A 45-year-old Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 120 days in the county workhouse for contacting young baseball players in Crystal through Facebook and seeking to have sex with the boys.

The sentence for Michael F. Hamer, 45, on Friday in Hennepin County District Court also includes five years' probation and registration as a sex offender for 10 years. Hamer also cannot have contact with minors or be around ballparks, swimming pools and other places where youngsters congregate.

Two mothers said in victim-impact statements during sentencing that their Little League sons, ages 12 and 13, have had trouble sleeping since the incidents.

"I will continue to pray for him and his family because he will have a long road ahead," one mother said in court, referring to Hamer. "I will continue to pray for my family because we have a long road ahead."

Hamer pleaded guilty in September to soliciting children for sex. One mother told police that her son and others on his team had received Facebook friend requests from a man they didn't know named "Michael Hammer." She said the man also texted some of the boys.

Police created a phony Facebook profile for a 12-year-old Crystal Little Leaguer who sent a friend request to Hamer that was accepted.

A meeting was arranged at Becker Park, where Hamer was arrested.

PAUL WALSH