Tea Legion donates to Tea Baseball Association

Pictured above, from left to right, Tea Legion members Dewey Hessaa, Tim Clarey, Steve Anderson and Cyndi Ault; Cory Olson (TBA Board), Rob Schramm (TBA President/Varsity Coach), Kevin McIntyre (TBA Treasurer), Aaron Johnson (Freshmen/Sophomore Coach), Rick Willemssen (TBA Vice President/Varsity Coach) and Kevin Prussman (Freshmen/Sophomore Coach).

Tea American Legion Post 266 donated $3,500 to the Tea Baseball Association at the April 5 Chase the Ace fundraiser. Members of the TBA Board of Directors and coaches were on hand to accept the donation.

Since January, the Legion has served as the site for the weekly TBA Chase the Ace fundraiser. Now that the high school baseball season is underway with the summer schedule just around the corner, the Legion continues to be a great community gathering spot.

The American Legion has a long history of supporting baseball, beginning at the 1925 South Dakota State Convention. One year later, posts from 15 states began sponsoring teams and conducting tournaments. Today, the program registers teams in all 50 states plus Canada. American Legion Baseball enjoys a reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues.

The Tea Baseball Association was created to enhance baseball opportunities in the growing community of Tea. Because of the population increase, the community is too large to participate in VFW baseball programs. This year Tea joined the South Dakota A Baseball class, which includes teams from larger communities. Similarly, in the coming years Tea will need to move up to a larger class in Legion baseball.

The TBA Board aims to create more competitive opportunities for players while ensuring every child who wants to play baseball can learn the game and play at an appropriate level that matches their skill sets. Middle school and high school players have already benefited from additional professional instruction. 

The Legion earmarked their donation to go toward improving the batting cages. The TBA fundraisers support both short- and long-term improvements for both players and fans. The Board will continue working with the City of Tea to combine efforts to improve the baseball experience in Tea.

For more information about TBA or its fundraisers, stop by the Legion on Fridays after 5 p.m. or visit teaparksandrecreation.com/tba.