years. There are more than 300 teams in Minnesota, more than any other state in the country. Background and perspective provided by Bud Grant, Patrick Reusse and Mike Max.
Episode 2
Butchers, Bakers and Candlestick Makers
Tue, Jun 11, 2019 22 mins
With more than 300 teams, amateur baseball in Minnesota is thriving. Just who are these young men and not so young men who spend their summers playing Town Ball? They range in age from teenagers to fathers in their 50s. Guest appearance from John Anderson, University of Minnesota baseball coach.
Episode 3
Pristine Places
Tue, Jun 25, 2019 22 mins
Minnesota is known for some of the most beautiful amateur baseball parks in the country. Highlighting yards across the state, Town Ball parks are the pride of local communities. Featuring Dave Hartmann, author of "Town Ball Parks of Minnesota".
Episode 4
Taking a Major Step
Tue, Jul 16, 2019 22 mins
Amateur baseball in Minnesota has produced many players who went on to play professionally. Profiling those who made it (and some who didn't), the journey of Town Ballers/Major Leaguers like Terry Steinbach, Dana Kiecker, Jim Eisenreich and Chris Coste are amazing.
Episode 5
It Takes a Village
Wed, Jul 31, 2019 21 mins
As amateur baseball continues to thrive in Minnesota, the sport relies on communities and individuals who work behind the scenes to support Town Ball. These supporters include groundskeepers, umpires, stadium personnel and the players themselves.
Episode 6
Tourney Time
Tue, Aug 13, 2019 21 mins
The goal of every amateur baseball team in Minnesota is to qualify for the state tournament. Held every September since the 1920s, the tournament has a rich tradition. Attendance and individual records seem to fall every year.
Episode 7
Generational Ties
Wed, Aug 28, 2019 22 mins
Amateur baseball in Minnesota has many prominent families. Some can boast of three generations playing on the same team. The generations also come together in old timers games, such as the one in Farming with an ex major league pitcher.
Episode 8
The Best News for Last
Tue, Sep 10, 2019 22 mins
What is the future of amateur baseball, or Town Ball, in Minnesota? As rural communities decline in size and with so many distractions for today's youth, what steps are being taken to ensure this Minnesota tradition endures?
