Belzer Stadium was filled with young athletes, enthusiastic families, and plenty of baseball energy during the 2026 Gopher Baseball Youth Clinic. Presented by Jeff Belzer’s Chevrolet, the free clinic brought children ages 5–12 together for an afternoon of hands-on instruction from University of Minnesota Gopher Baseball players and coaches.
Held Saturday, September 26, at Grand Prairie Park in Lakeville, the clinic gave campers an opportunity to practice hitting, fielding, baserunning, agility, and other fundamentals in an encouraging environment.
Quick recap: Young players from across the Lakeville area spent the afternoon learning baseball fundamentals from Gopher Baseball players and coaches, meeting new teammates, and making memories at Belzer Stadium.
From the opening warmups to the final group photo, the clinic centered on learning, encouragement, and fun. Campers had the chance to step onto the field at Belzer Stadium and experience a structured baseball clinic alongside University of Minnesota players and coaches.
The afternoon began with players gathering on the field, stretching, and preparing for the day’s activities. Campers then moved through drills designed to build confidence and reinforce the fundamentals of the game.
Young Players Practice Baseball Fundamentals
The clinic gave campers a chance to work on several parts of their game. Activities included:
Hitting and tee work
Infield practice and fielding ground balls
Baserunning technique
Agility and movement drills
Warmups and throwing fundamentals
Each station gave the young athletes an opportunity to learn through repetition while receiving guidance and encouragement from experienced college baseball players.
Learning from Gopher Baseball Players and Coaches
One of the highlights of the clinic was the opportunity for campers to interact directly with Gopher Baseball players and coaches. The instructors demonstrated skills, explained the purpose behind each drill, and encouraged campers as they practiced.
For young athletes, learning from college players offered more than technical instruction. It showed them how experienced players communicate, prepare, support their teammates, and approach the game with a positive attitude.
The afternoon reflected what youth sports can offer at their best: skill development, teamwork, confidence, and connections built through a shared love of the game.
A Community Partnership Supporting Youth Baseball
Jeff Belzer’s Chevrolet was proud to present the free clinic as part of its continued support for youth athletics and the Lakeville community.
Belzer Stadium was created through collaboration among Jeff Belzer’s, the City of Lakeville, and the Lakeville Baseball Association. Events such as the Gopher Baseball Youth Clinic help put that community-focused mission into action by giving local children access to memorable experiences at the ballpark.
Thank you to Gopher Baseball, the Lakeville Baseball Association, participating families, and everyone who helped make the clinic possible.
Discover Belzer Stadium
Learn more about Lakeville’s community ballpark, the local teams that call it home, and the partnerships supporting baseball at Grand Prairie Park.
Belzer Stadium provided the setting for an afternoon focused on baseball, learning, and community. Here are a few more moments from the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 2026 Gopher Baseball Youth Clinic?
The clinic was held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Belzer Stadium in Lakeville, Minnesota.
Who participated in the clinic?
The free clinic was designed for children ages 5–12. Registration was limited to the first 50 participants.
Who led the baseball instruction?
University of Minnesota Gopher Baseball players and coaches worked with campers throughout the clinic.
What skills did campers practice?
Campers participated in hitting, fielding, baserunning, agility, warmup, and other baseball-development activities.
Where is Belzer Stadium?
Belzer Stadium is located at Grand Prairie Park, 7700 185th Street West in Lakeville, Minnesota.
How can families hear about future community events?
Families can follow @JeffBelzers on social media and visit the Jeff Belzer’s website for news about future Belzer in the Community events.
Looking Ahead to More Community Events
The 2026 Gopher Baseball Youth Clinic was a memorable way to bring young athletes, families, and community partners together at Belzer Stadium. We were grateful to see so many campers learning new skills and enjoying an afternoon on the field.
Jeff Belzer’s looks forward to continuing to support opportunities that bring Twin Cities families together through youth sports and community activities. Stay tuned for our 2027 plans!
Stay Connected with Belzer in the Community
Follow @JeffBelzers on social media for photos, community news, and announcements about future events across Minnesota.
