The 2023 Dell Rapids Legion Post 65 baseball team will have a new team name. Head coach Danny Miller had past conversations with the late Jay Nebben, and through those conversations, Miller knew what name would fit the team.
The new name will be the “Phils”. The name comes from legendary Dell Rapids baseball coach Phil Anderson. Anderson coached baseball in Dell Rapids for 25 years and led Post 65 to two state titles in 1968 and 1969. Those were the only two varsity baseball titles until the high school club team won the title in 2017, and the only two legion titles until the Dell Rapids Legion team won another state title in 2018.
Miller met with Anderson’s son, Cliff, and widow, Helen, about the idea of using Phil as the team name and to get permission. Both were overwhelmed by the idea and on board. Former players that played for Anderson were also excited about the name.
Among other things, Anderson was a husband, father, veteran, sports official, and a person who cared for the Dell Rapids baseball field. Miller said that the team is proud to remember Phil by adopting his name for the team.
