A Hall of Fame Celebration
The South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association will welcome five new members to its Hall of Fame during the 2026 state amateur baseball tournament in Mitchell. The induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 1, at a banquet in Flandreau, bringing together players, coaches and fans to celebrate a generation of talent.
The inductees — Craig Mock, Delwin "Del" Ochsner, Wes Risse, Brian Relf and Joe Maunders — each left a distinct mark on South Dakota’s amateur baseball landscape, from dominant pitching to relentless hitting and steadfast leadership.
Craig Mock, an Illinois native who played baseball and basketball at Mount Marty College, spent 18 years in amateur baseball, batting over .400 and earning all‑tournament honors in 1999 and 2022. Beyond his playing days, Mock has shaped the next generation as a youth coach, guiding teams to South Dakota State VFW Class AA 11‑under and 12‑under state titles in 2010 and 2011.
Delwin "Del" Ochsner was celebrated for his power fastball and fierce competitiveness. A staple of the state tournament since his youth, Ochsner captured a full scholarship to Iowa State University and is remembered as one of the most feared pitchers of his era.
Wes Risse compiled a career batting average near .350 while playing 18 seasons for the Martin Merchants. He is the fourth member of his family to be inducted into the SDABA Hall of Fame, underscoring a multi‑generational commitment to the sport.
Brian Relf emerged as one of the Corn Belt League’s premier catchers during the 1980s and 1990s. Over 21 state tournaments he was twice named most valuable player for the Flandreau Cardinals, a testament to his offensive and defensive impact.
Joe Maunders spent 34 years as a pitcher and middle‑order hitter for various South Dakota teams. His career concluded with a batting average around .400 and an estimated 100‑120 home runs, reflecting both longevity and power.