When most people think of sports in Minnesota the first thing that pops into their mind is hockey, but for two Illinois baseball players Minnesota is the place for baseball during the summer.

Illini sophomore outfielder Joe Bonadonna and junior catcher Lars Davis have made their homes this summer in Duluth, Minn., playing for the Duluth Huskies summer baseball team in the Northwoods Baseball League.

“Things are going really well so far,” Davis said. “This league is incredibly fun. It has great competition and we’re able to play everyday. It’s just been a blast so far.”

This is Bonadonna’s second year as a part of the Duluth program. Bonadonna played for the Huskies last summer after redshirting his freshman season at Illinois, and led the team in walks and finished second in runs and stolen bases.

“You get a lot of experience for college ball playing here,” Bonadonna said. “Being my second year here, I’m looking to maybe get some exposure with scouts. Getting the chance to play around good players and good competition is just an overall great experience, and a great chance to get your name out there.”

Coming off a successful summer season in Duluth last year, Bonadonna hit .287 and owned a .401 on-base-percentage in 41 games this past season for the Illini. So far this summer Bonadonna is hitting .236 and is tied for third in runs scored with 11 on the team and is second on the team in stolen bases with five in 28 games for the Huskies.

“I’m trying to become a better player overall,” Bonadonna said. “Sometimes you’ll go on streaks where you’re crushing the ball and other times you’re slumping. When you’re getting the chance to play against great competition it helps you become a better ball player.”

While this is Bonadonna’s second season in Duluth, it is Davis’ first.

Coming off a successful season behind the plate for the Illini last year, hitting .307 with a .434 slugging percentage, Davis is still adapting to his new surroundings and new teammates, but is enjoying the ability to play the game without any distractions.

“We get the chance to play everyday,” Davis said. “We get only six days off over the entire summer. It makes you focus a lot more on baseball and not having to worry about anything else around it, such as academics or any other social issues. A lot of the players really enjoy that and focus just on the game.”

While splitting time with two other catchers on the Huskies, Davis is hitting .216 with a homerun and six RBI’s in 21 games so far this summer. Despite his low numbers, Davis isn’t discouraged and knows he’ll improve as the summer progresses.

“I’m not doing quite as well as I would like to,” Davis said. “But whenever I get a chance I’m giving it my all and like to think I’m helping the team. I’m just trying to improve my game, both physically and mentally, so that I can come back and help Illinois this coming year.”

Through 35 games the Huskies are 18-17, and sit in fourth place in the North Division of the Northwoods League, 3.5 games behind the first place Thunder Bay Border Cats.

While the summer season hasn’t gone as well as the two Illini have hoped to this point, both Bonadonna and Davis realize they are getting a great opportunity to play with some of the best players in the country and are still getting the chance to play with one of their own in the process.

“Everyone on the team is likable and there’s no one on the team you really can’t get along with,” Bonadonna said. “Plus, it’s great to have someone else from Illinois here with me. With Lars here I have someone to hang out with and play catch on the field with. It works out really well because while I get to know other players I still get to hangout with a teammate from school.”