Baseball 101: How to Enjoy Watching the Game Without Being an Expert

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ecumen Pathstone Latitude & Landing, 115 Rogers St, Mankato, MN 56001

Just in time for Opening Week, Baseball 101 is a friendly, engaging introduction to America’s pastime designed especially for the casual viewer or the “I kind of know the basics” fan. This presentation won’t drown you in statistics or arcane rules. Instead, it explains what’s actually happening on the field—why managers make the choices they do, what to watch for between pitches, how strategy quietly unfolds over nine innings, and why seemingly small moments matter. Whether you grew up with baseball or only tune in occasionally, you’ll come away watching games more intelligently, more confidently, and with a deeper appreciation for the drama hidden in plain sight. This is perfectly timed for the beginning of the season when every game still feels full of possibility.

Presenter:

 Wes Gilbert - Wes is a Mankato native and the owner of Mankato Computer Technology. He is a lifelong baseball fan and die-hard Twins fan and season ticket holder. His wife and two daughters have embraced his baseball obsession and join him for many games at Target Field every year. Wes spends his free time listening to baseball podcasts and studying stat pages. He previously led a Lifelong Learners class on baseball history in 2024. When he's not obsessing about baseball Wes loves to fish, cook, and spend time at his cabin on Lake Vermilion.

Sponsor:

Steve Gilbert