By Rodney Haas 

605 Sports 

BRANDON — When Dale Weber became president of the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association following the passing of Ray Antonen, it was a job he didn’t want. 

Weber, who was the vice president at the time, had no choice in the matter as the association bylaws at the time mandated he become president. 

“I said ‘I don't want to be president,' " Weber recalled. “ ‘Well you’re the president,’ and I’ve been president ever since.”

For the 85-year-old Weber it’s been a baseball life that started when he first played amateur baseball at age 13 and then when he became vice president of the association before becoming president 12 years later.  

Now after nearly 40 years serving as president, Weber is overseeing his final state amateur baseball tournament this year after announcing his retirement during the amateur baseball association’s annual winter meeting in February. 

“It’s been a good ride,” said Weber of his nearly 50 years of service to South Dakota amateur baseball. “There’s been a lot of great improvements and a lot of great ballplayers that have come through the system. 

“These kids are getting better. The teams are getting better. They are better organized compared to years back. You didn’t know who was going to take the field then. Now, you better be ready to play because the other team will be ready to play.” 

Perhaps the biggest change to come to the game under Weber’s leadership has been the advancement in technology. When Weber took over as president in 1988, the internet wasn’t a thing and most of the association’s business and player contracts were done with a pen and paper. 

Today, those contracts and other association documents can be found on the association's website. It’s one of several changes that have occurred as the sport moved into the 21st century and now includes having the entire state tournament streamed online. 

The move has allowed fans to watch the tournament from home or at the local bar, and has allowed amateur baseball fans who have since moved out of South Dakota to stay connected to the sport.  

“The electronics have come a long way," Weber said. “I get phone calls from California from people who are able to watch the tournament. We get a lot of positive feedback from across the nation, not just the state. They are appreciative of what we’ve done with watching the games, listening to the games and being part of amateur baseball.” 

Weber added how he couldn’t have had success without his fellow commissioners, who dedicate a lot of time to the sport. 

Weber went on to say when decisions had to be made, he would ask “What is the best interest of amateur baseball? Let’s make that decision.” 

As for his stewardship of South Dakota amateur baseball, is he leaving it in a better place? 

“I’m not sure if it’s in a better spot, it’s in a better position across the state because we are gaining teams. We’re gaining ballplayers and we’re gaining crowds and everything is in a positive nature for South Dakota amateur baseball and that’s what we’re here for,” Weber said. 

Dale Weber looks on as one of his grandson's tries to catch a foul ball during the 2023 state amateur baseball tournament in Mitchell. (Photo by Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)
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When Weber first became vice president of the association in the 1970s, his goal was to ensure the game could be passed down to his grandchildren. On Wednesday during the first pitch ceremony for the tournament’s opening game against the Flandreau Cardinals and the Parkston Mudcats, he literally did just that with a four-generation first pitch with the ball being passed down the genealogy line. 

“My thoughts were, what the heck are they doing?” he said of the first pitch. “I’m the one that is supposed to be throwing. Not five or six people. It did surprise me.” 

Weber’s retirement plans are simple to be a grandfather and a great-grandfather, which he admits will be a big job. 

“It’s going to be a while getting used to being retired,” he said. “I will walk into the ballpark and figure out what I’m supposed to do and when I’m supposed to do it. Nobody is going to tell me what to do. That will be a little different.” 

As for the sport itself, Weber said it has come a long way and there’s a lot of people to thank for that, but most importantly the players. 

“The ballplayers come to play and they stick together and there’s a couple of people in the towns that keep it alive and that’s the key,” he said. “But the ballplayers themselves, they show up to play and they do a great job putting a good product on the field and I’m proud of being a part of that organization. 

I’m just thankful to be a part of it. The Lord has blessed me for a great ride.”