2026 S.D. Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Release

LAKE NORDEN — Five more past greats are slated to be inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2026. Delwin “Del” Ochsner of Alpena, Craig Mock of Mitchell, Wes Risse of Martin, Brian Relf of Flandreau and Joe Maunders of Lennox are members of the latest induction class. The group will be honored between the two evening Class B semifinal games on Saturday, Aug. 15 during the state amateur baseball tournament at Cadwell Park in Mitchell. The SDABA Hall of Fame banquet will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1 at Flandreau. More details on the banquet will be released later. The SDABA Hall of Fame is located in Lake Norden. Information on the S.D. Umpires Association 2026 Hall of Fame inductee and honorary inductee will be released later. Here’s the biographies of the new inductees:

Ochsner was a dominant presence on the mound, known for his power fastball, durability and fierce competitiveness. His love for the game began on the family farm north of Alpena and he quickly advanced through local youth and American Legion programs. By age 14, Ochsner was already pitching in the state amateur tournament. In 1972, he recorded 22 strikeouts in an American Legion Baseball regional game to help propel Alpena to the championship. Ochsner went on to earn a full scholarship to Iowa State University, where he developed into one of the program’s top pitchers. As a junior in 1975, he compiled an 8-4 record and 1.53 earned run average while earning All-Big Eight Conference second team honors. His performance drew attention from professional scouts and further refined the skills that would define his amateur career. Returning to Alpena, Ochsner became a cornerstone of the town’s amateur team from 1976 to 1985. Competing in the highly regarded Pony Hills League, he was consistently called upon to face the toughest opponents. He delivered with regular double-digit strikeout performances and made numerous state-tourney appearances, both with Alpena and as pickup player.

The Illinois native came to South Dakota to play basketball and baseball at Mount Marty College in Yankton and began his amateur baseball playing career in 1988 with the Tabor Bluebirds while still in college. Over the next 18 years, Mock played with Tabor and Scotland in the South Central League, Clear Lake in the Eastern Dakota League, Canova in the Corn Belt League and Mitchell UPT in the Sioux Empire League. An infielder and contact hitter who regularly batted over .400, Mock played in the state tourney each of his 18 seasons. He was a member of state runner-up teams in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002 and also played on state semifinal teams in 1988 and 2003. Mock earned all-tourney honors in 1999 and 2022 and was selected multiple times to play in the South Central League vs. Sunshine League All-Star Game. Following the completion of his playing career, Mock coached youth baseball and guided teams to South Dakota State VFW Class AA 11-under and 12-under state titles in 2010 and 2011. His baseball and basketball exploits have already earned him induction into the Mount Marty College Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Northern Illinois Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Wes Risse, who played 18 years of amateur baseball (1974-1992) for the Martin Merchants, is the fourth member of his family to be inducted into the SDABA Hall of Fame, joining his father Dave (2006) and uncles Ed (2011) and Chuck (1995). Risse started playing baseball at age 6 because the Little League team needed players and also played VFW Teener baseball, competing in two state tournaments as a pickup player. Since Martin didn’t have an American Legion Baseball team, he started his amateur career. Risse also played at Black Hills State College in Spearfish and returned home after the program was discontinued to farm and ranch and play amateur baseball. Primarily a catcher and infielder, Risse also spent some time on the mound later in his career. He played in the state tournament every year, either with Martin or as a pickup player, and compiled a career batting average of around .350 with five or six home runs per year. He prided himself on his defense more than offense and used his strong arm to throw out players from all over the diamond. When his sons were old enough to play, Risse and several of his former teammates worked to revive Little League in Martin and creating opportunities for a new generation of young athletes. He also played some games with the Winner Old Studs in a 60-and-over tournament and played his final game in a 60-and-over tournament in 2015 at Rapid City.

Relf was one of the best offensive and defensive catchers in the Corn Belt League throughout the 1980s and 1990s and helped the Flandreau and Madison teams he played for stay at the top of the league during that span. He played in 21 state tournaments during his 22-year career and was twice named the most valuable player for the Flandreau Cardinals. Relf compiled a career batting average of .350 or better with an estimated 125 home runs. Relf was known as the ultimate teammate who carried a positive attitude and never said an unkind word to any opponent or umpire.

A longtime teacher, coach and administrator, Relf serves on the board of directors for Helping Kids Round First — a non-profit organization based in South Dakota committed to improving the lives of people in vulnerable communities through sustainable programs in sports, farming, healthcare and education.

The Corsica native spent 34 years (1970-2004) as a pitcher and middle-of-the-order hitter for Corsica, Mitchell Commercial Bank, Mitchell Moonlight Bar, Salem Cubs, Sioux Falls Nite City, Sioux Falls Bud Champs and Renner Old Milwaukee. The lefty-swinging Maunders spent a majority of his early amateur career with Mitchell Commercial Bank, batting over .500 a couple of seasons and piecing together a handful of years with nearly 20 extra-base hits. He concluded his career with a batting average of around .400 with an estimated 100-120 home runs. Maunders primarily played first base but also saw regular duty on the mound with many of the teams he played on. He played in more than 20 state amateur tournaments.

2025: Doug Schooley, Watertown; Freddy Ellis, Mitchell; Nate Henry, Dell Rapids; Lee Heimes, Wynot, NE; and Mike Hiltunen, Volga.

2024: Devin Alfson, Canova; Michael Clapp, Renner; Brent Osborn, Redfield; Mark Payne, Sioux Falls; and Matt Stevenson, Lake Norden.

2023: Orville Harmdierks, Wessington Springs; Nick Ernster, Emery; Ron Miller, Canova; Dan O’Neill, Tuthill; and Wayne Johnson, Rapid City.

2022: Chris Brown, Brandon; Ron Baker, Sioux Falls; Jay Kusler, Sioux Falls; Gary Kortan, Tabor; and Warren Scherschligt, Lesterville.

2021: Chuck and David Hughes, Sioux Falls; Bob Pidde, Freeman; Mark Acheson, Chester; and Al Karels, Salem.

2020: Gene Lorenz, Aberdeen; Scott Bartholomew, Wheaton, MN; Curt Cutler, Sioux Falls; Steve Fejfar, Elk Point; and Rich Osborn, Redfield.

2019: Jay Bentz, Dell Rapids; Dan Stier, Mina; Keith Gall, Redfield; Rick Weber, Flandreau and Roger Merriam, Watertown.

2018: Lonni Stover, Redfield; Mike Garry, Sioux Falls; Brad Goldstine, Sioux Falls; Pat Schmidt, Dell Rapids; and Lee Stoddard, Madison.

2017: Allan Oswald, Canova; Kip Coates, Rapid City; Brian Sudenga, Valley Springs; Ted Poncelet, Irene; and Melvin Schlimgen, Dimock-Parkston.

 2016: Larry Anderson, Freeman; Everett Bradshaw, Salem; Kevin Nowotny, White Lake; Keith Sabers, Salem; and Galen Swenson, Strandburg.

2015: Rod Merriam, Rapid City; Daryl Deneke, Rapid City; Tom Kessinger, Renner; Dale Solberg, Dell Rapids; and Bruce Mogen, Dell Rapids.

2014: Bill, Jim and Tom Sudbeck, Dimock; Frank Cutler, Platte; Jerry Kampshoff, Canova; and Ted Gosmire, Canova.

2013: Perry Danforth, Huron; Billy McMacken, Brookings; Mark Ripperda, Larchwood (Iowa); Chuck Sendelbach, Renner; and Dave Sendelbach, Renner.

2012: Paul Raasch, Lake Norden; Mick Hoglund, Lake Norden; Kent Alm, Aberdeen; Jon Westling, Avon; and Mike West, Philp.

2011: Brad Oswald, Canova; Ed Risse, Martin; Bill Ernster, Parkston; Jim Heirigs, Irene; and Dennis Simon, Larchwood, IA.

2010: Kevin Leighton, Madison; Duane “Stub” Miller, Canova; LuVerne “Lefty Lou” Locken, Mitchell; Al Merriam, Huron; Jim Wilbur, Dell Rapids; and Robin Ackman, Mitchell.

2009: Tom Pahl, Claremont; Herb Sundall, Kennebec; Robert (Bob) Altenburg, Armour; Robert Benson, Clearfield; and Everett Jensen, Arlington.

2008: Tom Gordon, Scotland; Bill Richter, Claremont; Jan Davis, Colton; Jon Graves, Rapid City; and Keith Thomas, Rapid City.

2007: Larry McKenney, Larchwood; Dave Mydland, Renner; Tom Schlimgen, Scotland; and Kirk Sorensen, Vermillion.

2006: Don Greenfield, Clark; Burt Tulson, Lake Norden; Sherm Cutler, Claremont; Curt Fredrickson, Aberdeen; and Dave Risse, Martin.

2005: Dean Minder, Wilmot; Chuck Feiner, Dimock; Fred Courey, Lennox; Dave Courey, Lennox; Les Strand, Kimball; and Bob Wiley, Webster.

2004: Red Loecker, Yankton; Dale Weber, Delmont; Jack Zimmer, Montrose; Howard Bich, Renner; Gary Croon, Renner; and Dave Gassman, Canova.

2003: Doug Dohrer, Milbank; Tom Collins, Rapid City; Richard Rockafellow, Quinn; Eldor Larson, Strandburg; and Pat Tracy, Mobridge.

2002: Bob Beattie, Sioux Falls; Lyle Brown, Wessington Springs; George Kjellsen, Huron; Pat Morrison, Mobridge; and Paul Pawlowski, Wessington Springs.

 2001: Dave Bauer, Ipswich; Daryl DeBois, Redfield; and Roger Roth, Warner.

2000: Steve Acheson, Renner; Carroll “Red” Allen, Lake Andes; Dave Allen, Renner; and Jeff Nelson, Sioux Falls.

1999: Don Hardie, Redfield; Paul Karst, Groton; and Joel Swedlund, Winner.

1998: Jim Anderson, Brandt; Ted Hamre, Willow Lake; and Les Scherschligt, Lesterville.

1997: Walt Benson, Clearfield; Doug Stanford, Rapid City; Levo Larson, Woonsocket; and Ken McCormick, Aberdeen.

1996: Arne Mahlum, Aberdeen-Mobridge; C. Marlan Wollman, Freeman; Harold “Hack” Murphy, Huron; and Leroy Perman, Java.

1995: Don Frank, Gregory; Bob Meiners, Clearfield; Roger Nielson, Irene; and Chuck Risse, Martin.

1994: LaVern Kary, Eureka; Melvin Goetsch, Chamberlain; and Paul Roeber, Redfield.

1993: Danny Olson, Sioux Falls; Dallas Lavin, Clear Lake; Lee Goldammer, Canova; Russell Hiltunen, Howard; Allen Ehrke, Aberdeen; and John Peckham, Scotland.

1992: Oscar Schumacher, Ipswich; Keith Cutler, Claremont; Ervin Locke, Groton; Floyd Biel, Java; and Wald Thied, Faulkton.

1991: Roland Petesch, Forestburg; Glen Baker, Scotland; Ken Liveris, Tyndall; Jerry DesLauriers, Huron; and LeRoy “Red” Deneke, Huron.

1990: Royce Roberts, Cresbard; Dale Hardy, Sturgis; Harold Gebhart, Gettysburg; Bill Koupal, Mitchell; Ralph Macy, Rapid City; and Rodney Soyland, Webster.

1989: Elwood Anderson, Sioux Falls; Lee Bjorkman, Arlington; Earl Gieser, Brandt; and Milt Mehlhaf, Freeman.

1988: Ken Kessinger, Renner; Ken Bertrand, Renner; and Ray Scherschligt, Alpena.

1987: Roy Acheson, Colton; Jim Fitzgerald, Lesterville; Bob Grosshuesch, Yankton; Clifford Hicks, Yankton; and Art Ulmer, Menno.

1986: Eddie Karst, Lowry; Dick Gross, Eureka; Don Haley, Mitchell; and Don Tocjek, Tabor.

1985: Ray Stedronsky, Lake Andes; Max Becker, Yankton; Harold Schunk, Rapid City; and Norm Jennings, Hot Springs.

1984: Wilbur Foss, Yankton; Ray Roth, Dimock; and Oliver Garnier, Oglala.

1983: Joe Belak, Gregory; Lyle Docken, Winner; and Derald Bogenrief, Wilmot.

1982: Art “Sally” Suess, Menno; Vernon “Spike” Miller, Canova; Merle Burns, Menno.

1981: Moe Mack, Aberdeen; G. Richard “Dick” Ruddell, Spearfish; and Clarence “Lucky” Kortan, Pierre.

1980: Eilers Grimme, Canova; Myron “Mike” Mebius, Plankinton; and R.D. “Bud” Schlaht, Gregory.

1979: Glen DesLauriers, Raymond; Edward Stahl, Huron; Jim Meaghan, Estelline; and Lawrence Muehl, Frankfort.

1978: Judge Sharp, Delmont; William Pavel, Tyndall; Leonard Cahill, Kimball; and Andrew Brekke, Renner.

1977: Lyle Morris, Aberdeen; Ray Antonen, Lake Norden; and E.F. “Bud” Elkins, Watertown.

1976: R.N. Fossum, Aberdeen; Casper Ochs, Aberdeen; Max Birrenkott, Aberdeen; Larry Desautels, Aberdeen; and Arthur Borden, Frederick.

1975: Leonard Schlimgen, Dimock; Al Feiner, Ethan; and Keith Cooper, Mitchell.

1974: Cliff Papik, Spearfish; John Cunningham, Faulkton; Vernon Roeber, Redfield; and Ed Reuer, Hoven.

1973: Otto Mees, Wilmot; Chance Stone, Clear Lake; Sid Lundquist, Strandburg; and Elmer Fitzgerald, Rapid City.

1972: Cy Jensen, Woonsocket; Carl Hertz, Menno; Ed Metzger, Tyndall; and Steve Kostel, Yankton.

1971: Martin Miller, Gregory; Jerry Donovan, Martin; and Frank Wurnig, Winner.

1970: Chuck Peterson, Arlington; Hart Erickson, Arlington; and Elwin H. Grow, Watertown.

1968: Ken Ireland, Scotland; Laddie Kostel, Tabor; Jack Hennies, Wagner; and Reinhold Aisenbrey, Menno.

1967: O.B. Light, Pierpont; Dr. G.R. Caldwell, Webster; and Edmund Carter, Redfield.

1966: Clayton Feser, Claremont; Roy E. Pearson, Redfield; and A.B. Gilbertson, Redfield.

1965: Leo E. Buchanan, Selby; William Fetterly, Wallace; George Beier, Watertown; George Parden, Ordway; Julian Bue, Sisseton; and Henry Bue, Milbank.

1964: Ed T. Elkins, Watertown; Adrian Nelson, Renner; Bertie Kostboth, Canistota; and Joe Walter, Freeman.

1962: Sam Pietz, Hosmer; Irvin Mutschler, Eureka; Harry Robb, Garden City; Abe Pred, Aberdeen; and George Hicks, Java.

 1961: Floyd Bradley, Redfield; Harry Liem, Huron; Ed Gruenwald, Woonsocket; and John C. Terry, Miller.

1960: Roy N. Wahl, Columbia; Julius S. Pfitzer, Java; Neil Haley, Aberdeen; B.J. McKeague, Rapid City; Victor Bauhs, Faulkton; and Claude Oaks, Gettysburg.

1959: Ray Shaw, Canova; the Rev. P.P. Meyer, Dell Rapids; Frank Holdhusen, Houghton; and Gilbert Bruflat, Wallace.

1958: William Prunty, Carthage; Theodore Petrik, Tabor; Tommy Collins, Watertown; Denny Cosgrove, Pierre; Bamey Churchill, Holmquist; and Joe Cain, Claremont.

1957: D.A. “Deck” Healy, Garden City, and Howard Lyke, Garden City.