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The weekend that Luverne baseball fans, organizers and volunteers have been planning and anticipating for years is finally here.
Luverne is hosting the Minnesota Senior American Legion Baseball Division II State Tournament this Friday through Sunday at Redbird Field.
As the host team, Luverne Post 123 automatically qualified for the tournament.
Other teams coming to Luverne for the eight-team tournament (and the region they won) include:
Morris – West Central
Chatfield – Southeast
Jackson – Southwest
Sibley East – East Central
Dilworth/Glyndon/ Felton – Northwest
Atwater – Midstate
Wadena – Northeast
Luverne will open tournament play against Wadena Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
“We played Wadena in the first round of the state tournament last year in Sacred Heart,” said Luverne coach Codie Zeutenhorst.
“They are a very good team with excellent pitching,” he said. “They’re a tough team, possibly one of the favorites in the tournament.”
The opening ceremonies of the tournament will be staged prior to the opening game at 6:30 p.m.
According to tournament chair Don Dinger, the opening ceremonies are a highlight of the weekend.
“It’s a great event that we really encourage everyone to attend,” Dinger said.
“All of the teams line up on the field around the bases in uniform. There’s a great military recognition; it’s just really a cool thing.”
Tickets for the tournament are $20 for adults and $10 for 18 and under for all weekend games.
Daily passes are $10 for adults and $5 for 18 and under.
Veterans and active military members are admitted free for all games.
The first game of the tournament will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Redbird Field.
The championship game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
See the tournament bracket for the full schedule of games.