Latest News

Published On: February 5th, 2025

The Mankato MoonDogs would like to welcome spark player, Adrian Beltre Jr to the Team for the 2025 season! Beltre will join the dog squad from the University of San Diego following his spring freshman season.

Beltre ended his high school career at Maranatha High School in Pasadena CA, where he would bring a lot of talent to an uber-talented team. He brought many talents as he could play offensively and defensively for his high school squad, playing shortstop and pitching. Beltre would end his high school career with a batting average of .312, 29 hits, 18 RBIs, 26 runs, and an on-base percentage of .404. As a returner to the squad, the coaching staff was looking forward to having him for his senior season. “Pitching and defense will be a big strength for us. We will take care of the baseball and our pitchers will do a great job of challenging hitters.”

Adrian Beltre Jr also recently got the honor of being the 2025 Perfect Game Preseason WCC Freshman of the Year.

Coach Danny Kneeland is excited to have Beltre on the squad this summer and to see what he can bring to the diamond. “He is uber-talented, no question about it. He can pitch, hit, and play the infield. Beltre also processes great energy”.

Beltre’s feelings are reciprocated as he is looking forward to expanding his career. “I’m extremely excited for this upcoming season and for the beginning of my collegiate baseball career! I’m looking forward to the summer and getting the chance to play for the MoonDogs, I’ve heard nothing but the best, and I’m excited to get going in Mankato!”.

If you want to see Beltre and the rest of the MoonDog squad this summer, come out to the ISG field or get your tickets online at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the office at 507-625-7047!

 

###

 

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 370 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.