Way Back...It's off the Wall!

April 12 we will celebrate baseball, the lyrical pastime that has bridged generations for more than 150 years, with a special storytelling evening at The Grand Event Center.

“Way Back... It’s Off the Wall!” will bring together Northfield baseball fans for 90 minutes of storytelling, covering the high hops and short stops as experienced or observed by some of Northfield’s most ardent students of the game.

Storytellers will include Jim Dimick, retired St. Olaf College coach and the recognized dean of college baseball; Bardwell Smith, retired Carleton College professor and a prep school teammate of George H. Bush; and Bill Nelson, the veteran manager of the storied Dundas Dukes. We will hear about exciting plays, brushes with fame, can-you-believe-it moments, including a first-person account by a man in our midst, Chuck Engel, who recorded an unassisted triple play while playing minor league baseball.

Other storytellers will be: Pete Maus, Northfield High School baseball coach and longtime amateur baseball player; the Rev. Sandy Johnson, whose early years were spent in the midst of a minor league baseball team; Mike “Stick” Allen, who helped revive the Northfield Knights; Jack Thurnblad, who played baseball in the Navy and in semi-pro leagues; and Ron Gardner, former minor league announcer.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. for indoor tailgating. Tiny’s will provide the concessions, all baseball fare. At 7 p.m. Rick Esse will take the announcer’s microphone to summon the first pitch. Scott Richardson will be the umpire and host.

The cost is no more than a Twins baseball game—at 1965 prices. That’s $3 per ticket for non historical society members.

See you April 12 at the Grand!