SPORTS WRAP

            Hometown high school stars continue to play in front of their family and friends thanks to Minnesota’s strong amateur baseball presence.

            Johnny White has been doing so with the Owatonna Aces for a decade. “I just love baseball. I’ll play as long as I possibly can. I’ll probably stop when I’m 45.”

            The 31-year-old outfielder says, “I feel great. It’s good to stay in shape.”

            White, an NRHEG grad, still has some zip to his step which he showed in catching the final out of a big 5-3 win at Dundas in mid-June. “I wanted to make sure I got that one… It’s one of my favorite wins.”

            Second-year manager Gavin Rein reacted to that win over the Dukes, a renowned Class A team. “Didn’t know what to expect…Good nine-inning baseball game of hard teamwork. Everyone did what they were supposed to do.”

            Rein joined the Aces in 2021. “A lot of my friends were doing it… It was a fun way to spend your summer.”

            This team is young, but he says it’s a great step in laying a foundation when a player like Mitch Seykora elects to stay home. “Seeing him come back to play for his hometown definitely helps keep guys want to keep playing. (They) can develop here.”

            Seykora enjoys playing alongside his brother Matt. “It’s pretty cool to come back and play with the guys that are from around here…When I was younger, I thought it was cool watching the older guys play at Dartt’s. It was always your dream to play here.”

            Rein points out there’s no age limit in town ball. “You would think the older guys would struggle a little bit more due to age. But they end up being some of the best people you’ll play against, understanding the game playing for that long. They make the young guys look like fools sometimes.”

            The Aces are in Class A, playing in a section that includes defending state champion Miesville. Four teams will advance to state. Seykora says, “I think if we all stick together and play with each other, we have a pretty good team.”

            White takes on a leadership role, “I try to help the players if they make mistakes and how to act around everybody and keep a positive vibe.”

            Owatonna held ‘Strike out Hunger’ to benefit Community Pathways on July 8 with the Mudhens visiting Fuller Field. Youth day (sponsored by State Farm – Adam Winkels Agency) is Sunday, July 19 versus Plainview at 2 p.m. Families are admitted free of charge. Kids will get the chance to get on the field.

            “The events that we’re hosting this year, we’ve done for years. The guys really seem to enjoy it. Get a lot of fans to come out. We just want to have a good attitude and show everyone what Owatonna Aces baseball is about,” states Rein.

            The Aces are also home Friday, July 17 against Waterville at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 22 hosting Hastings at 7:30 p.m.