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Thursday, June 23 to Saturday, June 25, North Branch baseball player Jimmy Skroch and Viking Coach Steve Christensen participated in the Minnesota High School Baseball All-Star Series.

Skroch was one of 64 high school seniors selected to the All-Star Series.

Christensen was selected to coach the Metro North team along with John Groebner of Osseo High School.

“The series was a great opportunity to see some of the best seniors in the state show their skills,” Christensen said.

The event started with a team practice with 16 players total from the Metro North squad.  Thursday evening there was a banquet held at Canterbury Park with all players, coaches, families and guests.

On Friday, the first event was with the Miracle League in Minnetonka, where players and coaches from Metro North and Metro West played baseball on a fully accessible field for children with disabilities.

Skroch’s first game with Metro North took place at Chanhassen HS at 2:30 against (outstate) North, and game two at 5 pm against  Metro West.  He played second base in game one where the Metro North won 4-1. He  pitched the final two innings in game two win against the Metro West, without giving up any runs.

Saturday, Metro North  played Metro East in Chaska; and eventual Mr. Baseball winner Matt Wallner from Forest Lake was pitching for Metro East.  Skroch had an at bat late in the game and flew out to centerfield.  Metro North also won the championship game.

“The whole experience, from the players to their families, and opposing coaches was a great opportunity,” Christensen said. “One that I likely won't forget.”

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