Rapid City, S.D. — Rapid City’s biggest summer baseball tradition is back. The 51st Annual Firecracker Tournament runs July 1-5 at Fitzgerald Stadium, and this year’s event carries extra weight as the country celebrates its 250th birthday. The tournament’s new artwork leans into that theme, pairing Mount Rushmore and fireworks with a baseball stitched into the design, a fitting nod to both the holiday and the half century of history behind the event.
Hosted by American Legion Post 22, the Firecracker Tournament has grown into one of the most respected summer baseball events in the region. Teams travel in from across the country to compete in a multi-day format that builds toward a championship game, and the atmosphere at Fitzgerald Stadium during tournament week is hard to match anywhere else in the state.
The Post 22 Hardhats enter as defending champions and will be looking to repeat. Head coach Rich Downs has called the tournament a measuring stick late in the season, a chance to see where his team stands before the postseason push.
The July 2nd fireworks show remains a centerpiece of the week, lighting up the sky immediately after that night’s game. It is one of the reasons families pack the stadium even on nights when they are not there just for the baseball.
The tournament’s history runs deep in this community. What started decades ago as a local event has become a fixture that brings visiting teams, families, and fans into Rapid City every summer, generating real economic impact while giving local players a stage that few high school tournaments in the region can offer.
Fitzgerald Stadium will be busy all week. Bring a seat early on the Fourth, because the good spots fill up fast.
Photo Courtesy of Post 22 Baseball
Rapid City athletes/teams win championships
Rapid City, S.D. — Last weekend several Rapid City athletes/teams were able to win championship hardware!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Paige Zimiga is now a USFS DOUBLE Gold Medalist! Gold Solo Free Dance, June 26, 2026. Not bad for a college hockey player!
Photos courtesy of Black Hills Figure Skating Club
Congratulations to Augie Schumacher (Harney) and Miles Klapperich (Canyon Lake) as they received the first ever Tater Johnson Sportsmanship Award. This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship through their positive attitude, strong work ethic, and exemplary character.
Photo courtesy Harney Little League
The Sandlots wont the 18U Silver division at last weekends Mt. Rushmore Classic Softball Tournament
Photo courtesy Mt. Rushmore Classic Softball Tournament
The Sliders 12U Grey team won another championship during the Rushmore Shootout two weeks ago. This team keeps racking up the tournament wins throughout the region.
Photo courtesy of Rapid City Sliders Baseball
Rapid City Little League All Star teams announced
Rapid City, S.D. — As Rapid City baseball looks to advance to the Regional Tournament in Indianapolis or possibly the Little League World Series in Williamsport VA, the two Rapid City little leagues selected their All-Star Teams vying for that opportunity.
The Manager whose team has the best record in each leagues Major’s Division gets to coach the All-Star Team. That manager then gets to select his assistant coaches to fill out the coaching staff for each league. The players are selected by coaches/players for each respective league and teams are made up of 12- and 11-year-old players. Each league will also select an 11 and 10 year old team that will also vie for a state championship. In recent years, each league has also selected a 9U team to try to get more players tournament competition to prepare them for their next three years in Little League in Rapid City.
The two All Star Teams are below, and they will compete for a State Championship July 7-12 in Rapid City at Canyon Lake Little League. Good luck to all coaches and players in both leagues.
