DETROIT LAKES — The Detroit Lakes Youth Baseball (DLYBA) is building on the popularity of youth sports and dramatic resurgence in participation since 2020 with new leadership, a new website and expanded programming.
“We have a rich baseball history in Detroit Lakes, dating back over 125 years," DLYBA President Josh Hochgraber said. "Washington Park has served as a gathering place for early residents to enjoy our national pastime. Over the years, we’ve had many passionate players, fans, managers, and facilitators who have helped to grow awareness and opportunities. With a couple long-time contributors looking to pass the baton, the time was right for us to step in and bring a team approach toward taking our program to the next level.”
MSHSL 2025 Distinguished Service Award Winner Terry Eiter and Detroit Lakes Special Education Teacher and longtime, successful coach Phil Kirchner have been staples of the program for the past several years. Both were looking to transition to new opportunities and the board has stepped in to build off their achievements.
“We have a team of nine that frequently communicates on logistics and prospects to build our brand," Hochgraber said. "It’s amazing how much Terry and Phil did on their own. Detroit Lakes Youth Baseball has a solid reputation and we owe that to them. Dave Harman, Steve Fuhs, Mike Even, Mitch McCleod and so many others helped forge the road for our kids coming through the program.”
Facility upgrades have happened as funds permitted. Eiter led a huge initiative to renovate the newest ball field at Detroit Lakes Middle School. He’s also spearheading work to bring Washington Park current with other Detroit Lakes facilities such as the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center (DLCCC), Detroit Country Club and Detroit Mountain . Kirchner continues to maintain the fields as an integral part of the program.
Detroit Lakes High School has joined the Central Lakes Conference. The larger schools often feature top-notch resources, more talent to draw from and expanded programming.
DLYBA acknowledges their role in providing higher quality baseball players to the school programs to better compete in the new conference.
Tom Truedson, owner of True Sports Performance in Detroit Lakes, serves as Director of Player Development. Truedson spent six seasons with the New York Mets system and has already initiated a coaches’ clinic and is coordinating an all-ages baseball camp on May 31 at Washington Park to help build player skills.
Director of Scheduling and Coordination, Joe Lundberg, runs registration, makes sure all teams have a full schedule and helps assign coaches. Director of Fundraising Charlie Lindberg runs the successful burger card program and the Washington Ballpark sign program. Director of Marketing Meagan Barker, handles social media and special projects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Director of Volunteers Megan Martinez handles various volunteer needs, including the concession stand. Treasurer Drew Barker, Secretary Erica Germain and Vice President Jeremy Martinez handle duties typically associated with those roles, and beyond. Detroit Lakes High School head baseball coach Mark Gulseth and his staff are frequent contributors to the board.
“Given our goals for the program, we’re taking on many special projects," Hochgraber said. "We have a new website at DLYouthBaseball.org, and our summer registration was completely online this year. Our first annual Coaches’ Clinic was highly successful and will be a yearly event going forward."
"We’re sponsoring a Youth Baseball Night with the Ligers on May 31, which will be a great night to kick off the summer and celebrate baseball in Detroit Lakes," he said.
"This summer, we should have supplemental leagues to the DLCCC that provide nine-, 10- and 11-year-olds the opportunity to play against neighboring towns, which we generally haven’t had in the past," Hochgraber said. "The DLCCC provides a great in-town league, creating significant interest in expanding programming. It takes a lot of passionate people to make everything work."
The excitement the board conveys indicates it’s a good time to be a part of Detroit Lakes youth baseball. Summer registration is currently live on their website. DLYBA does not cut players, so everyone gets a chance to participate and grow their skills.
The summer season is short, running from June to mid-July. The Water Carnival Wood Bat tournament is a fun way to see talented Legion teams from North Dakota, Northern Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
Interested individuals seeking to get involved in coaching, volunteering and contributing special talents are encouraged to visit DLYouthBaseball.org , email DLYouthBaseball@gmail.com or Hochgraber at 218-234-6821. Washington Park updates can be found on the Detroit Lakes City website .
ADVERTISEMENT
The Trust Project
