It’s rare for teams from opposite corners of the state to meet outside of a state tournament. But Baseball Day Minnesota will do just that, bringing together Montevideo and Duluth Marshall for their first-ever matchup in school history.

“From my vantage point, I love it,” said Duluth Marshall head coach Nick Garramone. “I love the challenge, I love playing state tournament-caliber baseball programs. Win or lose, it’s going to make us better. Parents, coaches, players—we want the challenge. We know Montevideo is a great program, and with the landscape of baseball beyond high school, it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity.”

Though the schools have never faced off before, many of the players are no strangers to each other. Several have played on the same summer ball rosters after the prep season ends. Two Montevideo players have even competed with the Duluth-based Expos Baseball program, which has long included players from Marshall.

Last season, Montevideo went 17-9 and made a dramatic run of one-run victories to reach the state tournament for the first time in 28 years. Duluth Marshall posted a 20-4 regular season record but fell to Esko in section play. Esko would go on to face Montevideo in the opening round of the Class 2A state tournament, winning 3-2 before falling in the consolation bracket to Zumbrota-Mazeppa.

Heading into 2025, Duluth Marshall is aiming to build on its recent success. Senior Owen Marsolek, who pitches and plays outfield for the Hilltoppers, says it’s all about setting the tone early.

“Our motto this year is ‘To 10-run Everybody,’” said Marsolek, a Western Kentucky commit. “That’s what drives us to be the best version of ourselves. Even if there’s nothing on the line, we’re going to finish games strong. The chemistry this year has been amazing—we’re like brothers, pushing each other to get better every day.”

For Montevideo, the goal is to make a deeper postseason run with hopes of reaching the state championship at Target Field on Saturday, June 14. Head coach Tim Epema says the team continues to build on recent momentum.

“In the last few years, we’ve really started to turn the corner. Good things have been happening,” said Epema. “We’ve had a core group of kids who love baseball, work hard, and play all the time.”

Senior catcher Landon Olson echoed that sentiment: “Our team chemistry is picking up right where we left off. We’ve got a bunch of clowns on this team, and even when things don’t go our way, it’s still fun. We’re looking forward to another state run—we’re going to out-pitch most teams and find ways to win at the plate.”

Both programs are fired up for the opportunity to play on a big stage during Baseball Day Minnesota. And while each has championship hopes, for now, they’re embracing the moment—and the chance to represent their communities.

“These kids have worked their tails off,” said Epema. “They’ve helped put Montevideo on the map, and this day is a reward for that hard work. It’s also a tribute to the guys who came before—they’re the ones who laid the foundation.”

“Minnesota is known as the State of Hockey, and Hockey Day Minnesota has become something special,” added Garramone. “Why not baseball, too? Being part of this is humbling and exciting as a coach. I can only imagine what it’s like for the players.”

“Playing in Baseball Day Minnesota is a dream,” said Montevideo senior pitcher Gannon Reidinger. “You always hear stories about Hockey Day—now we get to bring that same energy to baseball. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s making noise beyond just our area.”

Marsolek added, “From my perspective, I’d never say we’re deserving of something like this—but it’s a huge opportunity to show people who we are, what our team culture is, and what we’re capable of on the field.”

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Theo Tollefson is an independent journalist who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. He currently covers the Twins and St. Paul Saints for ZoneCoverage MN, and has also worked for news outlets such as Racket, KAAL in Rochester, the Rochester Post Bulletin, and the Hastings Journal. 

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BASEBALL DAY MINNESOTA INFO & TICKETS

Duluth Marshall and Montevideo square off at 10 AM on Saturday, May 17th at Lions Field in Waconia. Tickets for the day's event can be found in the link below.

Save $2 per ticket by ordering your tickets in advance:

$14 for adults
$8 for seniors
$6 for high school/college students
12 & under wearing jerseys are free

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