Owatonna Aces Cleared to Play; Open the Season July 1

"Baseball is back," proclaims the Owatonna Aces Facebook page after the team got clearance to play this summer. The 10-game, three-and-a-half week season will start Wednesday, July 1 at Austin. Their home opener will be Wednesday, July 8 against Pine Island at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park.

The entry on Facebook states, "The Aces had been practicing this week and we are very happy to finally announce a schedule for the summer!" On a Twitter post, @Aces_Baseball says, "Obviously things will be slightly different and we await word on if concessions will be allowed, but fans are welcome!" (Regarding the question of where to find the 'best hot dog in Minnesota,' my vote is the concession stand at Fuller Field.)

Playoffs will follow the abbreviated schedule. The 10-game season is split in half with five home games and five road contests. The Aces are scheduled to play their final three regular season games all at home.

• Wednesday, July 1 at Austin, 7:30 pm
• Wednesday, July 8 vs Pine Island, 7:30 pm at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park
• Friday, July 10 at Waseca, 7:30 pm at Tink Larson Field
• Saturday, July 11 at Rochester, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, July 12 at Stewartville, 2:00 pm
• Wednesday, July 15 vs Dodge County, 7:30 pm at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park
• Saturday, July 18 at Wanamingo, 2:00 pm
• Sunday, July 19 vs Winona, 2:00 pm at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park
• Wednesday, July 22 vs Austin, 7:30 pm at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park
• Friday, July 24 vs Waseca, 7:30 pm at Fuller Field at Dartt's Park

Baseball has cranked up at all levels across the state with the start of summer practice in Owatonna recently, the announcement of the Northwoods League that will include fans in attendance in Rochester and Mankato, and the Minnesota Twins who will open training camp Wednesday, July 1.