Twins standout continues baseball career in college

Former Twins ace and Whitefish High School graduate Ryan Veneman will continue his baseball career at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona.

Veneman, whose roles included, pitcher, shortstop, catcher and co-captain, batted .386 in his final season in 200 plate appearances. He had two home runs, one of which was a grand slam, and stole 22 bases this season.

Veneman was also recently named the winner of the 2017 Sapa Johnsrud Memorial Scholarship as well All-Conference for the American Legion Western District Class A Conference and All State for the state of Montana American Legion Class A.

He chose the Mesa Thunderbirds after a recent workout in Mesa, where the campus, educational opportunities, coaches and successful program all left him impressed. Veneman plans to major in criminal justice.

The Mesa Thunderbirds have consistently ranked in the top 10 in the nation for the last 14 years, with their most recent NJCAA Division II championship was three years ago.