The PLABA once again will be a host site for the Jim Hanus Gopher Classic American Legion Baseball Tournament. Excelsior Post 259 is the sponsoring post and has hosted the Tournament since 1977 and it has grown to 16 pool play sites and 96 teams, the largest American Legion tournament in the nation. Winners advance from each pool to bracket play concluding at Minnetonka Veterans Field (Minnetonka High School). In 2021, LakerLegion Post 447 won its pool and was defeated by Gillette, Wyoming in the Championship bracket.
The PL Site pool of six teams commences play on Friday, July 8 for a 15-game slate at Veterans Field in Prior Lake. Other local pool hosts include Elko (Lakeville North), Victoria, Eden Prairie, Edina, Waconia, and Bloomington, with area teams New Prague, Chaska, Burnsville, Shakopee, and LeSueur-Henderson among the 96-team field. Scouts and college coaches from the Upper Midwest and beyond will be combing sites to evaluate players for future opportunities.
The Vet Café will be ready to serve all the ballpark favorites including cold drinks, ice cream treats, and the tastiest wiener in Scott County ™. In addition, Von Hansons pulled pork sandwiches will be available. Thanks in advance to PLABA park sponsors and the City of Prior Lake for supporting the premier American Legion Tournament in the nation!
There will be a DAILY gate fee for spectators:
$8.00 for adults
$5.00 for seniors (62 and over) and students (13-18)
$3.00 for Children under 13 years of age.
College and pro coaches/scouts can buy a tournament pass for $25, good at all sites.
FANS ALSO NOTE: The Prior Lake Rotary Musicfest headliners are Sammy Hagar and Alabama Friday and Saturday, traffic and parking could be a challenge, arrive early for premium parking and enjoy the baseball. The PLABA is a PL Chamber of Commerce member and encourages baseball fans to support local businesses during their visit. No carry-on food or drink is permitted, the Vet Café has family-friendly pricing. There is a pavilion across the parking lot with tables that may be open if not rented out. The Nuvera PL Hardball Hotline 952-226-3800 and PL Post 447 Twitter will have updates with any changes in game times.
2022 Gopher Classic PL Schedule*
| Prior Lake | ||||
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Memorial Field 5181 160th Street Prior Lake, MN 55372 |
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| Date | Time | |||
| 7/8/2022 | 9:00:00 AM | Alexandria, MN | Chaska, MN | |
| 7/8/2022 | 11:30:00 AM | Middleton, WI | Chaska, MN | |
| 7/8/2022 | 2:00:00 PM | Alexandria, MN | Hutchinson, MN | |
| 7/8/2022 | 4:30:00 PM | Prior Lake, MN | Hutchinson, MN | |
| 7/8/2022 | 7:00:00 PM | Prior Lake, MN | Rapid City, SD Post 320 | |
| Date | Time | |||
| 7/9/2022 | 9:00:00 AM | Prior Lake, MN | Middleton, WI | |
| 7/9/2022 | 11:30:00 AM | Alexandria, MN | Middleton, WI | |
| 7/9/2022 | 2:00:00 PM | Alexandria, MN | Rapid City, SD Post 320 | |
| 7/9/2022 | 4:30:00 PM | Chaska, MN | Rapid City, SD Post 320 | |
| 7/9/2022 | 7:00:00 PM | Chaska, MN | Hutchinson, MN | |
| Date | Time | |||
| 7/10/2022 | 9:00:00 AM | Middleton, WI | Rapid City, SD Post 320 | |
| 7/10/2022 | 11:30:00 AM | Hutchinson, MN | Rapid City, SD Post 320 | |
| 7/10/2022 | 2:00:00 PM | Hutchinson, MN | Middleton, WI | |
| 7/10/2022 | 4:30:00 PM | Prior Lake, MN | Alexandria, MN | |
| 7/10/2022 | 7:00:00 PM | Prior Lake, MN | Chaska, MN | |
*Subject to Change
HOTLINKS:
Gopher Classic PL pool results/standings
Complete Gopher Classic schedule
Prior Lake Chamber Of Commerce
