Mike Nagel’s roles for amateur baseball were recognized on Saturday night when he acknowledged by the Mike Downes Award for his exceptional service to the Minnesota Baseball Association. He received the award at the fall meeting of the association at the VFW Post East. The award has been awarded since 1981 as well as honors longtime amateur baseball official who has helped to maintain the city baseball team along the Iron Range. Mike Nagle had the similar impact across the United States Highway 212 and across the west-central Minnesota.

Mike Nagel started his amateur career of 30 years with the Litchfield Blues manager Ruben Nathe. In 1990, Olivia resident assists to resume the amateur baseball in the Bird Island. He was player and manager since 1995. In the year 2002, the optometrist in family eye care was involved in the formation of a new tour of the area teams which took the name of the league revered Golden Age City baseball team.

Cornbelt League became the host for the 2010 Tournament of Minnesota Amateur Baseball. Mike Nagel twice led energetic appearances in the St. Cloud MABA board. The presentation first drew an encouraging response, the second time the offer Willmar / Bird Island cattle. Events a year ago in previous summer at bright new parks in Bird Island, Willmar and Spicer received wide acclaim. Nagle enthusiasm spearheaded a complete revision of the Lions Memorial Park for several years.

Steen Harlan, Cornbelt secretary and director of Raymond Rockets, said in his selection that Nagel is a "class act" whose experience, organizational skills, perseverance and dedication had everything to do with the ballpark recreate and get the state tournament in the area. Bird Island will host the American Legion Division II state event in 2013.