Washburn Baseball
Where baseball tradition runs deep! Building leaders on and off the field through dedication, integrity, and teamwork.
Our Teams
Three levels of competitive baseball, each fostering skill development and team unity
Varsity
Our top-level program competing against the best teams in the conference. Focus on advanced strategy, leadership, and college preparation.
View Schedule on GameChanger
Junior Varsity
Building fundamentals and game experience. Players develop core skills while competing at a high level and preparing for varsity.
View Schedule on GameChanger
B Team
Entry-level program focused on fundamentals, teamwork, and developing a love for the game in a supportive environment.
View Schedule on GameChangerMillers In Action
Capturing the intensity, skill, and dedication of Washburn Baseball
Meet the Coaches
Experienced mentors dedicated to developing skilled athletes and quality individuals
Varsity
As a military kid, Coach Shirley grew up playing baseball all over the country and he still can't get over how short MN's ball season is! With a long history of playing ball and coaching, Shirley is excited in his new role as Head Coach at Washburn. Coach Shirley and his wife Holly have two children who are WHS alumni and college athletes.
washburnmillerbaseball@gmail.com
Focused on player development and helping athletes reach their full potential.
Coaching high school baseball since 2006 with stops at Edina, Minneapolis South, Southwest and now Washburn. Baseball is Matt's passion, still catching for his Mill City team each summer. He enjoys teaching the game and creating a positive experience for young people to develop on and off the field. Matt and his wife Ann have two sons, Alex and Zeke, who are now in college.
Junior Varsity
Jake grew up and still resides in Minneapolis. He graduated from Washburn in 2018 and played baseball all four years. Jake had many college offers to play baseball but decided to stay home and immediately get into coaching. He has previously coached for Minneapolis Youth Baseball Association and Southwest Legion summer program. There is nothing he enjoys more than to coach the game he loves.
Coach Kevin is part of three generations of Millers dating back to 1957 when his dad started teaching and coaching at Washburn. Kevin graduated from Washburn in 1984 and began his coaching career in 1985 - coaching soccer, hockey and baseball teams. Kevin and his wife Paula (also a Miller) have three adult Miller children. Kevin is excited to be retiring from Wells Fargo in March and resume his Washburn coaching career!
B Team
Dedicated to building strong fundamentals and fostering a love for the game.
Coach Thomas, also known as Coach Schwing, grew up playing baseball in Cambridge MN. Although he didn't play ball in college, he played Amateur ball during the summers and eventually landed in south Minneapolis as a teammate with several former Miller ball players. Coach Schwing currently plays over 50 baseball along with a number of the Millers' coaching staff. He is thoroughly looking forward to coaching his second year of Washburn baseball. Coach Thomas and his wife, Kristin, have three children, all of whom wore the orange and blue at Washburn.
Program Success
Since 2019
Class of 2025
Class of 2024
Class of 2023
Class of 2021
Class of 2019
Program Mission
Play hard. Play fair. Play together.
Respect the game, honor opponents, and pick each other up every day.
1Commitment & Sportsmanship
Effort, integrity, and respect in all we do. We bring our best every day and honor the game through our actions.
2Team-First Mindset
Success is shared; sacrifice for the greater good. We put team goals above individual achievements and celebrate together.
3Lead by Example
Work ethic, accountability, and composure set the tone. Our actions speak louder than words both on and off the field.
4Positive Leadership
Motivate, include, and connect with every teammate. We build each other up and create an environment where everyone thrives.
5Respectful Communication
Build trust between players and coaches. Open dialogue and mutual respect create the foundation for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything families need to know about the Washburn Baseball program
Tryouts begin the week of March 16 in the Washburn Gymnasium. Arm care practices (invite only) start the week of March 9. Sports physicals are required before participation and are good for 3 years. Specific dates and times will be communicated closer to tryouts.
Regular practice begins the week of March 23. The first scheduled game is April 6 vs Richfield. Practices are Monday-Friday after school until approximately 6 PM, with some Saturday practices. Home games typically start at 4:30 PM in April and 4:00 PM in May. Check washburnbb.com for current schedules.
Optional practices are March 27-30. Mandatory practices resume March 31-April 4. Missing these practices may impact playing time. Spring Break Training at Hit Dawg Baseball Academy (April 5-8, 3:00-5:00 PM) is mandatory for Varsity and JV, and expected for B Team unless players have family plans.
Three teams with approximately 15 players each. Varsity: 12th-9th grade players competing at this level. JV: 11th-8th grade players. B Team: 10th-7th grade players. 7th/8th graders fall under high school athletics and can be placed on appropriate teams based on skill level. Elevator players may play regularly at one level while occasionally moving up.
Varsity practices at Killebrew Field at Pearl Park. JV practices at MLK Park on Nicollet Avenue and 42nd Street. B Team practices at Todd Park on Chicago Avenue and 56th Street. Players arrange their own transportation to practice.
Booster fees are due in Spring after tryouts (approximately $174 last year) plus $75 MPS spring sport registration. Spring Break Training is included in the booster fee. Scholarships are available for families facing financial hardships through the Washburn Baseball Boosters.
Players need gloves, bats, batting helmets, and catchers equipment (if applicable). If your player doesn't have their own bat or catcher's equipment, extras will be available at practice - no need to purchase specifically for tryouts.
Yes! Two legion teams accommodate all players: Senior Legion (19U) and Junior Legion (17U). Season starts in June with league games on weekday evenings. Sub-state playoffs begin the week of July 19th. Summer fee is approximately $300 with a $100 commitment fee due by end of April. Scholarships available.
Players speak directly with coaches about concerns (players first). If unresolved, the coach involves the varsity head coach, then parents may contact the coach. Parents should avoid game-day discussions and email to schedule a time to talk (24-hour rule). GameChanger is used for players and families, with GroupMe for players only.
Meetings are typically the 2nd Sunday of the month at Patty Wagon on Nicollet in the evenings. Contact washburnbaseball@gmail.com to get on the calendar invite. Volunteer opportunities include fundraisers, special events, marketing, social media, and more. New ideas are always welcomed! Follow @burnbaseball on Instagram.
Registration & Requirements
Ready to join the Washburn Baseball program? Here's what you need to know.
Required Steps:
- Complete MPS Athletic Registration
- Obtain current sports physical (valid for 3 years)
- Pay MPS spring sport registration fee ($75)
- Pay Booster fee after making a team (approximately $174)
Important Information:
- •Scholarships available for families facing financial hardships (contact washburnbaseball@gmail.com)
- •Visit the Washburn HS Athletics page for complete registration details and fee payment
- •Contact Coach Shirley: washburnmillerbaseball@gmail.com
- •Contact Boosters: washburnbaseball@gmail.com or Cecilia Teeuwen
Upcoming Events
Baseball Booster + Parent Meeting
Join us for our parent meeting to discuss the 2026 spring and summer baseball seasons, booster club updates, team expectations, and upcoming events. All parents and supporters are welcome!
Download Meeting PresentationPlayer Social
Food, Bowling, Arcade - Organized by Captains, supported by Boosters. Alum welcome!
Parent Social
Across the street from AMF Bowling - Casual meet and greet