MITCHELL — It was a record year for the South Dakota state amateur baseball tournament. 

Mitchell’s Cadwell Park, a popular spot for the 12-day tournament, generated an all-time record $69,565 in paid admission, according to South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association Secretary/Treasurer Herb Sundall. It easily surpassed last season’s mark of $51,629 and the previous record of $65,585 was set in 2015.

Sundall, however, noted the adult ticket prices were raised by $2 this year and that factored into the final dollar amount. Nevertheless, the SDABA was again pleased with the turnout for the 32-team tournament.

“It was an excellent tournament,” Sundall said. “Mitchell always helps us conduct an excellent tournament. Going to Mitchell is like putting on an old pair of shoes, it’s comfortable for everybody.”

The crowd stands for the playing of the national anthem ahead of the Class B State Amateur Baseball Championship game between Canova and Lesterville on Sunday at Cadwell Park in Mitchell. (Photo courtesy Matt Gade)

The Class A tournament played its final three days at Cadwell Park and Drake Field after starting in Yankton. In the final session, the Sioux Falls Brewers defeated the Renner Monarchs for the Class A championship and Canova defeated Lesterville for the Class B title. 

The final session brought in $7,685, an all-time high for a Championship Sunday session. This year’s best financial session was Saturday, Aug. 12 when Tabor, Lesterville, Canova and Dell Rapids PBR played in the semifinal round, raking in $7,940, an all-time high for a session.  

Canova and Lesterville fans cheer on their players during player introductions during the Class B State Amateur Baseball Championship game on Sunday at Cadwell Park in Mitchell. (Photo courtesy Matt Gade)

Alexandria, a tourney regular and local favorite, was eliminated in the first round. Two-time defending champion Dell Rapids Mudcats lost in the second round. 

But a different host of teams compensated for the losses and continued to drive strong crowds throughout the tournament. 

“I think part of the reason for the attendance this year, despite losing some of the local teams, is that the teams that did advance were small towns that follow their teams very well,” Sundall said. “Canova and Lesterville being two examples. They made it all the way to the finals and we also had a record Sunday afternoon attendance — dollar wise.”

Lesterville fans cheer on their players during player introductions during the Class B State Amateur Baseball Championship game on Sunday at Cadwell Park in Mitchell. (Matt Gade / Rapid City Journal)

The 2024 Class B state tournament will be in Mitchell on Aug. 7-18. It will be the 36th time since 1975 the tournament will be in Mitchell. 

“The commission is very pleased with the turnout of people and hopefully we will top that again next year when we are back again in Mitchell,” Sundall said. 

The 2025 Class B state tournament is Aug. 6-17 in Brandon, before returning to Mitchell in 2026. 

Lesterville fans cheer on their players during player introductions during the Class B State Amateur Baseball Championship game on Sunday at Cadwell Park in Mitchell. (Photo courtesy Matt Gade)