Play Ball! Minnesota and the Minnesota Minute Men are proud to announce the finalists for the 2017 Play Ball! Minnesota Mr. Baseball and Ms. Softball awards. Seven high school senior athletes have been named as award finalist in their respective sports.
 
Award finalists were selected by a panel of high school and college coaches, as well as professional scouts. Athletic and character attributes as well as season accomplishments were considered by award voters. The award finalists represent the finest senior players in the state.
 
Award winners will be announced on June 25, 2017 at a luncheon at Target Field. The winners will be honored by the Twins by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before the July 6 game.
 
Award finalists for the Mr. Baseball award included:
Sam Carlson (Burnsville); Ryan Christopher (Jackson County Central); Dylan Criquet-Danielson (Marshall); Bubba Horton (Maple Grove); Max Meyer (Woodbury); Trent Palmer (Anoka); Jimmy Ramsey (Minnetonka).
 
Award finalists for the Ms. Softball award included:
Amber Elliott (Anoka); Ashton Hoeppner (Winona); Taylor Manno (Chanhassen); Ashley Mickschl (Woodbury); Kara O'Byrne (Stewartville); Marybeth Olson (Chanhassen); Gabby Sprang (Rosemount).
 
"The Minnesota Twins and Twins Community Fund are proud to be affiliated with the Mr. Baseball / Ms. Softball Award," Twins President & CEO Dave St. Peter said. "These finalists represent the best high school senior players in our state. We applaud their efforts on the field, in the classroom and in our community."
                                                                                                                                
"We appreciate the opportunity to honor the athleticism of Minnesota's top baseball and softball players, recognizing their hard work and dedication while allowing our foundation to give back to underprivileged youth," said Matt Williams, President of the Minnesota Minute Men.
 
About the Twins Community Fund
Established as a nonprofit organization in 1991, the mission of the Twins Community Fund is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through and association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins. The Twins Community Fund is governed by a board of director's representative of the Upper Midwest. Target, U.S. Bank, Treasure Island Resort & Casino and Delta Air Lines are Cornerstone Partners, contributing annually to the Twins Community Fund. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.twinscommunityfund.org.
 
About the Minnesota Minute Men
Since 1954 the Minnesota Minute Men have been involved in the Minnesota sports community. The group is well known for spear heading sales of more than $1.2 million dollars in A2 bonds that led to building the Metropolitan stadium. They continue to raise awareness and resources for amateur athletes.