Having pitched in quite a few state amateur tournaments for both Alpena and Woonsocket in the 1960s, Roger Baruth of Alpena, is no stranger to state competition. Last weekend, he was selected to throw out the first pitch for the State A Championship Game at the South Dakota State Amateur Baseball Tournament held Sunday, August 14 in Mitchell.
With two grandsons, Damon and Stuart Baruth, both playing in the game for the Sioux Falls Flying Squirrels, it was quite a thrill to have the opportunity to throw the first pitch to Damon, his oldest grandson. Damon started the Squirrels team 10 years ago and currently plays third base. Stuart was the starting pitcher for the Squirrels in the championship game, pitching 5 1/3 innings.
As baseball action unfolded, the first pitch by Roger turned out to be a lucky one — the Squirrels defeated the Brookings Bobcats 4-3 to win the championship.
In the 1960s, Baruth was also picked up by Wessington Springs to pitch during their trip to state. He last played amateur baseball in 1972.
Damon and Stuart Baruth are the sons of Mick and Jody Baruth.