By Ryan Deal 

605 Sports

Next season, the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association voted to move it to Brandon, which might have a turf field and newer amenities. 

Mitchell, however, is perfect for all the right reasons. Mitchell is in the heart of South Dakota amateur baseball territory, Cadwell Park provides an electric atmosphere and the Mitchell Baseball Association continues to upgrade an already-beautiful ball park. 

This season, a new press box and shade structure above the main grandstands were unveiled, while other improvements are in the works. 

Then there’s the army of volunteers who are the heartbeat of the 12-day event. It takes them all to do the dirty work you wouldn’t think about. They clean dugouts, assist with field prep, pick-up trash and do it all again the next day. 

They wear the same-colored caps (maroon this year) and move as one. The Mitchell Parks & Recreation grounds crew, which sports the neon-colored T-shirts, also works in unison with them. 

The Mitchell Exchange Club is responsible for those delicious buttered-onion burgers. The Mitchell Baseball Association members sell you those BINGO cards and 50/50 tickets. 

They, along with tourney director Jim “Jocko” Johnston, are a well-oiled machine. And have been for years. 

So, that brings us back to next year. 

Brandon, we hope you crush it in 2025 as the tournament host. South Dakota amateur baseball is unique, special and it deserves the proverbial red carpet. 

We know it’s nothing new for a different venue or city to host the tournament, with Augustana University in Sioux Falls hosting it in 2018. 

But with all due respect to Brandon, Mitchell and Cadwell Park are perfect for the South Dakota Class B state amateur baseball tournament. 

And we can’t wait for its return in 2026.