By Ryan Deal 

605 Sports

Bentz, a name synonymous with Dell Rapids PBR, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 and died in 2023. Bentz served as player/manager for PBR teams that won 11 district championships and nine state championships. 

“He was an unbelievable gentleman,” an emotional Solberg said. “That’s why I am still managing.”

Solberg took over as PBR manager for his friend and South Dakota amateur baseball hall of famer. Solberg was a member of nine state championship teams from 1991-2007 — three for Dell Rapids and six for Dell Rapids PBR. 

Solberg has been instrumental in delivering another state title to PBR, his first as a manager. 

“The dude just lives, breathes, eats baseball,” said PBR player Brayden Pankonen, a Dell Rapids High School graduate. “It is awesome to have a dude in your back corner just always there for you no matter what, on and off the field. Just even seeing him right here with his family, it’s just awesome. I am happy to see smiling faces from everyone, especially Dale.”

PBR player Matt Gillogly echoed his teammate’s sentiments about Solberg and said his amateur baseball contributions go beyond just Dell Rapids. 

“He’s been here every year working his a-- off for everyone else, bettering amateur baseball,” Gillogly said. “Not only in Dell Rapids, but throughout the whole Cornbelt League and the state. It’s pretty special to see him and also his two sons (PBR members Jordan and Tanner) get one.”

Gillogly, who is also a Dell Rapids High School graduate, grew up rooting for PBR and lived next door to PBR legend Bruce Mogen. Mogen, another South Dakota amateur baseball hall of famer, was Gillogly’s favorite player growing up. 

“I went to the PBR games as a little kid chasing foul balls,” Gillogly said. “So I always kind of thought I would be out here playing and now that I realized this dream, it feels pretty special.”

Sunday wasn’t just special for current PBR players, but also the former members that watched the return to glory. Pankonen pointed out former PBR great and hall of famer Mick Hoglund was in attendance, along with other former players.

“Seeing all the old guys come and watch us, it’s exciting and a lot of people probably didn’t have us here, and we made it,” Pankonen said. “We conquered the dragon.”

Solberg said it was special seeing the support from former PBR players and their contributions to the program are still being felt today.

“It’s great to see the old faces of former players and the support that they give us,” Solberg said. “I have been surrounded by a lot of God-given talent and it’s amazing. I probably don’t appreciate all the titles and everything. But it’s just absolutely amazing.”