USA Softball reveals South Dakota 2024 Hall of Fame Class

Four people have been selected as the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame inductees for 2024. Those selected are:

• James “JC” Crawford, Player, Sisseton

• Deb (Esche) Finnesand, Player, Aberdeen

• Joe Stellinga, Player, Sponsor and Coach, Watertown

• John Ewart, Player, Coach, & Contributor, Aberdeen

The Hall of Fame Banquet will be at the Ramkota Inn of Aberdeen on Oct. 12, 2024, starting with a social at 5:30pm. The evening with have a social, meal, an introduction of the new members and some special awards for umpires. The banquet cost $40 per attendee. To reserve tickets contact:

Mike Dykstra, Hall of Fame Director

605-212-3139

kdykstra@sio.midco.net

James “JC” Crawford, Player, Sisseton, SD

Photo courtesy of USA Softball South Dakota news release.

JC started playing fastpitch in 1976 with Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe teams from Old Agency. He has continued to play every year since, including 2024. In 1979, he also started playing the12” slowpitch game, again with SWST. He continues to play 12” yet today. If he had a weekend off, which very few, he would also play co-ed or big ball.

If by chance his team was not playing, he would pick-up with another team. And it did not make any difference which game was being played. In fact there were numerous weekends he might play a couple games at state slowpitch in Pierre at the “D” or Open level. Then when the last game was over Saturday,

he might drive to Sioux Falls to pitch a game at state fastpitch.

When a player has played competitively for just short of 50 years, they have outlasted a lot of teammates as well as teams. Jake fastpitch teams over the years were SWST, Ol’ Gunslingers, and then a new SWST team. In 1995 he

made a four year run at the International Softall Conference level with the North Americans. The last 24 years he has part of the Young’s Prime Time team, both at the open and masters level.

He was just as busy with the Slowpitch teams including 39 years association SWST. Other teams including 12”, 14” and/or Co-ed were with Butches Buzzards, Lefty’s, Great Plains, Zoo Bar, Watertown Buffalo Wild Wings, and the last 8 years with Brookings Culligan Water.

From 1987 – 2017 JC played in the National Indian Athletic Association, recognizes by USA Softball, perennial powers Minnesota Chip and the last 4 years with Winnebago Stucco.

JC was pitcher and played all infield positions in fastpitch and the left side and pitch in slowpitch. He adds that one time or another he has been at every position number except for the #2, catcher.

Championships were varied through the years and the games. He was “B” slowpitch champs with the Buzzard in 1988, ASA 50th year. Won the 35&Over with Nutty’s, and with Great Plains 14” Upper. With the Chipps they were 7 in a row in the Minnesota ASA Indian State.

One of the top Native tournaments in the nation is the United Tribes in Bismarck. JC took teams to the event every, starting in 1980 except the year daughter Rachael was born. They finished 1st or 2nd every year except one, they took 3rd.

JC has played in 6 ASA/USA Fastpitch Nationals. He was part of the 2007 Sioux Nation team that won ASA Slowpitch Nationals and with Zoo Bar’s 3rd place team in the National “C”. Add in 4 ISC World Fastpitch Tournaments. Also he was part of the NIAA World Championship teams in ’88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 97 & 98 as well as the Worlds in Rapid City in 2022 & 2023.

Individual honors were NIAA All Tournament every year from 1987 – 2000 except in 1990 when he was named Tournament MVP at the Native Indian Sports/ASA World Series All Tournament in 95, 96, 98 – 2000, 2003 & 2004. JC was MVP 3 peat in 1998, 1999, 2000.

In fastpitch, Jake threw his 1st no-hitter in 1985. He threw a one hitter to win 1 – 0 game against Pete Sandman in the SD Fastpitch Masters. In a slowpitch tournament he was intentionally walked his last 5 times at the plate and was still awarded the tournament MVP.

But one of his biggest high lights was with the North Americans played in Perth, Ontario in the Goodwill Games pre-tournament. They were paired against Team Canada in a game shown on ABC Wide World of Sports. JC broke up a no hitter against Fastpitch Legend Darren Zach with drive up the middle in the 5th.

In 2015 JC was inducted into the United Tribes HOF and in 2023 The Native Worlds HOF. He is a member of the “Legend of the Game’ Joe Young Trucking Tournament.

In 2023 he hosted the 48th Annual Big Jim tournament in conjunction with the SWO Wacipi that he started in honor of his Father, Big Jim Crawford.

JC is one of the best all-around softball players in the state for the last 48 years…….and counting. But there is more to the man than just athletics. A proud leader of the Native people, Jake was SWO Tribal Chairman for 4 years, After his term there he ran a successfully for the Robert County Commission.

From nominator Gary Young: “JC mentioned recently that I invited him to talk to our high school softball awards banquet in Watertown. JC spoke for 10 to 15 minutes but his message of sports and life and what it met to him”. Later he told me of the many emails received from players and parents who commented

about what they got out of his speech. “Sometimes it is just the little thing that means a lot.” Softball has allowed JC to show that we can use sports to reach out to all.

From nominator JD Young: “JC deserves the HOF solely on his athletic talent as he can flat out play. But he brings so much more to the field as a great ambassador of the game”.

From nominator Travis Young: “I had the privilege of catching and playing with JC, a true Legend of the Game as well as a friend.”

JC owns Oyate Products, a Native business. Most Sundays you can find him behind the pulpit as a Presbyterian Church Ruling Elder. Although JC isroud of his accomplishment in business, softball and SWO leadership, he is proudest of his 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Jackie and JC make their home in Bushnell.

Deb (Esche) Finnesand, Player, Aberdeen, SD

Photo courtesy of USA Softball South Dakota news release.

Deb also played for numerous teams of the years, both in fastpitch and slowpitch. Some of the teams were KKAA, Professional Arts Pharmacy, Last Chance, Knight Construction, Rockham/Super 8, and South Dakota Senior softball.

Deb always played at the upper level of competition, playing Major/Open, “A”, or “B.”

In fastpitch and modified, Deb played was the pitcher. When not on the mound she played all four infield spots as well as center field and left field. When she went to the slowpitch diamond, again she was the pitcher, but also played all 3 bases in the infield, as well as rover and left field.

She led her teams to numerous league championships in the heyday of women’s softball in Aberdeen, in both slowpitch and fastpitch.

At the state level, Deb led her teams to back to back Class “A” Slowpitch state championship in 1987 and 1988. Two years later, 1990, they won the Women’s Modified Fastpitch state tournament. In the 35 and over, Rockham added Deb’s talents to win at least 3 titles in the late 1990.early 2000.

Back in the 1980’s and 1990’s, we still had the northern regionals made up of 8 champions or 2nd place teams from ND, MN, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and South Dakota. Knights Construction of Aberdeen took back to back Northern championships. The Rockham women also played in the Women’s A with deb

over the years.

Winning the Northern Regions allowed Knights Construction to advance to the National Tournament. In 1987 they travels to Florida and finished in the top half, going 3-2. He following year the Nationals were in Minnesota, where they went 1 and 2.

Her Rockham 35 & Over team played in Nationals, finishing in the top half. All together Deb has played in 8 National Tournaments, 4 women’s slowpitch, 1 modified, and three senior games.

One highlight for Deb was in 1987 and 1988, Knight Construction was undefeated in South Dakota women’s slowpitch, so they sought, and got, permission to play in the Aberdeen Men’s Lower league. Although she does not remember exactly how they did, she said they contribute that to their ability to

improve.

Another highlight was at the Regional Tournament. Knight Construction was the first team to beat perennial power North Dakota Corner Drug in the regionals. Score tied in the bottom of the 7th, with runner on 1st, Deb hit it out for the walk off win.

Awards over the years include being named 5-time MVP at the Hazel Invite, which drew some of the top women’s fastpitch team every year. She was named All State in Women’s Slowpitch over 20 times. National All American honors twice in slowpitch, once in Modified, and twice in the over 35.

In her 4 years at Northern, Deb was named to the District #12 team all 4 years and to the Regional Team twice.

In 2023 Deb represented all South Dakota girls and women by being chosen to throw out the first pitch at the Inaugural State High School Tournament held in Aberdeen.

From nominator Kath “Coyle” Grubb “Deb was representing all of us women who never had the chance to play softball as a high school sanctioned sport. When I think of Deb, I think of not only her talents but the contributions to the advancement of women in sport in South Dakota.”

Deb started playing fastpitch at age 10 in Aberdeen Park and Rec. By age 13 she had made the transition to the women’s league. She played basketball and track and field in high school, the only to sanctioned women’s sports at the time.

Deb decided to stay in Aberdeen and play for Northern State, besides her softball career, she was a 4 year starter for Curt Fredrickson, making all District teams 4 years. The wolves finished 3rd in the Nationals in 1981.

After graduating Deb was the Northern State softball coach for 8 years, named conference coach of the year twice. She was named Aberdeen American News Girls’ Basketball Player of the Century. NSU Hall of Fame in softball and basketball as well as Aberdeen Central Hall of Fame.

Deb and her husband Nick have been married for 35 years, have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

Joe Stellinga, Player, Sponsor and Coach, Watertown, SD

Photo courtesy of USA Softball South Dakota news release.

Joe started playing slowpitch softball in Sioux Falls with Jensen Brothers in 1979 and stayed with Jensen through 1992, when he moved to Watertown.

During that time, Joe also spent time in Watertown with his own Curtis Mathes team, playing from 1983– 1987, took a year off and then again from 1989 to 1992, when he went full time in Watertown in 1993. In 1994 Joe changed the name of the team and the business to J&C, playing through 1998.

During his playing days, Joe was either on the mound or played 1st base. From 1989 through 1998, Joe’s team won the Watertown league 10 consecutive years. His J&C Men’s teams were State B Champs in 1994 as well as winning the 1996 and 1997 Men’s “A” 14” titles.

Along with his men’s teams, J&C, Joe’s business sponsored and Joe coached an 18U girls team from 1993 – 1997, a Division 1 Women’s team from 1997 – 2016. Then as GCI, Joe coached and sponsored the GCI Gems 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U Girl’s teams from 2007 – 2013. Then on a different night he sponsored

and coach the GCI Blaze boy’s 12U and 14U from 2009 – 2012.

Joe’s teams had some big league championship runs. The men had a 10 year run, the women a 22 year run, as well as the youth teams winning many youth league championships.

Their state championships were also impressive. The men won the State “B” in 1994, and the 14” A in 196 and 1997. !8U girl’s titles in 1994 and 1997, boy’s won the 14U in 2011.

His women’s teams brought home state championships in 2002, 03, and 04 as well as 2010 in the Division 1. Add back to back women over 35 titles in 2015 and 2016.

Joe coached JC Girls won the 18U regionals in Sioux Falls three years in a row, 1995, 1996, and 1997 without losing a game.

In the 40 years Joe has played, coached, and sponsored softball in Sioux Falls and Watertown, he has plenty of memories. He has played, coached, or sponsored in 30 state Championship games. He comments that they came up short plenty, but not always. He played, coached, and sponsored 5 teams a

year for many years.

Joe was in Sioux Falls, where he worked with Larry Leveranz to expand Sherman Park to Diamonds E, F, and G. He worked with his co-worker Rick Stanley at get the Hall of Fame program going. He remembers winning Jack Kolbeck’s Smoes Tournament. It was always a pleasure to visit with Gayle and Ike Hoover when coming to Sioux Falls.

Joe brought many slowpitch tournaments to Watertown, including the adult men and wm=omen as well as many JO tournament. Joe was recognized by the CVB for his efforts.

Joe was key to starting the Watertown Youth Slowpitch league. With Joe’s start and continued sponsorships over the years, this is one of the most successful youth slowpitch leagues in the nation today.

With all his softball accolades, he might be proudest of the success of the Watertown JO Program. When his daughter turned 13 in 1993, he discovered there was no place to play in Watertown anymore unless she played in the women’s league. So he contacted Carol Pipgras and learned that there was a Northeast league in the area. So he found 13 girls that wanted to play but problem being 3 of them were 18U players, so he moved the girls to the 18U league. To the surprise of many, they took second at state.

This started others thinking they wanted to play, so the next year there were 3 Watertown teams playing in the Northeast league. Joe met with the P&R in Watertown and they gave him one diamond, one night a week so they could have home games also. In the fall of 1994, Joe and Jeff Denzer met with the PE

teachers in Watertown and passed out flyers to see if they could get a Watertown league started. They exceeded their expectation and 26 teams sign up. And the program has grown to be one of the best in the nation.

“I have boxes of trophies and plaques, but I am proudest of the progress of the Watertown JO League and the boys and girls that have played for me.” Joe goes on to say “They are now attorneys, CEO’s, Teachers, CPA’s, College and High School teachers and coaches, and even a commercial airline pilot.

Several are now coaching their kids in slowpitch and fastpitch programs across the state and region. I hear from many of them frequently nothing could be more rewarding.”

Joe was also involved with the new lights at Koch on 5, 6, and 7 as he made a personal CD for collateral to fund the project. He bought the sign making machine and helped sell sponsorships. Joe and his daughter made the signs and hung them and it all help to pay for the lights.

He also worked with the Twins Community Fund/Moliter Fields for $5,000 for the new dugouts. He appreciated and thanks Jon Gordon, Tori Hunter, and Ron Coomer who made the presentation for the Pohlad family in Watertown.

Joe would thank to thank the umpires over the years for all they have done for the game. Tim Carston, Bill Conlon, Sam Mooney, Kelly Johnson and many, many more from Watertown. Also thanks to Duane and Eric Donat, Rich Skorheim, Chuck Buchheim, and Steve Riswold for their leadership, but more so for never tossing him.

Kim Grandgaard, Joe’s daughter. “For my entire life, my Father loved playing and coaching softball. As a kid we were at the diamonds playing with my sister and cousins as Dad played softball. When we moved ot Watertown it did not stop, instead it grew. Dad still played, he sponsored, helped with the leagues,

and coached my daughter and son. The number of people my Father has coached and sponsored are remarkable, but the time and dedication he has put into the softball program is monumental.”

Joe and his wife Carolyn have 2 daughters. They own J&C, Inc. a furniture and home appliance store in Watertown.

John Ewart, Player, Coach, & Contributor, Aberdeen, SD

Photo courtesy of USA Softball South Dakota news release.

John Ewart started his softball career in 1983 in Aberdeen, SD playing 12” softball for Mr. T’s and Co-ed with Stahl Oil/Thompson Trucking. Throughout the years he has played with numerous teams. In 12” he has played with Peterson Grain and Franks Place/Schlaht Wood Working.

In 1992 John played for Last Chance. Coors, Coke in 12”, 14” 16” and in Co-ed. Then 6 years later playing all the games but with Robbie’s Bar/Coors Light. Then in 2002 12 year run with Lagers/Coors Light, again playing 12”, 14”, 16” and co-ed. John won many league championships with these various teams.

John also added State Championships in all games. See the following list:

• 12” with Last Chnce in 1994, Lagers in 2002 and 2005

• 14” Robbies in 1999 and 2000, Lagers in 2008 and 2009.

• 16” with Robbie’s in 1999, 2000, and 2001, Lagers in 2008 and 2009.

• Co-ed In 1993 with Last Chance.

• 14” over 35 with old Mill in 1998 and 2000. Then they had a nine year run with Lagers, starting in 2003

• and finishing in 2011.

Northern Regions In 1996, John was playing with Last Chance who took took 1st place.

National Tournament Appearances

• 1993 Last Chance in Co-ed in Bismarck

• 1996 Last Chance men’s D in Alabama

• 1987 Last Chance 16 A in Aberdeen and again in 2001 with Robbies in Aberdeen

• 2002 Lagers 12” in Cedar Rapids.

John either coached or help coach many of these men’s teams. In 1990 and 1991 John coached Last Chance women’s teams to state championships.

In leadership roles John was the Aberdeen Men’s 12” area commissioner form 1999 – 2019. In 2006 he was also named the 14”/16” South Dakota Deputy Commissioner, a position he still hold today. He was voted to a two year term as State President of USA Softball in 2021.

John’s other committee involvement, the ASA/USA Softball state executive committee since 2006, Aberdeen’s New Complex committee for 2012 to 2019. He also is involved with the Aberdeen tournament bidding committee to bring events to Aberdeen.

John has been the tournament director and the lifeblood of the “Big Ball Division” since 2006. He is always searching for ways to keep it alive.

From Durran Schmidt “John has done about everything softball in Aberdeen, thus the nickname “Johnny Softball”. I was blessed to play on John’s teams for over 20 years. John’s teams were known for playing hard, having fun, and playing the game the right way.

John has been very instrumental in Aberdeen softball, especially Big Ball. I truly feel if John was not the Deputy of Big Ball, the game would not still be played in the state of South Dakota. Then add his knowledge and help of getting the New Players Fields built is great for the city.

John does what is best for the game. He is a great friend, teammate, and mentor, very deserving of the Hall of Fame nod.”

John has made an impression as he has the who’s who in South Dakota Softball writing letters of recommendation. Aberdeen UIC Tim Steinwandt “The thing I remember most about John’s playing day is what a true gentleman he was on and off the diamond.”

Keith and Stacie Morell: “During his term as President, John help lead us through the COVID pandemic. With all the different towns and different protocols, it was zoom meeting after zoom meeting. Plus we all respect his perseverance with the Big Ball program.”

Craig Green: “John is one of the most well respected promoters of the game in South Dakota.”

John and Judy, who have 3 children, make their home in Aberdeen. John owns Rohl Vending in Aberdeen.