After the conclusion of the April 25 Minnesota Twins-Chicago White Sox game, a high school doubleheader will be played, first with Prior Lake versus Shakopee and then Minneapolis Edison versus Saint Paul Johnson.
Thursday’s baseball ‘tripleheader’ is part of the Twins hosting six high school baseball games at their ballpark this season. This is the most regular-season contests in the ballpark’s 15-year history.
Fans wishing to support these teams can contact the specific school for ticket information, as proceeds from tickets bought through the school will be used to support their baseball programs. Also, fans holding tickets for any Twins games that also feature prep games afterwards will have access to both contests.
The Twins also sponsored an April 13 softball game on the University of Minnesota campus that featured Minneapolis Edison versus St. Paul Johnson at the Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.
“The Minnesota Twins believe that baseball and softball change lives for the better, and we are proud to provide both our home ballpark and our financial support to create lifelong memories for these young athletes and their communities,” said Twins President and CEO Dave St. Peter in a press release.
At the softball game on a sunny Saturday afternoon, there weren’t a lot of people there save for parents, family members and fellow schoolmates. Both schools had at least one Black player in their respective starting lineups.
“This is my first year. I’m liking it so far,” said Edison freshman Shakalyn Williams. “I’m happy to be out here.”
“I’ve been playing softball since I was about five years old,” added Johnson frosh Adriana Adams. “I’ve met so many different people.”
Softball “keeps them busy,” said Adams’ father Tyrone Adams. He and his wife Shannon Adams both played sports in their younger days and support their children playing as well, especially their daughters. “They would rather be on a softball field than anywhere else,” added Shannon.
Tabathia Gonnigan said that she wanted her daughter Shakalyn to play softball “so she could be very versatile in different sports. She started playing in the last two years. She plays with her brother.”
Adams loves the opportunity to play on a college softball field, especially pitching from the mound, which is different from high school. “It was definitely an experience. I definitely want to do it again,” she said.
The Twins covered the costs for bringing the two high school softball teams to the ‘U.’ However, it wasn’t any better seeing more Blacks playing softball when we watched a double header between Minnesota (one Black player) against Wisconsin (zero Black players) last week.
“I feel like we’re getting better,” said Gopher soph outfielder Breezy Burnett. “Still sometimes, even at the collegiate level, we go and play places and sometimes I’m the only one on the field to be found.”
The NCAA reported that 1,207 Black females played college softball in 2023, up four from a year earlier, compared to 15,686 white female players. There are 25 Black softball players in the Big Ten this season, including the 5-7 Burnett who leads the Gophers with 11 stolen bases.
Minnesota last weekend hosted Rutgers, which has two Black players. “When I do get to see [Black players], I get to connect with them a lot,” said Burnett.
“I just hope that we can be an example for other Black girls to get out here and play the sport, and do a great job at that.”