Keith Sabers was another of the key players, along with Bradshaw, on Salem's state championship teams in 1964 and 1965. He also helped lead Aberdeen to the 1970 title.
In 1964, Sabers batted .450 as a 21-year-old for the state champions. In 1965, he was one of Salem's leading hitters after spending the spring batting .417 with the Huron college team in the SD intercollegiate conference. Sabers played 17 years of amateur baseball, 15 with Salem and two with Aberdeen, and earned all-tournament honors with Salem in 1965 and Aberdeen in 1970. In 1970, Aberdeen was the first South Dakota team to win the Dakota Series. After losing the first game 24-2, Aberdeen was trailing 6-3 before Sabers hit a grand slam homer. Aberdeen went on to win the game and also won the third game 7-6 in 10 innings. Sabers batted in the No.3 hole for the Salem teams and also was a strong defender at third base. He played in several All-star games and nine state-tournaments, four as a pickup player. After retirement, Sabers also supported Salem baseball and helped raise money for improvements made at the town field from 1982-85. 2016 - GALEN SWENSON - CLEAR LAKE
Galen "Swenny" Swenson was one of the premier pitchers in the Eastern Dakota League from 1974 through 1989. His fastball-slider combination led his team and the teams that drafted him to many regular-season and state-tournament victories.
In 1977, Swenson blanked Scotland and earned a save the next day to push Clear Lake into the semifinals of the state-tournament. One of his career highlights was a 22-strikeout performance in an EDL game. Swenson played one year in Revillo and the rest of his career with Clear Lake, where he also served as the team's manager. He also umpired in the EDL for nearly 20 years after he retired. The Strandburg native pitched collegiately at Northern State University in Aberdeen from 1973-77 and held the school's career victories record with 23. Swenson also enjoyed success as a high school basketball coach, leading Castlewood girls to the 1981 state B championship and Castlewood boys to state Class B titles in 1999 and 2001. |
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2015 - DALE SOLBERG - DELL RAPIDS
Solberg is one of the most well-known, accurate, crafty and competitive pitchers of all time in South Dakota amateur baseball. The Lily native made his mark as a left-handed pitcher, opening his amateur baseball career in Clark in 1980 after playing American Legion baseball stint in Webster.
He Spent most of the 1980s with Clark and was a pickup player for state champion Claremont in 1984, earning most valuable player honors in the tourney.
Solberg then became one of the aces of the dominant Dell Rapids teams beginning in 1990. He played his 35th season of amateur baseball in 2015. He pitched for 10 state championship teams, nine in Dell Rapids (Dell Rapids in 1991, 1993, 1994 and Dell Rapids PBR in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2007).
Even though his bat took a backseat to his arm, Solberg did manage to go 5-for-5 as a hitter in a state championship game at Yankton.
He Spent most of the 1980s with Clark and was a pickup player for state champion Claremont in 1984, earning most valuable player honors in the tourney.
Solberg then became one of the aces of the dominant Dell Rapids teams beginning in 1990. He played his 35th season of amateur baseball in 2015. He pitched for 10 state championship teams, nine in Dell Rapids (Dell Rapids in 1991, 1993, 1994 and Dell Rapids PBR in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2007).
Even though his bat took a backseat to his arm, Solberg did manage to go 5-for-5 as a hitter in a state championship game at Yankton.
2015 - BRUCE MOGEN - DELL RAPIDS
The Mobridge native, who was named the state's Class B American Legion Baseball Player of the Year
after leading Mobridge to the title in 1981, certainly was a driving force behind the run of dominance by
Dell Rapids PBR in the 1990s and 2000s.
Mogen's amateur career began in Mobridge in 1982. After a three-year stint in his hometown, he played one year in Chamberlain before joining Dell Rapids in 1986, nearing the 30-year mark as a player in Dell Rapids in 2015.
The right-handed pitcher played for nine state Class B championship teams in Dell Rapids (Dell Rapids in 1991, 1993, 1994 and Dell Rapids PBR in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2007).
Although a very capable starting pitcher — he tossed a perfect game in 2001 against Corn Belt League rival Salem — Mogen was often used as a closer during Dell Rapids' run of post season success.
Mogen earned Class B most valuable player honors three straight years at the state tournament — 1996-98.
after leading Mobridge to the title in 1981, certainly was a driving force behind the run of dominance by
Dell Rapids PBR in the 1990s and 2000s.
Mogen's amateur career began in Mobridge in 1982. After a three-year stint in his hometown, he played one year in Chamberlain before joining Dell Rapids in 1986, nearing the 30-year mark as a player in Dell Rapids in 2015.
The right-handed pitcher played for nine state Class B championship teams in Dell Rapids (Dell Rapids in 1991, 1993, 1994 and Dell Rapids PBR in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2007).
Although a very capable starting pitcher — he tossed a perfect game in 2001 against Corn Belt League rival Salem — Mogen was often used as a closer during Dell Rapids' run of post season success.
Mogen earned Class B most valuable player honors three straight years at the state tournament — 1996-98.
2015 - ROD MERRIAM - HURON
The Huron native won a North Central Conference batting championship (batting .538) in college at the
University of North Dakota before turning that hitting success into an amateur baseball career that covered 28 seasons.
Merriam opened his career (1981-2008) with one season in Huron and Pierre, five in Sioux Falls and four in Salem before closing with a 16-year stretch in Rapid City. At one point, he played in 26 consecutive state amateur tournaments.
A middle-of-the-order bat, Merriam batted .480 as an amateur baseball player and is one of the all-time leading home-run hitters in state history with 303 career jacks (fourth) — 17 of which came in state-tournament play. He played in seven state championship games and for Rapid City Gregs teams that won state Class A titles in 1993 and 1994. He was the MVP of the state amateur tourney in 1993.
Merriam not only had six three-homer games in his career, but also holds a number of state records — 37-game hitting streak in 1997, 49-game hitting streak in 1992 and 1993 and 93 RBIs in one season. He also set a state-tourney record with 10 RBIs in a game vs. Renner in 1999.
Merriam also managed Rapid Chevrolet and the Rapid City Handcrafted A's for nine seasons.
University of North Dakota before turning that hitting success into an amateur baseball career that covered 28 seasons.
Merriam opened his career (1981-2008) with one season in Huron and Pierre, five in Sioux Falls and four in Salem before closing with a 16-year stretch in Rapid City. At one point, he played in 26 consecutive state amateur tournaments.
A middle-of-the-order bat, Merriam batted .480 as an amateur baseball player and is one of the all-time leading home-run hitters in state history with 303 career jacks (fourth) — 17 of which came in state-tournament play. He played in seven state championship games and for Rapid City Gregs teams that won state Class A titles in 1993 and 1994. He was the MVP of the state amateur tourney in 1993.
Merriam not only had six three-homer games in his career, but also holds a number of state records — 37-game hitting streak in 1997, 49-game hitting streak in 1992 and 1993 and 93 RBIs in one season. He also set a state-tourney record with 10 RBIs in a game vs. Renner in 1999.
Merriam also managed Rapid Chevrolet and the Rapid City Handcrafted A's for nine seasons.
2015 - DARYL DENEKE - HURON
The Huron native's notable amateur baseball career has spanned nearly four decades (as of 2015) and included
success as a both a hitter and pitcher.
A two-time All-State American Legion baseball player at Huron and two-time All-North Central Conference
selection as a pitcher and first baseman at South Dakota State, Deneke's amateur career began in the late 1970s.
Deneke played in 34 state tournaments and was a member of Rapid City Gregs' teams that won state championships in 1986, 1987, 1993 and 1994. His 1986 season (.600-plus batting average and 18 home runs) also included MVP honors in the state tournament. During his career, he has accumulated more than 200 home runs and 150 pitching victories.
Deneke also helped rebuild McKeague Field in Rapid City and served as president of the Black Hills Conference from 1991 through 2012 before becoming a Class A commissioner with the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association in 2012.
success as a both a hitter and pitcher.
A two-time All-State American Legion baseball player at Huron and two-time All-North Central Conference
selection as a pitcher and first baseman at South Dakota State, Deneke's amateur career began in the late 1970s.
Deneke played in 34 state tournaments and was a member of Rapid City Gregs' teams that won state championships in 1986, 1987, 1993 and 1994. His 1986 season (.600-plus batting average and 18 home runs) also included MVP honors in the state tournament. During his career, he has accumulated more than 200 home runs and 150 pitching victories.
Deneke also helped rebuild McKeague Field in Rapid City and served as president of the Black Hills Conference from 1991 through 2012 before becoming a Class A commissioner with the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association in 2012.
2015 - TOM KESSINGER - SIOUX FALLS
Kessinger, a Sioux Falls native, enjoyed a very successful 25-year amateur baseball career in Renner from 1971 through 1998.
He played 20 seasons with the Renner Monarchs and his final five with the Renner Macy's Old Mil squad and finished his career with a .332 batting average.
A member of the state American Legion champion Sioux Falls Blackbirds in 1969, Kessinger also earned All-North Central Conference honors in 1972 and 1973 at Augustana College.
His amateur career began in 1971 and he set a state-tourney record with a .667 batting average, reaching base 14 consecutive times and earning all-tourney honors.
Kessinger was known as a clutch hitter in both the quality Corn Belt and Sioux Empire Leagues and played on state championship teams in 1980, 1983 and 1995. He also played on three state runner-up teams (1971, 1975 and 1977) in a career that featured 19 state-tournament appearances.
He was inducted in the Augustana College Hall of Fame in 1998.
He played 20 seasons with the Renner Monarchs and his final five with the Renner Macy's Old Mil squad and finished his career with a .332 batting average.
A member of the state American Legion champion Sioux Falls Blackbirds in 1969, Kessinger also earned All-North Central Conference honors in 1972 and 1973 at Augustana College.
His amateur career began in 1971 and he set a state-tourney record with a .667 batting average, reaching base 14 consecutive times and earning all-tourney honors.
Kessinger was known as a clutch hitter in both the quality Corn Belt and Sioux Empire Leagues and played on state championship teams in 1980, 1983 and 1995. He also played on three state runner-up teams (1971, 1975 and 1977) in a career that featured 19 state-tournament appearances.
He was inducted in the Augustana College Hall of Fame in 1998.
2014 - FRANK CUTLER - PLATTE
Frank's 34-year amateur career has included eight years in Claremont, one in Watertown and 25 with the Killer Tomatoes of Platte.
During his career, Cutler has played in more than 30 South Dakota state amateur baseball tournaments and seven Men's Senior Baseball Tournaments in Arizona and Phoenix — winning a championship with the S.D. Silver Bullets in 1993.
A career .400 hitter, Cutler played and managed the Claremont Honkers for five years (1984-88), winning back-to-back state titles in 1984 and 1985. Claremont is the last Class B team to win the overall state championship (1984).
A versatile player, Cutler played every position on the field in the state tournament except centerfield. He has primarily played infield at Platte, leading the squad to numerous state tourneys including quarterfinal games in 2009 and 2010.
Frank also had a notable career at South Dakota State University, compiling the school's second-best single season batting average of .443.
During his career, Cutler has played in more than 30 South Dakota state amateur baseball tournaments and seven Men's Senior Baseball Tournaments in Arizona and Phoenix — winning a championship with the S.D. Silver Bullets in 1993.
A career .400 hitter, Cutler played and managed the Claremont Honkers for five years (1984-88), winning back-to-back state titles in 1984 and 1985. Claremont is the last Class B team to win the overall state championship (1984).
A versatile player, Cutler played every position on the field in the state tournament except centerfield. He has primarily played infield at Platte, leading the squad to numerous state tourneys including quarterfinal games in 2009 and 2010.
Frank also had a notable career at South Dakota State University, compiling the school's second-best single season batting average of .443.
2014 - TED GOSMIRE - CANOVA
Gosmire served as the primary backstop (catcher) on many success Canova Gang teams during an amateur baseball career than spanned 36 years. He caught more than 800 games in his career, 58 of those coming during 33 state amateur tournaments.
Known for his sound defense and strong arm, Ted always had a never-give-up attitude and determination. He played on two state championship and eight state runner-up teams, batting .320 and displaying long-ball capability for the Gang.
Gosmire also played with the S.D. Jackalope team in the Over-50 National tournaments at Las Vegas, Nev. — winning three championships along with a runner-up finish.
Ted has also contributed to the game of baseball by coaching all levels of the game and serving as a role model for the Canova Baseball Program — working on the field, helping maintain the ballpark and also helping host athletic events. He also umpires amateur, American Legion and Teener baseball games and works with the girls softball program.
Known for his sound defense and strong arm, Ted always had a never-give-up attitude and determination. He played on two state championship and eight state runner-up teams, batting .320 and displaying long-ball capability for the Gang.
Gosmire also played with the S.D. Jackalope team in the Over-50 National tournaments at Las Vegas, Nev. — winning three championships along with a runner-up finish.
Ted has also contributed to the game of baseball by coaching all levels of the game and serving as a role model for the Canova Baseball Program — working on the field, helping maintain the ballpark and also helping host athletic events. He also umpires amateur, American Legion and Teener baseball games and works with the girls softball program.
2014 - JERRY KAMPSCHOFF - CANOVA
Kampshoff's lengthy baseball career has covered five decades and included both individual and team success. He has been a member of the Canova Gang amateur team for 36 years — 30 years as an infielder-pitcher and six as a coach.
He was a member of two state championship and one state runner-up team in Teener baseball and also played on a state runner-up squad in American Legion baseball. That tournament success continued with the Gang. Kampshoff played in 30 state amateur tournaments and on teams that compiled seven runner-up finishes and won state championships in 1979 and 2009.
His career statistics included a batting average of .350 and more than 150 home runs and 150 pitching victories.
Kampshoff's career highlights include winning a state-tournament batting title in 1978, earning MVP honors in the 1985 district tournament and being named to two all-tournament teams at state. He also formed a father-son pitching duo with his son Jesse that produced 55 wins in a six-year period.
He also was a member of the South Dakota Over-48 team that competed in the Roy Hobbs World Series in Florida for five years. Kampshoff earned the team's MVP honor in 2005.
He was a member of two state championship and one state runner-up team in Teener baseball and also played on a state runner-up squad in American Legion baseball. That tournament success continued with the Gang. Kampshoff played in 30 state amateur tournaments and on teams that compiled seven runner-up finishes and won state championships in 1979 and 2009.
His career statistics included a batting average of .350 and more than 150 home runs and 150 pitching victories.
Kampshoff's career highlights include winning a state-tournament batting title in 1978, earning MVP honors in the 1985 district tournament and being named to two all-tournament teams at state. He also formed a father-son pitching duo with his son Jesse that produced 55 wins in a six-year period.
He also was a member of the South Dakota Over-48 team that competed in the Roy Hobbs World Series in Florida for five years. Kampshoff earned the team's MVP honor in 2005.
2014- BILL SUDBECK - DIMOCK
Bill spent 32 years of his amateur baseball career as an infielder, catcher and pitcher for Dimock (1977-2008) and even served as the team's coach from 1997-2006. He has continued his playing career with the Parkston Bullheads.
Sudbeck, who compiled a career batting average of .391, has played in 36 state amateur tournaments — collecting five hits in one game against Lesterville and being named to all-tournament teams in 1989 and 1992. In 2010, Sudbeck was a pickup player for the state champion Dimock-Emery Raptors.
Bill and his brother Jim also played on an Aberdeen team that won the Over-48 State Tournament in Canova in 2009. In addition, he also played on South Dakota's Over-30 and Over-40 teams that played in the Men's Senior Baseball World Series at Arizona — winning a championship in 1993.
Bill has continued to remain involved in the game as an umpire for amateur, American Legion and VFW Teener baseball.
Sudbeck, who compiled a career batting average of .391, has played in 36 state amateur tournaments — collecting five hits in one game against Lesterville and being named to all-tournament teams in 1989 and 1992. In 2010, Sudbeck was a pickup player for the state champion Dimock-Emery Raptors.
Bill and his brother Jim also played on an Aberdeen team that won the Over-48 State Tournament in Canova in 2009. In addition, he also played on South Dakota's Over-30 and Over-40 teams that played in the Men's Senior Baseball World Series at Arizona — winning a championship in 1993.
Bill has continued to remain involved in the game as an umpire for amateur, American Legion and VFW Teener baseball.
2014 - JIM SUDBECK - DIMOCK
Jim's amateur baseball career spanned five decades from 1975 through 2013. He played from Dimock-Ethan, Dimock and Dimock-Emery teams from 1974 through 2005 and the Parkston Bullheads from 2007 to 2013.
A pitcher, infielder and outfielder, Jim played in 31 consective South Dakota state amateur baseball tournaments.
Jim has also played for several South Dakota Over-30 and Over-40 teams in the Men's Senior Baseball World Series at Arizona and also was a member of an Aberdeen team that won the Over-48 State Tournament title in 2009.
A pitcher, infielder and outfielder, Jim played in 31 consective South Dakota state amateur baseball tournaments.
Jim has also played for several South Dakota Over-30 and Over-40 teams in the Men's Senior Baseball World Series at Arizona and also was a member of an Aberdeen team that won the Over-48 State Tournament title in 2009.
2014- TOM SUDBECK - DIMOCK
Tom played two years with the Parkston American Legion baseball program before embarking on a 30-year amateur career that included 29 years with Dimock and one with Scotland.
He compiled a career-batting average of .380 while serving as a pitcher, catcher and infielder.
Sudbeck played in 31 state amateur baseball tournaments — three times making it to the Class B semifinals along with being selected to the all-tournament team three years. One of those tournament teams featured four of his brothers and two sons.
One of Tom's most-memorable moments came in a regular-season game when he smacked four home runs and his two sons also homered in the same game.
He also played for several South Dakota Over-30 and Over-40 teams in the Men's Senior Baseball World Series at Arizona, winning an Over-40 title in 1993.
He compiled a career-batting average of .380 while serving as a pitcher, catcher and infielder.
Sudbeck played in 31 state amateur baseball tournaments — three times making it to the Class B semifinals along with being selected to the all-tournament team three years. One of those tournament teams featured four of his brothers and two sons.
One of Tom's most-memorable moments came in a regular-season game when he smacked four home runs and his two sons also homered in the same game.
He also played for several South Dakota Over-30 and Over-40 teams in the Men's Senior Baseball World Series at Arizona, winning an Over-40 title in 1993.
2013 - PERRY DANFORTH - HURON
The Huron native’s amateur career spanned three decades, but was broken up with two summers playing in the Basin League and five years in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
In all, he played 13 seasons of amateur baseball in South Dakota and participated in the state tournament each of those 13 years. He played one season with Woonsocket in 1970 and one season with the Huron Merchants after completing his professional career. He spent five seasons with Huron Porter Ford and his final six years with the Huron Old Mil Sixers before retiring at the age of 45.
A left-handed hitter with a lightning quick bat not only hit for average and power, but also was a talented defensive middle infielder.
His highlights included making the Class A All-Tournament team with Huron Porter Ford and going 5-for-5 with two home runs and six runs batted in as a pickup player for the Huron Merchants in a state-tournament game against Rapid City Gregs.
Danforth also batted third and played shortstop on the South Dakota Over-40 team that won the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series title in 1993.
In all, he played 13 seasons of amateur baseball in South Dakota and participated in the state tournament each of those 13 years. He played one season with Woonsocket in 1970 and one season with the Huron Merchants after completing his professional career. He spent five seasons with Huron Porter Ford and his final six years with the Huron Old Mil Sixers before retiring at the age of 45.
A left-handed hitter with a lightning quick bat not only hit for average and power, but also was a talented defensive middle infielder.
His highlights included making the Class A All-Tournament team with Huron Porter Ford and going 5-for-5 with two home runs and six runs batted in as a pickup player for the Huron Merchants in a state-tournament game against Rapid City Gregs.
Danforth also batted third and played shortstop on the South Dakota Over-40 team that won the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series title in 1993.
2013 - BILLY McMACKEN - BROOKINGS
The Brookings native spent all of his baseball career playing in his hometown, including a glorious collegiate career as a hitter and pitcher at South Dakota State University — where he played in all 180 games, batted .390 with 42 home runs and 220 RBIs and also notched 23 career victories.
His bat and arm continued to be noted weapons during his 25-year amateur career (1984-2009) with the Brookings Cubs, where he tallied 168 pitching wins and smacked 240 home runs. He played in nine state Class A championship games, six of which Brookings won (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002) and earned most valuable player honors three times.
McMacken clubbed 17 homers in state-tournament play and was the winning pitcher in three state championship games. On the mound, he recorded a 34-game winning streak from 1997-2000 and tossed 27 shutouts, two no-hitters and four one-hitters.
He also managed the Brookings Cubs during each of their state championship seasons, coached Brookings to the 2001 state Class A high school championship and the Brookings Bombers to the 2010 state Class AA 13-14 VFW title.
His bat and arm continued to be noted weapons during his 25-year amateur career (1984-2009) with the Brookings Cubs, where he tallied 168 pitching wins and smacked 240 home runs. He played in nine state Class A championship games, six of which Brookings won (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002) and earned most valuable player honors three times.
McMacken clubbed 17 homers in state-tournament play and was the winning pitcher in three state championship games. On the mound, he recorded a 34-game winning streak from 1997-2000 and tossed 27 shutouts, two no-hitters and four one-hitters.
He also managed the Brookings Cubs during each of their state championship seasons, coached Brookings to the 2001 state Class A high school championship and the Brookings Bombers to the 2010 state Class AA 13-14 VFW title.
2013 - MARK RIPPERDA - LARCHWOOD
Ripperda dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to amateur baseball in Larchwood (Iowa), playing his entire career with Larchwood from 1966-1986 and managing the team from 1980-2003.
Despite hitting only one career home run, Ripperda batted over .340 during his career and was widely known as a cluch hitter. He earned all-tourney honors and batted .615 to take state-tournament batting champion honors in 1980.
A catcher, one of his most memorable highlights was catching Rick Hiltunen’s perfect game in the 1978 state tournament at Madison.
His amateur career began after his sophomore year in high school, when the Larchwood amateur team’s catcher was kicked off the team. In 38 seasons as a player or manager, Ripperda’s squads notched two runner-up finishes in state tournaments and experienced numerous quarterfinal defeats to eventual state champions. He did play on two South Dakota teams that won Over 40 championships at the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series.
Active with baseball both on and off the field, he was a member of the Larchwood Baseball Board from 1975-2005, umpired youth games and attended the SDABA’s annual winter meetings during his days as a player and manager.
Despite hitting only one career home run, Ripperda batted over .340 during his career and was widely known as a cluch hitter. He earned all-tourney honors and batted .615 to take state-tournament batting champion honors in 1980.
A catcher, one of his most memorable highlights was catching Rick Hiltunen’s perfect game in the 1978 state tournament at Madison.
His amateur career began after his sophomore year in high school, when the Larchwood amateur team’s catcher was kicked off the team. In 38 seasons as a player or manager, Ripperda’s squads notched two runner-up finishes in state tournaments and experienced numerous quarterfinal defeats to eventual state champions. He did play on two South Dakota teams that won Over 40 championships at the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series.
Active with baseball both on and off the field, he was a member of the Larchwood Baseball Board from 1975-2005, umpired youth games and attended the SDABA’s annual winter meetings during his days as a player and manager.
2013 - CHUCK SENDELBACH - RENNER
Chuck’s 45-year amateur career began in 1968 in his hometown of Pipestone (Minn.), but the South Dakota State University baseball alum spent the majority of his career as a member of the Renner Monarchs.
A talented all-around player, Sendelbach batted over .337 in his career and played on teams in South Dakota and Minnesota that won three state championships and finished second four times.
Often considered the “unofficial” captain on many of the teams he played on, the infielder earned team MVP honors, played on several all-star teams and earned All-Tourney honors at the South Dakota state tournament.
In addition to his offensive and defensive skills, his leadership, knowledge of the game and steady play were some of his biggest contributions to the amateur game.
The longevity of Chuck’s career was greatly enhanced with the advent of senior baseball. He represented South Dakota on 11 teams that played in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series — two that won titles and three that finished second — and nine teams that played in the Roy Hobbs Senior Baseball Tournaments, including one champion.
A talented all-around player, Sendelbach batted over .337 in his career and played on teams in South Dakota and Minnesota that won three state championships and finished second four times.
Often considered the “unofficial” captain on many of the teams he played on, the infielder earned team MVP honors, played on several all-star teams and earned All-Tourney honors at the South Dakota state tournament.
In addition to his offensive and defensive skills, his leadership, knowledge of the game and steady play were some of his biggest contributions to the amateur game.
The longevity of Chuck’s career was greatly enhanced with the advent of senior baseball. He represented South Dakota on 11 teams that played in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series — two that won titles and three that finished second — and nine teams that played in the Roy Hobbs Senior Baseball Tournaments, including one champion.
2013 - DAVE SENDELBACH - RENNER
Dave’s 24-year amateur baseball began in Flandreau in 1973 and 1974 and concluded with a 22-year stint with the Renner Monarchs from 1975-1996.
A three-year letterwinner at South Dakota State University, he played on Renner teams that won South Dakota state championships in 1980, 1983 and 1995. He batted .348 during his career and racked up 486 stolen bases, including a perfect 31-for-31 in the 1982 seasons and 12-for-12 in the 1983 state tournament.
His versatility was a definite benefit. His pitched and caught early in his career, but spent most of it as a second baseman or centerfielder. He earned all-tournament honors three times and was also selected as Renner’s team MVP three times.
Other career highlights include a six-hit performance in the 1983 state championship game, a 35-game hitting streak, 102 career home runs and turning 35 double plays in the 1977 season with his brother Chuck.
Sendelbach also was a member of South Dakota teams that won Men’s Senior Baseball World Series titles in 1988 and 1993.
A three-year letterwinner at South Dakota State University, he played on Renner teams that won South Dakota state championships in 1980, 1983 and 1995. He batted .348 during his career and racked up 486 stolen bases, including a perfect 31-for-31 in the 1982 seasons and 12-for-12 in the 1983 state tournament.
His versatility was a definite benefit. His pitched and caught early in his career, but spent most of it as a second baseman or centerfielder. He earned all-tournament honors three times and was also selected as Renner’s team MVP three times.
Other career highlights include a six-hit performance in the 1983 state championship game, a 35-game hitting streak, 102 career home runs and turning 35 double plays in the 1977 season with his brother Chuck.
Sendelbach also was a member of South Dakota teams that won Men’s Senior Baseball World Series titles in 1988 and 1993.
2012 - PAUL RAASCH - LAKE NORDEN
South Dakota Amateur Baseball’s Iron Man, Raasch set a state record by playing in 765 straight games during a 25-year career that included 23 seasons with the Lake Norden Lakers — a streak that started in 1983 and continued until 2006. Raasch concluded his career by playing one season with his hometown team in Castlewood in 2007.
Raasch did more than show up, fashioning a notable career as a high-average hitter (.375 career batting average), slugger (201 career home runs) and pitcher (154-50 career win-loss record).
“I just liked to play ball and I felt like when I was on a team, I wanted to be there for my teammates,” said Raasch. “It turned out after 10-12 years that I hadn’t missed game and Cal Ripken’s streak was going on about the same time. Then it just became a thing where I definitely wanted to be there every game.”
His prime years for the Lakers came in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he batted over .400 for six consecutive seasons — including a .520 mark in 1992. The left-hander was as dominant on the mound, compiling a 73-21 pitching record from 1988 through 1996. Included in that span was a 13-1 season in 1991 and a 10-2 season in 1993. He finished his career with eight state-tournament victories.
“His love for the game is indicated by his consecutive game streak,” said longtime Lake Norden Lakers manager Burt Tulson. “He never missed practices and had the competitive desire that was passed onto his teammates.”
Raasch did more than show up, fashioning a notable career as a high-average hitter (.375 career batting average), slugger (201 career home runs) and pitcher (154-50 career win-loss record).
“I just liked to play ball and I felt like when I was on a team, I wanted to be there for my teammates,” said Raasch. “It turned out after 10-12 years that I hadn’t missed game and Cal Ripken’s streak was going on about the same time. Then it just became a thing where I definitely wanted to be there every game.”
His prime years for the Lakers came in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he batted over .400 for six consecutive seasons — including a .520 mark in 1992. The left-hander was as dominant on the mound, compiling a 73-21 pitching record from 1988 through 1996. Included in that span was a 13-1 season in 1991 and a 10-2 season in 1993. He finished his career with eight state-tournament victories.
“His love for the game is indicated by his consecutive game streak,” said longtime Lake Norden Lakers manager Burt Tulson. “He never missed practices and had the competitive desire that was passed onto his teammates.”
2012 - MICK HOGLUND - LAKE NORDEN
Hoglund formed a potent 1-2 punch with Raasch for 13 years with his hometown Lake Norden squad and continued his standout career as a key player for Dell Rapids PBR teams that won eight state amateur baseball championships.
A multi-tooled standout, he excelled as a centerfielder, first baseman, pitcher and even shortstop — a position he played despite throwing left-handed.
“Mick could steal bases, hit for power and average and do whatever it took to win,” said Tulson.
Hoglund batted over .400 for his career and smacked 336 home runs — No. 2 on South Dakota’s all-time amateur baseball home run list behind Kevin Leighton. He was the home-run champion at the state tournament twice, earned most valuable player honors two times in the state tourney and was an all-tournament selection multiple times.
“I’ve acquired many great friends through the years through baseball,” said Hoglund. “This has been the best part of playing baseball in South Dakota.”
A multi-tooled standout, he excelled as a centerfielder, first baseman, pitcher and even shortstop — a position he played despite throwing left-handed.
“Mick could steal bases, hit for power and average and do whatever it took to win,” said Tulson.
Hoglund batted over .400 for his career and smacked 336 home runs — No. 2 on South Dakota’s all-time amateur baseball home run list behind Kevin Leighton. He was the home-run champion at the state tournament twice, earned most valuable player honors two times in the state tourney and was an all-tournament selection multiple times.
“I’ve acquired many great friends through the years through baseball,” said Hoglund. “This has been the best part of playing baseball in South Dakota.”
2012 - MIKE WEST - PHILLIP
West enjoyed an outstanding career at all levels of baseball in South Dakota — VFW Teener, American Legion, college and amateur baseball and continued his services as a coach and umpire for numerous years.
He went undefeated for two seasons as a pitcher at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, helping lead the squad to the NAIA College World Series in Omaha, Neb. in 1959. The team was invited back again in 1960 but the school’s president wouldn’t allow the baseball squad to attend because of finals.
West began his amateur career in the early 1950s and played into the 1970s, helping lead Philip squads to the state tournament a number of times. He also was a pickup player for teams from Martin and Four Corners. He also played with Rapid City and Valentine (Neb.) teams in the Basin League in 1959 and 1960.
“Mike spent numerous years playing, coaching and teaching the game of baseball,” said Richard Rockafellow of Philip, a former teammate and fellow umpire.
West was inducted into the Philip High School Hall of Fame and the Black Hills State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
He went undefeated for two seasons as a pitcher at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, helping lead the squad to the NAIA College World Series in Omaha, Neb. in 1959. The team was invited back again in 1960 but the school’s president wouldn’t allow the baseball squad to attend because of finals.
West began his amateur career in the early 1950s and played into the 1970s, helping lead Philip squads to the state tournament a number of times. He also was a pickup player for teams from Martin and Four Corners. He also played with Rapid City and Valentine (Neb.) teams in the Basin League in 1959 and 1960.
“Mike spent numerous years playing, coaching and teaching the game of baseball,” said Richard Rockafellow of Philip, a former teammate and fellow umpire.
West was inducted into the Philip High School Hall of Fame and the Black Hills State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996.
2012 - KENT ALM - ABERDEEN
Alm’s career spanned many of the same years that Raasch and Hoglund played, but he spent most of his 21-year career (1985-2005) with Class A teams from Aberdeen — Dahme’s in 1985-86 and Wendy’s Coke from 1987-2002. He played his final three seasons with Redfield Dairy Queen.
Alm spent much of his career as a shortstop, but also spent time at the other infield positions as well as catcher. In addition, he compiled a 58-11 career record as a pitcher. He batted over .400 in five seasons and finished with a career batting average of.367.
He played in more than 720 regular-season amateur games and 40 state-tournament games and was a member of two Wendy’s Coke squads that won state championships.
“The attribute that makes Kent a candidate for the Hall of Fame is hustle,” said former coach and teammate Bob Beattie. “This player hustles from the beginning to the final the final out. He is a pleasure to be around and plays the game the right way.”
The Aberdeen native played at Northern State University and also was a member of a number of South Dakota Rushmores’ squads that played in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series in Arizona. He also was a member of the Aberdeen Area All-Stars, who won two Over-40 State Amateur Baseball Tournaments. He also played parts of two seasons with the Aberdeen Pheasants — a Prairie League Professional Baseball team in the mid-1990s.
Alm spent much of his career as a shortstop, but also spent time at the other infield positions as well as catcher. In addition, he compiled a 58-11 career record as a pitcher. He batted over .400 in five seasons and finished with a career batting average of.367.
He played in more than 720 regular-season amateur games and 40 state-tournament games and was a member of two Wendy’s Coke squads that won state championships.
“The attribute that makes Kent a candidate for the Hall of Fame is hustle,” said former coach and teammate Bob Beattie. “This player hustles from the beginning to the final the final out. He is a pleasure to be around and plays the game the right way.”
The Aberdeen native played at Northern State University and also was a member of a number of South Dakota Rushmores’ squads that played in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series in Arizona. He also was a member of the Aberdeen Area All-Stars, who won two Over-40 State Amateur Baseball Tournaments. He also played parts of two seasons with the Aberdeen Pheasants — a Prairie League Professional Baseball team in the mid-1990s.
2012 - JON WESTLING - AVON
Westling made his mark on South Dakota amateur baseball in the southeastern part of the state in a career that spanned from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s. He played in Centerville from 1954-60, Scotland 1961-62, Avon 1963-75 and Tabor 1976.
At Avon, his teams qualified for state-tournament play three times. Westling also played in 10 state amateur tournaments as a pickup player — three each with Scotland, the Yankton Lakers and the Yankton Jackrabbits and once with Crofton, Neb.
The slugging first baseman, who also played outfield and pitched during his career, compiled a .387 career batting average and smacked more than 200 career home runs.
“I have been around many of the people in southeastern South Dakota who played ball with and against him and they all say the same thing at some point early in the conversation — ‘WOW! Did he hit some “moon shots,” said Pierre High School athletic director Dan Whalen. “Jon was one of the true gentlemen of the game. He played the game the way it was supposed to be played and with great integrity and class.”
At Avon, his teams qualified for state-tournament play three times. Westling also played in 10 state amateur tournaments as a pickup player — three each with Scotland, the Yankton Lakers and the Yankton Jackrabbits and once with Crofton, Neb.
The slugging first baseman, who also played outfield and pitched during his career, compiled a .387 career batting average and smacked more than 200 career home runs.
“I have been around many of the people in southeastern South Dakota who played ball with and against him and they all say the same thing at some point early in the conversation — ‘WOW! Did he hit some “moon shots,” said Pierre High School athletic director Dan Whalen. “Jon was one of the true gentlemen of the game. He played the game the way it was supposed to be played and with great integrity and class.”
2011 - BRAD OSWALD - CANOVA
Oswald’s baseball talent was evident from an early age. He was a key member of the 1968 Canova teener team won the State B championship and advanced to the championship game of a national regional tournament before losing to eventual national champion West Allis, Wis. He played two years of American Legion baseball in Canova and batted third as a pickup player for the Canova amateur team that won the State Amateur title. That was the start of a 16-year amateur career in which Oswald slugged an estimated 220 home runs.
During his career, which included stints with amateur teams in Flandreau and Dell Rapids, Oswald played in the state tournament every year but one. His best season came in 1976 when he slugged 26 home runs for Canova. Evidence of his powerful bat came in a 1982 game with Flandreau when he was walked intentionally seven times. Oswald retired from the game to coach his two sons’ Teener and Legion teams, which he did for 10 years.
During his career, which included stints with amateur teams in Flandreau and Dell Rapids, Oswald played in the state tournament every year but one. His best season came in 1976 when he slugged 26 home runs for Canova. Evidence of his powerful bat came in a 1982 game with Flandreau when he was walked intentionally seven times. Oswald retired from the game to coach his two sons’ Teener and Legion teams, which he did for 10 years.
2011 - ED RISSE - MARTIN
Risse is the third member of his family — joining brothers Chuck (1995) and Dave (2006) — to be inducted into the S.D. Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. The oldest of the notable Risse brothers who helped the Martin Merchants enjoy a string of amateur baseball success from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, Ed made his mark as a centerfielder during an amateur baseball career that spanned 25 years. Risse participated in 15 state tournaments — including 12 in a row. Ten of those were with the Martin team. He consistently posted season batting averages between .350 and .450. A Korean War veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star for saving one of his fellow serviceman’s life, Ed’s love of baseball started at a young age and continued well after his playing career. He coached teams at various levels and has continued to serve as a mentor and supporter to his grandsons, granddaughters, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces — attending their games and always giving advice and words of encouragement.
2011 - BILL ERNSTER - PARKSTON
Ernster’s involvement in South Dakota amateur baseball has spanned nearly five decades and continues to this day with his duties as the District 5 commissioner, a position he has held since 1991. Before that, Ernster enjoyed a 20-year career as a player, coach, manager and groundskeeper. From 1983 to 1987, he managed both the Parkston amateur and Legion baseball teams — a busy schedule that often included games at least four days of the week. As a player, he was a member of two state championship teams — Salem in 1964 and Parkston in 1968. He was a catcher-right fielder on the 1968 Parkston team that completed a storybook tournament by winning the state championship on its home field. He earned all-tournament honors as a catcher in 1969 when Parkston advanced to the semifinals before losing 1-0 to Rapid City Macy’s. He played in many other state tournaments with Parkston and as a pickup player with teams from Mt. Vernon and Mitchell. In 1983, Ernster was presented a Distinguished Service Award from the Parkston City Council for his number hours of dedication to the city’s baseball field. He was also inducted into the S.D. Baseball Umpires Hall of Fame in 1994.
2011 - JIM HEIRIGS - IRENE
Heirigs’ 27-year amateur baseball career began at 16 in Irene and also included stints with teams from Freeman, Yankton and Renner before he retired from the game in 1983. His talent is evidenced by the success his teams enjoyed in state amateur tournaments — compiling a 43-16 record in tournament play. He was a first baseman, outfielder and pitcher throughout his career, earning all-tournament honors a number of times. Eight of Heirigs’ teams advanced to state championship games, winning four championships and placed second four times.
His first state championship came in 1965 as a pickup player for Salem. He also played for state championship teams from Yankton (1969) and Renner (1980 and 1983). Heirigs also played for South Dakota teams that played in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series from 1994 to 2001, winning their division in 1994 and 1995.
His first state championship came in 1965 as a pickup player for Salem. He also played for state championship teams from Yankton (1969) and Renner (1980 and 1983). Heirigs also played for South Dakota teams that played in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series from 1994 to 2001, winning their division in 1994 and 1995.
2011 - DENNIS SIMON - LARCHWOOD
Like Oswald, Simon is one of the most notable sluggers in South Dakota amateur baseball history — smacking 317 home runs during a 25-year career as an outfielder, infielder and pitcher with the Larchwood (Iowa) team. He was far from an all-or-nothing slugger, compiling a .372 career batting average with more than 500 walks and 800 runs batted in. Simon was the state-tournament batting champion in 2001 at the age of 44, posting a .538 average on the way to all-tourney honors. He also had a five-hit game in the state tournament. He has remained involved in the game as a youth coach for two decades — serving as Sioux Falls Washington High School’s head coach from 2000 to 2004 and Brandon Valley High School’s head coach from 2005 to 2010.
2010 - KEVIN LEIGHTON - MADISON
Madison native who played amateur baseball for 34 years with Madison and Canova, Leighton achieved plenty of individual and team success during his career.
Leighton slugged a state record 501 career homers and finished with a lifetime batting average of .480.
He played in the state tournament each of his 34 years as a player and smacked 24 home runs in state-tournament play, also tops all-time. Leighton was a member of 10 state championship teams as well as five other state runner-up squads.
Leighton, who retired after the 2009 season, was the Class B most valuable player in the 1992 state tournament and received the Independent Male Athlete of the Year award from the South Dakota Sportswriters Association in 1998 and 2009.
He also played on South Dakota teams that won the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series in Phoenix, Ariz. in 1993 (earning MVP honors) and the Roy Hobbs Senior Baseball World Series in Fort Myers, Florida in 2008.
Leighton slugged a state record 501 career homers and finished with a lifetime batting average of .480.
He played in the state tournament each of his 34 years as a player and smacked 24 home runs in state-tournament play, also tops all-time. Leighton was a member of 10 state championship teams as well as five other state runner-up squads.
Leighton, who retired after the 2009 season, was the Class B most valuable player in the 1992 state tournament and received the Independent Male Athlete of the Year award from the South Dakota Sportswriters Association in 1998 and 2009.
He also played on South Dakota teams that won the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series in Phoenix, Ariz. in 1993 (earning MVP honors) and the Roy Hobbs Senior Baseball World Series in Fort Myers, Florida in 2008.
2010 - DUANE "STUB" MILLER - CANOVA
Miller, who is being inducted at the age of 85, played baseball in his younger years but its his service to baseball in Canova and the surrounding towns that secured his spot in the hall of fame.
Stub helped start the Canova Gang amateur team in 1946 and played with the team until 1963. He then turned to umpiring the team’s games as well as those of surrounding town teams.
He continued his service as a Pee Wee, Teener and American Legion coach in Canova in the 1960s and 1970s and also coached the Gang in the 1970s. His teams captured three state titles and also added a runner-up finish.
Miller became the voice of the Canova Gang in the 1980s and is still active with baseball in Canova.
"I think I have seen more than 5,000 ball games, as many as six in a day," he said.
Stub helped start the Canova Gang amateur team in 1946 and played with the team until 1963. He then turned to umpiring the team’s games as well as those of surrounding town teams.
He continued his service as a Pee Wee, Teener and American Legion coach in Canova in the 1960s and 1970s and also coached the Gang in the 1970s. His teams captured three state titles and also added a runner-up finish.
Miller became the voice of the Canova Gang in the 1980s and is still active with baseball in Canova.
"I think I have seen more than 5,000 ball games, as many as six in a day," he said.
2010 - LAVERN "LOU" LOCKEN - DIMOCK
"Lefty Lou" fashioned a notable career as a pitcher in South Dakota’s amateur baseball from the early 1940s until his retirement in 1976.
He lost the ring finger on his pitching hand while unloading a grain truck in 1950, but shook off the naysayers by returning the mound. He often said, "With that finger out of the way, I can throw a ball with more twists and curves on it."
Locken spent much of his career with the Dimock Cardinals, but also started a team in Alexandria in 1958 and also played with teams from Ethan, Canova, Renner, Spencer and others.
He returned to Dimock in 1968 and served as a player-manager until his retirement in 1976 at the age of 52.
Both during and after his playing career, he offered his service in many ways to the baseball in both Alexandria and Dimock. In 1968, when the baseball field in Dimock was destroyed by a tornado, he was among the people who donated hours helping to relocate the baseball field to its present location.
Locken has remained involved in baseball, following the exploits of his grandsons and great-grandsons.
He lost the ring finger on his pitching hand while unloading a grain truck in 1950, but shook off the naysayers by returning the mound. He often said, "With that finger out of the way, I can throw a ball with more twists and curves on it."
Locken spent much of his career with the Dimock Cardinals, but also started a team in Alexandria in 1958 and also played with teams from Ethan, Canova, Renner, Spencer and others.
He returned to Dimock in 1968 and served as a player-manager until his retirement in 1976 at the age of 52.
Both during and after his playing career, he offered his service in many ways to the baseball in both Alexandria and Dimock. In 1968, when the baseball field in Dimock was destroyed by a tornado, he was among the people who donated hours helping to relocate the baseball field to its present location.
Locken has remained involved in baseball, following the exploits of his grandsons and great-grandsons.
2010 - AL MERRIAM - HURON
Merriam’s 36-year playing career covered five decades including Little League, Teener, American Legion and 27 years as an amateur baseball player. He finished with a .334 batting average, 103 home runs and 584 runs batted in.
As a Legion player, Merriam played for Howard teams won state Class B titles in 1960 and 1961. Howard’s 1960 team is one of only two Class B teams (and the last) in state history to defeat the Class A champion for the overall State American Legion baseball title.
Merriam played amateur baseball for teams from Alpena and Huron. In 1975 at the age of 32, he became the oldest player in history to hit three home runs in a state amateur tournament game against Rapid City Macys and was the first to homer on three consecutive at-bats.
His career highlights included driving in 10 runs in one game (1976), hitting a homer in the same inning with his son Rod (1981) and being part of three generations of Merriam’s along with his father Robert (Vilas, 1934) and son Rod (Sioux Falls, Salem and Rapid City, 1981-2009) to hit homers in the state amateur baseball tournament.
Merriam also coached and umpired at various levels and played on South Dakota teams won 50-and-over division titles (1994 and 1995) in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series at Phoenix, Ariz.
As a Legion player, Merriam played for Howard teams won state Class B titles in 1960 and 1961. Howard’s 1960 team is one of only two Class B teams (and the last) in state history to defeat the Class A champion for the overall State American Legion baseball title.
Merriam played amateur baseball for teams from Alpena and Huron. In 1975 at the age of 32, he became the oldest player in history to hit three home runs in a state amateur tournament game against Rapid City Macys and was the first to homer on three consecutive at-bats.
His career highlights included driving in 10 runs in one game (1976), hitting a homer in the same inning with his son Rod (1981) and being part of three generations of Merriam’s along with his father Robert (Vilas, 1934) and son Rod (Sioux Falls, Salem and Rapid City, 1981-2009) to hit homers in the state amateur baseball tournament.
Merriam also coached and umpired at various levels and played on South Dakota teams won 50-and-over division titles (1994 and 1995) in the Men’s Senior Baseball World Series at Phoenix, Ariz.
2010 - JIM WILBUR - DELL RAPIDS
Jim Wilbur certainly has left his mark on amateur baseball in South Dakota as a player, commissioner and manager.
His playing career began at Faulkton in 1967 and ended it at Miller in 1988. He also played for teams in Highmore, Redfield and Craven Corner. Wilbur served as a player-manager for many of the teams during his career.
Wilbur served as a South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association commissioner from 1979 to 1988 and has remained involved in the game as a VFW Teener and American Legion baseball manager in Miller and Dell Rapids.
Since 2001, he has been the manager of the Dell Rapids Mudcats, who have been one of the top Class B amateur baseball teams in the state during his tenure. The Mudcats won the state Class B title in 2008 and finished second in both 2001 and 2007.
The Miller native has taken care of the ball fields and promoted amateur baseball in every town he has represented throughout his playing and coaching career.
His playing career began at Faulkton in 1967 and ended it at Miller in 1988. He also played for teams in Highmore, Redfield and Craven Corner. Wilbur served as a player-manager for many of the teams during his career.
Wilbur served as a South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association commissioner from 1979 to 1988 and has remained involved in the game as a VFW Teener and American Legion baseball manager in Miller and Dell Rapids.
Since 2001, he has been the manager of the Dell Rapids Mudcats, who have been one of the top Class B amateur baseball teams in the state during his tenure. The Mudcats won the state Class B title in 2008 and finished second in both 2001 and 2007.
The Miller native has taken care of the ball fields and promoted amateur baseball in every town he has represented throughout his playing and coaching career.
2010 - ROBIN ACKMAN - MITCHELL
Robin Ackman’s amateur baseball career started in 1972 as an American Legion pick-up player for the Mitchell Moonlight Bar team.
In 1973, he began playing third base for Mitchell Commercial Bank and continued playing until retiring in 1989. His batting average was never below .400 during his career.
While attending Dakota Wesleyan University during the late 1970s, he earned All-South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference honors for three years.
One of the highlights of his career was batting .645 in state amateur tournament play, still one of the top career averages in history.
After retiring as a player in 1989, he coached Little League baseball and was instrumental in starting the Mitchell Baseball Association in 1994, which funds the Teener and American Legion baseball programs in Mitchell. He also was involved with the many improvements made at Caldwell Park as well as putting countless hours in all of the state tournaments held in Mitchell. Robin was born on October 29, 1954 and passed away on August 18, 2015.
In 1973, he began playing third base for Mitchell Commercial Bank and continued playing until retiring in 1989. His batting average was never below .400 during his career.
While attending Dakota Wesleyan University during the late 1970s, he earned All-South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference honors for three years.
One of the highlights of his career was batting .645 in state amateur tournament play, still one of the top career averages in history.
After retiring as a player in 1989, he coached Little League baseball and was instrumental in starting the Mitchell Baseball Association in 1994, which funds the Teener and American Legion baseball programs in Mitchell. He also was involved with the many improvements made at Caldwell Park as well as putting countless hours in all of the state tournaments held in Mitchell. Robin was born on October 29, 1954 and passed away on August 18, 2015.
2009 - TOM PAHL - CLAREMONT
"Pahl¹s pitching ability was certainly a key reason for the success that the Claremont Honkers enjoyed from the mid-1970s through the mid-1990s.
The highlight for the Honkers came when they won back-to-back state championships in 1984 and 1985 that included Pahl¹s championship-game victory over Aberdeen Wendy¹s-Coke in 1984 and Pahl¹s five victories in the 1985 Class B tournament. He is the only pitcher in state amateur baseball history to win five games in the same state tournament.
The Oakes, N.D. native earned all-conference and all-district honors as a pitcher for Mayville State University. He began his amateur career in 1971 at LaMoure, N.D. before starting his South Dakota career with Frederick in 1972. He began playing with Claremont in 1975 and was the Honkers¹ ace up until the team folded in the mid-1990s. He pitched one year with an over-40 team in Groton before retiring.
Pahl, who also caught and played some first base, batted around .300 in his amateur career, but made his mark on the mound. His career pitching record is unavailable, but he pitched most of Claremont¹s 18-to-20 games each season.
He also pitched for a South Dakota team that won the 40-and-over division at the Men¹s Senior Baseball World Series in Arizona in 1993.
The highlight for the Honkers came when they won back-to-back state championships in 1984 and 1985 that included Pahl¹s championship-game victory over Aberdeen Wendy¹s-Coke in 1984 and Pahl¹s five victories in the 1985 Class B tournament. He is the only pitcher in state amateur baseball history to win five games in the same state tournament.
The Oakes, N.D. native earned all-conference and all-district honors as a pitcher for Mayville State University. He began his amateur career in 1971 at LaMoure, N.D. before starting his South Dakota career with Frederick in 1972. He began playing with Claremont in 1975 and was the Honkers¹ ace up until the team folded in the mid-1990s. He pitched one year with an over-40 team in Groton before retiring.
Pahl, who also caught and played some first base, batted around .300 in his amateur career, but made his mark on the mound. His career pitching record is unavailable, but he pitched most of Claremont¹s 18-to-20 games each season.
He also pitched for a South Dakota team that won the 40-and-over division at the Men¹s Senior Baseball World Series in Arizona in 1993.
2009 - HERB SUNDALL - KENNEBEC
"Sundall¹s association with South Dakota amateur baseball began when he started playing for Kennebec as the age of 12. He played 12 seasons for Kennebec or Kennebec-Presho before spending six more seasons as a player-manager for the Kennebec Red Sox, retiring in 1977.
In 1985, Sundall organized and managed the KC Cannons, staying in that capacity for 12 seasons.
As a player, he played every position on the field but spent most of his time as a second baseman, batting around the .300 mark throughout his career.
His involvement in baseball hasn¹t stopped. He has maintained the ballpark at Kennebec for more than 35 years, donating both his own money and labor to its upkeep. When the field needed new lights, Sundall loaned the city of Kennebec $17,500, interest free, to have them put up and has furnished his own equipment to keep the field ready for use.
Sundall served as a league officer in the 1970s and currently serves as a South Dakota VFW Baseball commissioner. In addition, he has been the secretary-treasurer of the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association since 2002.
In 1985, Sundall organized and managed the KC Cannons, staying in that capacity for 12 seasons.
As a player, he played every position on the field but spent most of his time as a second baseman, batting around the .300 mark throughout his career.
His involvement in baseball hasn¹t stopped. He has maintained the ballpark at Kennebec for more than 35 years, donating both his own money and labor to its upkeep. When the field needed new lights, Sundall loaned the city of Kennebec $17,500, interest free, to have them put up and has furnished his own equipment to keep the field ready for use.
Sundall served as a league officer in the 1970s and currently serves as a South Dakota VFW Baseball commissioner. In addition, he has been the secretary-treasurer of the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association since 2002.
2009 - ROBERT "BOB" ALTENBURG - ARMOUR
"Like Sundall, Altenburg service to baseball in South Dakota has involved more than just his playing career. He has also been a coach and supporter of the sport for many years.
An Armour native, Altenburg spent nearly 10 seasons as a batboy for the town¹s amateur baseball team before joining the team as a 17-year-old in the spring of 1965. His playing career included stints with Armour, Murdo, the Kennebec Red Sox and the Winner Old Studs, a team of 38-and-over players he managed and played on for four years.
As a player, he was selected to play in several Rosebud-TMT League All-Star games and typically batted over .300 every season, including one season in which he batted .652.
Altenburg has also coached baseball at all levels, He coached American Legion baseball at Kennebec, started a youth program in Presho and then coached VFW teams in Presho (Lyman County) and Gregory.
He has served as a district commissioner for both VFW and amateur baseball in South Dakota and was inducted as an honorary umpire in the South Dakota Umpires Association in 2002. He also has announced several VFW and American Legion baseball state tournaments."
An Armour native, Altenburg spent nearly 10 seasons as a batboy for the town¹s amateur baseball team before joining the team as a 17-year-old in the spring of 1965. His playing career included stints with Armour, Murdo, the Kennebec Red Sox and the Winner Old Studs, a team of 38-and-over players he managed and played on for four years.
As a player, he was selected to play in several Rosebud-TMT League All-Star games and typically batted over .300 every season, including one season in which he batted .652.
Altenburg has also coached baseball at all levels, He coached American Legion baseball at Kennebec, started a youth program in Presho and then coached VFW teams in Presho (Lyman County) and Gregory.
He has served as a district commissioner for both VFW and amateur baseball in South Dakota and was inducted as an honorary umpire in the South Dakota Umpires Association in 2002. He also has announced several VFW and American Legion baseball state tournaments."
2009 - ROBERT BENSEN - CLEARFIELD
"Benson served has served his country (military), his state (state Legislator) and area (local community boards and committees), but one of his greatest enjoyments has been the decades he has spent being involved with baseball in South Dakota.
The Clearfield native began playing amateur baseball for a team called McNeely when he was 14. The next summer, he played for three team’s ‹ amateur baseball (McNeely), youth (Rosebud) and Junior-Junior or Teeners (Winner) and continued to play American Legion baseball for Winner while also playing amateur baseball.
In college, he started as a freshman for South Dakota State University in Brookings before transferring and also playing at the University of South Dakota.
In 1967, Clearfield built a new park and the McNeely team became the amateur team at Clearfield. Benson spent the next 23 years as an infielder, pitcher and clean-up hitter for the team, compiling a lifetime batting average of .371. He also managed the team for 13 years.
After his retirement, Benson coached the Clearfield Teeners for 10 years. He also spent 26 years on the board of directors for the Clearfield ballpark, umpired and served as a South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association commissioner. His service to the sport has spanned almost sixty years.
He was also inducted as an honorary member of the South Dakota Umpires Association.
The Clearfield native began playing amateur baseball for a team called McNeely when he was 14. The next summer, he played for three team’s ‹ amateur baseball (McNeely), youth (Rosebud) and Junior-Junior or Teeners (Winner) and continued to play American Legion baseball for Winner while also playing amateur baseball.
In college, he started as a freshman for South Dakota State University in Brookings before transferring and also playing at the University of South Dakota.
In 1967, Clearfield built a new park and the McNeely team became the amateur team at Clearfield. Benson spent the next 23 years as an infielder, pitcher and clean-up hitter for the team, compiling a lifetime batting average of .371. He also managed the team for 13 years.
After his retirement, Benson coached the Clearfield Teeners for 10 years. He also spent 26 years on the board of directors for the Clearfield ballpark, umpired and served as a South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association commissioner. His service to the sport has spanned almost sixty years.
He was also inducted as an honorary member of the South Dakota Umpires Association.
2009 - EVERETT JENSEN - ARLINGTON
"Jensen¹s amateur baseball pitching career spanned nearly two decades from World War II.
He began his career with Hurley in 1946, but is best remembered as the mainstay on the mound for Irene from 1948 to 1957 when the Cardinals were one of the real diamond powers in southeastern South Dakota. He finished his career with Arlington and Oldham from 1958 through 1963.
Irene fans recall a Fourth of July doubleheader in Wakonda during the early 1950s when Jensen went the distance on the mound in both gam
es, winning both of them.
While pitching for Arlington in 1959, at the age of 35, Jensen pitched every inning of a 19-inning game in a 5-4 win over Oldham.
Jensen¹s 19-inning marathon wasn¹t his only amazing pitching feat in 1959.
Just five weeks after the marathon game, he tossed a perfect game in a 4-0 victory over Day-Night League champion Lake Norden. The 6-foot-3 right-hander faced the minimum 27 batters and struck out 11."
He began his career with Hurley in 1946, but is best remembered as the mainstay on the mound for Irene from 1948 to 1957 when the Cardinals were one of the real diamond powers in southeastern South Dakota. He finished his career with Arlington and Oldham from 1958 through 1963.
Irene fans recall a Fourth of July doubleheader in Wakonda during the early 1950s when Jensen went the distance on the mound in both gam
es, winning both of them.
While pitching for Arlington in 1959, at the age of 35, Jensen pitched every inning of a 19-inning game in a 5-4 win over Oldham.
Jensen¹s 19-inning marathon wasn¹t his only amazing pitching feat in 1959.
Just five weeks after the marathon game, he tossed a perfect game in a 4-0 victory over Day-Night League champion Lake Norden. The 6-foot-3 right-hander faced the minimum 27 batters and struck out 11."
2008 - TOM GORDEN - MONTROSE
Tom Gordens
amateur baseball career began in 1963 as a Legion pickup player with Montrose
and his service to the sport continues to this day. Gordon has been involved in baseball for more
than 40 years, playing in the Cornbelt League for 33 years, managing for 20 of
them and serving as a league officer for 30. He also served as a league officer
for the South Dakota Central league for 10 years. Gordon spent most of his playing career with
Montrose, accumulating a career batting average of .375 with 165 home runs.
Gordon, who developed a reputation as a clutch hitter, continues to represent South Dakota in the
men's Senior Baseball League, and has played on four teams that have won MSBL
events. Recently he coached high school
and American Legion baseball in Scotland.
2008 - JON GRAVES - RAPID CITY
Ethan native Jon Graves, who now resides in Rapid City, will also be a part of the class of 2008. Graves' amateur baseball service spanned 40 years as a player, manager and commissioner. This Ethan native was an All-South Dakota Intercollegiate conference player for two years at Dakota State University, and began playing amateur baseball in 1969. After playing for Dimock from 1969-72 and Renner in 1973-74, he moved to Rapid City and played for the Rapid City Macy's until 1990. Graves, a standout pitcher, also managed Macy's from 1990 though 1994 and in 1996, he became a South Dakota Amateur Baseball commissioner, a position he still holds. He has also participated six years with the South Dakota teams who played in the Men's Senior Baseball League in Phoenix.
2008 - JAN DAVIS - COLTON
Davis batted nearly .400 in a 30-year career as a second baseman in South Dakota's amateur baseball ranks. He spent most of his career playing for Colton where he was a standout hitter and fielder from 1977 through 1994. A line-drive hitter who seldom struck out, Davis reached base safely in 120 of 121 games between 1991 and 1995 and helped Colton set an unofficial state record with 36 double plays in 1986. Davis' best season was 1986, when he batted .488 with 16 doubles, 60 runs scored, 42 walks and only 4 strikeouts in 13 at-bats. Davis also played with Renner and Montrose-Colton before playing briefly with Renner-Newcastle in 2006, at the age of 56..
2008 - BILL RICHTER - CLAREMONT
Richter's 40-year playing career included 10 years in his home state of Minnesota, but the Granite Falls (Minn.) native certainly made his mark in South Dakota. Ricther was a standout catcher at St. Cloud State (Minn.), and moved to South Dakota in 1972. He played most of his amateur career with the Claremont Honkers before they disbanded in the late 1990s. He played on Claremont's state Championship teams in 1984 and 1985 and was also a member of the South Dakota Over-40 team that won the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series Championship in 1992-93. Richter's career spanned five decades (he retired in 2002 at the age of 54) and covered more than 1300 games. His dad William "Butch: Richter is a member of the Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame and his brother John is current President of the Minnesota State Amateur Board of Directors..
2008 - KEITH THOMAS - CLAREMONT
Alexandria native Keith Thomas, who also now resides in Rapid City, will also join this year's class. His amateur baseball career covered 36 years over five decades and included stops in Mitchell, Alexandria and Rapid City. He was a college teammate of Graves at Dakota State, and was also an all-conference player. In total, Thomas played in more than 30 state tournaments also made nine Men's Senior Baseball League World Series. He played 19 league championship teams and twice was named to the all-tournament team at the state tournament. As a switch-hitting amateur player, he hit .378 during his career with 189 home runs and 433 stolen bases. He batted .378 during his career in the regular season and batted .333 in state-tournament play. In his only season with the Dakota State Trojans, he earned tem MVP honors and was named to both the All-South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference and All-District 12 teams. He played with the Spencer-Alexandria Cardinals, the Mitchell Moonlite Bar, Alexandria Angels and four Rapid City teams (Macy's, Kelly's, Greg's and Rapid Chevrolet).
2007 - LARRY MCKENNEY - RENNER
McKenny started his amateur career in 1958 playing for the Avlord (Iowa) town team as a shortstop before being picked up to play shortstop for the 1960 and 1961 Larchwood (Iowa) town team after the American Legion season was completed. Entering the Army in 1962, he played Army baseball for the 3rd Infantry division before returning home in 1965 where he rejoined the Larchwood team. Over the course of the next 20 years, he played in state tournaments for Larchwood, Madison, Renner and Canova. McKenny was a member of the 1971 Canova State championship team and a member of the Larchwood state runner-up teams in 1970 and 1978. Larry hit over .400 in state tournament games. He also was a member of the South Dakota Men's Senior baseball champions in 1992, 1995 and 1996. He was elected to the Sioux Falls Canaries Hall of Fame in 2006 and was the chief promoter in hosting the 75th State Amateur Baseball Tournament at the Birdcage in 2007.
2007 - DAVE MYDLAND - RENNER
Amateur baseball has been a way of life for Mydland for the past 36 summers. He began his amateur career in 1971, the same year he started his college career at South Dakota State University. In 1974 Mydland was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and played a stretch in Elizabethton, TN. He has played amateur baseball for Canton, Riverside Supply, Brookings, Renner Monarchs, Renner Old Milwaukee and Renner-Newcastle. Mydland was a member of the 1973 North Central Conference championship team and four SD Amateur championship teams. Dave is also credited for being the "Founding Father" of men's senior baseball in South Dakota and played on the 1988 Men's Senior Baseball (MSBL) World Series championship and two MSBL runner-up teams. He also played on two semifinal teams in Roy Hobbs Senior Baseball. "Mydie"has appeared in 29 state tournaments and 16 men's senior World Series. He has accumulated a lifetime batting average of .385 with 244 homeruns in more that 1350 amateur baseball games.
2007 - TOM SCHLIMGEN - SCOTLAND
Schlimgen has played amateur baseball for 40 years: Dimock (1968-78) Scotland (1979-2003) and the Renner-Newcastle 30-and-over team (2004-07). He has made 14 trips to the Men's Senior Baseball national tournaments: 11 times to Phoenix and three time to Fort Meyers and was a member of two national championship teams. "Schlimmy" has participated in over 35 state amateur tournaments as an infielder and pitcher. Amateur baseball has been a family affair for the Schlimgen family. His father Lefty is also a member of the SD Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, and Tom also played with his son Todd for five years in Scotland. Schlimgen has been a Teener and amateur baseball commissioner, has coached two state championship VFW baseball teams and two state champion American Legion teams in Scotland. Tom is currently a teacher and boys basketball coach in Scotland.
2007 - KIRK SORENSEN - VERMILLION
Kirk started playing amateur baseball for the Vermillion Red Sox as an American Legion pickup player in 1970 after his last year of high school. He was a player-manager in the 1970's and 80's and is currently the manager for the Red Sox. With more that 35 years as a player-manager, Sorensen's teams have reached the State Amateur Baseball Tournament, including 22 years as a player. Sorenson has been named District Manager of the Year five times. The Red Sox have 18 league, 23 Class B District and one Class A District championships. "Sorny" has served as an Amateur Baseball Commissioner since 1988. He has devoted a great deal of time keeping baseball alive in the State Line League. He works diligently throughout the year in starting and maintaining teams in the southeast corner of South Dakota. Under Sorensen's leadership, the Vermillion Red Sox won back-to-back State B amateur baseball titles in 2003 and 2004 and also finished second in 1992 and 1996. In 2006 the Red Sox moved up to Class A and captured the state title in their first year at that level.
2006 - SHERM CUTLER - CLAREMONT
Sherm Cutler played amateur baseball for 30 years, 26 years with Claremont, two for Groton-Claremont and two for Britton-Claremont. He played in 28 state tournaments with a .437 batting average. His regular season average was .406. He won the state tournament batting titles in 1981 and 1985. In the 1981 state tournament he hit for the cycle: a single, double, triple, home run and a walk. He helped Claremont win the state tournament in 1984 and 1985. In addition to playing baseball, Sherm has officiated high school and college basketball for 28 years.
2006 - CURT FREDRICKSON - ABERDEEN
Curt Fredrickson is the only player in SD State Amateur Baseball history to hit more than 250 home runs and record more than 250 pitching victories. He was the MVP in the 1977 state tournament leading Aberdeen C&R to the State Championship. He was the winning pitcher in four games of the 1977 state tournament and he had two home runs and four RBI's in the championship game. He is the third on the all-time list for pitching victories behind Lee Goldhammer and Dave Gassman. He is the second on the all-time home run list behind Kevin Leighton. Curt played on three national championship Over 30 and Over 40 teams in Arizona. In the 1991 state amateur tournament, Curt had five hits in one nine-inning game. He is currently the women's basketball coach at Northern State University where he coached NAIA national championship teams in 1992 and 1994. Curt started a youth baseball program in the spring of 1995, also coached VFW Teener baseball and served as coach of the Aberdeen Legion baseball team for 10 years.
2006 - DAVE RISSE - MARTIN
Dave Risse's baseball career started before he even owned a glove. He used one of his Dad's work gloves and stuffed it with hay and cornhusks for padding. Dave was born and raised in Martin, SD. Although Martin already had a regular town baseball team, Dave and other teenagers started their own team known as the "Martin Kid's Team." The young team became very successful, winning the State Line League five years in a row. Martin later joined the Badlands League, and Dave served as secretary-treasure for many years. Dave played in 20 State Amateur Baseball Tournaments and had a lifetime batting average of .378. He had a tryout with the Milwaukee Braves in 1953.
2006 - DON GREENFIELD - CLARK
Don Greenfields 40-year amateur playing career saw him hit over .400 in several seasons. His speed on the base paths made him a constant threat to lay down a bunt or steal an extra base whenever the situation lent itself. His lively, youthful arm with a devastating breaking pitch enabled him to strike out 21 batters in a seven inning district-championship game in 1969. (An error prevented a perfect game) He has coached Little League through amateurs in several communities. Don has been league president for 34 years. In 2005 he was the recipient of the Amateur Baseball Association Man of the Year Award. He was member of the South Dakota teams that won the Over 40 World Series in 1992 and 1993. A veteran of 34 state amateur tournaments, his career highlight was being battery mates as a pitcher and catcher for both his sons, Brock and Blake.
2006 - BURT TULSON - LAKE NORDEN
Burt Tulson has played baseball for Lake Norden from 1966 to the present and managed and played from 1977 to the present time. He has played or managed for Lake Norden in the state tournament 36 different years. Burt's record as manager since 1977 is 648-323. He was selected to the all-tournament team as a second baseman at the 1969 tournament. He has been president of the SD Amateur Baseball Coaches Association for its 14 years of existence. Burt played on the South Dakota over 40 team that won the World Series in 1992 and 1993. Burt's daughter Trish sums up his passion for the sport of baseball: "He is first at the ballpark to finish and maintain the field and last at the ballpark for fellowship with friends."
2005 - DEAN MINDER - WILMONT
Dean Minder has served in many areas of the amateur baseball program since playing in his first amateur game 56 years ago in Wilmont. In 1968 he became umpire and for the next 25 years worked amateur, American Legion and VFW teener games. He worked 15 state amateur tournaments and several state legion tournaments. He served as president, vice-president and secretary-treasure of the SD Umpires Association. He was elected to the State Umpires Hall of Fame in 1993. Minder was an official scorer of 15 state amateur tournaments. He covered numerous state tournaments while working in the Mitchell Daily Republic sports department for more than 30 years including a stint as sports editor form 1967-1970. He has served as secretary of the Mitchell Baseball Association since it was formed.
2005 - CHUCK FEINER - DIMOCK
Chuck Feiner played all infield positions in a lustrous amateur career that spanned over 40 years. He batted over .300 each season, stable statistics that led him to a remarkable number of state tournaments. He played in 19 consecutive tourneys from 1965 through 1983, but only once on his team Dimock. Otherwise his talents were sought by opposing teams who wanted him on their side, this time as a pickup player. A told, he played on 22 state tournaments teams, including Parkston (1968) and Canova (1979) which won titles. Feiner played on four Senior Baseball World Series championship teams in Phoenix and Las Vegas and continued plying in the over-60's World Series in Las Vegas and will again go in 2005. Feiner is the second member of his family to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. His dad Al was inducted 30 years ago.
2005 - BOB WILEY - WEBSTER
Bob Wiley started an amateur baseball program in 1987 at Webster where a program had not been active for many years. He had immediate success the first year, Webster reaching the state tournament. In the early 1990's, Webster honored Wiley by naming the field "Bob Wiley Field". In 2005 Webster built a new baseball complex and named that "Bob Wiley Field" as well. He has received numerous awards from the Webster community for his continual service to the town. "Bob has never wanted anything in return for all he's done for others, for Webster and for the game of baseball," echo Webster citizens.
2005 - DAVE & FRED COUREY - LENNOX
Dave, now deceased, was an outstanding left fielder and a consistent hitter for the Lennox Browns for many years following his return from World War II. He also managed the team for many years. Fred was the prime mover in having Lennox admitted to the state league, despite the fact that Lennox was disproportionately smaller than the other city teams of Huron, Brookings, Madison and Yankton. Lennox won the championship that year. Fred also served as the league's president. Many observers believe the brothers saved Lennox from losing the town team. They are the first men to represent Lennox in the Hall of Fame.
2005 - LES STRAND - KIMBALL
One of the state's all-time great catchers, Les Stand played in 15 state amateur tournaments, nine with Kimball and six with Winner, Chamberlain and Plankinton as a pick-up player. Now 85 years old, Strand is remembered for his laser throws to second base from a squatting position and also his line-drive doubles into the outfield. He once played against legendary Brooklyn Dodger catcher Mickey Owen, who was on third base. Strand picked him off. While he was an outstanding defensive catcher, he also was a great hitter. Batting averages weren't kept, but Strand always batted #3 or #4. He played against a Chamberlain team that featured the great Bob Gibson in the 1950's. Strand served as a playing-manager on the Kimball team that lost 4-3 in 16 innings.