Eden Prairie Players Shine in Collegiate Summer & Legion Leagues

As the summer begins to wind down and the clank of the bats start to quiet, it's time to reflect on the summer that brought a level of normalcy back to communities across the nation. Yes baseball was played again far and wide, with most parks allowing fan capacity with little or no restrictions. Most players and coaches were without masks and the Covid-19 scars of the last 18months have began to winnow. The summer of 2021 was certainly a breath of fresh air. 

As the parks opened up so did the talents of our Eden Prairie teams and Alumni. It was good to see many shine. Below are a few highlights.

Collegiate Summer Players:

Eden Prairie has more than 30 players listed on college rosters around the country. This is a remarkable testament to the Eden Prairie baseball community that ranges from the Eden Prairie Baseball Association to the High School and Legion teams, as well as local club teams and training facilities. With the support of parents they all play a part in the nurturing of these players and our great baseball history and culture.

A handful of Eden Prairie alumni showcased their talents in various leagues around the state and country this summer. Jack Zigan (2017), Ben Shepard (2018), and Noah Matousek (2018) landed in the Northwoods League. While Ryan Wrobleski headed west to play in the California Collegiate League. Numerous other former eagles can be found on local town ball teams throughout the metro. Visit http://mnbaseball.org/ to learn more about the Minnesota Baseball Association and the amazing amateur baseball played throughout the state.

Do you know where other Eden Prairie Alumni are playing? Direct message us at https://twitter.com/EPBaseballNotes

Jack Zigan - Willmar Stingers (Minnesota State University - Mankato)

After a solid spring season with the Mavericks, Jack has thrown 33 innings for the Stingers this summer. Known as a strike thrower, Zigan has accumulated 40 strikeout and remarkably just 6 walks leading to a 1.6 WHIP with respectable 5.45 ERA. Jack notched a 12 "K" night versus Eau Claire on June 3rd.

Ben Shepard - Eau Claire Express (University of Minnesota - Duluth)

The junior right-hander has appeared 8 times and put in 22 innings of work in his first year with the Express. Ben's talent was showcased in early June against the Duluth Huskies where he tossed 7 innings, striking out 6, while giving up just 2 earned runs. Ben has seen an increase in velocity since his days with Eden Prairie, having his fastball touch the mid-90s. Ben currently is carrying a 5.25 ERA.

Noah Matousek - Minnesota MudPuppies (University of Toledo)

After nearly a year off because of a season ending shoulder injury last September, Matousek landed with the "road-warriors" of the NWL the Minnesota MudPuppies. Working through rehab, Matousek has recently found his way into lineup. In his short-time back, Noah is carrying .286 batting average with a remarkable .583 on-base percentage (2nd highest the NWL) and complemented with .869 OPS over 12 plate appearances.  

Ryan Wrobleski - Santa Barbara Foresters (Dallas Baptist University)

Coming off a magical NCAA tourney run with Dallas Baptist where he landed the Fort Worth Regional MVP, Wrobleski is continuing his success at the plate in the California Collegiate League this summer. Ryan is currently slashing .306-BA/.380-OBP/.613-SLG for the Foresters over 17 games. In addition, Ryan has 4 home runs and 7 doubles this summer.

Legion Update:

Eden Prairie Jr Legion:

What a run. The Eden Prairie Jr. Legion squad played with heart all summer long sporting a 23-9 recorded and making a run at the Minnesota Jr. Legion State, Title having fallen just short and landing as the State Runner-up. The future of the program looks to be bright.

Eden Prairie's Jr Legion team poses with their 2021 Legion State Runner trophy.

Eden Prairie Legion:

The Eden Prairie Legion team showed positive improvement throughout the summer season. Finishing with a record of 17-12-1 and a Sub-State championship, the legion team looks to carry this momentum into next season with a number of returning players along with talented group of Jr. Legion guys that should make the squad a State Title contender. 

Seniors Ty Valiton and Griffen Streed share a final photo in their EP uniforms.