Mitchell Baseball Association secures funding for state youth tournament with 60 teams

The Mitchell Sports & Events Authority meeting on July 8, 2025, highlighted the upcoming state youth baseball tournament, which is set to bring significant activity and visitors to the community. Nathan Sparks, president of the Mitchell Baseball Association, presented a funding application to support the tournament, which has seen an increase in participation.

Originally expecting around 50 teams, Sparks announced that the tournament will now host 60 teams from across South Dakota, including cities like Brookings, Pierre, Watertown, and Sioux Falls. This influx of teams is expected to boost local business, as many participants will likely stay overnight in Mitchell during the tournament, which runs from Friday to Sunday.

The tournament will feature teams in the 9, 11, and 12 age divisions competing in Mitchell, while the 10-year-old division will take place in a nearby location. This change in format aims to accommodate the growing number of participants and enhance the overall experience for players and their families.

The meeting underscored the importance of community events like this tournament, which not only promote youth sports but also provide economic benefits to local businesses through increased tourism. As the tournament approaches, the community looks forward to welcoming teams and their families, showcasing Mitchell as a vibrant host city for youth sports.