FOX 9 Town Ball Tour hits Delano as the Athletics host the Loretto Larks

DELANO, Minn. (FOX 9) - The FOX 9 Town Ball Tour was in Delano, Minnesota, which boasts one of the oldest and most beautiful town ball stadiums in the state.

Delano Municipal Ballpark was built in 1896. While some stadiums don’t have lights, Delano’s ballpark had them installed all the way back in 1948. More improvements have been made to the stadium over the years. In the 1980s, the iconic ivy was planted on the outfield fence and in 1995 a new grandstand was built that can seat 750 people.

Town Ball Tour: Longtime Delano Athletics player talks about family ties on the team

Paul Jaunich played for the Delano Athletics for 28 years. He talks about growing up in a family of 11 children and how, at one point, a Jaunich was playing first, second and third base at the same time.

Delano has hosted three Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournaments in 1975, 1984 and 1997. Delano Municipal Ballpark is home to the Athletics, a storied team in Minnesota town ball lore.

MORE: Full FOX 9 Town Ball Tour schedule

The city of Delano is also the hometown of former Gophers Football player and Viking Nate Triplett, who credits the city with helping him fight his toughest battle yet.

Town Ball Tour: Delano standout and Gophers star football player Nate Triplett opens up about cancer battle

A star on the diamond and football field in Delano, Nate Triplett even had a stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Now, he’s facing a battle he can’t afford to lose and credits his hometown with helping him through it.

Delano is also famous for its huge 4th of July celebration, which is one of the largest in the state. The city's water tower even features fireworks on it.

Town Ball Tour: Delano's 4th of July celebration is one of the state’s biggest

One of the biggest and oldest Fourth of July celebrations in the state. See why history means so much to the town and why it has fireworks on its water tower.

One family in particular, the Ditty family, has been integral in raising funds for baseball in the city of Delano. One of the members of that family, Toby Hanson, was recently named Northstar League MVP.

Town Ball Tour: Northstar League MVP’s family gives back to Delano baseball community

Northstar League MVP Toby Hanson talks about how his family has helped fundraise for the Delano baseball community and how they have a deck named after them at the park.

Delano Mayor Dale Graunke stopped by the FOX 9 News at 6 p.m. to talk about his city and what makes it special.

Town Ball Tour: Interview with Delano Mayor Dale Graunke

What it means to have the Town Ball Tour in Delano and what makes his community so special.

FOX 9's Jim Rich spoke to Delano Athletics Manager Steve Eilen in the moments before first pitch to talk about what it's like to build a roster and keep his team playing at a high level.

Town Ball Tour: An interview with Delano Manager Steve Eilen moments before first pitch

Delano Manager Steve Eilen talks about managing Town Ball and the team’s rivalry with the Loretto Larks.

FOX 9 morning reporter Shayne Wells spent Wednesday morning checking out all that Delano has to offer, from the Bridge House Coffee & Café to Edie Mae's Eatery to The Peppermint Twist drive-in.

Town Ball Tour: Shayne Wells tries milkshakes at The Peppermint Twist drive-in in Delano

FOX 9 morning reporter Shayne Wells visited a Delano favorite, The Peppermint Twist Drive In, which is home to some tasty milkshakes.

Edie Mae's Eatery in Delano has a unique twist

FOX 9’s Shayne Wells found the breakfast of champions in Delano, Minnesota: Edie Mae’s Eatery. The restaurant has been a longtime fixture in the community, but when a new owner took over a few years ago, she gave it a new twist.

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