The Prior Lake Mariners captured the 2026 Minnesota Senior Men’s Amateur Baseball Association Class A State Championship, defeating the Menahga‑Sebeka Relics 3‑2 in Alexandria, Minnesota. The final showdown, played under a crisp summer sky, saw the Mariners rally in the late innings to secure the narrow victory.
A Nostalgic Detour
Earlier in the season the team traveled to the iconic Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa, where they faced a local squad in a charity exhibition that drew a crowd of family members and friends from Prior Lake. Among those cheering from the stands was longtime umpire Dan Ringstad, whose presence added a personal touch to the event.
The roster read like a who’s‑who of Minnesota senior baseball, featuring veterans such as Paul Busselman, Corey Goblirsch, Chris Petrie and a host of other seasoned players including Dan Schroeder, TJ Larson and Jake Lehrer. Their combined experience proved decisive in tight moments, especially when the game swung back and forth in the seventh inning.
Community Celebration
Beyond the diamond, the championship sparked celebration among the community that had supported the squad throughout the year. Parents, siblings and longtime fans gathered in Alexandria to mark the occasion, while the team’s manager reflected on the journey that had taken the Mariners from local leagues to the state stage.
With the title now in their hands, the Mariners plan to defend their crown in the coming season, hoping to replicate the magic that brought them to the Field of Dreams and back to Alexandria. The experience has already cemented new traditions for a group that blends competitive spirit with a deep love of the game.