Dave Ploof

Under Ploof's guidance, Rapid City Post 22 has been one of the most successful American Legion baseball programs in the country. The Austin, Minn., native and Mankato State grad has coached Post 22 for 41 years, compiling a 2,190-683 record. Under Ploof, Post 22 has won 31 state titles and advanced to the Legion World Series eight times. In 1993, Post 22 went 70-5 and won the national title - the only South Dakota team ever to do so. From 1970-87, Post 22 won 18 state titles in a row - a national record. He has never had a losing season. Ploof, who once had a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals, was named national coach of the year by the U.S. Baseball Federation in 1982. That same year Post 22 received the Commissioner's Award for the finest Legion baseball program in the nation. Hundreds of his players have gone on to play collegiately. About 25 have signed pro contracts, and three - Dave Collins, Kelvin Torve and Mark Ellis - have played in the big leagues. He was the wrestling coach at Rapid City Central from 1969-93 and led the Cobblers to state titles in 1977, '78 and '84. He was named state amateur baseball coach of the year from the U.S. Baseball Federation in 1987 and 1993. He was selected as a coach for the USA Junior Olympic team in 1985. He is a member of the Austin High and Rapid City halls of fame. In high school, Ploof was an all-state second baseman. He also played basketball and football. At Mankato State, he played four years. He also played semi-pro ball in Minnesota and Arizona.