South Dakota lost a promising educator, a dedicated coach and one heckuva baseball player on Jan. 16.

Reed Harter’s sudden death in a vehicle accident last week was a crushing blow to our state, the amateur baseball community, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Harter, 28, was involved in a multi-vehicle accident along Interstate 90 on Jan. 16, an incident that sent shockwaves across the state and also claimed the life of his friend and amateur baseball teammate, Chandler Bakley, 28. Together, the duo helped make the Winner/Colome Pheasants a formidable force in South Dakota amateur baseball.

As the youngest of three sons raised by baseball lifers Sally and Ferman, Reed Harter was destined for the diamond. Harter grew up around the game, alongside his older brothers Zach and Toby. 

Harter, who hailed from tiny Colome, displayed Herculean-like skills on the baseball field. If you appreciate hustle, heart, and hard work, you admired Reed Harter and his competitive edge.

At 5-foot-8, Harter played bigger than his frame and was widely respected for his playing style.

A true throwback player, Harter glided around the basepaths, launched home runs and played the game with pure joy. 

Harter won the Tony Adams Hustle Award at the 2019 South Dakota state amateur baseball tournament, an award given to a player who demonstrates hustle, dedication, and sportsmanship

A multi-sport athlete in high school, Harter was an all-state baseball player and a member of the South Dakota High School Baseball Hall of Fame's 2025 class.

At the prestigious Jones County Invitational boys basketball tournament, Harter earned both the Pete Kerns Award — honoring sportsmanship and a love for the game — and the tournament MVP. Harter was an all-state basketball and football player. 

Harter was an all-conference baseball player at Dakota Wesleyan University, where he later served as a volunteer assistant coach. A history education major, Harter was among the next generation’s rising teachers and coaches. 

Harter was a social studies teacher and assistant boys basketball coach for the Ethan School District. He was an assistant coach for the Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan football team.

But setting aside athletic accomplishments and educational duties, Harter was one of the most authentic and genuine people you could meet. His death leaves a huge void in South Dakota’s amateur baseball community, the Ethan School District, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Reed Harter will ultimately be remembered for his outgoing personality, friendly demeanor and unwavering passion for the game of baseball.