Basin League

The league was established in 1953 with a roster of South Dakota franchises and one nearby Nebraska team. Teams in Chamberlain (Chamberlain Chiefs), Mitchell (Mitchell Kernels), Pierre (Pierre Cowboys), Winner (Winner Pheasants), as well as Valentine, Nebraska (Valentine Hearts) were the charter franchises. The league's moniker reflected the number of franchise cities situated along the Missouri River Basin. The Pierre Cowboys played in all 21 seasons of the league's existence.[1]

The Basin League began play in 1953. Rosters in 1953 were a mix of professional players and amateurs (upper high school and collegiate players). The Basin League later became exclusively amateur, evolving into what is known today as collegiate summer baseball.[2]

In 1954, the league expanded, as Huron (Huron Elks), Watertown (Watertown Lake Sox) and Yankton (Yankton Terrys) entered the league as expansion franchises.

In 1955, the League ran an advertisement in The Sporting News seeking players. In the April 6, 1955 edition of "The Sporting News": "Class A Players Wanted - For fast semipro Basin League. Capable of playing Class A ball. Write 712 Capital, Yankton, S.D."[2]

In 1958, the league split the season into two halves, with each half winner meeting for the league championship. The Basin League reverted back to full season play in 1959.[1]

As the league grew the late 1950s, a few Basin League teams were assigned a "'parent" major league club and received equipment and support. The Rapid City Chiefs were assigned to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Sturgis Titans were assigned to the Boston Red Sox and the Pierre Cowboys were assigned to the Cleveland Indians. While a positive for those franchises, it created an imbalance in support for the other league teams without a sponsoring parent club.[2]

The Basin League roster structure changed in 1960. Teams were limited to three professional players per team. In 1961, the number of professionals per team was reduced from three to two. Then, in 1962, none were allowed. Professionals were allowed to manage. But by 1964, professional managers were also excluded. Amateur umpires were used by the league from 1953-1960.[2]

From 1962 through 1967, the Basin League received regular national coverage in the weekly publication "The Sporting News." The Sporting News covered the Basin League, as they did with lower minor professional leagues. In 1966, the Basin League amateur talent pool was damaged when the NCAA ruled that NCAA college seniors could no longer play in the league.[2]

To keep their amateur status, most Basin League players received approximately $200-$500 for the summer season, with the pay received for working 'odd jobs' in the local communities. Players often worked for the city recreation departments maintaining public facilities and baseball fields.[3]

The Basin League ceased operations after the 1973 season. The growth of youth baseball had created conflicts for fans. The NCAA had put restrictions on the league, while at the same time, major league teams were reexamining player development resources. The four league teams remaining in the final 1973 season were the Chamberlain Mallards, Pierre Cowboys, Rapid City Chiefs and Sturgis Titans.[1][3]

For a time, the Basin League was touted as the best summer college league in the country. Comparable leagues included the Cape Cod League and the Alaska Baseball League.[3]

• Chamberlain Chiefs/Mallards (1953–1956, 1968–1973). Greig Field. The ballpark is still in use today.
• Huron Elks (1954–1962). Memorial Ballpark Stadium. The ballpark also hosted the Huron Cubs and Huron Phillies minor league teams.
• Mitchell Kernels (1953–1960). Kernel Park. Kernel Park was located adjacent to Joe Quintal Field, which is still in use today as home to Mitchell High School teams.
• Mobridge Lakers (1966-1972). Mobridge Field. The field is still in use and known as the American Legion Memorial Park.
• Pierre Cowboys, (1953–1973). Hyde Stadium. Hyde Stadium is still in use and is located near the state capitol and governor's mansion.
• Rapid City Chiefs (1957–1973). Sioux Park Stadium. Sioux Park Stadium was built specifically for the Chiefs in 1957 and is still in use after being renamed Fitzgerald Stadium.
• Sioux Falls Packers (1964–1965). Sioux Falls Stadium. Sioux Falls Stadium was built in 1941 and was nicknamed "The Birdcage." The ballpark is still in use and has been remodeled as home to the Sioux Falls Canaries.
• Sturgis Titans (1961–1973). Strong Field. Built in 1951, Titan Field was renamed Strong Field in 1967 after the contractor who led the movement to build the facility. It is still in use today for the Sturgis Titans high school teams and American Legion teams.
• Watertown Lake Sox (1954–1962). Watertown Stadium. Watertown Stadium later became the home of the minor league Watertown Expos and is still in use today.
• Winner Pheasants (1953–1957). Leahy Bowl. The Leahy Bowl was named for Winner native Frank Leahy, legendary football coach at Notre Dame University. The baseball field is still in use today.
• Yankton Terrys (1954–1959). Riverside Field. The Ballpark is still in use today as home to the Mount Marty College baseball team. It has been renamed Bob Tereshinski Stadium at Riverside Field after former MMC baseball coach Bob Tereshinski.
• Valentine Hearts (1953–1967). Veterans Memorial Field. Veterans Memorial Field is still in use today as home to American Legion baseball.

[2][4][5][6][3][7][8][9]