The snow is nearly gone, the ice is melting, and the grass is turning green—all signs pointing toward spring and the start of baseball season. Yes, it’s nearly here and the Dell Rapids Baseball Association (DRBA) is diligently preparing for the upcoming season. The DRBA is looking forward to building off of last year’s success, as both the A and B Teener teams earned “runner-ups” in their respective state tournaments. Little League also had two “runner-ups”, but also crowned a championship team in the MinnDak League. Other highlights included: High School Club Baseball saw Dell Rapids make the final four of the state tournament for the second year in a row; Legion baseball won its first game at regions before losing to the eventual state champion; and, both amateur teams (PBR and Mudcats) qualified for the state tournament and advanced past the first round. Dell Rapids hosted the “B Teener” state tourney to many compliments and a huge success, even mother nature could not damper the mood of our guests.
DRBA is writing this column to simply update the community of the needs, changes, and future of baseball in Dell Rapids. There are many exciting projects underway to improve our love of baseball in Dell Rapids—such as field improvements, tournaments, equipment updates, and tons of fun. Currently, the Dell Rapids Baseball Association and Dell Rapids Little League (DRLL) are joining forces to form one entity to better accommodate baseball fans, parents, and kids in Dell Rapids. The current structure is still being formed; however, all information regarding baseball in Dell Rapids will be conducted through one website, dellrapidsbaseball.com. To eliminate confusion, all ages of baseball will be using the same online registration site, same as last year. You can register for Little League, High School Club Baseball, Teeners, and Legion Baseball. Online registration will open on February 1, 2017-so register early. Registration costs will remain the same as last year.
Of course as in every year, the DRBA and DRLL are both looking for coaches. If you’re interested in coaching at the High School Club, American Legion, Teener, or Little League levels, please send us a note or contact a board member—all through the website. We are always looking for coaches to teach, mentor, and encourage our youth in Dell Rapids. You don’t need to be an expert, but a background check is required for all coaching positions, at all levels. If you have questions, please contact a board member so we can get an answer for you. If you are new to town and part of a new business and interested in becoming a sponsor, please see the website for more information. DRBA and DRLL thanks all those businesses who have supported Dell Rapids baseball in the past, and would like to just give a “heads-up” that our yearly letter will be arriving shortly. We would not have baseball if not for the support of many local businesses—so a big thank you again.
Also, with change comes the departure of board members—long time DRBA board members LeAnn Kerzman and George Henry both have stepped down from the board after many years of service; their advice and expertise will be missed. DRBA appreciates their time and efforts put forth for the youth of Dell Rapids. Please thank them when you visit with them in the community. Until next time, LET’S PLAY BALL!