The Story

South Dakota is the birthplace of American Legion Baseball , being founded in 1925, with the first season beginning in 1926. (americanlegion.org)

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Legion Baseball Scholarship: here

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Entry into the Basin League (1961)

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The Sturgis Titans joined the Basin League in 1961, helping save the league during a time when it was close to folding.

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Community leaders such as Morris Hallock, Bob Regan, Clarence Glover, and Jim Dickson were instrumental in organizing the team and preparing the field in time for the 1961 season. Titan Missile crews from Ellsworth Air Force Base even assisted with field preparation.

The Titans drew over 4,000 fans to their first home game in 1961 — a remarkable turnout for a small community.

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Major League Affiliation

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The Titans were affiliated with the Boston Red Sox as their “parent club.”

The Red Sox:

• Sent uniforms and equipment

• Provided financial support

• Ensured players were well cared for (famously requesting players receive a steak dinner daily)

• This affiliation elevated the level of competition and brought MLB scouts regularly to Strong Field.

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Major League Players Who Played for Sturgis

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The Titans produced or hosted 25 future Major League players. Notable names include:

• Dan Quisenberry

• Luke Walker

• Ted Sizemore (NL Rookie of the Year, 1969)

• Jimy Williams (later MLB manager)

• Nick Leyva

• Larry Bearnarth

• Carroll Hardy (SD Sports Hall of Fame)

These players went on to World Series appearances, All-Star selections, coaching careers, and long professional tenures.

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Community Impact

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The Titans were deeply supported by the Sturgis community:

• Players worked local jobs (parks & recreation, city maintenance)

• Host families housed players

• Promotions like watermelon night and military appreciation night drew crowds

• Fans traveled from rural areas up to 150 miles away

• Strong Field regularly hosted packed crowds and became a central summer gathering place.

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Sturgis Titans & Strong Field Strong Field Origins (1955)

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Strong Field was built in 1955 thanks to Bob and Jessie Strong, who donated time, equipment, and construction expertise to give Sturgis a true home for baseball. Originally called Titan Field, it was renamed Strong Field in 1967 in honor of Bob Strong’s dedication to the program.

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​​Since 1961, both Sturgis High School and Legion baseball teams have called Strong Field home.

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The End of the Basin League (1973)

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By 1973, rising costs, NCAA restrictions, and the growth of the MLB draft system led to the collapse of the Basin League. The Titans’ run in the league ended that season.

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Sturgis Baseball (Today)

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However, Strong Field remained — and continues to serve as the home of Sturgis High School and Legion baseball, carrying forward the Titans’ legacy. To find out more how you can support the continued legacy of the Sturgis baseball program, view our "Supporters" page.

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