Let's try this again. After getting rained out last June - Chaska Athletic Park and the Chaska Diamonds have been asked to once again host the 2025 Hall of Fame Day for the Federal League on Saturday June 28th. Hall of Fame Day celebrates the new inductees into the Federal League Hall of Fame, also on the same day is the Federal League All Star Game and usually two league games that have inductees playing for their respective teams. It's the longest and biggest day for 35+ baseball in the State of Minnesota.

Larry Gessler who manages and plays for the Chaska Diamonds, with help from the Chaska Athletic Association, should have a full day planned featuring great ball games, food and other activities. The Diamonds are one of the oldest teams in the Federal League and are three time Federal League Champions (1986, 1987, 1992) and winning Class A in 2009 and AA in 2014. Larry Gessler was elected to the Fed Hall of Fame in 2011 and was the winner of the Chris Erickson Award in 2023.

Built in 1950, Chaska Athletic Park has been a cherished venue for numerous significant events, including five MBA State Tournaments held in 1955, 1988, 1998, 2008, and 2021. Nestled along the scenic Minnesota River, the ballpark has faced challenges from flooding but has consistently emerged renewed and improved after each event. Officially dedicated on August 11, 1950, Athletic Park is also home to several local teams, including the Chaska Cubs, Chaska Hawks, Chaska Diamonds, and, on occasion, the Chaska Voyageurs, continuing its legacy as a vibrant hub for the community of baseball and engagement.

(Editors Note* we did want to interview Larry Gessler for this All Star Game special edition, but life got too busy for Mr. Gessler and we weren’t able to finish the interview, we look forward to talking to him in the future. Good luck Saturday Larry.)

⭐ Schedule for Saturday July 28th 2025 ⭐

12:30 PM / Saint Paul JTs vs St. Croix Silverbacks

Highly competitive East Division foes face off as the JTs (4-4) and the Silverbacks (3-7) battle for the path of middle ground. July is around the corner and teams are playing for what bracket class they will be competing in come August. JTs have some quality wins on their resume while St. Croix can slug with the best of them.

2:45 PM / North/South All Stars vs East/West All Stars

The 2025 Federal League All Star Game. With club managers being stingy on letting their pitchers pitch (in an exhibition game) with a full July ahead, what side will have enough arms to go all nine innings?

5:00 PM / Hall of Fame Inductions and Ron Cottone Award Presentation

::: 2025 Federal League Hall of Fame Inductions :::
Randy Comfort - South Metro Saints
Wade Peterson - South Metro Saints
Eric Steinhoff - Veseli Vulcans
Dave Custer - Red West Legends
Brett Hughes - Capital City Cannons
John Ruddy - River Falls Groupers

Congratulations to all the Hall of Famers of the 2025 class.

::: Ron Cottone Award :::

Not announced yet. Hello? Is this thing on?

7:00 PM / Minnetonka Mustangs vs Capital City Cannons

Minnetonka has been one of the great surprises this summer (5-6) with some quality wins and improvement throughout its roster. The opposite can be said for Capital City (0-8) which has had roster attendance issues all summer and clawing to get by. Maybe some All Star magic can turn its fortune around?

 

⭐ 2025 All Star Game North/South Roster ⭐
 

⭐ 2025 All Star Game East/West Roster ⭐