Alexandria Angels continue dynasty run with sixth Class B state amateur baseball championship

MITCHELL – Another Championship Sunday, another state championship for the Alexandria Angels.

The Angels further cemented their place among Class B amateur baseball's elite with their sixth state championship Sunday at Cadwell Park.

Alexandria also won state championships in 2013, ‘16, ‘17, ‘19 and ‘20. The Angels added No. 6 with a dominant 12-2 seven-inning win over Cinderella story Clark on a sunny afternoon in Mitchell.

“I think this one is even the best one yet,” Alexandria manager Peyton Smith said. “I say that every single one that the next one is the best one. It's been a fun ride and hopefully we can continue.”

With their sixth state championship, Alexandria ties Canova for the second most Class B amateur baseball titles in state history. Dell Rapids PBR has the most state championships with 10.

“That's something really special there because everyone knows the runs that those guys went on,” Alexandria infielder Jordan Gau said. “To be up there with those guys, that's a helluva feeling. It never gets old.”

Alexandria's latest championship was driven by a new generation of talent, but it also featured familiar faces who have become synonymous with the Angels' winning tradition.

Tyson Gau, Jordan Gau, Peyton Smith, Pierce Smith and Reid Smith have all been part of the Angels' six state championship teams, evolving from young contributors in their 20s to veteran leaders in their 30s.

“Our last one was in 2020, and there were a lot of people that thought maybe we were falling off,” Alexandria first baseman Pierce Smith said. “It feels good six years later after our last one to come out on top.”

The five Angels are not only teammates, but family members bonded through baseball. Tyson and Jordan Gau are brothers, while Peyton, Pierce and Reid Smith are brothers. The Gau and Smith brothers are also first cousins, making Alexandria's championship tradition a true family affair.

“That's the No. 1 thing right there – the family deal,” Jordan Gau said. “It's been like that since Day 1. To stick together with that group and kind of be the backbones of this has been fun.”

The cousins are also second-generation Angels, with their fathers Curt Gau and Jerry Smith also playing amateur ball for Alexandria. The Angels also played matchmaker, as Curt met his wife, Jonilyn, through the team.

“That's how my parents met is because of Alexandria baseball,” Tyson Gau said. “So this means the world to us. We grew up idolizing my dad, my uncles, and all the great players that played in the Alex, and we were just waiting for our turn.”

The Angels bolstered their Alexandria amateur baseball careers on Sunday, winning another title in front of their strong fanbase. Alexandria, which is a 15-mile drive from Mitchell, again packed Cadwell Park and turned the venue into Halo territory.

“They're there every single bit of the way through the tourney,” Pierce Smith said. “It's super special for them too, not just us.”

“Our fans are the best,” Peyton Smith said. “We feed off their energy, and our fans have been with us through thick and thin.”

While the five Angels have been the backbone of the six championships, they praised the younger Angels for sparking this year’s title run.

“It was almost like a battery charger for us old guys,” Tyson Gau said. “It's just been great to have them. It made the world a difference because we never thought we'd be back where we are right now.”