15 finalists announced for the 2018 Play Ball! Minnesota awards

Play Ball! Minnesota and the Minnesota Minute Men are proud to announce the finalists for the 2018 Play Ball! Minnesota Mr. Baseball and Ms. Softball awards.
 
Award finalists were selected by a panel of high school and college coaches, as well as professional scouts. Athletic and character attributes as well as season accomplishments were considered by award voters. The award finalists represent the finest senior players in the state.
 
Award winners will be announced on June 17 at a luncheon at Target Field. The winners will be honored by the Twins by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before the June 24 game.
 
Mr. Baseball finalist are: Jake Dykhoff (Wadena-Deer Creek High School); Otto Grimm (Bemidji High School); Seth Halvorsen (Heritage Christian Academy); Nick Juaire (Lakeville North High School); Aidan Maldonado (Rosemount High School); Nathaniel Peterson (Lakeville North High School); Zack Raabe (Forest Lake High School); Tommy Springer (Eastview High School).
 
Ms. Softball finalist are: Kailey Ahlstrom (Prior Lake High School); Megan Baniecke (Forest Lake High School); Emily Hansen (Buffalo High School); Abby Lien (Eastview High School); Mary Pardo (Blaine High School); Maddie Schwartz (Chanhassen High School); Delaney Young (Park High School).
 
"The Twins and Twins Community Fund are proud to be affiliated with the Mr. Baseball and Ms. Softball Awards," said Twins President & CEO Dave St. Peter. "These finalists represent the best seniors in Minnesota. We applaud their efforts on the field, in the classroom, and in our community."
 
"The Minute Men are proud to honor the finalists for the Play Ball! Minnesota Mr. Baseball and Ms. Softball Awards," said Minute Men Executive Director Loren Feldkamp. "We congratulate each finalist, and appreciate the Twins and Twins Community Fund support in honoring these athletes."
 
Play Ball! Minnesota is an initiative of the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, and was organized to promote and improve baseball and softball in the Upper Midwest.
 
About the Twins Community Fund
Established as a nonprofit organization in 1991, the mission of the Twins Community Fund is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through and association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins. The Twins Community Fund is governed by a board of director's representative of the Upper Midwest. Target, U.S. Bank, Treasure Island Resort & Casino and Delta Air Lines are Cornerstone Partners, contributing annually to the Twins Community Fund. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.twinscommunityfund.org.
 
About the Minnesota Minute Men
Since 1954 the Minnesota Minute Men have been involved in the Minnesota sports community. The group is well known for spear heading sales of more than $1.2 million dollars in A2 bonds that led to building the Metropolitan stadium. They continue to raise awareness and resources for amateur athletes.