The St. Paul Saints are introducing fans to a new level of Minor League Baseball after being named the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate for the upcoming 2021 season, starting play April 6.

Following 28 years of independent professional baseball in the American Association League and the Northern League, the Saints announced last week they will join the Triple-A East League part of the Midwest Division, affiliated with Major League Baseball.

“The opportunity to work with the Twins is very exciting. They are a first-class organization, and this is a huge deal for us and Saints fans,” Saints Executive Vice President Tom Whaley said.

The Saints are joined by three previous members of the Pacific Coast League: the Iowa Cubs, the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Nashville Sounds, that will enter the Triple-A East League.

The Saints are the closest minor league affiliate to their parent team in Major League Baseball. CHS Field is 10.6 miles from Target Field uniting Saints and Twins fans. Minnesota has six minor league affiliates across the country, with the furthest being the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in Fort Myers, Florida.
The Saints’ 2021 schedule has not been released, but they plan to play roughly 140 games, including 70 at home.

Saints fans expect to see a new roster this year as the Twins bring in new top prospects to CHS Field.

“Our fans are going to enjoy watching the new level of play,” Whaley said. “Many of these players have Major League experience or are expected to very soon.”

Fans can rest easy as the Saints are only bringing big changes on the field.

St. Thomas senior Joey Skare, an intern for the Saints for the last two years and a current season ticket holder, enjoys the interactive environment at CHS field.

“Working for them was such a good time and experience; I’m applying for a job for the coming year,” Skare said. “Even if I chose not to work for the Saints, I will still continue to go to games.”

The Saints hope to bring their excitement and energy to Minor League Baseball. Known for their off-field entertainment, like pigs carrying baseballs to umpires and unusual games with fans, the atmosphere won’t disappear as they still plan to provide the same “Fun is Good” game day experience.

“Games are so fun, and a good amount of fun to be there and get involved with games between innings,” Skare said. “It’s a different feel than a Major League Baseball game, more connected to the team.”

Prior to COVID-19, the Saints attracted around 8,000 fans each game to CHS field with their high-level of entertainment on and off the field. The biggest challenge for the Saints with COVID-19 restrictions is trying to achieve a higher stadium capacity.

Whaley hopes their proposal for 2,700 fans a game, a 10% increase from last year, will be approved for the upcoming season.

“We are currently restricted at 250 fans per game which is less than we ended the season last year,” said Whaley. “With social distancing and all the various things we are doing to keep people separated, we know we can do 2,700 safely and comfortably.”

Whaley describes last season as a creative learning lesson to keep the fan experience alive.

“We just had to work a little harder, that was the key. We tried to keep it as much as we could a normal fan experience, but was a little tougher only having 1,500 fans in the park that create that atmosphere,” Whaley said.

The Saints will continue to stream games online, KFAN Plus, 96.7 FM radio and on Channel 45 to reach fans who are unable to attend in person.

“Minnesota is a fantastic place to run a sports team because the fans are so avid and supportive. We are really excited about this opportunity,” Whaley said.

Olivia Paradise can be reached at para4336@stthomas.edu.