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Sasquatch Release 2026 Schedule

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:38:52 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH AND INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL RELEASE 2026 SCHEDULE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 21st, 2026)

(Spearfish, SD) – Today, Independence League Baseball and the Spearfish Sasquatch announced the release of the 2026 schedule. The schedule features a 48 game regular season schedule in which member teams will vie for a chance to compete in two rounds of playoffs to determine the 2026 iLB Champion.

“The day the schedule is released is a very exciting day for any team”, said Eric Schmidt – Owner/GM of the Spearfish Sasquatch. “We look forward to this day and the opportunity to finally share our summer plans with all our fans. There is a ton of work put in behind the scenes between the league and the teams to make this all come together. We all share ballparks with other organizations, so at times it can be a challenge to navigate around others schedules throughout the league and make all the pieces fit perfectly into this giant puzzle.”

The Sasquatch regular season schedule will feature 48 games (31 home, 17 away). “While the schedule release is a big day, that’s when a lot of the work really begins”, said Schmidt. “Now we can kick our planning process into high gear by working on our theme nights, promotions, and prepare to schedule in-game entertainment. We’re looking to have 4 fireworks nights, celebrating our 2025 iLB Championship, playing an exhibition game against the Spearfish Post 164 American Legion Baseball Club, bringing back the very popular Free Jersey Night, in addition to a couple other special evenings this summer!”

With teams located throughout the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain Regions, Independence League Baseball is an elite summer collegiate wood bat baseball league which aims to provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while enhancing the quality of life in its member communities by providing the tools and experience needed to optimize the collegiate players’ development as they pursue their dreams to play baseball professionally.

The players stay with host families from the local communities. Host families are a very integral part of the Spearfish Sasquatch and these host family relationships provide a lifetime of memories for both the host families and the players. If you are interested in learning about the Spearfish Sasquatch Host Family Program, please email spearfishsasquatch@gmail.com for more information.

For information on Independence League Baseball, visit www.independenceleague.com, and for more information on the Spearfish Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com.

SASQUATCH NAME PHIL DIMAS AS HEAD COACH

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:15:19 GMT

SASQUATCH NAME PHIL DIMAS AS HEAD COACH

The Spearfish Sasquatch of Independence League Baseball announce Phil Dimas as Head Coach for the 2026 season.

Phil Dimas enters his first season as Head Coach of the Spearfish Sasquatch, bringing with a strong track record of success at both the junior college and summer collegiate levels. He currently also serves as the Director of Player Development for the University of New Mexico Baseball program (NCAA Division I), where he continues to impact athletes at the highest level of college baseball.

“Phil stood out from the first time we spoke as someone who I felt was the perfect fit for our ballclub. I’m excited to get him started, add some assistant coaches, and begin recruiting a talented team with the goal of bringing another iLB Championship to our great fans.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

Before joining UNM, Dimas spent four seasons (2021–2025) as an Assistant Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator at College of the Desert (COD) in Palm Desert, California. During his tenure, COD experienced a dramatic turnaround, capturing its first conference title in 51 years, earning its first-ever Super Regional appearance, and making the playoffs every year. Notably, COD also achieved a 100% sophomore move-on rate, sending more than 75 players to the next level—ranking among the best in California and top five nationally.

In the summer collegiate circuit, Dimas has also made his mark. In 2024, he was named Coach of the Year in the Palm Springs Collegiate League (PSCL) and celebrated a California Premier Collegiate League (CPCL) championship as a member for the coaching staff for the Palm Springs Power. Over the past two seasons, he has also served as the hitting and fielding coach for California Post Grad Baseball, continuing to shape and mentor athletes across Southern California’s developmental baseball scene.

Dimas’ coaching philosophy is rooted in experience and mentorship. He has played for and coached alongside respected baseball minds, including former Colorado Rockies hitting coordinator Jimmy Johnson, whose mentorship has been pivotal in shaping his approach as a coach. A Driveline-certified hitting coach, Dimas emphasizes individualized player development grounded in modern hitting philosophies and success driven results. He is deeply connected within the national and western U.S. college baseball scene, with strong relationships across NCAA, NAIA, and junior college programs. Among his coaching network is Justus Scott, who led the Spearfish Sasquatch to a championship last season.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Dimas is a graduate of Tanque Verde High School and played collegiate baseball at several programs, including College of the Desert during the 2019–2020 seasons. In addition to his coaching career, he has worked as a private strength and performance coach, training hundreds of college and professional athletes.

Known for his relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to developing players both on and off the field, Coach Dimas brings leadership, vision, and a successful culture to Spearfish this season.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored take the reins as head coach of the Spearfish Sasquatch. I’m looking forward to bringing in a team of players and staff that not only carries on the winning tradition, but one who also brings an energy and passion that excites our fans and that our community can get behind.”

Phil Dimas – Sasquatch Head Coach

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF HEAD COACH JUSTUS SCOTT

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:32:22 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF HEAD COACH JUSTUS SCOTT

(Spearfish, SD) – Justus Scott will not return as Spearfish Sasquatch head coach for the 2026 season, Sasquatch Owner/GM, Eric Schmidt announced today.

Coach Scott departs the Spearfish Sasquatch program after two summers with a 65-37 overall record (.637) and leading the Sasquatch to their first ever League Championship in 2025.

I want to sincerely thank Coach Scott for his commitment and investment in the Spearfish Sasquatch since he came on board in February of 2024,” said Eric Schmidt. “I wish Justus nothing but the best for him and his entire family.”

“Justus basically inherited a team that first year (2024), so it was great to give him the opportunity to come back in 2025 and build his own team,” said Schmidt. “It was fun building a roster to compete for a championship and we were fortunate to keep some key returners and able to get some great young players,” added Scott.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spearfish and met some great people! Winning the league was special. I was proud of the guys and very happy for the organization and the outstanding fans and supporters,” said Coach Scott when asked to reflect on his time here.

A nationwide search for the next Spearfish Sasquatch Head Coach will begin immediately.

For information on the Spearfish Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

The Grayt Team

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:21:25 GMT

The Grayt Team

The antique blue JUGS pitching machine hums to life. A low buzz spills out, that of a refrigerator working overtime. The wheels spin rapidly, primed to fire pitches at 40 miles per hour. Three wooden boards brace its back legs. To the right, a bucket sits half full with scuffed polyurethane baseballs, the yellow color faded from overuse.

Grayson Chapeau steps towards the turf mat, 60 feet away.

His stride is quick. Uneven. He picks up a white and gold Louisville Slugger, the grip frayed and curling near the knob. He tightens his hold and looks up. His mouth opens, revealing rubber bands and retainers between a crooked smile. On his head, a red Rawlings helmet. Edges chipped, plastic peeling. A scar peeks out from underneath.

“Gray, are you zoned in?” his mother Chelsey calls, lifting a ball from the bucket.

He doesn’t answer. He just nods.

She raises the ball above her head, then lets it drop into the blue chute. The machine spits it forward with a hiss.

Grayson swings. And connects.

Still Grayson

The MRI tube is no wider than a cafeteria tray. The ceiling is less than six inches from his nose. Somewhere in the next room, a technician watches Grayson’s brain light up on a black-and-white monitor. A disembodied voice crackles through the speaker above his head.

“Hold still.”

They don’t need to repeat it. He’s been here more than 60 times. When he was just four years old, his family turned it into a game.

“Freeze!”

And he did. Without sedation, he would lay perfectly still for 45, sometimes 90 minutes at a time. Through MRIs, CT scans, and 40 rounds of radiation.

For brain cancer. Diffuse Astrocytoma.

But unlike Grayson in the tube, the tumor wouldn’t stay in place.

Woven deep into parts of the brain that handle vision, movement, and memory, the tumor is slow growing, but inoperable. The word “diffuse” means it spreads out instead of forming one clean clump. Removing it was never an option. Not then. Not now. Grayson turned 15 this year, and is nearly 11 years into a fight that has never paused.

“He has never been in remission,” Chelsey said. “He is fighting for his life alongside his dreams.”

He could be bitter. He has every right to be. But that is never who he has been.

Keeping Tabs

The sun dips behind the Black Hills in Spearfish, South Dakota, painting the outfield in a golden glow. Down below, a ballpark buzzes with summer life. Here, college kids chase innings and memories. Roughly 600 loyal fans roll through the gates every game, faithful through mountain storms and dry July heat. They wear the colors: blue, white, and black.

And Gray.

The colors, and heart, of the Spearfish Sasquatch.

In the bleachers, fingers twist aluminum tabs from drink cans. They drop these tabs into clear containers throughout the stadium, each with a black and gold sticker picturing Grayson’s face and message. One is taped to a recycling bin, the other rests on the counter of the concession stand.

It’s not a game. It’s something quieter. Each tab is for a boy who can’t take the field but never left the team. Grayson walks around, hyping up the crowd.

“When I say Spearfish you say Sasquatch!”

Sometimes fans, now friends, yell back. Other times his voice rings loud amongst the silence. He always ends with one big scream.

Often, he carries a glove. Other times a miniature wooden bat. When batters step to the plate, Grayson swings too. He dons a white Sasquatch jersey, signed by generations of players who have come through this town. The number on the back isn’t printed, however. It’s scribbled on with black Sharpie.

24.

That was Ryan Bachman’s number, the one he wore for four Sasquatch seasons. It’s retired now. Preserved in a circular placard mounted to the front of the press box, like a badge of loyalty drilled into the stadium’s bones.

“There’s nobody I’d rather see still wearing that number,” Bachman said.

After his fourth season concluded last summer, Ryan had to leave. Grayson was a wreck. Thankfully, Ryan is back as a coach. And Grayson? He is back in his usual spot, roaming the stands, uniting the crowd. Some days, Grayson joins the guys down in the outfield for their daily prayer.

“Grayson is part of the team,” Bachman said. “He may be a bit younger and smaller, but we all look up to him.”

This summer, a new addition has been wrapped around the wrists of Bachman and many others. A navy band with gold lettering. On one side, a supportive message, bracketed by a childhood cancer ribbon:

No One Fights Alone! Go GOLD 4 kids!

On the other, a tribute. A symbol of what everybody at this park is part of.

Grayson’s Support Squad.

Almost every player received one, and none have taken it off. There’s an intentionality to all of this. The bracelets, the pulling of tabs, and the keeping of joy. Bringing the town, the team and the crowd together.

The first time Grayson donated pop tabs, he hauled 88 pounds, his entire wagon stuffed to the brim. In efforts to help house kids like him, it all went to the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis. He was four years old. Since then, his family has collected yearly donations. Today, the goal is just a bit more.

Four thousand pounds. 6 million individual tabs.

“We just keep breaking o ur own records,” Gray said, laughing. “How great is that?”

The Longest Season

Four years ago, white walls and fluorescent light surrounded his bed for 26 days.

A breathing tube pressed into his mouth. His body swelled from steroids. He couldn’t walk. Outside the room, time stretched and cracked. Inside, Grayson Chapeau fought to stay.

He had first been placed on the ventilator in the emergency room at Spearfish Hospital. When storms grounded the life flight bound for their usual children’s hospital in Denver, Colorado, the plane was redirected to an unfamiliar facility in Omaha. It was 2021, the pandemic still ravaging medical centers nationwide. None of the doctors were well-known at first. The wing of the hospital that housed Grayson was surreal. Ceiling tiles leaked from rainwater and hung low in the hallways.

“It was brutal,” his father Jeremiah said. “It looked abandoned. We felt lost.”

While Grayson’s regular team in Denver fought to transfer him back, he remained on the ventilator for several days. Jeremiah, a respiratory therapist, knew his son didn’t need sedation to complete his impending MRIs. He fought to get the tube out.

At his age, Grayson should’ve been producing just 75 milliliters of cerebrospinal fluid, enough to cushion the brain and spinal cord. But when the body produces more than it absorbs, pressure builds. The balance breaks. Hydrocephalus.

Grayson wasn’t producing 75.

He was pumping 300.

Back in South Dakota, Chelsey tried to hold the home together. She was taking care of four other kids, and sending kisses over FaceTime. Grayson would catch them, and pretend to eat them, even with the ventilator strapped to his face.

She couldn’t take it. When do ctors got the green light to move Grayson, Chelsey drove to Denver. There, her son awaited. He was heavier, and hollowed out. A shell of the boy he’d been.

The siblings were also struggling. Caleb, Hannah, Josh and Saray needed rides to school and places to sleep. Uncertainty engulfed the family.

“Some nights I would stay up and just cry with them,” Hannah, now 12, said.

Surgeries became routine. At one point, every Tuesday for three weeks to install shunts: braided tubing redirecting fluid from brain to stomach.

“I don’t remember much,” Grayson said, his eyes wandering.

Jeremiah chimed in, “Maybe that’s for the best.”

Soon, Grayson’s words shrank to a simple thumbs up. The family felt him slipping away.

“I remember walking the halls praying to God,” Chelsey said, tearing up. “I didn’t know how to help my son.”

One morning changed everything.

As Grayson lay there, eyes barely open, the whir of a hand sanitizer machine startled him awake. A burst of foam sprayed down, landing right on his dad’s head. It was accidental. Jeremiah flinched. Chelsey turned. Grayson giggled. It was a slow chuckle, but it was the first time in weeks they heard his laughter.

His shell had cracked open. The boy was still in there.

In the months that followed, his legs relearned their steps. He picked up Nerf guns again. During one Nerf target battle with his doctors, cans of pop were lined up on a hospital cabinet. Fitting. He grinned and insisted he hit “14 out of 20” shots. It was really 7 out of 10. But with his double vision, who could argue?

There would be more challenges, even after returning home. Grayson underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy to stimulate healing in Rapid City, South Dakota, on top of physical therapy. He missed multiple days of school. Today, he still drives to Colorado every three months for more MRI treatments and doctor’s appointments.

“We had no idea how he would react to it all,” Jeremiah said. “Of course it was no problem. He is our superhero.”

Normal, Mostly

Taped to the wooden slats of his bunk bed at home are pictures. Some of them are new. Some are dangling by worn Scotch tape. Doctors and teachers of the past are featured. He doesn’t forget what they did for him.

Grayson lies down and pulls a tattered stuffed animal close.

“This is Softy.”

It’s a dog with an orange bandana, gifted to him during his first treatments. It’s been through hell. They both have.

He shares this room with his nine-year-old brother Caleb, who sleeps above him. Together they pull out a collection of Hot Wheels and a book of baseball cards. Mixed in among the MLB All-Stars are faces from the Spearfish Sasquatch. He keeps them in the same protective sheets. To Grayson, they all count.

Down the hallway, Hannah and Josh help prepare dinner. Saray is leaving for work at the ballpark. The dining room smells of French dip sandwiches and Dawn dish soap from a day of cooking and bubble making. Raspberry rhubarb crumble cools on the counter. The berries are picked fresh from the backyard garden.

This is the world Grayson returns to after his long weeks at the hospital.

“It takes time,” Grayson said, pausing. “But I’m sitting here, right now.”

After dinner, he walks outside to examine his evergrowing collection of pop tabs, and pauses on the steps. His right hand tightens around the wooden railing of the stairs.

Onward.

Out in the garage, he beams as he shows off his latest invention: a homemade sifter designed to catch anything that doesn’t belong, anything that isn’t a true aluminum pop tab. A screw clinks against the magnets. He plucks it out.

“These don’t help,” he says, tossing it aside.

He grins the entire time, energized by the mission. What he’s been through is unforgettable. But that’s not what drives him. It’s where he chooses to place his focus.

“We think of it li ke a magnifying glass,” Chelsey says. “Whatever you look at, it grows. You can choose the good or the bad. Grayson chooses joy.”

Ninety Feet of Freedom

It wasn’t a sold-out crowd. There were no news cameras, no formal rosters. Just a midsummer exhibition between the Spearfish Sasquatch and Post 164, the local high school team.

But in the bottom of the fifth inning, all eyes turned toward one kid in an oversized jersey. A kid every single fan knows. Grayson Chapeau was getting his chance.

As he stepped into the batter’s box, his shorts brushed his knees. His helmet wobbled as he adjusted it. His shoes weren’t cleats, just his gym pair from school. The gloves were borrowed.

On the mound stood Ryan Bachman, now a coach, once a player Grayson idolized. He waved his fielders back. Everyone knew what was coming.

Grayson swung at the first pitch. He connected, cracking it down the third-base line. Four years ago, he could barely muster five feet without a walker. Now, in front of a hometown crowd, cups of extra pop tabs rattling beneath the bleachers, Grayson ran.

All ninety feet.

He reached first base standing up. Arms outstretched. Smile wide. The dugout erupted, players sprinting over to wrap their teammate Grayson in gentle bearhugs. Ninety feet, a symbol: where he’s been, and where he has been leading others for so many years.

Grayson didn’t just take the field. He carried this town with him. The people of Spearfish might never know what it is like to be him. But in his presence, they’ve learned what it means to stand beside courage. To witness joy, chosen again and again. And to feel, somehow, familiar.

“You’re not supposed to just have a great day,” he said. “You’re supposed to make it great.”

iLB Championship Tickets & 2026 Season Tickets On Sale Now!

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:23:24 GMT

iLB Championship Series & 2026 Season Tickets On Sale!

iLB Championship Series & 2026 Season Tickets On Sale!

iLB CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS

We're hosting Games 3-5 of the iLB Championship Series here in Spearfish on August 1st-3rd! Show up for the guys and root us on to our first ever Championship!

Game 3 - 6:05pm - August 1st - Buy Tickets

Game 4 (if necessary) - 6:05pm - August 2nd - Buy Tickets

Game 5 (if necessary) - 6:05pm - August 3rd - Buy Tickets

BUY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES TICKETS!

2026 SEASON TICKETS

Season Tickets for the 2026 Season are now on sale. Special Early Bird pricing starts at only $175 per seat and is available through August 3rd. Do not hesitate and get set up with the best seats for the 2026 season before these great prices expire! BUY 2026 SEASON TICKETS!

Pine-Scented Playbills & Laugh-Track Trails: A Spearfish Sasquatch Fan’s Guide to Stage and Stand-Up in the Northern Black Hills

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:24:07 GMT

Pine-Scented Playbills & Laugh-Track Trails: A Spearfish Sasquatch Fan’s Guide to Stage and Stand-Up in the Northern Black Hills

Timber rattles in the wind, Lookout Mountain glows at sunset, and the Spearfish Sasquatch summer-collegiate ballclub trots onto Black Hills Energy Field. Yet after ninth-inning fireworks fade, locals know the real after-party hides behind proscenium arches and spotlight grids scattered from Spearfish Canyon to downtown Rapid City. Use this guide as your all-access pass to the region’s most magnetic touring musicals, nationally televised comedians, and history-rich venues—each a short drive (or scenic motorcycle ride) from the Sasquatch’s home dugout. Pack snacks, charge phones, and cue the overture: showtime in Sasquatch Country begins now.

Trailheads to the Footlights: Three Regional Theatres

Matthews Opera House & Arts Center – Spearfish, SD

Opened 1906 | Capacity ≈280 — Originally a vaudeville stop for traveling magicians, the Matthews survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, and a near-demolition in the 1960s. Hand-stenciled tin ceilings magnify a cappella harmonies during intimate national-tour sit-downs, while balcony sightlines feel like front-row seats.

Historic Homestake Opera House – Lead, SD

Opened 1914 | Capacity ≈550 — Bankrolled by the famous Homestake Gold Mine, this Spanish Colonial gem once hosted Sarah Bernhardt. After a 1984 fire, locals raised $4 million to restore its gilded boxes; today its acoustic “sweet spot” is said to hover exactly where miners once received their pay envelopes.

The Monument (Fine Arts Theatre) – Rapid City, SD

Opened 1977, renovated 2021 | Capacity 1,500 — Formerly the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, the Monument’s fine-arts wing integrates LED wings and an automated fly-rail capable of flipping from Greek tragedy to Broadway spectacle between matinee and evening. Its loading dock accommodates six semis—the only venue within 300 miles that can swallow Wicked’s 60-foot dragon.

(Pro tip: from Black Hills Energy Field, each theater sits within an hour’s scenic drive; plan daylight excursions to Devil’s Bathtub or Roughlock Falls en route.)

Spotlight Musicals Headed for the Hills

Wicked Tickets

Premiering on Broadway in 2003 with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked re-imagines Oz through emerald eyes. Winner of three Tony Awards—including Idina Menzel’s spellbinding Best Actress turn—the production has grossed north of $5 billion worldwide. Signature anthem “Defying Gravity” hoists Elphaba skyward via a custom hydraulic broom; the Monument’s expanded grid lets the witch soar a full story higher than in older houses. Keep an ear out for the pit-orchestra piccolo: local Black Hills Symphony players often sub in for the tour.

Les Misérables Tickets

Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s barricade saga stormed Broadway in 1987, racking up eight Tonys and birthing timeless ballads “On My Own” and “One Day More.” To date, more than 130 million patrons have waved red flags in 52 countries. Homestake’s restored turntable mimics Parisian cobblestones, and rumor says cast members sneak to Lead’s pasty shops after curtain. The tour’s rotating barricade platform weighs 22,000 lbs—exactly the mass of gold ore once pulled daily from nearby shafts.

Blue Man Group Tickets

What started as a downtown-Manhattan art prank in 1991 has evolved into an Obie-winning, no-dialogue percussion carnival seen by 35 million. Numbers such as “Drumbone” and “PVC IV” use plumbing pipes and industrial barrels—Matthews Opera House imports extra plastic tarps to protect 118-year-old seats from paint splatter. The group’s Vegas residency clears $70 million annually; yet in Spearfish they still invite college percussion majors onstage to jam mid-show.

Hadestown Tickets

Anaïs Mitchell’s folk-jazz retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice opened on Broadway in 2019, earning eight Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Bluesy showstopper “Wait for Me” features swinging miner’s lamps—an homage especially poignant here, where Homestake once dug the deepest gold mine in North America. Lighting designers adjust lamp brightness to echo Lead’s subterranean glow scores. Fun fact: Hadestown recouped its $11 million capitalization in just seven months.

Chicago – The Musical Tickets

Bob Fosse and John Kander’s jazz-age courtroom romp first bowed in 1975, then relaunched in 1996 to snag six Tonys and become Broadway’s longest-running American show. With only chairs, ladders, and a bold brass band, the minimalist staging turns every theater into a vaudeville speakeasy. During Black Hills dates, local jazz trumpeter Kenny Putnam often subs on “All That Jazz” solos. Financial tidbit: the revival crossed $700 million gross last year.

Mamma Mia! Tickets

Benny Anderson and Björn Ulvaeus stitched ABBA’s earworms into a sun-soaked Greek wedding in 1999; two decades later the party has earned $2 billion and inspired a blockbuster film. Hits “Dancing Queen” and “Voulez-Vous” trigger a disco encore—The Monument’s mirrored orbs spill rainbow mosaics across the ceiling rafters. Costumes include 12,000 hand-sewn sequins per ensemble; Spearfish quilters volunteer repairs between shows.

Beetlejuice – The Musical Tickets

Edgy, irreverent, and powered by Aussie songwriter Eddie Perfect, Beetlejuice opened in 2019 with eight Tony nominations. A 25-foot inflatable sandworm slithers down the aisle at each performance—Towle’s version uses compressed air pumped from backstage rowboat motors. Viral TikTok choreography to “The Whole “Being Dead” Thing” keeps student sections buzzing, and merch sales of black-and-white striped scarves rival Sasquatch team beanies.

Six The Musical Tickets

Conceived by Cambridge grads Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this electro-pop concert of Henry VIII’s ex-wives exploded onto Broadway in 2020, scooping two Tonys and a Grammy nod. Anthem “Ex-Wives” clocks 600,000 Spotify streams daily; expect queen-costumed superfans to flood Spearfish’s Main Street before curtain. The 75-minute runtime suits double-header evenings: snag a 5 p.m. performance, then hustle to a late-start comedy set.

Shucked Tickets

2023’s surprise hit—a cornfield fable with a Nashville sound—won Tonys for Book and Featured Actor. Puns rain husk-thick (“That’s a-maize-ing!”) while numbers like “Independently Owned” fuse pedal steel with feminist sass. The tour seeds 300 pounds of biodegradable corn kernels onstage per week; local farmers collect the compost for spring planting. Broadway investors recouped in 30 weeks, proving kernel humor prints green bills.

The Phantom of The Opera Tickets

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s chandelier classic opened in 1988, won seven Tonys, and reigned as Broadway’s longest-runner until 2023. Signature drop fixture weighs a ton; the Monument rigged seismic dampeners (courtesy of Rapid City engineers) to ensure safe, thunderous crashes. With worldwide grosses over $6 billion, the Phantom out-earns any movie of the same title. Local organists compete for cameo credits on the overture’s iconic D-major arpeggio.

Hairspray Tickets

Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan’s 1960s Baltimore romp blasted onto Broadway in 2002, winning eight Tonys—including Best Musical—and spinning “You Can’t Stop the Beat” into a wake-the-neighbors finale. Costume teams haul 150 wigs; Spearfish beauty-school students join the wig-prep crew for practicum hours. Production folklore: Tracy’s signature can of Ultra-Clutch hairspray contains custom-scented pine essence when touring the Black Hills.

National Comics Crashing the Canyon

Gabriel Iglesias Tickets

Nicknamed “Fluffy,” Iglesias became the first comedian to sell out Dodger Stadium and voices Speedy Gonzales in Space Jam 2. His vocal sound effects—from Nokia ringtones to diesel horns—rattle the Monument’s subwoofers heavier than a Sasquatch homerun siren. He often riffs on local cuisine; expect jokes about chislic and fry bread within minutes. Portions of tour merch sales support Feeding South Dakota.

Taylor Tomlinson Tickets

At 30, Tomlinson boasts three Netflix specials (Quarter-Life Crisis, Look at You, Have It All) and a 2024 TIME100 listing. Her crystalline timing on mental health and dating apps resonates with BHSU psychology majors commuting from nearby Spearfish. She closes sets by reading anonymous audience therapy fails—bring nerves of steel if you volunteer. VIP passes include a “Ring Light Confessions” photo booth.

Jim Gaffigan Tickets

The “Hot Pockets” sage owns seven Grammy-nominated albums and is one of only ten comics to sell out Madison Square Garden. Clean humor means you can safely bring grandma—and still hear cutting takes on camping, kale, and four-hour Sunday naps. Gaffigan usually detours to Mount Rushmore for social-media selfies captioned “Four Chins + Four Heads.” A dollar from every Rapid City ticket funds local backpack-meal programs.

Kevin Hart Tickets

Mark Twain Prize laureate, movie mogul, and first comic to headline an NFL stadium, Hart fires 90 punch lines per hour. His pyrotechnic “Dad Joke Olympics” routine requires Monument staff to obtain special forest-fire permits—Black Hills pine sap is flammable! Backstage, Hart’s trainer times crunch-sets between Acts; rumor says he bench-pressed a Michelle Pfeiffer–era Phantom candelabrum. Expect merch tables longer than the concession row at Sasquatch Park.

Three Perfect Day-Night Combos

1. Morning Fly-Fishing in Spearfish Canyon → Hadestown Matinee → Late-Night Pizza at Dough Trader

2. Historic Deadwood Ghost Tour → Beetlejuice Evening Performance → Midnight Laughs with Taylor Tomlinson

3. Hike Bear Butte → Six Afternoon Pop-Concert → Gabriel Iglesias’ “Fluffy” Fiesta

(Remember: mountain roads twist—budget 30 extra minutes if driving from ballgame to curtain.)

Venue Snack Shuffle

● Opera House “Gold Dust Brownies” – Chewy bars dusted with edible glitter, honoring Homestake’s mining roots.

● Monument “Wizard Dog” – Bacon-wrapped jalapeño brat dyed emerald green for Wicked nights only.

● Matthews “Cornbread Bites” – Honey-butter fritters rolled in kettle corn crumbs—sold exclusively during Shucked runs.

Discount Curtain Call

Bigfoot sightings may be rare, but catching world-class theatre and stand-up in the Northern Black Hills is as easy as clicking an H2 above. Once you’ve filled your TicketSmarter cart—whether with Kevin Hart’s front-row fireworks or balcony seats to hear Elphaba belt against alpine echoes—enter SASQUATCH5 at checkout to shave 5 % off the total. Your savings help fund local arts-education grants and, rumor has it, a new pair of size-22 cleats for Spearfish’s favorite mythical slugger. Now dim the house lights, unwrap that Gold Dust Brownie, and let the Black Hills mountains reverberate with applause. Curtains up!

High Plains Harmonies: A Concert-Goer’s Field Guide for Spearfish Sasquatch Fans

Fri, 02 May 2025 21:56:31 GMT

High Plains Harmonies: A Concert-Goer’s Field Guide for Spearfish Sasquatch Fans

Rolling out of the northern Black Hills, Spearfish, South Dakota feels tailor-made for summer baseball nights and starlit road-trip playlists. Home of the Independence League’s Spearfish Sasquatch, the city sits at the cross-roads of rugged canyon vistas, college-town buzz, and a surprisingly active live-music pipeline that threads west from Minneapolis, south from Denver, and east from Montana’s mountain venues. Travelers and locals who flock to Black Hills Energy Stadium for nine innings of wood-bat drama can extend the excitement long after the final out by tapping into regional arenas and amphitheaters that routinely snag A-list tours. The guide below does the scouting for you, profiling fifteen blockbuster performers who are either routing through the Upper Midwest this touring cycle or historically pack houses wherever they land—plus four nearby venues that convert the prairie into a sonic playground. Read on, map your musical doubleheaders, and make every Sasquatch home stand the kickoff to an unforgettable concert road-trip.

Metallica Tickets

Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica rewrote the heavy-metal rulebook with thrash landmarks such as Kill ’Em All and the magnum-opus Master of Puppets. Their 1991 self-titled “Black Album” pushed them from cult heroes to global headliners, selling more than 30 million copies and birthing stadium anthems “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters.” The ongoing M72 World Tour features the innovative “No Repeat Weekend,” two distinct set lists delivered on a gargantuan in-the-round stage that flings pyro and lasers in every direction. Across four decades the band has collected nine Grammy Awards and holds the record for selling out all seven continents—including Antarctica in 2013. A Metallica show is equal parts precision musicianship and visceral catharsis, guaranteeing Black Hills fans a seismic night should the tour roll within driving distance.

Blackpink Tickets

K-pop juggernauts Blackpink—Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa—debuted under YG Entertainment in 2016 and sprinted into record books with YouTube-melting singles “Boombayah” and “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du.” Their 2022–23 Born Pink World Tour became the highest-grossing run by a female group ever, moving over 1.8 million tickets and headlining Coachella in the process. Blackpink’s music fuses trap bass lines, EDM drops, and razor-sharp rap verses with fashion-forward visuals that flip between luxe elegance and cyber-punk attitude. Awards range from MTV VMAs to Billboard’s Game Changer trophy, underscoring their cultural impact beyond charts. Expect synchronized choreography, multilingual fan chants, and LED wristbands pulsing across the crowd like digital fireflies.

Brad Paisley Tickets

West Virginia-bred Brad Paisley emerged in 1999 with Who Needs Pictures and quickly set a new bar for countrypolitan guitar shredding. His tongue-in-cheek hits—“Ticks,” “Online,” “Alcohol”—pair with achingly sincere ballads like “Whiskey Lullaby,” earning him three Grammys and 14 CMA Awards. The World Tour 2024 mixes new tracks such as “Same Here” with a rotating jam section where Paisley trades licks with opening acts and even plucks audience cell-phones for surprise selfie solos. Offstage he’s a Grand Ole Opry member and prolific philanthropist, co-founding The Store, a free grocery in Nashville. Fans in Spearfish can count on witty storytelling, lightning-fast Telecaster runs, and giant video-screen cartoons drawn by Paisley himself.

SZA Tickets

Solána Rowe, better known as SZA, broke through with 2017’s Ctrl, an R&B confessional weaving neo-soul grooves and alt-hip-hop cadences around self-doubt, romance, and growth. The album spent over 350 weeks on the Billboard 200, a record for a female R&B artist, and snagged five Grammy nominations. Her 2022 follow-up SOS debuted at #1, driven by smash singles “Kill Bill” and “Good Days,” and launched the SOS Tour, lauded for its aquatic-themed stage, aerial stunts, and Broadway-level set design. SZA has collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, and Phoebe Bridgers, demonstrating genre fluidity that keeps critics guessing. Live, she marries velvet-smooth vocals with raw emotional monologues that leave arenas pin-drop silent one minute and roaring the next.

The Weeknd Tickets

Abel Tesfaye uploaded shadowy mixtapes to YouTube in 2011 and soon evolved into The Weeknd, a pop auteur who blends synthwave nostalgia with modern R&B melancholia. 2015’s Beauty Behind the Madness produced juggernauts “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” while 2020’s retro-futurist After Hours birthed “Blinding Lights,” the longest-charting Hot 100 song in history. The stadium-sized After Hours Til Dawn Tour features a dystopian skyline set and Ariana Grande hologram cameos, grossing over $350 million thus far. A three-time Grammy winner and Oscar nominee, The Weeknd also co-created HBO’s The Idol, underscoring his multimedia ambition. Expect crooning falsettos, industrial beats, and enough strobe to rival a South Dakota lightning storm.

Def Leppard Tickets

Sheffield’s Def Leppard conquered 1980s rock radio with diamond-certified albums Pyromania and Hysteria, spawning chart-toppers “Photograph” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” Despite drummer Rick Allen losing an arm in 1984, the band persevered, pioneering electronic drum triggers to keep their arena-ready sound intact. Their co-headlining Stadium Tour with Mötley Crüe sold over 1 million tickets across North America and Europe. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, Def Leppard continues to blend glossy vocal harmonies with dual-guitar heroics. At a live show you’ll witness 50-foot LED screens, Union Jack imagery, and multigenerational crowds belting every chorus.

Kendrick Lamar Tickets

Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar chronicles the complexities of Black American life through cinematic albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly. 2022’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers explored therapy, accountability, and generational trauma, debuting at #1. His accompanying tour featured minimalist staging that amplified Lamar’s virtuosic flow and interpretive dance choreography. With 17 Grammy Awards and an Oscar for “All the Stars,” Lamar stands as hip-hop’s pre-eminent storyteller. Concertgoers can anticipate rapid-fire lyricism delivered with surgical breath control and socio-political visuals projected on monolithic LED walls.

Kesha Tickets

Kesha’s glitter-bomb arrival with 2009’s “TiK ToK” ushered in a new era of electro-pop hedonism. After legal battles, she reinvented her artistry on 2017’s Rainbow, melding rock, country, and gospel elements and earning her first Grammy nods. The recent Gag Order Tour supports her introspective 2023 album, coupling cathartic scream-along choruses with confetti-strewn, drag-inspired visuals. Kesha’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental-health awareness permeates her stage banter, forging a community vibe at every show. Expect glitter, keytar solos, and a final flour-bag burst coating the crowd in rainbow dust.

Oasis Tickets

Though Britpop titans Oasis split in 2009, their legacy persists through solo outings by Noel and Liam Gallagher and tribute tours celebrating (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Original stadium feats include 1996’s Knebworth concerts, drawing 250,000 fans—Britain’s largest ever ticketed event at the time. “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” remain pub-choir staples worldwide. If a sanctioned retrospective tour materializes, expect film backdrops of Mancunian skylines, Union Jack Epiphone guitars, and cigarette-wielding swagger.

Shakira Tickets

Colombian icon Shakira fused rock en español with Middle Eastern dance on 2001’s Laundry Service, yielding global hit “Whenever, Wherever.” Subsequent albums toggled between English and Spanish, cementing her as a cross-cultural superstar. Her El Dorado World Tour sold over a million tickets and showcased her virtuoso hip-shaking set to cumbia, reggaeton, and EDM hybrids. Shakira’s three Grammys and Super Bowl halftime co-headline speak to her enduring appeal. Expect kaleidoscopic lighting, bilingual sing-alongs, and that famous arabesque hip drop.

Keith Urban Tickets

New Zealand-born Keith Urban brought arena-rock guitar flair to Nashville, earning four Grammys and 15 ACM Awards. Hits like “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Days Go By” showcase his blend of twang, pop hooks, and fluid solos. His Graffiti U World Tour integrated loop pedals and crowd-surfing moments, blurring lines between honky-tonk intimacy and rock spectacle. Urban’s infectious charm and virtuosic fretwork make his concerts a jubilant fusion of genres.

Pierce the Veil Tickets

San Diego’s Pierce the Veil channel emotional turbulence into post-hardcore anthems like “King for a Day.” After a hiatus, 2023’s The Jaws of Life re-energized their fanbase with cathartic hooks and math-rock riffs. Their live shows balance tender acoustic interludes with circle-pit ferocity, spotlighting front-man Vic Fuentes’ soaring tenor and thoughtful stage banter about mental health.

Lady Gaga Tickets

From meat dress to Oscar statuette, Lady Gaga thrives on reinvention. Her 2022 Chromatica Ball married cyber-punk couture with pyrotechnic piano ballads and industrial house beats. Six Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for “Shallow” affirm her multifaceted artistry. Gaga’s concerts deliver choreographed flash mobs, heartfelt speeches on inclusivity, and arena-wide jumps synchronized to “Rain on Me.”

Hozier Tickets

Irish singer-songwriter Hozier ascended with 2013’s “Take Me to Church,” an indictment of institutional hypocrisy cloaked in gospel-blues splendor. 2023’s Unreal Unearth wove Dante-inspired themes into soul-soaked rock, launching a tour praised for atmospheric lighting and communal sing-alongs. Hozier’s baritone, paired with choral backing and strings, transforms venues into sacred spaces—perfect for a reflective night after daytime Black Hills hikes.

Where the Music Echoes: Key Venues Within Striking Distance

The Monument Summit Arena – Rapid City, SD

Opened 2021 | Seating capacity ~ 10,500 | Replacing the 1970s Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena, this state-of-the-art bowl has hosted Elton John, Luke Combs, and Cirque du Soleil. Its adjustable curtaining system tailors acoustics for everything from metal roars to symphonic whispers.

Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD

Opened 2011 (in a restored 1906 Homestake Slime Plant) | Capacity ~ 2,600 | Acts like Willie Nelson and 3 Doors Down love its intimate sightlines and casino-hotel convenience steps from historic Main Street.

Buffalo Chip Amphitheater – Sturgis, SD

Opened 1981 | Capacity ~ 40,000 | Dubbed “The Best Party Anywhere,” this outdoor titan hosts Aerosmith, Snoop Dogg, and Kid Rock during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, pairing fireworks with sunset-kissed prairie backdrops.

Spearfish City Park Bandshell – Spearfish, SD

Erected 1938 | Capacity lawn ~ 1,200 | Summer evenings bring free “Festival in the Park” concerts under cottonwood canopies where local craft beer flows and creek water murmurs in harmony.

Snag Your Seats & Save

Sasquatch faithful, amplify your Black Hills adventure! Use promo code SASQUATCH5 at checkout on TicketSmarter to unlock exclusive savings on concerts near Spearfish. From thunderous metal to tear-stained ballads, the Upper Midwest’s live-music calendar is your playground—get out there and make legendary memories.

Sasquatch + Squatch Juice

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 18:20:12 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH AND SQUATCH JUICE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Spearfish Sasquatch and Squatch Juice announced an agreement today that make Squatch Juice the official energy fuel of the Spearfish Sasquatch.

“We’re pumped to partner with the Spearfish Sasquatch and fuel their season with clean energy, hydration and focus”, said Brandon Hofhines – Squatch Juice Founder. “Baseball demands the endurance, precision, and peak performance Squatch Juice delivers. Let’s crush this season, Sasquatch! Fuel up. Lock in. Play hard.”

As the official energy fuel of the Spearfish Sasquatch, Squatch Juice will partner with the Spearfish Sasquatch on marketing and advertising campaigns in addition to making Squatch Juice available for athletes & fans to enjoy at the ballpark throughout the summer. Squatch Juice will also be the title sponsor of the ever so popular Mr. Sasquatch Night to take place on July 2 ^nd this season.

“This was one of those partnerships that was truly destined to be”, said Eric Schmidt – Owner/GM of the Spearfish Sasquatch. “We obviously align in so many ways from our brand names to fueling athletes on and off the field. Once we started a discussion on forming a partnership the pieces honestly just kind of fell into place and the deal shaped itself. We’re excited to partner with Squatch Juice and to make their products easily accessible to our athletes and fans alike.”

Squatch Juice is committed to offering a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks using natural ingredients with a focus on promoting mental and physical health. Their products are ideal for conquering intense workouts, acing critical meetings or navigating busy routines as it boosts your energy & hydration. Ditch the artificial junk and experience energy the way nature intended. Squatch Juice – Fuel for the Wild.

To learn more about Squatch Juice and their products, visit www.squatchnut.com .

The Spearfish Sasquatch are a summer collegiate baseball team entering their 7th season of play. These are all high level collegiate athletes who take their nutrition and workout programs very seriously as they strive to get to the next level. In fact, they’ve had 5 former players get drafted or signed by MLB organizations in just the past 3 years. Charles McAdoo ’21 (Pittsburgh Pirates), Johnny McHenry ’21-'22 (Washington Nationals), Theo Hardy ’21 (Texas Rangers), Brayden Spears ’19 (Chicago Cubs), and Jack Hostetler ’22 (Milwaukee Brewers)!

To learn more information on the Spearfish Sasquatch, visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

Sasquatch Release 2025 Schedule

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:09:31 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH AND INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL RELEASE 2025 SCHEDULE

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH AND INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL RELEASE 2025 SCHEDULE

( Spearfish, SD) – Today, Independence League Baseball and the Spearfish Sasquatch announced the release of the 2025 schedule. The schedule features a 50 game regular season schedule in which member teams will vie for a chance to compete in the five game championship series to end the summer.

The Sasquatch regular season schedule will feature 50 games (32 home, 18 away). “While the schedule release is a big day, that’s when a lot of the work really begins”, said Schmidt. “Now we can kick our planning process into high gear by working on our theme nights, promotions, and prepare to schedule in-game entertainment. We’re looking to have 3-4 fireworks nights, playing an exhibition game against the Spearfish Post 164 American Legion Baseball Club, bringing back the very popular Free Jersey Night, in addition to a couple other special evenings this summer!”

For information on Independence League Baseball, visit www.independenceleague.com, and for more information on the Spearfish Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com.

INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL NAME ERIC SKAVANG LEAGUE COMMISSIONER

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:10:10 GMT

INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL NAME ERIC SKAVANG LEAGUE COMMISSIONER

ILB Contact

info@independenceleague.com

commissioner@independenceleague.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2024

Eric Skavang has been appointed as the league commissioner of Independence League Baseball.

Skavang will oversee iLB league partnerships, sponsorship development, market expansion & strategic planning.

Independence League Baseball is excited to bring on Eric Skavang as our league commissioner,” stated Eric Schmidt, iLB President. “We’ve been patient in filling this role within our organization and feel Eric brings a unique skillset and desire to help our league develop and grow.”

With 15 years of corporate leadership experience, Eric has built a successful career by leading teams in companies such as Frito-Lay and AT&T/FirstNet, specializing in business strategy, team development, and organizational growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Marketing, along with two Master’s degrees—one in Organizational Leadership and another in Management.

"I am ecstatic to take on the role of league commissioner with Independence League Baseball,” said Skavang. “It’s truly an honor to join such a passionate and driven community of team owners, managers, and players. I look forward to collaborating with our incredible team as we continue to grow the league through partnerships, expand our reach throughout the region, and bring great baseball & family entertainment to additional communities like those we currently call home.”

Independence League Baseball is comprised of five member teams: Casper Spuds (Casper, WY), Fremont Moo (Fremont, NE), Hastings Sodbusters (Hastings, NE), Oahe Zap (Pierre, SD), & Spearfish Sasquatch (Spearfish, SD), and three travel clubs: Bison Baseball, Plainsmen Baseball & Nebraska Prospects.

Twitter – @ilbtweets

Instagram – @independenceleaguebaseball

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IndependenceLeague

Website – www.independenceleague.com

Spearfish Sasquatch Guide to the Ultimate Sports Spectacles

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:11:16 GMT

Spearfish Sasquatch Guide to the Ultimate Sports Spectacles

For every sports fan, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the world's premier events in person. Here’s your all-access guide to iconic tournaments and championships across different sports, curated with the Spearfish Sasquatch fan in mind. Plus, be sure to grab your tickets on TicketSmarter with our special SPEAR5 promo code to enjoy exclusive savings!

NBA Finals Tickets

The NBA Finals showcase basketball’s elite, pitting the top teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences in an electrifying series that never fails to entertain.

● Year Established : 1947

● Key Rivalries : The Lakers and Celtics have the most historic Finals matchups.

● Venue Size : Around 18,000 to 20,000 in arenas across the United States.

● Trophy : Teams compete for the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, named after a former NBA commissioner.

Kentucky Derby Tickets

Held annually at Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby is America’s longest-running sporting event and the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

● First Race : 1875

● Capacity : Draws around 150,000 spectators.

● Traditions : Mint juleps and extravagant hats are part of the allure.

● Fun Fact : Winners are adorned with a blanket of roses, giving the event its nickname, “Run for the Roses.”

Super Bowl Tickets

Few events match the cultural and athletic spectacle of the Super Bowl. This annual championship game brings together the best of the NFL and captures the world’s attention.

● First Played : 1967

● Viewership : Over 100 million viewers worldwide.

● Halftime Highlights : Features performances from major stars like Beyoncé and Shakira.

● Venue Capacity : Varies, but usually around 70,000 seats for fans.

Wimbledon Tickets

Wimbledon remains the most prestigious tennis tournament, held every summer on the grass courts of the All England Club in London.

● Established : 1877

● Unique Traditions : All-white attire for players and strawberries and cream for spectators.

● Centre Court Capacity : Around 15,000

● Highlight : Known for producing memorable matches and epic rivalries, it’s often referred to as “The Championships.”

College World Series Tickets

The College World Series is the ultimate stage for college baseball players, held each June in Omaha, Nebraska.

● Since : 1947

● Venue : Charles Schwab Field with 24,000 seats.

● Fun Fact : LSU, USC, and Texas are among the most decorated teams.

● Tournament Style : Double-elimination format to determine the national champions.

Indy 500 Tickets

The Indianapolis 500, or "Indy 500," is a legendary motorsports race held every May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, testing drivers' endurance in a grueling 500-mile competition.

● First Held : 1911

● Spectator Capacity : Over 250,000 at the Speedway.

● Victory Tradition : Winners drink milk as a tribute to the race’s early days.

● Highlight : The competition is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport.

US Open Tennis Tickets

The US Open brings high-energy tennis matches under the lights of New York City, a Grand Slam known for late-night drama and intensity.

● Inception : 1881

● Largest Stadium : Arthur Ashe Stadium with seating for 23,771.

● Unique Feature : Introduced tie-breaks to prevent never-ending sets.

● Memorable Moment : Known for unexpected comebacks and some of the most competitive matches.

Daytona 500 Tickets

Kicking off NASCAR’s season, the Daytona 500 is the sport’s most prestigious race, taking place annually at the Daytona International Speedway.

● First Race : 1959

● Fan Attendance : Over 100,000, making it NASCAR’s largest event.

● Tradition : The winner receives the Harley J. Earl Trophy.

● Noteworthy : Known for its nail-biting finishes and high-speed drama.

Masters Tickets

The Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club is the most iconic event in professional golf, synonymous with tradition, excellence, and Southern hospitality.

● Established : 1934

● Green Jacket : Awarded to the winner as a symbol of achievement.

● Venue Size : Augusta National hosts a limited number of fans, creating an exclusive environment.

● Highlight : Famous for its challenging course layout and the Magnolia Lane entrance.

CFP Championship Tickets

The CFP Championship decides the national champion in college football, culminating in a high-stakes game between the two best teams in the NCAA.

● Established : 2015

● Venue : Rotates across major stadiums in the U.S.

● Attendance : Upwards of 70,000 passionate college football fans.

● Memorable Rivalries : Teams like Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State have become championship regulars.

World Cup Tickets

The FIFA World Cup is a global phenomenon, held every four years, and features 32 national teams vying for soccer supremacy.

● Inaugural Tournament : 1930

● Audience : Billions of viewers tune in from around the globe.

● Hosting Rotates : Each edition is hosted by a different country, adding a unique cultural flavor.

● Memorable Moment : The tournament is a stage for unforgettable upsets and triumphs.

Final Four Tickets

The NCAA Men’s Final Four represents the thrilling end of March Madness, with college basketball’s top teams battling it out for national glory.

● First Held : 1939

● Venues : Hosted in large arenas to accommodate over 70,000 fans.

● Famous Cinderellas : Lower-seeded teams often surprise fans with deep runs.

● Legacy : It’s a platform where college stars are born before entering the NBA.

Stanley Cup Playoff Tickets

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a showcase of hockey’s intensity and toughness, where teams battle through grueling rounds for a shot at the Stanley Cup.

● First Held : 1893

● Trophy Tradition : Winners get their names etched onto the Stanley Cup, a rare honor in sports.

● Highlight : Playoffs feature best-of-seven series, amplifying the drama.

● Capacity : Varies by team arena, with thousands of passionate fans filling seats.

US Open Golf Tickets

The US Open Golf tournament is famed for its challenging setups, pushing the best golfers to their limits and thrilling fans in the process.

● First Tournament : 1895

● Rotating Locations : Hosted at various historic courses across the U.S.

● Player Challenge : Known for narrow fairways and dense roughs.

● Prize : Winners take home the coveted US Open Trophy and major ranking points.

World Series Tickets

The MLB World Series is the championship of baseball, where American and National League champions face off in a best-of-seven series.

● Established : 1903

● Teams with Most Wins : The New York Yankees are the winningest team.

● Venue Capacity : Varies, with each team’s stadium hosting games.

● Highlight : Known for memorable walk-off home runs and October baseball drama .

Your Ultimate Ticket to These Events

From the prestige of the Masters and Wimbledon to the high-stakes drama of the NCAA Men’s Final Four, these global events offer fans an unforgettable experience. Ready to book your seat? Head to TicketSmarter and use promo code SPEAR5 to snag your tickets and enjoy exclusive savings.

He's Baaaach! Ryan Bachman to return to dugout as Assistant Coach in 2025

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 15:49:12 GMT

He's Baaaach! Ryan Bachman to return to dugout as Assistant Coach in 2025

(Spearfish, SD) – The Spearfish Sasquatch of Independence League Baseball announce Ryan Bachman will return as an Assistant Coach for the 2025 season.

Ryan spent the past four seasons in the Sasquatch dugout as a player, and now he is transitioning into a coaching role for the club.

“As a player, Ryan brought a lot of talent to the field, setting numerous records over the span of his tenure. More importantly, Ryan developed into a strong leader for us, both on and off the field. It’s only natural for us, that he progresses from player to coach and to continue his legacy here in Spearfish.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

“I am extremely excited to return to Spearfish again as an assistant coach next summer! The Spearfish community and the Sasquatch organization both hold a very special place in my heart, so it was an easy decision to accept when Coach Scott offered me the opportunity. I look forward to being in the dugout assisting with the development of the players, as well as interacting with the fans at the ballpark again!”
Ryan Bachman – Sasquatch Assistant Coach

Bachman is from Rapid City, SD, where he attended Rapid City Central High School and played for Post 22 Baseball from 2018-2020, becoming an All-State Selection in 2019 and 2020. Following High School, Ryan played in 50 games and batted .312 from 2021-2023 at Minnesota State University-Mankato before transferring to Mount Marty University in 2024. In 49 Games with the Lancers in 2024, Bachman batted .280 and led the team in base on balls with 30. Ryan is entering his final year of collegiate play this spring and will be graduating in May with a degree in Recreation & Tourism Management.

In addition to his collegiate career, Ryan spent the past 4 summers (2021-2024) as a prolific member of the Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club. In that time, Bachman set several Sasquatch career marks including games played, hits, runs scored, doubles, home runs, base on balls, hit by pitch, & runs batted in. He was an All-iLB Team Selection in 2022, 2023 & 2024.

"Ryan has shown an investment in our program here. There are steps and levels that we take in this profession, and this is a great opportunity for Ryan," said Schmidt. "We appreciate the effort that he gives with his knowledge of the game and the overall experience he brings to help guide our program into the future."

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

“Watching Ryan interact with his teammates and the younger players showed he is a natural coach; he knows the game and what it takes to be successful. Ryan is part of the Sasquatch family and the loyalty shown from his end and the fans in return is special. Plus, I get to hear the "Ryan Bachman" chant for another summer.”

Justus Scott – Sasquatch Head Coach

The Spearfish Sasquatch and Independence League Baseball will begin their 2025 campaign in late May. For more information on Independence League Baseball visit www.independenceleague.com and for more information on the Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

Head Coach Justus Scott Returning for 2025

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:16:33 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH HEAD COACH JUSTUS SCOTT RETURNING FOR 2025

(Spearfish, SD) – The Spearfish Sasquatch of Independence League Baseball announce Justus Scott will return as Head Coach for the 2025 season.

In his first season at the helm for the Sasquatch, Scott led the team to a 30-20 record, missing an iLB Championship berth by 1 game.

“It wasn’t very long into our 2024 season that I knew I would be inviting Coach Scott to come back for a second summer. Justus displays all of the qualities you want in a leader and I was thrilled when he agreed to an extension.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

Coach Scott played collegiate baseball at Mississippi Gulf Coast JC and the University of Memphis followed by one year with the Will County Indians of the Heartland League. Before becoming the head coach of Cerro Coso Community College in Southern California, Scott served stints as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis, Middle Tennessee University, Jackson State JC, Lincoln Memorial University, and Murray State University.

Scott also has experience in the summer collegiate circuit, coaching two summers with the Florence RedWolves in the Coastal Plains League and the Champion Hornell Dodgers of the New York Collegiate League. Coach Scott has spent the past nine seasons as the head coach of Cerro Coso CC where the program has seen the 2 ^nd largest win-loss turnaround in the country, back-to-back playoff berths, numerous All-Conference, All-State and All-American selections, and over seventy four-year college signees.

“I had a great summer in Spearfish; loved the people, players, and town. I couldn’t have picked a better spot to coach summer ball. Besides spending another summer around the fans and players, I would certainly like to win a championship for the community and staff.”
Justus Scott – Sasquatch Head Coach

“With Justus now on board, the recruitment process is in full force as we look to build a strong squad for the 2025 season and I’m excited to assist Coach Scott along the way.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

“I’d like to think we will be the same type of team that plays hard and enjoys the game, the ‘24 team was special with that aspect, and we will strive to be the same type of team that is never out of a game. The biggest change will be more depth on the pitching end so we can finish strong during our playoff run.”

The Intern Experience - Part 2

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:26:14 GMT

The Intern Experience - Part 2

By Natalie Dean

Interns do a variety of work during game day and behind the scenes to make sure the game day experience is both positive and fun for players and fans alike. One key takeaway for 2021 on-field host intern Bayleigh Hubbard learned was the hours may not be the most traditional 9 to 5 but the people you work with make the time worth it.

“It was definitely a wakeup call working with the Sasquatch,” Hubbard said. “Hours are going to be crazy but your coworkers and the people make it better. You truly work as a team and you guys are there to uplift each other and produce this show. Not only for the fans but also for the team.”

Hubbard, who graduated from Black Hills State University, currently does events operations and ballpark operations for the San Diego Padres. The Sasquatch internship had been her first sports internship in college and helped her develop skills like public speaking and broadcasting. She is grateful for being able to try new things and it helped her grow her passion for working in sports.

“Working in sports is such a special thing because we get the chance to love what we do. Some people don’t get the luxury of absolutely loving what they do,” Hubbard said. “In some situations, take a step back and actually look at what you are doing. Put the camera down for a second, stop for a second and look at the fans and look at the game. Just think you’re apart of that, you made that happen.”

2021 Merchandising intern, Paxton Goodman enjoyed how great the Sasquatch community was and learned the importance of community which is big component of her current job as the event manager at the Nampa Civic Center, in Nampa, Idaho.

“The community was my favorite. The same people are at every game and you grow relationships with them. Especially since players were living with them so they had that connection,” Goodman said. “It has been a really good part to know for my current job because we are very community oriented here at the civic center with the same companies coming to do their conferences and the same touring concerts coming through.”

Goodman has learned how important making connections and marketing can be. She advices interns and players to build connections with others in the community and to never miss an opportunity.

“If you have a connection, go introduce yourself to that person and say hey you might know this person. Connecting the connections is huge and knowing when the right time to use them,” Goodman said. “Take those opportunities to familiarize yourself with the community but also have them know you because they will come to you and be kind to them.”

Fellow 2021 intern, Will Treadaway was the social media/graphic design intern for the Sasquatch team. The Sasquatch was what Treadaway called his first big internship that was away from home.

“Interning at school or other places I was restricted with what I could do and was given a lot of smaller projects,” Treadaway said. “When I got to the Sasquatch, Eric gave me the freedom to run the social media how I saw fit and make the designs how I saw them fit. I thought that was really important and helped me learn how to manage everything.”

Treadaway currently works with the Washington Nationals and has noticed how having experience working in baseball, starting with a minor organization, has prepared him for working with a major league team.

“I’m working for a major league organization now and we are still doing a lot of the same things that the Sasquatch do like promotional giveaways and theme nights,” Treadaway said. “Knowing how those things work has really helped me in making the jump from a small organization to a bigger one.”

Treadaway, who is from North Carolina, saw interning with the Sasquatch, being able to live somewhere else and have a host family take him in for a summer as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Treadaway knew he wanted to work in sports and though “being an intern isn’t always glamourous” the hard work pays off. He wants interns to know that working in collegiate baseball will help you grow and will teach you many different skills that can be used for a variety of jobs, especially in the sports industry.

Boise State 2022 graduate Taylor Clements was the on-field-host intern for the summer of 2021. Working with the Sasquatch made her realize how much she wanted to work in sports after college.

“That was when I realized that I really wanted to work in sports because I saw the grind and just wanted to be a part of something that I could see my work be put out and see what my work was doing,” Clements said.

Once completing her time with the Sasquatch, she decided to stick with sports and got an internship with the ECHL hockey team in downtown Boise. Clements is now the Guest Experience Coordination for the Houston, Texans.

Clements, originally from California, had never been in South Dakota before and enjoyed meeting new people.

“When I came home from Spearfish, I told my roommates and my friends that it was the best summer of my life,” Clements said. “It was like a family. We were all around the same age and it was truly something so special.”

Clements was taught that no day is the same and there is always something different each day you work. She wants to share with everyone to “get more internships under your belt” because more experience helps you become a better candidate for jobs and helps you learn and grow.

The Intern Experience - Part 1

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 20:54:06 GMT

The Intern Experience - Part 1

By: Natalie Dean

The Spearfish Sasquatch is known for hosting players all across the country. However, the team also brings students with various degrees looking to gain experience working in the sports industry through the Sasquatch internship program.

“The best thing about the Sasquatch that I’ve been able to apply everywhere else is that it’s all hands-on deck,” former broadcasting intern Wynn Andrews said. “I was absolutely able to work with video production, marketing, graphics, you name it. Anything we were doing, there were hands extended ready to help each other out.”

Andrews interned during his junior year of college. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2023, Andrews currently works with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an Inside Sales Representative.

Andrews shares that a big takeaway from his summer internship was the ability to take constructive criticism.

“I would ask people to hold me accountable especially when it came to strengthening my skill in broadcasting,” Andrews said. “I wanted to be the best that I possibly could and I expected people to hold me accountable. Really just being willing to listen to what others had to say and not be upset.”

Andrews appreciated his time in Spearfish and advises all present and future interns to “enjoy it” as the summer flies by, especially when working a summer baseball schedule.

The two-time Sasquatch intern, Sean Massa advises that you are not going to be perfect all the time and to just always be ready to adapt and grow.

“That’s something about Spearfish that is really nice and the organization that Eric ran, he was really good with letting you learn on the spot,” Massa said. “After my first broadcast I went up to him and said I’m sorry, don’t fire me that was horrible. He said its okay you’ll get there. I realized that we aren’t there to be perfect, we are there to learn.”

Massa attends Madonna University in Michigan. He does a variety of play-by-play work for USA Hockey in the Detroit area along with currently working with the Keene SwampBats Baseball team in Keene, New Hampshire.

The Sasquatch helped Massa learn more about the sports industry and working with flexibility and professionalism.

“Working with what you have and making it as professional as you can. You aren’t working with Box or ESPN or NBC but you are trying to make it a product of that with the resources you have,” Massa said. “Last year we really made it our goal to not only make it different for us but really make the standard different for those after us.”

Massa says that he felt comfortable being in South Dakota and continued to grow more accustomed behind the microphone.

He is the only Sasquatch intern to come back for a second year with his first year being the social media intern and coming back as the broadcast intern. He accredits his decision for coming back due to his love of the organization, the people, and the small-town atmosphere.

Intern, Jack Banks originally from Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Statistics.

During his time with the Sasquatch, he was a baseball operations intern during the summer of 2021 and is now working with the New York Yankees as a Quantitative Analysis Associate.

“One thing that excited me the most about it [sasquatch internship] was going out to Spearfish for a whole summer and excited to be in a new place and be around new people,” Banks said. “One of the great things about collegiate summer leagues is all the players, coaches, and interns are all in a similar situation. All trying to stand out, to do the most and better themselves as players, coaches, people, and move themselves forward.”

Banks always wanted to work with a baseball team and one thing he has learned is that “if you want to work in sports, a lot of things you have to do is make connections and have prior work in sports.”

He is grateful for his experience and the people apart of the internship and encourages present players and interns to “make the most of it.” He also wants to encourage interns to try new things.

“The whole point of these internships with summer teams, especially in Spearfish with the Sasquatch, are to try out your interests,” Banks said. “Even if you fail, it’s the perfect place to try new things and just see what you can make of it.”

Sasquatch Spotlight: Bachman and Bleeker

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:00:23 GMT

Sasquatch Spotlight: Bachman and Bleeker

By: Natalie Dean

With a third of the 2024 summer season completed, Sasquatch first-year, Cade Bleeker and fourth year returner Ryan Bachman share their experiences with the team and their time playing summer baseball.

Bachman, who plays baseball at Mount Mary University, is now in his fourth year on the Sasquatch team. While he never thought he would be playing near his hometown, Bachman is grateful for his time on the team and credits many aspects for his reasoning for wanting to return.

“The baseball is really good and I think it has helped me improve a lot,” Bachman said. “There’s great competition but I also think the environment is so special. The fans are amazing and my parents are able to come almost every game. They don’t get to do that at school a whole lot with it being five hours away.”

When Bachman first joined the team, he started out as a ten-day contract player and then planned to travel and find another team to play for. With a roster spot soon opening up, Bachman was able to stay in Spearfish where he has been able to grow in his baseball career and as a leader.

“I started out as a temporary guy and now guys know I’ve been here and it’s been nice to take on the role of making sure their comfortable and trying to help them out as much as possible,” Bachman said. “I know that they are away from home and doing something that’s brand new to them. I’ve been able to do it for four years and I’m very blessed too.”

Throughout his four years Bachman has learned to just have fun and enjoy the time getting to know his teammates while playing the game.

“I put so much weight on how I performed instead of all the really cool experiences I get to have outside of it,” Bachman said. “At the start I was like I got to play well this summer so when I go back to school, they’ll see that. In reality none of it really mattered and I’m so thankful for the experiences and cool times I got have with some really cool people.”

Sasquatch first year, Cade Bleeker, who plays baseball at Colorado State University, enjoys exploring new things and new places. Though he has played collegiate summer ball in the past, the Sasquatch has brought aspects to the game that have been a positive change.

“In other leagues I hadn’t traveled to another city to play teams. They were usually right around each other,” Bleeker said. “That’s been really cool and more of a college experience in the season because you are traveling. You learn how to play on the road and it’s a new thing for me that I really like here.”

Bleeker always knew he wanted to play in the summer time. With the encouragement from his college coaches, Bleeker shared that he has more time to work on his skills and techniques over the summer.

“It’s fun to explore new places and see what baseball is like out here, cause its different everywhere you go,” Bleeker said.

The fans have also been a highlight for Bleeker. They have made it easy for him to have fun and enjoy the game.

“Talking to kids and seeing how excited the fans get when Bach comes up and they all clap for his song is super cool,” Bleeker said. “The experience the fans get when we play is really cool to me.”

Both Bleeker and Bachman have enjoyed their time playing with the Sasquatch and have learned to take in all the experiences, have fun, and enjoy their time on and off the field.

Experience Spearfish’s Vibrant Concert Scene

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 18:49:03 GMT

Experience Spearfish’s Vibrant Concert Scene

Experience Spearfish’s Vibrant Concert Scene: Sasquatch Edition Concert Guide Revealed

Welcome to Spearfish, South Dakota, a vibrant hub for music enthusiasts in the heart of the Black Hills. This comprehensive guide delves into the key venues and showcases an eclectic lineup of performers scheduled to grace the area. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, this guide ensures you have all the information you need to enjoy the thriving music scene around Spearfish.

Premier Concert Venues in Spearfish and Nearby

Lookout Amphitheater - Nestled in the scenic folds of Spearfish Canyon, this outdoor venue is a gem within the natural beauty of South Dakota. Established in 1998, it has a capacity of 2,500 and offers a truly immersive listening experience surrounded by lush forestation.

Lookout Pavilion - Overlooking the historical downtown, Lookout Pavilion, built in 2010, hosts up to 1,800 guests. Its modern design and state-of-the-art acoustics make it a favorite for both summer concerts and local festivals.

The Monument - Located just 45 minutes from Spearfish in Rapid City, this expansive center has been a musical landmark since 1977. With a seating capacity of over 10,000, it attracts major national and international tours.

Featured Artists and Bands

Marshall Tucker Band Tickets

Formed in 1972, this band is a powerful force in rock and Southern rock music. Known for songs like "Can't You See" and "Heard It in a Love Song," their blend of rock, country, and jazz continues to captivate audiences. The band's history spans over four decades with several gold records.

For King and Country Tickets

This Christian pop duo, consisting of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, has gained critical acclaim for their uplifting and thoughtful music since their debut in 2012. With Grammy Awards under their belt, they are known for hits like "God Only Knows" and "Joy."

Black Jacket Symphony Tickets

Celebrated for their meticulous recreation of classic albums, Black Jacket Symphony has been offering an unparalleled auditory experience since 2009. Each performance promises a perfect note-for-note performance followed by a set of the featured artist's greatest hits.

Cody Johnson Tickets

A beacon of traditional country music, Cody Johnson switched from rodeo circuits to music stages, gaining fame with his authentic sound. His albums, including "Cowboy Like Me" and "Gotta Be Me," have resonated deeply with country music lovers.

Travis Tritt Tickets

Known for his powerful voice and significant impact on 90s country music, Travis Tritt’s career includes several platinum albums and chart-topping singles like "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" and "Best of Intentions."

Aaron Lewis Tickets

Formerly the lead vocalist of Staind, Aaron Lewis has successfully transitioned to country music, bringing a raw and introspective approach to his songs, evident in his album "Sinner."

Theory of a Deadman Tickets

This rock band, known for their humorous and often blunt music, addresses deeper themes of society and personal challenges, making hits like "Bad Girlfriend" resonate with a wide audience.

Yelawolf Tickets

An artist who blends country, hip-hop, and rock into a unique sound that defies genre boundaries. His albums "Love Story" and "Trial by Fire" showcase his versatility and deep Southern roots.

Festivals and Special Events

The Black Hills Music Festival, starting in 1995, draws thousands each year with its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere. Celebrating genres from folk to rock, it’s a must-visit for its lively spirit and cultural richness.

Exclusive TicketSmarter Offer

For fans looking to experience these amazing performances live, be sure to use the exclusive promo code SPEAR5 at checkout on TicketSmarter to receive an extra 5% off your ticket purchase.

In Conclusion

This guide offers a deep dive into the rich musical offerings near Spearfish, SD. From historic venues to a lineup of legendary performers, every concertgoer will find something that resonates. Whether you prefer the intimate acoustics of a smaller venue or the bustling excitement of a major concert hall, the concert scene here is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Enjoy the shows with the added benefit of an exclusive discount, ensuring your concert experience is as unforgettable as the performances.

Host Family Experience: A Life Changing Impact

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:25:38 GMT

Host Family Experience: A Life Changing Impact

With the completion of the first game homestand, the Spearfish Sasquatch begins its sixth season strong, with plenty of new faces both on and off the field.

Players and interns come from colleges all across the U.S. Each one looking for a summer of growth and possibilities. While choosing to pursue an internship or playing summer baseball is exciting, it is a decision that can bring about uncertainties. One, being where to live for the next three months. However, it is the support and kindness from host families that not only settle any nerves, but also brings about new relationships for both the intern/player and the family.

“We had been attending games pretty regularly and heard the announcements at the games for the need for host families and just decided it was something we should try,” Arica Overby said, who is entering her fourth year of hosting along with her husband, Steve Overby. “We had an extra room in our house and thought it would be a fun experience.”

Overby shared that it has been a rewarding experience. An experience that has contributed to a closer connection the game and team.

“Other players stop by to hang out, we go on adventures and tour the hills,” Overby said. “Getting to know the players on a personal level makes us feel like we are part of their summer baseball experience.”

Relationships between host family and player extends farther than just during the summer season. Many host families express how they stay in contact with past players they hosted and even develop friendships with the players own family.

Lexi Schuldt and her husband, Jason Schuldt, have been hosting players for four years and while new experiences bring learning opportunities, Lexi shared how the most rewarding experience is the relationships that formed with players and their families.

Schuldt said she has gotten to travel and watch past Sasquatch players her family has hosted in different games and tournaments.

“Early May, I actually had three boys who were playing in the same baseball game in Superior, Wisconsin.” Schuldt said. “I jumped on a plane and got to go watch three of my old boys play in the same game. It was so awesome to be there with them as they continued to do their stuff.”

During the players time in Spearfish and with the Sasquatch, host families become that support and assistance each individual needs.

“We believe our main focus is to be supportive and help create the best experience for them,” Overby said. “They don’t need a coach at home when they have had a tough game, but maybe a trip to Leone’s for some ice cream or a few matches of Wii bowling will help them reset.”

The biggest decision any host family makes is deciding to become a host family to a new player and/or intern.

“Just do it, don’t hesitate,” Schuldt said. “Enjoy it because every one of these kids brings a completely different background and you never know what kind of an impact you can make on a kid.”

If anyone is considering becoming a host family, you can contact Sasquatch Owner and General Manager Eric Schmidt for more information.

Sasquatch Take Three of Four Against Moo in Fremont

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 01:15:03 GMT

Sasquatch Take Three of Four Against Moo in Fremont

By: Ari Wohl

The Spearfish Sasquatch (7-8) took three out of four against the Fremont Moo (7-6) and are now 7-4 since losing the first four games of the season against the Casper Spuds. The Sasquatch outscored the Moo 33-18 over the four-game set.

Game 1:

The opening game of the series needed 11 innings to decide a winner with Javier Marcial being the hero in the ninth for Spearfish.

The Sasquatch found themselves down to their final three outs in the top of the ninth inning, trailing 6-4. After Kyle Phin struck out, Seth Nelson popped a ball into left field and an error allowed the tying run to come to the plate. Ben Tate was the scheduled hitter, but head coach Justus Scott went to his bench for a pinch hitter.

Javier Marcial got the opportunity and entered the at bat 2/24, a batting average of .083, and no extra base hits on the season. Marcial fell behind in the count 0-2, and after evening the count at 2-2, Marcial hammered a no doubt home run to left field to tie the game.

Both teams were held scoreless in the tenth and the Sasquatch took the lead in the top of the 11th with three runs to lead it 9-6. Fremont threatened to tie it again, scoring twice, before Jordan Boman recorded the final two outs with the tying run on third to secure the win.

Boman was incredible out of the bullpen, pitching the final five innings and allowing two runs, none earned, and striking out eight. Boman received the win and the Sasquatch took game one 9-8 in 11.

Game 2:

Inclement weather delayed game two of the series until Saturday, making games two and three of the series seven inning doubleheaders.

After a great day on the mound in game one, Jordan Boman started the Sasquatch offense with a two-run homerun in the top of the first to give the Sasquatch an early lead. Spearfish would not lose the lead for the rest of the game, as Cade Bleeker delivered a dominant outing, going four innings and allowing one run.

Seth Nelson also had a great day at the plate, hitting his first home run of the season and driving in five runs as part of a strong 11-1 victory for the Sasquatch.

Game 3:

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Sasquatch again jumped out to an early lead, scoring three in the top of the first. That would be all starter Easton Brooks needed. Brooks had his best outing of the summer, going five innings, striking out eight, and keeping the Moo off the board.

Brooks and Andrew Argenziano held the Moo to just four hits and the Spearfish offense supported the pitching with perfect defense to take game three 6-1.

Seth Nelson played both games of the doubleheader, and in game two, went 3-3 with two more RBI. On the day, he had 7 RBI to power the Sasquatch to a doubleheader sweep and give the Sasquatch a chance for a four-game series sweep.

Game 4:

The series finale featured a pitchers’ duel through three innings, but Micah Coleman broke the scoreless tie with a three-run home run in the top of the fourth. The Moo immediately answered back with a run in the bottom of the fourth to make it a 3-1 Sasquatch lead.

Jackson Renz got the start for the Sasquatch and went 4 innings, working into the fifth, and allowed three runs, two earned, and did not get a decision. Cole Kreber came in for Renz in the fifth where the Moo jumped in front, scoring three in the frame to lead it 4-3 after five.

The Sasquatch answered back with three runs in the top of the sixth inning, before two runs by the Moo evened the score at six after six innings. In the top of the seventh, a sacrifice fly by Javier Marcial brought home Seth Nelson to give Spearfish a 7-6 lead heading into the seventh inning stretch.

In the bottom of the eighth, Aiden Torpey came in and with the bases loaded and one out, retired two consecutive to wiggle out of the jam and keep the Sasquatch in the lead, 7-6.

An error and a hit by pitch began the bottom of the ninth. With the bases loaded and one out, the Moo scored the tying run on a sacrifice fly to tie the game at seven. A walk off single up the middle gave the Moo the win, 8-7, to salvage the series finale.
Key Performers:

On offense, Seth Nelson had a great series, going 6-15 with a HR, eight RBI, and six runs scored.

The Sasquatch hit six home runs in the series. Seth Nelson, Braden Gostisha, Javier Marcial, Ben Green, Jordan Boman, and Micah Coleman all left the yard and recorded their first home runs of the year.

On the pitching side, Jordan Boman’s effort out of the bullpen in game one allowed Marcial to tie the game in the ninth. Boman’s ERA now sits at 2.91 on the season in 12.1 innings pitched.

Cade Bleeker also earned his first win of the season with a strong outing in game two. Colin Anderson came out of the bullpen in that game and had his first scoreless outing, facing 11 Moo hitters and only allowing two to reach.

What’s Next:

The Sasquatch have an off day on Monday before they are back at home to take on the Oahe Zap (3-12) for one game. The Hastings Sodbusters (7-4) then come to town for a pair of games and the first meeting between the two teams this summer.

All three games begin at 6:05 p.m. MDT at Black Hills Energy Stadium. The games will also be livestreamed on the Spearfish Sasquatch YouTube channel.

Sasquatch Win Two of Three Over Prospects

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 17:57:30 GMT

The Spearfish Sasquatch Came Home to Take Two of Three From Nebraska

Photo Courtesy: Sean Wahlfeldt

By: Ari Wohl

The Spearfish Sasquatch (3-5) took two of three over the Nebraska Prospects (1-2) in their first home series of 2024. The three-game series not only featured excitement on the field but also off the field with a rain-shortened win for the Sasquatch in game one, as well as a fireworks show after the Spearfish victory in game three.

Game 1:

The opening game of the series was delayed by 30 minutes due to rain and didn’t start well for the Sasquatch, as the Prospects struck first for five runs in the opening inning. But the Sasquatch didn’t back down, staying in the game thanks to a dominant relief outing by Colin Anderson, who retired the first 13 Prospects hitters he faced in order. Anderson delivered 4.2 innings allowing two runs and earning the win.

The offense then did what they have done all year: come back late in games. A five-run sixth inning put the Sasquatch in front 9-6 heading into the seventh. The Prospects answered back with two runs in the top of the seventh before the clouds once again opened up in the bottom of the seventh, causing the game to be called due to rain and giving the Sasquatch a 9-8 win.

Game 2:

Game two of the series featured another close battle, with Nebraska once again jumping in front early, this time with a four-run second inning. Spearfish would once again have to come from behind, and they did. Trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Ben Tate delivered a three-run double to tie the game. Head coach Justus Scott then went to his bench for Kyle Phin who delivered the go-ahead RBI single to give the Sasquatch the lead. They would tack on one more and take a 7-5 lead into the eighth.

This time, Nebraska answered back with three runs in the top of the eighth to take an 8-7 lead. The Prospects would hold on to win by that score and tie the series up heading into the rubber match.

Game 3:

In the series finale, fans were treated to an excellent pitching performance by Sasquatch starter Russell Peterson. Peterson went five innings, striking out eight, allowing just three hits, and did not surrender a run.

The Sasquatch held a 5-0 lead heading into the sixth, but the Prospects got to Cade Bridges out of the bullpen, tagging him for four runs in the frame. This began the back-and-forth offensive battle over the next two innings.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Sasquatch struck back for two runs to extend their lead to 7-4 with Ben Breen and Seth Nelson picking up RBI. In the top of the seventh, the Prospects plated two more to cut the deficit to one run. Then in the bottom of the seventh, Micah Coleman brought home a pair with a double to give the Sasquatch a 9-6.

Elijah Bobo closed out the game, going three innings and allowing no runs to earn the save and secure a series victory for the Sasquatch.

Key Performers:

In the three-game series, Ben Green went 4-6 at the plate, with five runs scored and one run batted in. He also made a spectacular defensive play in center field in game two of the series. Patrick Rakes also continued his hot start to the season, going 5-9 and scoring three runs in the three-game set.

On the pitching side, Elijah Bobo worked 4.2 innings across the final two games of the series and did not allow a run. Bobo on the season has now pitched 6.2 innings and is yet to surrender his first run of the summer.

What’s Next:

The Sasquatch now welcome the Casper Spuds to Black Hills Energy Stadium. The Spuds (4-0) swept the Sasquatch to open the season and had both of their games against the Fremont Moo rained out.

Cade Bleeker will get the ball for the Sasquatch to open the series on June 1 as the Sasquatch will look for another series win in the three-game set. First pitch on Saturday and Monday is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. MDT, while Sunday’s game begins at 4:05 p.m.

Catch the action live at Black Hills Energy Stadium, or on the Spearfish Sasquatch YouTube channel.

Spuds Sweep Sasquatch as Late Rally Falls Short

Mon, 27 May 2024 01:04:09 GMT

Spuds Sweep Sasquatch as Late Rally Falls Short

By: Ari Wohl

The Casper Spuds (4-0) swept the Spearfish Sasquatch (0-4) to open the 2024 season with a 10-9 win in the series finale. The Sasquatch did not hold a lead at any point during the series and a seventh and ninth-inning rally wasn’t enough to get the win on Sunday.

Trailing 10-2, the top of the Sasquatch lineup came to the plate to begin the seventh inning. Ryan Bachman walked, and Kyle Phin doubled to put a pair in scoring position. Patrick Rakes then brought Bachman home with an RBI single. After a popout, Jordan Boman singled to bring home Phin and make it 10-4. Ben Tate then grounded into a fielder’s choice to bring home Rakes and cut into the Spuds' deficit and make it 10-5.

A walk to Ben Green brought up Chance Greene with runners on the corners and two outs in the top of the seventh. A wild pitch brought home Tate from third and Chance Greene worked a walk, making it a 10-6 game and putting runners on the corners with two outs again, this time for Dylan Darnall, the ninth Sasquatch batter to come to the plate in the frame. Darnall was hit by a pitch to load the bases and brought Ryan Bachman, the tying run, to the plate.

Bachman struck out swinging to leave the bases loaded. After the game, head coach Justus Scott talked about the team’s fight in the later innings.

“Tremendous fight. And if you see that early in a team, doesn’t matter if it’s a shortened season, or spring season, or summer ball, it is certainly a great identity to have as a team. And we have it right now,” Scott said.

In the ninth, the Sasquatch started the inning with back-to-back base hits from Tate and Green, putting runners on second and third. Greene was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases with nobody out and bringing the tying run to the plate.

Braden Gostisha was called upon to pinch hit in the big spot and drew a walk, making it 10-7 and keeping the bases loaded with nobody out for the top of the order and Ryan Bachman.

Bachman grounded into a double play on a ball up the middle, bringing home Ben Green to make it 10-8 and leaving Chance Greene at third with two outs. Kyle Phin then singled into left, making it a 10-9 game. Patrick Rakes picked up his fourth hit of the game putting runners on the corners with two outs and bringing Javier Marcial to the plate.

Marcial lifted a ball high and deep into left-center, but it wasn’t enough, flying out to end the game. The Sasquatch left 13 runners on base on Sunday, including the bases loaded twice, and over the four-game set, they left 42 runners stranded.

“It’s simply just getting the big hit with two outs… A lot of these guys haven’t had a lot of at bats in the spring and that comes in time. I’m not really worried about that,” Scott said.

A big story in the four-game series was the starting pitching from the Casper Spuds. Their four starters combined for 22 innings pitched and allowed just 7 runs while striking out 25 Sasquatch batters.

Sasquatch pitchers, on the other hand, allowed just three walks in the series finale, an encouraging sign after Spearfish pitchers struggled with command, walking 22 Spuds, in the first three games.

“We have to limit the free passes, control the running game, and play better defense,” Scott said.

The Sasquatch will head back to South Dakota for an exhibition game against Legion Post 164 on Monday, May 27 with first pitch at 6:05 p.m. from Black Hills Energy Stadium.

Sasquatch Lose Close Battle Against Spuds; Fall to 0-3 to Begin Season

Sun, 26 May 2024 12:38:22 GMT

Sasquatch Lose Close Battle Against Spuds; Fall to 0-3 to Begin Season

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Sasquatch Fall to 0-2 to Open 2024 Season After 12-2 Loss Against Spuds

Sat, 25 May 2024 13:52:12 GMT

Sasquatch Fall to 0-2 to Open 2024 Season After 12-2 Loss Against Spuds

By: Ari Wohl

For a second straight game, the Casper Spuds used a big fifth inning to take a commanding lead and defeat the Sasquatch 12-2 on Friday night.

Right-handed pitcher Easton Brooks got the start for the Sasquatch and delivered three innings, allowing just one run. He received early support from the Sasquatch offense, as Lane Seim deposited a solo home run over the left-field wall to tie the score in the second inning.

Both offenses were quiet in the fourth, but things got away from the Sasquatch once again in the bottom of the fifth. After scoring six runs in the fifth inning of Thursday’s season opener, Casper plated eight runs in the fifth on Friday night.

Sasquatch relievers again struggled with command, walking two Spuds, and hitting three in the frame. Over the first two games of the season, Sasquatch pitchers have issued 15 walks and hit eight Spuds batters.

Before the game, head coach Justus Scott talked about the issues with command and how he hopes to see it resolved.

“It’s hard to tell. Sometimes you just have to let it play out and have guys get multiple outings and multiple innings… Guys are working on things, and they know that. That’s what I chalk it up to unless it persists,” Scott said.

Outside of the home run by Seim in the second inning, the Sasquatch struggled to establish an offensive presence. Spearfish batters had just four hits in the game and were struck out 11 times.

Scott also talked about using this four-game series as an opportunity for each player to showcase their abilities.

“This series — when we’re done and driving back to Spearfish, that everyone has gotten some AB’s and got some innings and we get to see them live,” Scott said.

The Sasquatch will look to get their first win of the summer on May 25th when they take on the Spuds for the third game of the four-game set.

Sasquatch Open 2024 Season on the Road With 12-6 Loss Against Spuds

Fri, 24 May 2024 14:03:35 GMT

Sasquatch Open 2024 Season on the Road With 12-6 Loss Against Spuds

By: Ari Wohl

The Spearfish Sasquatch opened their 2024 summer season with a loss and despite the large margin, there were several positive aspects to take into the next few games.

The Sasquatch trailed 6-3 heading into the bottom of the fifth, before a six-run inning by the Spuds gave them a large lead, and they never looked back. The Spuds brought 12 batters to the plate and needed only four hits to bring home the six runs.

Walks and hit-by-pitches came back to haunt the Sasquatch in the season opener. Spearfish walked nine Spuds batters and hit four of them. In the big six-run inning for Caspur, Spearfish walked four batters and two of those walks came around to score.

After that six-run inning, the Sasquatch outscored the Spuds 3-0 over the final four innings. A bright spot out of the bullpen was right-hander Cade Bleeker.

Bleeker, the right-hander out of Mesa, Arizona, recorded the final 10 outs and did so without allowing a baserunner. Bleeker struck out three in a dominating 3.1 innings pitched.

The offense had their chances as well, totaling eight hits and leaving nine runners stranded. The 2-3-4 hitters in the order all had strong performances.

Second-baseman Ryan Bachman reached base three times, going 2-4 with a pair of runs scored. Right-fielder Braden Gostisha reached base four times, going 2-4 with two runs scored. And first-baseman Kyle Phin had a positive day at the plate, going 2-3 with two walks, an RBI, and a run scored.

The Sasquatch will look for their first win of the season on May 24th when they take on the Spuds for the second game of the four-game series.

SPEARFISH ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE - SASQUATCH EDITION

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:05:11 GMT

Spearfish Entertainment Guide - Sasquatch Edition

Spearfish Entertainment Guide - Sasquatch Edition
TicketSmarter is thrilled to offer a 5% discount on tickets using promo code SPEAR5 for an array of enthralling live events in Spearfish, South Dakota, specially curated for fans and supporters of the Spearfish Sasquatch. Click the links below to navigate to the TicketSmarter site, where you can enter the discount code at checkout which applies to our comprehensive selection of over 125,000 concerts, sporting events, and theater productions.

Spearfish and Surrounding Area Concerts

Spearfish, a cultural gem, hosts an inviting range of live music events. Venues like the High Plains Western Heritage Center and the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center offer a mix of performances, from local musicians to nationally recognized acts, providing a rich tapestry of musical experiences for every taste. Catch performances from John Waite or head over to Rapid City to catch Journey & Toto .

Sports in Spearfish - Home of the Spearfish Sasquatch

Experience the communal spirit of sports in Spearfish. Root for the Spearfish Sasquatch and enjoy the camaraderie and excitement at local games. The city's love for sports extends to various local and college sports events, embodying the vibrant energy and competitive spirit of the region. If you enjoy watching the best bull riders on earth, do not miss out with PBR tickets in Deadwood. If you enjoy the ice, catch the Rapid City Rush from the ECHL in action at Ice Arena at The Monument.

Major Events in Spearfish and Nearby

Spearfish and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of significant events. From the Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon & 5K to the renowned Black Hills Powwow, the region offers an array of events that celebrate the community's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Theater and Performances in Spearfish

Discover the thriving theater scene in Spearfish. The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center, along with local performance venues, present a diverse range of productions, from thought-provoking plays to lively musical performances, ensuring a captivating and enriching theatrical experience.

Embark on an exploration of Spearfish's vibrant and diverse event scene. Click, secure your tickets, and immerse yourself in the myriad of entertainment options specially selected for the Spearfish Sasquatch community.

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH NAME JUSTUS SCOTT HEAD COACH

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:27:33 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH NAME JUSTUS SCOTT AS HEAD COACH

(Spearfish, SD) – The Spearfish Sasquatch of Independence League Baseball announce Justus Scott as the new head coach for the 2024 season.

“When I learned former head coach, Jarrett Hunt, was stepping down for the upcoming season, I immediately started a nationwide search to find a replacement. Fortunately, Spearfish is a very attractive place for a coach to spend their summer, so we had several applicants. We’re going to miss Coach Hunt in the dugout, but I’m very confident in Justus’ ability to step in and lead this team to great things in 2024.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

“I am extremely honored and excited for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club. We have been fortunate to have a few Cerro Coso baseball players on the Sasquatch roster over the past few summers and all of them had a great experience. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working towards bringing a championship to Spearfish!”
Justus Scott – Sasquatch Head Coach

“Coach Scott, Cerro Coso CC, and the Sasquatch have a history. We’ve had both players and assistant coaches from their program here in Spearfish for several summers now. That familiarity between us made it very clear, Coach Scott was going to be a great fit for our organization. I’m excited to get him started, add some assistant coaches in the coming weeks, introduce him to the players, and watch this team do great things on and off the field this summer.”
Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

The Spearfish Sasquatch and Independence League Baseball begin their 2024 campaign on May 23 ^rd . For information on Independence League Baseball visit www.independenceleague.com and for more information on the Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club

1940 North Ave – Unit 1

Spearfish, SD 57783

Phone: 605-559-0214

HEAD COACH JARRETT HUNT RESIGNS

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:43:04 GMT

SPEARFISH SASQUATCH ACCEPT HEAD COACH JARRETT HUNT’S RESIGNATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 17 ^th , 2024)

(Spearfish, SD) – Spearfish Sasquatch Owner & General Manager, Eric Schmidt, announces Jarrett Hunt has resigned as head coach due to expected arrival of his first child.

“I want to sincerely thank Coach Hunt for his commitment and investment in the Spearfish Sasquatch since he came on board in July of 2022,” said Eric Schmidt. “I wish Jarrett nothing but the best in these exciting times for him and his family.”

Hunt led the program to an Independence League Baseball championship birth in 2022 after joining the squad mid-season that summer. He returned to the helm in 2023, falling just three games shy of a second consecutive championship appearance. Jarrett was poised to return for the 2024 season before recently deciding to step down to dedicate his time to his family.

“Jarrett has done one heck of a job recruiting and building a team for the 2024 campaign,” said Schmidt. “We have 30 players signed to date as we look to bring back a few familiar faces combined with some exciting new talent! Whoever takes the over as head coach will inherit a very talented roster of players coming in from all over the country.” A nationwide search for the next Spearfish Sasquatch Head Coach will begin immediately.

The Sasquatch 2024 schedule is comprised of 53 games (35 home, 18 away) featuring 4 fireworks nights, an exhibition game against the Spearfish Post 164 American Legion Baseball Club, and several exciting promotions and theme nights scattered throughout the entire summer. Season tickets are on sale now.

For information on Independence League Baseball, visit www.independenceleague.com , and for more information on the Spearfish Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

Spearfish Sasquatch Baseball Club

1940 North Ave – Unit 1

Spearfish, SD 57783

Phone: 605-559-0214

2024 Schedule Released

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:10:26 GMT

2024 Schedule Released

(Spearfish, SD) – Today, Independence League Baseball and the Spearfish Sasquatch announced the release of the 2024 season schedule. The schedule features a 52 game schedule for member teams to vie for a chance to compete in the week-long postseason to crown the league’s champion.

“The day the schedule is released is a very exciting day for any team”, said Eric Schmidt – Owner/GM of the Spearfish Sasquatch. “We look forward to this day and the opportunity to finally share our summer plans with all our fans. There is a ton of work put in behind the scenes between the league and the teams to make this all come together. This year was especially challenging given the fact our league is comprised of an odd number of teams (five). We had to get super creative, and that is where the Nebraska Prospects, Bison Baseball & Plainsmen Baseball come in as a travel only teams. They were critical to us in terms of getting a balanced schedule while allowing each member team more home games and less time on the road.”

The Sasquatch regular season schedule will feature 52 games (34 home, 18 away). “The release of the game schedule is a big, but that’s when a lot of the work really begins”, said Schmidt. “We can now get to work on planning our theme nights, promotions, and prepare to schedule in-game entertainment. We’re looking to have 3-4 fireworks nights, playing an exhibition game against the Spearfish Post 164 American Legion Baseball Club, bringing back the very popular Free Jersey Night, and mixing in a lot of new promotions with old favorites!”

For information on Independence League Baseball, visit www.independenceleague.com , and for more information on the Spearfish Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

Sasquatch Announce 2023 Coaching Staff

eric@spearfishsaasquatch.com (Eric Schmidt) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:38:29 GMT

Sasquatch Announce 2023 Coaching Staff

(Spearfish, SD) October 11 ^th , 2022 – The Spearfish Sasquatch of Independence League Baseball announce Jarrett Hunt (Head Coach) and Anthony Peterson (Assistant Coach) as the coaching staff for the 2023 campaign.

“Jarrett and Anthony were brought in a little over half way through our season last summer, which can be a tough situation to navigate. They immediately earned the respect of our players and led our squad on to win the second half of the season and to our second consecutive appearance in the League Championship.”

Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

Jarrett currently serves as a Graduate Assistant Baseball Coach at Montana State University - Billings. Hunt played baseball at William Penn University (2018–21) where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in digital communications with a minor in business management.

While competing for WPU, Hunt set the career records for hits (162) and runs scored (117). In 2019 he was a key contributor as William Penn won its first Heart of America Conference Championship. Hunt was awarded the Gold Glove as a first baseman and earned all-conference recognition. In 2021 he was named to the all-Heart postseason tournament team again receiving all-conference honors. From 2018-21 Hunt was named to the Heart of America all-academic team and in 2020 was selected to the NAIA all-academic team.

Prior to William Penn, Hunt began his collegiate playing career at Utah State University Eastern in the Scenic West Athletic Conference. He graduated with his associate of science degree. While at Eastern Utah Hunt pitched and played first base, and in 2017 he received honors as the SWAC player of the week and pitcher of the week on separate occasions. In 2018, he was named to the all-region first team as a first baseman and was also named to the NJCAA all-academic second team.

Hunt is a graduate of Mountain Crest High School in Logan, Utah. Hunt posted a career 10-0 record on his home mound and was named to the all-state team. He will be earning a Master of Psychology at Montana State University Billings.

“I am beyond grateful to get the opportunity to come back for a full season with the Sasquatch. I’m looking forward to coaching some talented young men on the field and putting on a show for the great people of Spearfish!”

Jarrett Hunt – Sasquatch Head Coach

Anthony Peterson comes from Utah State where he has been an Assistant Coach for the Club Baseball team since 2019. Winning region titles every year he’s been there, they are coming off a fourth place finish at the National Club Baseball Association World Series last spring in Greenwood, South Carolina and a Northern Pacific Conference title. Anthony specializes in defensive instruction with a focus on infielders. In 2022, he helped coach Second Team All-American SS Braydon Howard, and Third Team All-American 3B Buddy Young. He also assists with hitting and pitching.

Peterson, a graduate of Utah State University, played college baseball at Salt Lake Community College, before medically retiring after his sophomore season. Peterson prepped at Mountain Crest High School in Hyrum, Utah, where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams. Anthony was a 2014 pre-season baseball Under Armor All-American and earned All-State honors his senior year at Mountain Crest.

“I’m excited to welcome Jarrett and Anthony back this summer as we look to bring a championship to Spearfish. We are already actively recruiting and signing players. You can expect a good mix of familiar faces in addition to some exciting newcomers. Follow us on social media for player signing announcements every Thursday.”
Eric Schmidt – Sasquatch Owner/GM

The Sasquatch will begin their 5 ^th Season in late May. For information on Independence League Baseball visit www.independenceleague.com and for more information on the Sasquatch or to purchase tickets visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

2022 All-iLB Team & Awards Announced

eric@spearfishsaasquatch.com (Eric Schmidt) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:36:44 GMT

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PRESS RELEASE

INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL ANNOUNCES 2022 ALL-iLB TEAM & AWARDS

ILB Contact

info@independenceleague.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9th, 2022

Independence League Baseball is proud to announce the 2022 All-iLB Team, Most Valuable Player, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Organization of the Year, following a successful inaugural season which saw nine affiliate teams draw over 130,000 fans into their ballparks.

2022 All-iLB Team

Catcher Connor Flagg North Platte Plainsmen University of Central Arkansas

Infielder Tyler Stone Canyon County Spuds Iowa Western Community College

Infielder Ryan Bachman Spearfish Sasquatch Minnesota State University – Mankato

Infielder Dillon Baker Casper Horseheads Miami University

Infielder Jace Jeremiah Western Nebraska Pioneers St. John’s University

Infielder Brayden Morrow Casper Horseheads Tulane University

Outfielder Eric Smelko Western Nebraska Pioneers Cal State Dominguez Hills

Outfielder Colin Lynam Nebraska Prospects Wayne State College

Outfielder Carson Lundmark Badlands Big Sticks Mayville State University

Outfielder Derek Wood Gem City Bison George Mason University

Pitcher Griffin Allen Western Nebraska Pioneers Grand Canyon University

Pitcher Marco Ibarra Fremont Moo Chico State

Pitcher Lucas Hamzeh Fremont Moo Midland University

Pitcher Tristin Tatum Canyon County Spuds Cal State East Bay

Pitcher Caden Fiveash North Platte Plainsmen Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa

Pitcher Paul Panduro Western Nebraska Pioneers Pittsburg State University

Pitcher Blake McFadden Canyon County Spuds Northwest Nazarene University

2022 iLB MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Infielder Tyler Stone Canyon County Spuds Iowa Western Community College

2022 iLB PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Pitcher Griffin Allen Western Nebraska Pioneers Grand Canyon University

2022 iLB COACH OF THE YEAR

Head Coach Antonio Garcia Western Nebraska Pioneers Gonzaga University

2022 iLB ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

Spearfish Sasquatch

Independence League Baseball is a summer collegiate wood bat baseball league dedicated to their respective communities and vow to work cooperatively, aiming to provide the very best experience for fans, players, coaches and staffs. Each organization is operated professionally and with integrity, promising to keep the fan and player experience at the top of mind all day, every day.

Independence League Baseball is actively recruiting and vetting additional teams, venues and operators for the 2023 season and beyond. Announcements on these and more will be shared as commitments are finalized. For more information visit www.independenceleague.com .

Sasquatch fall short in playoff series opener against Big Sticks

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:00:00 GMT

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Postseason games require a short memory of the regular season and a focus on what lies ahead, and the Badlands Big Sticks showed that mentality in game one of the divisional playoffs against the Spearfish Sasquatch.

After losing the last four of five games to Spearfish to end the regular season, the Big Sticks fired on all cylinders in a gutsy 7-4 victory over the Sasquatch to take a 1-0 playoff series lead on Sunday night.

The Sasquatch ended the regular season with a 28-28 record after beginning summer play 5-16. An impressive second half landed them in the postseason against Badlands, but they struggled mightily offensively in front of their fans in their only matchup at home to begin the series.

The Spearfish offense displayed a collective struggle that had not been seen very often since the early days of the season, tallying only four runs on four hits with three errors.

Right fielder Trey Vorwald led the way for Spearfish at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs to account for half of the team’s hits on the night.

On the mound, JD Kirchner only went four innings of two-run ball, surrendering two hits and walking five Badlands hitters. Kirchner was replaced in the top of the fifth by relief pitcher Wyatt Adams, who finished the final five innings of game one, allowing four earned runs through his appearance.

Tied 1-1 heading into the fourth inning, the Big Sticks added a run in the fifth to take the lead, followed by two runs in each the fifth and sixth innings and a run in the seventh.

With bases loaded in the sixth inning and down by four, Vorwald lifted a ball into right field that eventually dropped for a two-run single, pushing the Big Sticks lead to 6-4. The two-run deficit was the closest that the Sasquatch got to the lead for the remainder of the game.

The Big Sticks added seven runs on nine hits with an error of their own, and their offense showed some power that was not seen in the five-game series to close the regular season. Left fielder Austin Bunn hit a monstrous home run to left field to expand the Badlands lead to five in the top of the sixth inning.

While the Sasquatch struggled offensively, the Big Sticks impressed on the mound, with each of their four pitchers recording over an inning of work each. After starting pitcher Steve Marhefke left the game with an apparent injury in the third inning, relievers Braxton Greenburg, Logan Fragomeni, and Daniel Rivera handled the Sasquatch offense for the rest of the night.

With the postseason resetting team records, the Sasquatch fall to 0-1 in the series and travel to Dickinson, North Dakota for game two on Monday night. In a best-of-three series, Spearfish needs to force a third game in order to avoid playoff elimination.

Ready for the playoffs: Sasquatch defeat Big Sticks in commanding fashion

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 05:24:25 GMT

A night after the Spearfish Sasquatch clinched a playoff berth in a walk-off win over the Badlands Big Sticks, they kept their foot on the gas pedal all night in game four.

Center Fielder Griffin Shearon broke a tied game with a bases-clearing double in the sixth inning, and Spearfish added on from there, defeating the Big Sticks 15-8 in the fourth game of a five-game series on Friday night.

Coming into Friday’s matchup, the Sasquatch had taken the first three games of the series in nail-biting fashion. However, in a bullpen game between both teams, the Spearfish offense formed a comfortable lead in the later innings to set the commanding tone for the rest of the game.

Down 6-1 in the second inning, the Sasquatch offense fired back completely, scoring six of their own in the bottom half of the inning. With both teams tied at eight in the sixth, Shearon drove in three runs to push the Sasquatch ahead for their first lead since the first inning.

After a three-run eighth to add insurance, Spearfish easily maintained the seven-run lead with a shutdown ninth inning from reliever Damon Gaither.

Spearfish tallied its 15 runs on 14 hits, only adding to the monstrous tear that the offense has experienced in the past few weeks.

With the playoffs starting on Sunday night, a few Spearfish starters earned the day off, giving reliever Dylan Richey the opportunity to play in right field. After saving the first two games of the series for the Sasquatch, Richey reached his inning limit for the summer, but continued to contribute, going 2-for-3 with two walks in his first lineup start of the season.

Designated hitter Ryan Doran went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while catcher Davis Carr added three hits of his own to pad the Sasquatch lead late in the game.

The Big Sticks added eight runs on 10 hits and five errors, with a few of the errors proving costly as a couple of Sasquatch runs scored as a result.

After the Big Sticks loaded the bases with one out in the seventh, pitcher Jack Hostetler took the mound, striking out back-to-back Badlands hitters to end the inning and keep the score a four-run game.

Spearfish improves to 17-10 in the second half of the season, pushing their win streak to four games in a row. After losing the first five of six games against Badlands to begin the season, the Sasquatch look to end the regular season with a series sweep of the Big Sticks on Saturday before beginning the divisional playoffs at home on Sunday evening.

Sasquatch inch closer to playoffs with big win over Big Sticks

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:09:33 GMT

With the Spearfish Sasquatch needing to win two of their last four games of the regular season, they cut the magic number to one game on Wednesday night.

Center fielder Bryson Hoier drove in three runs, starting pitcher Brian Wrenn played deep into the game, and the Spearfish Sasquatch defeated the Badlands Big Sticks 9-7 in game two of a five-game set to move a step closer in clinching a playoff berth.

The Sasquatch offense led the majority of the night, taking advantage of their opportunities with runners on base. Spearfish tallied its nine runs on 11 hits along with an error-free game defensively, leading to the second consecutive win against the Big Sticks to begin the home series.

After going hitless with three strikeouts in game one on Tuesday, Bryson Hoier flipped the script in game two. Hoier finished his night 3-for-5 with three RBIs scattered throughout the game, leaving him a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.

After an early 1-0 lead for the Big Sticks early in the game, the Sasquatch struck back in the bottom of the first behind a Bryson Hoier leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game. Two Sasquatch runs followed soon after as Spearfish led with a 3-1 lead after the first, and the offense continued to add on runs from there.

In his first start of the year for the Sasquatch, Wrenn kept the Badlands offense at bay after allowing an early run in the top of the first inning. Wrenn kept the ball on the ground, going six innings of three-run ball while surrendering ten hits.

The Sasquatch poured on the run support early, scoring seven of their nine runs in the first three innings alone, which gave Wrenn some insurance to work with on the mound.

The Big Sticks added seven runs on 14 hits and two errors, struggling to cash in on a couple of scoring opportunities with bases loaded.

After the Big Sticks loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth, reliever Dylan Richey finished business with a ground out in the ninth inning to solidify the game two win.

The Sasquatch take the first two games against the Big Sticks, improving their record to 14-10. Spearfish looks to take the series, along with a divisional playoff berth, with a game three win Friday night.

Kirchner's gem lifts Sasquatch over Horseheads in game two

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 19:20:27 GMT

J.D. Kirchner knew that he needed to step up in a Sasquatch starting rotation that had lost a few notable players in the past couple of weeks.

So, he did exactly that.

Kirchner tossed an absolute gem on the mound, and the Sasquatch offense did its job, lifting Spearfish over the Casper Horseheads 5-1 on Saturday night.

While the Sasquatch bats have been improving game after game just in time for the postseason, Kirchner’s performance was easily the biggest takeaway in game two of the series.

Kirchner was efficient all night on the mound, going the distance with eight innings of two-hit, shutout ball to keep the Horseheads off the board. Given an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, he commanded the zone with ease, striking out four Casper hitters throughout his outing.

Kirchner held Casper hitless through five innings until the sixth inning in a play that resulted in an errant throw but was registered as the first hit of the night for the Horseheads. He walked six batters, with the majority of them occurring in the last three innings, but was able to escape trouble each inning to give the Sasquatch bullpen some much-needed rest.

Spearfish reliever Brian Wrenn finished the job in the ninth for the Sasquatch’s fifth win in a row, including their fifth consecutive victory over the Horseheads.

The Sasquatch kept their hot offense rolling, pushing across five runs on seven hits. Just as J.D Kirchner went deep into the contest, so did Casper starting pitcher Roger Reng, who went eight innings and struck out eight Spearfish hitters. However, the Sasquatch were able to tally four runs on six hits early off of Reng, who took the loss.

The Sasquatch scored four runs in the first two innings before Reng settled in, and they held that lead with ease the rest of the night.

Shortstop Gabe Springer had a 3-for-4 night with an RBI, pushing his batting average on the season to .285 after a slow start to the year. Second baseman Ryan Bachman and right fielder Nicky Winterstein each added a hit and a pair of RBIs, as well.

The Sasquatch add another win to the second-half column, improving their record to 13-9, and they aim to complete a series sweep of the Horseheads in an afternoon matchup against Casper on Sunday.

Comeback kids: Spearfish does it again

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 16:12:42 GMT

On a fireworks night for the Horseheads at their home field, the visiting Spearfish Sasquatch spoiled Casper's fun by creating some fireworks of their own.

Second baseman Ryan Bachman drilled a two-run homer in the ninth to break a tied ball game, and the Sasquatch defeated the Horseheads 8-6 to win the first of three games in Casper Friday night.

Trailing 6-4 in the top of the ninth inning, the Sasquatch offense showed signs of life, stealing the second consecutive game against the Horseheads in late innings. On Wednesday, the Sasquatch defeated the Horseheads 16-12 after scoring nine runs in the bottom of the seventh. Spearfish erased an 8-2 deficit that night, and they displayed some more of that grit in the ninth inning on Friday.

After shortstop Gabe Springer reached first base on a Casper error with one out, first baseman Harrison Clark doubled into left field to score Springer. Outfielder Nicky Winterstein singled to tie the game at six, and in the next at-bat, Bachman followed with his emphatic two-run shot to take an 8-6 lead that became the eventual final score.

Clark went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI’s to start off his last series with the Sasquatch this season. Bachman added three hits as well, including the tiebreaking home run, his second of the year.

The Sasquatch compiled another impressive hitting performance, tallying their eight runs on 13 hits. After only scoring two runs off of Casper starting pitcher Quinn Hocom, Spearfish attacked the Horseheads bullpen once again for five runs in the final two innings.

After the Horseheads took a 6-3 lead in the seventh, relief pitcher Griffin Shearon pitched a scoreless final three innings to keep the Sasquatch in the game. Shearon fanned seven Casper hitters and struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth to earn his third win of the season.

Sasquatch starting pitcher Jack Hostetler went five innings, allowing two earned runs and five hits while striking out five Casper batters.

The Horseheads added six runs on eight hits but fell victim to errors for the second game in a row. After making six errors on Wednesday night, Casper accumulated four more on Friday that proved costly, and the Sasquatch took advantage.

The Sasquatch improve to 12-9 in the second half of this season behind a four-game winning streak, and they look to take game two of the series on the road against the Horseheads on Saturday night.

Sasquatch tally nine-run sixth to stun Casper

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 05:09:10 GMT

Although many notable players on their roster have departed for the summer, the Spearfish Sasquatch do not appear phased whatsoever as the playoffs approach.

In fact, they’re playing with more motivation than ever before.

The Spearfish offense tallied a monstrous 16 runs on 12 hits, and the Sasquatch overcame a tough night on the mound to defeat the Casper Horseheads 16-12 on Wednesday night.

Entering the bottom of the sixth inning down 8-2, right fielder Trey Vorwald led off with a single, and the rest is history. Instead of scoring in spurts, the Sasquatch bats decided not to waste any time, driving across nine runs in the sixth inning alone to tie and eventually take their first lead of the night.

The entire Sasquatch lineup made a plate appearance in the inning, along with registering an additional three runs with two outs.

Following the sixth, the Sasquatch added three runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth for some much-needed insurance.

Nicky Winterstein added another three-hit night, going 3-for-4 and driving in three runs. Vorwald added a 3-for-5 night with an RBI as well, with two of his hits coming in the sixth inning alone.

Casper’s starting pitcher Andrew Hanson went five innings, allowing only one earned run and striking out seven Sasquatch hitters. The Spearfish bats hit their stride against the Horseheads bullpen, scoring their last 14 runs against the next three relievers following Hanson’s departure.

The Sasquatch offensive surge was much needed, as the pitching staff struggled all night to handle the Casper offense. Starting pitcher Kolby Schiffer went only three innings, surrendering six runs on six hits while walking two batters. The last three Spearfish relievers following Schiffer were unable to escape an inning without allowing a run.

The Horseheads added 12 runs of their own on 15 hits, while also making six errors on the night. A couple of the Casper errors accounted for multiple Spearfish runs scored.

The Sasquatch improve to 11-9 in the second half of this season as they take both games of the two-game set against the Horseheads. With only eight games left in the regular season, Spearfish looks to carry its momentum to Casper for the last matchup against the Horseheads in a three-game series beginning Friday evening.

Sasquatch fight back late against Horseheads

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 04:58:47 GMT

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Sasquatch strike back in shutout over Horseheads

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 04:16:59 GMT

In a pivotal game of the regular season, the Spearfish Sasquatch showed the kind of performance they are capable of putting together every night.

Starting pitcher Kenji Miller pitched a shutout performance on the mound, and the Sasquatch offense brought the rain in a 10-0 victory over the Casper Horseheads on Tuesday night.

Coming into the night with a three-game losing streak after losing game one against Casper, the Sasquatch put those losses behind them, dominating from the first pitch on both sides of the ball.

The Sasquatch tallied ten runs on twelve hits, pulling nine runs across in the first four innings. First baseman Harrison Clark went 3-for-3 with two RBI’s and a walk on the night, extending his hot performance at the plate. Coming into game two, Clark was hitting 7-for-13 in his last few games.

Right fielder Nicky Winterstein and center fielder Bryson Hoier both hit 2-for-4 at the plate to contribute to the Spearfish onslaught. Winterstein drove in two runs, as well.

In his last start for the Sasquatch this season, Kenji Miller was electric working late into the game. Miller went 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only four hits and striking out nine Horsehead hitters. Miller’s nine strikeouts were the most he’s had this season.

Miller, a pitcher for Everett Community College, ended his Sasquatch campaign with a 2-1 record and an impressive 2.63 ERA through four starts.

After losing game one to the Horseheads Monday night, the Sasquatch fired back on Tuesday and created a very comfortable lead early into the game.

The Sasquatch improve to 8-5 in the second half of regular season play, and they look to continue their momentum on the road as they face off against the Western Nebraska Pioneers for the first time this season on Wednesday afternoon.

Sasquatch fall just short against Horseheads

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:09:54 GMT

After returning to Black Hills Energy Stadium for a quick two-game series, the Spearfish Sasquatch were greeted with a rude “welcome home.”

Shortstop Johnny McHenry hit a three-run home run to right field in the fifth inning, but the Sasquatch defense faltered as they fell 7-6 to the determined Casper Horseheads on Monday night.

The Sasquatch offense accounted for six runs on eleven hits, outhitting the Horseheads by one. McHenry’s three-run shot in the fifth for a temporary lead, followed by a two-run eighth, pushed the Casper lead to one heading into the ninth.

Designated Hitter Bailey Bordas lined a ball into left field with two outs in the eighth, scoring first baseman Harrison Clark. Third baseman Gabe Springer followed right behind, but he was tagged out at home plate to keep it a one-run lead for the Horseheads.

While the Sasquatch offense collected their hits, they fell victim to errors in game one. After allowing seven errors in a matchup with the Gem City Bison Sunday night, the Sasquatch made two more against the Horseheads.

The two errors combined for four Casper runs. A throwing error from Springer in the third inning, followed by a catching error from McHenry in the seventh pushed across the four Horsehead runners.

Spearfish starting pitcher Kolby Schiffer went five innings, allowing only one earned run and striking out four Casper hitters. Starting pitcher Brady Nelsen was working well through five innings before allowing McHenry’s three-run shot, ending his night with four runs allowed.

Down by one in the ninth, second baseman Ryan Bachman reached third base with two outs. Casper pitcher Thomas Touchette struck out McHenry immediately after to seal the game one victory for the Horseheads.

The Sasquatch fall to 7-5 in the second half of the season, with an 18-22 overall record. They look to avenge tonight’s loss with a win in game two tomorrow against the Horseheads, who are now 3-8 in the second half of play.

Sasquatch take huge game one in important series against Spuds

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 18:59:56 GMT

In perhaps the biggest series matchup of the summer so far, the Spearfish Sasquatch made a major statement in game one.

Catcher Drew Biggerstaff drove in two runs behind a 3-for-5 night, and the Sasquatch offense wreaked havoc once more in a 9-4 victory over the Canyon County Spuds on Monday evening.

Coming into this series, the Sasquatch were two and a half games behind the Spuds in the division after losing four of five in Idaho a couple weeks ago. This time, the Sasquatch fired back on their home territory to push the Spuds’ lead to one and a half games behind as they aim to make the playoffs in the second half of the season.

The Sasquatch bats continued their consistent work early at the plate with another 15-hit performance, driving nine runs across. Spearfish scored six of its runs in the first four innings off of Spuds pitcher Nico Martinez, who was tagged for 10 hits before leaving the game in the fifth inning.

Biggerstaff was not the only Sasquatch hitter to celebrate a multi-hit game. Leadoff hitter Nicky Winterstein went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, followed by Gabe Springer’s 3-for-5 and two-RBI performance.

With a 6-3 lead for the Sasquatch in the seventh inning, first baseman Damon Gaither provided some much-needed insurance with a two-run shot over the right field wall for his first home run this season since joining the team.

Sasquatch pitcher Cam Hoiland had another solid night on the mound, tossing five innings of two-run ball while striking out six Spuds hitters. His performance was followed by a three-inning outing from reliever Drew Hedtke and a scoreless ninth from Wyatt Adams to seal the deal in game one.

The Sasquatch improve to 4-2 in the second half of the season, as well as moving to 3-1 on the home stand. Spearfish looks to continue its winning ways in game two against Canyon County on Tuesday night.

Squatch win fourth series in a row with victory over Bison

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 01:32:47 GMT

After a tough loss Saturday night, the Spearfish Sasquatch fired back on both sides of the ball to leave no doubt the next game.

Starting pitcher Hunter Polley dealt for six innings, the Sasquatch offense jumped all over opposing pitching, and Spearfish took game three against the Gem City Bison convincingly in a 9-0 shutout Sunday evening.

Coming off of a tough start last week against the Badlands Big Sticks, Polley showed what he is capable of on the mound, tossing six scoreless innings for the Sasquatch. Polley only allowed two hits throughout the outing, striking out eight Bison hitters in the process.

The Spearfish bullpen earned a much-needed break on Sunday, as reliever Kolby Schiffer took care of business for the last three innings to solidify the Sasquatch victory. Schiffer fanned three Gem City hitters, allowing no hits on the night.

Gem City was shut out for the first time in the matchups between both teams this season. The two hits allowed by Polley were all that were allowed.

Offensively, the Sasquatch bats made it easy for Polley and Schiffer on the mound, getting on base early and driving across nine runs on eleven hits.

Right fielder Nicky Winterstein went 2-for-5, including a no-doubt, two-run blast in the second inning to make it a 6-0 Sasquatch lead early. Third baseman Gabe Springer added three hits and an RBI, along with second baseman Ryan Bachman, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI as well.

The Sasquatch scored two in the eighth inning to make it 9-0, diminishing any comeback bid from the Bison.

Sunday's win for the Sasquatch solidifies a 5-1 record against the Bison so far this season, as well as the fourth consecutive series win for Spearfish.

The Sasquatch improve to 3-2 in the second half of this season, moving to an overall 14-19 record. Spearfish aims to keep its momentum going into a three-game series against the Canyon County Spuds that will conclude the Sasquatch's six-game home stand.

Sasquatch fall just short of comeback attempt against Bison

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 04:46:37 GMT

The Gem City Bison had been searching for their first win against the Spearfish Sasquatch this season, and their wish came true Saturday night.

Starting pitcher Kenji Miller pitched five innings of four-run ball, but ultimately took the loss as the Bison defeated the Sasquatch 7-5 in game two of a three-game series.

Coming into Saturday's matchup, the Bison had lost the first four games between the two teams, including a series sweep during the Sasquatch's last home stand. Hungry for a win, they took the second game behind seven runs on eight hits.

The Spearfish offense started off hot at the plate against Bison starting pitcher Jameson Eickhart , scoring four runs in the first three innings to take a 4-1 lead. However, they were kept silent throughout the middle innings of the game, not scoring again until the ninth inning.

Gem City reliever Mitchell Winter, who played first base in game one, pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings, only allowing one hit. The Sasquatch had no answer before eventually scoring the ninth-inning run off of reliever Marco Feria to make the score 7-5, but the comeback bid was just short.

Second baseman Ryan Bachman went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Right fielder Nicky Winterstein, shortstop Johnny McHenry, and designated hitter Drew Biggerstaff all added an RBI, as well.

However, the Bison offense had the last laugh, scoring three runs in the fourth off Kenji Miller to tie the game, followed by a couple of runs in the sixth to take their first lead of the night.

Relievers Griffin Shearon and Gavin Van Horn took over for Miller after the fifth inning, but the Bison continued to find ways to put balls in play. Shearon went two innings, surrendering two runs on five walks. Van Horn finished the game for Spearfish, pitching two innings of one-run ball.

While the Bison were very disciplined at the plate all night, their base running gave them a major advantage. Gem City stole 12 bases throughout the game, and no runners were thrown out, leading them to steal seemingly whenever they wanted to.

While the Sasquatch offense certainly struggled, three of the Bison runs were scored behind wild pitches. Combined with the aggressive Gem City base running, the Bison kept the lead the rest of the night.

The Sasquatch look to win the series in game three against the Bison tomorrow afternoon at 4:05 pm.

Sasquatch hold off hungry Bison in 9-6 win

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 19:13:44 GMT

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Sasquatch leave no doubt in series win over Big Sticks

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 02:35:11 GMT

If there was any skepticism on whether the Spearfish Sasquatch had truly found their rhythm, that doubt can be thrown away.

Second baseman Bailey Bordas hit a bases-clearing double to drive in three runs, and the Sasquatch offense came alive for the second game in a row to defeat the Badlands Big Sticks 14-9 Sunday evening.

A night after scoring fifteen runs on sixteen hits, the Sasquatch did much of the same in the final game of the series, driving in fourteen runs behind seventeen hits. After a slow start to the season, the Spearfish offense was relentless against opposing pitching during the six-game homestand. The Sasquatch swept the Gem City Bison in three games and won two of three against the Big Sticks to take the series win and end the home stretch with a 5-1 record.

The Sasquatch attacked Big Sticks starting pitcher Sam Marhefke early, as he was replaced on the mound before the end of the second inning. Marhefke was tagged for six runs on eight hits through 1.2 innings. The Squatch went on to score eight more times throughout the game, hammering home the "scoring early and often" principle that the team struggled with in the early weeks of the season.

Bailey Bordas enjoyed his start at second base after a slow start to the season offensively, going 3-for-5 and driving in three runs. Catcher Keenan O'Brien and center fielder Carson Green joined in on the fun as both players went 3-for-4 on the night. Green knocked in two Squatch runs, while O'Brien added an RBI, as well.

The Big Sticks pitching staff had no answer for the Squatch defensively, as Spearfish seemed to cancel out many Badlands runs that the Big Sticks scored earlier. The Sasquatch tallied 35 runs through the three-game set, much improved from their first matchup against the Big Sticks that kicked off the season.

Defensively, the pitching for Spearfish continued to impress against a very solid lineup in the Big Sticks.

Sasquatch starter Hunter Polley struggled with his command on the mound, only going three innings and surrendering five runs on only two hits. Polley walked in a couple of runs before being taken out in the fourth inning.

Reliever Jackson Betancourt had a strong appearance out of the bullpen to back Polley, going the distance in the game's middle innings. Betancourt pitched 4 innings of five-hit, two-run ball in his second outing since injuring his shoulder earlier in the season.

The seventeen hits for the Sasquatch in game three were a season-high, besting the game two's hit total by one.

The Sasquatch improve to 10-17 on the season after their 5-1 home stand, and they take their momentum on the road in a three-game set against the Fremont Moo.

Sasquatch even series against Big Sticks in convincing fashion

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 04:24:08 GMT

On a cold night at Black Hills Energy Stadium, the Spearfish Sasquatch could not have been hotter.

The Sasquatch lit up the scoreboard with fifteen runs, starting pitcher Kenji Miller pitched lights out, and Spearfish handily defeated the Badlands Big Sticks 15-2 on Saturday night.

After a tough 7-6 loss in the first game between the two teams Friday night, the Sasquatch had a short memory and fired on all cylinders to win game two in more-than-convincing fashion.

In a bullpen game for the Big Sticks, head coach Cameron Johnson had to go to relievers much quicker than he anticipated after the Sasquatch chased Badlands starter Eric Kessler off the mound before the end of the first inning. The Spearfish offense scored three runs in the first, two of the runs coming off of bases-loaded walks from Kessler.

The offensive onslaught was only just beginning.

The Sasquatch proceeded to score five runs in both the fifth and sixth innings as the Big Sticks relief core struggled to slow down the Squatch bats. A night after hitting the first grand slam of the year for the Sasquatch, third basemen Gabe Springer went 1-for-4 with three runs driven in to continue his hot streak at the plate.

Shortstop Johnny McHenry and right fielder Cam Hoiland each contributed a multi-hit game, as well as two RBIs on the night.

The fifteen-run win is the largest for the Sasquatch this season.

On the mound, Sasquatch pitcher Kenji Miller quietly pitched a gem, going seven innings and only allowing two runs, all while striking out seven Big Sticks batters. Miller’s start against the Big Sticks was his first home start of the year after joining the pitching rotation last week in Idaho against the Canyon County Spuds.

Spearfish relief pitcher Drew Hetke struck out the side in the eighth inning and fanned two Badlands hitters in the ninth, only adding to the complete team performance on Saturday night.

The Sasquatch improve to 9-17 on the season, and they look to take the series against the Big Sticks in game three Sunday afternoon.

Sasquatch lose heartbreaker to Big Sticks

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 07:27:02 GMT

If Friday night's matchup between the Spearfish Sasquatch and the Badlands Big Sticks was a hint of what's to come for the rest of the series, it will be an exciting weekend of baseball.

Spearfish third baseman Gabe Springer hit a grand slam in the fourth inning to close the scoring gap to one run, but the Sasquatch ultimately fell to the Big Sticks 7-6 in game one of a three-game set in Spearfish.

Sasquatch starting pitcher Jack Hostetler struggled to retire the Badlands hitters throughout his short start on the mound, going 3 innings and allowing six runs, four earned, on seven hits.

The Sasquatch were looking to win their fourth game in a row a night after sweeping the Gem City Bison in three games at home.

After falling behind in the fourth inning 6-1, the Squatch loaded the bases with one out. The Big Sticks elected to take their starter, Devyn Hernandez, out of the game after he had thrown a pitch to Gabe Springer, batting ninth. Kobe Krenz came out of the bullpen in relief, but ended up surrendering a grand slam over the left field wall from Springer to make it a 6-5 game.

Each team's offense scored a run in their half of the fifth inning, but the relief efforts from both bullpens kept the game at 7-6 as the Big Sticks took game one of the series.

The bottom third of the Squatch lineup did most of the damage against the Big Sticks, with Nicky Winterstein and Bryson Hoier both going 2-for-3, followed by Gabe Springer's 1-for-3 night, driving in 4 runs on his grand slam.

Hostetler was relieved by Wyatt Adams, who went 3.1 innings of five-hit, one-run ball out of the Sasquatch bullpen. Adams came into the game with runners on first and second and one out, eventually getting out of the jam with a 4-6-3 double play. Dylan Richey pitched the final 2.2 innings of work for Spearfish, allowing no runs on three hits.

The efforts from the bullpen fell short, as the Squatch offense was unable to score after the fifth inning. The Sasquatch and Big Sticks only utilized three pitchers each tonight, as the game one matchup hinted at an exciting weekend ahead as both teams have gained momentum offensively.

The Sasquatch fall to 8-17 on the season as they look to avenge tonight's loss against the 16-8 Big Sticks on Saturday night.

Sasquatch rally to defeat Gem City 4-2 for first series sweep of season

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 23:05:54 GMT

How sweep it is.

The Spearfish Sasquatch offense surged for three unanswered runs in the sixth inning, and the Squatch won game three with a score of 4-2 to sweep the Gem City Bison on Thursday night.

The three-game sweep of the Bison is the first of such for the Sasquatch this season, as well as their longest winning streak to date. After winning their first two games in convincing fashion, the Squatch kept the momentum on their side in game 3.

Center fielder Carson Green went 2-for-4 on the night, and right fielder Nicky Winterstein drove in two runs to take the lead in the sixth inning in just his second start of the season with the Sasquatch.

Starting pitcher Connor Jones played into the seventh inning, continuing a hot streak for the Sasquatch pitching rotation. All three starters in the series pitched at least 6 innings against the Bison, surrendering a total of only 4 runs. Jones didn’t feel well before the game, but he didn’t seem to let that bother him, pitching six innings of two-run ball and giving the Sasquatch time to get their bats going.

For the first time in the series, the Sasquatch found themselves down 1-0 early after a solo home run from Bison second baseman Randy Stultz in the third inning. That shot over the left field wall was the only hard contact that Jones allowed through his next three innings.

Gem City’s lead didn’t last for long.

In the sixth inning, the Squatch bats erupted for three runs to take a 4-1 lead. With runners on first and second, right fielder Nicky Winterstein hit a high chopper into left field, scoring Carson Green and Keenan O’Brien for the three-run lead.

The Bison caught up with Jones in the seventh, as he left the inning with bases loaded and no outs. The next-man-up mentality was on full display as Jackson Betancourt made his first appearance out of the bullpen since recovering from a shoulder injury. Betancourt escaped the inning with a 4-2 lead as a potential double play wasn’t in time, allowing a runner to score.

Still, the Squatch held and kept that lead for the remainder of the game, with reliever Kolby Schiffer closing the door in the ninth behind two strikeouts.

With the sweep tonight, the Squatch are 8-16 on the season and take their momentum into game one of a three-game set against the Badlands Big Sticks Friday night.

Hoiland pitches a gem, Sasquatch hold on to beat Bison 8-6

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:45:45 GMT

The Spearfish Sasquatch have been waiting for their bats to wake up this season, and after two impressive wins back-to-back, their patience is coming to fruition.

Starting pitcher Cam Hoiland dominated on the mound, and the Sasquatch offense drove across eight runs in an 8-6 victory against the Gem City Bison.

After winning the first game Tuesday night against the Bison 7-2, the Squatch continued their success with runners in scoring position in Wednesday's matchup.

Second baseman Ryan Bachman went 2-for-5 with a double and a triple, driving across two runs for Spearfish.

In a 3-1 game favoring Spearfish, the Sasquatch added on five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it an 8-1 game.

Cam Hoiland took care of the rest on the mound.

Hoiland pitched six innings of one-run, five-hit ball on his way to earning a win for the Sasquatch, who have defeated the Bison in the first two of three games in this series. While allowing the five hits and walking four Bison hitters, Hoiland found a way to eliminate potential damage through soft contact and ground balls.

In the top of the third with runners on, Hoiland caught a ground ball on the mound and threw to shortstop Johnny McHenry for an eventual 1-6-3 double play.

The Bison were unable to find an answer offensively through the first six innings, only scoring one run. In the last three innings, Gem City began pushing runs across, with two in the 7th and 8th and one run in the 9th. However, the late scoring surge was not enough for the Bison, as Sasquatch closer Dylan Richey struck out the two batters he faced in the 9th to end the scoring threat and ensure the Sasquatch's seventh win of the season.

With tonight's win, the Spearfish Sasquatch improve to 7-16 on the year and look to sweep the series Thursday night.

SASQUATCH RELEASE 2022 SCHEDULE

eric@spearfishsaasquatch.com (Eric Schmidt) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:53:09 GMT

SASQUATCH RELEASE 2022 SCHEDULE

Today, Independence League Baseball and the Spearfish Sasquatch announced the release of the 2022 season schedule. The schedule features 10 teams who will vie for a chance to compete in the week-long postseason to crown the league’s inaugural season champs.

“The day the schedule is released is a very exciting day for any team”, said Eric Schmidt – Owner/GM of the Spearfish Sasquatch. “We look forward to this day and the opportunity to finally share our summer plans with all of our fans. There is a ton of work put in behind the scenes between the league and the teams to make this all come together. This year was especially challenging given the fact our league is comprised of an odd number of teams (nine). We had to get super creative, and that is where the Nebraska Prospects come in as a travel only team. They were critical to us in terms of getting a balanced schedule.”

The Sasquatch regular season schedule will feature 57 games (30 home, 27 away) and is highlighted by the home opener on Friday, May 27 ^th , a 4 ^th of July contest, and concludes with a five-game series at home against the Badlands Big Sticks ending on July 30 ^th .

The Spearfish Sasquatch will also release their promotional schedule in the very near future. “The release of the game schedule is a big, but that’s when a lot of the work really begins”, said Schmidt. “We can now get to work on planning our theme nights, promotions, and prepare to schedule in-game entertainment. We’re looking to have 3-4 fireworks nights, bring back the popular all-you-can-eat night, and mix in some new promotions while bringing back old favorites!”

For information on Independence League Baseball, visit www.independenceleague.com , and for more information on the Spearfish Sasquatch visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com .

NORTH PLATTE PLAINSMEN MAKE IT NINE IN INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL

eric@spearfishsaasquatch.com (Eric Schmidt) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 02:26:39 GMT

NORTH PLATTE PLAINSMEN MAKE IT NINE!

NORTH PLATTE, NE – Independence League Baseball, one of the premier summer collegiate leagues in North America, today announced the addition of the league’s ninth team, the North Platte Plainsmen. The Plainsmen are based in North Platte, Nebraska and will play at Bill Wood Field, part of the Cody Park recreational complex. The team’s lease was approved by North Platte City Council at the December 21 ^st meeting and an agreement has been reached to share the ballpark with American Legion Baseball Post 163.

“This is a great opportunity for the sport of baseball, for the city of North Platte and the surrounding communities,” Justin Thompson of North Platte American Legion Post 163 said. “We look forward to working with the Plainsmen to not only grow the baseball program for our local young men, but to improve our local facilities so that we may attract more players, teams, and tournaments to our area.”

The North Platte Plainsmen (North Platte, NE) will join the Badlands Big Sticks (Dickinson, ND), Canyon County Spuds (Caldwell, ID), Casper Horseheads (Casper, WY), Fremont Moo (Fremont, NE), Hastings Sodbusters (Hastings, NE), Team Name TBA (Laramie, WY), Spearfish Sasquatch (Spearfish, SD), & Western Nebraska Pioneers (Gering, NE) for the inaugural Independence League Baseball season in 2022.

Independence League Baseball is a summer collegiate wood bat baseball league dedicated to their respective communities and vow to work cooperatively, aiming to provide the very best experience for fans, players, coaches and staffs. Each organization is operated professional and with integrity, promising to keep the fan and player experience at the top of mind all day, every day.

The Plainsmen are owned by Advanced Investments, LLC, with Bryan Frew along with Mayra & Chuck Heeman acting as Operating Owners. Frew also owns the Hastings Sodbusters while the Heemans own the Western Nebraska Pioneers & Casper Horseheads, all current members of Independence League Baseball. The Sodbusters and Pioneers are entering their fifth year of operation while the Horseheads begin their fourth season in May of 2022, after sitting out the 2020 season due to COVID restrictions in Wyoming.

“With the formation of the Independence League, we immediately identified North Platte and Lincoln County as one of the best locations to expand our footprint,” Chuck Heeman said. “The City of North Platte is on the upswing with new business coming to town and we see this as an opportunity to establish a great quality of life asset to the area as the City grows. The City and Legion Baseball have been great to work with through this process and we can’t wait to get started.”

The Plainsmen have named JM Kelly as the team’s inaugural Head Coach. Kelly, a native of Buna, Texas and currently hitting and catching coach at Texas A&M Kingsville, coached the Hastings Sodbusters during the COVID-affected 2020 season, leading the team to a 28-23 record after joining the team early into the season. Kelly also has summer baseball coaching experience in the Texas and Sunflower Collegiate Leagues.

The team has also signed its first players to the 2022 roster:

Will Humphrey, a native of Beatrice, NE – freshman RHP at Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa
Brock Hendrix, a native of Berryhill, OK - sophomore LHP/OF at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M University
Reese Lipoma, a native of Gonzales, LA - freshman OF at Northwestern State University

One highlight of the 2022 season schedule will be an exhibition game against the U.S. Military All-Star traveling baseball team, scheduled for July 8. The team features active duty players from all branches of the military, and proceeds from the game will go to support local veteran and military support organizations.

Opening Night is scheduled for May 24 at 6:35 p.m. as the Plainsmen open the regular season hosting the Western Nebraska Pioneers for the first of a three-game series. The 2022 ILB season is scheduled for 60 games, with the regular season ending July 30 followed by playoffs to determine the ILB Championship.

The team is actively searching for host families for players and coaches for the summer. To find out more about being a host family and other information about the Plainsmen, email to northplatteplainsmen@gmail.com or call the team at 308-535-1428.

The Plainsmen have launched a temporary website at www.northplatteplainsmen.com featuring connections to all social media accounts.

Independence League Baseball is actively recruiting and vetting additional teams, venues and operators for the 2022 season and beyond. Announcements on these and more will be shared as commitments are finalized. For more information, visit www.independenceleague.com .

INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL ANNOUNCES NEW TEAM IN LARAMIE, WY

eric@spearfishsaasquatch.com (Eric Schmidt) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 19:19:17 GMT

LARAMIE, WY, BRINGING 8TH TEAM TO INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL

INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE BASEBALL ANNOUNCES NEW TEAM IN LARAMIE, WY

Laramie Contacts

Aaron Nielsen – 541-944-6214

Austin Byler – 623-606-8120
Team Email - laramie.baseball2022@gmail.com

ILB Contact

info@independenceleague.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2021

LARAMIE, WY – Independence League Baseball, along with its seven founding members throughout the Great Plains announce the arrival of their 8 ^th member in Laramie, Wyoming. The team will play at Cowboy Field which is located on the University of Wyoming campus and home of the Wyoming Cowboys up until the program folded in 1996.

The new team in Laramie will join the Badlands Big Sticks (Dickinson, ND), Canyon County Spuds (Caldwell, ID), Casper Horseheads (Casper, WY), Fremont Moo (Fremont, NE), Hastings Sodbusters (Hastings, NE), Spearfish Sasquatch (Spearfish, SD) & Western Nebraska Pioneers (Gering, NE) for the inaugural Independence League Baseball season in 2022.

“We are extremely excited to bring a family first environment to the great city of Laramie. Our team believes Summer Collegiate Baseball is an incredible experience not only for the players, but for the community at large. This was a no brainer opportunity to bring a competitive summer team to one of the best communities in the United States,” said co-owner, Austin Byler.

Fans can expect to experience affordable, family-friendly entertainment that provides an opportunity for collegiate baseball players from throughout the country to develop and hone their skills as they pursue their ultimate goal of playing professional baseball. Independence League Baseball teams will play a schedule consisting of a 60+ regular season games in addition to playoffs to determine a league champion from late May through early August.

“Austin Byler and I are very close friends that understand the true impact Summer Collegiate Baseball has on a community, the players, host families, vendors and the country as a whole,” said co-owner, Aaron Nielsen. “We are driven to create an exciting environment for families that the Laramie community can be proud of for many years to come. Our first step – Name the team! We look forward to recommendations and we will be sharing the winning name and brand early on next year.”

“We are asking fans to give us their input and suggestions for the name of the team,” said Nielsen. “We need the fans’ great ideas for the name since this team belongs to the people of Laramie and the surrounding communities. Some great team names have already been suggested and we look forward to hearing from more people in the community.” Team name suggestions can be submitted via email to laramie.baseball2022@gmail.com .

Laramie team website and ticketing information coming soon! You can also follow the team on social media:

Twitter - @LaramieBaseball
Instagram - @LaramieBaseball

Facebook - @Laramie-Baseball-Team