Memorial at the sign of the Annunciation Catholic Church the day after a mass shooting there. Aug. 28, 2025. (Dave Peterson/KSTP)
The Minnesota Twins and local partners are planning top of the line improvements to the wiffle ball field at Annunciation Church and School as the community continues to recover from a mass shooting in August.
The full renovation scheduled for this summer will include dugouts, bleachers, a new dirt infield, a movable outfield fence, a scoreboard, and improved lighting.
Annunciation’s pastor, Father Dennis Zehren, says that this renovation will help many students move on.
“Our entire Parish and School offers a tip of the cap to the Minnesota Twins for giving Annunciation’s wiffle ball field such a blessed do-over,” said Father Zehren. “Your generous gift will turn our churchyard ballpark into a field of dreams and upgrade the school experience for so many kids. You and your generous partners are helping us see that, if you build it, many will come to renew the fun and believe that hope springs eternal. Thank you, Minnesota Twins — for years of grass-stained, sun-kissed, simple joys to come.”
The project will be exclusively funded by the Minnesota Twins Community Fund (MTCF) with support from Mortenson, HGA, the Pohlad Family Foundation, and The Toro Company.
“Together with Mortenson, HGA and our funding partners, we’re proud to bring some big-league love to the Annunciation wiffle ball field,” said MTCF Executive Director Kristin Rortvedt. “This field has been a neighborhood cornerstone — a place where kids and families connect through play, laughter, and joy. We’re grateful to our partners and excited to support recreation, fellowship, and community life at Annunciation for years to come,” said Rortvedt.
