2023
EVENT PROGRAM JULY 7 9
Dick’s Sporting Goods would like to wish all teams, players, coaches and spectators GOOD LUCK during the 2023 Gopher State Tournament of Champions!
Take your Team to Buffalo Wild Wings during the Gopher State Tournament of Champions!
Welcome to the 2023 Gopher State Tournament of Champions (GSTC), the crown jewel of Minnesota youth baseball tournaments. This event was designed for the best youth baseball teams in the upper Midwest to showcase their talents and compete for the Ring!
The GSTC is comprised of Minnesota’s best teams, top-notch venues, wonderful volunteers and most prestigious awards to offer an outstanding tournament experience for everyone involved. All teams participating in this year’s event were required to qualify in a GSTC Qualifying event.
Our mission as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization is to continue supporting the youth baseball communities of Minnesota. At every playing site over the weekend, local youth baseball organizations are dedicating their volunteers to field maintenance, concessions and other on-site responsibilities. In return, the Host Groups receive all concessions and admissions revenue to support their programs. We thank all host organizations for donating their time and efforts. Each year, youth sports organizations raise over $3 million by hosting MYAS events.
• Input Online roster at RegisterPlay
• Online roster instructions can be found at www.myasgstc.org
• Team Gate Fee ($150)
Host organizations are listed in the Facility portion of this Fan Guide
• All teams must check-in prior to the tournament at Tournament HQ
• There are no Admissions for spectators at the GSTC
• The team Gate Fee will be submitted in lieu of admissions and made out to the Host
• All teams are responsible to be familiar with the playing and pitch count rules for their age division prior to their first game.
All schedules, maps and tournament information can be found at www.myas.org/gstc
Schedules will be updated throughout the weekend with game scores and bracket advancement.
STAY TUNED FOR 2023 RECAP VIDEOS THIS YEAR!
Welcome to the 2023 Gopher State Tournament of Champions presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods! We are excited that your team has earned a berth to the premier state baseball event in Minnesota, stretching over three weekends in July!
Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) is excited to provide a youth baseball experience where kids feel safe, get exercise, have fun and can interact with others. The MYAS / Youth 1st strategic partnership promotes a Youth 1st Environment at the GSTC and will recognize teams (players, coaches, parents and fans) that play the game the right way by displaying positive conduct and good sportsmanship during the tournament. This promotes a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved! (players, coaches, fans, umpires, volunteers, etc.)
The Youth 1st Environment is defined by 3 points of emphasis: Remember it’s about the kids…..
• The purpose of youth sports is to provide our kids an opportunity to learn and become their best selves.
• Sports participation has many lasting benefits – physical, social, mental and spiritual (intrinsic).
• Adult behavior – good or bad – is teaching the kids.
I will keep my competitive energy in check.….
• Zoom out, keep proper perspective – be grateful for the opportunity to play sports.
• The true value in competing has very little to do with the win or loss, keep the focus off the score and on the process of development for the players and umpires.
• Kids already put enough pressure on themselves to do well, and current cultural situations may very well have added anxiety. Stay positive and encourage them to simply “play”.
• When (not if) something doesn’t go as planned, how you respond (not react) is the lesson learned. If the adults throw a fit, what did you teach the kids to do.
I will always treat officials and opponents with respect…..
• We need each other. (no opponent, no official = no game)
• Treat others like you would like to be treated. (Golden Rule)
• Respect yourself, respect others, respect the game = sportsmanship/compliance
Nelson Mandela quote: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”
League Play in Minnesota Softball and MYAS Gopher State Baseball: Abuse of any kind directed toward an umpire will not be tolerated and will result in outs, suspensions, and disqualifications. Any player, coach, or spectator who violates the Minnesota Softball/MYAS/Youth 1st Conduct Policy before, during or after a contest, may forfeit their team’s opportunity to continue participation in the league AND the actions may result in a temporary or permanent banishment from any Minnesota Softball/ MYAS sponsored events. Incident Reports and disciplinary actions will be sent to the Youth 1st Alliance - Conduct Review Committee, an independent group for review and recommendations at the completion of the game. Notification of any disciplinary action may also be shared with other Minnesota event operators.
Tournament Play (including qualifiers) in Minnesota Softball and MYAS Gopher State Baseball: Minnesota Softball/ MYAS/Youth 1st Conduct Policy: Any player, coach, or spectator who violates the posted Youth 1st Environment before, during or after a contest, WILL forfeit their team’s opportunity to continue participation in the tournament AND the actions may result in a temporary or permanent banishment from any Minnesota Softball/MYAS sponsored events. The on -site Protest Committee reserves the right to uphold this policy. All disciplinary action will be sent to the Youth 1st Alliance - Conduct Review Committee, an independent group for review and recommendations at the completion of the tournament. Notification of any disciplinary action may also be shared with other Minnesota event operators.
An independent committee supporting community-based associations by upholding Youth 1st standards of conduct and sportsmanship through a process of investigation, review, and accountability that is applied to incident reports filed in youth baseball and softball. Disciplinary actions will be applied through the originating state association.
Process
Step 1 – Incident report is filed.
Step 2 – Incident report is verified by the state association.
Step 3 – Verified report escalated to the review committee.
Step 4 – Review committee determines need for a hearing.
Step 5 – Hearing is conducted.
Step 6 – Penalty phase.
Review Committee Members
Minnesota Softball – Dan Pfeffer, Commissioner
Minnesota Softball – Tom Bye, Junior Olympic Commissioner
MYAS – Dawson Blanck, Executive Director/High School Official
MYAS – Craig Perry, Board Member/Former Associate Director MSHSL
Youth 1st – Tom Bennerotte - Owner, Founding Partner of Bennerotte & Associates, P.A. / veteran coach
Youth 1st – Mark Arjes, Executive Director
Behind the Mask – Brian DeVos, Director/High School Official
Behind the Mask – Joel Schmidt, Director/High School Official
Wednesday, July 26 Youth 1st at Mankato MoonDogs
Sunday, July 30 Youth 1st at Mankato MoonDogs
Saturday, August 5 Youth 1st at La Crosse Loggers
Sunday, August 6 Youth 1st at Rochester Honkers
Monday, August 7 Youth 1st at Waterloo Bucks
Tuesday, August 8 Youth 1st at Willmar Stingers
Wednesday, August 9 Youth 1st at St. Cloud Rox
Friday, August 11 Youth 1st at Duluth Huskies
Saturday, August 12 Youth 1st at St. Paul Saints
Sunday, August 13 Youth 1st at St. Paul Saints
Saturday, August 19 Youth 1st at MN Twins
Sunday, August 20 Youth 1st at MN Twins
Tuesday, August 29 Youth 1st at St. Paul Saints
Thursday, August 31 Youth 1st at St. Paul Saints
Friday, September 8 Youth 1st at MN Twins
Saturday, September 9 Youth 1st at MN Twins
• Free or discounted tickets for players, coaches and families
• Free or discounted tickets for umpires
• On-field recognition parades
• On-field activities
• Youth 1st items
• Autographs
• Video board recognitions
• FUN!
At the completion of each game, the Umpire will provide a yes/no on the scorecard:
Did your team (players, coaches and parents/fans) meet the Youth 1st Sportsmanship Criteria? Teams that receive exemplary marks from the umpires will be recognized after the tournament with Youth 1st Team Awards at a number of regional recognition events with the MN Twins, St. Paul Saints and Northwoods League Teams.
Yours in Baseball and Softball,
Bobby Strickland, Director of Rising Stars Sports Academy & GSTC
Jesse Tollefson, MYAS Baseball Program Director
Lance Klinkhammer, MYAS GM of Baseball
Dawson Blanck, MYAS Executive Director
Tom Bye, JO Commissioner MN Softball
Dan Pfeffer, Commissioner MN Softball
Mark Arjes, Youth 1st Executive Director
New in 2022. Youth 1st Alliance – Review Committee
Tournament Play (including qualifiers) in Minnesota Softball and MYAS Gopher State Baseball: Minnesota
Softball/MYAS/Youth 1st Conduct Policy: Any player, coach, or spectator who violates the posted Youth 1st Environment before, during or after a contest, WILL forfeit their team’s opportunity to continue participation in the tournament AND the actions may result in a temporary or permanent banishment from any Minnesota Softball/MYAS sponsored events. The on-site Protest Committee reserves the right to uphold this policy. All disciplinary action will be sent to the Youth 1st Alliance - Conduct Review Committee, an independent group for review and recommendations at the completion of the tournament. Notification of any disciplinary action may also be shared with other Minnesota event operators.
Jonathan Yuhas, with KSTP-TV and official Meteorologist of Gopher State Baseball, will be providing forecasts for each weekend of the GSTC, specific to each playing location.
You can find Jonathan’s forecasts on the Gopher State Baseball Facebook Page.
WEATHER UPDATES/ALERTS
All Weather Notifications will be posted on RegisterPlay.
LIMITED QUANTITIES ON-SITE ORDER NOW TO GET YOUR SIZE
GSTC Champions will receive their championship rings at target field!
AUG 26th 6:10pm
Armstrong Cooper
Albert Lea
Andover
Atwater
Bloomington
BOLD
Buffalo
Centennial
Chanhassen
Chatfield
Delano
East Ridge
2019 (12AA)
2018 (14/15A)
2021 (12AA)
2022 (10AA, 11AA)
2021 (12A)
2020 (12A)
2019 (12A)
2018 (9U)
2021 (15AAA)
2017 (12AAA); 2019 (14AAA)
2022 (12A)
2021 (10AA); 2022 (9AA)
2019 (13AA); 2020 (14AAA)
2021 (9U);
2022 (10AAA, 12AA, 10A)
Minnetonka
2018 (13A, 15AA);
2020 (10AAA, 11A);
2022 (13AA)
New Richmond
Northrup
Oakdale
OMGAA
Orono
Plainview
Prior Lake Proctor
Randolph
Red Wing
2019 (10AA)
2018 (13AA)
2021 (13A)
2019 (12AAA)
2018 (10AA); 2020 (10A)
2019 (15AA)
2017 (14AAA, 15AA, 13AA);
2018 (12A);
2021 (11AA)
2022 (11A)
2017 (14/15A)
2017 (12AA)
Eden Prairie
Eden Valley-Watkins
Edina Elk River
Farmington
Grand Rapids
Hastings
Hopkins
Hutchinson
Jordan
Lake Elmo
2018 (11AA)
2021 (14/15A)
2019 (15AAA);
2021 (10AAA, 15AA);
2022 (9AAA, 11AAA)
2019 (13AAA)
2017 (10A); 2022 (14AAA)
2019 (11AA)
2018 (12AAA)
2017 (14AA)
2019 (14AA)
2019 (13A)
2018 (11AAA, 15AAA)
2020 (9U); 2021 (12AAA, 13AA, 14AAA)
River Falls
Rochester
Rogers-Otsego
Rosemount
Roseville
Sartell
Somerset
South St. Paul
St. Anthony
St. Charles
STMA
2017 (11AA)
2018 (11A); 2019 (9u)
2017 (12A)
2022 (13AAA)
2017 (13AAA)
2022 (14AA)
2018 (10A)
2017 (11A)
2020 (11AA)
2021 (11A)
2017 (9u)
2018 (10AAA, 14AA, 14AAA)
2019 (11AAA)
LCWM Knights
Mankato
Miesville
MPLS Millers
2021 (10A)
2019 (10AAA); 2021 (13AAA)
2022 (12AAA, 13A)
2022 (14/15A)
2021 (11AAA)
Totino-Grace
Wayzata
2017 (15AAA)
2017 (10AA, 11AAA, 10AAA, 15AAA);
2018 (13AAA); 2019 (10A, 11A);
2020 (11AAA, 12AA, 13AA);
2021 (14AA); 2022 (15AA, 15AAA)
White Bear Lake
Woodbury
2020 (13AAA)
2017 (13A); 2019 (14/15A)
H.S
Currently: MLB | Atlanta Braves
Current 2023 MLB Stats: W-L: 4-0 ERA: 3.15 K’s: 35 WHIP: 1.08
Notes:
Currently: MLB | Baltimore Orioles
Current 2023 MLB Stats: W-L: 5-0 ERA: 4.10 K’s: 45 WHIP: 1.27
Notes:
BRAD HAND
Debut: Chaska H.S 6/7/2011
Currently: MLB | Colorado Rockies
Current 2023 MLB Stats: W-L: 2-1 ERA: 4.76
K’s: 34 WHIP: 1.55
Notes: 3-Time All-Star
ANTHONY
MLB Debut: Sauk Rapids-Rice H.S 4/12/2019
Currently: MLB | Baltimore Orioles
Current 2023 MLB Stats:
AVG: .182 HR: 0
OPS: .490 RBI: 0
Notes:
SAM HENTGES
MLB Debut:
Mounds View H.S 4/20/2021
Currently: MLB | Cleveland Guardians
Current 2023 MLB Stats:
W-L: 1-0 ERA: 2.91
K’s: 20 WHIP: 1.06
Notes:
CALEB THIELBAR
MLB Debut: Randolph H.S 5/20/2013
Currently: MLB | Minnesota Twins
Current 2023 MLB Stats: W-L: 0-1 ERA: 1.74
K’s: 10 WHIP: 0.97
Notes:
MAX MEYER MLB Debut:
Woodbury H.S 7/16/2022
Currently: MLB | Miami Marlins
Career MLB Stats: W-L: 0-1 ERA: 7.50
K’s: 6 WHIP: 1.50
Notes: Currently on IL
Simley H.S 4/23/2023
Currently: AAA | Oklahoma City
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
AVG: .318 HR: 9
OPS: 1.014 RBI: 44
Notes: #36 Ranked Prospect (Top 100)
MICHAEL BUSCH MLB Debut:
MLB Debut:
Bloomington Jefferson H.S 5/3/2023
Currently: MLB | Washington Nationals
Current 2023 MLB Stats:
W-L: 1-5 ERA: 4.70
K’s: 40 WHIP: 1.45
Notes:
BRANDONWILLIAMSON MLB Debut: Martin County West H.S 5/16/2023
Currently: MLB | Cincinnati Reds
Current 2023 MLB Stats: W-L: 1-2 ERA: 5.56
K’s: 34 WHIP: 1.40
Notes:
MLB Debut:
Wayzata H.S 8/4/2020
Currently: RK | New York Yankees
Career MLB Stats: W-L: 1-1 ERA: 4.02
K’s: 6 WHIP: 1.15
Notes: Currently on IL
MLB Debut:
Mahtomedi H.S 5/6/2022
Currently: AAA | Sacramento (SF)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats: W-L: 2-1 ERA: 7.79
K’s: 21 WHIP: 2.08
Notes:
North St. Paul H.S
MLB Debut:
9/7/2022
Currently: AAA | St. Paul (MIN)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 2-0 ERA: 6.44
K’s: 38 WHIP: 1.53
Notes:
MLB Debut:
Forest Lake H.S 9/17/2022
Currently: AAA | St. Paul (MIN)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
AVG: .300 HR: 11
OPS: .959 RBI: 42
Notes: #5 Ranked MIN Prospect
MLB Debut:
Coon Rapids H.S n/a
Currently: AAA | Sacramento (SF)
Career MiLB Stats:
W-L: 18-27 ERA: 4.03
K’s: 356 WHIP: 1.66
Notes: Currently on IL
MLB Debut:
Monticello H.S n/a
Currently: AA | Richmond (SF)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 4-5 ERA: 6.89
K’s: 55 WHIP: 1.69
Notes:
MLB Debut:
Maple Grove H.S n/a
Currently: AA | Biloxi (MIL)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
AVG: .213 HR: 1
OPS: .702 RBI: 11
Notes:
MLB Debut:
Anoka H.S n/a
Currently: AA | New Hampshire (TOR)
Career MiLB Stats:
W-L: 6-5 ERA: 3.42
K’s: 152 WHIP: 1.25
Notes: Currently on IL; #25 Ranked TOR
MLB Debut:
Stillwater H.S n/a
Currently: AA | Corpus Christi (HOU)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
AVG: .269 HR: 9
OPS: .813 RBI: 30
Notes: #1 Ranked HOU Prospect; Top 100
MLB Debut:
Maple Grove H.S n/a
Currently: AA | Reading (PHI)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 4-5 ERA: 5.16
K’s: 46 WHIP: 1.21
Notes:
SAM CARLSON MLB Debut:
Burnsville H.S n/a
Currently: A+ | Everett (SEA)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 0-0 ERA: 6.91
K’s: 28 WHIP: 1.50
Notes:
NICK MORREALE MLB Debut: St. Thomas Academy n/a
Currently: A+ | Eugene (SF)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 4-0 ERA: 4.82
K’s: 46 WHIP: 1.45
Notes:
AUSTIN MURR MLB Debut:
Stillwater H.S n/a
Currently: A+ | West Michigan (DET)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
AVG: .231 HR: 2
OPS: .698 RBI: 21
Notes:
JAKE STEVENSON MLB Debut:
Waconia H.S n/a
Currently: A+ | Greensboro (PIT)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 0-0 ERA: 1.54
K’s: 16 WHIP: 1.29
Notes:
MLB Debut:
Woodbury H.S n/a
Currently: A+ | Fort Wayne (SD)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 3-1 ERA: 2.08
K’s: 42 WHIP: 1.00
Notes: #6 Ranked SD Prospect
MLB Debut:
Rocori H.S n/a
Currently: A+ | Brooklyn (NYM)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 1-1 ERA: 2.16
K’s: 38 WHIP: 1.00
Notes:
RYAN WROBLESKI
MLB Debut:
Eden Prairie H.S n/a
Currently: A+ | Asheville (HOU)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
AVG: .287 HR: 6
OPS: .839 RBI: 38
Notes:
AIDAN MALDONADO
MLB Debut:
Rosemount H.S n/a
Currently: A | Carolina (MIL)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats:
W-L: 1-5 ERA: 5.45
K’s: 38 WHIP: 1.85
Notes: Currently on IL
MLB Debut:
Chanhassen H.S n/a
Currently: A | Lake Elsinore (SD)
Career MiLB Stats:
W-L: 2-3 ERA: 3.48
K’s: 69 WHIP: 1.19
Notes: Currently on IL
MLB Debut:
Apple Valley H.S n/a
Currently: A | Lakeland (DET)
Career MiLB Stats:
W-L: 0-0 ERA: 15.19
K’s: 10 WHIP: 2.63
Notes: Currently on IL
MLB Debut:
Stillwater H.S n/a
Currently: A | Myrtle Beach (CHC)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats: No Pro debut as of 7-5-2023
Notes: Currently on IL
MLB Debut:
Wabasso H.S n/a
Currently: A | Kannapolis (CHW)
Current 2023 MiLB Stats: No Pro debut as of 7-5-2023
Notes: Currently on IL
JULY 7 - 9
GATE FEE: $150
Brazil Avenue Rosemount, MN 55068
Click Map Icon above to open Link to Google Map
GATE FEE: $150
Make Payable to: “ FBA ”
3359 191st Street Farmington, MN 55024
Click Map Icon above to open Link to Google Map
PROMOCODE: MYASCOOL25
Division: 14/15A
GATE
No Admissions. Come and go as you please! The Gate Fee and all Concessions revenue support the local host organization.
No Admissions. Come and go as you please! The Gate Fee and all Concessions revenue support the local host organization.
GATE FEE: $150
Make Payable to:
“Park Center Dugout Club”
Division: 14/15A
Tournament HQ/Check-In:
7300 Brooklyn Blvd Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Click Map Icon above to open Link to Google Map
No Admissions. Come and go as you please! The Gate Fee and all Concessions revenue support the local host organization.
Division: 14/15A
Tournament HQ/Check-In:
Concessions:
Coolers allowed:
Covered Dugouts:
Seating available:
No Drinks Small Yes Limited
GATE FEE: $150
Make Payable to:
“Park Center Dugout Club”
5900 N Humboldt Avenue Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Click Map Icon above to open Link to Google Map
No Admissions. Come and go as you please!
The Gate Fee and all Concessions revenue support the local host organization.
