The Detroit Lakes Ligers: Reviving Townball at Historic Washington Park

Rendering of the Renovated Washington Ballpark, Photo Courtesy of the City of Detroit Lakes

Minnesota's townball tradition stands as one of the most distinctive grassroots baseball cultures in the United States, embodying the spirit of small-town America. Across the state, communities rally behind amateur teams, showcasing talent in ballparks that often outdate the players on the field.

In Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, this rich tradition thrives, with a history spanning over a century, and each game is a testament to enduring passion and local pride.

Today, the Detroit Lakes Ligers carry that legacy forward at Historic Washington Park, a ballpark that has been part of the community since the late 1800s. Under manager Brandon Johnson, the team is not only continuing the tradition of amateur baseball in town, but also helping restore one of Minnesota’s most historic ballparks.

A Baseball Tradition Dating to the 1800s

Baseball has deep roots in Detroit Lakes. According to Johnson, organized baseball in the community dates back to at least 1897, making the sport one of the town’s longest-standing traditions.

“For Detroit Lakes alone, we’ve had organized baseball since the earliest we know of in 1897,” Johnson said. “It’s been around for generations.”

Over the decades, the town produced strong amateur teams and even a handful of players who reached the minor leagues. For much of the late 20th century, the town’s primary club was the Detroit Lakes Angels, a well-known team that competed throughout the 1950s through the 1980s and into the early 2000s.

Eventually, the Angels folded, leaving Detroit Lakes without a townball team for several years.

Johnson, a Detroit Lakes native who once played for the Angels himself, helped lead the effort to bring the sport back.

“I just kept asking what happened to the Angels,” Johnson said. “Finally, a few of us got together and talked about bringing baseball back. They said someone would have to run it. I said I’d take the charge if I had the support.”

That effort led to the creation of a new team in 2022.

File Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Lake Tribune

From Angels to Ligers

The revived team initially competed simply as the Detroit Lakes Baseball Club during its first season. However, it quickly became clear that the community wanted something more traditional. The search for a name led to a surprisingly creative result.

Detroit Lakes was originally named Detroit, Minnesota, but constant mail mix-ups with Detroit, Michigan, eventually forced the town to change its name. The original name came from the French word “Detroit,” meaning strait— a fitting description for the town, which sits between two lakes separated by a sandbar.

The connection to Detroit inspired a playful idea: combine the mascots of Detroit’s pro teams. The result was the Ligers, a nod to the famous fictional animal from the movie Napoleon Dynamite.

“We were joking around about Detroit’s mascots — the Lions and the Tigers,” Johnson said. “And then someone said, ‘Why not combine them?’”

The team’s distinctive logo was designed by Detroit Lakes native Brian Gill, a graphic designer who has worked on promotional designs for events at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Even the community’s students helped refine the final look.

Johnson, who works as a teacher, had students in his alternative learning class help experiment with combining the Gothic-style “D” and “L” into the team’s final logo.

“They had a lot of fun playing with the design,” Johnson said. “I wear that logo with pride because those kids helped create it.”

Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Lakes Ligers

A Team Built on Commitment

Minnesota townball teams often feature players of all ages. The roster includes players fresh out of high school alongside veterans in their 30s and 40s. Johnson himself still plays at 35, while the team’s starting second baseman is 41 years old.

“That’s the cool thing about townball,” Johnson said. “There are no age restrictions.”

What matters most is commitment. Unlike some amateur leagues, the Ligers emphasize a strong team culture. Players are expected not only to compete but also to help maintain the ballpark themselves.

“When the game’s done, it’s not sign autographs and go home,” Johnson said. “We drag the field, clean the stands, and take out the garbage. This is our home.”

That hands-on approach reflects a long-standing tradition across Minnesota, where players and volunteers often maintain the ballparks themselves.

Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Lakes Ligers

Preserving Historic Washington Park

The centerpiece of Detroit Lakes baseball is Historic Washington Park, one of the most unique ballparks in Minnesota.

The site has hosted baseball since the early 1900s, and the grandstand dates back to the 1940s. The park has also hosted football games, community events, and even a Minnesota Amateur Baseball Tournament.

Today, it holds a special distinction: it is the only ballpark in Minnesota listed on the state historical registry.

Age has certainly left its mark. To ensure the park remains a treasured resource for future generations, the community is initiating a $3.5 million renovation project designed to modernize the facility while preserving its historic charm.

• Renovating the historic grandstand structure

• Installing modern LED lighting while preserving the original towers

• Building a new ticket entrance and legacy hall museum

• Improving ADA accessibility with ramps and expanded seating areas

• Upgrading the playing surface

• Adding changing rooms behind the dugouts

  
  

The project will likely require at least one or two seasons away from the field while construction is completed.

“If everything goes right, we’re hoping to play there again in 2027,” Johnson added.

Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on February 2 to begin Phase 1 of the $4.8 million renovation project. This phase of the project will renovate the dugouts and concession areas, while Phase 2 will focus on infield improvements, outfield irrigation, drainage tiles, and lighting.

A True Small-Town Ballpark Experience

Photo Courtesy of Buck's Mill Brewing

Even during renovations, the Ligers remain deeply tied to their community. Game nights feature partnerships with local businesses, including Wood Fire Pizza and Catering and Buck’s Mill Brewing, which serves craft beer at the ballpark. Traditional ballpark food is also a highlight, including locally made wild rice brats.

All concession proceeds support the local youth baseball association.

Detroit Lakes itself offers plenty for visitors as well. The town sits between two lakes and hosts major summer events, including WE Fest, one of the country’s largest country music festivals.

Still, Johnson believes the heart of the community remains baseball.

“Townball only works when the community supports it. That’s what makes it special here.”

With the Ligers rebuilding a team and the town restoring Historic Washington Park, Detroit Lakes is ensuring its baseball tradition — more than a century old — will continue for generations to come.

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