Get Active with Hastings, MN Athletics: A Comprehensive Guide
Hastings, Minnesota—where the Mississippi flows easy, the smiles are contagious, and sportsmanship is the real deal. Gather 'round, Hastings crew, because I'm about to share some genuinely epic and factual origin stories behind your favorite local sports leagues. Trust me, these tales are as true as they are legendary.
1. Bags League: A Backyard Classic
Originally known as "cornhole," Bags got its start in the 1800s, right here in the Midwest.
Farmers and their families looking to unwind after long, grueling days in the fields tossed bags filled with corn kernels at wooden boards with holes. Today, the tradition continues every Wednesday at Pioneer Park. Join the fun with doubles, a 7-week round robin, and a single-elimination tournament. It's just $50 per team, and the games kick off at 6:30 p.m. Don’t let history down—show up and throw down!
2. Pickleball Leagues: Born from Family Fun
Pickleball was born in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington—not from pickles, but from a family needing something new and fun to do.
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum improvised this innovative sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Now, Hastings locals carry on this delightful tradition at Roadside Courts starting in May 2025. Sign up for Men’s, Women’s, or Mixed Doubles leagues and battle it out in a 7-week season capped by a thrilling tournament. Entry is just $60 per team.
3. Sand Volleyball Leagues: A Beachy Innovation
Sand volleyball originated on the beaches of Santa Monica, California, back in the 1920s when locals decided the beach was the perfect spot to bring volleyball outdoors.
Hastings embraced this sandy spirit at Pioneer Park, where our local leagues offer fun competition starting in May 2025. Whether you're into Co-Ed or Women’s leagues, enjoy 10 exciting games followed by a single-elimination tournament. Join in for just $260 per team and bring some beach vibes to Hastings.
4. Slow Pitch Softball Leagues: America's Relaxed Pastime
Slow pitch softball evolved from traditional baseball as a more accessible, leisurely sport that anyone could enjoy.
It gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s as communities sought inclusive and fun recreational opportunities. Hastings keeps the spirit alive at Veterans Athletic Complex, offering a relaxed but competitive 10-week league starting May 2025, followed by a double-elimination tournament. The entry fee is $750 per team. Swing slow, aim steady, and embrace the chill.
Special Mention: Rivertown WIFFLE Ball Tournament
WIFFLE Ball came about in 1953 when a Connecticut father invented a lightweight plastic ball his kids could throw without breaking windows.
Here in Hastings, we've added our own twist—a no-base-running, 3-player-minimum format at Pioneer Park. It's just $30 per team to enter the round-robin and single-elimination tourney. Get your plastic bats ready for a good, clean Hastings-style showdown!
Need-To-Know Hastings Info:
Registration Dates: Returning teams start registering February 1; new teams jump in March 1. Register online or email Phil Vargas (pvargas@hastingsmn.gov).
Free Agent Form: Need a team? We got your back. Fill out a form and jump into the action.
Weather Line: Check (651) 480-2392 for updates—don’t get caught in the rain!
BYOB: Beverages welcome; glass containers, not so much. Keep Hastings classy, folks.
Questions? Hastings Has You Covered:
Phil Vargas – Sports & Recreation Coordinator: pvargas@hastingsmn.gov
Jeff Elliott – Arena Manager: 651-480-6195, jelliott@hastingsmn.gov
Theresa Ellis (Faustini) – Aquatics Manager: 651-480-6179, tfaustini@hastingsmn.gov
Chris Jenkins – Parks & Rec Director: 651-480-6176, CJenkins@hastingsmn.gov
Bringing it Home
Hastings, you've got options. Get active, get competitive, and most importantly, get out there and build community. Because the best thing Hastings ever created wasn't just these sports—it's the friendships along the way. Catch you at the fields, courts, and parks, my friends!
