Chuck Buchheim, Umpire, Chester, SD
Chuck Buchheim has umpired in the Sioux Falls Men’s League for over 30 years. Although Chuck has mainly umpired men’s slowpitch, he also has worked women, youth, and co-ed slowpitch softball. Chuck has umpired thousands of league and invitational tournament games. Since 2002 Chuck has been named the Ken Czerny SFMSP Umpire of the Year eleven times.
Outside of league games, Chuck has umpired over 150 state tournaments in his career and added more to that total this year. He has also either umpired, been the UIC Coordinator, or USA Softball UIC at 16 USA Softball National events. Make that 17 as he was the UIC at the Women’s 35& Over this fall.
In 2004 – 2007 and again in 2010 and 2011, he worked the 16” Nationals, both the A and the Major. Umpired in the Men’s C Nationals in ’08, Men’s A in 2012, Men’s Open in ’13 and the Super in 2015. The Border Battle assignment came in 2019. He was UIC or Umpire Coordinator in ‘12, ’15, ’16, ‘21 and again in 2023. Before this summer Chuck was the only South Dakota umpire chosen to work the prestigious “Border Battle.”
Chuck is believed to have worked more “Open Division” men’s slowpitch games than any other South Dakota umpire, working open teams at such places as McQuade’s, Corky’s, Early Bird and the Spring Classic.
When Steve Riswold became the Sioux Falls Men’s League UIC, he named Chuck his assistant. When the league moved to Harmodon, he was appointed the league UIC.
For the past 6 years Chuck has been the President of the South Dakota USA Softball Umpire Association. His duties include organizing the state umpire school which is held throughout South Dakota every year. He also recruits and trains umpires for the Sioux Falls Men’s, Women’s, and Youth Slowpitch leagues.
Eric Stowell nominated Chuck and had this comment” In the decade I have worked with Chuck I have learned a great deal about the game of softball and umpiring. A mentor to learn from and look up to. He has taught me that the game never changes, just the players in the game. He has taught me to treat the game, its players, coaches, and fans with respect because at every level of play this game means something to them.”
Chuck Buchheim, congratulations on becoming a member of the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame Class of 2023, now and forever.
To get tickets to the induction ceremony
The 2023 USA Softball of SD Hall of Fame Banquet and Award Ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, October 14th at the Holiday Inn City Centre, 100 W 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Please contact the hotel for rooms at 605-339-2000, ask for "In House Reservations" and then the Softball Hall of Fame block of rooms for room reservations. The block will be held until September 5th, after that date the rooms will be released.
We are cordially inviting you to join us in honoring this year's inductees:
RICH SKORHEIM – Miller – Umpire
CHUCK BUCHHEIM - Sioux Falls - Umpire
STEVE RABINE – San Antonio - Player
KEN WALTNER – Sioux Falls – Player (Deceased)
The evening agenda:
5:00 -- 6:00 Open social hour (cash bar)
6:00- Picture taking of Inductees and Current Hall of Fame Members
6:30 - Banquet, Induction Ceremony and Celebration
PLEASE CONTACT BY 10/9/2023 THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING THE BANQUET IN YOUR PARTY!
We ask that you, your family, and your friends please make your reservations through Mike Dykstra by October 9th. Mike’s contact information is listed below. You may call, text, or email your ticket information so Mike knows the number of people attending so that we can check them in at the door. We must have reservations for the banquet, as we are required to give a 100% guarantee to the hotel. Banquet tickets are $40.00.
A block of rooms is reserved under the Softball Hall of Fame. Please make your room reservations by September 5th. Please contact the hotel directly at 605-339-2000, ask for the Softball Hall of Fame block. After September 5, the rooms will be released.
We have a fun filled evening planned and I hope you can join us. If you are unable to be with us, we would appreciate your thoughts and continued support in the promotion of our Hall of Fame.
Sincerely, Mike Dykstra
USA Softball of South Dakota Hall of Fame Banquet Chairman
4101 S Judy Ave
Sioux Falls SD 57103
605-212-3139
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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----- USA Softball of South Dakota State Commissioner |
