BASEBALL
45. The majority of upkeep and improvements are done and funded by the Brownton Baseball Association.
“ Due to our fundraising, generous donations, help from the City of Brownton, and volunteer labor, we were able to make many improvements prior to the 2025 Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament,” said Schuette, who is one of seven Brownton Bruins in the Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame.
According to Kyle Messner of Hutchinson, Minnesota, Hutchinson amateur baseball started in 1985 and Veteran’ s Memorial Field( VMF) at Dave Mooney Memorial Complex was built in 1985-86. Over the years, the facility has seen plenty of upgrades, including a new grandstand, scoreboards, dugouts, backstops and sound systems, as well as renovations to the mound and home plate areas.
VMF averages 70 games every spring / summer, and has hosted five state amateur tournaments.
Brownton, Minnesota. All photos on right provided by Doug Schuette.
Hutchinson, Minnesota. Photos on left provided by Kyle Messner.
“ The hardest part about hosting a state tournament is getting a lot of volunteers to help out – especially when the tournament ends on Labor Day,” said Messner.“ The tournament wouldn’ t be successful without all those volunteers. The best part about hosting is the people you meet from other towns, and the stories they tell.”
According to Nagel, the state tournament draws between 20,000 and 30,000 over the course of the tournament. He invites others to come witness a bit of that hometown pride.
“ If you like baseball and want to see some beautiful parks, for $ 10 you get to watch four baseball games,” he said.“ It’ s amazing. You will not be disappointed.”
40 SportsField Management | November 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com