This weekend will be awash in activity as the SD VFW Baseball 14B State Tournament comes to Garretson. Eight teams will vie for the Championship, including Garretson's 14U baseball team.
Games will begin Friday morning as Ethan-Emery and Freeman/Marion take to the field at 11:00 a.m., followed by a match between Baltic and Britton at 1:30 p.m. Game three will be Winner vs Parkston at approximately 4:00 p.m., and game four will be Garretson vs. Clark Area at 7:00 p.m.
Between games 2 and 3 (approximately 3:45 p.m.), the Opening Ceremonies will be held with all teams in attendance.
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"We want as many supporters as we can get to show up Friday night at 7:00 when we play first round against Clark," Linneweber said. "We have a young team, but I think they are up to and are embracing the challenge of trying to do special things at the state tournament. They have grown a lot this season and have represented American Legion Post #23 wonderfully on and off the field. I have truly enjoyed coaching them this summer and getting to know these young athletes. I want to thank them for their time and effort that they have put in all summer and also want to thank American Legion Post #23 for sponsoring our team and the Blue Dragon Foundation for everything they have done to provide such a wonderful facility for us to play at."
The Opening Ceremony will have the American Legion Post #23 Color Guard, and SDVFW Baseball Chairman Danny Frisby-Griffin will give a speech.
"Legion member and long-time Garretson baseball supporter Mark Williamson will be honored," said 14U Coach Cody Linneweber. "He will throw out the ceremonial first pitch."
Linneweber pointed out that it's a great opportunity for our community. The ball association intends for the tournament "to help bring business to our small town and help out our baseball programs and field."
The Garretson 14U team has had quite a season, as they came out nearly on top in last week's 14B Region 4 Tournament, taking home second place overall.
Coach Linneweber was upbeat about the results, stating, "We played shorthanded with only 10 players [during the tournament]. We had some that were unable to attend or had injury. Other players stepped up and we ended up getting 2nd place.
"We lost to Baltic first round, beat a good Centerville team, upset a very good Parker team that had beaten us easily two times earlier this season and made it back to the championship. We played well but ran out of pitching in the long run. We are excited to be able to play and have the chance to play in a state tourney. We are riding high after regions and playing good ball."
Cost for attendance to the tournament will be $10 per day for adults. Students are free. Summer season passes will not be accepted as this is a state event.
$1 foul balls and a great food menu will be available, as will a glossy, magazine-spread program with details of the tournament for sale.
