Success on the field and the diamond

I took some time between these stories, but to continue highlighting the multi-sport athlete, I looked at some of the best Minnesota athletes on the football field who also light it up on the diamond. Unlike some of the other multi-sport lists, I have done, finding accurate baseball statistics was more of a challenge. I am positive this is not a definitive list – primarily because I don’t know the best places to find baseball information. That being said – check out these two-sport stars. [player_tooltip player_id="116452" first="Connor" last="Weed"] <strong>Farmington DB/QB</strong> Weed was a key contributor for the Tigers’ 2021 state championship baseball team. Weed hit for a .277 average as a junior, including batting leadoff in the state finals, where he went 2-4 with an RBI. He has committed to play baseball for Iowa Western. Weed could get the ball downfield with power and accuracy on the football field. He was one of the best deep ball quarterbacks in the state. Weed breaks on the ball as a corner, both defending the pass and coming up strong in the running game. [player_tooltip player_id="18442" first="Drew" last="Berkland"] <strong>Wayzata DB/WR</strong> Committed to Minnesota to play baseball, Berkland might be playing catcher or outfield for the Gophers. His defense stood out for the Gophers – both behind the plate and in the outfield. He hit .340 as a junior with two home runs and 20 RBIs. This fall, he was one of the Trojans’ leading receivers. His length and hands made him a tough match-up for any defensive back. He led the team in every receiving category. [player_tooltip player_id="18451" first="Thane" last="Meiners"] <strong>Caledonia RB/LB</strong> Meiners has committed to the Upper Iowa baseball program. According to Upper Iowa head coach Jeremy Ische, Meiners is a multi-talented player who can play many different positions – likely either on the mound or as an infielder. Meiners was one of the Warriors leading rushers who has quick feet and excellent cutting ability on the football field. Meiners also played linebacker. [player_tooltip player_id="49959" first="Gabe" last="Bombardier"] <strong>Farmington OL</strong> Another baseball commit to Upper Iowa, Ische said he likes Bombardier’s power at the plate. Primarily a first baseman, he has solid footwork and hands around the base. As a football player, the senior is an athletic right tackle who makes up for his smaller size for an offensive lineman with good pad level and footwork. [player_tooltip player_id="116192" first="Blake" last="Haus"] <strong>Sartell DT</strong> Haus will be playing football for Winona State next season. Last fall, he was an effective run-stuffer with a lot of strength to hold up on double teams and good enough feet to be a factor in the passing game. Haus’ footwork is also one of his strengths as a right tackle. He is generally in good position and uses that position to wall off defenders. On the diamond, Haus’ junior year featured a .333 on-base percentage for the Sabers. [player_tooltip player_id="112042" first="Grant" last="Chapman"] <strong>Anoka OL</strong> Chapman just finished attending Minnesota’s junior day. He is a physical offensive lineman and one of the top guys in the 2023 class. Looking at his film, it is not hard to see why. He is a complete player at the offensive tackle position. He has the strength to bully guys and has the footwork to execute great pass sets and quickness and agility to pull and make blocks in the open field. Chapman is a threat on the pitching mound. He was one of the Tornadoes’ top pitchers who routinely went deep into games during summer baseball. [player_tooltip player_id="112048" first="Josh" last="Och"] <strong>Chanhassen WR</strong> Och committed to play baseball at Southern Mississippi late this summer. One of the best pitchers in the state; he has been known to throw in the high 80’s. He is a big-play receiver on the football field and is a threat to take it the distance every time he gets the ball. When I saw him play late in the season, he showed he is not just a deep threat – he has the strength to break tackles and make plays in open space. [player_tooltip player_id="49920" first="Zander" last="Dittbenner"] <strong>Mankato West QB</strong> Dittbenner was the starting quarterback on the state champion Scarlets’ offense. In possibly the best game I watched all year, he was efficient on a snowy field. He only completed five passes in rough conditions, but they accounted for over 130 yards and three touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was a twenty-one-yard toss on fourth and three – the game-winner. That touchdown was one of 34 he threw as a senior. On the diamond, the left-handed pitcher throws in the low 80’s who also has a curve and changeup.