We tried to do the impossible. Start with 446 state tournament games at Principal Park and pick 10 favorites. Lots of underdogs and upsets and extra-inning games. Thrilling victories. Heart-breaking defeats. One thing is clear: It’s been 16 years of great tournament baseball. Enjoy. [Note: Our favorite state tournament photo is above.]

* There are 36 games mentioned on our list. There probably should be 50.

This is not your usual state tournament recap. But it wasn’t your usual season. Iowa was the only state in the nation to resume high school sports during the global pandemic. But for eight days, on the field at least, things seemed somewhat normal.

TOP SEEDS: 1. Martensdale-St.Marys; 2. Remsen St.Mary’s; 3. St.Albert; 4. South Winn
RANKED TEAMS: 1. Martensdale-St.Marys; 2. Remsen St.Mary’s; 3. St.Albert; 4. South Winn; 6. Newman; 7. Don Bosco; 8. Kingsley-Pierson

Class 1A state tournament brackets

Class 1A stat leaders

Overall stat leaders

TOP SEEDS: 1. Van Meter; 2. North Linn; 3. Dike-New Hartford; 4. Mid-Prairie
RANKED TEAMS: 1. Van Meter; 2. North Linn; 3. Dike-New Hartford; 6. Mid-Prairie; 9. West Lyon

Class 2A state tournament brackets

Class 2A stat leaders

Overall stat leaders

TOP SEEDS: 1. Sergeant Bluff-Luton; 2. Dallas Center-Grimes; 3. Gilbert; 4. Norwalk.
RANKED TEAMS: 2. Sergeant Bluff-Luton; 4. Dallas Center-Grimes; 6. Gilbert.

Class 3A state tournament brackets

Class 3A stat leaders

Overall stat leaders

TOP SEEDS: 1. Johnston; 2. Ankeny; 3. Hempstead; 4. Urbandale
RANKED TEAMS: 1. Johnston; 2. Ankeny; 3. Urbandale; 4. Hempstead; 7. Waukee

Class 4A state tournament brackets

Class 4A stat leaders

Overall stat leaders

Fans can keep foul balls hit into the stands during state tournament games, thanks to our good friends at the Iowa Soybean Association. There are an average of 750 baseballs used each year during the state tournament. And most of them go home with fans.

The state baseball tournament moved to Des Moines in 2005, and since then, lots of talented baseball players have showcased their skills at Principal Park. The list includes players who went on to play in college, in the minor leagues and in the major leagues. And players who went on to work for the host Iowa Cubs. Read more for a look at those who played in the state tournament at Principal Park — and work (or have worked) for the Iowa Cubs.

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