MITCHELL — Dale Solberg, a regular at the Class B state amateur baseball tournament, was coaching third base for a different team this year. 

Dell Rapids PBR didn’t qualify for the tourney, but in the ultimate sign of respect, Madison was given permission to add Solberg as honorary base coach at the event. 

Solberg, the Dell Rapids PBR manager and 2022 “Man of the Year” for the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association, obliged at the uncommon gesture. 

“I am obviously humbled by that,” Solberg said. “I was completely surprised when I got the call Monday and I appreciate that recognition and respect it is.”

Solberg said the gesture by a rival team embodies South Dakota amateur baseball, a sport he’s been playing for 42 years. 

“When we get between the lines in the Cornbelt games, we get after it, and after the game we respect each other,” Solberg said. “Over the years we’ve really come to know each other on a personal level. It's humbling.”

Dell Rapids PBR's Dale Solberg was an honorary base coach for Madison at this year's state amateur baseball tournament. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

In this year’s tourney, Madison defeated the Plankinton Gold Sox in its opener and lost to Garretson on Sunday. Solberg coached third base for the Broncos and provided a veteran presence in the dugout. 

But Solberg said it was still a unique, challenging and fun situation. 

“It’s a little bit different not knowing the guys as far as the batting and their tendencies,” Solberg said. “I was on a learning curve. I was asking a bunch of questions with what they felt comfortable with and you go back to the basics of the book of baseball when you are coaching.”

Solberg has authored a dazzling amateur baseball career. After playing American Legion baseball in Webster, he began his amateur career in 1980 for Clark. He earned Most Valuable Player honors as a pickup player for Claremont in the 1984 state tournament. 

Solberg began playing for amateur baseball hotbed Dell Rapids in 1990 and success immediately came with it. Solberg was a member of nine state championship teams from 1991-2007 — three for Dell Rapids and six for Dell Rapids PBR. 

Solberg has pitched for 10 state championship teams, the most by any pitcher in South Dakota amateur baseball history. This season, he pitched in six regular season games and threw four relief innings in the district tourney for his son, Tanner. 

“I am still pitching a little bit, but it’s tough on the body, believe it or not,” Solberg, 60, joked. “But I love the game. If I can still continue to teach some things for these young kids, and give them the opportunity to grow into loving the baseball game like I did, that’s what I want to do and keep PBR going.”

Dell Rapids PBR's Dale Solberg, center, was an honorary base coach for Madison at this year's state amateur baseball tournament. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

Jay Bentz, another name synonymous with Dell Rapids PBR, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018. Bentz served as player/manager for PBR teams that won 11 district championships and nine state championships. 

Solberg is motivated to carry on the PBR name for Bentz, his long-time catcher, fellow South Dakota amateur baseball hall of famer and friend. 

“There’s a lot of tradition there,” Solberg said. “Out of respect for Jay, I want to keep it going.”

What keeps Solberg going are the relationships, camaraderie and competition. He said that’s why he is this year’s “Man of the Year” by the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association.

“It means I’ve had a lot of great teammates over the years,’ Solberg said. “No doubt about it. It’s definitely a compilation of great teammates, coaches and managers over the years in a sport that I love.”