About

Baseball and softball are among America's oldest and perhaps most cherished sports traditions, reflecting perfectly the blend of individual excellence, teamwork, sportsmanship and joy at the heart of our national character. Nowhere does the tradition run deeper than Minnesota, where hundreds of programs are available to help youngsters learn the skills and values of the game.

In July 2004, the Minnesota Twins Community Fund joined forces with Minnesota youth baseball and softball organizations to establish Play Ball! Minnesota. Organized to promote and improve the games of baseball and softball for Minnesota youth, Play Ball! Minnesota is founded on seven basic principles:

Play Ball! Minnesota is founded on seven basic principles:

To improve participation in youth baseball and softball leagues
To improve fields and instruction
To increase communication and collaboration among organizations
To increase youth baseball and softball volunteerism
To create greater understanding of youth baseball and softball
To improve sportsmanship among players, coaches and spectators
To respect the tradition and history of baseball and softball in the state

Play Ball! Minnesota member organizations

American Legion Baseball
Babe Ruth Baseball
Gopher State Baseball League
Let's Play Baseball/Softball
Little League Minnesota
Metro Baseball League
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Minnesota Baseball Alliance
Minnesota Baseball Tournaments
Minnesota Recreation & Park Association
Minnesota Sports Federation
Minnesota High School Coaches Association
Minnesota Twins Community Fund
Minnesota Twins RBI
Miracle League of Minnesota
North Star Recreation League
Positive Coaching Alliance
St. Paul Municipal Athletics
University of Minnesota Baseball
University of Minnesota Softball

Partners

Meet the partners of Play Ball! Minnesota.

Play Ball! Minnesota Ambassador

Play Ball! Minnesota Ambassador Brian Raabe has had a very accomplished baseball career as a player, instructor and coach. His success as a player was a result of dedication, hard work and overcoming adversity.