MITCHELL — The South Dakota Amateur Baseball meeting was held on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Mitchell’s Highland Conference Center.

At the meeting, figures were presented for the 2024 season and that included the SDABA pocketing $72,080 in state tourney gate receipts. The association also raked in $16,317.34 in pay-per-view receipts, and SDABA President Dale Weber said the association will continue its relationship with LiveTicket.Tv.

The 2025 Class B state amateur baseball tournament will be in Brandon, while it will return to Mitchell in ‘26 and ‘27. 

Mitchell’s Cadwell Park, a popular site for the annual 12-day amateur baseball tourney, will undergo renovations later this year. Jim “Jocko” Johnston spoke on the Mitchell Baseball Association’s behalf about the renovations, which will include field upgrades and new dugouts. 

The MBA and City of Mitchell discussed whether to add turf or improve its existing field. Johnston said it was decided to upgrade the existing field. 

“We finally decided that we want a regular baseball field,” Johnston said. “We’ve already got a turf field here (at Drake Field) and I honestly think players would rather play on a pretty good grass field.”

With the amateur tourney to be held in Brandon this year, Johnston said the MBA can start its field upgrades sooner than normal. 

“We took advantage of the fact that we don't have the state amateurs this year,” Johnston said. “This will give us an opportunity to start on our renovation in late July rather than the first of September when the state amateur tournament is over. So it will give us a chance to grow grass on the infield.” 

The MBA considered an all-turf infield, similar to Salem’s field and other local ball parks. 

“We’ve learned that an all-turf field in July and August can be pretty warm,” Johnston said. “So our preference by Mitchell Baseball and the City of Mitchell was to make it a regular field.” 

The renovations are the latest in a line of upgrades to Cadwell Park, which recently received a new press box and shade structure over the main grandstands. 

Johnston praised the City of Mitchell for assisting with the MBA’s vision for continuing to improve the baseball facilities. 

“The city realizes the importance of the state amateur tournament,” Johnston said. “We want to have it as often as we can. The city has stepped up to do that. So we are grateful for that.”

Parkston’s Chris Braley was named the new SDABA secretary-treasurer, replacing Herb Sundall, who was recognized for his 23 years of service to the association. Weber praised Sundall for his humility, friendship and dedication to amateur baseball.

Sundall wished the association well and best of luck to his replacement. 

“It will take a little bit of a learning curve,” Sundall said. “But there is no doubt in my mind that he will do as well or better than me. … You are in good hands.”

In other business, Clark’s Brock Greenfield (District 1B) and Aberdeen’s Scott Healy (Class A) were re-appointed commissioners. 

The South Dakota Baseball Coaches Association awarded coaches of the year to the following individuals: 

District 1B - Dan Haug, Castlewood Ravens

District 1B - Chris Bokinskie, Clark

District 2B - Lonni Stover, Redfield Dairy Queen

District 2B - Keith Gall, Redfield Dairy Queen

District 3B - Blake Hoffmann, Burke Bombers

District 4B - Tim Wilhelmsen, Dell Rapids PBR

District 5B - Todd Strand, Platte Killer Tomatoes

District 5B - Mike Buitenbos, Platte Killer Tomatoes

District 6B - Colton Schieffer, Crofton Bluejays

District 7B - Justin Brehmer, Parker Ringnecks

District 8A - Randy Taylor, Rapid City Angels

District 9A - Isaac Struck, Renner Royals

District 10A - Ryan Ellingson, Aberdeen Circus