Department of SD Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Announces 6th Annual VFW Youth Baseball Community of the Year

Sioux Falls (September 11, 2023) – Department of SD VFW Baseball Chairman, Danny Frisby-Griffin, released the results of the Program’s sixth annual VFW Youth Baseball Community of the Year. Drawing upon the set-aside funds and generous donations from the Frisby-Griffin Family and VFW Posts across South Dakota, VFW Baseball was able to provide the $1000 VFW Youth Baseball Community of the Year Award to Parkston Baseball Association, Parkston VFW Post and the City of Parkston. We are recognizing their extraordinary efforts in executing one of the best tournaments held this summer as well as the extraordinary participation of the Parkston VFW Post 3298 members and community.

The VFW Executive Committee met September 4, 2023, to determine the awardee. The Committee used the score sheet posted on their website and was encouraged to see how high everyone scored.

Congratulations go out to the community of Parkston, VFW Post 3298 and their ballpark association. Parkston Baseball Association worked with their community, so baseball players across SD had the opportunity to play in “The Pond,” one of the best baseball complexes in SD.

This year, we would like to recognize three organizations as Friend of SD VFW Baseball for their outstanding work and positive relationship with SD VFW Baseball. The Parker Ballfield Association received a $500 award. For the second year in a row, they worked with their community and put together a very well-run tournament and went the extra distance to ensure their umpires were certified. We look forward to visiting them again soon.

We would also like to thank the Britton Baseball Association with a $250 award for their positive, can-do attitude in making sure their program is involved at all our age divisions. They have a positive and developmental approach at all the divisions, their attitude was contagious and was a lot of fun to watch in action.

Finally, VFW Baseball would also like to recognize Scotland/Menno Baseball Association for their consistent participation at all our age divisions and ensuring VFW Baseball is alive and developing in their area with an award of $250.

If you are interested in ensuring the VFW tradition of youth baseball, please consider a donation to the VFW Baseball Grant Program. Your dollars will go to youth baseball programs and communities that may need assistance in providing their youth an opportunity to play baseball, recognize an outstanding baseball community/association as well as assist veterans’ programs. Your donation will not be used for VFW Baseball Program execution.

“It seems we learn something new every season that requires us to adjust the SD VFW Baseball Rules at our annual meeting with our associations and coaches. SD VFW Baseball is blessed that we work with our associations and coaches in managing our rules. We’re extremely excited to be able to recognize communities and organizations for their outstanding support of VFW Youth Baseball. The SD VFW Baseball Program continues to support youth baseball and veterans’ programs across South Dakota,” said Frisby-Griffin. “We’re consistently striving to make SD VFW Baseball better each year. Make sure you make it to our 2024 16U All Star Game and Showcase to watch the outstanding players from across SD, 8/18/2024, as well as our annual meeting currently scheduled for 8/25/2024, 10 AM at the Madison VFW Post.”