Lakeville Loonatics Bring a New Era of Town Ball to Minnesota

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey

What started as a postgame conversation between longtime town ball players has evolved into a new ballpark and amateur baseball in Minnesota.

“We were sitting around after a game talking about why there wasn’t a town ball team in Lakeville,” Hathaway said. “Almost everybody on our team had ties to Lakeville baseball, and we realized this community was missing something.”

A new era in Minnesota town ball begins this May. The Lakeville Loonatics, a Class A amateur baseball club in the Minnesota Baseball Association, are preparing for their inaugural season at the brand-new Belzer Stadium, to provide a small-community experience unlike anything else in the state.

Lakeville has a population of approximately 75,000 residents, about 30 minutes south of Minneapolis-St. Paul has had town ball baseball teams, dating back to the 1930s. However, it has been so long since one played that it feels like the Loonatics are the first time the town has ever had a town ball club. Technically, this is the town's fourth team. Tobias and Hathaway wanted to build something that would last.

“Success for us is coming back 15 years from now and seeing 400 people sitting in the stands watching baseball,” Hathaway explained. “That’s what this is about, longevity and community.”

The project has been almost a decade in the making. The Lakeview Baseball Association was formed and raised $1.6 million for the construction of the ballpark with enhanced amenities and lighting. The city had not had lighting at any of its baseball fields, and the hope is that the stadium will also house high school, youth, and 35 and 50-and-over leagues.

The new stadium, part of the Grand Prairie Park complex, will seat approximately 350 to 375 fans, with additional standing-room areas, a beer garden, and a grassy hill beyond the fence where spectators can watch games. Tickets will cost just $5, while children under 12 will be admitted free.

Belzer Stadium, named after local dealership Jeff Belzer's Auto Group, will feature a large video board capable of instant replay, digital advertising, floodlights, and interactive entertainment during games. There will also be cameras set up in multiple production views for the web, a beer garden, and state-of-the-art locker rooms.

“We’re competing with a lot of other entertainment options in the suburbs," added Hathaway. "We wanted to create a true game-day experience. However, you still need the hot dogs, the burgers, and the cold beer."

The team also plans to offer expanded concession options through a partnership with Midwest grocery chain Hy-Vee, which will provide fresh food products for the stadium. Team officials are even working on signature menu items and specialty drinks to further distinguish themselves, but still make it affordable to the members of the Lakeview community.

"We wanted this to be affordable for families," explained Tobias. "Nobody’s getting rich doing this. Everything goes back into the ballpark and the program.”

The Loonatics colors are based on the city of Lakeville’s official colors, while the logo was designed by Hathaway’s daughter, Sierra; it blends the Minnesota loon with playful baseball imagery and elements inspired by the city logo.

The name “Loonatics” was chosen after careful consideration. Hathaway looked for a name tied to the town but did not find anything that stood out. The attention shifted to Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon. The pun could provoke mixed reactions from the public. Hathaway explains.

“This is really about the loon and having fun. It’s meant to capture excitement and community spirit."

The team has already received strong support from local sponsors and baseball fans eager to see the project come to life. Tobias noted that much of the excitement comes from the idea of creating a permanent baseball stadium in one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing communities.

Lakeville’s roster is expected to feature many players with ties to local high schools and college baseball programs. Despite the modern touches, the Loonatics still see themselves as part of Minnesota’s rich town ball history when they take the field. They will play against the likes of the Cannon Falls Bears, Hastings Hawks, and the Red Wing Aces.

The Loonatics will begin play today at Belzer Stadium, but it will be a soft opening. The official dedication celebration is planned for early July during Lakeville’s annual Pan-O-Prog community festival.

Hathaway and Tobias want to create a place where families gather, baseball thrives, and a new tradition takes root. The team plays its first game today against the Northfield Knights.

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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and on his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com