​Rewritten:
DES MOINES, Iowa — Ty Langenberg isn’t unfamiliar with Principal Park, though the last time he pitched there it was as a member of the Urbandale J-Hawks. A standout at Urbandale High School and later a storied student-athlete at the University of Iowa, Langenberg is now turning pro, starting for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints as they battle the Iowa Cubs.
“Having a bit of experience here at the stadium is a huge help, especially when you’re thinking back to the state tournament,” Langenberg said. “It looks a little different than the last time I was here, but the chance to play here is something I never could have imagined, especially this year, but really at any time. It’s an incredible feeling.”
Wherever Ty goes, the Langenberg family tends to follow. A large pre-game gathering formed, with dozens of relatives and friends on hand to show their support.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Kari Schreck, Langenberg’s fiancée. “It’s so fun to be part of this kind of atmosphere. People are traveling from across state lines. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it really reinforces a strong sense of community.”
“It’s definitely an incredible feeling,” Langenberg added. “I never would have imagined this many people would be here tonight to back me up. Obviously, being from just 20 minutes away, I knew there would be a good crowd at the game, but to have people show up early and follow my journey and help me reach these rounds is amazing.”
A career in professional baseball can take you anywhere, and for the Langenbergs, it has brought Ty into the Twins organization, which means staying in the Midwest. After time in Cedar Rapids and Wichita, the call-up came to Triple-A St. Paul, culminating in Friday night’s game at Principal Park.
“You couldn’t ask for a better situation with him,” said Tucker Langenberg, Ty’s brother. “We all grew up Twins fans, which is really cool in itself. It’s special to see the Kernels in Cedar Rapids, and then St. Paul nearby. Of course, playing the I-Cubs here makes it even more meaningful.”
“It’s a grind,” Ty’s mother, Kathy Langenberg, added. “He’s on the road nine months out of the year, so being home this week is really nice. It provides a much-needed mental break. He’s sleeping in his own bed, enjoying a homemade meal—beef and noodles, his favorite. This week has been really good, and we’re grateful.”
As this remarkable baseball journey continues close to home, it feels like a full-circle moment for everyone who has supported him along the way.
“When he was a kid, every kid says what they want to be when they grow up, and his answer was an MLB baseball player,” Kathy Langenberg said. “We told him, sure, that would be wonderful. He excelled in high school, earned the chance to play here, and now he’s moving toward the next chapter, which is truly exciting.”